This has been 'on the cards' for some time and a recent amendment to the registration for the X1 (https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001111/50)( / X2 "900")
indicates/confirms the service is to be operated by NXC from 22nd October.
The following week (half-term) might have been a better choice of date for the 'new' drivers to start off, lighter traffic, etc.
I suppose many will be interested to see what happens with the overnight journeys.
It could be a niche allocation for the 'odd' E020-29 stock if that doesn't complicate things and hoping this doesn't mean deckers are pulled off the 17/17A - this is just my personal opinion/cravings. :wink:
Quote from: JPC on September 16, 2023, 02:09:00 PMI suppose many will be interested to see what happens with the overnight journeys.
Looking at the current timetable, depending on how long drivers are allowed to drive without a lengthy break, I would guess it feasible to have one duty begin at Coventry, do the last evening 'full run' to Birmingham, then do the couple of shorts to/from the Airport, before returning to Coventry on the 'first' morning run.
I guess it all depends on how well those overnight shorts are used, if the patronage isn't there then the opportunity could be taken to withdraw them.
The other possibility is that BC continue to operate those.
Quote from: Stu on September 16, 2023, 04:54:59 PMLooking at the current timetable, depending on how long drivers are allowed to drive without a lengthy break, I would guess it feasible to have one duty begin at Coventry, do the last evening 'full run' to Birmingham, then do the couple of shorts to/from the Airport, before returning to Coventry on the 'first' morning run.
I guess it all depends on how well those overnight shorts are used, if the patronage isn't there then the opportunity could be taken to withdraw them.
The other possibility is that BC continue to operate those.
5.5 hours is the legal maximum driving time without a break.
Quote from: MW on September 16, 2023, 07:02:38 PM5.5 hours is the legal maximum driving time without a break.
So in theory (looking at the current weekday timetable) what I suggest could be possible?
With a slightly rejigged timetable, a driver could start duty from Pool Meadow just after midnight, drive to Birmingham, then do the 'shorts' to the Airport and back, then return to Coventry just after 4am, and that would be legal?
Quote from: Stu on September 16, 2023, 07:25:11 PMSo in theory (looking at the current weekday timetable) what I suggest could be possible?
With a slightly rejigged timetable, a driver could start duty from Pool Meadow just after midnight, drive to Birmingham, then do the 'shorts' to the Airport and back, then return to Coventry just after 4am, and that would be legal?
4 hours driving stint? Yeah it's legal.
Are BC getting another route into it from somewhere to replace the X1, and I guess some BC drivers will want to transfer over to CV with the route ? . :huh:
Quote from: TT90 on September 17, 2023, 12:32:42 PMAre BC getting another route into it from somewhere to replace the X1, and I guess some BC drivers will want to transfer over to CV with the route ? . :huh:
I believe it was mentioned elsewhere on this forum that the 14 would be returning to Central with the X14 going back to Perry Barr.
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on September 17, 2023, 03:49:31 PMI believe it was mentioned elsewhere on this forum that the 14 would be returning to Central with the X14 going back to Perry Barr.
14 PB > BC
X14 BC > PB
X21 Sunday hourly service extended to Merry Hill
Quote from: MW on September 16, 2023, 07:02:38 PM5.5 hours is the legal maximum driving time without a break.
Potentially longer than this if operators follow the 8.5 hour rule
Silly question, but presumably Coventry have enough fleet capacity for this? Currently bustimes shows around 10 vehicles on the road at the moment.
Was this always factored into the electrics order, or will the cascade of SDs slow to free up more DDs for this route? I guess that this is also one of the highest mileage routes an electric would cover in one day, so be interesting to see range limitations (if any) here.
Quote from: cvbususer on September 18, 2023, 08:02:36 AMSilly question, but presumably Coventry have enough fleet capacity for this? Currently bustimes shows around 10 vehicles on the road at the moment.
Was this always factored into the electrics order, or will the cascade of SDs slow to free up more DDs for this route? I guess that this is also one of the highest mileage routes an electric would cover in one day, so be interesting to see range limitations (if any) here.
Some rough maths,
A round trip is around 50 miles and takes 3 hours.
If range is around 200 miles (not sure on exact range but would imagine it's around 200), that means 4 trips or 12 hours.
*wikipedia says 160 miles range, so if that's true as I'm sure the range will vary on type of work, that would mean 3 round trips or 9 hours.
Quote from: MW on September 18, 2023, 09:32:33 AMSome rough maths,
A round trip is around 50 miles and takes 3 hours.
If range is around 200 miles (not sure on exact range but would imagine it's around 200), that means 4 trips or 12 hours.
*wikipedia says 160 miles range, so if that's true as I'm sure the range will vary on type of work, that would mean 3 round trips or 9 hours.
Mathematically, it is certainly feasible. I expect that this was factored in during the anticipated changes. i'd like to see an E-bus on test to see what the *actual* running conditions would have on an E-bus on X1.
Quote from: Wumpty on September 18, 2023, 09:37:01 AMMathematically, it is certainly feasible. I expect that this was factored in during the anticipated changes. i'd like to see an E-bus on test to see what the *actual* running conditions would have on an E-bus on X1.
The tests were done a couple of months ago where an electric was on the X1 most days for a couple of weeks.
The scheduling will be 3 round trips then into garage for a top up
Quote from: Tony on September 18, 2023, 09:48:58 AMThe tests were done a couple of months ago where an electric was on the X1 most days for a couple of weeks.
The scheduling will be 3 round trips then into garage for a top up
Not far off the maths then!
Excellent!
The new NXC X1 timetable has been uploaded to Traveline today... click HERE (https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?deleteAssignedStops_ttb=1&command=direct&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&type_ttb=any&language=en&sessionID=0&requestID=0&itdLPxx_template=tableResults&coordOutputFormat=WGS84%5Bdd.ddddd%5D&outputFormat=0&std3_commonMacro=ttb&std3_contractorMacro=&line=cen%3A410X1%3AC%3AH%3Ay11%3A1) to view.
Quote from: JPC on September 27, 2023, 07:34:01 PMThe new NXC X1 timetable has been uploaded to Traveline today... click HERE (https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?deleteAssignedStops_ttb=1&command=direct&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&type_ttb=any&language=en&sessionID=0&requestID=0&itdLPxx_template=tableResults&coordOutputFormat=WGS84%5Bdd.ddddd%5D&outputFormat=0&std3_commonMacro=ttb&std3_contractorMacro=&line=cen%3A410X1%3AC%3AH%3Ay11%3A1) to view.
Let's hope that losing two journeys before 7am doesn't prove a problem on train strike days. On a recent strike day I had to catch the 5:30 for an early flight (and there are a lot of those from BHX) and the 73 seater platinum was packed.
Unsure if this information can even be disclosed at the moment, but does anyone have an idea of what the PVR will be of the CV X1?
Quote from: Danthebusman on October 07, 2023, 11:13:50 AMUnsure if this information can even be disclosed at the moment, but does anyone have an idea of what the PVR will be of the CV X1?
I don't think it'll be disclosed since it's commercially sensitive information...
Quote from: Danthebusman on October 07, 2023, 11:13:50 AMUnsure if this information can even be disclosed at the moment, but does anyone have an idea of what the PVR will be of the CV X1?
Quote from: mesub on October 07, 2023, 07:21:45 PMI don't think it'll be disclosed since it's commercially sensitive information...
It will probably be around the same as at present, though without factoring the X2 journeys in.
Have a look on BusTimes on Monday around 8:30am to 9am and see how many buses are in use, that will give you a rough idea of the PVR.
After a study of the new timetable the number of vehicles working on the service during the core Mon-Sat daytime is 9 buses with an increase to 11 buses between 1510 and 1727 Mon-Fri.
However with the nature of electrics having to go to charge after approx. three round trips we would be unsure what the true peak vehicle requirement would be.
Quote from: JPC on October 07, 2023, 10:46:00 PMAfter a study of the new timetable the number of vehicles working on the service during the core Mon-Sat daytime is 9 buses with an increase to 11 buses between 1510 and 1727 Mon-Fri.
However with the nature of electrics having to go to charge after approx. three round trips we would be unsure what the true peak vehicle requirement would be.
They're only doing 1 round trip before going back in to go on charage
Quote from: Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer on October 08, 2023, 05:22:20 AMThey're only doing 1 round trip before going back in to go on charage
That's not what Tony posted earlier in this topic.
Quote from: Tony on September 18, 2023, 09:48:58 AMThe scheduling will be 3 round trips then into garage for a top up
I don't know how long a 'top-up' charge would take, but presumably this would then enable that vehicle to re-enter service, either on the X1 or any other route as required.
So there wouldn't necessarily be any significant increase in PVR.
Quote from: Stu on October 08, 2023, 07:28:10 PMThat's not what Tony posted earlier in this topic.
I don't know how long a 'top-up' charge would take, but presumably this would then enable that vehicle to re-enter service, either on the X1 or any other route as required.
So there wouldn't necessarily be any significant increase in PVR.
I'm going off what ive been told at work by quite a few people. Only times I've been told that won't happen is the night runs
Quote from: Stu on October 08, 2023, 07:28:10 PMThat's not what Tony posted earlier in this topic.
I don't know how long a 'top-up' charge would take, but presumably this would then enable that vehicle to re-enter service, either on the X1 or any other route as required.
So there wouldn't necessarily be any significant increase in PVR.
I've noticed before on bustimes EVs that have been sent out an hour or 2 after going in for a charge.
Quote from: Danthebusman on October 08, 2023, 08:49:26 PMI've noticed before on bustimes EVs that have been sent out an hour or 2 after going in for a charge.
No, you've noticed peak boards, returning to garage as planned same as diesels do. Buses don't go in for an hour to be charged. Buses go out do a running board, then get charged. There's no random charging in between trips. The X1 will be the same with running boards matched to electric range
This is going to sound stupid, but how is the transfer of the route going to work on the 22nd of October? Will NX Coventry start on the overnight 01:05 short between Birmingham and Birmingham Airport? Or will NX West Midlands run that on the Sunday?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on October 12, 2023, 06:58:15 PMThis is going to sound stupid, but how is the transfer of the route going to work on the 22nd of October? Will NX Coventry start on the overnight 01:05 short between Birmingham and Birmingham Airport? Or will NX West Midlands run that on the Sunday?
I would presume they would start from the 03:00 journey since that's when the "nxbus day" starts?
Quote from: Michael Bevan on October 12, 2023, 06:58:15 PMThis is going to sound stupid, but how is the transfer of the route going to work on the 22nd of October? Will NX Coventry start on the overnight 01:05 short between Birmingham and Birmingham Airport? Or will NX West Midlands run that on the Sunday?
I don't know for certain, but I can see why they chose to do this on the 22nd rather than the following Sunday when the clocks go back! :laugh:
Ordinarily I would have assumed any change would be from the start of 'daytime' service.
I don't know if TfWM just format their timetables incorrectly but they suggest that the daytime service starts from around 4am.
Looking at BusTimes history, it would appear that the service that starts from Moor Street at 0105 is on its own running board. If that's still considered part of the Saturday schedule, then I would guess that BC would still run that duty.
No doubt there'll be some hardcore enthusiasts looking to be 'the first' to photo an NX Coventry bus operating in Birmingham! :rolleyes:
Quote from: Michael Bevan on October 12, 2023, 06:58:15 PMThis is going to sound stupid, but how is the transfer of the route going to work on the 22nd of October? Will NX Coventry start on the overnight 01:05 short between Birmingham and Birmingham Airport? Or will NX West Midlands run that on the Sunday?
Quote from: Stu on October 12, 2023, 07:39:51 PMI don't know for certain, but I can see why they chose to do this on the 22nd rather than the following Sunday when the clocks go back! :laugh:
Bustimes shows the 0105 from Moor St to Birmingham Airport as Trip 1, so I expect this is when the NXC operation commences, however it seems NXC's 'overnight' portion begins as 0004 from Coventry to Birmingham but there should be no need to run that trip on the first day as BC will be operating their last departure from Coventry at 0020.
Also I am intrigued about what will happen when the clocks 'go back' as it seems driving hours will be exceeded if an extra hour is added to the 0004 to 0506 portion.
Just saw a pic on Facebook , looks like E120 will be doing the doing the first Coventry X1
Will people be able to use a West Midlands day ticket on the x1 tomorrow?
Thanks.
Quote from: Liam Pettit on October 21, 2023, 10:44:26 PMWill people be able to use a West Midlands day ticket on the x1 tomorrow?
Thanks.
Why wouldn't it be?
The West Midlands daysaver can be used on any bus in the TFWM area and NX services outside of it including NXC services out to Rugby, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa.
Wonder how long it will be before a blue B7RLE gets on it.
Quote from: 2206 on October 21, 2023, 10:51:11 PMWhy wouldn't it be?
The West Midlands daysaver can be used on any bus in the TFWM area and NX services outside of it including NXC services out to Rugby, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa.
Wonder how long it will be before a blue B7RLE gets on it.
I didn't know that. I previously thought they'd be something in place for people travelling from the Birmingham area to cov. This of course clears that query. Thanks
I guess B7's will be secondary to EV's. I don't think an e200 ever operate it.
Quote from: Liam Pettit on October 21, 2023, 11:29:37 PMI didn't know that. I previously thought they'd be something in place for people travelling from the Birmingham area to cov. This of course clears that query. Thanks
I guess B7's will be secondary to EV's. I don't think an e200 ever operate it.
Don't think B7's will ever make it on there. As far as I'm aware the X1 will be a priority for double deckers so if we're short due to VOR's then what ever isn't covered for the day then a B7 will cover it in Coventry
Quote from: Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer on October 22, 2023, 12:21:08 AMDon't think B7's will ever make it on there. As far as I'm aware the X1 will be a priority for double deckers so if we're short due to VOR's then what ever isn't covered for the day then a B7 will cover it in Coventry
I guess at first people will assume it's more "I'm on loan" Coventry vehicles in Birmingham at first quick glance. When realisation kicks in the local X1 has been 'upgraded' I'm sure the rare chance of a b7' popping up won't matter to people. They are the more spacious single deckers anyway.
Also, slightly off topic regarding nbus tickets. Can I use the 110 with a nbus day ticket?
Quote from: Liam Pettit on October 22, 2023, 01:05:42 AMAlso, slightly off topic regarding nbus tickets. Can I use the 110 with a nbus day ticket?
Between Birmingham and Bassetts Pole Hill Lane.
Quote from: Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer on October 22, 2023, 12:21:08 AMDon't think B7's will ever make it on there. As far as I'm aware the X1 will be a priority for double deckers so if we're short due to VOR's then what ever isn't covered for the day then a B7 will cover it in Coventry
Imo the x1 should be treated like any other route in cv ie no Double decker available send a single decker out to cover
Quote from: Coventrybususer95 on October 22, 2023, 08:07:33 AMImo the x1 should be treated like any other route in cv ie no Double decker available send a single decker out to cover
The X1 gets full very quickly, especially at peak times, I don't think we'll see a B7 on there for a while, I'll be surprised if we do and will definitely be noteworthy.
Quote from: Danthebusman on October 22, 2023, 02:06:53 PMThe X1 gets full very quickly, especially at peak times, I don't think we'll see a B7 on there for a while, I'll be surprised if we do and will definitely be noteworthy.
No doubt the ALFs will spot it on vegweb from there house when it happens
Quote from: karl724223 on October 22, 2023, 02:43:47 PMNo doubt the ALFs will spot it on vegweb from there house when it happens
What is an 'Alf'?
Any definitions/ synonyms anyone ?
Quote from: Liam Pettit on October 22, 2023, 04:42:27 PMWhat is an 'Alf'?
Any definitions/ synonyms anyone ?
This is the Google definition -
an uneducated and unthinkingly conservative Australian man.
QuoteNo doubt the ALFs will spot it on vegweb from there house when it happens
There's already vegs begging for a E200 and B7RLE to show up on the X1 literally on the 1st day of starting 😂
Quote from: BBS on October 22, 2023, 09:13:22 PMThere's already vegs begging for a E200 and B7RLE to show up on the X1 literally on the 1st day of starting 😂
What is a 'veg'? Voraciously educated gnome? 🤣🤣
people checking bustimes are veg alf then what ancient term applies to users all day long on this place.
Nice to see Coventry drivers don't know which stops they stop at, see numerous X1's stopping at stops on Coventry Road that it doesn't serve.
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 04:50:57 PMNice to see Coventry drivers don't know which stops they stop at, see numerous X1's stopping at stops on Coventry Road that it doesn't serve.
And I suppose you are perfect in an every way in your own job?
It's the first day for goodness sake and on a long trunk route like the X1 with limited stops along busy sections it's easy to make a mistake, even with prior route learning.
After a few shifts on it as a driver things like that become second nature but give the drivers a break!
Quote from: j789 on October 23, 2023, 04:58:22 PMAnd I suppose you are perfect in an every way in your own job?
It's the first day for goodness sake and on a long trunk route like the X1 with limited stops along busy sections it's easy to make a mistake, even with prior route learning.
After a few shifts on it as a driver things like that become second nature but give the drivers a break!
Presumably passengers were requesting the bus to stop as well.
Drivers also do a full days work, not spend all day looking for other's mistakes
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 04:50:57 PMNice to see Coventry drivers don't know which stops they stop at, see numerous X1's stopping at stops on Coventry Road that it doesn't serve.
Its probably a bit confusing at first the odd random stops that it doesn't use on a very long route and they're not familiar with the area, similar to when Rugby Garage started running WM routes.
Think you should give them a few days to get used to it.
Quote from: j789 on October 23, 2023, 04:58:22 PMAnd I suppose you are perfect in an every way in your own job?
It's the first day for goodness sake and on a long trunk route like the X1 with limited stops along busy sections it's easy to make a mistake, even with prior route learning.
After a few shifts on it as a driver things like that become second nature but give the drivers a break!
Alright so it's okay for them to just drive past people with hailing them at a stop it calls at?
Thankfully I wasn't waiting for the X1 but I would have been pretty annoyed if that happened to me.
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 08:22:26 PMAlright so it's okay for them to just drive past people with hailing them at a stop it calls at?
Thankfully I wasn't waiting for the X1 but I would have been pretty annoyed if that happened to me.
Changing your story now then, Which stop did it drive past?
Quote from: Tony on October 23, 2023, 08:25:23 PMChanging your story now then, Which stop did it drive past?
Kathleen Road, but stopped at Deakins Road which it doesn't call at.
Frustrated people too I've seen most the day, most aren't happy with the EV's layout and I've seen a fair amount of rammed ones during the day. I personally don't think they are suited to the X1 at all.
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 09:34:24 PMKathleen Road, but stopped at Deakins Road which it doesn't call at.
Frustrated people too I've seen most the day, most aren't happy with the EV's layout and I've seen a fair amount of rammed ones during the day. I personally don't think they are suited to the X1 at all.
Why aren't they suited?
If there's capacity issues, this can be rectified by a frequency increase. In terms of the layout, what do you mean? Were all the seats taken? If so, was this not an occurrence before?
Quote from: MW on October 23, 2023, 10:06:16 PMWhy aren't they suited?
If there's capacity issues, this can be rectified by a frequency increase. In terms of the layout, what do you mean? Were all the seats taken? If so, was this not an occurrence before?
Speed. The capacity issues have looked cosy all day and the seating arrangements on the lower deck aren't particularly popular from what i've seen.
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 10:09:05 PMSpeed. The capacity issues have looked cosy all day and the seating arrangements on the lower deck aren't particularly popular from what i've seen.
What are they limited to speed wise?
I'm assuming you're referring to the section on the A45 that's 60mph?
How have you determined that they're not popular? What does that even mean, not popular? Have you heard passengers complaining?
Quote from: MW on October 23, 2023, 10:11:31 PMWhat are they limited to speed wise?
I'm assuming you're referring to the section on the A45 that's 60mph?
How have you determined that they're not popular? What does that even mean, not popular? Have you heard passengers complaining?
43mph I've been told. Least the MMC's were able to manage a bit more.
Overheard passengers and even the X2 drivers this morning who weren't happy at all with it.
Quote from: MW on October 23, 2023, 10:11:31 PMWhat are they limited to speed wise?
I'm assuming you're referring to the section on the A45 that's 60mph?
How have you determined that they're not popular? What does that even mean, not popular? Have you heard passengers complaining?
They are limited to 70kph as opposed to 80kph for platinum which makes a difference of a few seconds on the short stretch between Meridian and Allesley
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 04:50:57 PMNice to see Coventry drivers don't know which stops they stop at, see numerous X1's stopping at stops on Coventry Road that it doesn't serve.
NX Coventry are currently recruiting for drivers if you think you can do better
Quote from: Tony on October 23, 2023, 10:21:38 PMThey are limited to 70kph as opposed to 80kph for platinum which makes a difference of a few seconds on the short stretch between Meridian and Allesley
Which was the point I was trying to get at.
70kph = 44mph
80kph = 50mph
There's a difference of 6mph, and the X1 is able to reach those speeds for a short section of the route, so as Tony has said it's a matter of a few seconds.
So that leaves the question of "popularity..."
I have noticed that on my morning duties when following the X1 more often then not passengers are boarding my bus (60) and the X2 if its behind a X1, now I'm not sure if that's due to the bus being full or if passengers are looking at the front and seeing National Express Coventry and unsure if they can catch it or not. I guess these things will take time for everybody to get used too, still it's nice seeing a different vehicle down the A45 and most of the CV drivers give me a cheery wave as we pass each other
Quote from: dw1308 on October 25, 2023, 07:03:36 PMI have noticed that on my morning duties when following the X1 more often then not passengers are boarding my bus (60) and the X2 if its behind a X1, now I'm not sure if that's due to the bus being full or if passengers are looking at the front and seeing National Express Coventry and unsure if they can catch it or not.
Maybe those people need the 60 or X2 instead of the X1?
Quote from: Stu on October 25, 2023, 07:06:37 PMMaybe those people need the 60 or X2 instead of the X1?
Possibly but I tend to see it at King's Road going towards city with a lot that board my vehicle also getting off in the city centre
Quote from: dw1308 on October 25, 2023, 07:08:46 PMPossibly but I tend to see it at King's Road going towards city with a lot that board my vehicle also getting off in the city centre
Ah I see, well yes in that direction it shouldn't really matter, though one would normally only hop on the 60 if they were actually going into Small Heath.
Hopefully it is just the case that people are choosing to get on your bus or the X2 because the X1 in front is full, in which case it's nice to see passengers 'doing the sensible thing' for a change, rather than just trying to ram themselves onto a heavily crowded bus just because it is the first one to arrive, despite another one being just behind.
Quote from: dw1308 on October 25, 2023, 07:03:36 PMI'm not sure if that's due to the bus being full or if passengers are looking at the front and seeing National Express Coventry and unsure if they can catch it or not.
Just to add, I would doubt if that's the reason.
AG's recently transferred E400MMCs still have NX Coventry logos on them, and passengers don't have any qualms about getting on them. Plus there were plenty of other ex-Coventry B7RLEs operating in service before the NX West Midlands 'crimson' vinyls were hastily applied.
I also remember when YW had the eCitaro demonstrator on-loan earlier this year and it was used on the 3 a few times, even despite being a completely different type of bus, and being emblazoned with NX Coventry logos, passengers mostly didn't bat an eyelid and just hopped on board.
Quote from: Stu on October 25, 2023, 08:15:05 PMI also remember when YW had the eCitaro demonstrator on-loan earlier this year and it was used on the 3 a few times, even despite being a completely different type of bus, and being emblazoned with NX Coventry logos, passengers mostly didn't bat an eyelid and just hopped on board.
When I was driving that on the 3 I did have a few who didn't think it was a 'normal' bus
Quote from: MW on October 23, 2023, 10:06:16 PMWhy aren't they suited?
If there's capacity issues, this can be rectified by a frequency increase. In terms of the layout, what do you mean? Were all the seats taken? If so, was this not an occurrence before?
As there are less seats, how does their standing capacity compare to the Platinums?
Quote from: suavegarv on October 26, 2023, 06:20:57 PMAs there are less seats, how does their standing capacity compare to the Platinums?
Less seats for people to put their bags on?
Quote from: Jack on October 23, 2023, 09:34:24 PMFrustrated people too I've seen most the day, most aren't happy with the EV's layout and I've seen a fair amount of rammed ones during the day. I personally don't think they are suited to the X1 at all.
Compared to an E400MMC there is a loss of 8 seats.
I used to get the X1/X2 regularly from 2016 to 2018, and even back then you'd often get the E400MMCs rammed full.
I don't know what the standing capacities are for either type of bus, but the problem you get is when people won't go upstairs to look for an available seat, and instead choose to stand near the front of the bus, rather than in the standing area. As more people get on, they think there's nowhere to sit so they stand in the narrow gangway too. It also doesn't help when selfish people won't make seats next to them available, either by putting their bag next to them, or slouching across two seats.
There's nothing wrong really with the EVs, though obviously overcrowding becomes a problem when the service inevitably runs late due to traffic congestion, or when there are issues with the trains.
Looks like ever since the 3rd of February, a B7 is booked to do the night shorts on the X1. Is it no longer viable to have the electrics running then?
Quote from: mesub on February 22, 2024, 09:41:28 PMLooks like ever since the 3rd of February, a B7 is booked to do the night shorts on the X1. Is it no longer viable to have the electrics running then?
It's only a temp messure (Im not entirely sure we're allowed to post why they're not on it atm). Electrics will be back on them eventually
Quote from: Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer on February 22, 2024, 11:22:04 PMIt's only a temp messure (Im not entirely sure we're allowed to post why they're not on it atm). Electrics will be back on them eventually
Could it be due to the M42 Junction works and some nights it being on diversion?
Quote from: Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer on February 22, 2024, 11:22:04 PMIt's only a temp messure (Im not entirely sure we're allowed to post why they're not on it atm). Electrics will be back on them eventually
Presumably due to recent guidance issued by NX around leaving Electrics unattended without supervision.
Must admit I had a ride over to Coventry Wednesday just gone, so it was an early start, but I had to put the bins out anyway!
Pleasant ride, but is there no other way of serving that bit past Meriden, where you come off the A45, where you have to double back on yourself?
It's been sometime since I caught a bus to Coventry, as most recent trips pre Covid were by train.
Think the last time by bus was in the 159 days, but did the 159 do the 'double back' as well?
Quote from: Westy on April 06, 2024, 03:38:32 PMPleasant ride, but is there no other way of serving that bit past Meriden, where you come off the A45, where you have to double back on yourself?
Parkhill Terminus?
When part of the A45 was closed for a while, when they were building the bridge, both the X1 and 82 diverted via Pickford Grange Lane and Upper Eastern Green Lane to get to Parkhill Drive.
While it's possible to go that way, its still quicker to go direct via the A45 and then dip in/out of the Parkhill estate.
I suppose things might change in coming years as there is a new housing development underway there, hence the reason for the construction of the road bridge over the A45.
Quote from: Westy on April 06, 2024, 03:38:32 PMMust admit I had a ride over to Coventry Wednesday just gone, so it was an early start, but I had to put the bins out anyway!
Pleasant ride, but is there no other way of serving that bit past Meriden, where you come off the A45, where you have to double back on yourself?
It's been sometime since I caught a bus to Coventry, as most recent trips pre Covid were by train.
Think the last time by bus was in the 159 days, but did the 159 do the 'double back' as well?
I don't think the 159 served Parkhill and the old 900 certainly didn't serve Parkhill at all originally either. It was I think the changes to local services in that part of Coventry which led to the 900 serving Parkhill.
Quote from: Stu on April 06, 2024, 04:20:41 PMParkhill Terminus?
When part of the A45 was closed for a while, when they were building the bridge, both the X1 and 82 diverted via Pickford Grange Lane and Upper Eastern Green Lane to get to Parkhill Drive.
While it's possible to go that way, its still quicker to go direct via the A45 and then dip in/out of the Parkhill estate.
I suppose things might change in coming years as there is a new housing development underway there, hence the reason for the construction of the road bridge over the A45.
Pickford Grange Lane/Pickford Green Lane ain't a pleasant road to be driving up on a consistent basis. It isn't lit and has sharp bends on it, as well as a HGV ban. The residents wouldn't be too happy about it.
Quote from: Westy on April 06, 2024, 03:38:32 PMThink the last time by bus was in the 159 days, but did the 159 do the 'double back' as well?
There used to be a crossing point (for buses only) at the bottom end of Oak Lane (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4335971,-1.6001331,3a,75y,60.82h,66.22t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s_XARo_OL7-bI1ftSPOlJNQ!2e0!5s20100401T000000!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu). They closed it off in the late 1990s/early 2000s, when they built the bridge at Maxstoke Lane. You can still see where the bus used to go on the a45 now. There was another crossing point at the other end of Birmingham Road by Meriden Fencing Supplies. All evidence of that one seems to have gone, though.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on April 06, 2024, 05:23:33 PMI don't think the 159 served Parkhill and the old 900 certainly didn't serve Parkhill at all originally either. It was I think the changes to local services in that part of Coventry which led to the 900 serving Parkhill.
Parkhill Estate got served by the 900 when Coventry route 6 and 7 got merged together on the west side of Coventry. Early 2000s, I think (not 100% sure). For a time, they tried having the bus stop on the a45 roundabout (which meant Coventry bound buses had to do a full loop of the roundabout to serve the stop) but it got changed back up to the Parkhill terminus where it's been ever since.
Quote from: ellspurs on April 06, 2024, 05:38:55 PMPickford Grange Lane/Pickford Green Lane ain't a pleasant road to be driving up on a consistent basis. It isn't lit and has sharp bends on it, as well as a HGV ban. The residents wouldn't be too happy about it.
Yes, hence why that was only used as a temporary diversion route.
The installation of the bridge is also seeing a new junction being built there on the A45.
So I assume at some point there will be a new road running through this development that buses could use instead of Pickford Grange Road.
Hopefully, if the estate is big enough, it'll generate its own bus service that can also serve Parkhill Estate, and let the x1 bypass it. I know, wishful thinking.
Quote from: ellspurs on April 06, 2024, 05:58:39 PMHopefully, if the estate is big enough, it'll generate its own bus service that can also serve Parkhill Estate, and let the x1 bypass it. I know, wishful thinking.
I found this 'draft masterplan' for the site, didn't realise how big it was!
https://www.eastern-green.com/draft-masterplan
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/092fb4_1a8ded775e9a46dcbc13610a8b248f26~mv2_d_9922_14032_s_6_4_3.jpg/v1/fill/w_569,h_804,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/092fb4_1a8ded775e9a46dcbc13610a8b248f26~mv2_d_9922_14032_s_6_4_3.jpg)
What I guess would have been ideal would have been if there was some connecting road on the eastern side through to Woodridge Avenue for an easier connection to the Parkhill Drive terminus stops.