Has anybody else noticed VIP operating on the 101, also has the route been diverted to serve the bullring as I'm sure I spotted a dart their recently.
Ex AMPM T51KLD was allocated Friday to it and yes it serves the bull ring
Quote from: danny on April 30, 2012, 01:41:35 AM
Has anybody else noticed VIP operating on the 101, also has the route been diverted to serve the bullring as I'm sure I spotted a dart their recently.
They run about once an hour during the day on the 101 now.
Do NXWM 101 serve the markets now or is it just V.I.P
Quote from: NathanJC on May 05, 2012, 11:00:19 AM
Do NXWM 101 serve the markets now or is it just V.I.P
No, NXWM just serve the area around Colmore Row now.
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
101 is hardly 'useless' and can someone tell me what the point of starting a new service down Coproration Street is now, when Corporation Street is being closed altogether in 3 months?
Well personally I think when it gets into brum it is useless, and that's my opinion, it is also my opinion that colmore row isn't a sutible terminus for most route, we have a world class shopping and leisure facility in the shape of the bullring and I feel quit strongly that when constructed a proper bus station should have been built to acomodate most routes, it worked back in the day, for those who live on that side of town, elderly, disabled ect the treck from snow hill can appear daunting,
However this only an opinion
Yeh, let's build a bus station in Birmingham capable of taking all of Birmingham's routes. Just think about what you are asking for and how much land it would take. No large city has one for one simple reason, just to buy the land would probably run into billions of pounds before you had even built the roads to feed it and caused chaos with hundreds of buses trying to enter and leave every hour.
Ok, you make a fair point a bus station is probably not an ideal solution, but maybe a revision of services so that people are dropped closer to the main locations in town, I work with the elderly and they all have a similar view, I mean what will happen when corporation street is closed to buses because I don't think colemore row will deal very well with more services nor will it be benificial
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
Ok, you make a fair point a bus station is probably not an ideal solution, but maybe a revision of services so that people are dropped closer to the main locations in town, I work with the elderly and they all have a similar view, I mean what will happen when corporation street is closed to buses because I don't think colemore row will deal very well with more services nor will it be benificial
Yes well there was a Stationlink service which ran all the way around the Birmingham City Centre. I cannot remember if it was free or not, but it wasn't used and was scrapped in the end with the Solos sold to Rotala (MX06 ones).
Quote from: Michael on May 05, 2012, 09:13:32 PM
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 09:08:22 PM
Ok, you make a fair point a bus station is probably not an ideal solution, but maybe a revision of services so that people are dropped closer to the main locations in town, I work with the elderly and they all have a similar view, I mean what will happen when corporation street is closed to buses because I don't think colemore row will deal very well with more services nor will it be benificial
Yes well there was a Stationlink service which ran all the way around the Birmingham City Centre. I cannot remember if it was free or not, but it wasn't used and was scrapped in the end with the Solos sold to Rotala (MX06 ones).
Not sold to Rotala, Rotala took over Zaks who ran the service under contract (according to wiki)
Isn't the 101 getting re-routed in August anyway? :)
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
It was a free service handy for getting from snow hill to the coach station
Quote from: 4504 on May 05, 2012, 09:16:38 PM
Isn't the 101 getting re-routed in August anyway? :)
It will stay the same route but lose the stop in Colmore Row! The new main stop will be at the top of Livery Street and a new stop will be introduced too in Newhall Street supposedly near to the Colmore Row junction.
Quote from: Tony on May 05, 2012, 07:50:07 PM
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
101 is hardly 'useless' and can someone tell me what the point of starting a new service down Coproration Street is now, when Corporation Street is being closed altogether in 3 months?
I may have asked this somewere else but carnt remeber,
Where are corporation Street buses going then
http://www.centro.org.uk/connectedcity/maps.swf
Quote from: 4504 on May 05, 2012, 09:16:38 PM
Isn't the 101 getting re-routed in August anyway? :)
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
Re-Routed were
Quote from: NathanJC on May 06, 2012, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: 4504 on May 05, 2012, 09:16:38 PM
Isn't the 101 getting re-routed in August anyway? :)
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
Re-Routed were
Into Colmore Row... as the timetable states!
Is the VIP 101 busy? It seems to me like one of those routes that will fizzle out, like when AMPM tried the 246
Quote from: nx4737 on May 14, 2012, 03:52:00 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on May 06, 2012, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: 4504 on May 05, 2012, 09:16:38 PM
Isn't the 101 getting re-routed in August anyway? :)
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
Re-Routed were
Into Colmore Row... as the timetable states!
Quote from: 4504 on May 15, 2012, 12:21:38 AM
Is the VIP 101 busy? It seems to me like one of those routes that will fizzle out, like when AMPM tried the 246
Quote from: nx4737 on May 14, 2012, 03:52:00 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on May 06, 2012, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: 4504 on May 05, 2012, 09:16:38 PM
Isn't the 101 getting re-routed in August anyway? :)
Quote from: danny on May 05, 2012, 07:47:38 PM
They probably should tbf 101 is useless now as I did serve the entire city centre at one point.
Re-Routed were
Into Colmore Row... as the timetable states!
OAP used really,
What do people think about this company? On the 636 they seem to be quite busy when I've seen them even when they're operating with NXWM on weekdays. I wonder if they will stop the 636 route when NXWM do or give competition and start a 98/99 route.
Didnt know they operated the 636-evenings/sundays??
Quote from: Mike360 on June 09, 2012, 03:40:54 PM
What do people think about this company? On the 636 they seem to be quite busy when I've seen them even when they're operating with NXWM on weekdays. I wonder if they will stop the 636 route when NXWM do or give competition and start a 98/99 route.
I used VIP on bank holiday Tuesday on the 71E and it turned up and was even on time.
That alone puts it well above Blue Diamond.]
They will probably stop the 636 as its ran under contract
I hope these clowns go bankrupt asap! I've twice had near misses by these imbociles driving around mini islands teh wrong way and attempting to bully their way through parked cars (on their side of the road) against their right of way!
They've hit a friend of mines car on York Road on the 40 route. It scraped along the front driver side wing. I saw them later and they mentioned it happened. They showed me it and I said where were you parked. They said on York Road, and I quickly said that it must have been a red single deck bus on the 40 route operated by VIP :) Got the address for em and everything, and they went down and got a £150 cheque. Damage only cost about £40 to repair so over £100 in profit. It was outside a school and CCTV showed the bus stopped and just drove off.
Quote from: Michael on June 20, 2012, 06:46:47 PM
They've hit a friend of mines car on York Road on the 40 route. It scraped along the front driver side wing. I saw them later and they mentioned it happened. They showed me it and I said where were you parked. They said on York Road, and I quickly said that it must have been a red single deck bus on the 40 route operated by VIP :) Got the address for em and everything, and they went down and got a £150 cheque. Damage only cost about £40 to repair so over £100 in profit. It was outside a school and CCTV showed the bus stopped and just drove off.
Fairplay! I stood my ground when one came head on at me and made him reverse up the road! the second time one cut the island and went the wrong way so i beeped and he slammed his brakes on trying to get me to driove into it so i went around the block and headed him off and caused him some "havok" :)
Quote from: Lukeee on June 10, 2012, 10:05:06 AM
They will probably stop the 636 as its ran under contract
I would have thought they'd operate on the 98/99 service
This afternoon I was upstairs on a NX 966 Plaxton President following VIP Dart BU 05 HFY also on the 966. On the white roof of the Dart is the Travel London logo and name with the fleetnumber DP38.
Are VIP actually registered to run this service daytime, there is no reference to their journeys on the Network West Midlands bus timetables when I checked yesterday?
looking at the timetable on traveline i think they may be, although i wasnt so sure at first. According to their timetable VIP depart Solihull Station at 13:46, 16:57 and 18:29 (the other times - 05:52,06:22,06:47,21:14,22:15,23:15 - I believe are tendered journeys)
Thanks for that, it was the 1346 departure I saw and no sign of any other vehicles going the other way as far as Chelmsley Wood.
I've just had another look at the timetable and they should actually be departing Solihull Station at 10:46, 11:14, 22:15, 23:15 on a Saturday (i forgot it was Saturday) so it seems they are running to the weekday timetables? I was in Solihull today and also saw the 1346 bus and one returning down Rowood drive at around 1650. The closest time to that according to the timetable would be 1621 (weekday service)
I saw VIP yesterday on the 636 in the mid-afternoon-didnt know they ran then??
Worth pointing out that as of today, VIP have withdrawn their 101 service.
Quote from: Stu on July 22, 2012, 06:25:55 PM
Worth pointing out that as of today, VIP have withdrawn their 101 service.
Seen it today running in red livery
Any idea the date of withdrawal? It wasn't a good route anyway most of the time running empty with the same driver
Re:99 they seem to be running it at random times of the day was on one and driver asked if all passengers were going to the QE which we were so got off and ran not in service all the way back to birmingham then ran back to halesowen normal service
Interesting, there was a query on FixMyTransport regarding VIP's 101 service, and Centro seemed to think this ended on 22nd July!
http://www.fixmytransport.com/campaigns/curious-with-the-101-bus-route-in-th
Quote from: Stu on July 23, 2012, 08:49:32 PM
Interesting, there was a query on FixMyTransport regarding VIP's 101 service, and Centro seemed to think this ended on 22nd July!
http://www.fixmytransport.com/campaigns/curious-with-the-101-bus-route-in-th
And seen it again today same driver
Guess they running without Centro Subsidy
VIP are still running 101 service there now seem to be 2 buses on there. They are operating the same route as NX in Birmingham City Centre, the journeys I've seem do seem to be carrying a decent number of passengers - more than half full yesterday around 1.20 and 5.20.
Speaking to a VIP driver(coaches) while we were both parked up at Carding Mill Valley. He was telling me his boss doesn't give him holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.. Another 'dodgy' operator! Though he told me they keep there vehicles clean to avoid the ministry getting on their backs!
As a company I've been told by a driver that he doesn't pay them holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.... When the boss actually pays them!! Dodgy operator!!
Quote from: j_rp_wright on August 11, 2012, 07:09:55 PM
As a company I've been told by a driver that he doesn't pay them holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.... When the boss actually pays them!! Dodgy operator!!
Just because the drivers are paid cash in hand, it doesn't mean the service is terrible. Stop rabbiting on about rubbish.
Quote from: Michael on August 11, 2012, 07:22:53 PM
Quote from: j_rp_wright on August 11, 2012, 07:09:55 PM
As a company I've been told by a driver that he doesn't pay them holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.... When the boss actually pays them!! Dodgy operator!!
Just because the drivers are paid cash in hand, it doesn't mean the service is terrible. Stop rabbiting on about rubbish.
Oh I am sorry Michael I don't know if VIP pays cash in hand or not, so I am making no accusations here, but I presume you don't know what being paid cash in hand means.
Any operator who pays his drivers cash in hand is definately a dodgy operator on the basis that it is illegal. It comes under the description of tax avoidance
They seem to be all over the place on the 101, running to there own times, also the LED displays on one of the 02 plate MPDs today just displayed 424 with fuzzy orange lines.
Like tony said avoiding tax, and I was told this by a driver who wants out of this sham! I told him to get back into nxwm!
Quote from: Lukeee on August 11, 2012, 10:00:55 PM
They seem to be all over the place on the 101, running to there own times, also the LED displays on one of the 02 plate MPDs today just displayed 424 with fuzzy orange lines.
Its the same story with the 636 as well it seems and the 966
Was on one driver decides only to go to QE and sits there re: 30 mins then sets off for Halesowen again despite blinds stating bham
R486LGH (ex AMPM?) is now with VIP as seen on tonight's 2118 route 99 arrival (although it had arrived about 10-15 minutes earlier than the timetable on centros site) at New Street.
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2012, 08:12:48 PM
Quote from: Michael on August 11, 2012, 07:22:53 PM
Quote from: j_rp_wright on August 11, 2012, 07:09:55 PM
As a company I've been told by a driver that he doesn't pay them holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.... When the boss actually pays them!! Dodgy operator!!
Just because the drivers are paid cash in hand, it doesn't mean the service is terrible. Stop rabbiting on about rubbish.
Oh I am sorry Michael I don't know if VIP pays cash in hand or not, so I am making no accusations here, but I presume you don't know what being paid cash in hand means.
Any operator who pays his drivers cash in hand is definately a dodgy operator on the basis that it is illegal. It comes under the description of tax avoidance
In what way does that affect operation though. I know what cash in hand means as I have a part time job with it. It is illegal but what I'n saying is, it's no different as far as the passenger is concerned.
Quote from: Michael on August 12, 2012, 05:19:03 AM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2012, 08:12:48 PM
Quote from: Michael on August 11, 2012, 07:22:53 PM
Quote from: j_rp_wright on August 11, 2012, 07:09:55 PM
As a company I've been told by a driver that he doesn't pay them holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.... When the boss actually pays them!! Dodgy operator!!
Just because the drivers are paid cash in hand, it doesn't mean the service is terrible. Stop rabbiting on about rubbish.
Oh I am sorry Michael I don't know if VIP pays cash in hand or not, so I am making no accusations here, but I presume you don't know what being paid cash in hand means.
Any operator who pays his drivers cash in hand is definately a dodgy operator on the basis that it is illegal. It comes under the description of tax avoidance
In what way does that affect operation though. I know what cash in hand means as I have a part time job with it. It is illegal but what I'n saying is, it's no different as far as the passenger is concerned.
No one mentioned passengers other than you. j_rp_wright just accused them of being a dodgy operator because they paid cash in hand. Although since then Tom has said the 99 was running 15 minutes early.
Quote from: Tony on August 12, 2012, 09:23:19 AM
Quote from: Michael on August 12, 2012, 05:19:03 AM
Quote from: Tony on August 11, 2012, 08:12:48 PM
Quote from: Michael on August 11, 2012, 07:22:53 PM
Quote from: j_rp_wright on August 11, 2012, 07:09:55 PM
As a company I've been told by a driver that he doesn't pay them holiday pay and it's all cash in hand work.... When the boss actually pays them!! Dodgy operator!!
Just because the drivers are paid cash in hand, it doesn't mean the service is terrible. Stop rabbiting on about rubbish.
Oh I am sorry Michael I don't know if VIP pays cash in hand or not, so I am making no accusations here, but I presume you don't know what being paid cash in hand means.
Any operator who pays his drivers cash in hand is definately a dodgy operator on the basis that it is illegal. It comes under the description of tax avoidance
In what way does that affect operation though. I know what cash in hand means as I have a part time job with it. It is illegal but what I'n saying is, it's no different as far as the passenger is concerned.
No one mentioned passengers other than you. j_rp_wright just accused them of being a dodgy operator because they paid cash in hand. Although since then Tom has said the 99 was running 15 minutes early.
Interesting. I'm assuming they have insurance ? ;)
Well one thing I know is the driver I was speaking to was doing more hours than he should of been, working all day on coaches then doing an entire night shift on the buses!!cash in hand work effects everyone who IS paying tax, such as the passenger! And more importantly other operators who do pay!! Im sure this is why he can under cut them for tendered work!
I tried to get on a VIP Bus on the 424 a few weeks ago. The locals said that the bus is due to run across the Gorse Farm Estate at 15-20 past the hour to go to Perry Beeches. I waited till 35 past and with a bit of help from Google I managed to find VIP Travel's "Travel Line" What a huge pile of shit!!!! I was greeted by someone who could barely speak english, when I asked if I had the right company his reply was "Erm yes I think we run that route" and when I asked for the time the bus was due he said he "Couldn't help me as he did not have a copy of the timetable in front of him" and with that he put the phone down.
Oh how I miss the days of Zaks Buses, Pete's Travel, and even Birmingham Motor Traction operating the route.
Seems like nearly everyone ran the 424 at sometime or another. Think I may look at buying 5 buses and having a bash at it myself, it's constantly full from 9.30 till 5 6 days a week going into City. Lets face it I think anyone could run it better than VIP!!!!
I know in the past people have complained about diamond and the services they run, personally i have never used the 424 but surely they must have better than VIP from the comments and views mentioned
Quote from: swifty on August 14, 2012, 01:09:01 AM
I tried to get on a VIP Bus on the 424 a few weeks ago. The locals said that the bus is due to run across the Gorse Farm Estate at 15-20 past the hour to go to Perry Beeches. I waited till 35 past and with a bit of help from Google I managed to find VIP Travel's "Travel Line" What a huge pile of shit!!!! I was greeted by someone who could barely speak english, when I asked if I had the right company his reply was "Erm yes I think we run that route" and when I asked for the time the bus was due he said he "Couldn't help me as he did not have a copy of the timetable in front of him" and with that he put the phone down.
Oh how I miss the days of Zaks Buses, Pete's Travel, and even Birmingham Motor Traction operating the route.
Seems like nearly everyone ran the 424 at sometime or another. Think I may look at buying 5 buses and having a bash at it myself, it's constantly full from 9.30 till 5 6 days a week going into City. Lets face it I think anyone could run it better than VIP!!!!
424 is always late most of the time Ive noticed waiting for it 10-15 mins later in town however I see it a lot of the time (running obv using their newest addition to their fleet) and quite busy
The VIP drivers are clueless, there was an asian driver that cut the island on Green lane and almost hit my car so i gestured at him and told him he was on teh wrong side and he swerved at me so i met him further up the route and blocked the road!
Good for you!!! If theyre not careful, theyll end up like UK North of Gorton which I hope happens. Its unfair that diamond are undercut by such cowboys.
I like the idea of us lot having a crack at running the route lol we should buy a bus of our choice and give it a crack lol xx
We'd be epic!!! Seriously we could have the best company in the midlands if we had every1 from this forum running it-ok maybe not everyone...
Quote from: Peter123 on August 28, 2012, 08:35:32 PM
We'd be epic!!! Seriously we could have the best company in the midlands if we had every1 from this forum running it-ok maybe not everyone...
And as long as Reiss from facebook doesn't pipe up with some silly route suggestions!!
ok lol methinks a solo sr is my choice lol. Or a streetlite,
Annnd what would it be called lol, "enthusirider" is my nomination lol
Was on VIP 81 and was shocked that the driver would inform the passanger that a pass/tickets was not valid but would say carry on, the 81 is a tendered servicw so is this not losing someone revenue, its not like these people had no other option, for someone that folks out £62 a month for the benifit of a nbus i am puzzled
VIP are dodgy, the standard of driving from some drivers is truly shocking
Tell ?e about it dodgy shortcuts scrapping a car this guy did it all
Quote from: danny on September 03, 2012, 08:16:56 PM
Tell ?e about it dodgy shortcuts scrapping a car this guy did it all
One of them tried to bully his way through on my side of the road so i stopped and had a mini stand off and he had to try and reverse!
Lmao i would of paid good money to see this
Me too.... but theyre dodgy on the 99 as talking to one of NXWM's fantastic drivers on this route and he said that theyre dodgy drivers but that a few people do actually catch them
I have heard other drivers on other operators telling people a ticket / pass is not valid but allowing them to travel, giving them the benefit of the doubt that they genuinely didn't know - I guess it is different than on a routes like 50, 16 where different operators run.
As far as driving standards go I have used VIP twice on the 99 and once on the 101 and on each occasion the drivers were great. I guess most operators have their dodgy drivers - I have ridden with a few over the years. Two of the worst for rudeness to passengers are the main regular drivers on GRS and some of the Travel Express and Thandi Company driver standards of driving are very questionable. I seem to remember A2Z and AMPM had some excellent and some awful drivers!
One VIP bus I saw on the 966, instead of following the route from the Airport to Solihull, had come straight down the Coventry Road to Sheldon and turned onto Hob's Moat Road to head to Solihull, following the 71 route, with people on board.
Quote from: John-s-91 on September 04, 2012, 10:22:25 AM
One VIP bus I saw on the 966, instead of following the route from the Airport to Solihull, had come straight down the Coventry Road to Sheldon and turned onto Hob's Moat Road to head to Solihull, following the 71 route, with people on board.
A month or so ago it was a diversion also used by NXWM due to a chemical spillage on Damson Parkway. So it could have been this or was it more recently?
Quote from: neale95 on September 04, 2012, 10:38:55 AM
A month or so ago it was a diversion also used by NXWM due to a chemical spillage on Damson Parkway. So it could have been this or was it more recently?
It was a bit before that I think. I did think that a road might be shut but the NXWM 966 was still going to route.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 03, 2012, 09:25:30 PM
I have heard other drivers on other operators telling people a ticket / pass is not valid but allowing them to travel, giving them the benefit of the doubt that they genuinely didn't know - I guess it is different than on a routes like 50, 16 where different operators run.
As far as driving standards go I have used VIP twice on the 99 and once on the 101 and on each occasion the drivers were great. I guess most operators have their dodgy drivers - I have ridden with a few over the years. Two of the worst for rudeness to passengers are the main regular drivers on GRS and some of the Travel Express and Thandi Company driver standards of driving are very questionable. I seem to remember A2Z and AMPM had some excellent and some awful drivers!
We have good and bad drivers in every company, just seems the norm on this forum to belittle and bad mouth the smaller operators on here.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 03, 2012, 09:25:30 PM
I have heard other drivers on other operators telling people a ticket / pass is not valid but allowing them to travel, giving them the benefit of the doubt that they genuinely didn't know - I guess it is different than on a routes like 50, 16 where different operators run.
As far as driving standards go I have used VIP twice on the 99 and once on the 101 and on each occasion the drivers were great. I guess most operators have their dodgy drivers - I have ridden with a few over the years. Two of the worst for rudeness to passengers are the main regular drivers on GRS and some of the Travel Express and Thandi Company driver standards of driving are very questionable. I seem to remember A2Z and AMPM had some excellent and some awful drivers!
VIP hit and miss really as to which driver you get
Though the GRS travel driver was so rude to passengers the other week regarding the stop button
off topic a little but do VIP operate certain 99 journeys in the daytime ?
Quote from: NathanJC on September 11, 2012, 10:50:03 AM
off topic a little but do VIP operate certain 99 journeys in the daytime ?
Yes, they run separate to NXWM and are at irregular times.
http://jp.networkwestmidlands.com/centro/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&hideBannerInfo=1&command=direct&line=48099&net=cen&project=y11&sup=%20&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_direction=H&itdLPxx_line=48099&itdLPxx_net=cen&itdLPxx_project=y11&itdLPxx_sup=%20&itdLPxx_lineVer=1&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_debug=
Are they doing any good ?
Quote from: John-s-91 on September 11, 2012, 04:03:48 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on September 11, 2012, 10:50:03 AM
off topic a little but do VIP operate certain 99 journeys in the daytime ?
Yes, they run separate to NXWM and are at irregular times.
http://jp.networkwestmidlands.com/centro/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&hideBannerInfo=1&command=direct&line=48099&net=cen&project=y11&sup=%20&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_direction=H&itdLPxx_line=48099&itdLPxx_net=cen&itdLPxx_project=y11&itdLPxx_sup=%20&itdLPxx_lineVer=1&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_debug=
Theres usually about 2 ppl on each journey.....
Quote from: NathanJC on September 11, 2012, 10:50:03 AM
off topic a little but do VIP operate certain 99 journeys in the daytime ?
Yes VIP run commercially during the day operating 2 buses at hourly frequency on a Saturday. Mondays to fridays again 2 buses running infrequently mostly between about 9.30/10.00 and 2.30/3.00 with journey starting / ending around the Quinton area to fit in with the 2 bus contract to Quinto Day Centre. There are then a couple of commercial early evening journeys to lead into the tendered evening journeys.
Quote from: Peter123 on September 11, 2012, 08:14:11 PM
Theres usually about 2 ppl on each journey.....
What about the 966 ?
One VIP bus hit a car in Livery Street today causing some damage to the car, but drove off without stopping
Quote from: Tony on September 12, 2012, 07:17:38 PM
One VIP bus hit a car in Livery Street today causing some damage to the car, but drove off without stopping
The bus drove off or the car ?
The bus drove off im guessing based on my personal experiences of this "company". It's AMPM version 2.0
Hi, does anyone know who to email to complain about a service not operating to it's correct destination?
I caught the 19:30 654a from Perry Barr last night intending to go to the terminus of Valley Road, Hamstead, (as per the timetable) however when the bus was near to Hamstead village and i was the only person left on-board, the driver shouted to ask where i was going to, i told him that it was valley road terminus, however he said it only goes to Hamstead village, he then asked if he could turn right and drop me in Rocky Lane by Hamstead Station. Surely if a service is timetabled to operate it should go to the correct destination rather than the driver pleasing himself just because he wants to get back to the garage quicker. John
Yep, agree with you John. If its a centro tendered service complain to them and they will contact VIP for you I imagine-confirms reputation as a dodgy company that shouldnt be on the road >:(
Happens quite often on VIP
Usually drivers want to get back or have other services
Its the same with 99 I was only one intending BHAM terminus it terminated at the QE hospital
Try calling 0121 551 3330
Its horrendous and totally unacceptable. Why on earth do centro just let on the basis of cost-they should monitor quality etc and have stringent requirements so only the decent companies can run services.
VIP Drivers are maniacs anyway, I cant stand the company.
Quote from: trident4370 on October 24, 2012, 07:59:51 PM
VIP Drivers are maniacs anyway, I cant stand the company.
Agree. Glad they didnt win any more tenders.
When VIP first started they aquired the ex travel london darts which are newish buses but more recently they seemed to have aquired buses that are around 15 years old and most without proper destination blinds for me they seem to be aquiring and expanding too quickly similar to ampm travel. Never used VIP so not sure what there actually like as the point of view of a passenger.
Some of the drivers are accelerator happy whereas some ain't
Quote from: Ash on October 24, 2012, 08:19:18 PM
When VIP first started they aquired the ex travel london darts which are newish buses but more recently they seemed to have aquired buses that are around 15 years old and most without proper destination blinds for me they seem to be aquiring and expanding too quickly similar to ampm travel. Never used VIP so not sure what there actually like as the point of view of a passenger.
VIP were an established Coach and private hire minibus and mechanical operation before they acquired the first Darts to operate the Birmingham Day centre contracts previously operated by Zak's / Central Connect and a small amount of Rail Replacement work. The additional number of vehicles acquired recently has been fairly low just now they are operating bus services they are seen more.
Quote from: Peter123 on October 13, 2012, 02:41:34 PM
Its horrendous and totally unacceptable. Why on earth do centro just let on the basis of cost-they should monitor quality etc and have stringent requirements so only the decent companies can run services.
I agree and disagree with you. I have experienced vip on the 425 caught it 5 times in a month. Every time it turned up late and last week didnt even turn up at all and im grateful that its now a wmst route. But on the other hand the 425 is a silly route as its so quite so I can understand giving the route to a company may be bad but cheaper but im sure the average jo would be more bothered about the extra cost on the council tax for a better company. I know I would prepfer to put up with not very good driver and terrible buses if it keeps my bills from going up anymore! But I do agree they are bad!!
Ive had two counts of road rage with bullying VIP drivers, one tried to force his ay throuigh on my side of the road round aprked cars and the other cut a mini island with no attempt to go round it!
Public Inquiry (45335) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 15 November 2012 commencing at 14:00 (Previous Publication:(2160))
PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): SARBJIT SINGH RAJU, USHA RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS, GB
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
Quote from: MidlandJoe75 on November 06, 2012, 08:46:37 PM
Public Inquiry (45335) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 15 November 2012 commencing at 14:00 (Previous Publication:(2160))
PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): SARBJIT SINGH RAJU, USHA RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS, GB
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985)
Oh dear oh dear, well it was shite while it lasted lol
VIP new addition 'X532 UAT' ex London Dart on the 71 today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8175895633/
Regarding the notice of public enquiry. Is the decision / outcome made available to the public? If so, where would it be published?
VIP
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/archive/N&P%202160%20-%2002nd%20November%202012.pdf
Any news on whether any ruling was made against another of our PCV parasites?
Quote from: andy on November 19, 2012, 08:25:13 PM
Any news on whether any ruling was made against another of our PCV parasites?
Is this any help
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/tipton-travel-firm-banned-from-walsall-375265
from todays N&P
;
Public Inquiry (45335) held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL on 15 November 2012 at 14:00(Previous Publication:(2141)
)PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
DIRECTOR(s): SARBJIT SINGH RAJU , USHA RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS, GB
Whilst the good repute of the operator has not been formally lost under Section 17 1 (a) and Section 17 ZA (2) (b) of the Act, repute is severely tarnished. The strongest form of formal warning is recorded against the operator.
Sarbjit Singh Raju has lost both his repute and professional competence as a transport manager. He is disqualified from holding or applying for any position as transport manager for a period of 5 years. Additionally, prior to his being accepted in any new position as transport manager he must pass fresh CPC examinations.
Dennis Rolls is accepted as a replacement transport manager on the operator's licence for VIP Contracts Ltd.
Caught VIP Dart X 532 UAT on 966 between Airport and Erdington yesterday and the journey ran to time throughout. Whilst the driver was rather casual in appearance his standard of driving was excellent and his courtesy towards passengers good. he took the journey steadily, was prepared to stop where passengers were at stops and wait for elderley to sit down.
Two separate occasions on the 424 recently, one was as you described a fairly decent journey, the other pretty much the exact opposite. Turned up late, very jerky ride, yes it stopped wherever ther was someone on the hail and ride sections but when I pressed the button to get off at a recognised bus stop on Rocky Lane he didnt seem to notice
Quote from: Kevin on February 10, 2013, 10:48:26 PM
Two separate occasions on the 424 recently, one was as you described a fairly decent journey, the other pretty much the exact opposite. Turned up late, very jerky ride, yes it stopped wherever ther was someone on the hail and ride sections but when I pressed the button to get off at a recognised bus stop on Rocky Lane he didnt seem to notice
every bus company has the good the bad and the ugly. its just I think we tend to notice more with the little company because of there small size?
There is a article on the Traffic Commissioners decision in todays Bus & Coach week. Apparently VIP employed a convicted sex offender as a driver.
I will spare you the particulars of the case, but basically the Commissioner decided that VIP should have done more checks before employing him in such a public facing job, therefore the Traffic Manager lost his repute and they had to get a new one in.
Quote from: D10 on February 13, 2013, 09:21:49 PM
There is a article on the Traffic Commissioners decision in todays Bus & Coach week. Apparently VIP employed a convicted sex offender as a driver.
I will spare you the particulars of the case, but basically the Commissioner decided that VIP should have done more checks before employing him in such a public facing job, therefore the Traffic Manager lost his repute and they had to get a new one in.
Having read that article as well, I personally think it's disgusting this company is allowed to remain operating and to hold contracts off Centro.
A convicted sex offender can include all sorts from what some may consider minor offences to the serious. To me this is one of the most serious, where somebody with special needs was exploited and what makes it even worse was that this crime took place on a bus when he was the driver.
Whilst VIP may claim they didn't know the particulars of the case, the person did state on their application form they had a criminal history of a Sex Offence.
I take it you know the driver in question
Quote from: notepanel on February 14, 2013, 02:55:09 PM
Quote from: D10 on February 13, 2013, 09:21:49 PM
There is a article on the Traffic Commissioners decision in todays Bus & Coach week. Apparently VIP employed a convicted sex offender as a driver.
I will spare you the particulars of the case, but basically the Commissioner decided that VIP should have done more checks before employing him in such a public facing job, therefore the Traffic Manager lost his repute and they had to get a new one in.
Having read that article as well, I personally think it's disgusting this company is allowed to remain operating and to hold contracts off Centro.
A convicted sex offender can include all sorts from what some may consider minor offences to the serious. To me this is one of the most serious, where somebody with special needs was exploited and what makes it even worse was that this crime took place on a bus when he was the driver.
Whilst VIP may claim they didn't know the particulars of the case, the person did state on their application form they had a criminal history of a Sex Offence.
I totally agree with you and this does little to improve my view of VIP and I personally hope that centro have the sense not to give them contracts in future. They do not deserve to operate-they are putting vulnerable people in danger
I can see where everyone is coming from but if my memory serves me right a teacher in a high school who falls for a student aged 16/17/18/19 years of age can be put on the sex offenders register even tho the student is over 16 and they are both of sound mind and the student wasn't forced into the relationship. Is then right that, that former teacher can't be a bus driver even tho if it had been any other person ie a bus driver no one who batter an eye lid?
Personally I think it should be made on a case by case, and if the offence wasn't a major one like the one I have stated above then there shouldn't be a problem really should there?
Quote from: tank90 on February 14, 2013, 11:06:31 PM
I can see where everyone is coming from but if my memory serves me right a teacher in a high school who falls for a student aged 16/17/18/19 years of age can be put on the sex offenders register even tho the student is over 16 and they are both of sound mind and the student wasn't forced into the relationship. Is then right that, that former teacher can't be a bus driver even tho if it had been any other person ie a bus driver no one who batter an eye lid?
Personally I think it should be made on a case by case, and if the offence wasn't a major one like the one I have stated above then there shouldn't be a problem really should there?
Why dont we ask members of the public if they want sex offenders driving our buses when there are plenty of good honest unemployed people looking for work-these people need locking up behind bars.
Quote from: Peter123 on February 15, 2013, 06:16:43 PM
Quote from: tank90 on February 14, 2013, 11:06:31 PM
I can see where everyone is coming from but if my memory serves me right a teacher in a high school who falls for a student aged 16/17/18/19 years of age can be put on the sex offenders register even tho the student is over 16 and they are both of sound mind and the student wasn't forced into the relationship. Is then right that, that former teacher can't be a bus driver even tho if it had been any other person ie a bus driver no one who batter an eye lid?
Personally I think it should be made on a case by case, and if the offence wasn't a major one like the one I have stated above then there shouldn't be a problem really should there?
Why dont we ask members of the public if they want sex offenders driving our buses when there are plenty of good honest unemployed people looking for work-these people need locking up behind bars.
You have missed my point why should a teacher who is in a consenting relationship with a pupil over the age of 16 be on the sex affeders register but it is ok for the other person in the street. Also if it a case like that then there isnt a problem really is there. Its up to VIP who they employ not us, they took the risk and have taken the stand that if nothing happens then its ok but the moment it does they will act.
What happend to giving someone a second chance with a clean slate? (and dont all start with the Corrie actor and JS)
Quote from: tank90 on February 15, 2013, 11:49:27 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on February 15, 2013, 06:16:43 PM
Quote from: tank90 on February 14, 2013, 11:06:31 PM
I can see where everyone is coming from but if my memory serves me right a teacher in a high school who falls for a student aged 16/17/18/19 years of age can be put on the sex offenders register even tho the student is over 16 and they are both of sound mind and the student wasn't forced into the relationship. Is then right that, that former teacher can't be a bus driver even tho if it had been any other person ie a bus driver no one who batter an eye lid?
Personally I think it should be made on a case by case, and if the offence wasn't a major one like the one I have stated above then there shouldn't be a problem really should there?
Why dont we ask members of the public if they want sex offenders driving our buses when there are plenty of good honest unemployed people looking for work-these people need locking up behind bars.
You have missed my point why should a teacher who is in a consenting relationship with a pupil over the age of 16 be on the sex affeders register but it is ok for the other person in the street. Also if it a case like that then there isnt a problem really is there. Its up to VIP who they employ not us, they took the risk and have taken the stand that if nothing happens then its ok but the moment it does they will act.
What happend to giving someone a second chance with a clean slate? (and dont all start with the Corrie actor and JS)
Whilst I accept certain people can go on the sex offenders register for crimes that don't necessarily pose an immediate risk to others, the whole point in the register is that it is there to protect 'ordinary' people from risk. The vast majority of people on the register would be considered to be a substantial risk to the public.
If you read the article in CBW, you will see the crime for which this driver was on the register took place when he was driving the bus, where he failed to allow the victim (who had special needs) off the bus and forced them to perform a sex act on them. Another offence, involving a 15 year old boy, was also kept on his file.
Now from my point of view, and considering the routes operated are generally quiet subsidised services, I would not want any member of my family, or to that matter anyone, to be travelling alone (possibly at night), with a driver who has previously committed a sexual offence on a passenger on his bus.
It is totally negligent and irresponsible for VIP to have allowed him to drive, without performing the necessary checks as directed by Birmingham City Council, and I can't see how people can defend the decision to employ this driver.
Strangely R695MEW which did have LEDs has now reaquired roller destinations left at blank.
Photographs with original rollers, then LEDs and again today with different rollers here:- http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/r695mew.html
Quote from: Tony on February 16, 2013, 05:30:57 PM
Strangely R695MEW which did have LEDs has now reaquired roller destinations left at blank.
Photographs with original rollers, then LEDs and again today with different rollers here:- http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/r695mew.html
Lost the LEDs a couple months back
Seen X532 UAT first time ever on the 99 yesterday with leds :)
Lost even more contract? :L
40 WMSNT Hall Green - The Baldwin via
Acocks Green
New operator due to contract renewal No change to timetable
28th April 2013
Can only be a good thing!
VIP have a decker out on the S1 today; T804 RFG
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62291103@N08/8716004510/in/photostream
I didn't know VIP had a decker apart from the beauty bus
Quote from: Solo1 on May 06, 2013, 02:38:37 PM
I didn't know VIP had a decker apart from the beauty bus
The purchased it from Stafford Bus Centre, I had a message last week they had bought it but I didn't know the registration. It is ex Premier, Nottingham
Quote from: Tony on May 06, 2013, 02:40:37 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on May 06, 2013, 02:38:37 PM
I didn't know VIP had a decker apart from the beauty bus
The purchased it from Stafford Bus Centre, I had a message last week they had bought it but I didn't know the registration. It is ex Premier, Nottingham
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bens_transport_photos/6924294299/
its still listed
http://www.staffordbuscentre.net/carlisting/listings.php?controller=Listings&action=view&id=63&iframe
Quote from: vinh1000 on May 06, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
its still listed
http://www.staffordbuscentre.net/carlisting/listings.php?controller=Listings&action=view&id=63&iframe
The one listed is T818RFG
Quote from: Winston on May 06, 2013, 03:48:05 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on May 06, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
its still listed
http://www.staffordbuscentre.net/carlisting/listings.php?controller=Listings&action=view&id=63&iframe
The one listed is T818RFG
The advert says there is 4 available.
Quote from: Winston on May 06, 2013, 03:48:05 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on May 06, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
its still listed
http://www.staffordbuscentre.net/carlisting/listings.php?controller=Listings&action=view&id=63&iframe
The one listed is T818RFG
whoops
fair enough :)
Two double deckers parked up in the yard this evening in the white with blue / green lettering. Does anybody know the intended use for these vehicles?
I was in Solihull today and happended to see this working the S1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8732716492/in/photostream.
What type of bus is this ?
also is this not used on Private Hires or is it a new Service Bus ?
Quote from: NathanJC on May 12, 2013, 06:56:54 PM
I was in Solihull today and happended to see this working the S1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8732716492/in/photostream.
What type of bus is this ?
also is this not used on Private Hires or is it a new Service Bus ?
An ex Brighton east lancs bodied trident
Similar to the Arriva (ex Midland and Nottingham City Transport) ones on the 10 in Wolverhampton
Quote from: NathanJC on May 12, 2013, 06:56:54 PM
I was in Solihull today and happended to see this working the S1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8732716492/in/photostream.
What type of bus is this ?
also is this not used on Private Hires or is it a new Service Bus ?
If you rerad the VIP thread under Other Operators it was also on the S1 last Sunday.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 12, 2013, 08:31:02 PM
Quote from: NathanJC on May 12, 2013, 06:56:54 PM
I was in Solihull today and happended to see this working the S1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8732716492/in/photostream.
What type of bus is this ?
also is this not used on Private Hires or is it a new Service Bus ?
If you rerad the VIP thread under Other Operators it was also on the S1 last Sunday.
And on the 966 today
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Here's the other Trident, 'T816 RFG'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8969300478/
oh dear tut tut tut
http://www.route-one.net/issues/491/index.html#/10/
Quote from: dgss1 on June 12, 2013, 06:57:57 PM
oh dear tut tut tut
http://www.route-one.net/issues/491/index.html#/10/
Thats brilliant lol saw this in this weeks magazine. At least theyve paid for the taxis but tbf the thought of NHS staff relying on VIP to get to work to perform life saving ops really scares me!!!
The photos of the deckers of VIP 966. Is this. One off or
are the deckers found on 966
Quote from: John on June 06, 2013, 03:05:06 PM
Her :)e's the other Trident, 'T816 RFG'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/8969300478/
They both do seem to be sticking to the 966
I saw one of the VIP tridents on Bilston Street island in Wolverhampton at around 16:45 today
Quote from: Trident 4609 on July 27, 2013, 06:02:47 PM
I saw one of the VIP tridents on Bilston Street island in Wolverhampton at around 16:45 today
Private hire maybe
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/18August13.aspx
Emergency contract for the 71 service does this mean that they are going down the plug hole or are in trouble.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on August 02, 2013, 01:24:20 PM
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/18August13.aspx
Emergency contract for the 71 service does this mean that they are going down the plug hole or are in trouble.
I would have thought diamond/connect would get this one as they already run part of the 71 dont they. Maybe theyre not going down the plug hole-that would be too much to hope for :P -but maybe performance has been monitored on this route and found to not be satisfactory-they were told to improve and have withdrawn or they have decided its a loss maker-they bid too low and anyway they would surely face penalties for this ridiculous behaviour or c theyre just going full stop. This type of thing doesnt happen often though does it?
You can't throw a Centro contract back in.
Quote from: Arriva WD on August 02, 2013, 07:45:25 PM
You can't throw a Centro contract back in.
Well surely you must be able to-you could just stop operating couldnt you? There must be a penalty system in place though but centro surely cant force an operator to run and obviously you can throw a contract back in as that is what has happened. VIP has decided to stop unless they are on the brink of collapse or performance on the route has been bad
I didn't catch the fleet number or registration unfortunately, but I saw an old red single-decker parked up just beyond the bus stop outside Acocks Green Bowl yesterday evening with its rear engine door open; I can only presume it was a VIP bus, possibly been operating on the 40 that had run into difficulties.
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:54:59 PM
Quote from: Arriva WD on August 02, 2013, 07:45:25 PM
You can't throw a Centro contract back in.
Well surely you must be able to-you could just stop operating couldnt you? There must be a penalty system in place though but centro surely cant force an operator to run and obviously you can throw a contract back in as that is what has happened. VIP has decided to stop unless they are on the brink of collapse or performance on the route has been bad
I believe it was commercially operated, but I'm not sure. VIP re-registered the 71 between Sutton and Chelmsley so seem to have won the emergency contract?
Quote from: Stu on August 02, 2013, 08:36:00 PM
I didn't catch the fleet number or registration unfortunately, but I saw an old red single-decker parked up just beyond the bus stop outside Acocks Green Bowl yesterday evening with its rear engine door open; I can only presume it was a VIP bus, possibly been operating on the 40 that had run into difficulties.
The 40 isnt operated by VIP anymore, it's now operated by WMSNT
Quote from: neale95 on August 02, 2013, 09:29:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:54:59 PM
Quote from: Arriva WD on August 02, 2013, 07:45:25 PM
You can't throw a Centro contract back in.
Well surely you must be able to-you could just stop operating couldnt you? There must be a penalty system in place though but centro surely cant force an operator to run and obviously you can throw a contract back in as that is what has happened. VIP has decided to stop unless they are on the brink of collapse or performance on the route has been bad
I believe it was commercially operated, but I'm not sure. VIP re-registered the 71 between Sutton and Chelmsley so seem to have won the emergency contract?
Quote from: Stu on August 02, 2013, 08:36:00 PM
I didn't catch the fleet number or registration unfortunately, but I saw an old red single-decker parked up just beyond the bus stop outside Acocks Green Bowl yesterday evening with its rear engine door open; I can only presume it was a VIP bus, possibly been operating on the 40 that had run into difficulties.
The 40 isnt operated by VIP anymore, it's now operated by WMSNT
Really? I was sure it was a centro tendered route and have they since reregistered it and won the contract?
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 09:35:33 PM
Quote from: neale95 on August 02, 2013, 09:29:23 PM
Quote from: Peter123 on August 02, 2013, 07:54:59 PM
Quote from: Arriva WD on August 02, 2013, 07:45:25 PM
You can't throw a Centro contract back in.
Well surely you must be able to-you could just stop operating couldnt you? There must be a penalty system in place though but centro surely cant force an operator to run and obviously you can throw a contract back in as that is what has happened. VIP has decided to stop unless they are on the brink of collapse or performance on the route has been bad
I believe it was commercially operated, but I'm not sure. VIP re-registered the 71 between Sutton and Chelmsley so seem to have won the emergency contract?
Really? I was sure it was a centro tendered route and have they since reregistered it and won the contract?
I know it was tendered when it ran between Sutton and Chelmsley only. It was then extended to Solihull and I remember reading on the NWM site something about commercial registration including former tender journeys (or something like that).
They re-registered it on the 30th July:
PD0001724/26 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Sutton Coldfield
Finish Point: Chelmsley Wood
Via:
Service Number: 71
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 24-AUG-2013
Other Details: Sundays only except bank holidays, xmas and new year
Quote from: neale95 on August 02, 2013, 09:29:23 PM
Quote from: Stu on August 02, 2013, 08:36:00 PM
I didn't catch the fleet number or registration unfortunately, but I saw an old red single-decker parked up just beyond the bus stop outside Acocks Green Bowl yesterday evening with its rear engine door open; I can only presume it was a VIP bus, possibly been operating on the 40 that had run into difficulties.
The 40 isnt operated by VIP anymore, it's now operated by WMSNT
Oops yes you're right, forgot about that!
Still, it was a battered old red bus, wasn't a Joe's Travel one either...
Looks like they didn't want to operate the full route on Sunday, hence why they've now only registered the Sutton to Chelmsley Wood section.
Network West Midlands timetable section on their website isn't working at present, don't Diamond also operate the 71 on Sundays?
Quote from: Stu on August 03, 2013, 07:23:11 PM
Looks like they didn't want to operate the full route on Sunday, hence why they've now only registered the Sutton to Chelmsley Wood section.
Network West Midlands timetable section on their website isn't working at present, don't Diamond also operate the 71 on Sundays?
Only between 18:32 every half hour to 23:32
Not surprised really as they were timed 5 mins after NXWM between chelmsley & solihull
Any one see their 966 today as I diddmt
see 1206 into Solihull unless it was late
Just seen a double decker on the 71 towards Sutton...
Quote from: neale95 on September 08, 2013, 06:15:51 PM
Just seen a double decker on the 71 towards Sutton...
;D probally the first VIP double to run a 71 journey
Quote from: neale95 on September 08, 2013, 06:15:51 PM
Just seen a double decker on the 71 towards Sutton...
One of the White East Lancs Tridents?
Err.... low bridge from Castle Vale to Minworth?
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 08, 2013, 06:22:11 PM
Quote from: neale95 on September 08, 2013, 06:15:51 PM
Just seen a double decker on the 71 towards Sutton...
One one the White East Lancs Tridents?
Yep
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 06:35:00 PM
Err.... low bridge from Castle Vale to Minworth?
That's what I was thinking...
He probably followed the 71A route after castle vale
Quote from: neale95 on September 08, 2013, 06:45:17 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 06:35:00 PM
Err.... low bridge from Castle Vale to Minworth?
That's what I was thinking...
He probably followed the 71A route after castle vale
So missing out Minworth? Sunday trade from the Hare and Hounds (at least that's what I think it's called)?
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 09:27:16 PM
Quote from: neale95 on September 08, 2013, 06:45:17 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 08, 2013, 06:35:00 PM
Err.... low bridge from Castle Vale to Minworth?
That's what I was thinking...
He probably followed the 71A route after castle vale
So missing out Minworth? Sunday trade from the Hare and Hounds (at least that's what I think it's called)?
Thats the only other way isnt it?
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:00:05 PM
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
:o Jesus Christ! I'm going out to look for it in case it's still on! Strangest working of the year, that is.
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:00:05 PM
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
Urr.. 99 BNS - Halesowen? Where did you see it? Its a bit hairy on Wheeleys Road as the trees are very low. (They've been known to strike the 'pod' on B7RLE's)
If you saw it parked up at BNS its probably on a suit Contract.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 09, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:00:05 PM
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
Urr.. 99 BNS - Halesowen? Where did you see it? Its a bit hairy on Wheeleys Road as the trees are very low. (They've been known to strike the 'pod' on B7RLE's)
If you saw it parked up at BNS its probably on a suit Contract.
No I do believe it, they seem to be putting the deckers out in service, if they put one on the 71 which apparently has a low bridge, then I wouldn't put it past them to put one on the 99.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 09, 2013, 06:16:40 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 09, 2013, 06:11:48 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:00:05 PM
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
Urr.. 99 BNS - Halesowen? Where did you see it? Its a bit hairy on Wheeleys Road as the trees are very low. (They've been known to strike the 'pod' on B7RLE's)
If you saw it parked up at BNS its probably on a suit Contract.
No I do believe it, they seem to be putting the deckers out in service, if they put one on the 71 which apparently has a low bridge, then I wouldn't put it past them to put one on the 99.
Oh yeah I read about that.. it diverted via the 71A or something?
Maybe it won't be long before you'll see a NX decker on there... I only wonder how it diverted around those trees..
Or was it that low height decker? If that makes any difference.
I saw it on Vincent Drive at around 10am, heading towards Birmingham.
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:00:05 PM
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
Strange because I saw both of them in Chelmsley Wood today
Quote from: Tony on September 09, 2013, 06:42:09 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:00:05 PM
One of the white deckers was on the 99 this morning.
Strange because I saw both of them in Chelmsley Wood today
Wondering now if they have 3 now. I am now thinking one of the two I saw at Chelmsley today may have been T811 RFG, unfortunately the one I photographed was T816 RFG. Time to check next time I see one of them
I didn't see a reg unfortunately. Only got a side view of it from my office.
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:57:11 PM
I didn't see a reg unfortunately. Only got a side view of it from my office.
I'm not disbelieving what you say of course, but did you see it displaying 99 on the blinds, or just saw the bus going past? As the time you gave (10am) it doesn't fit with a VIP 99 working and would have to be either about 2 hours late or 1 hour early
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 09, 2013, 10:15:46 PM
Quote from: uniquicity on September 09, 2013, 06:57:11 PM
I didn't see a reg unfortunately. Only got a side view of it from my office.
I'm not disbelieving what you say of course, but did you see it displaying 99 on the blinds, or just saw the bus going past? As the time you gave (10am) it doesn't fit with a VIP 99 working and would have to be either about 2 hours late or 1 hour early
I agree, I'm not calling you a liar but I'm positive you'll need a route change as those trees have some serious branches and the front windows will be in for a good banging.
it was on the 99 saw it in halesowen about 10
I'm not particularly worried about those trees on wheeleys road, personally wincing at the thought of a decker going round Welsh House Farm, it's nightmarish in a car sometimes
So you put a double deck on a tendered route with a low bridge on so you miss a big chunk out on Sunday?
Then try and pull a load of trees down with one the next day?
hmm sensible!
Quote from: Tony on September 09, 2013, 10:34:22 PM
So you put a double deck on a tendered route with a low bridge on so you miss a big chunk out on Sunday?
Then try and pull a load of trees down with one the next day?
hmm sensible!
But they did seem to run an extra journey on Sunday! A bus left Sutton at 17:47 shortly followed by Diamond. The VIP bus did sit at the stop for a few minutes - probably to appear 'on time'!
To be honest I don't understand the timetabling of the VIP 99, but looking at the one on NWM, the Trident would've gone out of service at 15:18 in Harts Green at Welsh House Farm Road. The service seems to take a break around peak time for some reason. Whether it would've come back on in the evening I have no idea, only saw one 99 this evening and it was that T51 KLD Dart.
Quote from: driver on September 09, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
it was on the 99 saw it in halesowen about 10
Hurrah! I'm not going mad then. I can't remember the exact time I saw it because I was working and didn't think to note it down.
To answer Tony, it did have 99 Birmingham on the side. It had a flip dot side blind.
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 10:34:11 PM
I'm not particularly worried about those trees on wheeleys road, personally wincing at the thought of a decker going round Welsh House Farm, it's nightmarish in a car sometimes
Kevin, Welsh House Farm Road is nothing. A B7RLE goes round so a 10metre decker is no issues.
Saying that the trees around that estate aren't pruned really either!! Must've had a serious tree-bar on the top deck.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 09, 2013, 10:51:35 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 10:34:11 PM
I'm not particularly worried about those trees on wheeleys road, personally wincing at the thought of a decker going round Welsh House Farm, it's nightmarish in a car sometimes
Kevin, Welsh House Farm Road is nothing. A B7RLE goes round so a 10metre decker is no issues.
Saying that the trees around that estate aren't pruned really either!! Must've had a serious tree-bar on the top deck.
Was thinking more about the parking, makes passing any other vehicle a nightmare
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 10:53:19 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 09, 2013, 10:51:35 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 10:34:11 PM
I'm not particularly worried about those trees on wheeleys road, personally wincing at the thought of a decker going round Welsh House Farm, it's nightmarish in a car sometimes
Kevin, Welsh House Farm Road is nothing. A B7RLE goes round so a 10metre decker is no issues.
Saying that the trees around that estate aren't pruned really either!! Must've had a serious tree-bar on the top deck.
Was thinking more about the parking, makes passing any other vehicle a nightmare
Decker will fit through no problem. The only 'issue' would be the left/right turn out of Rilstone Avenue. There was usually a red hatchback parked right on the purpose-dropped curb. But nothing a decker can't handle.
In fact, the VIP deckers are shorter then NX E200's I believe.
Hang on.... Just thought.....
Previous talk of VIP putting a decker on the 71? Thought they didn't run the 71 anymore?
Or am I just going spare, because I can't find their timetable on the NWM website, got Diamond, NX, Claribel and Sunny travel but not VIP
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 11:02:43 PM
Hang on.... Just thought.....
Previous talk of VIP putting a decker on the 71?
Thought they didn't run the 71 anymore?
Explained earlier in the thread: I believe it was operated commercially (Sutton-Solihull), which was canceled, and they then must have won the emergency tender from Centro (Sutton-Chelmsley).
Quote from: neale95 on September 09, 2013, 11:06:05 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 11:02:43 PM
Hang on.... Just thought.....
Previous talk of VIP putting a decker on the 71?
Thought they didn't run the 71 anymore?
Explained earlier in the thread: I believe it was operated commercially (Sutton-Solihull), which was canceled, and they then must have won the emergency tender from Centro (Sutton-Chelmsley).
So there is not a bus now From Solihull - Sutton or visa-versa
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 10, 2013, 05:19:38 PM
Quote from: neale95 on September 09, 2013, 11:06:05 PM
Quote from: Kevin on September 09, 2013, 11:02:43 PM
Hang on.... Just thought.....
Previous talk of VIP putting a decker on the 71?
Thought they didn't run the 71 anymore?
Explained earlier in the thread: I believe it was operated commercially (Sutton-Solihull), which was canceled, and they then must have won the emergency tender from Centro (Sutton-Chelmsley).
So there is not a bus now From Solihull - Sutton or visa-versa
First 71 on a Sunday Solihull - Sutton at 18:32
Sutton - Solihull at 17:47
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 09, 2013, 10:38:57 PM
To be honest I don't understand the timetabling of the VIP 99, but looking at the one on NWM, the Trident would've gone out of service at 15:18 in Harts Green at Welsh House Farm Road. The service seems to take a break around peak time for some reason. Whether it would've come back on in the evening I have no idea, only saw one 99 this evening and it was that T51 KLD Dart.
Matt the 99 timetable fits around VIP Day Centre contracts. So buses on the 99 operate the Harborne Day centre contracts (at the end of Blandford Rd, by Welsh House Farm estate). At least one 966 and 101 board provide the Hockley Day Centre contracts - the 101 timetable is similar strats about 10 until 2 then back on between about 5.30 and 7.
R695 MEW on 99 this evening, unusual to get the Marshall Dart on there, strange sight in Halesowen
W228 DNO has been in service now for over a week with a window with big cracks in it held together with duct tape - Quality.
Photo attached
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 24, 2013, 10:36:38 PM
R695 MEW on 99 this evening, unusual to get the Marshall Dart on there, strange sight in Halesowen
Think I saw this on the 650 earlier today or certainly one marshall dart and it looked a complete and utter state-rear offside bit of bumper was virtually falling off!! Lol VIP quality-still Tony if that glass shatters and goes in someones eye or cuts them VIP will be sued. Ironically doesnt VIP do healthcare contracts??!!
Sorry Tony, can you describe where the tape is? The photo is low res on my phone...
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 25, 2013, 10:15:48 PM
Sorry Tony, can you describe where the tape is? The photo is low res on my phone...
LS,
It's the window with the NWM stickers on it, it took me a while to spot it....
Quote from: Winston on September 25, 2013, 10:21:15 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on September 25, 2013, 10:15:48 PM
Sorry Tony, can you describe where the tape is? The photo is low res on my phone...
LS,
It's the window with the NWM stickers on it, it took me a while to spot it....
Ahh, yes, I can see it now. (Which seems the opposite of what VIP's H&S policy is... does seem very dodgy!)
The NWM stickers are also probably holding the glass together
Surely that then should be VOR and have its window refitted. If VOSA caught sight of it then they would have a fit wouldn't they?
Something else I have noticed today, is that the registrations 'LG02 FEX' and 'BU05 HFM' have swopped buses. Both on the 424 today.
So 'BU05 HFM' is on the ex-London United Dart and 'LG02 FEX' is on the ex Travel London dart (with TWM interior, and an Abellio logo above the door)
Quote from: John on September 26, 2013, 05:42:13 PM
Something else I have noticed today, is that the registrations 'LG02 FEX' and 'BU05 HFM' have swopped buses. Both on the 424 today.
So 'BU05 HFM' is on the ex-London United Dart and 'LG02 FEX' is on the ex Travel London dart (with TWM interior, and an Abellio logo above the door)
Why have they done that? ???
Not possible, a vehicle cannot inherit a mark newer than the vehicle itself.
Quote from: a220 on September 26, 2013, 05:47:49 PM
Not possible, a vehicle cannot inherit a mark newer than the vehicle itself.
They have defiantly have swopped registrations though
Quote from: John on September 26, 2013, 05:52:07 PM
Quote from: a220 on September 26, 2013, 05:47:49 PM
Not possible, a vehicle cannot inherit a mark newer than the vehicle itself.
They have defiantly have swopped registrations though
I believe you John, knowing VIP!
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 26, 2013, 05:53:03 PM
Quote from: John on September 26, 2013, 05:52:07 PM
Quote from: a220 on September 26, 2013, 05:47:49 PM
Not possible, a vehicle cannot inherit a mark newer than the vehicle itself.
They have defiantly have swopped registrations though
I believe you John, knowing VIP!
They've done this before with an LGH dart and T51 KLD, although last time I saw T51 KLD it was on the correct bus. And I doubt it would have been a case of putting the wrong plate onto a bus, if they took them off for some reason, as the rear ones were different shapes!
Yes I remember VIP Swapping number plates over before.
Quote from: Tony on September 25, 2013, 07:44:01 PM
W228 DNO has been in service now for over a week with a window with big cracks in it held together with duct tape - Quality.
Photo attached
There's a reregistered EL Trident (believed T804') out on the 966 today with a similar 'repair' to the upper deck n/s screen....
Reading recent posts about this bunch of cowboys, i'm finding it hard to discount something I heard about them!
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 02:44:37 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 25, 2013, 07:44:01 PM
W228 DNO has been in service now for over a week with a window with big cracks in it held together with duct tape - Quality.
Photo attached
There's a reregistered EL Trident (believed T804') out on the 966 today with a similar 'repair' to the upper deck n/s screen....
Reading recent posts about this bunch of cowboys, i'm finding it hard to discount something I heard about them!
Thank goodness theyre not winning any more centro contracts. This company seem dangerous and the most unprofessional. No wonder they beaat diamond on tenders for routes like the 424-diamonds tenders took into account paying drivers not in cash and also that any buses would be properly repaired. It can't go on like this.
I photographed the vehicle carrying registration BU05 HFT today, I don't think that is the genuine vehicle either! If it is it has had the platform changed, a button on the outside of the bodywork removed and various outher changes made to it as well!
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:14:08 PM
I photographed the vehicle carrying registration BU05 HFT today, I don't think that is the genuine vehicle either! If it is it has had the platform changed, a button on the outside of the bodywork removed and various outher changes made to it as well!
This is actually ridiculous. Whats their game-fooling VOSA-maybe the 05 dart has an mot/insurance etc and the 02 one doesnt so stick the reg of the 05 one onto the 02 one and no ones any the wiser. Well only us lot!
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:14:08 PM
I photographed the vehicle carrying registration BU05 HFT today, I don't think that is the genuine vehicle either! If it is it has had the platform changed, a button on the outside of the bodywork removed and various outher changes made to it as well!
This is actually ridiculous. Whats their game-fooling VOSA-maybe the 05 dart has an mot/insurance etc and the 02 one doesnt so stick the reg of the 05 one onto the 02 one and no ones any the wiser. Well only us lot!
I have put both an offside and nearside shot taken today on this page
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/bu06hft.html
with photos taken previously of both sides below
Who wants to play spot the difference?
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:44:05 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:14:08 PM
I photographed the vehicle carrying registration BU05 HFT today, I don't think that is the genuine vehicle either! If it is it has had the platform changed, a button on the outside of the bodywork removed and various outher changes made to it as well!
This is actually ridiculous. Whats their game-fooling VOSA-maybe the 05 dart has an mot/insurance etc and the 02 one doesnt so stick the reg of the 05 one onto the 02 one and no ones any the wiser. Well only us lot!
I have put both an offside and nearside shot taken today on this page
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/bu06hft.html
with photos taken previously of both sides below
Who wants to play spot the difference?
Amusingly the metal plate around the onside front headlights & indicator is hanging off!
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:44:05 PM
Who wants to play spot the difference?
Abellio Logo above door
Blue/white advert on window
Alexander Dennis badge on grille
White writing on side
Pole colour
interior
Black Destination surround
And the hanging off headlight surround made me laugh
There is also the yellow Disabled help button by the front door that has gone missing, a catch below the cab window on the offside for the lower flap has appeared.
What I cannot work out yet is which vehicle this genuinely is
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 27, 2013, 06:35:08 PM
This is actually ridiculous. Whats their game-fooling VOSA-maybe the 05 dart has an mot/insurance etc and the 02 one doesnt so stick the reg of the 05 one onto the 02 one and no ones any the wiser. Well only us lot!
Both the 'BU05' and the 'LG02' were out yesterday
Nice to see its been "upgraded" to urban 90s! Oh and the Dashboard Camera has been moved ;)
Quote from: John on September 27, 2013, 06:48:39 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:44:05 PM
Who wants to play spot the difference?
Abellio Logo above door
Blue/white advert on window
Alexander Dennis badge on grille
White writing on side
Pole colour
interior
Black Destination surround
And the hanging off headlight surround made me laugh
Different seats!
Also noticed afterwards it has different wheels (front wheels missing those yellow plastic things round the wheel nuts)
And the 'pod' on the front dashboard (which I guess would usually house a CCTV camera) is in a different location.
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
Obviously run out of duct tape now
I get the sense that this is a company on the brink of financial collapse if this is what theyre doing. Obviously no money to repair it-hope someone from centro is sat reading this. Quite honestly I think its insulting that theyre allowed to trade and run centro routes when you've got people like central buses making a massive effort. Disgraceful
Id love to see a VIP VCR :P
Just got a few quotes from their website, see what you make of them :P
"Leaders in our sector"
"well equipped fleet of coaches and minibuses"
The one that made me lol "Find out more about what makes us leaders in our field and how we put passenger safety and comfort at the top of our list." :P
They even have a safety section on the website:
Safety
With our own well equipped workshops we are ideally placed to ensure that our vehicles are up to the job. With our own well equipped base, we have recently made a significant investment in upgrading our workshop facilities. This investment includes an inspection pit long enough to take a full length coach. In addition have every piece of equipment needed to maintain our coaches to the highest standard. We have a full well equipped tyre bay, through our sister company VIP Car and Commercial Limited. We are able to inspect our tyres and rectify any problems without delay.
We operate a modern fleet of coaches rigorously maintained by our expert team to ensure maximum performance and efficiency. Coaches receive daily checks and are thoroughly inspected through a formal procedure at least every 6 weeks.
Our drivers have regular training in driving practice and health and safety. And we are fully compliant with all Department of Transport and EU regulations regarding drivers' hours.
Drivers are CRB checked and receive training to approved NVQ levels.
Anyone fancy a day trip/channel trip with them??!!
Quote from: Stu on September 27, 2013, 07:02:36 PM
Quote from: John on September 27, 2013, 06:48:39 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 06:44:05 PM
Who wants to play spot the difference?
Abellio Logo above door
Blue/white advert on window
Alexander Dennis badge on grille
White writing on side
Pole colour
interior
Black Destination surround
And the hanging off headlight surround made me laugh
Different seats!
Also noticed afterwards it has different wheels (front wheels missing those yellow plastic things round the wheel nuts)
And the 'pod' on the front dashboard (which I guess would usually house a CCTV camera) is in a different location.
The pod on the roof was white & is now red
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 08:01:30 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
Obviously run out of duct tape now
It's not as thought they are even trying to conceal it, they're actually high-lighting the cracked windows,
Surely things can't be that bad they can't afford to buy a new piece of glass, even second-hand......
The above picture has gained a little white sticker just beside the front wheel, where the bottom doesn't have it
Yellow writing just under the drivers window if you look closely ;)
The platform under neath the doors has become thiner :)
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
Hold on... according to Tony's fleet list the reg on this bus if off a coach...
Quote from: neale95 on September 27, 2013, 09:32:09 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
Hold on... according to Tony's fleet list the reg on this bus if off a coach...
That looks like it might actually be a legal swop though
Quote from: Tony on September 27, 2013, 09:33:00 PM
Quote from: neale95 on September 27, 2013, 09:32:09 PM
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
Hold on... according to Tony's fleet list the reg on this bus if off a coach...
That looks like it might actually be a legal swop though
Oh, didnt realise ::)
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on September 27, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Check out the quality repair to the n/s upper windscreen.
I believe this board does school trips either side of its 966 duties, frightening isn't it?
No doubt that damage was caused by its journey on the 99 the other day... if it was the same vehicle. Although its hard to follow if it is the same bus now anyway...
to be fair there is an old man vip driver that seems quite corteous and always thanks me when I let him go (in car) but the rest of the drivers seem to be inconsiderate and think they can bully there way through gaps.
Tendered route
Oh let's put the decker on the 99 :P
(https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmb-web.co.uk%2FIMG_20130929_112955.jpg&hash=ab30dfc975ad353f0de58aa4821fcdd543bb1f8e)
Just spotted it in Halesowen. Pulled up about 14:25
I went round the 99 route in my car after the reported decker en route, and you should've seen the trees in the road.. VIP really don't care, or that's the image they're portraying. Shame really as I thought they were good. Alas!
More registration swopping then as PAN 58R is supposed to be a Ford Transit!
Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 29, 2013, 02:37:00 PM
More registration swopping then as PAN 58R is supposed to be a Ford Transit!
That one is another 'legal' one DVLA now record PAN58R on a Trident
wonder if its till out and about getting damaged by trees :D????
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 29, 2013, 05:24:41 PM
wonder if its till out and about getting damaged by trees :D????
Would have gone out of service early evening
Quote from: Trident 4609 on September 29, 2013, 08:22:02 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 29, 2013, 05:24:41 PM
wonder if its till out and about getting damaged by trees :D????
Would have gone out of service early evening
Might not have done, I am just going to go to town and have a look as it might be leaving on the last 99
The final 99 of the day was LG02 FEX (whichever bus that is now!), not the Trident
Just caught up with this whole thread, so funny
Are all VIP drivers ex NXWM only ask because noticed they've got NXWM fleece jackets ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 04, 2013, 09:35:37 PM
Are all VIP drivers ex NXWM only ask because noticed they've got NXWM fleece jackets ?
I've been told they do some NX coach work occasionally so NX provides a jacket etc
Quote from: Liverpool Street on October 05, 2013, 06:35:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 04, 2013, 09:35:37 PM
Are all VIP drivers ex NXWM only ask because noticed they've got NXWM fleece jackets ?
I've been told they do some NX coach work occasionally so NX provides a jacket etc
Thanks, it just something I come across when I see a VIP Driver
Quote from: Liverpool Street on October 05, 2013, 06:35:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 04, 2013, 09:35:37 PM
Are all VIP drivers ex NXWM only ask because noticed they've got NXWM fleece jackets ?
I've been told they do some NX coach work occasionally so NX provides a jacket etc
I've never known VIP provide any coaches to NX, and only contracted operators are provided with uniform.
Quote from: notepanel on October 05, 2013, 07:40:19 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on October 05, 2013, 06:35:27 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 04, 2013, 09:35:37 PM
Are all VIP drivers ex NXWM only ask because noticed they've got NXWM fleece jackets ?
I've been told they do some NX coach work occasionally so NX provides a jacket etc
I've never known VIP provide any coaches to NX, and only contracted operators are provided with uniform.
Well that's all what I've been told by a VIP driver. He usually is lacking in the truth dept.
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 04, 2013, 09:35:37 PM
Are all VIP drivers ex NXWM only ask because noticed they've got NXWM fleece jackets ?
Have seen a VIP Driver in Central Connect uniform also
according to NWM, all VIP services are suspended...
http://networkwestmidlands.com/ServiceAlterations/alterations.aspx
Bus: VIP TravelMonday, October 07, 2013Passengers are advised no VIP Travel services will operate today, Monday 07 October. Services operated by VIP include S1, 72, 99, 101, 424, 650, 966. These are currently suspended until further notice. We will update further when more information is known.
:) :o :o :o :o
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 07, 2013, 02:46:24 PM
http://networkwestmidlands.com/ServiceAlterations/alterations.aspx
Bus: VIP TravelMonday, October 07, 2013Passengers are advised no VIP Travel services will operate today, Monday 07 October. Services operated by VIP include S1, 72, 99, 101, 424, 650, 966. These are currently suspended until further notice. We will update further when more information is known.
Great news. Hopefully, they've been shopped & received an immediate prohibition. With any luck, the subsequent pi may allegedly uncover an interesting skeleton.....
Caught W228 DNO (with a taped-up window on the onside) on the 99 only yesterday afternoon, looks like I may have rode the last day of VIP service!
Well I'm glad somethings finally been done about these cowboys
It appears that some routes will be operated again by VIP this evening and tomorrow.
It's not the end just yet!
I think its fair to say VIP are now on borrowed time.....
Central buses operating the 650 tomorrow, free of charge!
Quote from: neale95 on October 07, 2013, 06:03:49 PM
Central buses operating the 650 tomorrow, free of charge!
Ironically the 650 will probably have it's busiest day of the year tomorrow!
I don't recall seeing any 424s today, working all day on Thornbridge Ave. I wonder if Diamond will step back in on the 424 for a short while.
Didn't Central Buses operate the 650 before VIP?
Looks like "a different operator" might be operating the 99 this evening, Diamond perhaps?
It's not the end yet. A VIP 966 just seen heading in Solihull at hermitage rd.
Passengers are advised a reduced VIP Travel services will operate today Monday 07 October and Tuesday 08 October.
Services operated by VIP include S1, 72, 99, 101, 424, 650, 966.
Service Levels
Monday Evening
Centro Contracted Services 99, Service 72, Service 966 will operate. (Some journey may be operated by a different operator)
All other VIP services are suspended.
Tuesday Morning
Centro Contract Service 424 will operate
Centro contract Service 650 will operate but by a different operator.
All other VIP services are suspended.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 06:48:38 PM
Passengers are advised a reduced VIP Travel services will operate today Monday 07 October and Tuesday 08 October.
Services operated by VIP include S1, 72, 99, 101, 424, 650, 966.
Service Levels
Monday Evening
Centro Contracted Services 99, Service 72, Service 966 will operate. (Some journey may be operated by a different operator)
All other VIP services are suspended.
Tuesday Morning
Centro Contract Service 424 will operate
Centro contract Service 650 will operate but by a different operator.
All other VIP services are suspended.
Ironically one vehicle I saw on the road today was W228 DNO still with the broken window. I saw it on Stechford Lane so no idea what it was doing, presumably one of the contracts
Quote from: Tony on October 07, 2013, 07:33:12 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 06:48:38 PM
Passengers are advised a reduced VIP Travel services will operate today Monday 07 October and Tuesday 08 October.
Services operated by VIP include S1, 72, 99, 101, 424, 650, 966.
Service Levels
Monday Evening
Centro Contracted Services 99, Service 72, Service 966 will operate. (Some journey may be operated by a different operator)
All other VIP services are suspended.
Tuesday Morning
Centro Contract Service 424 will operate
Centro contract Service 650 will operate but by a different operator.
All other VIP services are suspended.
Ironically one vehicle I saw on the road today was W229 DNO still with the broken window. I saw it on Stechford Lane so no idea what it was doing, presumably one of the contracts
Do we know what has happened to VIP?
We'll have to wait for the announcement from Centro tomorrow to possibly learn the situation.
One thing I have noticed is that W228 DNO is still a Euro 2 Dart but is now carrying an Alexander Dennis badge
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 07:43:04 PM
One thing I have noticed is that W228 DNO is still a Euro 2 Dart but is now carrying an Alexander Dennis badge
I've noticed that as well. Must of had a grille of a 'BU05' Dart
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 07:44:23 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 07:43:04 PM
One thing I have noticed is that W228 DNO is still a Euro 2 Dart but is now carrying an Alexander Dennis badge
I've noticed that as well. Must of had a grille of a 'BU05' Dart
Are you sure it's not a 'BU05' Dart?
Quote from: NXWM Spectra on October 07, 2013, 07:50:54 PM
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 07:44:23 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 07:43:04 PM
One thing I have noticed is that W228 DNO is still a Euro 2 Dart but is now carrying an Alexander Dennis badge
I've noticed that as well. Must of had a grille of a 'BU05' Dart
Are you sure it's not a 'BU05' Dart?
No, it is Euro 2 and is not refurbed to Travel London spec.
Which routes do VIP actually operate? Apart from the 99
This announcement from Centro kind of reminds me of when Solihull Travel (part of AM-PM) threw in the towel and couldn't operate the S7 service (as well as another, think it was their X50 service?), which Central Buses operated for a few days, before Johnson's stepped in to take over.
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 08:21:28 PM
Which routes do VIP actually operate? Apart from the 99
99
424
966
650
101
There may be more though
Sundays 71/S1
(There is more on a Sunday, but I don't know what else)
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 08:32:22 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 08:21:28 PM
Which routes do VIP actually operate? Apart from the 99
424
966
650
101
Sundays 71/S1
(There is more on a Sunday, but I don't know what else)
From Sunday 27th Oct dont WMSNT take over this :) so nomore seeing Doubles being used on the S1 :D
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 08:32:22 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 08:21:28 PM
Which routes do VIP actually operate? Apart from the 99
424
966
650
101
Sundays 71/S1
(There is more on a Sunday, but I don't know what else)
Cheers John :). Do they still operate any journeys on the 966? I thought NXWM solely ran the 966/A now
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 08:34:36 PM
Cheers John :). Do they still operate any journeys on the 966? I thought NXWM solely ran the 966/A now
No problem
They do/used to run alongside NXWM Mon-Sat daytimes (looking at the NWM timetable, the times are all over the place), and Sunday Morning 966A journeys, which are passing to NX at the end of the month
At the risk of sounding slightly stupid, for what reason are VIP not running today?
Obviously my first thoughts would be VOSA has paid a visit or the company is in administration etc., however the fact they are still operating on certain contracts/routes, and with some dodgy buses (such as the one Tony saw being used with the window) makes me think that wouldn't be the case?
Quote from: notepanel on October 07, 2013, 08:45:47 PM
At the risk of sounding slightly stupid, for what reason are VIP not running today?
Obviously my first thoughts would be VOSA has paid a visit or the company is in administration etc., however the fact they are still operating on certain contracts/routes, and with some dodgy buses (such as the one Tony saw being used with the window) makes me think that wouldn't be the case?
So who did the 424 then if VIP wasn't running ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 08:47:47 PM
Quote from: notepanel on October 07, 2013, 08:45:47 PM
At the risk of sounding slightly stupid, for what reason are VIP not running today?
Obviously my first thoughts would be VOSA has paid a visit or the company is in administration etc., however the fact they are still operating on certain contracts/routes, and with some dodgy buses (such as the one Tony saw being used with the window) makes me think that wouldn't be the case?
So who did the 424 then if VIP wasn't running ?
Central Connect wasn't it?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 06:27:18 PM
Looks like "a different operator" might be operating the 99 this evening, Diamond perhaps?
Who ran it?
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 08:49:59 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 08:47:47 PM
So who did the 424 then if VIP wasn't running ?
Central Connect wasn't it?
I don't think the 424 was running today. Can not recall seeing any all day
Quote from: Liverpool Street on October 07, 2013, 08:50:47 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 06:27:18 PM
Looks like "a different operator" might be operating the 99 this evening, Diamond perhaps?
Who ran it?
I don't know, I will go out to see who the 21:20 from Halesowen is operated by
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 08:51:16 PM
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 08:49:59 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 08:47:47 PM
So who did the 424 then if VIP wasn't running ?
Central Connect wasn't it?
I don't think the 424 was running today. Can not recall seeing any all day
Nor me its due at 38 mins past the hour and didn't recall seeing one enter Birmingham or Leave, should there not be a replacement though if an operator isnt running as Imagine people still wanted to get out
Interestingly, just checked my Twitter and Network West Midlands reports,
"VIP Travel reports services are currently suspended" suggesting they have made the decision not to run the services?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 09:30:40 PM
Interestingly, just checked my Twitter and Network West Midlands reports,
"VIP Travel reports services are currently suspended" suggesting they have made the decision not to run the services?
I'm guessing Diamond might operate the 72
Quote from: notepanel on October 07, 2013, 08:45:47 PM
At the risk of sounding slightly stupid, for what reason are VIP not running today?
Obviously my first thoughts would be VOSA has paid a visit or the company is in administration etc., however the fact they are still operating on certain contracts/routes, and with some dodgy buses (such as the one Tony saw being used with the window) makes me think that wouldn't be the case?
Unless VOSA have paid them a visit after hearing about their antics swapping vehicle identities / window repairs with tape etc
For how long will they be suspended an I take it either WMSNT or someone else will operate the 424 for a while
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 09:37:29 PM
For how long will they be suspended an I take it either WMSNT or someone else will operate the 424 for a while
If VIP are suspended for a while longer, then maybe Diamond will take over the 424 for an emergency tender, like Central Buses on the 650, because these were the previous operators of these 2 services. Until new tenders can be awarded
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 09:43:26 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 09:37:29 PM
For how long will they be suspended an I take it either WMSNT or someone else will operate the 424 for a while
If VIP are suspended for a while longer, then maybe Diamond will take over the 424 for an emergency tender, like Central Buses on the 650, because these were the previous operators of these 2 services. Until new tenders can be awarded
Does that mean NXWM will take over the 99 (evenings and Sundays) presumably?
Think Matt has gone out to see who is operating the 99 tonight!
Quote from: Sh4166 on October 07, 2013, 09:45:36 PM
Quote from: John on October 07, 2013, 09:43:26 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 09:37:29 PM
For how long will they be suspended an I take it either WMSNT or someone else will operate the 424 for a while
If VIP are suspended for a while longer, then maybe Diamond will take over the 424 for an emergency tender, like Central Buses on the 650, because these were the previous operators of these 2 services. Until new tenders can be awarded
Does that mean NXWM will take over the 99 (evenings and Sundays) presumably?
They wouldn't have the drivers.
Thanks John, will keep a look out tomorrow an see what's running on the 424.
How long they been suspended for?
why they been suspended?
Will they ever re-enter service?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 09:52:54 PM
Thanks John, will keep a look out tomorrow an see what's running on the 424.
How long they been suspended for?
why they been suspended?
Will they ever re-enter service?
Interesting questions Nathan, hopefully we may find out tomorrow!
Hopefully we will (:
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 09:48:47 PM
Think Matt has gone out to see who is operating the 99 tonight!
The 21:20 99 from Halesowen was not operated by anyone.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:05:42 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 09:48:47 PM
Think Matt has gone out to see who is operating the 99 tonight!
The 21:20 99 from Halesowen was not operated by anyone.
oh dear :( :( :(
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:05:42 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 09:48:47 PM
Think Matt has gone out to see who is operating the 99 tonight!
The 21:20 99 from Halesowen was not operated by anyone.
Interesting.
Did VIP usually turn up anyway?
Quote from: Liverpool Street on October 07, 2013, 10:07:34 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:05:42 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 07, 2013, 09:48:47 PM
Think Matt has gone out to see who is operating the 99 tonight!
The 21:20 99 from Halesowen was not operated by anyone.
Interesting.
Did VIP usually turn up anyway?
Yes, surprisingly they are usually very punctual
They probably did but not on time, but its bad that people have been left without services all day (424, 650) evening 99
I'm just glad none of my locals are ran by VIP ;D
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:10:40 PM
They probably did but not on time, but its bad that people have been left without services all day (424, 650) evening 99
No Nathan, I walked along the route into the bus station, even VIP do not leave 10 minutes early. It did not come within the next 25 minutes either
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:12:43 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:10:40 PM
They probably did but not on time, but its bad that people have been left without services all day (424, 650) evening 99
No Nathan, I walked along the route into the bus station, even VIP do not leave 10 minutes early. It did not come within the next 25 minutes either
And at this hour that means its a near certainty that it didn't run. Thank you Matt for that, its appreciated.
here's the solution! ;D
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7PC2Dtgahxo&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7PC2Dtgahxo
(not really!)
Sorry matt I was answering LS question an typing a reply an forgot to press the enter key inbetween
But hopefully a replacement will be in place soon as I feel sorry for people who usually catch vip 99 to get home, but thank god all my buses home are nxwm ran (:
Quote from: Liverpool Street on October 07, 2013, 10:15:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:12:43 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:10:40 PM
They probably did but not on time, but its bad that people have been left without services all day (424, 650) evening 99
No Nathan, I walked along the route into the bus station, even VIP do not leave 10 minutes early. It did not come within the next 25 minutes either
And at this hour that means its a near certainty that it didn't run. Thank you Matt for that, its appreciated.
No worries, I would've gone out again to see if the other board (22:20 from Halesowen) was being operated but I have work I should be doing! ;)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:16:55 PM
Sorry matt I was answering LS question an typing a reply an forgot to press the enter key inbetween
But hopefully a replacement will be in place soon as I feel sorry for people who usually catch vip 99 to get home, but thank god all my buses home are nxwm ran (:
Oh, no worries :)
I just feel sorry for anyone left standing at bus stops along the 99's route whose bus is never going to come
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:19:49 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:16:55 PM
Sorry matt I was answering LS question an typing a reply an forgot to press the enter key inbetween
But hopefully a replacement will be in place soon as I feel sorry for people who usually catch vip 99 to get home, but thank god all my buses home are nxwm ran (:
Oh, no worries :)
I just feel sorry for anyone left standing at bus stops along the 99's route whose bus is never going to come
That's true, it's one thing people checking during adverse weather for example, but you can't expect people to check the NWM website every day, just in case there operator is unable to run services.
Wonder how there getting home ? Or getting to Late Night Shifts for that matter ::)
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 07, 2013, 10:19:49 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:16:55 PM
Sorry matt I was answering LS question an typing a reply an forgot to press the enter key inbetween
But hopefully a replacement will be in place soon as I feel sorry for people who usually catch vip 99 to get home, but thank god all my buses home are nxwm ran (:
Oh, no worries :)
I just feel sorry for anyone left standing at bus stops along the 99's route whose bus is never going to come
Especially those who went to the Centro website and you read,
"VIP Update: Centro Contracted journeys on service 72, 99, 966 will operate this evening. Journeys may be provided by another operator."
Better late than never, even though people now are late for the shifs an what not. I'd be fuming if that was my service to get me to work, but it carnt be helped though, but glad to see somethings been drafted up asap
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 07, 2013, 10:29:09 PM
Better late than never, even though people now are late for the shifs an what not. I'd be fuming if that was my service to get me to work, but it carnt be helped though, but glad to see somethings been drafted up asap
What do you mean by better late than never, it's looking like never for the 99 tonight
Apparently VIP are out on 966 & 72 tonight
I see, so they will have to wait till tomorrow to get home or to work fantastic
Quote from: Steveminor on October 07, 2013, 10:31:55 PM
Apparently VIP are out on 966 & 72 tonight
VIP have 16 discs under VIP (PD0001724) and 12 discs under SS Raju (PD1027493). It is possible that the limited company is in trouble, but the sole trader company isn't or vice versa restricting the number of vehicles that can be on the road
Quote from: Steveminor on October 07, 2013, 10:31:55 PM
Apparently VIP are out on 966 & 72 tonight
They are out on the 966 seen 2 different vehicles on there (LG02 FEX and JAZ 5976 i think)
Central Buses status @ Facebook:
We will be operating Service 650 between Birmingham City Centre and Kings Heath tomorrow after the current operator suspended services today. The service will operate free of charge to all passengers
:O free of charge, why though!, so that's the 650 replacement just the 424 now
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 08, 2013, 12:21:49 AM
:O free of charge, why though!, so that's the 650 replacement just the 424 now
More than likely because the service isn't registered to be operated by Central Buses, so they can't take fares until it is if it becomes permanent
Oh I see, I have quite a bit to learn still so thanks winston
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 12:25:33 AM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 08, 2013, 12:21:49 AM
:O free of charge, why though!, so that's the 650 replacement just the 424 now
More than likely because the service isn't registered to be operated by Central Buses, so they can't take fares until it is if it becomes permanent
That's similar to what happened to A2Z on the 301 isn't it?
When A2Z went bump, Diamond went on the 301 free for a few days.
(Based on what's been put on here, I suspect Vip are going the same way as A2Z. They had issues with maintenance I seem to recall)
I'll keep an eye out for the 424 today, usually cross paths with one a day at some point so I can but hope
If the buses run smoothly today for me when I leave training, I should see the 14:38 424 depature from Birmingham
From what I have been told vosa paid them a visit & took 6 buses off the road, 5 for poor maintenance & 1 with an incorrect number plate.
I'd say the writing is on the wall, they'll most probably pull through short term but have their licence revoked shortly afterwards
424 on time 9;30 city centre
Quote from: Steveminor on October 08, 2013, 09:22:29 AM
From what I have been told vosa paid them a visit & took 6 buses off the road, 5 for poor maintenance & 1 with an incorrect number plate.
I'd say the writing is on the wall, they'll most probably pull through short term but have their licence revoked shortly afterwards
Thanks Steve,
Swapping number plates is just doggy.... don't think even Thandi ever did that with all their various antics over the years....
Unless VIP manage to just loose one of their licenses and can keep half the company trading on the other
Oh believe me Thandi did swap number plates around
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:43:52 AM
Quote from: Steveminor on October 08, 2013, 09:22:29 AM
From what I have been told vosa paid them a visit & took 6 buses off the road, 5 for poor maintenance & 1 with an incorrect number plate.
I'd say the writing is on the wall, they'll most probably pull through short term but have their licence revoked shortly afterwards
Thanks Steve,
Swapping number plates is just doggy.... don't think even Thandi ever did that with all their various antics over the years....
Unless VIP manage to just loose one of their licenses and can keep half the company trading on the other
Definately did, as Steve says. Either that or they kept swopping the pods on the roof of their Leyland Nationals. It was amazing how often the 'same vehicle' whould have a long pod one day, short the next, and then back to a long on a couple of months later
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 10:39:12 AM
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:43:52 AM
Quote from: Steveminor on October 08, 2013, 09:22:29 AM
From what I have been told vosa paid them a visit & took 6 buses off the road, 5 for poor maintenance & 1 with an incorrect number plate.
I'd say the writing is on the wall, they'll most probably pull through short term but have their licence revoked shortly afterwards
Thanks Steve,
Swapping number plates is just doggy.... don't think even Thandi ever did that with all their various antics over the years....
Unless VIP manage to just loose one of their licenses and can keep half the company trading on the other
Definately did, as Steve says. Either that or they kept swopping the pods on the roof of their Leyland Nationals. It was amazing how often the 'same vehicle' whould have a long pod one day, short the next, and then back to a long on a couple of months later
Oh right.... that's a new one on me, thanks for that!
424 Is nbeing operated by vip!
Don't know if you remember this tony but didn't they have 2 buses on the 17 one day with the same reg
NXWM did the 72 last night with 2099 on the 22:00 from the Clock Garage.
Central Buses
We will be operating Service 650 between Birmingham and Kings Heath again tomorrow (free of charge). Normal service with the registered operator is expected to resume from Thursday.
Real time at Birmingham International in bus lounge stated 14:09 VIP to Erdington was cancelled (never seen cancellation on RTI before). Any one else seen this.
A clapped out dart turned up two minutes ahead of NXWM 966!
Seen it on train boards but never on a bus board :O
VIP services were withdrawn by VOSA, the regulatory agency. We are liaising with VIP & other operators to maintain service levels.
on nwm twitter
PD0001724/23 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull Station and Erdington Sixways given service number 966 effective from 20-Oct-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.
Not gone yet
Surely it is time someone in authority at Centro called time on this pantomime, especially as VIP is being propped up by public money from taxpayers? (I'm looking at you Geoff Inskip.) There is enough evidence on these pages to suggest VIP has not been operating their tenders to an acceptable standard, either by not turning up or running buses held together with sticky back plastic and duct tape in a manner that would fail a Blue Peter audition. This is not good enough, and operators who can run to an acceptable standard need to take over these contracts NOW.
All I heard this morning on the 650 was passengers complaining about VIPs constant breakdowns and no shows and hoping Central Buses come back permanently!
Quote from: trident4370 on October 08, 2013, 07:16:30 PM
All I heard this morning on the 650 was passengers complaining about VIPs constant breakdowns and no shows and hoping Central Buses come back permanently!
According to Twitter, Central Buses are opereating it again tomorrow, but the normal operator should be back on Thursday.
Tomorrow will make some passengers happy then! I have to agree really I've never liked VIP on the 650.
just had an email from vips....
Hi
As far as I am aware all bus services were running
We will monitor the services to make sure they are punctual and reliable.
Thanks
Kam
Quote from: driver on October 08, 2013, 07:24:27 PM
just had an email from vips....
Hi
As far as I am aware all bus services were running
We will monitor the services to make sure they are punctual and reliable.
Thanks
Kam
:o :o :o :o
You mean VIPS were unaware there own services were not running?
Say no more!
i asked what services ran and why only a few did. that was my reply
One VIP dart was seen on the 966 by a colleague reversing into Solihull hospitals drive in loading its passengers then heading off back where it had come from
I'm going off into Halesowen again to see if anyone runs the 20:20 99
According to NWM VIP have been withdrawn as someone already said, so therefore the routes will be passed on to other operators I think the following might happen
424/650 - WMSNT
966 - NXWM
99 - arriva/Dia/nx
S1 - ?
72 - ??
But what happens to the drivers though as its not there fault there company has gone bust ?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 08, 2013, 08:17:30 PM
According to NWM VIP have been withdrawn as someone already said, so therefore the routes will be passed on to other operators I think the following might happen
424/650 - WMSNT
966 - NXWM
99 - arriva/Dia/nx
S1 - ?
72 - ??
But what happens to the drivers though as its not there fault there company has gone bust ?
They haven't gone bust Nathan, they have had their vehicles taken off the road by VOSA for poor maintenance.
I see, though they'd gone bust altogether by the questions on NWM. But at the same time, with no buses how do you run a bus service
'BU05 HFT' is now back on the proper EX Travel London Dart, on the 424 today
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 08, 2013, 08:22:39 PM
I see, though they'd gone bust altogether by the questions on NWM. But at the same time, with no buses how do you run a bus service
Currently, other operators are running some of there services, although VIP were on the 424 this morning, but according to Twitter VIP should be running the services again on Thursday morning. It is not a good state of affairs at the moment, and if 5 vehicles were taken off the road, then VIP have to pull there act together quickly or i can see there licence(s) to operate being taken off them.
Quote from: John on October 08, 2013, 08:24:00 PM
'BU05 HFT' is now back on the proper EX Travel London Dart, on the 424 today
It is on the 99 tonight as well
when was the last time the WM TC took any meaningful action against an operator and didn't have their decision overturned?
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 08, 2013, 09:38:30 PM
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Surely if VOSA had visited, W228DNO should be either off the road or repaired?
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:45:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 08, 2013, 09:38:30 PM
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Surely if VOSA had visited, W228DNO should be either off the road or repaired?
That's what I was thinking, but it has been out yesterday and today, perhaps VOSA's priority was to keep the buses whose registrations had been illegally swapped off the road
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:45:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 08, 2013, 09:38:30 PM
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Surely if VOSA had visited, W228DNO should be either off the road or repaired?
My thoughts as well Winston!!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 08, 2013, 09:48:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:45:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 08, 2013, 09:38:30 PM
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Surely if VOSA had visited, W228DNO should be either off the road or repaired?
They could have kept it out of the garage when VOSA were there. I think Centro know about being on one of their tendered routes tonight
My thoughts as well Winston!!
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 09:51:28 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 08, 2013, 09:48:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:45:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 08, 2013, 09:38:30 PM
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Surely if VOSA had visited, W228DNO should be either off the road or repaired?
My thoughts as well Winston!!
They could have kept it out of the garage when VOSA were there. I think Centro know about being on one of their tendered routes tonight
Surely VOSA are likely to make a return rather quickly to do another check?
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 09:51:28 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 08, 2013, 09:48:27 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 09:45:56 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 08, 2013, 09:38:30 PM
20:20 from Halesowen was BU05 HFT, 21:20 was W228 DNO with its duct tape window
Both left almost exactly on time
Surely if VOSA had visited, W228DNO should be either off the road or repaired?
They could have kept it out of the garage when VOSA were there. I think Centro know about being on one of their tendered routes tonight
My thoughts as well Winston!!
Hadn't considered that, but if VOSA had visited & found numerous serious defects on 5 vehicles wouldn't they track down & inspect the rest of the fleet that was in service at the time of visit, especially on a fleet of that size or alternatively turn back up in the evening when the majority of buses returned from service
TBH, I would have thought with problems on 5 vehicles and a number plate issue with another, that VOSA should have suspended all the operating licences and told VIP to get their fleet in order, and then do a 100% check on the fleet before licences are handed back?
JAZ 5976 appears to have its window repaired
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T816RFG.html
Although the position of the centro notices on the windscreen and the mark on the bumper at the very bottom underneath the drivers side headlight look remarkably similar to those on PAN58R last week!
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 10:30:49 PM
JAZ 5976 appears to have its window repaired
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T816RFG.html
Although the position of the centro notices on the windscreen and the mark on the bumper at the very bottom underneath the drivers side headlight look remarkably similar to those on PAN58R last week!
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Hm... I'm struggling to spot the difference but even the mirrors are the same.
Not another number plate change surely?
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 10:30:49 PM
JAZ 5976 appears to have its window repaired
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T816RFG.html
Although the position of the centro notices on the windscreen and the mark on the bumper at the very bottom underneath the drivers side headlight look remarkably similar to those on PAN58R last week!
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Still at it then I see
Look at the missing/white marker light on the front upper deck (drivers side) its the same on both vehicles
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 10:35:23 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 10:30:49 PM
JAZ 5976 appears to have its window repaired
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T816RFG.html
Although the position of the centro notices on the windscreen and the mark on the bumper at the very bottom underneath the drivers side headlight look remarkably similar to those on PAN58R last week!
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Still at it then I see
Look at the missing/white marker light on the front upper deck (drivers side) its the same on both vehicles
The other Trident 'T816 RFG' has purple around the destination display, where this one doesn't
Quote from: John on October 08, 2013, 10:37:01 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2013, 10:35:23 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 10:30:49 PM
JAZ 5976 appears to have its window repaired
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T816RFG.html
Although the position of the centro notices on the windscreen and the mark on the bumper at the very bottom underneath the drivers side headlight look remarkably similar to those on PAN58R last week!
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Still at it then I see
Look at the missing/white marker light on the front upper deck (drivers side) its the same on both vehicles
The other Trident 'T816 RFG' has purple around the destination display, where this one doesn't
It does or did, that photo was back in June and it could have been removed. Also if you look at that photo T816RFG had no marker lights to the upper deck at that time.
Also the nearside skirts on the Tony's second photo of T804RFG show them being replaced with flat panels instead of East Lancs skirts, and amazingly the photo of JAZ5976 has exactly the same skirts
Well just look at all those differences on the JAZ 5976 pictures.
Two completely different buses. No chance all those small changes could happen.
How can the front bumper be square and proper on the 7th June, and now its all twisted and battered? And non purple surround? Odd.
I am surprised Birmingham Council let these cowboys this brilliant operator run their special contracts (looking at the destination display on the pic of JAZ5976 (T816RFG)
Quote from: Tony on October 08, 2013, 10:30:49 PM
JAZ 5976 appears to have its window repaired
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T816RFG.html
Although the position of the centro notices on the windscreen and the mark on the bumper at the very bottom underneath the drivers side headlight look remarkably similar to those on PAN58R last week!
http://wmbusphotos.com/VIP/T804RFG.html
Hmm, that's not the same JAZ5976 that I photographed on 27th September!
Just a thought guys, are u aware vip is ran by thandi?? I booked a coach with them when vip first started, they passed me though to midland coach hire i think it was called, and they guy who i spoke to wanted 700 quid. Paid a 200 deposit thru pay pal, which was paid to thandi, we cancelled never recived the deposit back apart from a rather nice email from an email address using thandi on,
Didnt they go bust or stop trading for some reason???
I fail to understand the need/reason behind swapping the reg plates over :-\
Quote from: nx4737 on October 09, 2013, 04:28:00 AM
I fail to understand the need/reason behind swapping the reg plates over :-\
You have one vehicle with a valid MoT/Tax but is not drivable. You have another vehicle out of MoT/Tax but drivable. You swop the plates and you have a drivable vehicle that shows on DVLA by registration checks as fully legal even though it probably couldn't pass an MoT or isn't taxed
Makka what you will probably find is that VIP hadn't got enough coaches themselves to fullfill your booking so they sub contracted Thandi to do the work.
What a lot of you guys probably don't know is that Mel Kang donated the ex AMPM buses to VIP free of charge "what a nice guy he is" & regularly goes there to "help" out around the office. I guess he has too much spare time since he is banned from holding an I licence & his plan to gain one by proxy in bham travel failed.
Didn't AmPm have something to do with A2Z or was I imaging it?
I have just checked what the DVLA have recorded for the two Trident.
T804 RFG has been legally reregistered to PAN 58R
T816 RFG has been legally reregistered to JAZ 5976
So if my photo of JAZ 5976 is actually T804 RFG which it appears to be, then yes it is another illegal reg swop.
Tony
Quote from: Steveminor on October 09, 2013, 07:32:53 AM
Makka what you will probably find is that VIP hadn't got enough coaches themselves to fullfill your booking so they sub contracted Thandi to do the work.
What a lot of you guys probably don't know is that Mel Kang donated the ex AMPM buses to VIP free of charge "what a nice guy he is" & regularly goes there to "help" out around the office. I guess he has too much spare time since he is banned from holding an I licence & his plan to gain one by proxy in bham travel failed.
As far as im aware its all the same, vip advertise this midland bus and coach on some of the buses, you speak to the same person even when being put through to thandi, the websites were identical just with differnt names, all a bit fishy to me, one of the reasons why we cancelled.
Glad action is being taken here to get this company either in order or hopefully off the road altogether. Its quite insulting theyre even being allowed to keep running-let tendered routes be run by proper operators, not this lot.
Sunrise Friday and Centro has had four whole working days to rip up VIPs tenders, start a retendering exercise and get other operators in. Yet the pantomime runs into the weekend.
Will be interesting to see what happens on the 99 this Sunday.
What exactly does a rogue operator have to do to lose a Centro tender?
Some serious questions have to be asked about the competence of Centro.
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on October 11, 2013, 06:44:25 AM
Sunrise Friday and Centro has had four whole working days to rip up VIPs tenders, start a retendering exercise and get other operators in. Yet the pantomime runs into the weekend.
Will be interesting to see what happens on the 99 this Sunday.
What exactly does a rogue operator have to do to lose a Centro tender?
Some serious questions have to be asked about the competence of Centro.
W228DNO was on the 650 yesterday with the doors permanently open and still with the broken window
Centro seem to be poor in most departments, route choices ie 22,24 , putting spin on statistics, like passenger numbers up on x route. Well, it would be if you lengthen a route???. I would have thought they check operators before awarding contracts. I'm no fan of wmsnt, but if you can provide a roadworthy bus at a competitive price, fair play.
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on October 11, 2013, 06:44:25 AM
Sunrise Friday and Centro has had four whole working days to rip up VIPs tenders, start a retendering exercise and get other operators in. Yet the pantomime runs into the weekend.
Will be interesting to see what happens on the 99 this Sunday.
What exactly does a rogue operator have to do to lose a Centro tender?
Some serious questions have to be asked about the competence of Centro.
Toothless tigers come to mind
A VIP 966 I was on in Chelmsley Wood was delayed......................
when driver stopped to put his trousers on (to cover his jogging bottoms)
I came across a link the other day for reporting errant operators to the traffic commissioners but I can't find it now.
I had the misfortune of catching a VIP 72 last night. Can't remember which one, but was a Y reg dart. Every time the driver breaker suddenly the engine cut out the the lights went off.
In other news yesterday afternoon on Priory Queensway an 02 plate VIP was being towed away.
Quote from: Gareth on October 11, 2013, 01:05:14 PM
I had the misfortune of catching a VIP 72 last night. Can't remember which one, but was a Y reg dart. Every time the driver breaker suddenly the engine cut out the the lights went off.
Sounds like T51 KLD
Also T72 WWV out on the S1 today
Quote from: neale95 on October 13, 2013, 04:26:17 PM
Also T72 WWV out on the S1 today
That's a Yardley Travel bus. Have VIP brought it or Yardley Travel running the S1?
I recall seeing a yardley dart on ebay not long after the 28 finished so I'd assume VIP have bought it.
Quote from: Gareth on October 11, 2013, 01:05:14 PM
I had the misfortune of catching a VIP 72 last night. Can't remember which one, but was a Y reg dart. Every time the driver breaker suddenly the engine cut out the the lights went off.
In other news yesterday afternoon on Priory Queensway an 02 plate VIP was being towed away.
Gareth, VIP don't have any Y-reg Darts
Quote from: John on October 13, 2013, 04:29:53 PM
Quote from: neale95 on October 13, 2013, 04:26:17 PM
Also T72 WWV out on the S1 today
That's a Yardley Travel bus. Have VIP brought it or Yardley Travel running the S1?
Was the usual S1 VIP driveer (apart from the last few weeks)
Quote from: neale95 on October 13, 2013, 05:10:20 PM
Quote from: John on October 13, 2013, 04:29:53 PM
Quote from: neale95 on October 13, 2013, 04:26:17 PM
Also T72 WWV out on the S1 today
That's a Yardley Travel bus. Have VIP brought it or Yardley Travel running the S1?
Was the usual S1 VIP driveer (apart from the last few weeks)
Ah, that'll explain the green & cream Dart that I saw on the 71 earlier!
Any more news about this company? They still running, who is doing replacement contracts etc as I'm not in Birmingham to be able to check
Quote from: Winston on October 13, 2013, 04:55:04 PM
Quote from: Gareth on October 11, 2013, 01:05:14 PM
I had the misfortune of catching a VIP 72 last night. Can't remember which one, but was a Y reg dart. Every time the driver breaker suddenly the engine cut out the the lights went off.
In other news yesterday afternoon on Priory Queensway an 02 plate VIP was being towed away.
Gareth, VIP don't have any Y-reg Darts
Looking at their fleet list to refresh my memory. I think it was probably V256BNV
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 15, 2013, 07:10:13 PM
Any more news about this company? They still running, who is doing replacement contracts etc as I'm not in Birmingham to be able to check
No VIP 966s ran today
T72WWV was on the 966 this afternoon with route number scribbled on a piece of A4 paper.
Quote from: Tony on October 15, 2013, 07:33:19 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 15, 2013, 07:10:13 PM
Any more news about this company? They still running, who is doing replacement contracts etc as I'm not in Birmingham to be able to check
No VIP 966s ran today
Centro found any replacements? And thanks for the update Tony
Quote from: Eric Shaw on October 15, 2013, 08:05:30 PM
T72WWV was on the 966 this afternoon with route number scribbled on a piece of A4 paper.
I have just driven two trips on the 966 and didn't see any on either trip, so it didn't stay out very long, or it was off route when it passed me!
T51KLD was on the 424 today seen it in Perry Barr while passing on 4869 on the 997
got 966 vip tonight tony, got in from conyx lane to solihull train stn, was a dart, no destination gear just 966 written on a peice of paper, deffnetley vip thou, same driver ive seen on them and had 650 written on paper underneath it.
also a note i asked the driver if he went to the staion which he said yes to, go to the island on solihul by oneils he asked if i was still going to the station which i replied yes to and missed of the town centre and went straight to the station, also bus couldnt change gears making awful sound if im honest. Worst journey ever thank god it was only 10 mins worth.
if the time table is right on the bus stop, it was 50 mins late,
i have to get it the next few nights can leave updates on them if anyone is intrested
sorry for spelling, been a long day.
The other Yardley dart. P902CTO is on the 966 today
T72 WWV out on the 966 today, you can still see all the YT logos and writing on the side :-\
Can confirm P902 CTO, as we travelled on it Birmingham International to Station Road, Solihull this p.m..
vul
V256 BNP at the bottom of Chipperfield Road at 21:25 tonight with engine running & hazards on.Looks like the 72E is down to 1 vehicle again tonight
W228 DNO was out on the 424 today and at last the broken window has been replaced! Why did they not replace the window weeks ago, and to compound matters put the vehicle out in service in that state?
Are you sure it's 228 & not another reg swap?
Quote from: Steveminor on October 17, 2013, 08:11:25 PM
Are you sure it's 228 & not another reg swap?
I saw it as well today. It is 'W228 DNO', with its Stagecoach Interior
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
Quote from: Gareth on October 17, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
It may be because it was originally owned by NX subsidiary Airlinks, I suspect they may have been delivered new with TWM spec interior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmightycat/6951216446/
I did wonder if originally it was all like that due to the orange poles too.
Is that what the livery is very TWM style too?
Quote from: Gareth on October 18, 2013, 02:08:57 PM
I did wonder if originally it was all like that due to the orange poles too.
Is that what the livery is very TWM style too?
That was just the livery for route H30.
I think most Airlink buses are allover white
Quote from: Gareth on October 17, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
Was on the 101 today
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 18, 2013, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: Gareth on October 17, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
Was on the 101 today
take it, it had 101 scribbled on paper or they got the display sorted out now
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 18, 2013, 06:38:37 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 18, 2013, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: Gareth on October 17, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
Was on the 101 today
take it, it had 101 scribbled on paper or they got the display sorted out now
It does not take much to write 101 on a bit of paper. I doubt VIP would have put an LED display in it as it is roller blinds in the 2 ex-Yardley Travel Darts
Quote from: John on October 18, 2013, 06:41:06 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 18, 2013, 06:38:37 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 18, 2013, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: Gareth on October 17, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
Was on the 101 today
take it, it had 101 scribbled on paper or they got the display sorted out now
It does not take much to write 101 on a bit of paper. I doubt VIP would have put an LED display in it as it is roller blinds in the 2 ex-Yardley Travel Darts
When Yardley Travel ran the 28 did they have bits of scribbled paper on the front too, never seen the service in operation
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 18, 2013, 06:52:01 PM
When Yardley Travel ran the 28 did they have bits of scribbled paper on the front too, never seen the service in operation
No, they actually looked smart with both number blind and destination blinds
Quote from: John on October 18, 2013, 06:55:21 PM
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 18, 2013, 06:52:01 PM
When Yardley Travel ran the 28 did they have bits of scribbled paper on the front too, never seen the service in operation
No, they actually looked smart with both number blind and destination blinds
Yup, just looked through your flickr :) was about make some changes to my other post. Shame VIP carnt put 966 on the roller blind, instead of silly bits of paper ::)
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 18, 2013, 06:38:37 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on October 18, 2013, 05:21:04 PM
Quote from: Gareth on October 17, 2013, 11:21:19 PM
I had ex Yardley Travel T72WWV on the 72 home tonight.
Interestingly it's wheelchair tip up seat is covered in WMT spec (blue with red specks) moquette.
The driver also was driving with one hand, drinking red bull with the other and had an earphone in his right ear. Can't wait until this operator is sorted out and it's backside kicked!
Was on the 101 today
take it, it had 101 scribbled on paper or they got the display sorted out now
Yes and
in RED
not the best pen colour to write a route number down lol
One of the 2 ex tarsal travel darts was on 966 this afternoon with led destinations fitted
Quote from: Steveminor on October 18, 2013, 10:46:46 PM
One of the 2 ex tarsal travel darts was on 966 this afternoon with led destinations fitted
I think that P902 CTO
T72WVV and P902CTO travelling in convoy on 966 at Birmingham Airport 1300hrs today.
Quote from: old50niner on October 25, 2013, 04:03:23 PM
T72WVV and P902CTO travelling in convoy on 966 at Birmingham Airport 1300hrs today.
They could well have been travelling in opposite directions since there is a one-way loop around the Airport.
Don't think VIP were operating the 99 today.
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 28, 2013, 12:02:52 AM
Don't think VIP were operating the 99 today.
on my way home on the 140 yesterday in Quinton there was that ex Yardleys Travel bus on the 99
this was about 9pm
Quote from: OH25 on October 28, 2013, 10:23:06 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 28, 2013, 12:02:52 AM
Don't think VIP were operating the 99 today.
on my way home on the 140 yesterday in Quinton there was that ex Yardleys Travel bus on the 99
this was about 9pm
Oh ok, at least 2 of the 4 buses seemed to be missing though
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 28, 2013, 12:02:52 AM
Don't think VIP were operating the 99 today.
I saw the ex Yardleys dart by Quinton Cinema (from Halesowen) about 3.05 / 3.10.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 28, 2013, 04:41:40 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on October 28, 2013, 12:02:52 AM
Don't think VIP were operating the 99 today.
I saw the ex Yardleys dart by Quinton Cinema (from Halesowen) about 3.05 / 3.10.
I think they were operating a very limited service, a man I spoke to yesterday had waited for the 12:00 99 from Halesowen which didn't come, and the 12:30 99 which also did not come
Someone at centro needs to just reassign these contracts as its a joke thats been going on since before I left Birmingham last month... Can't believe centro seem so useless and that VIP are still allowed to be on the road.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 28, 2013, 07:12:24 PM
Someone at centro needs to just reassign these contracts as its a joke thats been going on since before I left Birmingham last month... Can't believe centro seem so useless and that VIP are still allowed to be on the road.
Centro are not quite as useless as you think! VIP's contracts have been terminated with effect from the end of next week with emergency tenders going out to other operators for them to apply to operate these routes
Quote from: Tony on October 29, 2013, 03:30:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 28, 2013, 07:12:24 PM
Someone at centro needs to just reassign these contracts as its a joke thats been going on since before I left Birmingham last month... Can't believe centro seem so useless and that VIP are still allowed to be on the road.
Centro are not quite as useless as you think! VIP's contracts have been terminated with effect from the end of next week with emergency tenders going out to other operators for them to apply to operate these routes
Sounds as though VIP's days are numbered
Quote from: Winston on October 29, 2013, 03:32:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 29, 2013, 03:30:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 28, 2013, 07:12:24 PM
Someone at centro needs to just reassign these contracts as its a joke thats been going on since before I left Birmingham last month... Can't believe centro seem so useless and that VIP are still allowed to be on the road.
Centro are not quite as useless as you think! VIP's contracts have been terminated with effect from the end of next week with emergency tenders going out to other operators for them to apply to operate these routes
Sounds as though VIP's days are numbered
Very numbered!!! ;) ;) ;)
Quote from: Winston on October 29, 2013, 03:32:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 29, 2013, 03:30:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 28, 2013, 07:12:24 PM
Someone at centro needs to just reassign these contracts as its a joke thats been going on since before I left Birmingham last month... Can't believe centro seem so useless and that VIP are still allowed to be on the road.
Centro are not quite as useless as you think! VIP's contracts have been terminated with effect from the end of next week with emergency tenders going out to other operators for them to apply to operate these routes
Sounds as though VIP's days are numbered
Excellent.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 03:36:43 PM
Quote from: Winston on October 29, 2013, 03:32:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on October 29, 2013, 03:30:52 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 28, 2013, 07:12:24 PM
Someone at centro needs to just reassign these contracts as its a joke thats been going on since before I left Birmingham last month... Can't believe centro seem so useless and that VIP are still allowed to be on the road.
Centro are not quite as useless as you think! VIP's contracts have been terminated with effect from the end of next week with emergency tenders going out to other operators for them to apply to operate these routes
Sounds as though VIP's days are numbered
Very numbered!!! ;) ;) ;)
If they are failing to deliver on their Centro contracts, there is every chance the same may be happening on other contracts. Even the staff that can see what is coming will vote with their feet.....
Hopefully diamond can win a lot of the routes back! And thanks for the update Tony and others!
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
I would think Central Buses would do the 650 again. I could also see Diamond returning to the 424.
I am wondering who will pick up the 99, maybe NXWM might want to operate the VIP Sunday journeys
Quote from: John on October 29, 2013, 06:40:33 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
I would think Central Buses would do the 650 again. I could also see Diamond returning to the 424.
I am wondering who will pick up the 99, maybe NXWM might want to operate the VIP Sunday journeys
I would have thought WMSNT would have ran the 424 dont know why
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
No neither am I-central buses/diamond put them to shame. Hopefully diamond on the 99 and 424 but would be great to see central back on the 650 which has been run badly by VIP in my opinion at least
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 29, 2013, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
No neither am I-central buses/diamond put them to shame. Hopefully diamond on the 99 and 424 but would be great to see central back on the 650 which has been run badly by VIP in my opinion at least
I agree they do put them to shame. I remember when CB stepped in a few weeks back on the 650, I had a ride on one of the journies and heard nothing but stories about VIPs buses breaking down and Drivers not running to the correct route.
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 07:29:19 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 29, 2013, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
No neither am I-central buses/diamond put them to shame. Hopefully diamond on the 99 and 424 but would be great to see central back on the 650 which has been run badly by VIP in my opinion at least
I agree they do put them to shame. I remember when CB stepped in a few weeks back on the 650, I had a ride on one of the journies and heard nothing but stories about VIPs buses breaking down and Drivers not running to the correct route.
Yeah and when I was in town at the end of august, on the 424 there was a diamond 16 at the stop so instead of waiting like anyone else would do, the VIP driver zoomed straight past so result, those who wanted the 424 didnt get it! They just don't seem a professional company....
Maybe as National Express run the 99 during the day, they will take over the emergency contract in the evenings/Sunday.
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 29, 2013, 07:32:51 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 07:29:19 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 29, 2013, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
No neither am I-central buses/diamond put them to shame. Hopefully diamond on the 99 and 424 but would be great to see central back on the 650 which has been run badly by VIP in my opinion at least
I agree they do put them to shame. I remember when CB stepped in a few weeks back on the 650, I had a ride on one of the journies and heard nothing but stories about VIPs buses breaking down and Drivers not running to the correct route.
Yeah and when I was in town at the end of august, on the 424 there was a diamond 16 at the stop so instead of waiting like anyone else would do, the VIP driver zoomed straight past so result, those who wanted the 424 didnt get it! They just don't seem a professional company....
I can also believe that as I have seen it happen!
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 07:37:02 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 29, 2013, 07:32:51 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 07:29:19 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 29, 2013, 07:24:31 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 06:37:05 PM
Fingers Crossed CB get the 650 back. I for one won't be sad to see the back of VIP....
No neither am I-central buses/diamond put them to shame. Hopefully diamond on the 99 and 424 but would be great to see central back on the 650 which has been run badly by VIP in my opinion at least
I agree they do put them to shame. I remember when CB stepped in a few weeks back on the 650, I had a ride on one of the journies and heard nothing but stories about VIPs buses breaking down and Drivers not running to the correct route.
Yeah and when I was in town at the end of august, on the 424 there was a diamond 16 at the stop so instead of waiting like anyone else would do, the VIP driver zoomed straight past so result, those who wanted the 424 didnt get it! They just don't seem a professional company....
I can also believe that as I have seen it happen!
Clearly just a one off then. I think if the 424 was well run then it could be a lot more successful than it currently is. When diamond ran it and even Zak's before that it seemed well used but under VIP it seems a lot less busy
It isn't just the 424 that appear to have lost business, I can't say anything without seeing proper figures but obviously from loadings going past, the 650 seems lacking in custom too. People obviously value their safety more than getting about ;)
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 07:43:31 PM
It isn't just the 424 that appear to have lost business, I can't say anything without seeing proper figures but obviously from loadings going past, the 650 seems lacking in custom too. People obviously value their safety more than getting about ;)
Yeah, maybe that could be the issue. They bid very low for contracts to win them, then with prices rising and passenger numbers falling due to poor performance, they have ended up with a situation where I imagine there was a cash flow problem, meaning vehicle defects. This is only what I am guessing-can't be sure but it seems what is most likely to have happened
I don't know I mean they seem to have found cash for the Tridents and the ex Yardley darts, personally I think there are things going on behind the scenes they would rather people didn't know about.
You would hope that when bids come in for contracts, that Centro look at them seriously and don't just go for the company that has bid the lowest.
After all, it may not be the lowest bid that offers the best value for money, as we have recently seen, how much money did Centro have to pay other operators to operate services a few weeks ago whilst VIP vehicles were off the road. Also, did they recover that money from VIP?
Quote from: trident4370 on October 29, 2013, 07:49:43 PM
I don't know I mean they seem to have found cash for the Tridents and the ex Yardley darts, personally I think there are things going on behind the scenes they would rather people didn't know about.
I think you've hit the nail on the head there. Dodgy dealings...
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
You would hope that when bids come in for contracts, that Centro look at them seriously and don't just go for the company that has bid the lowest.
After all, it may not be the lowest bid that offers the best value for money, as we have recently seen, how much money did Centro have to pay other operators to operate services a few weeks ago whilst VIP vehicles were off the road. Also, did they recover that money from VIP?
Let's face it, apart from NX, Arriva & Diamond, could you look at a company & think these ain't gonna last the course.
I dunno what anyone thinks but apart from NX, which company do you personally think 'Oh they will do a reasonable job!'?
Most of these companies that get the contracts, I've never heard of.
Everyone has heard of NX, Arriva etc, but unless you live in the area, who the hell has heard of the likes of Joes Travel, Hanson, Claribel etc?
I'd rather have a reputable known company than a Johnny Come Lately.
(Not suggesting any company I've mentioned are dodgy, just using examples! )
Maybe Centro ought to put 'new' companies on probation for contracts, but how would you police the commercial journeys?
Quote from: Westy on October 29, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
You would hope that when bids come in for contracts, that Centro look at them seriously and don't just go for the company that has bid the lowest.
After all, it may not be the lowest bid that offers the best value for money, as we have recently seen, how much money did Centro have to pay other operators to operate services a few weeks ago whilst VIP vehicles were off the road. Also, did they recover that money from VIP?
Let's face it, apart from NX, Arriva & Diamond, could you look at a company & think these ain't gonna last the course.
I dunno what anyone thinks but apart from NX, which company do you personally think 'Oh they will do a reasonable job!'?
Most of these companies that get the contracts, I've never heard of.
Everyone has heard of NX, Arriva etc, but unless you live in the area, who the hell has heard of the likes of Joes Travel, Hanson, Claribel etc?
I'd rather have a reputable known company than a Johnny Come Lately.
(Not suggesting any company I've mentioned are dodgy, just using examples! )
Maybe Centro ought to put 'new' companies on probation for contracts, .but how would you police the commercial journeys?
I would hope that if Centro are spending tax payers money on tendered bus journeys, then someone is going out (mystery shopper perhaps) to ensure that journeys are being run correctly, on time, with a road worthy bus.
Quote from: Westy on October 29, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
You would hope that when bids come in for contracts, that Centro look at them seriously and don't just go for the company that has bid the lowest.
After all, it may not be the lowest bid that offers the best value for money, as we have recently seen, how much money did Centro have to pay other operators to operate services a few weeks ago whilst VIP vehicles were off the road. Also, did they recover that money from VIP?
Let's face it, apart from NX, Arriva & Diamond, could you look at a company & think these ain't gonna last the course.
I dunno what anyone thinks but apart from NX, which company do you personally think 'Oh they will do a reasonable job!'?
Most of these companies that get the contracts, I've never heard of.
Everyone has heard of NX, Arriva etc, but unless you live in the area, who the hell has heard of the likes of Joes Travel, Hanson, Claribel etc?
I'd rather have a reputable known company than a Johnny Come Lately.
(Not suggesting any company I've mentioned are dodgy, just using examples! )
Maybe Centro ought to put 'new' companies on probation for contracts, but how would you police the commercial journeys?
Firstly NX, arriva and diamond is pretty much ALL the west midlands market. And no you couldn't but you could look at the quality of their operation. And I think the vast majority of companies you think will do a good job and do. And most companies that get the contracts you've never heard of and Joes travel/claribels dont have any centro contracts! And if you don't live in the area then you wont be using the buses so surely it doesnt matter? Most people would be unable to name arriva/nx/diamond as the main operators if they live in the area let alone outside it! Most contracts dont go to a Johnny come lately.
And putting them on probation would be anti-competitive. Why not use centros resources to monitor services and provided targets are met, centro leaves them alone?? Far better system...
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 08:26:02 PM
Quote from: Westy on October 29, 2013, 08:14:24 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
You would hope that when bids come in for contracts, that Centro look at them seriously and don't just go for the company that has bid the lowest.
After all, it may not be the lowest bid that offers the best value for money, as we have recently seen, how much money did Centro have to pay other operators to operate services a few weeks ago whilst VIP vehicles were off the road. Also, did they recover that money from VIP?
Let's face it, apart from NX, Arriva & Diamond, could you look at a company & think these ain't gonna last the course.
I dunno what anyone thinks but apart from NX, which company do you personally think 'Oh they will do a reasonable job!'?
Most of these companies that get the contracts, I've never heard of.
Everyone has heard of NX, Arriva etc, but unless you live in the area, who the hell has heard of the likes of Joes Travel, Hanson, Claribel etc?
I'd rather have a reputable known company than a Johnny Come Lately.
(Not suggesting any company I've mentioned are dodgy, just using examples! )
Maybe Centro ought to put 'new' companies on probation for contracts, .but how would you police the commercial journeys?
I would hope that if Centro are spending tax payers money on tendered bus journeys, then someone is going out (mystery shopper perhaps) to ensure that journeys are being run correctly, on time, with a road worthy bus.
Unless somebody is sat in the depot pretending to be driving the route on a static ticket machine Centro can load data from the machines to see which journeys were run
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 29, 2013, 07:33:49 PM
Maybe as National Express run the 99 during the day, they will take over the emergency contract in the evenings/Sunday.
Doubt it, they can't cover the 99 duties as it is let alone emergency contracts.
I'd like to see sunny travel tAke a few, they did well on the 120 in the past and now there 71 is ok, could do the 966 maybe
Quote from: makkacdt on October 30, 2013, 08:02:17 AM
I'd like to see sunny travel tAke a few, they did well on the 120 in the past and now there 71 is ok, could do the 966 maybe
So chucking passengers off in Solihull Town centre who want to go to the station so they can U-turn to get in front of Claribels on the return is OK. Personally I would prefer Claribels to show an interest in Centro tenders. There is no real need for anyone else to be on the 966
Quote from: makkacdt on October 30, 2013, 08:02:17 AM
I'd like to see sunny travel tAke a few, they did well on the 120 in the past and now there 71 is ok, could do the 966 maybe
Oh god no. I see more than enough of them off route / running to fantasy times as it is.
Fair point there tony,
Never new that happened, been on a few times to get to work and Solihull never had a problem, went to the station on there pink one before, the rest I went over the island instead of going left and back in to the bus stops.
Again claribels I use, nice buses if im honest, even if there is one drive who insists on grabbing your pass to check it. Fair play to him though, at least he checks them.
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Quote from: Kevin on October 30, 2013, 06:50:27 PM
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Didnt it prosper under Zak's/diamond-I would have thought its less of a no hoper than a lot of the other tendered routes out there...
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 30, 2013, 07:05:55 PM
Quote from: Kevin on October 30, 2013, 06:50:27 PM
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Didnt it prosper under Zak's/diamond-I would have thought its less of a no hoper than a lot of the other tendered routes out there...
You watch WMSNT get it!!!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 30, 2013, 07:28:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 30, 2013, 07:05:55 PM
Quote from: Kevin on October 30, 2013, 06:50:27 PM
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Didnt it prosper under Zak's/diamond-I would have thought its less of a no hoper than a lot of the other tendered routes out there...
I hope they don't! Its unfair as Ive said before that a charity is allowed to compete like this
You watch WMSNT get it!!!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 30, 2013, 07:28:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 30, 2013, 07:05:55 PM
Quote from: Kevin on October 30, 2013, 06:50:27 PM
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Didnt it prosper under Zak's/diamond-I would have thought its less of a no hoper than a lot of the other tendered routes out there...
You watch WMSNT get it!!!
They seem to be getting the majority of all Centro tenders available
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 30, 2013, 07:28:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 30, 2013, 07:05:55 PM
Quote from: Kevin on October 30, 2013, 06:50:27 PM
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Didnt it prosper under Zak's/diamond-I would have thought its less of a no hoper than a lot of the other tendered routes out there...
You watch WMSNT get it!!!
I imagine WMSNT will get it myself :) will be nice to more of WMSNT in Birmingham
Just seen a dart being towed away, had been gutted. No glass no engine etc
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 11:53:15 AM
Just seen a dart being towed away, had been gutted. No glass no engine etc
seen it too towed by a yellow truck
Quote from: Nathan4775 on October 30, 2013, 09:58:17 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on October 30, 2013, 07:28:55 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on October 30, 2013, 07:05:55 PM
Quote from: Kevin on October 30, 2013, 06:50:27 PM
Wow, I go on holiday for a week and miss all the exciting stuff.....
Cant wait to see a decent operator on the 424 (not holding out much hope, the route itself dictates it's never really going to prosper)
Didnt it prosper under Zak's/diamond-I would have thought its less of a no hoper than a lot of the other tendered routes out there...
You watch WMSNT get it!!!
I imagine WMSNT will get it myself :) will be nice to more of WMSNT in Birmingham
Not that I've got anything against WMSNT but surely with a S21 licence its really meant for ring and ride style services?
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 02, 2013, 01:04:48 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 11:53:15 AM
Just seen a dart being towed away, had been gutted. No glass no engine etc
seen it too towed by a yellow truck
Where from? Which dart?
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 02, 2013, 01:35:10 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 02, 2013, 01:04:48 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 11:53:15 AM
Just seen a dart being towed away, had been gutted. No glass no engine etc
seen it too towed by a yellow truck
Where from? Which dart?
It was an LGH dart and was being towed around by the Jewellery Quater I think (thats where I was heading, cant remember where about it was though!)
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 01:41:21 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 02, 2013, 01:35:10 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 02, 2013, 01:04:48 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 11:53:15 AM
Just seen a dart being towed away, had been gutted. No glass no engine etc
seen it too towed by a yellow truck
Where from? Which dart?
It was an LGH dart and was being towed around by the Jewellery Quater I think (thats where I was heading, cant remember where about it was though!)
i seen it going down new john street west
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 02, 2013, 11:21:04 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 01:41:21 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 02, 2013, 01:35:10 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 02, 2013, 01:04:48 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 02, 2013, 11:53:15 AM
Just seen a dart being towed away, had been gutted. No glass no engine etc
seen it too towed by a yellow truck
Where from? Which dart?
It was an LGH dart and was being towed around by the Jewellery Quater I think (thats where I was heading, cant remember where about it was though!)
i seen it going down new john street west
Sounds about right
Diamond have won all the emergency VIP tenders
Quote from: Tony on November 04, 2013, 07:55:32 PM
Diamond have won all the emergency VIP tenders
Are VIP still free to run journeys on the 99, 101 in the day, or are they affected to?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 04, 2013, 07:58:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 04, 2013, 07:55:32 PM
Diamond have won all the emergency VIP tenders
Are VIP still free to run journeys on the 99, 101 in the day, or are they affected to?
Haven't they already stopped?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 04, 2013, 08:00:44 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 04, 2013, 07:58:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 04, 2013, 07:55:32 PM
Diamond have won all the emergency VIP tenders
Are VIP still free to run journeys on the 99, 101 in the day, or are they affected to?
Haven't they already stopped?
I didn't see any on the 99 on Friday coming back from Birmingham, but being as they are not tendered journeys i wondered if theoretically VIP could still run them.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 04, 2013, 08:03:53 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 04, 2013, 08:00:44 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 04, 2013, 07:58:22 PM
Quote from: Tony on November 04, 2013, 07:55:32 PM
Diamond have won all the emergency VIP tenders
Are VIP still free to run journeys on the 99, 101 in the day, or are they affected to?
Haven't they already stopped?
I didn't see any on the 99 on Friday coming back from Birmingham, but being as they are not tendered journeys i wondered if theoretically VIP could still run them.
They should still be running them. They are still registered. They may reappear next week when the few fit buses are not required on the tenders
Quote from: Tony on November 04, 2013, 07:55:32 PM
Diamond have won all the emergency VIP tenders
Fair play to Diamond, I suspect they have a few spare buses knocking around after the recent tender changes just over a week ago
Which tendered routes exactly are VIP losing to Diamond, and which ones will they continue to run?
Quote from: Stu on November 04, 2013, 08:41:44 PM
Which tendered routes exactly are VIP losing to Diamond, and which ones will they continue to run?
VIP have lost every tendered route they run, all there tenders are to be operated by Diamond.
VIP will just continue on routes that they run parallel with other operators, eg: 99, 101, 966
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 04, 2013, 08:45:41 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 04, 2013, 08:41:44 PM
Which tendered routes exactly are VIP losing to Diamond, and which ones will they continue to run?
VIP have lost every tendered route they run, all there tenders are to be operated by Diamond.
VIP will just continue on routes that they run parallel with other operators, eg: 99, 101, 966
Is the 99 tendered on a Sunday? If so then Diamond will run that too won't they?
Quote from: John on November 04, 2013, 08:48:51 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 04, 2013, 08:45:41 PM
Quote from: Stu on November 04, 2013, 08:41:44 PM
Which tendered routes exactly are VIP losing to Diamond, and which ones will they continue to run?
VIP have lost every tendered route they run, all there tenders are to be operated by Diamond.
VIP will just continue on routes that they run parallel with other operators, eg: 99, 101, 966
Is the 99 tendered on a Sunday? If so then Diamond will run that too won't they?
VIP will continue to run their odd daytime journeys Mon-Sat alongside NXWM. The evening and Sunday 99 journeys will indeed be ran by Diamond. Three different operators on the 99!
Good to see Diamond back on the 424, looks as though Long Acre will have a but of work with the 424 and the 650. Also did VIP Operate the Sunday 71 commercially, or will Diamond run that along with the evenings.
Quote from: Lukeee on November 04, 2013, 09:26:54 PM
Good to see Diamond back on the 424, looks as though Long Acre will have a but of work with the 424 and the 650. Also did VIP Operate the Sunday 71 commercially, or will Diamond run that along with the evenings.
They did operate the 71 commercially, but cancelled it in August? and won the emergency tender for it.
Really glad diamond have won the tenders. Hopefully its the start of the end for VIP
So what will happen to the drivers/buses at VIP
Hey all :-)
Seen a VIP out of depot today and in city and they got a new route on the blinds
3 - Acocks Green via Yardley Wood Road
Quote from: vinh1000 on November 05, 2013, 08:28:22 AM
Hey all :-)
Seen a VIP out of depot today and in city and they got a new route on the blinds
3 - Acocks Green via Yardley Wood Road
They did used to operate some early morning 3 journeys, but I think they were only as far as Yardley Wood.
If they're starting commercially on this route, seems a strange choice.
I lived in Yardley Wood when they were "operating" the early journeys and I never saw a single VIP bus!
Quote from: trident4370 on November 05, 2013, 08:33:26 PM
I lived in Yardley Wood when they were "operating" the early journeys and I never saw a single VIP bus!
Didn't NXWM register them commercially or something as I remember VIP winning the tender but also 'loosing' it before they were meant to start?
Quote from: neale95 on November 05, 2013, 09:18:40 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on November 05, 2013, 08:33:26 PM
I lived in Yardley Wood when they were "operating" the early journeys and I never saw a single VIP bus!
Didn't NXWM register them commercially or something as I remember VIP winning the tender but also 'loosing' it before they were meant to start?
I don't really remember exactly what happened tbh but I know a VIP bus never worked the route! It could be that because they won so many contracts they didn't have enough buses to take on all the work so refused the 2/3 although your theory sounds much more probable!
Quote from: trident4370 on November 05, 2013, 09:22:45 PM
Quote from: neale95 on November 05, 2013, 09:18:40 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on November 05, 2013, 08:33:26 PM
I lived in Yardley Wood when they were "operating" the early journeys and I never saw a single VIP bus!
Didn't NXWM register them commercially or something as I remember VIP winning the tender but also 'loosing' it before they were meant to start?
I don't really remember exactly what happened tbh but I know a VIP bus never worked the route! It could be that because they won so many contracts they didn't have enough buses to take on all the work so refused the 2/3 although your theory sounds much more probable!
Just done a search on VOSA, the 2/3 were cancelled on the 22nd April, the date I believe they were meant to start.
The outcome of tenders on CENTRO website says NXWM won the tender, although I do remember VIP winning it at first, so I don't know exact what happened there. Just read the outcome of tenders again and it appears it was a commercial registration by NXWM
All I can say is, let's be thankful they never operated it! :P
Is this a record? On the 72 tonight. Depart City Centre exactly 22.52. Arrive at Saltley Gate just before 22.56. Just over 3 1/2 mins!
So I'm confused... Is the 99 a tendered route of an evening? Cause I saw a vip bus at half 9 last night going through the uni
Quote from: Kevin on November 08, 2013, 06:44:08 AM
So I'm confused... Is the 99 a tendered route of an evening? Cause I saw a vip bus at half 9 last night going through the uni
It is tendered on an evening (from memory the journeys operating after 19:30) and all day on Sundays. Centro have just officially confirmed on BBC WM that VIP's tenders have been revoked, their last journeys will be on Saturday evening and new operators will be in place with effect from Sunday 10th November.
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on November 08, 2013, 11:15:56 AM
Quote from: Kevin on November 08, 2013, 06:44:08 AM
So I'm confused... Is the 99 a tendered route of an evening? Cause I saw a vip bus at half 9 last night going through the uni
It is tendered on an evening (from memory the journeys operating after 19:30) and all day on Sundays. Centro have just officially confirmed on BBC WM that VIP's tenders have been revoked, their last journeys will be on Saturday evening and new operators will be in place with effect from Sunday 10th November.
Ah ok, thought they had already stopped running
Read through the topic an cannot find the answer to my question ? Sorry if its been answerd elsewere.
Are VIP going for good. Never to return or is it a temporary thing until they get themselves sorted out ?
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on November 08, 2013, 11:15:56 AM
Quote from: Kevin on November 08, 2013, 06:44:08 AM
So I'm confused... Is the 99 a tendered route of an evening? Cause I saw a vip bus at half 9 last night going through the uni
It is tendered on an evening (from memory the journeys operating after 19:30) and all day on Sundays. Centro have just officially confirmed on BBC WM that VIP's tenders have been revoked, their last journeys will be on Saturday evening and new operators will be in place with effect from Sunday 10th November.
Hopefully I shall be on one of the VIP tenders tomorrow.
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on November 08, 2013, 11:15:56 AM
Quote from: Kevin on November 08, 2013, 06:44:08 AM
So I'm confused... Is the 99 a tendered route of an evening? Cause I saw a vip bus at half 9 last night going through the uni
It is tendered on an evening (from memory the journeys operating after 19:30) and all day on Sundays. Centro have just officially confirmed on BBC WM that VIP's tenders have been revoked, their last journeys will be on Saturday evening and new operators will be in place with effect from Sunday 10th November.
Interestingly on WM, they stated that the tenders are being revoked because of late running and poor performance, no mention of the VOSA visit & the vehicles taken off the road due to poor maintenance.
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 08, 2013, 02:15:02 PM
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on November 08, 2013, 11:15:56 AM
Quote from: Kevin on November 08, 2013, 06:44:08 AM
So I'm confused... Is the 99 a tendered route of an evening? Cause I saw a vip bus at half 9 last night going through the uni
It is tendered on an evening (from memory the journeys operating after 19:30) and all day on Sundays. Centro have just officially confirmed on BBC WM that VIP's tenders have been revoked, their last journeys will be on Saturday evening and new operators will be in place with effect from Sunday 10th November.
Hopefully I shall be on one of the VIP tenders tomorrow.
I'll try and do a 99
V.I.P still running the 966 ;D glad to see there not gone just yet :D
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 11, 2013, 10:09:25 PM
V.I.P still running the 966 ;D glad to see there not gone just yet :D
They are only running their commercial services, ie. 101, 966.
Are they still on commercial 99s too?
Quote from: Nathan4775 on November 11, 2013, 10:09:25 PM
V.I.P still running the 966 ;D glad to see there not gone just yet :D
You're one of the few
Appeared on VOSA yesterday:
Quote
PD0001724/24 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Oxhill Road, The Leveretts and Birmingham City Centre, Markets given service number 101 effective from 25-Dec-2013.
So VIP are probably closing for good then?
They still seem to be running on the 966 and 99 comercially
There still on the 99, seen the Ex Yardley Travel Dart on there yesterday (:, still meaning to get a picture of it.
Thanks for the update. Maybe their plan is to go back to coaches and contracts for private companies and then fit in the 99 and 966 commercially? If VOSA don't take their license off them that is...
been on the 966 through out the last few days, damn and blast I say
Was talking to some old people at the 424 stop at Scott Arms this morning, they were glad VIP's gone saying it was unreliable and singing all the praises for Diamond - this while waiting for a Diamond 424 which was already by this point 10 minutes late and when it did turn up it was a relatively scruffy Solo - says something doesn't it?
Quote from: Kevin on November 18, 2013, 08:05:40 PM
Was talking to some old people at the 424 stop at Scott Arms this morning, they were glad VIP's gone saying it was unreliable and singing all the praises for Diamond - this while waiting for a Diamond 424 which was already by this point 10 minutes late and when it did turn up it was a relatively scruffy Solo - says something doesn't it?
People do seem to be on diamond's side after they took over these services. I think the 424 has always had timing issues the problem was that buses a little late is one thing but buses not coming at all is different. And which solo is scruffy? All the ones at long acre are quite smart I would have said?
Was mentioned on yahoo Bus Group tonight that W228 DNO was seen in Dudley tonight with its VIP branding etched out, anyone any info on this bus?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 18, 2013, 08:21:36 PM
And which solo is scruffy? All the ones at long acre are quite smart I would have said?
Pass, mind was more on the task of catching the 5 behind it
Saw a VIP dart doing a u turn outside Moor St station about 07:50 this morning, their 99 timetable isn't on the NWM website anymore so no idea if it was one of them late or anything
PD0001724/1 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham City Centre and Bromford Bridge given service number 72 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/2 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham City Centre and Kings Heath given service number 650 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/10 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Perry Beeches and Birmingham City Centre given service number 424 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/13 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between The Baldwin and Springfield, Hall Green Health Centre given service number 40 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/18 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Damson Parkway given service number S1 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/25 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Birmingham New Street Station and Halesowen given service number 99 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/26 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Sutton Coldfield and Chelmsley Wood given service number 71 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
I got my hopes up then and realised it was just the lost contracts :(
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 25, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
PD0001724/13 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between The Baldwin and Springfield, Hall Green Health Centre given service number 40 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/18 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Damson Parkway given service number S1 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
Who has took over the 40 & S1 then, is that Diamond as well?
Quote from: Winston on November 25, 2013, 05:43:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 25, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
PD0001724/13 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between The Baldwin and Springfield, Hall Green Health Centre given service number 40 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/18 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Damson Parkway given service number S1 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
Who has took over the 40 & S1 then, is that Diamond as well?
The S1 was awarded to WMSNT in October and the 40 also to WMSNT back in April!
40 was April wasn't it to WMSNT with the S1 in October to WMSNT
Quote from: Winston on November 25, 2013, 05:43:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 25, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
PD0001724/13 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between The Baldwin and Springfield, Hall Green Health Centre given service number 40 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/18 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Damson Parkway given service number S1 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
Who has took over the 40 & S1 then, is that Diamond as well?
WMSNT took over the 40 back in April this year, and the S1 (Sundays) from 27th October.
Quote from: Stu on November 25, 2013, 06:00:10 PM
Quote from: Winston on November 25, 2013, 05:43:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 25, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
PD0001724/13 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between The Baldwin and Springfield, Hall Green Health Centre given service number 40 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
PD0001724/18 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Solihull and Damson Parkway given service number S1 effective from 09-Nov-2013.
Who has took over the 40 & S1 then, is that Diamond as well?
WMSNT took over the 40 back in April this year, and the S1 (Sundays) from 27th October.
VIP are obviously on the ball with cancelling services then...... they're too per-occupied with swapping the registration plates around
VIP V256 BNV in the forecourt of the clock garage at 3:30 with its engine cover open looks like a 966 failure.
VIP used to operate a service to 'Alderman Bowen Day Centre'. Today the vehicle used was WMSNT 119. I believe the vehicle used on the two previous days was an Enviro 200, KX57PMC. All were showing on their digital blinds 'On hire to Birmingham City Council'.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on December 05, 2013, 08:00:24 PM
VIP used to operate a service to 'Alderman Bowen Day Centre'. Today the vehicle used was WMSNT 119. I believe the vehicle used on the two previous days was an Enviro 200, KX57PMC. All were showing on their digital blinds 'On hire to Birmingham City Council'.
Looks like it's not just their public transport contracts they're losing then...
VIP seem to be running the 966 service today on a monday-friday timetable
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 28, 2013, 12:19:57 PM
VIP seem to be running the 966 service today on a monday-friday timetable
They seem to run a lot more journey of a Saturday now. I don't know weather it's the timetable hasn't been updated or weather they are not registered. I think the NWM timetable still shows the rendered journeys
Quote from: Matt.N0056 on December 28, 2013, 03:11:36 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on December 28, 2013, 12:19:57 PM
VIP seem to be running the 966 service today on a monday-friday timetable
They seem to run a lot more journey of a Saturday now. I don't know weather it's the timetable hasn't been updated or weather they are not registered. I think the NWM timetable still shows the rendered journeys
The times Ive got their bus seem to observe the Mon-Fri timetable PVR of 3
Public Inquiry (48278) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 31 March 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2195)
)
PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
Director(s): Usha Raju, SARBJIT SINGH RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
PSV - S111 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 111 (The Transport Act 1985)
Public Inquiry (48279) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 31 March 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2195)
)
PD1027493 SI
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
Quote from: the trainbasher on March 07, 2014, 03:43:38 PM
Public Inquiry (48278) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 31 March 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2195)
)
PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
Director(s): Usha Raju, SARBJIT SINGH RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
PSV - S111 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 111 (The Transport Act 1985)
Public Inquiry (48279) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 31 March 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2195)
)
PD1027493 SI
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
Wonder what that is all about :o :o :o :o lol
Maybe the tc has decided its time to put this operator out of its misery
TSV787 (Bova C38FT) loading up, Birmingham Airport aT 1148hrs today.
Book Throwing Time...QuotePublic Inquiry (48279) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2198)
)
PD1027493 SI
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
The Public Inquiry will now take place on 12 May 2014, commencing at 10:30 hours, continuing on 13 May 2014 if necessary.
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
and...Quote from: notices and proceedingsPublic Inquiry (48510) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2178)
)
PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
Director(s): Usha Raju, SARBJIT SINGH RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
The Public Inquiry will now take place on 12 May 2014, commencing at 10:30 hours, continuing on 13 May 2014 if necessary.
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
PSV - S111 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 111 (The Transport Act 1985)
And just for good measure...
TM Public Inquiry (EpisodeId:2548 PublicInquiryId:1663) for SARBJIT SINGH RAJU to be held at The PI Room (Birmingham) 38 George Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 commencing at 10:30 (Previous Publication:(6093))
Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 18, 2014, 12:16:06 AM
Book Throwing Time...
QuotePublic Inquiry (48279) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2198)
)
PD1027493 SI
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
The Public Inquiry will now take place on 12 May 2014, commencing at 10:30 hours, continuing on 13 May 2014 if necessary.
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
and...
Quote from: notices and proceedingsPublic Inquiry (48510) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 commencing at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2178)
)
PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
Director(s): Usha Raju, SARBJIT SINGH RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
The Public Inquiry will now take place on 12 May 2014, commencing at 10:30 hours, continuing on 13 May 2014 if necessary.
PSV - S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
PSV - Art. 8(2) & (3) - Consideration of Community Authorisation
PSV - S111 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 111 (The Transport Act 1985)
What happened to the book being thrown at them on 31 March 2014?
I went to the original PI and it only got through vehicle maintenance issues. The proceedings were put off until May 12th as it was perceived there was a likelihood that the PI could last two further days as evidence has yet to be heard on bus service performance and the coach operation.
Quote from: JoNi on April 20, 2014, 12:25:01 PM
I went to the original PI and it only got through vehicle maintenance issues. The proceedings were put off until May 12th as it was perceived there was a likelihood that the PI could last two further days as evidence has yet to be heard on bus service performance and the coach operation.
More on this in this weeks Route One magazine
23 April 2014 | Issue 535
http://www.route-one.net/issues/535/index.html#/18
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 25, 2014, 10:28:34 PM
Quote from: JoNi on April 20, 2014, 12:25:01 PM
I went to the original PI and it only got through vehicle maintenance issues. The proceedings were put off until May 12th as it was perceived there was a likelihood that the PI could last two further days as evidence has yet to be heard on bus service performance and the coach operation.
More on this in this weeks Route One magazine
23 April 2014 | Issue 535
http://www.route-one.net/issues/535/index.html#/18
Truly shocking, who would want to travel on one of there buses!
Sure Tony took a picture of one of there buses a while ago and said it wasn't the bus it was supposed to be.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 25, 2014, 10:39:28 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 25, 2014, 10:28:34 PM
Quote from: JoNi on April 20, 2014, 12:25:01 PM
I went to the original PI and it only got through vehicle maintenance issues. The proceedings were put off until May 12th as it was perceived there was a likelihood that the PI could last two further days as evidence has yet to be heard on bus service performance and the coach operation.
More on this in this weeks Route One magazine
23 April 2014 | Issue 535
http://www.route-one.net/issues/535/index.html#/18
Truly shocking, who would want to travel on one of there buses!
Sure Tony took a picture of one of there buses a while ago and said it wasn't the bus it was supposed to be.
Yeah so glad I never went on one!! It was a BU05 dart wasn't it that aged 3 years overnight. Or was it a LG02 dart that became 3 years younger overnight??!!
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 25, 2014, 10:51:49 PM
Yeah so glad I never went on one!! It was a BU05 dart wasn't it that aged 3 years overnight. Or was it a LG02 dart that became 3 years younger overnight??!!
Both actually!
Quote from: John on April 26, 2014, 07:25:22 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on April 25, 2014, 10:51:49 PM
Yeah so glad I never went on one!! It was a BU05 dart wasn't it that aged 3 years overnight. Or was it a LG02 dart that became 3 years younger overnight??!!
Both actually!
I remember a while ago I travelled on an LG02 Dart on the 99 from Halesowen bus station to Mucklow Hill, as I moved to the front of the bus to get off I realised I'd got out of my seat a bit too early as it slowed to a crawling pace up Mucklow Hill, little over 10mph as the impatient 4823 on the 141 overtook. Says a lot!
The realtime at Birmingham International has messed up
Apparently all 966 journeys are now run by VIP lol :p
PD0001724/23 - VIP CONTRACTS LTD, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B18 5HS
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Solihull Station and Erdington Sixways given service number 966 effective from 20-Jun-2014.
Going before they are pushed?
Looking at Route One I think the T reg dart is up for sale.
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 02, 2014, 12:50:32 AM
Looking at Route One I think the T reg dart is up for sale.
The question is, if you bought it, which one would they send you?!
Quote from: andy on May 02, 2014, 11:17:33 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 02, 2014, 12:50:32 AM
Looking at Route One I think the T reg dart is up for sale.
The question is, if you bought it, which one would they send you?!
Lol you could get a good deal-you pay for a T reg dart and then when it arrives it's an 05 plate. Or could be an 02 plate depending on which is actually taxed!!
On a sserious note does anyone know what has happened to the rest of the fleet?
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 02, 2014, 11:23:26 AM
On a sserious note does anyone know what has happened to the rest of the fleet?
Impounded, investigated, & subsequently scrapped. I hope.....
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on May 02, 2014, 11:46:29 AM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 02, 2014, 11:23:26 AM
On a sserious note does anyone know what has happened to the rest of the fleet?
Impounded, investigated, & subsequently scrapped. I hope.....
I do wonder. Being investigated is likely but the 02/5 reg darts aren't old and tho they didn't look well looked after they would surely be too valuable to scrap.
I know the Centro contracts finished last October/November but anyone know when they ran the last of their commercial services?
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 02, 2014, 12:05:23 PM
I do wonder. Being investigated is likely but the 02/5 reg darts aren't old and tho they didn't look well looked after they would surely be too valuable to scrap.
I know the Centro contracts finished last October/November but anyone know when they ran the last of their commercial services?
If I was an operator & they had legitimate '14' platers on offer, I still wouldn't touch them with a bargepole. Tainted. I've seen far too much of their dubious operations - & to be honest I've not really paid that much attention to them (albeit I was always wary since they fielded a Dart that had been written off by my employers), so that the amount of potential shenanigans that may have taken place could be staggering. Put it simply, I never set foot on one of their fleet, so would never want to buy anything from them.
One of their Darts (purportedly the 'T' plate - & too be fair, a cursory glance gave no immediate evidence to the contrary) was on the 966 last Saturday.
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on May 02, 2014, 12:17:31 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 02, 2014, 12:05:23 PM
I do wonder. Being investigated is likely but the 02/5 reg darts aren't old and tho they didn't look well looked after they would surely be too valuable to scrap.
I know the Centro contracts finished last October/November but anyone know when they ran the last of their commercial services?
If I was an operator & they had legitimate '14' platers on offer, I still wouldn't touch them with a bargepole. Tainted. I've seen far too much of their dubious operations - & to be honest I've not really paid that much attention to them (albeit I was always wary since they fielded a Dart that had been written off by my employers), so that the amount of potential shenanigans that may have taken place could be staggering. Put it simply, I never set foot on one of their fleet, so would never want to buy anything from them.
One of their Darts (purportedly the 'T' plate - & too be fair, a cursory glance gave no immediate evidence to the contrary) was on the 966 last Saturday.
I never set foot on them either...!! Which dart was that? The ex diamond DNO dart as that always looked knackered...
Thanks for the info and the 966 is soon to be cancelled. I imagine the 101 was also cancelled a while back?
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 02, 2014, 12:22:25 PM
I never set foot on them either...!! Which dart was that? The ex diamond DNO dart as that always looked knackered...
Thanks for the info and the 966 is soon to be cancelled. I imagine the 101 was also cancelled a while back?
Yeah, W209 off the top of my head. Was still floating around with internal 'Central Connect' advertising the last time I saw it. Back then, I'd thought it strange that I'd not seen it on the road as part of my duties, then it appeared on the internal fleetlist as 'written off due to (accident) damage' - or similar words to that effect. So I was intrigued when it passed me not long after with its new owner. Strangely in this instance it is/was what it was supposed to be (due to the advert), not a different bus passing itself off as a W-DNO....
No idea offhand about the 101 sorry.
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on May 02, 2014, 12:52:48 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 02, 2014, 12:22:25 PM
I never set foot on them either...!! Which dart was that? The ex diamond DNO dart as that always looked knackered...
Thanks for the info and the 966 is soon to be cancelled. I imagine the 101 was also cancelled a while back?
Yeah, W209 off the top of my head. Was still floating around with internal 'Central Connect' advertising the last time I saw it. Back then, I'd thought it strange that I'd not seen it on the road as part of my duties, then it appeared on the internal fleetlist as 'written off due to (accident) damage' - or similar words to that effect. So I was intrigued when it passed me not long after with its new owner. Strangely in this instance it is/was what it was supposed to be (due to the advert), not a different bus passing itself off as a W-DNO....
No idea offhand about the 101 sorry.
Assumed it was that one... Always looked knackrred as did most of the fleet. BU05 darts sounded knackered and often had bare metal panels.
No worries re the 101.
Use them on a regular basis (generally its the T reg or P101 dart on 966 with the same drivers)
Darts in right state and obv they dont stick to timetable
Find they usually run ahead of NX by 3-4 mins in fron
Quote from: vinh1000 on May 02, 2014, 02:03:58 PM
Use them on a regular basis (generally its the T reg or P101 dart on 966 with the same drivers)
Darts in right state and obv they dont stick to timetable
Find they usually run ahead of NX by 3-4 mins in fron
Caught the T reg dart in Tesco petrol station at Ladywood about approx 19:50 making sure it clipped the curb at least twice on the way out with the doors open looking rather battered
Quote from: Lukeee on May 02, 2014, 11:32:56 PM
Quote from: vinh1000 on May 02, 2014, 02:03:58 PM
Use them on a regular basis (generally its the T reg or P101 dart on 966 with the same drivers)
Darts in right state and obv they dont stick to timetable
Find they usually run ahead of NX by 3-4 mins in fron
Caught the T reg dart in Tesco petrol station at Ladywood about approx 19:50 making sure it clipped the curb at least twice on the way out with the doors open looking rather battered
I imagine with cancellations appearing and the operation's days numbered, the care put into the operation has been (even further) reduced from its already low base.
Thanks for the update
To answer my own question, here are ex VIP LG02FF. MPD's at Stafford Bus Centre.
Edit: the top listing as the link just takes you to their main list of vehicles for sale.
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
I wonder what's darts are still with VIP
for now
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 06, 2014, 12:06:18 PM
To answer my own question, here are ex VIP LG02FF. MPD's at Stafford Bus Centre.
Edit: the top listing as the link just takes you to their main list of vehicles for sale.
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
Still has the grille of the 'BU05' Dart
Quote from: John on May 06, 2014, 02:57:56 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 06, 2014, 12:06:18 PM
To answer my own question, here are ex VIP LG02FF. MPD's at Stafford Bus Centre.
Edit: the top listing as the link just takes you to their main list of vehicles for sale.
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
Still has the grille of the 'BU05' Dart
It says it has a Euro 4 engine. Is that an error (Surely an 02 plated Dart wouldn't have a E4 engine would it?) unless it has been fitted with one?
Quote from: Nathan on May 06, 2014, 03:12:21 PM
Quote from: John on May 06, 2014, 02:57:56 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 06, 2014, 12:06:18 PM
To answer my own question, here are ex VIP LG02FF. MPD's at Stafford Bus Centre.
Edit: the top listing as the link just takes you to their main list of vehicles for sale.
http://www.staffordbuscentre.com/Buses-For-Sale.html
Still has the grille of the 'BU05' Dart
It says it has a Euro 4 engine. Is that an error (Surely an 02 plated Dart wouldn't have a E4 engine would it?) unless it has been fitted with one?
Lol it does still have a BU05 grill.
And no Nathan it has been fitted with exhaust traps to ensure it meets euro4 for emissions. Allegedly anyway...
£11.5k. A little optimistic lol. I expect the euro 4 compliance has something to do with that.
Well it has only done 30,000 miles! Surely there's no way that can be true of a 14 year old bus
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 06, 2014, 08:52:35 PM
Well it has only done 30,000 miles! Surely there's no way that can be true of a 14 year old bus
Hmm, looks doubtful! I remember observing one of AG's Omnilinks on the 37 one evening, and that had racked up nearly 120000 miles according to it's odometer! And that bus was only 4 years old!
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 06, 2014, 08:52:35 PM
Well it has only done 30,000 miles! Surely there's no way that can be true of a 14 year old bus
They have been used in London though. I read recently somewhere-might have been Tony that posted this-but London vehicles have fairly low mileages as they have been sat in stationary London traffic for much of their lives.
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 06, 2014, 11:06:51 PM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 06, 2014, 08:52:35 PM
Well it has only done 30,000 miles! Surely there's no way that can be true of a 14 year old bus
They have been used in London though. I read recently somewhere-might have been Tony that posted this-but London vehicles have fairly low mileages as they have been sat in stationary London traffic for much of their lives.
I'm sure earlier, the list on the main page had the mileage as 820,000, then on the actual page for the VIP Dart it was 82,000
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 06, 2014, 11:06:51 PM
Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on May 06, 2014, 08:52:35 PM
Well it has only done 30,000 miles! Surely there's no way that can be true of a 14 year old bus
They have been used in London though. I read recently somewhere-might have been Tony that posted this-but London vehicles have fairly low mileages as they have been sat in stationary London traffic for much of their lives.
Maybe true in some case, but not true in others, certainly a lot of London Buses gain fairly significant mileages.
take the 13 reg Volvo B5LHs which run the 13 route, there are 23 buses for a PVR of 21, plus the Volvos are also used on the night service N13, so it is not uncommon for buses to be used on the 13 for most of the day, return to Edgware for fuel and then come out on night service N13, then in the morning back on the 13 for the day.
According to Government statistics for 2012/3, there were 9,000 London Buses on the road which between them covered 302 million miles, now if my maths is correct that means
302,000,000 divided by 9,000 equates to 33,555 miles per bus.
if we divide 33,555 by 365 days it equates to 92 miles per day.
interestingly, these figures also show a 13% fall in bus usage between 2008/9 and 2012/3 in the West Midlands.
If you want to take a look at the figures yourself, they can be found at
https://www.gov.uk/government/.../annual-bus-statistics-2012-13.pdf
Just back from PI
Transport Manager lost repute and professional competence
One Operators Licence revoked.
Other licence suspended from June 1st until suitable replacement Transport Manager found who will be seen personally by Traffic Commissioner.
Remaining licence reduced to 4 vehicles.
966 operation withdrawn early on 1st June.
Fined £8800 (16 x £500)
Quote from: JoNi on May 12, 2014, 07:01:37 PM
Just back from PI
Transport Manager lost repute and professional competence
One Operators Licence revoked.
Other licence suspended from June 1st until suitable replacement Transport Manager found who will be seen personally by Traffic Commissioner.
Remaining licence reduced to 4 vehicles.
966 operation withdrawn early on 1st June.
Fined £8800 (16 x £500)
Thanks JoNi. Not a massive fine then really...
Do we think they'll do much with a 4 vehicle license or not bother and close down completely?
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 07:23:51 PM
Quote from: JoNi on May 12, 2014, 07:01:37 PM
Just back from PI
Transport Manager lost repute and professional competence
One Operators Licence revoked.
Other licence suspended from June 1st until suitable replacement Transport Manager found who will be seen personally by Traffic Commissioner.
Remaining licence reduced to 4 vehicles.
966 operation withdrawn early on 1st June.
Fined £8800 (16 x £500)
Thanks JoNi. Not a massive fine then really...
Do we think they'll do much with a 4 vehicle license or not bother and close down completely?
They can probably still continue doing the contract and private hire coach stuff, but it's probably the end of the public bus operation side.
They stated they will never go back into bus operation.
Traffic Commissioner suggested they go into another business e.g. "Double Glazing"
Quote from: JoNi on May 12, 2014, 07:27:23 PM
They stated they will never go back into bus operation.
Right, thanks for that info.
Quote from: JoNi on May 12, 2014, 07:27:23 PM
They stated they will never go back into bus operation.
Traffic Commissioner suggested they go into another business e.g. "Double Glazing"
If the repairs on that trident and dart were anything to go by, perhaps best to avoid anything with windows!
Quote from: trident4370 on May 12, 2014, 07:42:48 PM
Quote from: JoNi on May 12, 2014, 07:27:23 PM
They stated they will never go back into bus operation.
Traffic Commissioner suggested they go into another business e.g. "Double Glazing"
If the repairs on that trident and dart were anything to go by, perhaps best to avoid anything with windows!
Lol possibly vehicle registration plate production could be a possible other business :P
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 12, 2014, 07:46:18 PM
Quote from: trident4370 on May 12, 2014, 07:42:48 PM
Quote from: JoNi on May 12, 2014, 07:27:23 PM
They stated they will never go back into bus operation.
Traffic Commissioner suggested they go into another business e.g. "Double Glazing"
If the repairs on that trident and dart were anything to go by, perhaps best to avoid anything with windows!
Lol possibly vehicle registration plate production could be a possible other business :P
Sounds like a winner plan to me :P
PD1027493 SI
(2201)
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
Registered Bus Services running under this licence have also been revoked with immediate effect.
Public Inquiry (48279) held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL on 12 May 2014 at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2201)
)PD1027493 SI
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
Sarbjit Singh Raju t/a VIP Contracts PD1027493
The operator no longer satisfies the requirement under Section 17 (1) (a) and S 14ZA (2) (b) of the PPV 1981 Act to be of good repute.
The operator no longer satisfies the requirement under Section 17 (1) (a) and S 14ZA (2) (d) of the Act to be professionally competent.
I am satisfied as to financial standing.
Adverse findings made under Sections 17 (3) (a); 17 (3) (aa); and 17 (3) (c) of the Act.
The operator's licence is revoked forthwith.
Transport Managers
Transport manager Sarbjit Singh Raju no longer possesses the necessary professional competence or good repute as a transport manager. He is disqualified from holding or applying for a transport manager position unless and until he passes fresh transport manager examinations.
Transport Manager Dennis Rolls retains his good repute and professional competence. However for the avoidance of doubt this is only because he has confirmed that he no longer holds such a position and does not seek to return to the industry. I accept that he is a man of integrity and the failings were ones of naivety.
Public Inquiry (48510) held at The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL on 12 May 2014 at 10:30(Previous Publication:(2201)
)PD0001724 SI
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
Director(s): Usha Raju, SARBJIT SINGH RAJU .
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
The operator has under 26 (1) (a) of the 1985 Transport Act failed to operate a local service.
Under 26 (1) (c ) of the 1985 Transport Act arrangements for maintaining vehicles under the licence for registered services are not adequate.
A financial penalty is imposed under Section 155 of the Transport Act 2000. £550 is imposed for each of the 16 discs authorised. The operator is to pay £8,800 to the Secretary of State within 56 days.
An order is made that any existing registered service cease on 1st June 2014.
An order is made prohibiting the operator from registering any local service for 5 years.
The operator no longer satisfies the requirement under Section 17 (1) (a) and S 14ZA (2) (b) of the PPV 1981 Act to be of good repute.
The operator no longer satisfies the requirement under Section 17 (1) (a) and S 14ZA (2) (d) of the Act to be professionally competent.
I am satisfied as to financial standing.
Adverse findings made under Sections 17 (3) (a); 17 (3) (aa); 17 (3) (b) and 17 (3) (c) of the Act.
The EU regulations that came into law in December 2011 reverse the Bryan Haulage question and after loss of repute / professional competence, I consider proportionality. It is proportional in this case that I allow the limited company licence to continue. I suspend the operator's licence for a period of at least 3 months from 1st June 2014; accordingly the licence will be suspended for June, July and August 2014. The suspension will be for a longer period if there isn't a transport manager appointed who I am satisfied is suitable.
In this case I will personally see any prospective transport manager and expect that he or she will have a contract to work at least 20 hours and be paid at least £15,000 per annum for 20 hours work (or more pro rata). I accept that the hours are more than the starting point in the STC's statutory guidance, however this operator needs a high level competent transport manager.
On the licence resuming after the period of suspension it's authorisation will be 4 vehicles.
TM Public Inquiry (EpisodeId:2545 DecisionId:1713) for DENNIS ROLLS held at The PI Room (Birmingham) 38 George Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 at 10:30 (Previous Publication:(6093))
Repute Not Lost under Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009
TM Public Inquiry (EpisodeId:2548 DecisionId:1712) for SARBJIT SINGH RAJU held at The PI Room (Birmingham) 38 George Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1PL, on 12 May 2014 at 10:30 (Previous Publication:(6093))
Declared Unfit under Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009
Bye bye VIP
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 30, 2014, 12:21:40 AM
PD1027493 SI
(2201)
SARBJIT SINGH RAJU T/A VIP CONTRACTS
WHARF ST, HOCKLEY , BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
Registered Bus Services running under this licence have also been revoked with immediate effect.
Does this mean they're not meant to be running service at all now?
I think you'll find the local services were run using the Vip contracts Ltd licence. These services (well the one remain service) are cancelled from 1st june After that date they cannot register local service for 5 years.
I would think it highly unlikely they will be back on the road at all .
At the PI it was confirmed the 966 would stop running on 31st May despite the cancellation of the registration being later in June.
I bet the mess room at Acocks Green depot are getting the party poppers ready to see off this brilliant operator ;-)
One of VIPs coaches, 601MMA has been involved in quite a serious RTC this morning on Ladywood Middleway It appears to have mounted the pavement and demolished quite a bit of street furniture, doesn't appear to be another vehicle involved
Quote from: Tony on June 27, 2014, 10:37:19 AM
One of VIPs coaches, 601MMA has been involved in quite a serious RTC this morning on Ladywood Middleway It appears to have mounted the pavement and demolished quite a bit of street furniture, doesn't appear to be another vehicle involved
I have been sent a few photographs of the devastation caused by this coach. Driver told passers by his brakes had failed
Three more photos
First one is more damage, 2nd is damage to the front of the coach, 3rd shows how one of the railing he hit came through the bodywork of the coach and Straight into the couriers seat. Good job no-one was sat there
Thanks for posting the photos Tony!
Good job no one was sat either in the courier seat or stood on the pavement and mown down.
Do they still have a few coaches on private hires etc then?
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 30, 2014, 06:36:32 PM
Thanks for posting the photos Tony!
Good job no one was sat either in the courier seat or stood on the pavement and mown down.
Do they still have a few coaches on private hires etc then?
Yes, those traffic lights lying horizontal instead of the usual vertical belong to a pedestrain Crossing, so good job no-one was waiting to cross there. I think VOSA restricted him to 5 vehicles
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2014, 06:39:14 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on June 30, 2014, 06:36:32 PM
Thanks for posting the photos Tony!
Good job no one was sat either in the courier seat or stood on the pavement and mown down.
Do they still have a few coaches on private hires etc then?
Yes, those traffic lights lying horizontal instead of the usual vertical belong to a pedestrain Crossing, so good job no-one was waiting to cross there. I think VOSA restricted him to 5 vehicles
But more than that are still owned? I don't imagine you get sent a regular up-to-date fleetlist though...
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2014, 06:39:14 PM
I think VOSA restricted him to 5 vehicles
Which was six too many....
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on June 30, 2014, 06:49:11 PM
Quote from: Tony on June 30, 2014, 06:39:14 PM
I think VOSA restricted him to 5 vehicles
Which was six too many....
Well presumably IF the crash is found to be down to a defective vehicle being used/poor maintenance then I imagine VOSA could further restrict the license or revoke it altogether.
this was in routre one http://www.route-one.net/issues/545/index.html#/16/
Quote from: Solo1 on July 02, 2014, 03:46:05 PM
this was in routre one http://www.route-one.net/issues/545/index.html#/16/
Makes for depressing reading tbh...
Noticed the drivers that used to be on 966 noe do 71e sunny travel
Quote from: vinh1000 on July 22, 2014, 04:27:27 PM
Noticed the drivers that used to be on 966 noe do 71e sunny travel
I've seen drivers all over the place; 1 on sunny Travel, WMSNT, Green Bus, Decoucey (NX) etc.
Does anyone know what happened to/where the darts that VIP owned have gone?
Stafford bus centre sold then on to someone else
Did they make sure each bus had the correct reg plate?
Does anyone know what the fleet list for VIP was. I have looked on the main site under previous operators but
@Tony does not seem to have made a fleet list for VIP. Thank you.
Quote from: countryliner on January 08, 2016, 02:58:46 AM
Does anyone know what the fleet list for VIP was. I have looked on the main site under previous operators but @Tony does not seem to have made a fleet list for VIP. Thank you.
See: http://wmbusphotos.com/OtherWMops/S-Zoperators.html
@Stu - Thank you very much. Much appreciated. I did not see that fleet list as i was looking in the "ceased operators" section instead.
Quote from: countryliner on January 08, 2016, 03:06:26 PM
@Stu - Thank you very much. Much appreciated. I did not see that fleet list as i was looking in the "ceased operators" section instead.
They are not 'ceased' - they may have stopped running public bus services, but they are still doing private and contract hires.
@Stu - Thanks for the info. I did not realise that they still did private hire and private contract services. So do they still have any of their buses or do they now only have coaches.
Section 2.1 – New Applications Received
PD1143801 SI ASSIST VIP TRAVEL LIMITED
Director(s): SATPAL BAINS.
VIP BUILDING, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
Operating Centre: VIP BUILDINGS, WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY BIRMINGHAM B18 5HS
Authorisation:20 Vehicle(s).
Transport Manager(s): NIRMAL JOHAL
Public Inquiry (72950) held at
The Public Inquiry Room, 38 George Road, Edgbaston,
Birmingham, B15 1PL, on 7 December 2016 commenced at 10:00 (Previous
Publication:(2269))
PD0001724 SN
VIP CONTRACTS LTD
Director(s): SARBJIT SINGH RAJU , USHA RAJU
WHARF STREET, HOCKLEY, BIRMINGHAM, B
18 5HS
The standard national PSV operator’s licence PD0001724 held by VIP Contracts Ltd
is revoked with immediate effect, pursuant to Section 17(1)(a) and (b) and 17(3)(aa) and
(e) of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981
Sarbit Singh Raju and Usha
Raju are disqualified under Section 28 of the Transport Act
1985 from obtaining or holding a licence and from being the directors of a company
obtaining or holding a licence for a period of two years, until 0001 hours on 8
December 2018
Former VIP BU05 HFZ now with Red Rose, Aylesbury.
http://wmbusphotos.com/NONWM/BK/Red%20Rose%20BU05HFZ.html
Not often you photographs a vehicle with 3 different operators in three different parts of the country