Messages

And what buses have the Wifi?

Signature Branded buses.

"Yep so we're getting 323s which are old uncomfortable  ( worse legroom than 150s) and not air conditioned" "sure there'll be more seats but it'll be an uncomfortable ride"

Well, I much prefer a 323 to a voyagers vestibule floor near the disabled toilet on a journey from New Street to Temple Meads and a 323 is also more comfortable than the vestibule of a MK3 with wet carpet from Temple Meads to New Street. The only thing good about a packed DB XC HST MK3 carriage is the window you can open.

If I am being honest anything can be cramped uncomfortable but it's all down to what you want from the journey. if its comfort then I would suggest you find a short man and get a Rolls Royce because that will give comfort.

And as for your comment "it'll be an uncomfortable ride" I think that 323's aren't bad I have travelled on worse on the National Network.

Well it should work with out any problem as Redditch is part in the WMMCA. Its just we aren't a full member.

I personally think as long as it works it will be great.

Anyone tried using contactless on the new ticket machines yet?

Yes it worked ok and is a good idea.

They are withdrawn

Well I saw them yesterday in service..............

I have a feeling it was the XL Man Plaxton Centro as the report indicates it was a 46 seater.

RE the heaters, the reason for them being on is to help cool the engine as the heater use the heat from the engine. Mind you I was told this a couple of years ago by a couple of former FMR and Diamond drivers as that was what they were told to do by the mechanics.

Ohhhh, that's the gay thing isn't it? I forgot.

Do they have a proud to be straight event?

Edit: I say "straight", but that's being politically correct. "Do they have a proud to be normal event?" is what I meant lol

Pride events aren't just for gay people they are all inclusive events. As an openly gay man I think its good companies support different events and help to make a difference. And as for your edit I think that is too far, there is no such thing as 'normal' as everyone is normal no matter who you are or who you love everyone is equal and has equal rights.

First I have heard this and I work for asda!

Mind you anything can happen............

30164 out of service this pm with engine compartment lid open, outside Coventry baths (again). I assume another X30 in trouble. 

Conspiracy theory - has one of the drivers started swimming lessons? Ho ho

If practice is like it was 24-12 months ago because of its age the lid would be opened and cold water sprayed onto the engine and fans and rad to cool it down then put back into service. Not sorting out the problem. Now before people start saying this never happens, it did I saw it with my own eyes when walking past Church Road West Garage with another bus a few years ago.

Simons response to why they are moving buses out of Redditch was a little daft and Im sorry Simon it is. Redditch does need spare workable buses so they are not all over worked and under serviced in the garage as the pollution of some of the fleet is high. I am sure buses with red lights on the dashboard should not be in service at all.

I wonder why the signature Operate Versa's are having a repaint in the church road garage.
I took me by surprise seeing on taped up and the smell of paint.

Hate rain/snow on the sauces here but Heniz does have HP in its stable, just saying.

Going back to topic though I think Diamond and NXWM need to sort out what letters they are going to use for there 4 routes as with route changes it might go a little pee-tong from a users point of view. Because Diamond have done this in Redditch with the old 55/56 adding a 47/48 and keeping the 55 but messing around with the routes and folk have gotten confused and have not been happy with the hole palaver.

The ex-First buses, from all those I saw, had Diamond fleet names prominently displayed. Also a whole network of routes passed from First to Diamond which would have been well publicised locally and bus top information would have displayed this.

Ok forgive me but Green Bus don't do public services do they any more?
So there isn't an issue. I could understand confusion if they did compete on routes with NXWM but as they don't I can't see the issue. Granted a sticker like the ex Allibo London buses had would help but other than that as long as there aren't any fleet names from NXWM then it won't be to much of a problem.

Are 4044 and 4102 still in NXWM livery or now in Green Bus livery? Confusing if NXWM liveried buses are running around with another operator!!

How so?

Diamond had it's Ex First buses running around in the Barbie livery for a while, must have been very confusing in Worcester, Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Birmingham.

Back in 1960s Midland Red ran some Limited Stop services radiating from Birmingham - I recall an X8 Birmingham to Walsall and there was another to Hasbury. So this approach does have its precedents - most of the X services linked beyond the County Boundary however - such as to Bewdley, Redditch etc.

Yep
The X5/X6/X7 all ran through or to Redditch then on to Evesham. With NXWM going down this road it makes hard for the old MR/MRW route numbers to be revived if an operator wanted to at any point.

I should imagine it is a contracted service

Contracted yes but I'm not sure of the terms, by that i mean the frequency but then again Diamond might not be able to get to the desired frequency.