New out in service is 4795
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73096525@N02/8680581193/
Are all of the new ex-London DAF deckers going to Leicester too?
Would be nice to see them elsewhere rather than the majority of them in Leicester
I know drivers don't like them, and the downstairs layout on the S-JUAs and T-FGNs are not good. These newer ones are laid out differently downstairs, with the stairs at the front, and not in the middle like the earlier DAFs.
Pity Cannock cant have any they're loads better, mind you they wouldnt get maintained properly, FT06 ZTE sounds knackered now :(
Wasn't the 19 at Wednesfield rumoured to get deckers after the changes this weekend
Yea what a waste the current 19 doesnt fill a solo and the 560 isnt particularly busy so why use deckers
Still not as good as the Lowlanders
Just read on flickr that some Ex-London Daf Deckers are due back at Wednesfield when 'Sapphire' launces, whatever that is? See comments on this picture
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73096525@N02/8706250735/in/photostream/
Are arriva stupid they dont need deckers there none of the routes half fill an mpd! Cannock needs tgem more than wednesfield.
Here is a good article on "Sapphire"
http://thebuspeople.co.uk/?p=1957
Quote from: derningtona on May 04, 2013, 07:50:57 PM
Here is a good article on "Sapphire"
http://thebuspeople.co.uk/?p=1957
Thanks for that.
It says for Leicester,
Route 31/31A Oadby to Leicester (Summer 2013):
10 refurbished Wrightbus Gemini double deckers
I wonder why this is the reason 4001-4010 were re registered to Northern Ireland plates, as Tony reported a few months ago. It does seem a coincidence.
Hahahaha I knew that somethin like that wouldnt b wasted on wednesfield lol
Basically just arrivas version of stagecoahc gold, i rekon arriva could steal NXWM passengers if they offered a reliable sapphire type service on some reoutes like 900 or x51
Given the travails of London Midland, and the number of well-heeled people along the corridor the 112 would have been the perfect proving ground for the Sapphire service especially if it was made non-stop from The Yenton onwards...instead they curtail the route to Sutton Coldfield - Lichfield and will probably use some tatty Darts or London cast-offs on it to kill whatever market their was!
4804 now in service at Thurmaston
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9243153476/
Quote from: BU07 LGO on May 05, 2013, 12:59:30 AM
Basically just arrivas version of stagecoahc gold, i rekon arriva could steal NXWM passengers if they offered a reliable sapphire type service on some reoutes like 900 or x51
Its a brilliant service!! went on it for the first time last week and I was amazed at the quality of the refurbishment! and to have power sockets and wifi was ace, even charged my phone for a while. Its what I believe all buses should be like. And yes I think it would win customers over if they charged a good fare and put buses to those standard on the X51, the X51 is rammed with business people that want a smart bus. Nx do provide this a lot of the time but what an off put when a battered Y reg trident turns up!
Can you really see arriva daring to have a go on the x51??? Lol
Quote from: bob on July 08, 2013, 10:21:15 PM
Can you really see arriva daring to have a go on the x51??? Lol
Yes.....
Ive said it for ages!
It must be the best kept secret in the industry then cos therez only a handful of routes tobe upgraded to sapphire/launched as new routes... one difference with stagecoach tho is they use new buses for gold whereas arriva doit on the cheap with refurbed older ones...
Quote from: bob on July 08, 2013, 11:23:13 PM
It must be the best kept secret in the industry then cos therez only a handful of routes tobe upgraded to sapphire/launched as new routes... one difference with stagecoach tho is they use new buses for gold whereas arriva doit on the cheap with refurbed older ones...
You really are irritating.
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthebuspeople.co.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2Fsapphire-600x369.jpg&hash=f5c7c25686f0eb1a66c65f639de37251715e3ed1)
Now you tell me how many passengers are going to know that this is an old bus refurbished "on the cheap"...
Erm by looking at the number plate??? It does look good to be fair.
Looks damn smart!
(Regarding "doing it on the cheap" - Top refurbs are cheaper then new buses. And to look at 4799 - that could pass as a 48 easily. As Joe Public wont notice the differant dash fascia and double tree bars.)
Whys it got different types of seats on lower/upperdecks?
Harrogate's Gemini's are the best example, who would ever know these were 2003 B7TL'?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23137045@N00/6840430992/in/photolist-bqsZPo-dL5j9H-dhvVsv-dKpANJ-dKpya9-dKpxS1-dKj5Xe-dKj5A6-dKj8WT-dKpxwN-dKpxhC-dKpwYq-dKpwVG-dKpwSA-dKpwQj-dKpwMU-dKpwDY-dKpwyL-dKpwwf-dKpnuu-dKpnpy-dKpnmy-dKpniJ-dKpnfW-dKj5R2-dKj5Ck-dKj5wM-dKj5tD-dKj578-dKj51a-dKj4X8-dKj4UK-dKj4Bv-dKj4zg-dKj4vD-dKj4k2-dKiTZX-9SJmqk-8ZVNWd
Quote from: bob on July 09, 2013, 06:15:44 PM
Erm by looking at the number plate??? It does look good to be fair.
All the numberplates on the Wrexham Enviro400s and the Leicester Geminis are no longer age related
The Geminis do not look 6 years old now they have been refurbed
Still a 6 yr old bus tarted up tho
Quote from: bob on July 09, 2013, 08:30:25 PM
Still a 6 yr old bus tarted up tho
Exactly and also a complete and utter waste of money changing the plates
Quote from: bob on July 09, 2013, 08:30:25 PM
Still a 6 yr old bus tarted up tho
normal joe public will not know this though
VDL Wright Pulsar Gemini 4777 now also back at Thurmaston from Wardles with 4776.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9858075803
What is running on the X50 now, is it the ex-London DAFs, or single deckers?
V611 DBC was on it last Saturday in derby and ex yorkshire b10s also. Branding up a couple of deckers was a resounding success then lol
But AIUI Sapphire is intended to attract motorists and 99.99999999999999999% of them know that new vehicles are 63 reg, and the use of vanity plates doesn't fool anyone (especially meaningless ones).
;
Interestingly The Shires haven't bothered on the 280 where they mix with new buses from Stagecoach and Oxford Bus - I wonder if their management didn't want to be involved and received instructions from Sunderland as there is no reference to Sapphire on stop timetables in Oxford.
Arriva do long distance services really badly in the midlands. The 9/29 is almost 2hrs between burton & Leicester andIits largely operated with 52 plate daf sb200s that are old very noisy and uncomfortable! It should be a coach seated vehicle at least. Same goes for the x50
Was there ever an Arriva 4710 Lowlander at Leicester?
It is not in Tonys former Arriva vehicles page, like 4717 is. Does anyone know when/how 4717 met its end?
Quote from: John on October 09, 2013, 09:46:46 PM
Was there ever an Arriva 4710 Lowlander at Leicester?
It is not in Tonys former Arriva vehicles page, like 4717 is. Does anyone know when/how 4717 met its end?
no there was no 4710 and 4717 was lost following fire damage.
Quote from: tphi12000 on October 09, 2013, 11:36:16 PM
Quote from: John on October 09, 2013, 09:46:46 PM
Was there ever an Arriva 4710 Lowlander at Leicester?
It is not in Tonys former Arriva vehicles page, like 4717 is. Does anyone know when/how 4717 met its end?
no there was no 4710 and 4717 was lost following fire damage.
Thanks for that :)
Is 4701 still on loan to Arriva Buses Wales in exchange for the VDL single decker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/9573427451/) noted at Leicester, or have they both returned?
Ps. Does anyone know why these 2 buses were loaned to each other?
It looks like 4802 is on loan or transferred from Wardles to Thurmaston
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/11257130294/in/photostream/
ps. Does anyone know the answer to my last post? :)
4802 was on Leicester Tigers T6 Route to Melton Mowbrary today
Quote from: John on October 14, 2013, 07:24:26 PM
Is 4701 still on loan to Arriva Buses Wales in exchange for the VDL single decker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/9573427451/) noted at Leicester, or have they both returned?
Ps. Does anyone know why these 2 buses were loaned to each other?
no back at Leicester and has been for a while.
Quote from: tphi12000 on December 08, 2013, 08:05:06 PM
Quote from: John on October 14, 2013, 07:24:26 PM
Is 4701 still on loan to Arriva Buses Wales in exchange for the VDL single decker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/9573427451/) noted at Leicester, or have they both returned?
Ps. Does anyone know why these 2 buses were loaned to each other?
no back at Leicester and has been for a while.
Ta very much ;)
Quote from: John on December 08, 2013, 05:52:42 PM
It looks like 4802 is on loan or transferred from Wardles to Thurmaston
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/11257130294/in/photostream/
ps. Does anyone know the answer to my last post? :)
transfer
Quote from: John on October 14, 2013, 07:24:26 PM
Is 4701 still on loan to Arriva Buses Wales in exchange for the VDL single decker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/9573427451/) noted at Leicester, or have they both returned?
Ps. Does anyone know why these 2 buses were loaned to each other?
Bangor need replacements for their low height Olympians, and there is a low bridge on the route. 4701 was borrowed for route trial and to test whether it would fit under the bridge with a view to Wales acquiring some Lowlanders in the near future.
Just read on Flickr that Lowlanders 4701-9/11-16 are to leave Leicester to Arriva Buses Wales at Bangor in June
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64795622@N04/9606197051/
Wonder if Leicester are getting new buses to compete with First's 'new' Enviro400s
Quote from: John on February 27, 2014, 06:25:43 PM
Just read on Flickr that Lowlanders 4701-9/11-16 are to leave Leicester to Arriva Buses Wales at Bangor in June
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64795622@N04/9606197051/
Wonder if Leicester are getting new buses to compete with First's 'new' Enviro400s
South Wigston depot are supposed to be due a batch of new deckers to oust the lowlanders around May/June time with some of the lowlanders also replacing the Thurmaston based Alx400's.
I'm led to believe they are Enviro400's.
Are all the alx400s going?
Yes the Alx400's in Leicester should leave when the lowlanders get displaced by new buses.
Despite the lowlanders being 12/13 years old nearly, most of them are in good condition.
Thats good news for passengers then. Although aren't they exactly same chassis so in theory should be just as unreliable lol? The seating in the alx ones isdaft downstairs isnt it? I wonder if they'll get rid of wednesfields too at the same time..they dont really need deckers...
ALX400s are they going to another depot or Withdrawning them
I remember Thurmaston had Lowlanders before 5 Years ago when they had branding for 126/127 route
It be good for Thurmaston to get Lowlanders after 5 Year absence I wonder if they go on 104 158
Quote from: bob on February 28, 2014, 10:20:47 AM
Thats good news for passengers then. Although aren't they exactly same chassis so in theory should be just as unreliable lol? The seating in the alx ones isdaft downstairs isnt it? I wonder if they'll get rid of wednesfields too at the same time..they dont really need deckers...
Tbh I wold keep the two ELC Tridents then get rid of the ALX400 DAF's
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 28, 2014, 03:10:15 PM
ALX400s are they going to another depot or Withdrawning them
I remember Thurmaston had Lowlanders before 5 Years ago when they had branding for 126/127 route
It be good for Thurmaston to get Lowlanders after 5 Year absence I wonder if they go on 104 158
Aren't the Lowlanders due to go to Arriva Cymru?
The tridents have got the worst legroom ive ever seen lol. And jesus ugly or what lol
Quote from: bob on February 28, 2014, 06:51:44 PM
The tridents have got the worst legroom ive ever seen lol. And jesus ugly or what lol
But certainly some of the fastest tridents I have rode. Especially 4854 which was mega fast on the 19 this afternoon (Surprisingly OK load). But have to agree about the terrible legroom ;)
A decent load must be a rare thing on it though
Quote from: Tony on February 28, 2014, 06:39:52 PM
Quote from: leepenfold30 on February 28, 2014, 03:10:15 PM
ALX400s are they going to another depot or Withdrawning them
I remember Thurmaston had Lowlanders before 5 Years ago when they had branding for 126/127 route
It be good for Thurmaston to get Lowlanders after 5 Year absence I wonder if they go on 104 158
Aren't the Lowlanders due to go to Arriva Cymru?
Tony, 4701-4716 are going to Arriva Cymru but some are going to Thurmaston and (I think) other areas of Arriva Midlands.
Quote from: bob on February 28, 2014, 07:09:59 PM
A decent load must be a rare thing on it though
Not really,a common sight during rush hour into Wolves at least. And I saw a almost full ALX400 upstairs and down about 3PM this afternoon on the school run. There are a lot of people from my school who use the 19
Not for much longer lol. Out if interest lowlanders going to other areas of arriva midlands? ??
Quote from: bob on March 01, 2014, 02:14:33 AM
Not for much longer lol. Out if interest lowlanders going to other areas of arriva midlands? ??
Will just mean the 89 will become jam packed o the brim once again I the afternoons
Oh well it was always busier than the 19 anyway. I wonder if Wednesfield will receive some lowlandersto waste on their empty services lol
The lowlanders 4701-4716 are going to Arriva Wrexham, and I'd imagine the remaining lowlanders will head to Thurmaston and be swapped with the wright eclipse gemminis?
Thurmaston depot are keeping all their pulsar geminis as South Wigston depot are due some new buses to replace the lowlanders.
The remaining lowlanders should transfer to Thurmaston to replace their Alx400's.
Then more alx400's to hose then, I wouldn't of thought they'd scrap as they've only recently been refurbished, especially the W/8/Y reg ones unless other regions of Arriva are going to be getting them
Quote from: arrivaaston on March 04, 2014, 06:20:07 PM
Then more alx400's to hose then, I wouldn't of thought they'd scrap as they've only recently been refurbished, especially the W/8/Y reg ones unless other regions of Arriva are going to be getting them
Probably Wednesfield knowing Arriva for their empty routes
Despite em being shocking buses would it be to much to ask for arriva to send a couple to cannock for busy workings? Thought so lol
South Wigston depot are supposed to be due a batch of new deckers to oust the lowlanders around May/June time with some of the lowlanders also replacing the Thurmaston based Alx400's.
I'm led to believe they are Enviro400's.
[/quote]
Wigston are only expected to get 10 E400s.
Wardles ALX400s 4803, 4805, 4806 in service in Leicester today
Thanks Andy, Are they for a specific route or will they be allocated to any route?
If they are to be allocated to a set route, the only routes that have a PRV of 10 are the 47/48 and 31/31a but the latter already has sapphire standard vehicles. :)
Quote from: stuartn on March 07, 2014, 08:12:50 PM
Thanks Andy, Are they for a specific route or will they be allocated to any route?
If they are to be allocated to a set route, the only routes that have a PRV of 10 are the 47/48 and 31/31a but the latter already has sapphire standard vehicles. :)
I'll be going to Leicester Tomorrow I'll keep an eye out to see which routes they're on and If I do see them I'll try and get a pic of them for you :)
Quote from: Rob H on March 07, 2014, 08:46:15 PM
Quote from: stuartn on March 07, 2014, 08:12:50 PM
Thanks Andy, Are they for a specific route or will they be allocated to any route?
If they are to be allocated to a set route, the only routes that have a PRV of 10 are the 47/48 and 31/31a but the latter already has sapphire standard vehicles. :)
I'll be going to Leicester Tomorrow I'll keep an eye out to see which routes they're on and If I do see them I'll try and get a pic of them for you :)
Seen 4803/4805/4806 today the routes I seen them on are below. :)
4803 - 87
4805 - 86
4806 - 87
Hope this has helped :) Sorry! I couldn't get pics as I was the X6 & 16 at the times I seen them.
The 86 and 87 are a strange group of services. Despite at least 2 Enviro200 (2147 & 2148) been branded for them (and Enviro200s meant to be the allocation) those are the 2 services (as well as the 104) that sees the most types of buses on there. The DAF deckers, both types at South Wigston, plus Darts are regulars on the routes as well as Enviro200s (was only 3 on there on Friday).
The 104 can see anything Thurmaston can throw at it
The 86/87 is being converted to Alx400 operation with the Enviro200's reported as going back to Wednesfield
I assume that this is because the services are often very busy.
The 104 does have a mix match but mainly Alx400's and at the minute a white pulsar.
I thought all the alx400s were going? ??
Quote from: bob on March 09, 2014, 12:14:31 PM
I thought all the alx400s were going? ??
Three of Wednesfield's deckers are also off to Leicester, 4798, 4801 and one other with Wednesfield getting the ex West Bromwich E200s in exchange
2145/46/47 are to go to wednesfield with 45/46 already there
I wonder what wednesfield plan to use them on. And whether theyre goin to lose anymore deckers
Quote from: bob on March 09, 2014, 06:34:07 PM
I wonder what wednesfield plan to use them on. And whether theyre goin to lose anymore deckers
Their local services most likely (Where MPD' and Solo's already operate). I presume the remaining dd's will be concentrated on the 10/10A and 10B with any spare on the 334 and the 19 (When it goes back to Walsall-Bloxwich)
No I meant as in I wondered if theyd brand em up for something. They could do with a few larger single deckers like cadets thatd almost completely eradicate the need for deckers..other than school trips. Id imagine the 19 would go back to mpds?
Quote from: bob on March 09, 2014, 07:50:11 PM
No I meant as in I wondered if theyd brand em up for something. They could do with a few larger single deckers like cadets thatd almost completely eradicate the need for deckers..other than school trips. Id imagine the 19 would go back to mpds?
The 19 had the ELC tridents and 4778 when it operated from Walsall-Bloxwich. I can't see anymore services being Branded although they would be good if they are put on then debrand the darts. I wonder if any more Red livered Darts will be withdrawn
Quote from: Nathan on March 09, 2014, 07:56:45 PM
Quote from: bob on March 09, 2014, 07:50:11 PM
No I meant as in I wondered if theyd brand em up for something. They could do with a few larger single deckers like cadets thatd almost completely eradicate the need for deckers..other than school trips. Id imagine the 19 would go back to mpds?
The 19 had the ELC tridents and 4778 when it operated from Walsall-Bloxwich. I can't see anymore services being Branded although they would be good if they are put on then debrand the darts. I wonder if any more Red livered Darts will be withdrawn
2104 & 2114 should both be back soon refurbished and repainted which should remove another couple of red ones
Im surprised that the refurbs are largely being done at cannock but none of cannocks own mpds are being refurbished and a lot of them are in quite a shocking state interior wise. All of the bu51 batch and fk52mml/sn53 esg/eso desperately need doing.
Cannock aren't doing the refurbs, its Derby
Cannock did one a few weeks back though didn't they? That dart that was listed as a fleet list transfer but wasnt
4808 now also at South Wigston from Wardles
4808 in service: http://www.flickr.com/photos/55205968@N03/13261967255/
These Alx400's are a lot better than the S reg examples at Thurmaston as they have better seating and seem to be more airy but that's probably because they don't have the staircase in the middle.
South Wigston allocated DAF Lowlanders 4701 and 4702 are due to depart to Bangor depot at some point today.
4804 and 4807 have moved from Wednesfield as replacements.
Quote from: stuartn on April 30, 2014, 01:04:39 PM
South Wigston allocated DAF Lowlanders 4701 and 4702 are due to depart to Bangor depot at some point today.
4804 and 4807 have moved from Wednesfield as replacements.
now in service as ANW 4186/4187.
Quote from: tphi12000 on May 04, 2014, 11:25:13 AM
Quote from: stuartn on April 30, 2014, 01:04:39 PM
South Wigston allocated DAF Lowlanders 4701 and 4702 are due to depart to Bangor depot at some point today.
4804 and 4807 have moved from Wednesfield as replacements.
now in service as ANW 4186/4187.
Y701 XJF: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasharrison/14107636944/
Y702 XJF: https://www.flickr.com/photos/46664279@N07/14123781413/