OK - a quetion here that I guess is aimed primarily at drivers, past and present, and prompted by BC Mobile's post that there's a long waiting list to get on the Harborne rota at BC. Which rotas, at garages you currently or have previously worked at, are the best and worst to work on and why? I suspect factors like running time, layover time, areas served, clientele and buses used might all come into the equation. Is there a crappy one where all new drivers get put (I know Disco Dave didn't like the Bradford Place rota at Walsall)? Or a stand-out one which everyone wants to get on to? Would be interested to know from an outsider's perspective. Appreciate that most current drivers on this forum are at WN, PE or BC but the likes of Tony and Settlerman seem to have worked at a number of depots.
Quote from: Mike K on April 16, 2013, 02:57:39 PM
OK - a quetion here that I guess is aimed primarily at drivers, past and present, and prompted by BC Mobile's post that there's a long waiting list to get on the Harborne rota at BC. Which rotas, at garages you currently or have previously worked at, are the best and worst to work on and why? I suspect factors like running time, layover time, areas served, clientele and buses used might all come into the equation. Is there a crappy one where all new drivers get put (I know Disco Dave didn't like the Bradford Place rota at Walsall)? Or a stand-out one which everyone wants to get on to? Would be interested to know from an outsider's perspective. Appreciate that most current drivers on this forum are at WN, PE or BC but the likes of Tony and Settlerman seem to have worked at a number of depots.
900 when it was at Walsall was the best rota. with the travelling time to reliefs I think the average driving time was about 5h30m
Tony
To be honest there's good and bad in all rotas but I'll supply a list. (BC only)
Bristol Road (61 63 45 47) - Biggest rota in the garage. The best in my opinion because every duty there's variation, having 4 routes. And none go through terrible areas as such. I know Northfield isn't the best but its better then Bordesley, which I'll speak about later. The majority of duties are good as well what's I found, albeit 4hr 20mins break on one and a spread of 3.5hrs etc. Always do a trip in between though. We used to have a massive variation of buses aswell, alx400s tridents spectras metros but now only tridents.
Great Park (X64 98 99) - Quietish most of the time on all services, all services can be a hairy at times with tight side roads and damn parked cars. The buses on there aren't great either.
Harborne (22 23) - Hardest road to get on. Personally, very boring. Hell of a lot of running time and lovely buses. Clientel seem slightly better then other roads, but not without its risks. Worst bit is Broad Street. Nice to get a 4-day duty, although you'll do 5.5 trips. Earlies are very nice on this road.
Weoley Castle (24 29 29A) - Once half nine gets here you'll get hammered. With a lowish frequency you'll have a high passenger load, especially push chairs. With the 29 linking Northfeild and Weoley Castle Square the clientele a lacking a certain amount of respect if you ask me. I wouldn't say the routes are bad, but like I said the people spoil it
Crap 24 terminus. All that coupled with Broad Street, I try to avoid this road.
Cranes Park (58 59 60) - Once your through Small Heath the routes improve dramatically, but for the simple fact you have to spend time in Small Heath I'd recommend avoiding these roads. Not worth the high blood pressure. 58 - very very tight, for lates sake take it wide. Wrong buses on there, simple. 59 isn't that bad, open door policy at the terminus. Not bad at all. 60 is the simplest route in the garage, with the turning point having never been changed since it started all those years ago. When you have a parked car near the turning point you will have to use reverse. Management is aware of this so I dare say the route with get changed. There's a nice turning point about 2mins away from where it is now.
Coventry (957 900 900E) - Fast road (Meaning over 40mph along the A45, Do Not Exceed Speed Limit), not bad as they avoid small heath. Longer routes are better in my opinion and neither routegoes tthrough bad areas. Solihull is a nice terminus for the 957, and sufficent running time. 900 of a Sunday is a bit of a rush though. Coventry late night is sought after. Fairly good duties across the board, but you'll find you'll be doing cranes park work though.
Chelmsley (97A 97B 97C) - Personally, crap road. Deadly. Other drivers like this route cause your always rushing but rush and have a bump/complaint you'll be filling in your diamond application!! Death threats; 'nuff said. Also a "fast road" (Meaning short running time/you rarely get to wait your time, but again take your time dont worry about the running card!!!)
Coleshill (56 90) - The 56 is basically a 59 of a Sunday and late night, nothing to say about that really. 90 is a good long run, enjoyable too. Again its sought after especially the late nights. For pure driving 'fun' I guess, the late night Coleshill is where its at.
Tile Cross (14) - Simple route; poor areas. Another route I don't do; see 97. The vast majority of the drivers for these poor routes are ex Lea Hall anyway.
Sorry for any mistakes on this post I'm lacking a keyboard at the moment.
Nothing said in the above post was to offend anyone or anything just my opinion. I really do enjoy working for NX.
Best Regards,
Great post. :)
How long did that take to 'type', without a keyboard?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on April 16, 2013, 05:51:49 PM
Great post. :)
How long did that take to 'type', without a keyboard?
Too damn long!! Seriously, about 25minutes. It looks like a novel on this phone screen but on a monitor I bet its small lol. If I remember anything else I'll just add it as a new post.
Forgot to say about the Great Park is the duties are quite poor to be honest. With a massive rota you'll get like 30mins break and stuff, but because GP has a max of every 20min service, you have large breaks even in morning. Not really much work to do on thier. If it wern't for the parked vehicles causing issues it'll be like being part time haha
Here's what I think of the Acocks Green rotas, not that I am there anymore and haven't been for some time...
Warwick (37)
The best rota in my opinion. The duties were the best, the relief point has good facilities and is easy for the garage and for car parking, the Omnilinks are decent buses to drive and warm in the winter. The frequency is good so you're never overwhelmed, although you are always pretty busy but there are always plenty of buses. Plenty of time on the route and a fairly straightforward run, although Solihull Town Centre can get dicey at times. Very rarely any space on the rota.
Widney (5)
Old man's rota. The 5 is probably the easiest route in the garage and again the duties are pretty good. The downside is having to do the length of the Stratford Road through Sparkhill and at peak times getting in and out of Solihull from the church end of the High Street is a major pain, although running time is pretty generous with good layovers. Again, you won't get on this rota.
Olton (31, 31A)
Hated this rota!! All the hassle of Sparkhill traffic and bus stops, and the Gospel Lane estates. I have NEVER had so much trouble from little gobshites as what I got round here, I was stuck one night as they kept pressing the emergency open from outside, interlocking the bus while I was trying to pull away. They are evil. And it's quite a boring and pointless route, also gets stuck in Shirley and doesn't have the same recovery time as the 5.
Solihull (73, 966, S1)
My other least favourite. All you drive is knackered Presidents and the odd Gemini, all the routes are 'if you see a turn take it' and you have to suffer Small Heath and Kingshurst all day every day. There is no time on these routes either, the 73 was my least favourite route to drive full stop. Hated it. Can also never get on the stop by Selfridges without and Inspector trying to move you as they only care about the 50. All reliefs in Solihull where you can't park your car and they have duties that start in Solihull and finish at garage.
Moseley (1, 71, 72)
In terms of routes this was my favourite, or it would have been if they didn't interwork the 71 and 72 because it doesn't work, you are always late setting off on a 71 and have to belt it all the way to Sutton and back. The 1 is alright out of peak but it's a horrible route to drive in the peak, you are constantly late and lose half your break, plus it's Presidents. Reliefs are all over the place so parking and travelling is an issueand also the worst rota for split shifts.
Outer Circle Clockwise (11C)
The worst of the two Outer Circle rotas as the 'C' seems to get clobbered more on traffic and late running. Out of the two rotas the duties on this one are slightly better for some reason though.
Outer Circle Anti (11A)
Anticlockwise was definitely the best direction on the Outer Circle, can't really put my finger on why but it was always nicer. Relief points on these two are garage although breaks could be quite dicey with laterunning and you do double circuits sometimes which you don't want. Plus of course it's mainly Presidents now.
Basically if it wasn't for being lumbered with all the Presidents, many of which shouldn't even be on the road, the majority of the work would be OK. Except for the 31 which should be scrapped or rerouted.
like BC mobile said, there's good and bad on all rotas.
At WB, there are currently 9 rotas (as of today, changing AGAIN at the end of the month):
Soho Road - 74, 75, 80, 48 and 49 - all the soho road and cape hill fare dodgers, but the 48 makes up for it
Dudley Road - 82 and 87 - pick up all the Dudley Road idiots and no running time. why anyone goes on this rota is beyond me.
Oldbury - 83, 89, 127/8/9 - been told its one of the best rotas at the garage, but never been on it, that what the drivers tell me.
West Bromwich - 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47/A, 121 - if you take out the 42 and 43, not a bad little rota. (42 and 43 chav central in Tipton)
Sutton - 5 and 121 - the rota i'm on. 4 day working week and in my opinion, easiest rota to be on. 5 trips a day to Sutton max, 4 min. lovely.
40 - 40 (old 410) - about 100 trips through friar park every day. not everyones cup of tea.
4 day Soho Road - as Soho road above, but longer hours.
Part Time and Schools rota - part timers get whatever crap duties left over 3 days a week, and schools same routes Mon to Fri, mainly on 74s and 75s, with a couple on the 42 and 43.
Quote from: wbdriver on April 16, 2013, 08:57:57 PM
like BC mobile said, there's good and bad on all rotas.
At WB, there are currently 9 rotas (as of today, changing AGAIN at the end of the month):
Soho Road - 74, 75, 80, 48 and 49 - all the soho road and cape hill fare dodgers, but the 48 makes up for it
Dudley Road - 82 and 87 - pick up all the Dudley Road idiots and no running time. why anyone goes on this rota is beyond me.
Oldbury - 83, 89, 127/8/9 - been told its one of the best rotas at the garage, but never been on it, that what the drivers tell me.
West Bromwich - 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47/A, 121 - if you take out the 42 and 43, not a bad little rota. (42 and 43 chav central in Tipton)
Sutton - 5 and 121 - the rota i'm on. 4 day working week and in my opinion, easiest rota to be on. 5 trips a day to Sutton max, 4 min. lovely.
40 - 40 (old 410) - about 100 trips through friar park every day. not everyones cup of tea.
4 day Soho Road - as Soho road above, but longer hours.
Part Time and Schools rota - part timers get whatever crap duties left over 3 days a week, and schools same routes Mon to Fri, mainly on 74s and 75s, with a couple on the 42 and 43.
Did you ever drive the 404 WB driver as quite a few of the now 5 drivers seem to have come off the 404 when it got moved to Walsall.
Interesting posts chaps, very informative.
@ BC mobile - I'd thought that the 99 was on its own rota separate from the 98 and X64 (Quinton rota?). Is that something that's changed recently?
Quote from: wbdriver on April 16, 2013, 08:57:57 PM
40 - 40 (old 410) - about 100 trips through friar park every day. not everyones cup of tea.
I can't imagine Friar Park being anyone's cup of tea. I remember being in college at West Brom and having to go through Friar Park twice a day for three days a week - not the best of times.
The 410 used to have major timetable issues when there were only 5 buses used on the service, since changing to the 40 they seem to have added an extra bus as before 30 minutes didn't seem enough time to get from West Bromwich to Wednesbury especially with all the roadworks that were happening at the time at All Saints way which could delay the bus anywhere from 10 minutes.
Quote from: Ash on April 16, 2013, 11:12:09 PM
The 410 used to have major timetable issues when there were only 5 buses used on the service, since changing to the 40 they seem to have added an extra bus as before 30 minutes didn't seem enough time to get from West Bromwich to Wednesbury especially with all the roadworks that were happening at the time at All Saints way which could delay the bus anywhere from 10 minutes.
The extra bus was added long before the 410 became the 40 and good lord it was a godsend - the route went from one end of the scale to the other in terms of reliability. Although nowadays, 30 minutes seems more than enough - usually makes it in around 25 minutes.
Quote from: wbdriver on April 16, 2013, 08:57:57 PM
like BC mobile said, there's good and bad on all rotas.
At WB, there are currently 9 rotas (as of today, changing AGAIN at the end of the month):
Soho Road - 74, 75, 80, 48 and 49 - all the soho road and cape hill fare dodgers, but the 48 makes up for it
Dudley Road - 82 and 87 - pick up all the Dudley Road idiots and no running time. why anyone goes on this rota is beyond me.
Oldbury - 83, 89, 127/8/9 - been told its one of the best rotas at the garage, but never been on it, that what the drivers tell me.
West Bromwich - 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47/A, 121 - if you take out the 42 and 43, not a bad little rota. (42 and 43 chav central in Tipton)
Sutton - 5 and 121 - the rota i'm on. 4 day working week and in my opinion, easiest rota to be on. 5 trips a day to Sutton max, 4 min. lovely.
40 - 40 (old 410) - about 100 trips through friar park every day. not everyones cup of tea.
4 day Soho Road - as Soho road above, but longer hours.
Part Time and Schools rota - part timers get whatever crap duties left over 3 days a week, and schools same routes Mon to Fri, mainly on 74s and 75s, with a couple on the 42 and 43.
Where do the 140/241 morning peak workings fit, as far as I can tell its the same guy every morning and he's great with passengers and one of the smoothest drivers I know
Quote from: wilmotm on April 16, 2013, 11:19:50 PM
Quote from: wbdriver on April 16, 2013, 08:57:57 PM
like BC mobile said, there's good and bad on all rotas.
At WB, there are currently 9 rotas (as of today, changing AGAIN at the end of the month):
Soho Road - 74, 75, 80, 48 and 49 - all the soho road and cape hill fare dodgers, but the 48 makes up for it
Dudley Road - 82 and 87 - pick up all the Dudley Road idiots and no running time. why anyone goes on this rota is beyond me.
Oldbury - 83, 89, 127/8/9 - been told its one of the best rotas at the garage, but never been on it, that what the drivers tell me.
West Bromwich - 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47/A, 121 - if you take out the 42 and 43, not a bad little rota. (42 and 43 chav central in Tipton)
Sutton - 5 and 121 - the rota i'm on. 4 day working week and in my opinion, easiest rota to be on. 5 trips a day to Sutton max, 4 min. lovely.
40 - 40 (old 410) - about 100 trips through friar park every day. not everyones cup of tea.
4 day Soho Road - as Soho road above, but longer hours.
Part Time and Schools rota - part timers get whatever crap duties left over 3 days a week, and schools same routes Mon to Fri, mainly on 74s and 75s, with a couple on the 42 and 43.
Where do the 140/241 morning peak workings fit, as far as I can tell its the same guy every morning and he's great with passengers and one of the smoothest drivers I know
Yes I must agree he is a very good driver and seems a very likeable person
Ash - i never did the 404. I came to the garage, went on the starter rota (74, 80, 428, 429, 447, 448) for six months then went onto the Great barr rota (406H, 407H, 410, 430, 438, 439, 444, 451), then onto the West Bromwich rota when the Great Barr and Walsall Rotas were merged when we lost the 404 (401, 402/A, 405, 406, 410, 414, 428, 429, 451, 644, 688).
The 410 went onto its own rota later to improve reliability, as it has been said with an extra bus, as did the 451. then came the Sandwell review and my previous post is what things are now. :)
nitromatt1, wilmotm - he is part of the part time and school rota - does the same monday to friday duty.
PN have 3 rotas
Dudley - (120,140,205, 243,241,244,276) rota is okay a few splits, alot of the dutys are long but all are at pensnett.
Stourbridge - (9,246) this is also an okay rota, alot of dutys start early or finish later than any other rota due to the 9s being more frequent and with the frequencies lasting longer throughout the day. a few splits two annoying ones were you have to use your hour and half break to get back to garage from Stourbridge to pick up a peak 9.
Merryhill - (53,141,222,289,297,x96) its like marmite, you love it or you hate it, not everyone cup of tea. dont no much about it as iv only done a couple of dutys down there.
Quote from: a.w on April 20, 2013, 10:14:49 AM
PN have 3 rotas
Dudley - (120,140,205, 243,241,244,276) rota is okay a few splits, alot of the dutys are long but all are at pensnett.
Stourbridge - (9,246) this is also an okay rota, alot of dutys start early or finish later than any other rota due to the 9s being more frequent and with the frequencies lasting longer throughout the day. a few splits two annoying ones were you have to use your hour and half break to get back to garage from Stourbridge to pick up a peak 9.
Merryhill - (53,141,222,289,297,x96) its like marmite, you love it or you hate it, not everyone cup of tea. dont no much about it as iv only done a couple of dutys down there.
So apart from the 141 and 222, the Merry Hill rota is for drivers who like the Merc
Quote from: bususer12 on April 20, 2013, 01:41:33 PM
Quote from: a.w on April 20, 2013, 10:14:49 AM
PN have 3 rotas
Dudley - (120,140,205, 243,241,244,276) rota is okay a few splits, alot of the dutys are long but all are at pensnett.
Stourbridge - (9,246) this is also an okay rota, alot of dutys start early or finish later than any other rota due to the 9s being more frequent and with the frequencies lasting longer throughout the day. a few splits two annoying ones were you have to use your hour and half break to get back to garage from Stourbridge to pick up a peak 9.
Merryhill - (53,141,222,289,297,x96) its like marmite, you love it or you hate it, not everyone cup of tea. dont no much about it as iv only done a couple of dutys down there.
So apart from the 141 and 222, the Merry Hill rota is for drivers who like the Merc
basically. merryhill is probably the worst out of the three.
New Walsall Rotas
City 51
Newa
6/7/7a/10/10a/77/335
Bloxwich
29 70/a 302
Mossley
301
4 rota
4/4h/4m
4 day rota 4
4/4h/ 4m
Wilenhall
40/41/8/89/69/335/336
City express
934/935/935A/936/997/X51
City express lates
934/935/935a/936/997/51/X51
Bradford place
34/38/39/311/313
Perry Barr's Rotas
Kingstanding - 33
Great Barr - 28
Pheasey - 46, 66, 66A, 952 (15A, 15C, 52, 52A)
Pheasey 4 Day
Pheasey L/N
Sutton Coldfield - 115, 902, 904, 905, 907, 914
Chelmsley Wood - 94
Chelmsley Wood L/N
Hamstead - 54, 68A/C
Perry Common - 7, 65
Castle Vale - 67
Oxhill - 16, 101
Erdington - 38
The ones I do like are the Suttons, due to the verity of routes, areas served and mostly they stay on main roads. Pheasey is one I also like (66 nice route and the 952 is a doddle), but I've only done it while I was on the spares and as overtime since been on a rota. I don't mind the odd day on the 94, but couldn't do it day in day out. I don't mind the Oxhill, but prefer the 16 to the 101. Nice buses on there also. I was on the Perry Common rota for 4 months before Suttons, I like the 65 but not the 7. One reason why I wanted to come off it was because the journeys are too short (1 hour a round trip), I prefer the longer routes, like the Suttons or 94.
Ones I don't like are Kingstanding (always busy and late running), Great Barr (too long route and traffic at the Vale)
I've never done Castle Vale, or Hamstead
Before the 79 was added Bilston was the best rota, no late nights, the latest you'd finish would be 21.15.
27,81,82
--
Does anyone have / could anyone provide an updated version of WN, WA and PN rotas?
WN:
Starter:
11,25,28,59,81,82,79
Bilston:
27/A,79,81,82
Staffordshire:
5,10,54,154
Pendeford:
3,4,6
Wednesfield:
11,25,28,59
Birmingham:
32/33,126
Wombourne:
2,255/6/7
1's and 529's on their own
Their are a few odd trips on other rota's such as late night 32/3's are on Wednesfield.
Quote from: Nathan on August 17, 2015, 01:32:30 PM
WN:
Starter:
11,25,28,59,81,82,79
Staffordshire:
5,10,54,154
Pendeford:
3,4,6
Wednesfield:
11,25,28,59
Birmingham:
32/33,126
Wombourne:
2,255/6/7
1's and 529's on their own
Their are a few odd trips on other rota's such as late night 32/3's are on Wednesfield.
Since when were they on starter?
Also you missed Bilston, 27,79,81,82
Also I don't think the 1's are on there own anymore
Since the April changes. Think it may have changed again tbh.
Meant to add Bilston in.
Quote from: John on August 17, 2015, 01:09:17 PM
Perry Barr's Rotas
Kingstanding - 33
Great Barr - 28
Pheasey - 46, 66, 66A, 952 (15A, 15C, 52, 52A)
Pheasey 4 Day
Pheasey L/N
Sutton Coldfield - 115, 902, 904, 905, 907, 914
Chelmsley Wood - 94
Chelmsley Wood L/N
Hamstead - 54, 68A/C
Perry Common - 7, 65
Castle Vale - 67
Oxhill - 16, 101
The ones I do like are the Suttons, due to the verity of routes, areas served and mostly they stay on main roads. Pheasey is one I also like (66 nice route and the 952 is a doddle), but I've only done it while I was on the spares and as overtime since been on a rota. I don't mind the odd day on the 94, but couldn't do it day in day out. I don't mind the Oxhill, but prefer the 16 to the 101. Nice buses on there also. I was on the Perry Common rota for 4 months before Suttons, I like the 65 but not the 7. One reason why I wanted to come off it was because the journeys are too short (1 hour a round trip), I prefer the longer routes, like the Suttons or 94.
Ones I don't like are Kingstanding (always busy and late running), Great Barr (too long route and traffic at the Vale)
I've never done Castle Vale, or Hamstead
What rota is the 38 on
@John ?
Quote from: 2206 on August 17, 2015, 04:38:18 PM
What rota is the 38 on @John ?
@2206 Forgot that one!
It on its own rota, forgot the name of it
Quote from: John on August 17, 2015, 04:39:21 PM
@2206 Forgot that one!
It on its own rota, forgot the name of it
Have you driven the 54 recently? Do you like that route?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 17, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Have you driven the 54 recently? Do you like that route?
I've never done the 54. I don't really want to do it
Quote from: John on August 17, 2015, 04:44:04 PM
I've never done the 54. I don't really want to do it
Have you ever been on the 38 rota what's that one like
@John
Quote from: 2206 on August 17, 2015, 04:46:11 PM
Have you ever been on the 38 rota what's that one like @John
Not done that either
Quote from: 2206 on August 17, 2015, 04:49:10 PM
Thanks for the reply @John
No worries. Overtime rarely comes on the 54/68, and I've never seen it on the 38, so I've seen no need to learn them
Quote from: driver on April 20, 2013, 10:14:49 AM
PN have 3 rotas
Dudley - (120,140,205, 243,241,244,276) rota is okay a few splits, alot of the dutys are long but all are at pensnett.
Stourbridge - (9,246) this is also an okay rota, alot of dutys start early or finish later than any other rota due to the 9s being more frequent and with the frequencies lasting longer throughout the day. a few splits two annoying ones were you have to use your hour and half break to get back to garage from Stourbridge to pick up a peak 9.
Merryhill - (53,141,222,289,297,x96) its like marmite, you love it or you hate it, not everyone cup of tea. dont no much about it as iv only done a couple of dutys down there.
X96 is on stourbridge rota or was
Anyone know WA Rota's?
Quote from: jack4325 on August 17, 2015, 06:44:48 PM
X96 is on stourbridge rota or was
Yes x96 is on Stourbridge bus station
Quote from: jack4325 on August 17, 2015, 06:44:48 PM
X96 is on stourbridge rota or was
That was written when X96 was on MH rota. Yes you are correct that the X96 is currently on Stourbridge rota
Quote from: The Fox 4846 on August 17, 2015, 06:54:16 PM
Anyone know WA Rota's?
Or Bordesley Greens rotas.
Or a up to date one for BC if anyone's got them please.
Quote from: John on August 17, 2015, 04:39:21 PM
@2206
It on its own rota, forgot the name of it
@John At a wild guess, was it called Erdington rota maybe?
Also I know it's irrelevant now but does anyone know the rota the WN 79 used to be on?
Quote from: AV4248 on August 17, 2015, 07:13:00 PM
@John At a wild guess, was it called Erdington rota maybe?
Also I know it's irrelevant now but does anyone know the rota the WN 79 used to be on?
Correct the 38 is on the Erdington rota
@AV4248
Quote from: jack4325 on August 17, 2015, 06:44:48 PM
X96 is on stourbridge rota or was
That was written 2013!
99 merry hill rota😉
Quote from: AV4248 on August 17, 2015, 07:13:00 PM
@John At a wild guess, was it called Erdington rota maybe?
Also I know it's irrelevant now but does anyone know the rota the WN 79 used to be on?
Wednesfield
In my time at NXWM I spent time at 4 different depots either on loan or threw transfers, WB, PN, BY & BC. Back then BC had a lot of lovely duties a lot of straight throughs and short duties.
From what I hear now BC duties aren't the best.
Would be interesting to know what the rotas were like at the old Hockley depot? If anyone can remember
Quote from: karl724223 on August 17, 2015, 07:28:44 PM
99 merry hill rota😉
Makes sense haha Merry Hill to QE
Back in the day Quinton rotas
Ridgacre - route 3 City to Woodgate Valley North - relief point outside depot eventually became 103. Route very repetitive. 448 was added to
this rota for a short time when 448 was at QN.
Monarch - routes 10 and 20 - generous drop backs on 10 and time to pop back to depot. Turning round at QRW / Gorsy Road very tight due
to car parking. Most drivers lived on the Quinton end of the route.
20 added variety and avoided having to go into City
Centre. Timings on 20 very tight with shortworkings Harborne to QRW. Three minute layover in Harborne taken up turning round
by Blue Coat School. Over 20 minute drop back at Smethwick. 5 and 6 Monarch on Saturdays all on 20 and avoided City Centre,
first part of 6 no break until 1416. Fleetlines hard work on 20 especially Saturdays - many regular drivers requested change bus on
first trip.
460 peak a.m. journeys appeared after Union blokes stopped doing it.
Harborne - routes 22 and 23. Reasonable routes and decent running times.
Weoley Castle - routes 21, 29 and 30. Limited journeys on 30 Quinton Depot - Northfield were basically placement journeys far too much time
and very few passengers. 29 nicer route than 21.
Dudley Road - route 82 great route to be on 18 minute drop back at Bearwood, Bus Station with refreshments at Mr. Cross's café. Free
parking in the enterance to Lightswood Park. Saturdays were tough - 3 lunch time starts, straight through duties of about 6 - 7
hours, 2 duties had to hurtle down to Duke of York to do 2nd portion on 22 / 23 - a real pain. Very repetitive and Dudley Road
not most inspiring, lots of problems with parked cars.
p.m. peak 460 and Sundays 443E also on this rota
Route spoilt when most off-peak journeys became 82A and extended to Harborne,
Duke of York to avoid costs of using Bearwood, Bus Station. You never quite knew where to wait always in the way.
Hagley Road - routes 9 and 19. 19 was a good route down Quinton Expressway and you saw a bit of countryside. 9 good route aswell good
facilities at Stourbridge. Some early finishes on 9, route shared with HL until its closure. Best rota in my opinion.
Im not a driver so my knowledge on this particular subject wouldn't be the best but I take it routes are congregated into rotas and you choose a rota and drive its routes throughout the week ?!
Pensnetts Rotas (AFAIK)
Dudley - 120,205,243,244,276
Stourbridge - 9,246,X96
Merry Hill - 53,140,141,222,241,289,297/A (plus 99 when it moves over)
BC rotas
Chelmsley - 97/A
Tile cross - 14
Coleshill - 70,56,59A
Harborne - 22,23/A,24,29/A
Bristol road - 61,63
Pershore road - 45,47 (used to be part of the Bristol road rota but was split about a week ago)
Cranes park - 58,59,60
Solihull- 957
Coventry-900
Great park- 98,99,X64
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 18, 2015, 05:57:49 PM
Pensnetts Rotas (AFAIK)
Dudley - 120,205,243,244,276
Stourbridge - 9,246,X96
Merry Hill - 53,140,141,222,241,289,297/A (plus 99 when it moves over)
There's also a 4 day rota for Dudley and Stourbridge
Quote from: pndriver on August 18, 2015, 06:11:44 PM
There's also a 4 day rota for Dudley and Stourbridge
What's a 4 day rota?
Quote from: Dom on August 18, 2015, 07:13:04 PM
What's a 4 day rota?
One where you work four days!
@Dom where they only work 4 days in a week...
#duh
When i worked for the railway, it was 4 days on, 4 days off!!
Oh ok wasn't sure if there was more to it.
West Bromwich garage, oldbury rota at first arrival just 128/129 to blackheath then came the 120 followed by 88, very good rota with decent duties, 120 left, 88 merged into the 128/129 running cards, 88 scrapped along came the 89, then 83 still a good rota even at this point and the final nail in the coffin 82/87 festooned up on us, duty averages go way up so not good. Not a very good rota at all now many have moved on, the rest of us whinge about it daily. Oh I,ve just remembered we did the 238 as well for a short time.
Don't forget 441 was on there too briefly
@2900
Pete, completely forgot about the 441, minibus route to and from Halesowen /West Bromwich via every back rd in Langley and oldbury always getting stuck at kenelm rd and meadow rd from my recollection.
Very handy for me for getting to oldbury town centre, now I have to use two buses when igo,s 20 service is not running.
I did a Sunday duty consisting of 4 city's 3 dudleys and a bearwood nearly over a 9 hour period not good to say the least, I wander why there is such a stink regarding Sunday work at West Bromwich and there we have certain select drivers who will be doing 2 4 hour dutys and getting paid two days pay. This nonsense been going on for years all we hear nothing shady going on, Pull the other one, many of us think the 4 hr dutys should become 5/6 hrs in duration and the 8/9 hrs down to 5/6 hrs average ,balance things out .
There was a time Sunday work was voluntary with decent dutys then it all changed with ever longer dutys next thing you know they can't cover the work, so that privilege went out the window like every thing else. West Bromwich,s 4 day rota it's being scrapped cause they can't cover the work , duties on that are terrible no wander the drivers on that look shattered and beat up all the time.
I remember the good old days at WB on Dudley Rd when we only did 3 trips on 87 with relief in dudley. 4-5 trips on 82 with Bearwood reliefs and 88 with blackheath reliefs, it was a nice bit of variety
Pete, they were good back in the day , oldbury rota majority straight through duties ruined by a minority who kept complaining about the breaks, these bastards left shortly after the new longer duties started. Mr R.G and cronies thanks a lot
Any idea of current day YW rotas please and what new starters would most likely go on at the garage (after Spare)
Thanks
Quote from: John Stait on October 01, 2015, 12:16:40 PM
Any idea of current day YW rotas please and what new starters would most likely go on at the garage (after Spare)
Thanks
Bartley Green (BG) - 18
Hall Green - 6
Hawkesley - 84
Kings Norton (KN) - 49/76
Maypole - 50
Pool Farm - 27/35
Warstock - 2/3
May Green - mixture of everything but more on the 6/50 than anything else, this is where you'll end up after learning all the routes, not bad if you like a bit of variety but no good if the 50 or 6 isn't your cup of tea. You can move onto other rotas when other new starters come along and rota fills up but you'll be on there a while. The BG is the old mans road so impossible to get onto without being there a fairly long time, the same also applies to a certain extent to the Warstock as spaces don't come up very often and there a normally plenty of drivers wanting to go on (those with the longest service take precedence). The same also apples to the 84 as its just 1 full time and 2 part time drivers.
Thankyou for that detailed reply, the 18 always was the old mans rota even years ago! 2/3 or 49/76 would be my choice then.
Thanks again, John
What's pb's current rotas
Quote from: The Fox 4846 on May 09, 2016, 05:48:28 PM
What's pb's current rotas
The same as I put on page 2, the only changes are the route changes, (No 115, 68A/C etc.)
Kingstanding now has a Late Night Rota, and the Oxhill is soon to be split into 4 day, 5 day and L/N rotas
how about the inner circle 8a/ c is that a good rota
back in july i caught a 97 at 954 into brum reaching moor street at 1028 i spent most of my day in edgbaston arriving back in town at 730 noticing the 97 home caught it and it was the same driver at 954 i thought blimey thats a long shift , how many hours did he drive any ideas
Quote from: iansdavies on October 26, 2016, 09:25:26 PM
back in july i caught a 97 at 954 into brum reaching moor street at 1028 i spent most of my day in edgbaston arriving back in town at 730 noticing the 97 home caught it and it was the same driver at 954 i thought blimey thats a long shift , how many hours did he drive any ideas
Could have had a 12 hour split shift or that driver might have done some overtime either in the morning or evening
Quote from: John on October 26, 2016, 10:02:26 PM
Could have had a 12 hour split shift or that driver might have done some overtime either in the morning or evening
Does BC have a 4 day rota?
Quote from: Dom on October 27, 2016, 09:31:32 AM
Does BC have a 4 day rota?
On TX, CM, HB, PR and BR.
i bet the lad the 97 driver must have been absolutely knackered i do praise the work and effort for all drivers on the route :D
on a sunday , what are the domestic driving hours is it about 6 hours :)
Sam-it's around five hours straight,or six hours with a twenty minute break. I would add I'm not a driver and might be wrong but that is my understanding of the rules.
Quote from: iansdavies on April 19, 2017, 08:13:09 PM
on a sunday , what are the domestic driving hours is it about 6 hours :)
Is it not the same as the other six days ?
What are the Best rotas in all garages at the moment.
Quote from: Applesiter on April 04, 2025, 08:20:09 PMWhat are the Best rotas in all garages at the moment.
What are the rotas in each garage at the moment? These were posted somewhere a while back but lots has changed since then.
Quote from: Applesiter on April 04, 2025, 08:20:09 PMWhat are the Best rotas in all garages at the moment.
Best in what way?
I'm sure all have their pluses and minuses. Or is this just an excuse for area bashing again?
Quote from: Gareth on April 04, 2025, 11:11:46 PMBest in what way?
I'm sure all have their pluses and minuses. Or is this just an excuse for area bashing again?
in general just the best one for example likeable and nice all round.
Quote from: Gareth on April 04, 2025, 11:11:46 PMBest in what way?
I'm sure all have their pluses and minuses. Or is this just an excuse for area bashing again?
I originally started this thread a few years ago. It was aimed primarily at drivers to understand which were the preferred rotas at their garages and why - be that variety of routes, duties, shift patterns etc. At that time there were clearly rotas that were very popular and had waiting lists to get on, and others where new drivers tended to get put. Areas may come into it but if you look at the original post as was enquiring from a variety of angles. If you look back to earlier posts it prompted some interesting points. A lot has changed in the 12 years since the thread was started.
The best rota at WB has to be Bearwood.
Some of the drivers think it's the West Bromwich rota but I disagree. Yes the 5 is nice but Kingstanding isn't, and so as many parts of the 43. Also being stuck doing countless round trips on 40, 44, and now the 47 is extremely monotonous and boring.
The worst rota has to be Soho. There's no need to go into detail about how nasty the 74 can be. Recently the 4 day rota drivers have to do the 52 as well, losing daytime 47s. A very unfair decision. But at least drivers on that rota have a rest room, Oldbury doesn't. An absolute disgrace that it still doesn't
Quote from: ZF B7 on April 05, 2025, 09:21:57 AMThe best rota at WB has to be Bearwood.
Some of the drivers think it's the West Bromwich rota but I disagree. Yes the 5 is nice but Kingstanding isn't, and so as many parts of the 43. Also being stuck doing countless round trips on 40, 44, and now the 47 is extremely monotonous and boring.
The worst rota has to be Soho. There's no need to go into detail about how nasty the 74 can be. Recently the 4 day rota drivers have to do the 52 as well, losing daytime 47s. A very unfair decision. But at least drivers on that rota have a rest room, Oldbury doesn't. An absolute disgrace that it still doesn't
does soho rota have a nice route to make up for the 74
and bearwood roster includes 20 right?
so there is bearwood, west bromwich, soho and oldbury at WB right?
The rest of the rota includes 80 and what Bearwood has except 20/A. Good luck getting any of the nice Bearwood routes like the 48/A, Bearwood drivers have those routes most of the time whilst Soho are stuck on 74.
Yes those are the 4 rotas. Seperately there's also the X8 morning working and a few school routes
Quote from: ZF B7 on April 05, 2025, 09:53:31 AMThe rest of the rota includes 80 and what Bearwood has except 20/A. Good luck getting any of the nice Bearwood routes like the 48/A, Bearwood drivers have those routes most of the time whilst Soho are stuck on 74.
Yes those are the 4 rotas. Seperately there's also the X8 morning working and a few school routes
wouldnt be suprised if the 74 is the easiest roster to get into, who would queue up to drive that..
yea defo agree with you bearwood roster seems the best
WA rotas
City 51. - X51 934 935 936 937 997
Late City - X51 934 935 936 937 997
Bhils 5 Day - 6 7 8 10 37 41 77
BHL Late
BHL 4 day
Kingstanding - 78 78A 77A 7 8 10 37 41
Sutton- 77 77A X15 6 7 8 10 37 41
Bloxwich - 29 31 32 70 70A
Bradford Place - 4 4H 4M 34 37 39
B.Place 4 day
B Place Late
Schools - 9A 77S 701 705 788 881 6 7 8 10.X51 936 937 997
Splits
Split duties taken from all rotas
QuoteWA rotas
City 51. - X51 934 935 936 937 997 (tel:934%20935%20936%20937%20997)
Late City - X51 934 935 936 937 997 (tel:934%20935%20936%20937%20997)
Bhils 5 Day - 6 7 8 10 37 41 77 (tel:8%2010%2037%2041%2077)
BHL Late
BHL 4 day
Kingstanding - 78 78A 77A 7 8 10 37 41
Sutton- 77 77A X15 6 7 8 10 37 41
Bloxwich - 29 31 32 70 (tel:29%2031%2032%2070) 70A
Bradford Place - 4 4H 4M 34 37 39
B.Place 4 day
B Place Late
Schools - 9A 77S 701 705 788 881 6 7 8 (tel:701%20705%20788%20881%206%207%208) 10.X51 936 937 997 (tel:936%20937%20997)
Splits
Split duties taken from all rotas
Be interesting to know if any other Rotas have nicknames I know some drivers refer the bloxwich rota as track routes
Quote from: WalsallBuses2007 on April 07, 2025, 02:56:01 AMBe interesting to know if any other Rotas have nicknames I know some drivers refer the bloxwich rota as track routes
That's because they were trolleybus routes years ago!
Wonder what the easiest rota is at WA, I would imagine the 29, 70/70, 37 and 41 due to the ASB on the routes are not fun to drive especially at night. That's what I could gather when I asked a driver who was going onto the night Time rota at Bradford Place what time the next bus was back to Darlo after a 37 had been attacked he seemed not surprised and said the company keep reporting it nothing happen, he said he could drivers deciding not to do those rotas especially the newer ones, as he was an older driver he doesn't really care anymore he reports it and takes the bus back to the garage.
What are the rotas at PN?
QuoteWhat are the rotas at PN?
Merry Hill, Dudley 5 day & 4 day, Stourbridge 5 day and 4 day.
Credible rumours going around that the Bearwood rota will take up 74 and 80 duties in the coming weeks. Obviously some drivers are not happy about this, but I think it's fair and makes sense. Bearwood and Soho should just be merged, and I have a feeling that might happen when the 1st of June changes come the details of which I'm probably not allowed to divulge
Quote from: ZF B7 on April 10, 2025, 06:03:46 AMCredible rumours going around that the Bearwood rota will take up 74 and 80 duties in the coming weeks. Obviously some drivers are not happy about this, but I think it's fair and makes sense. Bearwood and Soho should just be merged, and I have a feeling that might happen when the 1st of June changes come the details of which I'm probably not allowed to divulge
so they are trying to improve soho and make bearwood worse effectively.
surely would be more efficent for drivers to learn all the routes in the garage then they can be dumped on whatever, everyone has to do their time on the 74 and they can enjoy the 20?