First Bus - Potteries

[willr7]

OmniCitys 65031 and 65032 are now in Stoke from Essex according to a Facebook post

Here is a picture of the pair parked up at Adderley Green depot today (Apparently there are 3 more to arrive at Stoke)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/95376697@N08/47358686002/in/photolist-2f9VDp1-2dQHiJx-Rn2Kik-26QR4do-27Baovd-T3cLgi-rvseFf-q5FDV7-koyjmW-dmgCBp-cwP1mw-bkafmL-9RdKBU/

[PointerDart]

The batch of 5 from Essex (65028-65032) are rumoured to replace the current roster allocated for route 18 (i.e. 65001-65005).

Also heard that the E200 MMCs are to be leaving for Leicester - makes sense with some losing their branding for links between Hanley and Stoke Station.

[willr7]

The batch of 5 from Essex (65028-65032) are rumoured to replace the current roster allocated for route 18 (i.e. 65001-65005).

Also heard that the E200 MMCs are to be leaving for Leicester - makes sense with some losing their branding for links between Hanley and Stoke Station.

Thanks for the added info!

Wouldnt surprise me as the E200MMC's will probably be needed for Leicester with the upcoming Leicester LEZ.

As well as the E200MMC'S from Stoke, it is also rumored that Leicester will receive 14 Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 2 from First West of England (They will presumably be upgraded to Euro 6 spec similar to the 12 that Worcester received for Birmingham LEZ)

[47609FireFly]

Thanks for the added info!

Wouldnt surprise me as the E200MMC's will probably be needed for Leicester with the upcoming Leicester LEZ.

As well as the E200MMC'S from Stoke, it is also rumored that Leicester will receive 14 Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 2 from First West of England (They will presumably be upgraded to Euro 6 spec similar to the 12 that Worcester received for Birmingham LEZ)

Why would one introduce an alien type to Leicester, like the E200MMCs? Surely it makes more sense to bring in additional kit similar to what they already have...

[mikestone]

44515 from Worcester noted passing Crewe station on the 3 this evening.

[mikestone]

https://www.firstgroup.com/potteries/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/timetable-changes-29-september-2019
;
Staffordshire website refers to the 32 becoming "Kingfisher" but nothing on first website.

[DD12]

I see in the above fleet list that 32635 is shown as withdrawn  --  can anyone tell us why that is please ??

[mikestone]

https://www.firstgroup.com/potteries/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/timetable-changes-29-september-2019
;
Staffordshire website refers to the 32 becoming "Kingfisher" but nothing on first website.

Timetables on first website now posted as Kingfisher 

[PointerDart]

I see in the above fleet list that 32635 is shown as withdrawn  --  can anyone tell us why that is please ??

Been off the road for ages, parts taken out including the engine. Believe fire damage from early this year

[DD12]

Been off the road for ages, parts taken out including the engine. Believe fire damage from early this year

Thanks PointerDart !

[DD12]

I have read somewhere that Potteries are, or were, to get 10 Alexander E400 Hybrids (from Glasgow), for conversion to Diesel (only).

Have any of these arrived please ? - or any news of this ?

[Trident 4609]

I have read somewhere that Potteries are, or were, to get 10 Alexander E400 Hybrids (from Glasgow), for conversion to Diesel (only).

Have any of these arrived please ? - or any news of this ?

Plans have changed, they're staying up in Glasgow for the time being according to the Firstbus Enthusiast group, where fleet movements are posted by staff.

[DD12]

Plans have changed, they're staying up in Glasgow for the time being according to the Firstbus Enthusiast group, where fleet movements are posted by staff.

Thanks Nathan !

[mikestone]

Rail forum implied the 101 was going double deck, with its reduction to half-hourly.

[PointerDart]

65027 suffering today, with a row of seats collapsing as it turned a bend in Hanley. Luckily no one injured but very close to crushing the feet of two elderly women. What was worse was the depot instructed the driver to keep going and cordon the seating area off. Very concerning.