WM Bus Photos Forum

West Midlands Buses in Discussion => National Express West Midlands => Topic started by: williamposh on July 12, 2013, 04:54:44 PM

Title: Tunnels
Post by: williamposh on July 12, 2013, 04:54:44 PM
http://www.amey.co.uk/brumtunnels.aspx

Special Park and Ride and special tickets on NX
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 05:04:34 PM
£80 to sit in the same traffic? No thanks.

And "bus priority measures"? Bullshit.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:11:13 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 05:04:34 PM
£80 to sit in the same traffic? No thanks.

And "bus priority measures"? Bullshit.

So Broad Street being bus only into city with police enforcement at Five Ways isn't bus priority? That isn't the only extra bit either
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 06:15:59 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:11:13 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 05:04:34 PM
£80 to sit in the same traffic? No thanks.

And "bus priority measures"? Bullshit.

So Broad Street being bus only into city with police enforcement at Five Ways isn't bus priority? That isn't the only extra bit either

And will it be 100% enforced? Constantly for 6 weeks? What about the other side of town? Will we get any bus lanes?

Probably the first 2 weeks it'll be all enforced etc but it'll soon fizzle out and it'll be back to the usual. Reminds me of Moor Street actually!!
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 06:15:59 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:11:13 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 05:04:34 PM
£80 to sit in the same traffic? No thanks.

And "bus priority measures"? Bullshit.

So Broad Street being bus only into city with police enforcement at Five Ways isn't bus priority? That isn't the only extra bit either

And will it be 100% enforced? Constantly for 6 weeks? What about the other side of town? Will we get any bus lanes?

Probably the first 2 weeks it'll be all enforced etc but it'll soon fizzle out and it'll be back to the usual. Reminds me of Moor Street actually!!

Snow Hill Queensway is also being bus only, and the cameras are being switched on in the city centre at long last
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 06:43:43 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 06:15:59 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:11:13 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 05:04:34 PM
£80 to sit in the same traffic? No thanks.

And "bus priority measures"? Bullshit.

So Broad Street being bus only into city with police enforcement at Five Ways isn't bus priority? That isn't the only extra bit either

And will it be 100% enforced? Constantly for 6 weeks? What about the other side of town? Will we get any bus lanes?

Probably the first 2 weeks it'll be all enforced etc but it'll soon fizzle out and it'll be back to the usual. Reminds me of Moor Street actually!!

Snow Hill Queensway is also being bus only, and the cameras are being switched on in the city centre at long last

I have seen the signs, which is positive. I really hope many fines are issued.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 06:57:24 PM
I reckon the roads round Paradise Circus will get busy
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 12, 2013, 06:59:32 PM
Quote from: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 06:57:24 PM
I reckon the roads round Paradise Circus will get busy

They will be because of everything coming to or going from Holloway Circus will be going around there, but it will be helped by no cars coming down Broad Street
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
Ex-BC Driver? Why the ex?

And don't forget Bath Row... basically the whole city is going to feel the effects of this.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
Ex-BC Driver? Why the ex?

And don't forget Bath Row... basically the whole city is going to feel the effects of this.

Been dismissed this afternoon
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
Ex-BC Driver? Why the ex?

And don't forget Bath Row... basically the whole city is going to feel the effects of this.

Been dismissed this afternoon

Sorry to hear that. Wasn't your fault I guess? As usual.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:21:28 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
Ex-BC Driver? Why the ex?

And don't forget Bath Row... basically the whole city is going to feel the effects of this.

Been dismissed this afternoon

Sorry to hear that. Wasn't your fault I guess? As usual.

I'll PM you
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 07:28:04 PM
Quote from: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:21:28 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
Ex-BC Driver? Why the ex?

And don't forget Bath Row... basically the whole city is going to feel the effects of this.

Been dismissed this afternoon

Sorry to hear that. Wasn't your fault I guess? As usual.

I'll PM you

Cheers mate I'll keep an eye out for it.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 12, 2013, 07:56:49 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: Ex BC driver on July 12, 2013, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: The Rat on July 12, 2013, 07:00:03 PM
Ex-BC Driver? Why the ex?

And don't forget Bath Row... basically the whole city is going to feel the effects of this.

Been dismissed this afternoon

Sorry to hear that. Wasn't your fault I guess? As usual.

Also really sorry to hear that. Sadly, sounds like an all too common occurrence for NXWM drivers these days.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: PM on July 12, 2013, 08:12:22 PM
Could always apply at green bus/diamond/another independant-also sorry to hear that you have lost your job. There must be bus driver vacancies somewhere else though
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Nathan4775 on July 12, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.

When I'm able to drive im going to apply to work at NXWM. I have freinds that work at PB and AG an dpn't seem to have many problems.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: vinh1000 on July 12, 2013, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.

When I'm able to drive im going to apply to work at NXWM. I have freinds that work at PB and AG an dpn't seem to have many problems.
I know a few PB and AG but some inspectors complained about one of my friends wrongly which senior management seen and obv saw wrongly judged
Notice a lot of EX-NXWM drivers apply for Diamond and VIP for example
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Nathan4775 on July 12, 2013, 09:31:14 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 12, 2013, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.

When I'm able to drive im going to apply to work at NXWM. I have freinds that work at PB and AG an dpn't seem to have many problems.
I know a few PB and AG but some inspectors complained about one of my friends wrongly which senior management seen and obv saw wrongly judged
Notice a lot of EX-NXWM drivers apply for Diamond and VIP for example

To me NXWM is a good company alongside Diamond.

Is there a reason NXWM are Laying off a substantial amount of Drivers ?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Andrew1991 on July 12, 2013, 09:38:02 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:31:14 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 12, 2013, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.

When I'm able to drive im going to apply to work at NXWM. I have freinds that work at PB and AG an dpn't seem to have many problems.
I know a few PB and AG but some inspectors complained about one of my friends wrongly which senior management seen and obv saw wrongly judged
Notice a lot of EX-NXWM drivers apply for Diamond and VIP for example

To me NXWM is a good company alongside Diamond.

Is there a reason NXWM are Laying off a substantial amount of Drivers ?

Pay scale most probably, like a lot of companies new staff members don't get paid as much as experienced staff
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Nathan4775 on July 12, 2013, 09:40:56 PM
Quote from: Andrew on July 12, 2013, 09:38:02 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:31:14 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 12, 2013, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.

When I'm able to drive im going to apply to work at NXWM. I have freinds that work at PB and AG an dpn't seem to have many problems.
I know a few PB and AG but some inspectors complained about one of my friends wrongly which senior management seen and obv saw wrongly judged
Notice a lot of EX-NXWM drivers apply for Diamond and VIP for example

To me NXWM is a good company alongside Diamond.

Is there a reason NXWM are Laying off a substantial amount of Drivers ?

Pay scale most probably, like a lot of companies new staff members don't get paid as much as experienced staff

But wouldn't it be benifical to NXWM to have Experienced staff to train the new staff in a way ?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: PM on July 12, 2013, 09:41:02 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:31:14 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 12, 2013, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on July 12, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote from: The Retiring Rat on July 12, 2013, 08:15:40 PM
Well yes but if you knew the truth you wouldn't be so mellow about it! It is terrible.

They don't tell you this at Walsall. Or on your assessments etc.

DO NOT APPLY FOR DRIVING VACANCIES AT NXWM. /Simple.

When I'm able to drive im going to apply to work at NXWM. I have freinds that work at PB and AG an dpn't seem to have many problems.
I know a few PB and AG but some inspectors complained about one of my friends wrongly which senior management seen and obv saw wrongly judged
Notice a lot of EX-NXWM drivers apply for Diamond and VIP for example

To me NXWM is a good company alongside Diamond.

Is there a reason NXWM are Laying off a substantial amount of Drivers ?

Are they laying off lots of drivers? There was a thing recently about their new recruitment drive-they need/will need lots of new drivers in the future so I doubt that they are laying off lots of drivers??
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 12, 2013, 09:58:56 PM
I don't work in the industry and neither will I ever, so I can only go by what you read but NXWM do sound like they have a culture where drivers lose their job for the smallest indiscretion. I really don't envy anybody that does that job. The early starts, late finishes, weekend working, split shifts, other road users, the crap they have to put up with from some of the general public. Then to top it all off you can get fired for any number of reasons. I take my hat off to those who do it but I'd be inclined to listen to someone who actually does the job if they say steer clear of it.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: The Real 4778 on July 12, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Can that fascinating essay on industrial relations have its own thread, please.

Back to the tunnel closures that are going to cripple the city centre for workers in it and those travelling further afield.  I fully expect that by 0715 on Day One the tailbacks on the Expressway will have brought the M6 to a standstill in both directions.

The Toll Road should be brought under HA control and made free during this period, for starters, to give the north-east side a fighting chance of keeping moving.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: The Real 4778 on July 13, 2013, 12:16:40 AM
Quote from: uniquicity on July 12, 2013, 11:41:13 PM
This tunnels thing is great. Got a 2 month bus pass for 80 quid and it doesn't affect me as I don't commute into the city.

I'm delighted for you, however that is like kicking sand in the face of those of us whose mortgages and education depend on a cross-city commute, twice a day, five days a week.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: The Real 4778 on July 13, 2013, 12:35:07 AM
Example.  Great Charles Street will effectively come to a standstill.  Paradise Circus and the new multi-phase traffic light controlled junction by St Chads will be constantly full of traffic off the A38.  This affects the West Brom services, Hagley Road, 101, 7 - in fact everything that has to cross that route on the flat, or join it for any distance.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Kevin on July 13, 2013, 07:56:51 AM
My view is, yes it will cause traffic chaos, especially on Bath Row and Holloway Circus. But, when else could they do it? Schools are on holiday so less traffic in general, better than taking half a year to do it with only night closures

Quote from: The Real 4778 on July 12, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Can that fascinating essay on industrial relations have its own thread, please.

Back to the tunnel closures that are going to cripple the city centre for workers in it and those travelling further afield.  I fully expect that by 0715 on Day One the tailbacks on the Expressway will have brought the M6 to a standstill in both directions.

The Toll Road should be brought under HA control and made free during this period, for starters, to give the north-east side a fighting chance of keeping moving.

Personally quite enjoying the prospect of the M6 being clogged up, will give car drivers another chance to moan
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Dylan4579 on July 13, 2013, 08:10:14 AM
School's aren't on holiday
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: nitromatt1 on July 13, 2013, 09:05:57 AM
Quote from: dgss1 on July 13, 2013, 08:10:14 AM
School's aren't on holiday

They will be by the time the tunnels close
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 13, 2013, 09:08:49 AM
School holidays are from 24 July to 3 Sept so there are only 2 weekdays of tunnel closures where schools are still open.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 13, 2013, 09:36:20 AM
Quote from: The Real 4778 on July 12, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Can that fascinating essay on industrial relations have its own thread, please.


Apologies, off topic, guilty as charged.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: notepanel on July 13, 2013, 10:27:01 AM
I personally am very concerned about the first day of the full closure - Saturday 20th July. Not only will traffic probably be a nightmare on this day as people get used to the new layouts, but the EDL are also holding a big rally in Birmingham.

With recent events both locally & nationally, I feel this could turn very ugly and the police/emergency services response could be delayed due to the fact the City Centre will no doubt be like a car park, or, a coach load of EDL supporters stuck in traffic surrounded by many anti-EDL people could not be a pleasant experience. (or vice versa)
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: The Real 4778 on July 13, 2013, 10:34:02 AM
Oh dear.  I hadn't realised those undesirables had got that planned.  What a waste of police effort having to keep the marauding hot-heads and their thugs under control.  Off topic, as charged!

Surely the Police could use the traffic fears about Day One to get this vile rally banned...?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: BU07 LGO on July 13, 2013, 02:20:10 PM
why don't they close one direction at a time?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: richie on July 13, 2013, 02:24:34 PM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on July 13, 2013, 02:20:10 PM
why don't they close one direction at a time?

That's too logical for BCC
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 13, 2013, 02:45:35 PM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on July 13, 2013, 02:20:10 PM
why don't they close one direction at a time?

(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.troll.me%2Fimages%2Fjackie-chan-whut%2Fwhaaat-i-dont-even.jpg&hash=994cd3e3924f1c3cffd551b03d8946c9008bd2b0)
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: nitromatt1 on July 13, 2013, 03:19:04 PM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on July 13, 2013, 02:20:10 PM
why don't they close one direction at a time?

Close one direction at a time?

(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.smh.com.au%2F2012%2F11%2F27%2F3832027%2F729-one-direction-620x349.jpg&hash=19bfbee5144e528732cd3f38b7415d02aab6d40d)
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: the trainbasher on July 13, 2013, 03:31:33 PM
Because., due to the time limit imposed., it is more quickening to do it in one block
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 13, 2013, 03:46:44 PM
Quote from: DJ trainbasher on July 13, 2013, 03:31:33 PM
Because., due to the time limit imposed., it is more quickening to do it in one block

Sorry, I should've explained..

That was the reaction of BCC Chairman haha!
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: PM on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html

Exactly the same as NXWM are doing
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: PM on July 16, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html

Exactly the same as NXWM are doing

Oh right lol but I'm sure it will be beneficial for people travelling that way and are NXWM's fares the same as well? Really good idea and hopefully if well used and publicised then it should keep the congestion down. Cant help feeling that advertising to bus users is a bit pointless as people on diamond's website probably wont want to drive anyway-they need to if they havent already publicise it on local radio/news/the tunnels website so car users know about it
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html

Exactly the same as NXWM are doing

Oh right lol but I'm sure it will be beneficial for people travelling that way and are NXWM's fares the same as well? Really good idea and hopefully if well used and publicised then it should keep the congestion down. Cant help feeling that advertising to bus users is a bit pointless as people on diamond's website probably wont want to drive anyway-they need to if they havent already publicise it on local radio/news/the tunnels website so car users know about it

Yes NXWM fares are the same. Good idea, only people I can see using that site are people driving in down Aldridge Road. Awkward to get to from any other road except Walsall Road and most people coming down Walsall Road will be on the first flyover missing it
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: PM on July 16, 2013, 08:55:52 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html

Exactly the same as NXWM are doing

Oh right lol but I'm sure it will be beneficial for people travelling that way and are NXWM's fares the same as well? Really good idea and hopefully if well used and publicised then it should keep the congestion down. Cant help feeling that advertising to bus users is a bit pointless as people on diamond's website probably wont want to drive anyway-they need to if they havent already publicise it on local radio/news/the tunnels website so car users know about it

Yes NXWM fares are the same. Good idea, only people I can see using that site are people driving in down Aldridge Road. Awkward to get to from any other road except Walsall Road and most people coming down Walsall Road will be on the first flyover missing it

Its a shame but I guess the only site suitable and even small things like this help. How often do NX buses go from this car park then?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 16, 2013, 09:07:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:55:52 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:44:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 16, 2013, 08:38:44 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html

Exactly the same as NXWM are doing

Oh right lol but I'm sure it will be beneficial for people travelling that way and are NXWM's fares the same as well? Really good idea and hopefully if well used and publicised then it should keep the congestion down. Cant help feeling that advertising to bus users is a bit pointless as people on diamond's website probably wont want to drive anyway-they need to if they havent already publicise it on local radio/news/the tunnels website so car users know about it

Yes NXWM fares are the same. Good idea, only people I can see using that site are people driving in down Aldridge Road. Awkward to get to from any other road except Walsall Road and most people coming down Walsall Road will be on the first flyover missing it

Its a shame but I guess the only site suitable and even small things like this help. How often do NX buses go from this car park then?

About every 2 minutes!
Passengers are generally being directed onto the 934, 935, 936, 997 which are about every 5 minutes between them, but tickets can also be used on the 33 and 907. There is also going to be a bus on standby so if the car park is  busy at any particular time so a large crowd appears, or there is a lage gap in the service the standby bus will operate a 934E journey from Perry barr to City and back
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Kevin on July 17, 2013, 07:12:55 AM
Quote from: Peter123 on July 16, 2013, 08:22:31 PM
Here is diamond's solution

http://www.diamondbuses.com/news/BirminghamTunnelsClosuresTakethe56fromthenewParkRidesiteatPerryBarr_110.html

I love this, not taking the piss or anything, bit this makes it effectively look like:

Diamond: "look, we've got a bus every half hour from here to get you into town, aren't we good?"
NX: "...and we have one every 5 mins..."
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 22, 2013, 11:11:48 PM
4538 and an Omnilink (possibly 1900?) were parked up in the lay by at the end of Newtown Row, just before Lancaster Circus towards city at around 5.30 this evening. Presumably these are spares ready to fill in gaps in Walsall Road / Kingstanding services if needs be during the tunnel closures?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Gareth on July 22, 2013, 11:18:01 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 22, 2013, 11:11:48 PM
4538 and an Omnilink (possibly 1900?) were parked up in the lay by at the end of Newtown Row, just before Lancaster Circus towards city at around 5.30 this evening. Presumably these are spares ready to fill in gaps in Walsall Road / Kingstanding services if needs be during the tunnel closures?

The OmniLink was 1930. I saw them there at about 1pm
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 22, 2013, 11:23:51 PM
Quote from: Gareth on July 22, 2013, 11:18:01 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 22, 2013, 11:11:48 PM
4538 and an Omnilink (possibly 1900?) were parked up in the lay by at the end of Newtown Row, just before Lancaster Circus towards city at around 5.30 this evening. Presumably these are spares ready to fill in gaps in Walsall Road / Kingstanding services if needs be during the tunnel closures?

The OmniLink was 1930. I saw them there at about 1pm

Thanks. I was emerging from about the only open tunnel in Birmingham at the time so only got a fleeting view. With ex PN B6s moving to PL and nothing yet leaving, I'm assuming this is creating the spare capacity for 4538 etc to be used as spares during the tunnel closures.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on July 23, 2013, 05:03:25 PM
What was 277 doing exactly? Other than looking pretty shabby and sorry for itself, surely to advertise the park and ride services you would at least use a double decker!
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 23, 2013, 05:29:51 PM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on July 23, 2013, 05:03:25 PM
What was 277 doing exactly? Other than looking pretty shabby and sorry for itself, surely to advertise the park and ride services you would at least use a double decker!

You cannot get anything bigger than that solo in the car park. You are also able to buy return tickets for the Park & Ride from it. Advantage being it has a stock of change which the drivers in service do not have
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: notepanel on July 23, 2013, 05:44:48 PM
I personally feel the Perry Barr P&R wasn't very well advertised. It was only a couple of days before the closure it really became noticeable on the NXWM website (prior to that it was hidden away on the site).

I drove along the A34 from Walsall the day before the closure, and I didn't notice anything at all informing me of this new option.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Trident 4609 on July 23, 2013, 06:38:55 PM
Are 4537-40 going to be used as and when needed for covering gaps in service due to tunnel closures or will they be loaned to to a different garage as i noticed 4539 still in Wolverhampton on the 529 today
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Kevin on July 24, 2013, 07:19:53 AM
Quote from: notepanel on July 23, 2013, 05:44:48 PM
I personally feel the Perry Barr P&R wasn't very well advertised. It was only a couple of days before the closure it really became noticeable on the NXWM website (prior to that it was hidden away on the site).

I drove along the A34 from Walsall the day before the closure, and I didn't notice anything at all informing me of this new option.

Can't say I've been looking, but haven't seen anything obvious saying "park and ride this way" or similar on me way into town on the X51 these past few days
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: lynx1103 on August 11, 2013, 07:51:06 PM
Birchfield Road Services

33 51 934 935 935A 936 997 X51

To resume normal line of route from 11 August 2013

http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ServiceAlterations/alterations.aspx
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Kevin on August 11, 2013, 10:54:40 PM
Quote from: lynx1103 on August 11, 2013, 07:51:06 PM
Birchfield Road Services

33 51 934 935 935A 936 997 X51

To resume normal line of route from 11 August 2013

http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ServiceAlterations/alterations.aspx

Way to complicate things I suppose... "We realised the traffic isn't that bad so we can send the buses back to their original route... except for that time when the traffic is quite bad, when we'll keep the diversion"

Couldn't they just leave it as was until the end of it all in September?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Lukeee on August 12, 2013, 07:39:57 PM
Quote from: lynx1103 on August 11, 2013, 07:51:06 PM
Birchfield Road Services

33 51 934 935 935A 936 997 X51

To resume normal line of route from 11 August 2013

http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ServiceAlterations/alterations.aspx

What about the 907 and the 952
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 21, 2014, 10:34:19 AM
After last year's relatively successful diversions due to the tunnel closures, and fairly minor delays on journeys into the city, I was hoping for more of the same these school summer holidays. Unfortunately, today at least was an absolute nightmare - massive queues from Harborne Road up to Five Ways, then gridlock down Broad Street and very slow traffic all through the diversions. Not sure what's different to last year, but it didn't work today - loads of people late for work at my place.

Harborne and Hagley Road sevices at least must have been quite heavily delayed.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Kevin on July 21, 2014, 11:55:06 AM
Been fine up my end in Aston this morning, no one at least at my work was late at all
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Gareth on July 21, 2014, 12:05:04 PM
I've heard a few people either at work, or friends on facebook saying that certain roads into the city were an absolute nightmare this morning.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: John on July 21, 2014, 01:38:15 PM
Quote from: Gareth on July 21, 2014, 12:05:04 PM
I've heard a few people either at work, or friends on facebook saying that certain roads into the city were an absolute nightmare this morning.

I'm glad I'm on the 28 today! Really quiet on there
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 21, 2014, 01:49:24 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 21, 2014, 10:34:19 AM
After last year's relatively successful diversions due to the tunnel closures, and fairly minor delays on journeys into the city, I was hoping for more of the same these school summer holidays. Unfortunately, today at least was an absolute nightmare - massive queues from Harborne Road up to Five Ways, then gridlock down Broad Street and very slow traffic all through the diversions. Not sure what's different to last year, but it didn't work today - loads of people late for work at my place.

Harborne and Hagley Road sevices at least must have been quite heavily delayed.

It is the same as last year. Broad Street was chaos on the Monday due to people ignoring all the signs to divert, then having to turn right into Bridge Street, which soon got blocked. Last year, by Wednesday people had realised Broad Street was a bad idea and it ran OK.

Broad Street services were the only ones suffering badly this morning, and that was only from about 8:20 until 9:00, Aston Expressway also suffered some delays, but not as bad as Broad Street
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 21, 2014, 02:09:17 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2014, 01:49:24 PM
Quote from: Mike K on July 21, 2014, 10:34:19 AM
After last year's relatively successful diversions due to the tunnel closures, and fairly minor delays on journeys into the city, I was hoping for more of the same these school summer holidays. Unfortunately, today at least was an absolute nightmare - massive queues from Harborne Road up to Five Ways, then gridlock down Broad Street and very slow traffic all through the diversions. Not sure what's different to last year, but it didn't work today - loads of people late for work at my place.

Harborne and Hagley Road sevices at least must have been quite heavily delayed.

It is the same as last year. Broad Street was chaos on the Monday due to people ignoring all the signs to divert, then having to turn right into Bridge Street, which soon got blocked. Last year, by Wednesday people had realised Broad Street was a bad idea and it ran OK.

Broad Street services were the only ones suffering badly this morning, and that was only from about 8:20 until 9:00, Aston Expressway also suffered some delays, but not as bad as Broad Street

Ok thanks - hopefully things will have settled down by the middle of the week. Took me well over an hour to go 4 miles this morning.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: karl724223 on July 21, 2014, 03:28:57 PM
Runs ok when police at broad st and snow hill
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: trident4370 on July 21, 2014, 04:05:07 PM
I did notice some of the right turning buses backing up outside the coach station earlier back onto Bradford St, can only assume the lights haven't been changed to allow for the extra traffic.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 21, 2014, 06:01:58 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on July 21, 2014, 03:28:57 PM
Runs ok when police at broad st and snow hill

The police on Broad Street aren't helping the queue there at all, and may be making it slightly worse as several people stop to argue with him. It does help keep Paradise Circus moving though and hopefully those who argue won't be there after a couple of days which is what happened last year.
Overall the police at both spots are a massive help, but on the first couple of days the do cause so delays to be a little longer
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 22, 2014, 10:46:20 AM
Seems everyone soon learnt, no bad delays on any route anywhere in Birmingham this morning peak
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Liverpool Street on July 22, 2014, 11:10:28 AM
Was the traffic lights on Five Ways anything to do with this?
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Tony on July 22, 2014, 11:13:00 AM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on July 22, 2014, 11:10:28 AM
Was the traffic lights on Five Ways anything to do with this?

Those are really helping Hagley Road, but not helping Harborne Road. They are being looked at to what can be done to help
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: Mike K on July 22, 2014, 11:16:38 AM
Yes journey was fine this morning. LS, traffic lights at Five Ways caused massive delays down Harborne Road yesterday. I had to drive so approached Five Ways from Hagley Road today.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: D10 on July 22, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
The Digbeth Gyratory system was at a standstill at 4.30 pm today and yesterday, I remember it being bad here last year too.
Title: Re: Tunnels
Post by: notepanel on July 22, 2014, 08:56:56 PM
Quote from: D10 on July 22, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
The Digbeth Gyratory system was at a standstill at 4.30 pm today and yesterday, I remember it being bad here last year too.

They have attempted to improve this this year with the closure of Bradford Street between Mill Lane & Moat Lane towards City, however it's still bad! And as Tony said, the amount of people who ignore the closure warnings - so many u-turns at the closure point (although for most vehicles I really can't understand why they don't just use Mill Lane!)

On a side note, I didn't notice on any of the publicity that Bradford Street would be shut this year.