According to the fleetlist, the First vehicles LIKELY to be acquired are
10 Dennis Tridents
2 (of 6) Volvo Citybuses s/e
1 Volvo Olympian s/e
19 Transbus/ADL E300
8 Dennis Lance s/e
11 Dennis Dart SLF
Apart from the E300s everything else is pre-2000.
sconehead85
Quote from: sconehead85 on January 26, 2013, 04:41:09 AM
According to the fleetlist, the First vehicles LIKELY to be acquired are
10 Dennis Tridents
2 (of 6) Volvo Citybuses s/e
1 Volvo Olympian s/e
19 Transbus/ADL E300
8 Dennis Lance s/e
11 Dennis Dart SLF
Apart from the E300s everything else is pre-2000.
sconehead85
First to go will be the olympian and citybus-they could cascade presidents from preston as these were going to be replaced by the geminis. The lances will probably be replaced by some of rotala's better darts
they have jus purchase 36 of the 51 vehicles according to press release
I would have thought Prestons Tridents would replace the Leyland Olympians there. If 36 vehicles are being taken on then its the Tridents, E400s and seven (of 11) Dennis Darts. The six Volvo Citybuses ,( WTF are they being kept anyway- F = FLIP) should have gone by 2010, if not earlier.
Rotala have only one full-size step sd, the last sd Leyland - Preston's Lynx.
sconehead85
How many buses will actually be needed will it be 51 if so 15 buses would have to be found, i'm sure there's more than 15 blue diamond darts parked up at both Tividale and Long Acre with quite a few V and W reg.
Quote from: Ash on January 26, 2013, 02:08:53 PM
How many buses will actually be needed will it be 51 if so 15 buses would have to be found, i'm sure there's more than 15 blue diamond darts parked up at both Tividale and Long Acre with quite a few V and W reg.
You're forgetting that Red Diamonds existing Redditch fleet will be merged with the First Redditch fleet therefore the bulk of the numbers will be made up by those
I would say that some of the First Wyvern's remaining Lances are better than some of Diamond's older Darts.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on January 26, 2013, 07:55:33 PM
I would say that some of the First Wyvern's remaining Lances are better than some of Diamond's older Darts.
Possibly but that was the case when gwm took over-the ex london darts were worse than diamond's verdes
I refer to the topic FIRST, then the "For Sale" thread, and the post #260 by Tony an administrator.
It looks as if Rotala are going to get quite an aged fleet with First's Redditch and Kidderminster operations.
Not that I wish these vehicles on anybody, but surely Firsts 38125 (Newcastle-under-Lyme) should be sold with 38123/6 rather than a Volvo Olympian. The logic behind this is as follows- when Northampton is sold that would take the other three Volvo Citybuses (38098, 38121/2) leaving only open top Citybuses in Cornwall. None of the above would have a long future with Rotala anyway.
Sales of "R & K" and Northampton would eliminate the step entry Dennis Lance from First.
sconehead85
Not so I think there might be one in Clacton on sea still Ex FMR.
there was one sent down that way do not know if it is still in service
67241 remains in service in Essex, now fitted with a dot-matrix display.
That link doesnt take you to that photo
Quote from: bob on February 09, 2013, 08:55:03 AM
That link doesnt take you to that photo
It's not supposed to. Its a link to Jamie's fotopic site.
can any please tell as first Redditch run services on sundays and Kidderminster is closed does diamond takeover services
in Redditch on 2/3/13 there and Kidderminster on the 3//3/13
Diamond Website now confirms transfer date as Sunday 3rd March.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/DiamondareexpandinginWorcestershire_69.html (http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/DiamondareexpandinginWorcestershire_69.html)
Therfore Saturday 2nd March will be the last day of First oepration of the 2 depots. RH will be a Diamond Operational depot from Sunday and KD from the Monday.
What services will provide connections from Redditch to Birmingham is it the 143/144 or something like that.
Quote from: Ash on February 23, 2013, 01:30:08 PM
What services will provide connections from Redditch to Birmingham is it the 143/144 or something like that.
The 146 now that the 143 no longer goes to birmingham and the 144 is run from worcester and doesnt go through Redditch
Quote from: Peter123 on February 23, 2013, 01:47:19 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 23, 2013, 01:30:08 PM
What services will provide connections from Redditch to Birmingham is it the 143/144 or something like that.
The 146 now that the 143 no longer goes to birmingham and the 144 is run from worcester and doesnt go through Redditch
Thanks Peter and what vehicle normally runs this service is it the presidents or the enviro 300's. Just wondered what diamond will use on it. Looks like the new diamond livery as mentioned on the site will be the blue buses with the large diamond logo but preferably if that's going to happen it should be diamond in Worcestershire to keep operations seperate.
Quote from: Ash on February 23, 2013, 01:54:09 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 23, 2013, 01:47:19 PM
Quote from: Ash on February 23, 2013, 01:30:08 PM
What services will provide connections from Redditch to Birmingham is it the 143/144 or something like that.
The 146 now that the 143 no longer goes to birmingham and the 144 is run from worcester and doesnt go through Redditch
Thanks Peter and what vehicle normally runs this service is it the presidents or the enviro 300's. Just wondered what diamond will use on it. Looks like the new diamond livery as mentioned on the site will be the blue buses with the large diamond logo but preferably if that's going to happen it should be diamond in Worcestershire to keep operations seperate.
At the moment it is presidents although these may or may not be the ones rotala are selling.
As far as First drivers know all the Kidder staff start working for Diamond on Saturday Along with some Redditch staff as a number of redditch staff are being redeployed with some of the E300's.
I know this from asking about a week ticket today and was told all of that.
146
They do the Redditch and Bromsgrove New College contracts B1 and C1 before going onto the 146
9:50am and 10:35am from BHAM - almost always Enviro 300
11:35am - President
Then they obviously do round trips and contracts again
Final Journey 16:35pm - Enviro 300
I hope that Diamond still run it well :)
Diamond may extand the running hours of the 146 to gain more folk off the trains.
Quote from: tank90 on February 23, 2013, 10:13:07 PM
Diamond may extand the running hours of the 146 to gain more folk off the trains.
Sounds like a good idea though is the 146 currently a well-used route?
Quote from: tank90 on February 23, 2013, 06:49:54 PM
As far as First drivers know all the Kidder staff start working for Diamond on Saturday Along with some Redditch staff as a number of redditch staff are being redeployed with some of the E300's.
I know this from asking about a week ticket today and was told all of that.
Not according to the driver I have know since Junior school , he told me Monday , as did diamond customers service line
With the 146 you get the odd trips that are crowded and others that are just carrying fresh air!
Quote from: Peter123 on February 24, 2013, 11:37:30 AM
Quote from: tank90 on February 23, 2013, 10:13:07 PM
Diamond may extand the running hours of the 146 to gain more folk off the trains.
Sounds like a good idea though is the 146 currently a well-used route?
Depends
Monday-Friday
9:50 coming in is usually empty
the 10:35 is usuailly packed full on enviro 300 coming into the city
11:35 - this varys / 12:35 - middle loads / 13:35 and 14:35 are generally empty
16:35 into city usuailly only busy on a Friday evening otherwise
I wonder what has caused the 146 to become a shadow of its former self.
At one point First were operating it every 20 minutes between Redditch and Birmingham, and it had a healthy peak and evening service too.
Over the years it just seems to have dwindled to a gesture really. I'm sure it can't be too long before its gone all together.
Quote from: sonic84 on February 25, 2013, 10:15:02 PM
I wonder what has caused the 146 to become a shadow of its former self.
At one point First were operating it every 20 minutes between Redditch and Birmingham, and it had a healthy peak and evening service too.
Over the years it just seems to have dwindled to a gesture really. I'm sure it can't be too long before its gone all together.
Because its operated by First more than likely....
Quote from: sonic84 on February 25, 2013, 10:15:02 PM
I wonder what has caused the 146 to become a shadow of its former self.
At one point First were operating it every 20 minutes between Redditch and Birmingham, and it had a healthy peak and evening service too.
Over the years it just seems to have dwindled to a gesture really. I'm sure it can't be too long before its gone all together.
Well that only happend when they took the Shuttle Fare off and replaced it with the Wyvern which is more expensive than the train but would have been more reliable than LM in the longer term thus meaning Redditch makes more £££ for ferring the City staff from Birmingham back to leafy Redditch, then combine that with the Kingfisher open for longer and local routes running later you would have a great network.
I used to use the 146 every day between 2000-2004. It was a great route and very well used, and quite often almost full. It was very handy when it was increased form every 30mins to every 20. An hourly Sunday service and the last bus from Hopwood to Brum at 10.30pm. Perfect for me finishing work. I'm so glad I don't work in Hopwood anymore with the service how it is now. The walk up Redditch Road to The man on the moon, with no street lighting and limited pavements is not a good walk at night!
Quote from: sonic84 on February 25, 2013, 10:15:02 PM
I wonder what has caused the 146 to become a shadow of its former self.
At one point First were operating it every 20 minutes between Redditch and Birmingham, and it had a healthy peak and evening service too.
Over the years it just seems to have dwindled to a gesture really. I'm sure it can't be too long before its gone all together.
The Train?
Quote from: CRP2012 on February 26, 2013, 08:21:51 AM
Quote from: sonic84 on February 25, 2013, 10:15:02 PM
I wonder what has caused the 146 to become a shadow of its former self.
At one point First were operating it every 20 minutes between Redditch and Birmingham, and it had a healthy peak and evening service too.
Over the years it just seems to have dwindled to a gesture really. I'm sure it can't be too long before its gone all together.
The Train?
But the train service to Redditch hasnt changed since the 90s, still every half hour.
I reckon Diamond have got a fair chance of developing something with the 143/145/146 heading into the Birmingham area from Redditch and Bromsgrove
I feel the 146 has been badly served. I know the trains and concessionary fares have altered things, but trains aren't as convenient for some people as buses- buses stop in more places. The first 146 bus leaves Redditch 0555 hrs and the next one's 0855 hrs. Then the last bus from Redditch is 1540 hrs (having missed out the 1440 hrs and the return from Brum) and the last bus from Brum is 1635 hrs. This isn't a comprehensive service. Compare the 112 Arriva service to Lichfield- basically every hour through the day, though there are 4 trains an hour on the cross city line to Lichfield and for most of the way National Express are running along the route. I know there's X50/50A but they are a bit indirect and Redditch is much bigger than Lichfield. Redditch is a big town a few miles away from the second biggest city in the country.
I suspect First in Redditch have been completely distracted by the competition from Diamond.
http://www.diamondbuses.com/services/WestMidlands_5/146-BirminghamtoRedditch_297.html
Quote from: vinh1000 on March 01, 2013, 06:18:04 PM
http://www.diamondbuses.com/services/WestMidlands_5/146-BirminghamtoRedditch_297.html
Hopefully that will revive it
so after last buses are in Kidderminster & Redditch it good bye from first and hello diamond at 00.00 am sunday
Well once the buses from Redditch have left for Worcester and Hereford its Bon vouage From First (f) and Good Morning Diam<>nd; tho I would think that Kidder will be open on Sunday to rebrand and move in buses and remove buses (those they are getting rid of) and I would think a team will be working to get any buses they will need for Service on Sunday rebranded through the night at Redditch as well as any signs to the Garages.
All the blue timetable boxes are empty and I would imagine that they along with the First (f) bus stop flags will be removed tomorrow from around the two Towns and WCC ones put in there place.
when up by Kidderminster depot all that was in the yard was 42401,42405 ,and the vario which has not moved for years
all the doors to the bays where shut and there has been a start on made taking the signs down. . heared something today which surely must be a rumor that Worcester has now been sold to diamond
the last first bust leaves Kidderminster at 7.45pm on the no 3
Quote from: bewminster on March 02, 2013, 01:33:13 PM
when up by Kidderminster depot all that was in the yard was 42401,42405 ,and the vario which has not moved for years
all the doors to the bays where shut and there has been a start on made taking the signs down. . heared something today which surely must be a rumor that Worcester has now been sold to diamond
the last first bust leaves Kidderminster at 7.45pm on the no 3
Is there really a rumour floating round that they have bought Worcester too? Can anyone confirm or deny this rumour?
Not true!!!
Quote from: j789 on March 02, 2013, 10:19:30 PM
Not true!!!
Dam!! Would have been good value for money for all 3 cites a network from woucster to birimgham
Quote from: dgss1 on March 03, 2013, 03:25:57 PM
Quote from: j789 on March 02, 2013, 10:19:30 PM
Not true!!!
Dam!! Would have been good value for money for all 3 cites a network from woucster to birimgham
I doubt Rotala have sufficient funds to be able to buy a profitable operation the size of Worcester even if it were for sale.
So how has the first weekday of diamond operation in Redditch and Kidderminster gone since the first takeover? Looking at their facebook page people are moaning about late runnings, buses not turning up and being rammed to the doors. Has anyone got any pics they have taken today or any other news regarding this?
Quote from: Ash on March 04, 2013, 06:38:54 PM
So how has the first weekday of diamond operation in Redditch and Kidderminster gone since the first takeover? Looking at their facebook page people are moaning about late runnings, buses not turning up and being rammed to the doors. Has anyone got any pics they have taken today or any other news regarding this?
regarding late running drivers where saying they had had no training on the tick et machines, one bus I went for was miss out but this was due to someone being sick on it . as for blinds have just posted something in another thread , think it was the one called 146. what I can not understand was the ex first buses had stickers on on hire to fmr but the blue diamond ones did not
An interesting photo on Flickr of former First 31452 with its new operator (not my photo)
Follow the link if you can stand using the horrible new Flickr!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmb15/8781036621/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmb15/8781036621/)
I travelled on R455 CCV today, running the 3 in Kidderminster from Redditch garage.
The seats looked like they had been recently reupholstered (left over moquette from First??)
Was also nice to see the 'enjoy travelling - First' sticker still on the driver's door.
Also interesting to note part of the driver security screen had been removed.
The bus still shows its fleet number 42455!
Seems odd this bus has been fitted with an LED screen - when it has no ramp?
I also saw the repainted 54 plate dart in Kidderminster garage from the bus I was on - looks smart and the aqua handrails look quite at home with the blue I think.
Does anyone know when exactly the decision regarding whether diamond can takeover First's services officially will be made?
Quote from: Ash on June 20, 2013, 05:45:39 PM
Does anyone know when exactly the decision regarding whether diamond can takeover First's services officially will be made?
Someone on another forum seemed to think it was by the 24th July, but I pointed out that the decision is whether the Oft actually intend to investigate the acquisition, as I see it if they do decide to investigate it could be sometime yet before Rotala know the outcome. Unless anyone knows differently?
From this link I think every thing has gone through
http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/mergers/decisions/2013/diamond-bus#.UheADcJwbcs
Its been cleared so it looks that way. Will be interesting to see the full text to see if undertakings have been given
Quote from: bewminster on August 23, 2013, 04:33:45 PM
From this link I think every thing has gone through
http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/mergers/decisions/2013/diamond-bus#.UheADcJwbcs
Great news! Right decision made here-though stagecoach and natex will be a bit irritated, stagecoach in particular as they are known to have wanted the operation
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 23, 2013, 07:30:39 PM
Quote from: bewminster on August 23, 2013, 04:33:45 PM
From this link I think every thing has gone through
http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/mergers/decisions/2013/diamond-bus#.UheADcJwbcs
Great news! Right decision made here-though stagecoach and natex will be a bit irritated, stagecoach in particular as they are known to have wanted the operation
Lets hope Rotala can now sort the remaining issues out in Redditch and run a tight ship there, I'd like to now see some new B7RLE ordered for Redditch (57/58) & Tividale (4) now the uncertainty has been lifted.
I'm sure if NX or Stagecoach would have been seriously interested in the operation they would have easily outbid Rotala
Quote from: Winston on August 23, 2013, 07:36:32 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 23, 2013, 07:30:39 PM
Quote from: bewminster on August 23, 2013, 04:33:45 PM
From this link I think every thing has gone through
http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/mergers/decisions/2013/diamond-bus#.UheADcJwbcs
Great news! Right decision made here-though stagecoach and natex will be a bit irritated, stagecoach in particular as they are known to have wanted the operation
Lets hope Rotala can now sort the remaining issues out in Redditch and run a tight ship there, I'd like to now see some new B7RLE ordered for Redditch (57/58) & Tividale (4) now the uncertainty has been lifted.
I'm sure if NX or Stagecoach would have been seriously interested in the operation they would have easily outbid Rotala
I would like to think there will be some investment but I guess there won't be by any large scale. Some branding for certain service would be also be useful promoting the service and going an individual brand like the black country connection was. The average fleet age of diamond is not bad but there are too many mpd darts and solo's and to few heavy duty single deckers such as the b7rle or citaro's.
Quote from: Ash on August 23, 2013, 09:43:25 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 23, 2013, 07:36:32 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 23, 2013, 07:30:39 PM
Quote from: bewminster on August 23, 2013, 04:33:45 PM
From this link I think every thing has gone through
http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/mergers/decisions/2013/diamond-bus#.UheADcJwbcs
Great news! Right decision made here-though stagecoach and natex will be a bit irritated, stagecoach in particular as they are known to have wanted the operation
Lets hope Rotala can now sort the remaining issues out in Redditch and run a tight ship there, I'd like to now see some new B7RLE ordered for Redditch (57/58) & Tividale (4) now the uncertainty has been lifted.
I'm sure if NX or Stagecoach would have been seriously interested in the operation they would have easily outbid Rotala
I would like to think there will be some investment but I guess there won't be by any large scale. Some branding for certain service would be also be useful promoting the service and going an individual brand like the black country connection was. The average fleet age of diamond is not bad but there are too many mpd darts and solo's and to few heavy duty single deckers such as the b7rle or citaro's.
I agree here and based on the loads I saw on the 4/H/M I saw yesterday they are definitely justified. Whats good is when you have a 4H/M come into west brom with a 4 just in front that goes to the stand and collects passengers while the 4H/M can unload and then leapfrog ahead and collect passengers. This happened yesterday and both buses were full on arriving in walsall where there were 3 NX ones sat around so they unloaded and went straight off again and both were full again by west brom. Admittedly they were a cadet and W337VGX so not massive buses but still very busy.
Message from Simon Dunn
YourBus
I have noted on the West Midlands Bus forum comments about the relationship
between the two companies.
I am the Chief Executive of Rotala and as such if I or any Director or Rotala
had any involvement in YourBus it would trigger an announcement
Scott is my older brother, and we have sold, rented vehicles and services to
them historically but today there is no on going business relationship, other
than what would be described as in the normal course of business. So for
example we sold and took in part exchange from them a number of vehicles this
year.
Redditch/Kidderminster
I am committed to confidentiality by the OFT at the present moment in time, so I
am unable to comment on their judgement.
Moving forward, we have already started the process in replacing a large number
of vehicles. We are working towards removing all the Ex-First deckers and None
DDA vehicles (if anyone is interested the DDA deckers will be sold at £10-11k
each), and at the same time increasing the number of long low floor single
decked DDA vehicles.
The OFT process has not helped, we have learnt a lot from it, but now it is over
we can get focused on improving the network and service delivery
Simon
Quote from: Tony on August 24, 2013, 10:03:47 PM
Message from Simon Dunn
YourBus
I have noted on the West Midlands Bus forum comments about the relationship
between the two companies.
I am the Chief Executive of Rotala and as such if I or any Director or Rotala
had any involvement in YourBus it would trigger an announcement
Scott is my older brother, and we have sold, rented vehicles and services to
them historically but today there is no on going business relationship, other
than what would be described as in the normal course of business. So for
example we sold and took in part exchange from them a number of vehicles this
year.
Redditch/Kidderminster
I am committed to confidentiality by the OFT at the present moment in time, so I
am unable to comment on their judgement.
Moving forward, we have already started the process in replacing a large number
of vehicles. We are working towards removing all the Ex-First deckers and None
DDA vehicles (if anyone is interested the DDA deckers will be sold at £10-11k
each), and at the same time increasing the number of long low floor single
decked DDA vehicles.
The OFT process has not helped, we have learnt a lot from it, but now it is over
we can get focused on improving the network and service delivery
Simon
Shame Simon cannot just join the forum to discuss rotala as they are my favourite company and it would be nice to have a member of diamond's management to answer our questions :) And I don't think people now consider the relationship between rotala and yourbus big news any more what is big news is that yourbus are receiving financial backing from another company but no one seems to know who!!!!!
I understand the situation regarding redditch and kidderminster and I am definitely on rotala's side-the oft have just been downright unhelpful to them as have local people and politicians. Diamond have taken a lot of unfair criticism most of which is unfair and ungrounded. I do however think that saying a large number of vehicles have been replaced is a little short of the truth even for me who really would defend rotala in terms of their fleet replacement. At that price they are certainly priced to sell which is good as Im not a massive fan of them.
It would be great though Simon if you could answer some of our questions such as:
Could the 002 be improved?
Are new buses destined for the WM operation and if so of what kind?
Will W901/4 JNF be coming to the west midlands along with the withdrawn park and ride centro at wessex?
Will the other jnf dart be re entering service-either 902/3 the one that hasnt entered service.
There are a lot of buses withdrawn-could these not be priced more to get shot of them as they are just depreciating and the money could be put towards more buses
Would rotala group consider buying more secondhand buses such as a dart slf from drew wilson and a dart slf and enviro300 from southdown psv
Also, could the ex wessex mpds be repainted and DIAMOND logos put onto all vehicles
Could the 4M frequency be increased, returns advertised and evening/sunday services reinstated
Hopefully you can help with maybe at least one or two of these queries
I'm glad you read the forum but it would be great if you could answer enthusiasts questions even though you are no doubt very busy :)
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 24, 2013, 10:27:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 24, 2013, 10:03:47 PM
Message from Simon Dunn
YourBus
I have noted on the West Midlands Bus forum comments about the relationship
between the two companies.
I am the Chief Executive of Rotala and as such if I or any Director or Rotala
had any involvement in YourBus it would trigger an announcement
Scott is my older brother, and we have sold, rented vehicles and services to
them historically but today there is no on going business relationship, other
than what would be described as in the normal course of business. So for
example we sold and took in part exchange from them a number of vehicles this
year.
Redditch/Kidderminster
I am committed to confidentiality by the OFT at the present moment in time, so I
am unable to comment on their judgement.
Moving forward, we have already started the process in replacing a large number
of vehicles. We are working towards removing all the Ex-First deckers and None
DDA vehicles (if anyone is interested the DDA deckers will be sold at £10-11k
each), and at the same time increasing the number of long low floor single
decked DDA vehicles.
The OFT process has not helped, we have learnt a lot from it, but now it is over
we can get focused on improving the network and service delivery
Simon
Shame Simon cannot just join the forum to discuss rotala as they are my favourite company and it would be nice to have a member of diamond's management to answer our questions :) And I don't think people now consider the relationship between rotala and yourbus big news any more what is big news is that yourbus are receiving financial backing from another company but no one seems to know who!!!!!
I understand the situation regarding redditch and kidderminster and I am definitely on rotala's side-the oft have just been downright unhelpful to them as have local people and politicians. Diamond have taken a lot of unfair criticism most of which is unfair and ungrounded. I do however think that saying a large number of vehicles have been replaced is a little short of the truth even for me who really would defend rotala in terms of their fleet replacement. At that price they are certainly priced to sell which is good as Im not a massive fan of them.
It would be great though Simon if you could answer some of our questions such as:
Could the 002 be improved?
Are new buses destined for the WM operation and if so of what kind?
Will W901/4 JNF be coming to the west midlands along with the withdrawn park and ride centro at wessex?
Will the other jnf dart be re entering service-either 902/3 the one that hasnt entered service.
There are a lot of buses withdrawn-could these not be priced more to get shot of them as they are just depreciating and the money could be put towards more buses
Would rotala group consider buying more secondhand buses such as a dart slf from drew wilson and a dart slf and enviro300 from southdown psv
Also, could the ex wessex mpds be repainted and DIAMOND logos put onto all vehicles
Could the 4M frequency be increased, returns advertised and evening/sunday services reinstated
Hopefully you can help with maybe at least one or two of these queries
I'm glad you read the forum but it would be great if you could answer enthusiasts questions even though you are no doubt very busy :)
Some fair points there diamond dart, the 4 should return definitely every 15 minutes between Walsall and West Bromwich and run it 5 minutes before the 4M service similar to how it was before with the 404E and was working.
Quote from: DiamondDart on August 24, 2013, 10:27:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on August 24, 2013, 10:03:47 PM
Message from Simon Dunn
YourBus
I have noted on the West Midlands Bus forum comments about the relationship
between the two companies.
I am the Chief Executive of Rotala and as such if I or any Director or Rotala
had any involvement in YourBus it would trigger an announcement
Scott is my older brother, and we have sold, rented vehicles and services to
them historically but today there is no on going business relationship, other
than what would be described as in the normal course of business. So for
example we sold and took in part exchange from them a number of vehicles this
year.
Redditch/Kidderminster
I am committed to confidentiality by the OFT at the present moment in time, so I
am unable to comment on their judgement.
Moving forward, we have already started the process in replacing a large number
of vehicles. We are working towards removing all the Ex-First deckers and None
DDA vehicles (if anyone is interested the DDA deckers will be sold at £10-11k
each), and at the same time increasing the number of long low floor single
decked DDA vehicles.
The OFT process has not helped, we have learnt a lot from it, but now it is over
we can get focused on improving the network and service delivery
Simon
Shame Simon cannot just join the forum to discuss rotala as they are my favourite company and it would be nice to have a member of diamond's management to answer our questions :) And I don't think people now consider the relationship between rotala and yourbus big news any more what is big news is that yourbus are receiving financial backing from another company but no one seems to know who!!!!!
I understand the situation regarding redditch and kidderminster and I am definitely on rotala's side-the oft have just been downright unhelpful to them as have local people and politicians. Diamond have taken a lot of unfair criticism most of which is unfair and ungrounded. I do however think that saying a large number of vehicles have been replaced is a little short of the truth even for me who really would defend rotala in terms of their fleet replacement. At that price they are certainly priced to sell which is good as Im not a massive fan of them.
It would be great though Simon if you could answer some of our questions such as:
Could the 002 be improved?
Are new buses destined for the WM operation and if so of what kind?
Will W901/4 JNF be coming to the west midlands along with the withdrawn park and ride centro at wessex?
Will the other jnf dart be re entering service-either 902/3 the one that hasnt entered service.
There are a lot of buses withdrawn-could these not be priced more to get shot of them as they are just depreciating and the money could be put towards more buses
Would rotala group consider buying more secondhand buses such as a dart slf from drew wilson and a dart slf and enviro300 from southdown psv
Also, could the ex wessex mpds be repainted and DIAMOND logos put onto all vehicles
Could the 4M frequency be increased, returns advertised and evening/sunday services reinstated
Hopefully you can help with maybe at least one or two of these queries
I'm glad you read the forum but it would be great if you could answer enthusiasts questions even though you are no doubt very busy :)
I agree, I think it would be good to have the Rotala chief Exec on the forum. It would be interesting to discuss / hear the issues that face Rotala & the WM Diamond operation.
Now that the Oft decision has gone in Rotala's favour, I would like to see Rotala take the bull by the horns and firstly conduct a full network review in both Redditch & Kidderminster, consulting with their passengers for opinions / suggestions etc, over time I'd also like to see Rotala try and reverse the years of decline & contraction of Pvr within those areas by First Wyvern through enhancing frequencies / route extensions and possibly new routes creating new links and a larger network & link the two garages routes closer still. I think there is potential to expand service linking Bromsgrove, I also think Rotala should considering strengthening the KR operation as it seems Whittles have a greater market share of town routes.
I would also like to see Rotala buy a new fleet of B7RLE for Redditch's flagship 57/58 routes, especially given they are soon to face competition once again. No doubt with a fleet of SLF Darts.
I think it's fair to say that few think Rotala have ties with Yourbus, however it does appear that Yourbus have some sort of financial backers that are intent on weakening Trent Barton. Given the number of new competitive services that are being started with a brand new fleet from day 1
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
Quote from: Ash on August 24, 2013, 11:21:57 PM
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
Is the Whittle's 192 tendered or commercial?
Once Rotala get to grips with RH & KR and hopefully makes some decent returns, they could always strike at First again in Worcester, as they should be in a much stronger position this time around being in the position to offer network tickets which cover a much greater area than First now serve
Quote from: Ash on August 24, 2013, 11:21:57 PM
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
would be nice to link to some of the routes in the Stourbridge, and black country areas as whittles have the 125 bridgnorth - Stourbridge via Kidderminster Halesowen would be a better link to birmingham and other parts of diamond area
Quote from: bewminster on August 24, 2013, 11:41:47 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 24, 2013, 11:21:57 PM
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
would be nice to link to some of the routes in the Stourbridge, and black country areas as whittles have the 125 bridgnorth - Stourbridge via Kidderminster Halesowen would be a better link to birmingham and other parts of diamond area
Diamond ran the 192 previously with ex London Volvo Olympians/NC Palatine and Dennis Lance and withdrew it no doubt due to insufficient passenger numbers.
Quote from: Winston on August 24, 2013, 11:46:27 PM
Quote from: bewminster on August 24, 2013, 11:41:47 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 24, 2013, 11:21:57 PM
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
would be nice to link to some of the routes in the Stourbridge, and black country areas as whittles have the 125 bridgnorth - Stourbridge via Kidderminster Halesowen would be a better link to birmingham and other parts of diamond area
Diamond ran the 192 previously with ex London Volvo Olympians/NC Palatine and Dennis Lance and withdrew it no doubt due to insufficient passenger numbers.
The same Olympians which still enter Halesowen/Hagley/Kidderminster regularly, but now with Green Bus...
The two Lances (now scrapped) also came from Diamond if I remember rightly.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on August 24, 2013, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 24, 2013, 11:46:27 PM
Quote from: bewminster on August 24, 2013, 11:41:47 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 24, 2013, 11:21:57 PM
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
would be nice to link to some of the routes in the Stourbridge, and black country areas as whittles have the 125 bridgnorth - Stourbridge via Kidderminster Halesowen would be a better link to birmingham and other parts of diamond area
Diamond ran the 192 previously with ex London Volvo Olympians/NC Palatine and Dennis Lance and withdrew it no doubt due to insufficient passenger numbers.
The same Olympians which still enter Halesowen/Hagley/Kidderminster regularly, but now with Green Bus...
The two Lances (now scrapped) also came from Diamond if I remember rightly.
The Olympians were N5--LGH & R3--LGH, I always quite liked the Palatine II bodywork design
Yes the L2--YAG Lance/Plaxton Verde & P452PBH Lance / NC Paladin all came from Diamond
Quote from: Winston on August 24, 2013, 11:30:07 PM
Quote from: Ash on August 24, 2013, 11:21:57 PM
I know that Whittles operates the 192 service to Kidderminster/Stourport but a link between Halesowen and Kidderminster would be ideal and give a good connection between there Worcestershire and Black country services especially with services such as the 4H/002/142/202 all diamond services serving Halesowen.
Is the Whittle's 192 tendered or commercial?
Once Rotala get to grips with RH & KR and hopefully makes some decent returns, they could always strike at First again in Worcester, as they should be in a much stronger position this time around being in the position to offer network tickets which cover a much greater area than First now serve
think it is tendered when it was a first route it was tenderded by Herefordshire Shropshire Worcestershire and centro I think
and over time apart from Worcestershire the subsideds where withdrawn that is why it just runs as far as Halesowen.