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West Midlands Buses in Discussion => National Express West Midlands => Topic started by: Dylan4579 on May 29, 2013, 08:11:47 PM

Poll
Question: depot deserves new buses the most?
Option 1: Wolverhampton
Option 2: Walsall
Option 3: Pensnett
Option 4: West Bromwich
Option 5: Birmingham Central
Option 6: Perry Barr
Option 7: Coventry
Option 8: Bordersely Green
Option 9: Acocks Green
Option 10: Dundee
Option 11: Yardley Wood
Title: which...
Post by: Dylan4579 on May 29, 2013, 08:11:47 PM
Come on Don't vote your local garage for the sake of it
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Lukeee on May 29, 2013, 08:14:11 PM
Voted against my local garage and went for BC, they could do with some new deckers for some of the key corridors e.g Bristol Road/Coventry Road etc) they run on.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Trident 4609 on May 29, 2013, 08:29:28 PM
Although WN is my local garage i think they have had enough investment. I definetley think BC will get part (The majority) of the new E400's as i think some of the main corridors need investment.

West Brom definetley need some investment (Maybe some B7RLE's to replace mercs).
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Sayeed on May 29, 2013, 08:48:15 PM
My local garage is BC but voted for Dundee, they could do with additional B7RLE's to replace few Liberators and Renowns.

P.S: You forgot to add YW garage on your Poll.  ;)
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Trident 4609 on May 29, 2013, 09:08:48 PM
Quote from: Sayeed_M on May 29, 2013, 08:48:15 PM
My local garage is BC but voted for Dundee, they could do with additional B7RLE's to replace few Liberators and Renowns.

P.S: You forgot to add YW garage on your Poll.  ;)

Dundee have had plenty of new buses.West Brom definetley need investment and BC need E400's to replace tridents which could cascade to WN to replace Spectras or to PE for extra capacity on routes like the X96,120,140/241, 246 etc
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Rob H on May 29, 2013, 09:21:30 PM
Quote from: Lukeee on May 29, 2013, 08:14:11 PM
Voted against my local garage and went for BC, they could do with some new deckers for some of the key corridors e.g Bristol Road/Coventry Road etc) they run on.

BC is my 2nd nearest Garage so I've voted for BC because my local routes (60/900/957) the Coventry Road Corridor hasn't had new Buses since 2003 the Pershore Road Corridor hasn't since late 2004 and the Bristol Road corridor hasn't since late 2002

Quote from: Trident 4609 on May 29, 2013, 08:29:28 PM
Although WN is my local garage i think they have had enough investment. I definetley think BC will get part (The majority) of the new E400's as i think some of the main corridors need investment.

West Brom definetley need some investment (Maybe some B7RLE's to replace mercs).
Title: Re: which...
Post by: JackC on May 29, 2013, 09:25:51 PM
I am voting for my local garage here because WB is honestly the one that needs the biggest investment, particularly in the single decker fleet.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Sayeed on May 29, 2013, 09:44:57 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609

Dundee have had plenty of new buses.West Brom definetley need investment and BC need E400's to replace tridents which could cascade to WN to replace Spectras or to PE for extra capacity on routes like the X96,120,140/241, 246 etc

How plenty is it? 30 B7RLE's + 9 Hybrids in over a year? But before these, their latest fleet were 54 reg B7TL Geminis and second hand optare solo, and 10 reg scania's which they are now at PB. Do you still believe they got plenty of new buses?
Title: Re: which...
Post by: 4484 on May 29, 2013, 10:10:20 PM
I agree replace the renowns & liberators at Dundee and send the Geminis to PB  ;)
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Trident 4609 on May 29, 2013, 10:22:27 PM
Who voted WN? As much as i want new E400's at WN, We had the bulk of the last B7RLE order plus 21 hybrids. We now have one of the newer fleets. West Bromich i think needs investment as  it hasn't had any new buses since 2006 (exept the Omnilinks now at WA).

Really every garage could do with investment but this thread is for garages that need the Investment the most.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Mike K on May 29, 2013, 10:35:49 PM
BC on the basis that it operates a number of the most high frequency corridors, primarily using Tridents that are up to 12 years old and quite frankly knackered.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Andrew1991 on May 29, 2013, 10:42:14 PM
I'm going to say WB & BC this year, PE next year when merry hill is supposed to be completeted.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: JackC on May 29, 2013, 11:22:55 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on May 29, 2013, 10:22:27 PM
West Bromich i think needs investment as  it hasn't had any new buses since 2006 (exept the Omnilinks now at WA).

Don't forget the E200s.

Hasn't Tony confirmed that WB isn't due new buses this year btw?
Title: Re: which...
Post by: the trainbasher on May 29, 2013, 11:27:56 PM
PE beacuse of the Mercs/B6s getting old and worn out (and slowly dwindling in numbers because of some spontaneous combustion in the engine department)
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Sh4318 on May 29, 2013, 11:49:17 PM
West Bromwich by a mile. We have the oldest single decks in the fleet (Mercs, B6LEs)
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Ash on May 29, 2013, 11:58:54 PM
WB may have the oldest fleet but one of the best garages for presentation for the age of the vehicles apart from the alx400 as they were and have been wrecked further on the Soho road corridor with interiors on them seeing 12 years of use. It's a shame about the emission ruling as the presidents suited the 74/75 and are smart buses after their recent retrim. The mercs do their job well at WB and the ones they have seem reliable and well maintained but investment would be welcomed may be some more enviro 200's to make the 40/42/43/45/46/47/47A permanently using that vehicle type as at the moment they seem to be allocated to all these mentioned services like today on the 45 were enviro 200's, mercs and b6le's.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Sh4318 on May 30, 2013, 12:07:19 AM
Quote from: Ash on May 29, 2013, 11:58:54 PM
WB may have the oldest fleet but one of the best garages for presentation for the age of the vehicles apart from the alx400 as they were and have been wrecked further on the Soho road corridor with interiors on them seeing 12 years of use. It's a shame about the emission ruling as the presidents suited the 74/75 and are smart buses after their recent retrim. The mercs do their job well at WB and the ones they have seem reliable and well maintained but investment would be welcomed may be some more enviro 200's to make the 40/42/43/45/46/47/47A permanently using that vehicle type as at the moment they seem to be allocated to all these mentioned services like today on the 45 were enviro 200's, mercs and b6le's.

I think the Geminis make up for the overall poor condition of the ALX B7s, I think the highest priority should be some cascaded or new single decks to replace Mercs, I imagine some more PB geminis will transfer to WB when the Sutton Lines receive new buses
Title: Re: which...
Post by: winston on May 30, 2013, 01:03:00 AM
Quote from: Shaun on May 29, 2013, 11:49:17 PM
West Bromwich by a mile. We have the oldest single decks in the fleet (Mercs, B6LEs)

Pensnett actually has the oldest single deckers in the fleet and a higher concentration of them compared with WB.

PN (8 x B6LE & 49 Mercs) = 57 (on an allocation of 116)
WB (12 x B6LE & 34 Mercs) = 46 (on an allocation of 164)

Although I think PN & WB both need to reduced their allocations of older single deckers further, I think BC needs a quantity of new double deckers more.....
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Trident 4609 on May 30, 2013, 09:33:24 AM
Well as i've said i think BC will get some of the new E400 order and i also think PB will have them on the Sutton Lines which can move Older E400 to other PB routes or maybe they will cascade to another garage? (Don't think this will happen).

Also i think WA will have 4880-84 for the 934/6. Surely these will be delivered within the next few weeks seeming 4885-94 are being delivered
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Dylan4579 on May 30, 2013, 10:02:09 AM
I think that 1 will go to PN to replace 4816 and 4 will go to YW becacuse they were due 5 more enviro's from the swap
Title: Re: which...
Post by: winston on May 30, 2013, 10:15:55 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on May 30, 2013, 10:02:09 AM
I think that 1 will go to PN to replace 4816 and 4 will go to YW becacuse they were due 5 more enviro's from the swap

2154 replaced 4816 at Pensnett
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Sh4318 on May 30, 2013, 10:21:49 AM
Quote from: Winston on May 30, 2013, 01:03:00 AM
Quote from: Shaun on May 29, 2013, 11:49:17 PM
West Bromwich by a mile. We have the oldest single decks in the fleet (Mercs, B6LEs)

Pensnett actually has the oldest single deckers in the fleet and a higher concentration of them compared with WB.

PN (8 x B6LE & 49 Mercs) = 57 (on an allocation of 116)
WB (12 x B6LE & 34 Mercs) = 46 (on an allocation of 164)

Although I think PN & WB both need to reduced their allocations of older single deckers further, I think BC needs a quantity of new double deckers more.....

Pendent have received E200s, E400s and B7RLEs, whereas WB hasn't seen that much investment
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Dylan4579 on May 30, 2013, 03:08:00 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 30, 2013, 10:15:55 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on May 30, 2013, 10:02:09 AM
I think that 1 will go to PN to replace 4816 and 4 will go to YW becacuse they were due 5 more enviro's from the swap

2154 replaced 4816 at Pensnett
That could have been temporary  though
Title: Re: which...
Post by: winston on May 30, 2013, 03:22:45 PM
Quote from: dgss1 on May 30, 2013, 03:08:00 PM
Quote from: Winston on May 30, 2013, 10:15:55 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on May 30, 2013, 10:02:09 AM
I think that 1 will go to PN to replace 4816 and 4 will go to YW becacuse they were due 5 more enviro's from the swap

2154 replaced 4816 at Pensnett
That could have been temporary  though

It's permanent
Title: Re: which...
Post by: ilovetea4370 on May 30, 2013, 04:52:58 PM
Personally I'd say BC for some new Double Deckers and WB for some new Single Deckers, WB don't really need new doubles as urgently (mainly because new buses would get wrecked on soho road etc.), they just need to get the ALX B7TL in for refurbs! Even the presidents on the 5 look in decent condition now.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: John on May 30, 2013, 06:03:58 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on May 30, 2013, 04:52:58 PM
Personally I'd say BC for some new Double Deckers and WB for some new Single Deckers, WB don't really need new doubles as urgently (mainly because new buses would get wrecked on soho road etc.), they just need to get the ALX B7TL in for refurbs! Even the presidents on the 5 look in decent condition now.

Apart from 4047, with the yellow branding under the front window not re-applied after repairs, and no logo on the passenger side.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: ilovetea4370 on May 30, 2013, 06:16:15 PM
Quote from: John on May 30, 2013, 06:03:58 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on May 30, 2013, 04:52:58 PM
Personally I'd say BC for some new Double Deckers and WB for some new Single Deckers, WB don't really need new doubles as urgently (mainly because new buses would get wrecked on soho road etc.), they just need to get the ALX B7TL in for refurbs! Even the presidents on the 5 look in decent condition now.

Apart from 4047, with the yellow branding under the front window not re-applied after repairs, and no logo on the passenger side.

Can't say that I've seen that one!
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on May 30, 2013, 06:25:11 PM
Depends whether the new buses are single or double deckers?

If they are single, then PE and WB should share them. As PE and WB are likely to be the last garages that have the Mercs and B6s, then the very best of them should be selected for these garages with some new singles to supplement them.

Double Deckers should go to BC, they need them for the Bristol Road routes. Could release some deckers so that the Spectra's can be withdrawn.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: monkeyjoe on May 30, 2013, 06:29:56 PM
PB should get them for the 94 & 16.

BC for a lot of there old routes. I think the money saved from closure of LH should be invested in a lot of those routes. I remember that is pretty much happened when QN closed.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: winston on May 30, 2013, 06:37:13 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on May 30, 2013, 06:29:56 PM
PB should get them for the 94 & 16.

BC for a lot of there old routes. I think the money saved from closure of LH should be invested in a lot of those routes. I remember that is pretty much happened when QN closed.

The trouble is, there is only another 50 x E400 still un-allocated that we know of, a batch of 50 will no convert many of BC's corridor to new vehicles due to high pvrs. Even the 16 & 94 would require circa 25 buses
Title: Re: which...
Post by: wbdriver on May 30, 2013, 07:19:03 PM
you can probably work out which one i voted for......... bit biased being how i work at the garage.

seriously, i agree with no new deckers at WB but we need replacements for the B6, Mercs and Darts as they can't have long left.

more enviro 200s please - best buses at the garage!
Title: Re: which...
Post by: mranon on May 30, 2013, 08:28:57 PM
i voted for wn, they may have had 21 hybrids, and 30 b7rles, but it still has many unreliable mercs and spectras, plus the trusty old solos replaced with b6s which spend more time off road than on. wn need some new buses to replace b6s especially.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: uniquicity on May 30, 2013, 08:43:54 PM
Quote from: mranon on May 30, 2013, 08:28:57 PM
i voted for wn, they may have had 21 hybrids, and 30 b7rles, but it still has many unreliable mercs and spectras, plus the trusty old solos replaced with b6s which spend more time off road than on. wn need some new buses to replace b6s especially.

49 B7RLE. 2001-29 and 2059-77.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Trident 4609 on May 30, 2013, 09:32:26 PM
Quote from: mranon on May 30, 2013, 08:28:57 PM
i voted for wn, they may have had 21 hybrids, and 30 b7rles, but it still has many unreliable mercs and spectras, plus the trusty old solos replaced with b6s which spend more time off road than on. wn need some new buses to replace b6s especially.

Well if i was going on my local garage then i would say WN. On my local route the 59 there is NX's oldest Double Deckers in service (Spectras) and one of the newest (Hybrids)
Title: Re: which...
Post by: Stu on May 30, 2013, 10:23:00 PM
My local garage is Acocks Green, and while its nice they've got so many nice brand-new and newish buses, it would be nice to see an influx of new double-decks to replace the ageing Presidents on the 11 Outer Circle service.

The irony is that the route was upgraded back in 2004(?-ish) with brand new Geminis at the time replacing Metrobuses, but now nearly ten years later, this route has now been 'upgraded' with older refurbished buses from 1998!

While I must add I have no problem with the Presidents, and the recently refurbished examples look fantastic, they could still spend another couple of years with the company in service elsewhere, and surely the Outer Circle as a flagship route is deserving of newer buses.

I accept this is not going to happen this year, but I hope this could be addressed next year, or at least before 2016, when the 11 celebrates its 90th birthday!

In the meantime, my vote went to Birmingham Central garage. Centro's 'Smarter Network' project includes improvements on the 'South Birmingham Technology Corridor' routes, which includes the Pershore Road and Bristol Road services, so I would not be surprised to see new bus investment on these bus routes this year, as with the removal of the Enviro400s and Presidents, Birmingham Central have been mostly left with elderly Tridents, which like the Presidents could still yet see several years of service within the group, but are not quite befitting to important arterial routes out of the city centre.
Title: Re: which...
Post by: nitromatt1 on June 03, 2013, 02:03:46 PM
Don't give Pensnett any new buses I don't want them!! Wouldn't change our fleet from how it is at the moment