8a/c. When was a double decker last used on this route? Were they stopped being used because of low bridges?
Quote from: Jay71 on April 16, 2024, 02:20:14 PM8a/c. When was a double decker last used on this route? Were they stopped being used because of low bridges?
Certainly not in the last 25 years,if indeed not longer.
Quote from: markcf83 on April 16, 2024, 03:13:21 PMCertainly not in the last 25 years,if indeed not longer.
They were used up to the closure of Hockley garage
Quote from: Tony on April 16, 2024, 03:50:37 PMThey were used up to the closure of Hockley garage
Did they stop using double deckers because low bridges? Or was it another reason?
Quote from: Jay71 on April 16, 2024, 03:54:23 PMDid they stop using double deckers because low bridges? Or was it another reason?
When Hockley closed it went to Bordesley garage which only ran single decks
Here's the last double deck I saw on the 8 taken in March 2005
(https://wmbusphotos.com/greenbus/twm4102_14898119.jpg)
In the view of NX, do the current passenger loads warrant a need to upgrade this route to double decks? From what I've seen as a passenger, it sure as hell does. This is all up to the fleet situation at NX ofc, but just wondering.
Quote from: Ronnoc on April 16, 2024, 05:52:34 PMIn the view of NX, do the current passenger loads warrant a need to upgrade this route to double decks? From what I've seen as a passenger, it sure as hell does. This is all up to the fleet situation at NX ofc, but just wondering.
Can't with the current signage at Highgate Road.
Quote from: Jack on April 16, 2024, 06:10:36 PMCan't with the current signage at Highgate Road.
Yes they can, plenty of double deckers can go under there, but while Perry Barr has a mix of buses that can and can't it's safer just not to run any.
Quote from: Tony on April 16, 2024, 06:17:47 PMYes they can, plenty of double deckers can go under there, but while Perry Barr has a mix of buses that can and can't it's safer just not to run any.
E400MMC's can can't they? Isn't the current signage a red circle.
Topic split off as nothing to do with BusTimes.
@Jay71 if you can't find an appropriate topic to ask such questions in then please start a new one.
Current signage is 14' 3 with a red circle, meaning E400 MMCs and BYD E400 Cities (and the new E400EV model) can fit under there. The sign used to be triangle not long ago, back then you'd have 14' 5/6 buses going under regularly. I'm sure some 11A/C deadrun buses still go through it sometimes.
Quote from: Ronnoc on April 16, 2024, 05:52:34 PMIn the view of NX, do the current passenger loads warrant a need to upgrade this route to double decks? From what I've seen as a passenger, it sure as hell does. This is all up to the fleet situation at NX ofc, but just wondering.
I did a 'lap' of the 8C one Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago now - yes, I was bored and wanted something different to do!
In my opinion, under 'normal circumstances', the route copes quite well with single decks at its current frequency levels (every 12-15mins).
The problems with overcrowding come when the buses get delayed and start running late, but then the same can be said for any other bus service that uses single decks.
Quote from: Ronnoc on April 16, 2024, 07:26:23 PM. I'm sure some 11A/C deadrun buses still go through it sometimes.
No they don't disciplinary offence
Ive done the 11.
Is the 8 worth a look, from a bash pov?
Quote from: Westy on April 16, 2024, 08:06:44 PMIve done the 11.
Is the 8 worth a look, from a bash pov?
It's still a bit of a 'novelty', in that you can get on the bus somewhere and then around an hour to hour and half later get off at the same place.
It's not as 'scenic' or iconic as the 11A/C, you don't really get to see much apart from rundown inner-city suburbs and industrial estates.
If that's your thing, and if you like to sit and 'people-watch' as I sometimes do, then it's worth a punt.
Quote from: Stu on April 16, 2024, 07:43:51 PMI did a 'lap' of the 8C one Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago now - yes, I was bored and wanted something different to do!
In my opinion, under 'normal circumstances', the route copes quite well with single decks at its current frequency levels (every 12-15mins).
The problems with overcrowding come when the buses get delayed and start running late, but then the same can be said for any other bus service that uses single decks.
In the rush hours it gets very busy, especially because it goes past so many schools and is a convenient link to many bus routes. It gets into traffic in basically almost every suburb that it passes through, so it ends up regularly getting late and often bunches together.
Out of curiosity, why was it withdrawn from the Plough and Harrow in favour of the Middleway, and why was the evening Star City journies cut
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 17, 2024, 11:48:33 AMOut of curiosity, why was it withdrawn from the Plough and Harrow in favour of the Middleway, and why was the evening Star City journies cut
If I remember correctly the Plough and Harrow section was omitted due to delays caused by traffic. That stretch of Hagley Road, Monument Road and Plough and Harrow Road down to the lights can all be bottlenecks.