WM Bus Photos Forum

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
Hi Simon & welcome,

Thanks for joining and giving us the ability to ask you questions, we appreciate as Rotala Plc CEO that your are tied by Stock market rules etc,

Couple of questions/points from me:

1. Do Rotala prefer to buy new buses generally from dealer stock as and when the need to upgrade/replace the existing fleet & new contract wins dictate, rather than ordering a larger batch of say 40 x B7RLE/Wright annually for fleet replacement for group and achieving a lower cost per unit for buying in bulk?

2. We were led to believe through Tony that 3 x B7RLE/Wright would be released from Wessex to Tividale upon receipt of their 4 x 13 plate examples (30936-30939) to complement their 4 new 13 plate examples & the 3 ex Midland Classic 57/08 plate examples, have plans changed or are they still expected?

3. We've noticed over the last couple of years that Diamond have withdrawn from a number of long standing commercial routes from both Long Acre i.e. 17, 37 & 97 & the 9 & 74 from Tividale, obviously the economy/reduced passenger journey's may have played some part, the B'ham City Centre omission zone (min Euro 3 requirement) another, has increased competition from NX also had an impact of your decision to withdraw?

4. Have Rotala Plc considered the 10 plate Scania Omnicity double decker ex Scania Demo or the batch of 08 plate dual door ex London Central Omnicity double deckers currently for sale at Ensign Bus & Coach as potential options to complement the examples currently at Wessex

5. How many additional B7RLE/Wright have been purchased for Wessex? I've seen a report of 2 allover white B7RLE registered BL13SWW and BL13SWX. The poster also goes on to say that there are two branded for route 13, not sure if they are also new or from the existing fleet, can you advise?

6. Have you had any more luck selling on any further redundant Levantes? I'm surprised another NX contractor didn't snap up a batch of that size for fleet replacement or even NX themselves for owned Op's

7. Do you intend to undertake a similar review of your Kidderminster operation in due course?

Thanks in advance for your reply,
 

1.   Since about 2010, the market for buying buses has changed.  There has been no need for stock orders.  We have however made orders for buses to Optare for Hybrid Single Decks, to Volvo for the Hybrid double decks, and the 4 normal Deckers we acquired last year.  We will shortly be ordering another 2 new Double Deckers for the South West, and we are looking at options for at present for next year.  Our rates for new buses are the same (excluding extras) whether we buy 1 or 50. 

2.    The plan was for 3 Ex Park & Ride Volvo Centros to come to the West Midlands.  There are a large number of service frequencies increases in the South West.  All but one of these vehicles will now go back to Keynsham. 

3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

2.   We wanted to improve and focus on the quality of the rest of our service provision

4.   Having acquired and operated a large number of Ex-London vehicles, I am not a fan hence my reluctance on the 08 plate buses.  On the 10 plate bus, I made Ross an offer which he refused.  We seem to both have a different view on its worth.

5.   The 2 you have mentioned have been purchased, plus 2 "59" plate Volvo Centro's, plus BX62FGD will be transferred (one "59" plate will replace this)  The rebranded ones are from existing fleet.

6.   At the end of this week, I should have a better idea of what is happening.

7.   Yes

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:28:19 AM
Really glad that you have joined the forum Simon-great to have a member of rotala on here to answer our questions etc. I understand your initial reluctance but thanks for responding to the points!

2) It is good that you aware of having too many smaller buses and I am glad that you intend to address this-though isnt K126URP still in service? It was recently as really enjoyed a ride on it!!

The vehicle was removed from service on 1st September 2013. 

Is it a case of catch it while you can then if it will be withdrawn in a couple of days time?

3) Understand this entirely but just think that an already well run and successful route could be further improved

4) Yes probably because people are buying it up to avoid the fact that soon buses will be more expensive euro6 buses And yes, i imagine the investigation made fleet changes a bit of an issue

There is capacity before Euro 6, in all bus builders at present.  As you say, the investigation delayed investment.

Thats good news then

5) great news about the three centros and does make sense to standardise long acre on centros and send the only eclipse 2 there to wessex. though not so sure about solos for redditch-more small buses are definitely not needed there!! The enviros were a good buy though in my opinion and maybe rotala could look out for more of these?

We need to revise our plan with regards the buses that originally came from Wessex.  That being the 07 plate Centro's.  I am not sure I know which Enviro's you mean. 

I meant the three enviro300s boughts-the two ex hansons and two ex premiere. Sorry-didnt make that clear. 
6) To my knowledge these buses are DDA compliant!!

Not quite.  They are missing an interlock.  This would not cost much, and we will fit it to the buses in service.  The ones currently missing from service, we need to review and evaluate. Sorry didnt realise this but hopefully some could renter service to replace older MPDs?

Good news about the netowork review but it doesnt seem to have every redditch bus route actually on it which is a shame


I have looked at the marketing material, and I cannot see any Redditch Bus route missing.  It certainly wasn't our intention

Think the 146 at least is missing

9) to be honest, with regards to the 192 I would only like it to be reinstated on entusiasts grounds-i understand it is probably not financially viable

10) Great and about point 11 all I would say here is that the new buses gets it wrong again-tonnes of mistakes in this magazine recently and the quality seems to have gone downhill or is that just me that thinks that?

Thanks for answering these points but just a couple more

Can withdrawal dates for the cadets/KS03 solos be given?

Not at present I understand just I thought rotala's policy of selling buses that seem to break down a lot etc would eliminate these batches of buses

Also, how long do you think rotala will keep W567JVV, the AKW darts and the SVV and JUA and MNH darts-just interested as I like them and need to photo a couple more

We have lost a number of Centro tenders from October.  We need to assess what we need on going, this has not happened yet. Sorry to hear that though there does seem to be a bit of ridiculous bidding going on at the moment-first arriva and not wmsnt so diamond are competing against a registered charity which can get better tax rates etc which ISNT AT ALL FAIR and makes me cross to be honest

And the same with the first darts and presidents-where are they being stored and when will some be withdrawn from service and also could I email rotala seperately about a depot visit to photo some of the withdrawn stuff. Is that ok?

They are being stored between Redditch and Kidderminster.  Depots visits are not a problem, and you should contact dave.russell@rotala.co.uk  (he is away for 2 weeks from Yesterday).  A number have been withdrawn, a number will exit when either we have a buyer or we acquire the buses to replace them.   Thanks very much Simon! Might arrange one for a couple of weeks time then-is any depot a possibility-is much stored at tividale or mostly kidderminster/redditch/long acre?

Love the new style rotala branding eg for summer sale!! Next time, could this be put by the entrance to buses or at the bottom of the windscreen to advertise it a bit more? Think this was the only point of mine that you missed but just to say Im a huge fan of the current "style" if thats the right word? The redditch guides and timetables are absolutely spot on and in my view industry leading but is there one for kidderminster and other routes other than redditch/247/142/143? Could some be made for birmingham routes

Also, don't know to what extent you were involved with diamond buses in the early days of rotala ownership but I've got timetables for diamond 144/002/56 and connect 10/904/37/17/97/119. Were any other timetables produced out of interest-if you don't know this no worries-but Im thinking 301/404 as it was then or anything else and does rotala still have copies of these old timetables printed and possibly available to those of us who collect anything diamond buses

Cheers and Im sorry if the quoting thing has gone crazy!!!

Thanks very much for reading this and best of luck with improving diamond buses in the coming months

Quote from: Ash on August 28, 2013, 02:29:33 PM
There were 404E black country connection timetables which were available in the early days of when the mcv's were first introduced onto the service.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

Quote from: the #trainbasher on August 28, 2013, 08:43:46 AM
Hi again Simon.

Another question about the 226 if I may, just so satisfy some of the views held by residents of the area I live in.

Why did diamond initially launch on Monday to Saturday daytime services, initially within a couple of minutes of the Hansons journeys whereas surely creating a every 15 minute joint frequency would have been better initially.

Another view which is held locally was that the intention was not to promote diamond but to, as several people have said in my area, run Hansons off the road. This was inflamed by rumours of diamond drivers saying that this was the intention.

The 226 commenced whilst Scott (my brother) was overseeing the Diamond Bus operation.  In all honesty, I am not exactly sure the Commercial reasons why.  I believe, (it is a long time back now) that it was connected to what we perceived were some other opportunities we saw in the area at that time.

Unfortunately drivers will have banter, and there are always a few who create situations. 

My question therefore is to know if that was what was to happen or was it something that was hoped to be different but turned out to be just one of then things.

On a personal note I must say I like the blue livery on the Wright Eclipses.

(Please note I am not asking on behalf of Hansons however much some people probably think I am)

Quote from: Winston on August 28, 2013, 10:05:34 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
Hi Simon & welcome,

Thanks for joining and giving us the ability to ask you questions, we appreciate as Rotala Plc CEO that your are tied by Stock market rules etc,

Couple of questions/points from me:

1. Do Rotala prefer to buy new buses generally from dealer stock as and when the need to upgrade/replace the existing fleet & new contract wins dictate, rather than ordering a larger batch of say 40 x B7RLE/Wright annually for fleet replacement for group and achieving a lower cost per unit for buying in bulk?

2. We were led to believe through Tony that 3 x B7RLE/Wright would be released from Wessex to Tividale upon receipt of their 4 x 13 plate examples (30936-30939) to complement their 4 new 13 plate examples & the 3 ex Midland Classic 57/08 plate examples, have plans changed or are they still expected?

3. We've noticed over the last couple of years that Diamond have withdrawn from a number of long standing commercial routes from both Long Acre i.e. 17, 37 & 97 & the 9 & 74 from Tividale, obviously the economy/reduced passenger journey's may have played some part, the B'ham City Centre omission zone (min Euro 3 requirement) another, has increased competition from NX also had an impact of your decision to withdraw?

4. Have Rotala Plc considered the 10 plate Scania Omnicity double decker ex Scania Demo or the batch of 08 plate dual door ex London Central Omnicity double deckers currently for sale at Ensign Bus & Coach as potential options to complement the examples currently at Wessex

5. How many additional B7RLE/Wright have been purchased for Wessex? I've seen a report of 2 allover white B7RLE registered BL13SWW and BL13SWX. The poster also goes on to say that there are two branded for route 13, not sure if they are also new or from the existing fleet, can you advise?

6. Have you had any more luck selling on any further redundant Levantes? I'm surprised another NX contractor didn't snap up a batch of that size for fleet replacement or even NX themselves for owned Op's

7. Do you intend to undertake a similar review of your Kidderminster operation in due course?

Thanks in advance for your reply,
 

1.   Since about 2010, the market for buying buses has changed.  There has been no need for stock orders.  We have however made orders for buses to Optare for Hybrid Single Decks, to Volvo for the Hybrid double decks, and the 4 normal Deckers we acquired last year.  We will shortly be ordering another 2 new Double Deckers for the South West, and we are looking at options for at present for next year.  Our rates for new buses are the same (excluding extras) whether we buy 1 or 50. 

2.    The plan was for 3 Ex Park & Ride Volvo Centros to come to the West Midlands.  There are a large number of service frequencies increases in the South West.  All but one of these vehicles will now go back to Keynsham. 

3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

2.   We wanted to improve and focus on the quality of the rest of our service provision

4.   Having acquired and operated a large number of Ex-London vehicles, I am not a fan hence my reluctance on the 08 plate buses.  On the 10 plate bus, I made Ross an offer which he refused.  We seem to both have a different view on its worth.

5.   The 2 you have mentioned have been purchased, plus 2 "59" plate Volvo Centro's, plus BX62FGD will be transferred (one "59" plate will replace this)  The rebranded ones are from existing fleet.

6.   At the end of this week, I should have a better idea of what is happening.

7.   Yes

Hi again Simon,

Thanks for your reply

From observations, it appears that a lot of the focus for new vehicle investment is dictated by the needs/growth of Wessex & the South West Business and to a lesser degree the Preston business, whilst Diamond @ Long Acre & Tividale which is Rotala's biggest subsidiary appears to be the poorer relation which generally losses newer buses to Wessex or receives older cascades. Even the entire batch of Hybrid Versas were originally destined for Wessex according to the Green bus funding announcement as I understood it.

Are there any plans to grow the business/allocation at Long Acre? As that depot has seen the most loss of work i.e. withdrawal from commercial routes, Centro tender losses, exit from NX work, loss of NEC shuttle work etc   

With the impressive growth Scott has achieved @ Yourbus in just 4 years, going from start-up to a 100 vehicle operation / second-hand Darts/B10B's/Olympians being replaced by brand new Mercedes Citaros/Streetlights on newly launched routes etc. Were Scott & team unable to achieve similar growth results at the Diamond business? From observations the Diamond business doesn't appear to be as strong as it was during the period Scott was in charge and appears to be losing ground to new entrants such as Arriva & WMSNT. Are the operating conditions in the West Midlands much tougher?


In an ideal world all areas would justify and warrant new fleets.  Each market is different, each market has its own requirements.  In the South West Area most of our work comes under either high contractual requirements or SQPS stipulations that require vehicles to a high standard.  These requirements and standards, influence cost of provision and quality of vehicles.  In the West Midlands, I believe over a period of time we have invested in our Commercial corridors, yes there is still room for improvement.  In terms of subsidised Contracts we are happy to provide whatever the client requires, ultimately though someone has to pay for it.

In relation to Long Acre, it is always disappointing to lose work.  I am responsible for doing what is right for the Rotala businesses, and in all honesty I regret losing none of what has gone.  Medium term we have opportunities in the pipeline. 

In relation to Scott.  His business operates in a different market with different opportunities.  It is difficult to compare what we are doing with him. 

Overall, from memory I think our operational fleet has an average age of 7.5 years.  From the last TAS report I saw (again from memory) I believe this would compare well with our Peers.

Quote from: Ash on August 28, 2013, 12:47:28 PM
Glad someone from Rotala is answering some of our questions and queries so thank you for that.

I have a few general questions:

1) Is there any possibility in the future the 4 will be reinstated on a sunday to it's old 404E timetable just between Walsall and West Bromwich every 15 minutes, I caught the sunday service a few times when it was the 404E and always seemed popular with many of the mcv's been full when reaching Walsall or West Bromwich. I think the 4M every 30 minutes killed the service especially when operating just a few minutes behind NXWM 4M.

2) Will any return branding be applied to any vehicles especially the cadets which normally stay on the 4 or 301 advertising the cheap £2.50 return especially when NXWM advertise there's on their vehicles at £2.90.

3) Will 30212 return to service in the near future, also I haven't seen 30832 for a while is this bus in for repair or out of service.

Thank You.

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 02:18:50 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:28:19 AM
Really glad that you have joined the forum Simon-great to have a member of rotala on here to answer our questions etc. I understand your initial reluctance but thanks for responding to the points!

2) It is good that you aware of having too many smaller buses and I am glad that you intend to address this-though isnt K126URP still in service? It was recently as really enjoyed a ride on it!!

The vehicle was removed from service on 1st September 2013. 

Is it a case of catch it while you can then if it will be withdrawn in a couple of days time?

3) Understand this entirely but just think that an already well run and successful route could be further improved

4) Yes probably because people are buying it up to avoid the fact that soon buses will be more expensive euro6 buses And yes, i imagine the investigation made fleet changes a bit of an issue

There is capacity before Euro 6, in all bus builders at present.  As you say, the investigation delayed investment.

Thats good news then

5) great news about the three centros and does make sense to standardise long acre on centros and send the only eclipse 2 there to wessex. though not so sure about solos for redditch-more small buses are definitely not needed there!! The enviros were a good buy though in my opinion and maybe rotala could look out for more of these?

We need to revise our plan with regards the buses that originally came from Wessex.  That being the 07 plate Centro's.  I am not sure I know which Enviro's you mean. 

I meant the three enviro300s boughts-the two ex hansons and two ex premiere. Sorry-didnt make that clear. 
6) To my knowledge these buses are DDA compliant!!

Not quite.  They are missing an interlock.  This would not cost much, and we will fit it to the buses in service.  The ones currently missing from service, we need to review and evaluate. Sorry didnt realise this but hopefully some could renter service to replace older MPDs?

Good news about the netowork review but it doesnt seem to have every redditch bus route actually on it which is a shame


I have looked at the marketing material, and I cannot see any Redditch Bus route missing.  It certainly wasn't our intention

Think the 146 at least is missing

9) to be honest, with regards to the 192 I would only like it to be reinstated on entusiasts grounds-i understand it is probably not financially viable

10) Great and about point 11 all I would say here is that the new buses gets it wrong again-tonnes of mistakes in this magazine recently and the quality seems to have gone downhill or is that just me that thinks that?

Thanks for answering these points but just a couple more

Can withdrawal dates for the cadets/KS03 solos be given?

Not at present I understand just I thought rotala's policy of selling buses that seem to break down a lot etc would eliminate these batches of buses

Also, how long do you think rotala will keep W567JVV, the AKW darts and the SVV and JUA and MNH darts-just interested as I like them and need to photo a couple more

We have lost a number of Centro tenders from October.  We need to assess what we need on going, this has not happened yet. Sorry to hear that though there does seem to be a bit of ridiculous bidding going on at the moment-first arriva and not wmsnt so diamond are competing against a registered charity which can get better tax rates etc which ISNT AT ALL FAIR and makes me cross to be honest

And the same with the first darts and presidents-where are they being stored and when will some be withdrawn from service and also could I email rotala seperately about a depot visit to photo some of the withdrawn stuff. Is that ok?

They are being stored between Redditch and Kidderminster.  Depots visits are not a problem, and you should contact dave.russell@rotala.co.uk  (he is away for 2 weeks from Yesterday).  A number have been withdrawn, a number will exit when either we have a buyer or we acquire the buses to replace them.   Thanks very much Simon! Might arrange one for a couple of weeks time then-is any depot a possibility-is much stored at tividale or mostly kidderminster/redditch/long acre?

Love the new style rotala branding eg for summer sale!! Next time, could this be put by the entrance to buses or at the bottom of the windscreen to advertise it a bit more? Think this was the only point of mine that you missed but just to say Im a huge fan of the current "style" if thats the right word? The redditch guides and timetables are absolutely spot on and in my view industry leading but is there one for kidderminster and other routes other than redditch/247/142/143? Could some be made for birmingham routes

Also, don't know to what extent you were involved with diamond buses in the early days of rotala ownership but I've got timetables for diamond 144/002/56 and connect 10/904/37/17/97/119. Were any other timetables produced out of interest-if you don't know this no worries-but Im thinking 301/404 as it was then or anything else and does rotala still have copies of these old timetables printed and possibly available to those of us who collect anything diamond buses

Cheers and Im sorry if the quoting thing has gone crazy!!!

Thanks very much for reading this and best of luck with improving diamond buses in the coming months

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 07:27:00 PM

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

I agree Andy and having seen rotala's quality timetables and branded buses for the routes-it was let's be honest-a textbook effort and even then they couldnt get it to work so I agree it is unfair and anti-competitive. I would be interested to hear Simon though as to whether rotala are for or against reregulated operation. Just to open a can of worms...  :P

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 08:54:15 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 07:27:00 PM

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

I agree Andy and having seen rotala's quality timetables and branded buses for the routes-it was let's be honest-a textbook effort and even then they couldnt get it to work so I agree it is unfair and anti-competitive. I would be interested to hear Simon though as to whether rotala are for or against reregulated operation. Just to open a can of worms...  :P

My view is irrelevant, until at some point there is the political desire to change the market, it will remain unchanged.

Quote from: bewminster on August 28, 2013, 10:09:16 PM
diamond dart I got my Kidderminster guide from Kidderminster library

Quote from: bewminster on August 28, 2013, 10:09:16 PM
diamond dart I got my Kidderminster guide from Kidderminster library

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 08:47:27 PM

Quote from: Ash on August 28, 2013, 12:47:28 PM
Glad someone from Rotala is answering some of our questions and queries so thank you for that.

I have a few general questions:

1) Is there any possibility in the future the 4 will be reinstated on a sunday to it's old 404E timetable just between Walsall and West Bromwich every 15 minutes, I caught the sunday service a few times when it was the 404E and always seemed popular with many of the mcv's been full when reaching Walsall or West Bromwich. I think the 4M every 30 minutes killed the service especially when operating just a few minutes behind NXWM 4M.

2) Will any return branding be applied to any vehicles especially the cadets which normally stay on the 4 or 301 advertising the cheap £2.50 return especially when NXWM advertise there's on their vehicles at £2.90.

3) Will 30212 return to service in the near future, also I haven't seen 30832 for a while is this bus in for repair or out of service.

Thank You.

1.  This will be reviewed in the near future.
2.  At present, we are reviewing the Tividale fleet post the October Centro changes.  At that point, we intend to do something.
3.  30212 - This vehicle has been badly damaged and I doubt it will return to fleet.
4.  30832 - This vehicle is in service

Quote from: bewminster on August 28, 2013, 09:19:41 PM
[
Love the new style rotala branding eg for summer sale!! Next time, could this be put by the entrance to buses or at the bottom of the windscreen to advertise it a bit more? Think this was the only point of mine that you missed but just to say Im a huge fan of the current "style" if thats the right word? The redditch guides and timetables are absolutely spot on and in my view industry leading but is there one for kidderminster and other routes other than redditch/247/142/143? Could some be made for birmingham routes

Also, don't know to what extent you were involved with diamond buses in the early days of rotala ownership but I've got timetables for diamond 144/002/56 and connect 10/904/37/17/97/119. Were any other timetables produced out of interest-if you don't know this no worries-but Im thinking 301/404 as it was then or anything else and does rotala still have copies of these old timetables printed and possibly available to those of us who collect anything diamond buses

Cheers and Im sorry if the quoting thing has gone crazy!!!

Thanks very much for reading this and best of luck with improving diamond buses in the coming months

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 09:34:36 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 08:54:15 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 07:27:00 PM

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

I agree Andy and having seen rotala's quality timetables and branded buses for the routes-it was let's be honest-a textbook effort and even then they couldnt get it to work so I agree it is unfair and anti-competitive. I would be interested to hear Simon though as to whether rotala are for or against reregulated operation. Just to open a can of worms...  :P

My view is irrelevant, until at some point there is the political desire to change the market, it will remain unchanged.

Fair enough just interested and yes that is definitely true and can't see that happening very soon other than in very specific areas

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 09:59:34 PM
Hi Simon-have done away with the quoting as it wasnt really working for me so here goes

1) Definitely can't find the 146 on the network review

2) Could branding eg summer sale be photocopied or copied and printed to put by the door/on the cab door/at the bottom of the windscreens to promote the offers which are really good value!!

3) Great plan about possibly promoting returns on some buses

4) Might arrange a depot visit for a couple of weeks time and is any depot possible and can withdrawn stuff be photoed?

5) Could I pick up a Kidderminster guide if I visited kidderminster depot?

6)Could timetables be made for some birmingham routes?

This was the only other thing:

Also, don't know to what extent you were involved with diamond buses in the early days of rotala ownership but I've got timetables for diamond 144/002/56 and connect 10/904/37/17/97/119. Were any other timetables produced out of interest-if you don't know this no worries-but Im thinking 301/404 as it was then or anything else and does rotala still have copies of these old timetables printed and possibly available to those of us who collect anything diamond buses

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 12:15:46 PM
Simon,

I assume you aready aware of the 03 plate E300 currently for sale at Southdown PSV?

http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247

Or

2007 Scania/Wright (3 ex Reading) & 4 x Scania Omnicity (56 plate)?

http://www.nigelmccree.com/

Do the turnover figures released today with Rotala Plc half yearly report included much of a contribution from the newly acquired RH & KR operations?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 04:57:16 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 28, 2013, 09:59:34 PM
Hi Simon-have done away with the quoting as it wasnt really working for me so here goes

1) Definitely can't find the 146 on the network review

2) Could branding eg summer sale be photocopied or copied and printed to put by the door/on the cab door/at the bottom of the windscreens to promote the offers which are really good value!!

3) Great plan about possibly promoting returns on some buses

4) Might arrange a depot visit for a couple of weeks time and is any depot possible and can withdrawn stuff be photoed?

5) Could I pick up a Kidderminster guide if I visited kidderminster depot?

6)Could timetables be made for some birmingham routes?

This was the only other thing:

Also, don't know to what extent you were involved with diamond buses in the early days of rotala ownership but I've got timetables for diamond 144/002/56 and connect 10/904/37/17/97/119. Were any other timetables produced out of interest-if you don't know this no worries-but Im thinking 301/404 as it was then or anything else and does rotala still have copies of these old timetables printed and possibly available to those of us who collect anything diamond buses

1.  Where are you looking?
2.  We intend to carry it on.
4.  It is not a problem to photograph any buses at any depot. 
5.  Yes
6.  We have timetables for most routes, if not all.

Last week we cleared out our stores of old timetables.  There were timetables, which were out of date for all those services, unfortunately they have now been recycled.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 05:05:04 PM

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 12:15:46 PM
Simon,

I assume you aready aware of the 03 plate E300 currently for sale at Southdown PSV?

http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247

Or

2007 Scania/Wright (3 ex Reading) & 4 x Scania Omnicity (56 plate)?

http://www.nigelmccree.com/

Do the turnover figures released today with Rotala Plc half yearly report included much of a contribution from the newly acquired RH & KR operations?

1.  I want to upgrade the fleet, although I have acquired older buses my preference is to look at newer vehicles than these. 
2.  There are a number of reasons why, these are of no interest
      I made an offer recently on some Scania's (not these).  I don't value the vehicles as being worth what Mr McCree wants for them. 
     The Scania's that we operate, are poor on fuel. 
     Priority for long buses in our fleet is Redditch, and these would represent another variation of vehicle.
     We have made an offer on 15 vehicles for wihch we are awaiting a response.
   
3.  Interim Numbers.

Redditch was acquired on 2nd March @ 2359 hrs.  The interims represent the period up to 31st May 2013, and therefore are nearly 3 months.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 05:05:04 PM

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 12:15:46 PM
Simon,

I assume you aready aware of the 03 plate E300 currently for sale at Southdown PSV?

http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247

Or

2007 Scania/Wright (3 ex Reading) & 4 x Scania Omnicity (56 plate)?

http://www.nigelmccree.com/

Do the turnover figures released today with Rotala Plc half yearly report included much of a contribution from the newly acquired RH & KR operations?

1.  I want to upgrade the fleet, although I have acquired older buses my preference is to look at newer vehicles than these. 
2.  There are a number of reasons why, these are of no interest
      I made an offer recently on some Scania's (not these).  I don't value the vehicles as being worth what Mr McCree wants for them. 
     The Scania's that we operate, are poor on fuel. 
     Priority for long buses in our fleet is Redditch, and these would represent another variation of vehicle.
     We have made an offer on 15 vehicles for wihch we are awaiting a response.
   
3.  Interim Numbers.

Redditch was acquired on 2nd March @ 2359 hrs.  The interims represent the period up to 31st May 2013, and therefore are nearly 3 months.

Quote from: Westy on August 29, 2013, 08:55:04 PM
Why don't you make a timetable leaflet available for the Walsall 301, as the Network WM one only features the NX one? (And put them in Walsall Bus Station travel office. If Arriva can manage it, surely you can too?)

Ever thought about going onto the Walsall 302 as a 'compliment' to the 301?

I used to be able to use my NX pass & pay 50p to use your buses, which came in useful on several occasions.

How come you stopped it?

Surely it would put more bums on seats?

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 29, 2013, 07:16:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 05:05:04 PM

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 12:15:46 PM
Simon,

I assume you aready aware of the 03 plate E300 currently for sale at Southdown PSV?

http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247

Or

2007 Scania/Wright (3 ex Reading) & 4 x Scania Omnicity (56 plate)?

http://www.nigelmccree.com/

Do the turnover figures released today with Rotala Plc half yearly report included much of a contribution from the newly acquired RH & KR operations?

1.  I want to upgrade the fleet, although I have acquired older buses my preference is to look at newer vehicles than these. 
2.  There are a number of reasons why, these are of no interest
      I made an offer recently on some Scania's (not these).  I don't value the vehicles as being worth what Mr McCree wants for them. 
     The Scania's that we operate, are poor on fuel. 
     Priority for long buses in our fleet is Redditch, and these would represent another variation of vehicle.
     We have made an offer on 15 vehicles for wihch we are awaiting a response.
   
3.  Interim Numbers.

Redditch was acquired on 2nd March @ 2359 hrs.  The interims represent the period up to 31st May 2013, and therefore are nearly 3 months.

Obviously you can't say what buses they are but can't find any batch of buses that big for sale on route one trader or any of the usual dealers, not even on coach and bus market. Well, I tell a lie I did find one fairly large batch of buses for sale at www.sigmaplantfinder.com/transportation/buses/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m-35088.html but you have already said that you do not favour ex london vehicles and I imagine the buses are long ones as opposed to these shorter ones of which rotala already seem to have enough? What do you make of these buses Simon as I've never heard of this seller before-are they well known in the industry? I am aware also that you sold the acquired ex travel london MPDs though not quite sure why-was this more in a dealer capacity and also you mention this batch of buses which don't seem to be in trade magazines and the same with the volvo/centros-they don't appear anywhere online either so I guess the question I'm really asking is are there specific companies which approach you offering to sell certain buses or a special magazine or something listing them as certainly the 59 reg centros I never saw advertised anywhere?

Quote from: Ash on August 29, 2013, 07:20:28 PM
15 vehicles and I think the PVR for the 4/4H/4M is 15, but guess any new acquired buses will be for Redditch unless any buses for Tividale will allow buses such as the 30832-4 and 30940-3 to move to Redditch.

Will any of the cadets get repainted into the new diamond livery as i guess the 51 and 02 reg ones are DDA compliant.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 07:25:28 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 29, 2013, 07:16:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 05:05:04 PM

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 12:15:46 PM
Simon,

I assume you aready aware of the 03 plate E300 currently for sale at Southdown PSV?

http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247

Or

2007 Scania/Wright (3 ex Reading) & 4 x Scania Omnicity (56 plate)?

http://www.nigelmccree.com/

Do the turnover figures released today with Rotala Plc half yearly report included much of a contribution from the newly acquired RH & KR operations?

1.  I want to upgrade the fleet, although I have acquired older buses my preference is to look at newer vehicles than these. 
2.  There are a number of reasons why, these are of no interest
      I made an offer recently on some Scania's (not these).  I don't value the vehicles as being worth what Mr McCree wants for them. 
     The Scania's that we operate, are poor on fuel. 
     Priority for long buses in our fleet is Redditch, and these would represent another variation of vehicle.
     We have made an offer on 15 vehicles for wihch we are awaiting a response.
   
3.  Interim Numbers.

Redditch was acquired on 2nd March @ 2359 hrs.  The interims represent the period up to 31st May 2013, and therefore are nearly 3 months.

Obviously you can't say what buses they are but can't find any batch of buses that big for sale on route one trader or any of the usual dealers, not even on coach and bus market. Well, I tell a lie I did find one fairly large batch of buses for sale at www.sigmaplantfinder.com/transportation/buses/dennis-dart-pointer-9-3m-35088.html but you have already said that you do not favour ex london vehicles and I imagine the buses are long ones as opposed to these shorter ones of which rotala already seem to have enough? What do you make of these buses Simon as I've never heard of this seller before-are they well known in the industry? I am aware also that you sold the acquired ex travel london MPDs though not quite sure why-was this more in a dealer capacity and also you mention this batch of buses which don't seem to be in trade magazines and the same with the volvo/centros-they don't appear anywhere online either so I guess the question I'm really asking is are there specific companies which approach you offering to sell certain buses or a special magazine or something listing them as certainly the 59 reg centros I never saw advertised anywhere?

Abellio is what was Tellings Golden Millar, then Travel London.  They have been in the London market now for a few years.  The buses in my opinion are over priced, they will struggle to sell them as they are 2 door, Ex-London, and not really suitable for provincial spec.  I sold the 2 x 2005 MPD's having acquired them we lost some work, and quality standards changed in the South West, were in effect there is now a 10 year age limit due to contractual specifications, Euro 4 in Bristol and the vehicles were only 18 months from this limit.  The only option would be somewhere in the West Midlands and we already have too many small vehicles.  Having been in this industry since I was 8, you get to know a lot of people, especially people who are selling something.  We were offered the 59 plate Centro's, they were taken as part exchange by a manufacturer.  A lot of people email me or one of my colleagues, if they believe they have something which we would be interested in.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 07:30:37 AM

Quote from: Ash on August 29, 2013, 07:20:28 PM
15 vehicles and I think the PVR for the 4/4H/4M is 15, but guess any new acquired buses will be for Redditch unless any buses for Tividale will allow buses such as the 30832-4 and 30940-3 to move to Redditch.

Will any of the cadets get repainted into the new diamond livery as i guess the 51 and 02 reg ones are DDA compliant.

We need to acquire a few spare buses for the South West, however our main focus is Redditch/Kidderminster.  It may be that having acquired something it may make sense to re-shuffle things.  Until we know what we are doing it is difficult to comment.

Our priority in terms of painting is the Redditch/Kidderminster fleet we are keeping, and the new buses we have inbound for everywhere else.

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 07:56:41 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 05:05:04 PM

Quote from: Winston on August 29, 2013, 12:15:46 PM
Simon,

I assume you aready aware of the 03 plate E300 currently for sale at Southdown PSV?

http://www.southdownpsv.co.uk/sales/bus_details.php?bus=247

Or

2007 Scania/Wright (3 ex Reading) & 4 x Scania Omnicity (56 plate)?

http://www.nigelmccree.com/

Do the turnover figures released today with Rotala Plc half yearly report included much of a contribution from the newly acquired RH & KR operations?

1.  I want to upgrade the fleet, although I have acquired older buses my preference is to look at newer vehicles than these. 
2.  There are a number of reasons why, these are of no interest
      I made an offer recently on some Scania's (not these).  I don't value the vehicles as being worth what Mr McCree wants for them. 
     The Scania's that we operate, are poor on fuel. 
     Priority for long buses in our fleet is Redditch, and these would represent another variation of vehicle.
     We have made an offer on 15 vehicles for wihch we are awaiting a response.
   
3.  Interim Numbers.

Redditch was acquired on 2nd March @ 2359 hrs.  The interims represent the period up to 31st May 2013, and therefore are nearly 3 months.

Simon thanks for your reply,

1. Although the 03 plate E300 isn't that new, as I understand it there were limited numbers built during the 2003-8 period, the later ones were generally with 3 + 2 seating configuration for schools work
2. I was thinking more along the lines of any acquired Scania's going in to Wessex thus releasing similar aged Volvo's to Diamond whether it be Redditch or Tividale to keep the number of vehicle types to a minimum, obviously Scania's do have a reputation for being a bit thirsty on fuel.... but again there appear to be limited numbers of newer second-hand full size buses available, First Group are also after nearly new buses as well.
3. Rotala Plc turnover for the half year fell £1.850 Million to £26.665 Million over the same period a year earlier, obviously this was despite a 3 month contribution from the acquired RH & KR businesses. Is the majority of the drop in turnover attributed to reduced tendered work at Diamond and the loss of NX coach work by Flights Hallmark? Wessex & Preston both appear to be growing.
4. Do Rotala Plc anticipate / have sufficient headroom to make any further acquisitions or plan to setup in any new areas prior to year end?
5. Are the 15 vehicles you have made an offer for all the from a batch? or made up of a number of types?
6. Do you currently anticipate retaining Church Road depot in Redditch after the current lease expires?
7. Do the 4 x 13 plate B7RLE/Wright @ Tividale i.e. 30940-30943 form Rotala Plc's commitment to the Brierley Hill BBA bid? Or are others new buses due?

Quote from: trident4370 on August 29, 2013, 10:30:40 PM
Hi Simon, Thanks for joining the forum and taking our questions. I have 3 questions that aren't really that "constructive", I am just asking for personal curiosity! Firstly now that 30804 is the only nifty fifty left, are there any plans to re-upgrade the 50 or will it continue to be a mish mash of any buses? Secondly I remember a while back you trialled a 35E service but the service seemed very short lived, I just wondered now that competition on the 50 has stepped up, would it be a considerable option to re introduce the 35 service to boost Diamonds overall frequency between Moseley/KH and Birmingham and combine day ticket options? Finally have Diamond ever looked at operating on the Outer Circle in the past or recently?
Looking forward to your reply!

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 10:17:50 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 07:30:37 AM

Quote from: Ash on August 29, 2013, 07:20:28 PM
15 vehicles and I think the PVR for the 4/4H/4M is 15, but guess any new acquired buses will be for Redditch unless any buses for Tividale will allow buses such as the 30832-4 and 30940-3 to move to Redditch.

Will any of the cadets get repainted into the new diamond livery as i guess the 51 and 02 reg ones are DDA compliant.

We need to acquire a few spare buses for the South West, however our main focus is Redditch/Kidderminster.  It may be that having acquired something it may make sense to re-shuffle things.  Until we know what we are doing it is difficult to comment.

Our priority in terms of painting is the Redditch/Kidderminster fleet we are keeping, and the new buses we have inbound for everywhere else.

It really does sound like wessex is doing well at the moment with further contract wins etc and glad to hear that potentially 15 more buses will be acquired for the rotala group and some for redditch and kidderminster.

Would it be fair to say that the 15 buses are of the longer single deck variety and a type already operated?

Also, could similar to what happened in november 2011 to the central connect fleet-could all references to red diamond/black diamond/blue diamond be removed even if buses aren't repainted to give a more unified branding across the fleet?

Could fleet numberings be tidied up a bit-for instance all MPDs put in the 2050. series and buses of a similar type all put together?

In time, will all the plaxton primos be sold-are they just not as good as solos-just interested as never actually been on one

Thanks

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 06:11:00 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 10:17:50 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 07:30:37 AM

Quote from: Ash on August 29, 2013, 07:20:28 PM
15 vehicles and I think the PVR for the 4/4H/4M is 15, but guess any new acquired buses will be for Redditch unless any buses for Tividale will allow buses such as the 30832-4 and 30940-3 to move to Redditch.

Will any of the cadets get repainted into the new diamond livery as i guess the 51 and 02 reg ones are DDA compliant.

We need to acquire a few spare buses for the South West, however our main focus is Redditch/Kidderminster.  It may be that having acquired something it may make sense to re-shuffle things.  Until we know what we are doing it is difficult to comment.

Our priority in terms of painting is the Redditch/Kidderminster fleet we are keeping, and the new buses we have inbound for everywhere else.

It really does sound like wessex is doing well at the moment with further contract wins etc and glad to hear that potentially 15 more buses will be acquired for the rotala group and some for redditch and kidderminster.

Would it be fair to say that the 15 buses are of the longer single deck variety and a type already operated?

Also, could similar to what happened in november 2011 to the central connect fleet-could all references to red diamond/black diamond/blue diamond be removed even if buses aren't repainted to give a more unified branding across the fleet?

Could fleet numberings be tidied up a bit-for instance all MPDs put in the 2050. series and buses of a similar type all put together?

In time, will all the plaxton primos be sold-are they just not as good as solos-just interested as never actually been on one

Thanks

1.  Of the buses we are looking at, they are all either 37 or 40 plus seats.
2.  The intention over time is that the fleet moves to all Blue
3.  It will be difficult to re-label fleet numbers, unless there is something which is in just wrongly in the wrong sequence.
4.  I believe the Mercedes Engine Solo is the best small bus.  We have some primo's left and we are working at putting them all into fleet.

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
You definitely need a fleet name irrespective of livery!

Mind you NX are only just starting to get their bum into gear on this anyway.

There is a Black Diamond single decker still floating round with branding for a  long withdrawn Walsall to Willenhall 529 every 12 mins.

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 07:17:09 PM

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
You definitely need a fleet name irrespective of livery!

Mind you NX are only just starting to get their bum into gear on this anyway.

There is a Black Diamond single decker still floating round with branding for a  long withdrawn Walsall to Willenhall 529 every 12 mins.

Not any more-havent seen T443 EBD for a while actually

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:21:45 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 07:17:09 PM

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
You definitely need a fleet name irrespective of livery!

Mind you NX are only just starting to get their bum into gear on this anyway.

There is a Black Diamond single decker still floating round with branding for a  long withdrawn Walsall to Willenhall 529 every 12 mins.

Not any more-havent seen T443 EBD for a while actually

Sure I saw one the other day in Walsall.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 06:04:29 PM

Quote from: trident4370 on August 29, 2013, 10:30:40 PM
Hi Simon, Thanks for joining the forum and taking our questions. I have 3 questions that aren't really that "constructive", I am just asking for personal curiosity! Firstly now that 30804 is the only nifty fifty left, are there any plans to re-upgrade the 50 or will it continue to be a mish mash of any buses? Secondly I remember a while back you trialled a 35E service but the service seemed very short lived, I just wondered now that competition on the 50 has stepped up, would it be a considerable option to re introduce the 35 service to boost Diamonds overall frequency between Moseley/KH and Birmingham and combine day ticket options? Finally have Diamond ever looked at operating on the Outer Circle in the past or recently?
Looking forward to your reply!

1.  50 Service - What we currently do is under review.
2.  35E - I am not sure I remember this service.  What was it?
3.  No.

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 07:23:45 PM

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:21:45 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 07:17:09 PM

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
You definitely need a fleet name irrespective of livery!

Mind you NX are only just starting to get their bum into gear on this anyway.

There is a Black Diamond single decker still floating round with branding for a  long withdrawn Walsall to Willenhall 529 every 12 mins.

Not any more-havent seen T443 EBD for a while actually

Sure I saw one the other day in Walsall.

Oh right not saying you didnt tbf just I personally havent been on it since the end of july

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 06:01:25 PM

1.  I believe some were built in 2009. 
2.  The Scania's are too big for the Contracts or not new enough for replacing the 57 plates.
3.  In the Interim Announcement which is available on our Plc Web site, it gives a list of areas were the revenue has dropped.  The West Midlands features on that list, but the poor weather has contributed also.
4.  Yes
5.  We have recieved feed back today from the manufacturer.  Of the batch some are New, 1 year old and 3 years old.  We are not interested in the price on the 3 year old kit.  We believe there is better value in the New and 1 year old, we are at present still negotiating the final price.
6.  At the present moment in time to service the fleet, Church Road is required.  We have 3 options, 1 maintain the current position, 2.  Invest in the current depot, extend the workshop and facilities.  3.  Move somewhere different altogether.  Now we have the OFT result, we need to review and consider our options.
7.  We are not part of any BBA bid.

Quote from: DiamondDart on August 30, 2013, 07:17:09 PM

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
You definitely need a fleet name irrespective of livery!

Mind you NX are only just starting to get their bum into gear on this anyway.

There is a Black Diamond single decker still floating round with branding for a  long withdrawn Walsall to Willenhall 529 every 12 mins.

Not any more-havent seen T443 EBD for a while actually

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

Quote from: dayvid on August 30, 2013, 10:55:38 PM

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

I worked at Long Acre before i moved out of Birmingham and whe Central Connect did the 17's 37's and 97's NXWM didnt like it . We carried so many in the peaks, passengers loved it as our lil Darts would get them from A to B quicker and with less hassle than NXWM. The livery designs were good too. Its a shame that NXWM have such a hold on the area, passengers and enthusiasts think this is great but in reality its pants. Theres so much potential with Rotala if no one believes me then just look at their Preston operations.

Quote from: Westy on August 30, 2013, 07:08:38 PM
There is a Black Diamond single decker still floating round with branding for a  long withdrawn Walsall to Willenhall 529 every 12 mins.

Quote from: dayvid on August 30, 2013, 10:55:38 PM
I worked at Long Acre before i moved out of Birmingham and whe Central Connect did the 17's 37's and 97's NXWM didnt like it . We carried so many in the peaks, passengers loved it as our lil Darts would get them from A to B quicker and with less hassle than NXWM. The livery designs were good too.

Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on August 31, 2013, 01:27:31 AM

Quite. Although I wasn't overly keen on orange for the 97, they could be seen & picked out from a fair distance, which certainly helped. It was a shame that the three routes mentioned were allowed to peter out. Pulling back to Tile Cross from Marston Green & alternate trips back to Olton on the 37 sounded the death knell for these two (IMO). I'm still stunned that no-one else has since tried their luck on the 97 though.

I am aware that Simon is of the opinion that Drivers can monitor themselves, unfortunately that wasn't the case towards the end. Still, at least I enjoyed doing my little bit & wish Rotala all the best in the future.

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 01:33:16 AM
Who else is there to have a go on the 97 other than possibly Claribels? Do they have capacity at their depot to expand any further?

Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on August 31, 2013, 02:54:28 AM

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 01:33:16 AM
Who else is there to have a go on the 97 other than possibly Claribels? Do they have capacity at their depot to expand any further?

1) Names have been put forward. Some spoof, some have thought about it.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 29, 2013, 04:49:24 PM

Quote from: bewminster on August 28, 2013, 09:19:41 PM
[
Love the new style rotala branding eg for summer sale!! Next time, could this be put by the entrance to buses or at the bottom of the windscreen to advertise it a bit more? Think this was the only point of mine that you missed but just to say Im a huge fan of the current "style" if thats the right word? The redditch guides and timetables are absolutely spot on and in my view industry leading but is there one for kidderminster and other routes other than redditch/247/142/143? Could some be made for birmingham routes

Also, don't know to what extent you were involved with diamond buses in the early days of rotala ownership but I've got timetables for diamond 144/002/56 and connect 10/904/37/17/97/119. Were any other timetables produced out of interest-if you don't know this no worries-but Im thinking 301/404 as it was then or anything else and does rotala still have copies of these old timetables printed and possibly available to those of us who collect anything diamond buses

Cheers and Im sorry if the quoting thing has gone crazy!!!

Thanks very much for reading this and best of luck with improving diamond buses in the coming months

Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on August 31, 2013, 02:54:28 AM

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 01:33:16 AM
Who else is there to have a go on the 97 other than possibly Claribels? Do they have capacity at their depot to expand any further?

1) Names have been put forward. Some spoof, some have thought about it.

2) Nope, full to the brim at current premises. Possible to outstation more at Airparks I suppose.

Quote from: Tony on August 31, 2013, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on August 31, 2013, 02:54:28 AM

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 01:33:16 AM
Who else is there to have a go on the 97 other than possibly Claribels? Do they have capacity at their depot to expand any further?

1) Names have been put forward. Some spoof, some have thought about it.

Yes, I remember being told that Arriva were going on the 97s last year....still waiting!

Quote from: Steveminor on August 31, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
It's not the first time they have thought about running the 97 though. A fair few years ago they actually registered the 96 as it was then, this was at the time when Serverse ran the 96/97 against TWM. They ended up cancelling the registration when Serverse threatened an all out bus war in Tamworth matching Arriva bus for bus on the entire town network.
IMHO if they chose to run the 97 now then NX would just do what Serverse threatened & take Tamworth off the, so I doubt they would take the risk.

Quote from: Steveminor on August 31, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
It's not the first time they have thought about running the 97 though. A fair few years ago they actually registered the 96 as it was then, this was at the time when Serverse ran the 96/97 against TWM. They ended up cancelling the registration when Serverse threatened an all out bus war in Tamworth matching Arriva bus for bus on the entire town network.
IMHO if they chose to run the 97 now then NX would just do what Serverse threatened & take Tamworth off the, so I doubt they would take the risk.

Quote from: dayvid on August 30, 2013, 10:55:38 PM

Quote from: andy on August 28, 2013, 07:10:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 28, 2013, 06:50:54 AM
3.   There are two reasons why

1.   We expected the Competition Commission report, to have a greater impact on the Multi-Operator ticketing in the West Midlands.  It didn't.   

 

Here we have it from the horse's mouth..... this is why no operator will ever make any serious inroads into NX's monopoly. And why Rotala in particular chooses to make its investment and concentrate it resources in other areas, where they can actually achieve a decent market share.  I don't think people realise how much of a monopoly NX have achieved via the lack of multi operator ticketing in this area. It simply doesn't happen anywhere else.

I worked at Long Acre before i moved out of Birmingham and whe Central Connect did the 17's 37's and 97's NXWM didnt like it . We carried so many in the peaks, passengers loved it as our lil Darts would get them from A to B quicker and with less hassle than NXWM. The livery designs were good too. Its a shame that NXWM have such a hold on the area, passengers and enthusiasts think this is great but in reality its pants. Theres so much potential with Rotala if no one believes me then just look at their Preston operations.

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 04:42:33 PM

Quote from: Steveminor on August 31, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
It's not the first time they have thought about running the 97 though. A fair few years ago they actually registered the 96 as it was then, this was at the time when Serverse ran the 96/97 against TWM. They ended up cancelling the registration when Serverse threatened an all out bus war in Tamworth matching Arriva bus for bus on the entire town network.
IMHO if they chose to run the 97 now then NX would just do what Serverse threatened & take Tamworth off the, so I doubt they would take the risk.

That is one of the big problems that Arriva have should they decide to go head to head against NX. NX could retaliate in Arriva strongholds such as Telford (from WN), Tamworth (from PB) & Cannock (from WA). Judging by their reaction to NX winning Cannock tenders, I doubt they'll now make a move......

Quote from: andy on September 01, 2013, 11:07:28 AM

Quote from: Steveminor on August 31, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
It's not the first time they have thought about running the 97 though. A fair few years ago they actually registered the 96 as it was then, this was at the time when Serverse ran the 96/97 against TWM. They ended up cancelling the registration when Serverse threatened an all out bus war in Tamworth matching Arriva bus for bus on the entire town network.
IMHO if they chose to run the 97 now then NX would just do what Serverse threatened & take Tamworth off the, so I doubt they would take the risk.

I love the constant assertions on here that any old Tom Dick or Harry can just roll up in an Arriva area and take over it, and that Arriva will never make any moves in the market 'just incase....'

What a load of balderdash. Do you want me to list the operators that have engaged Arriva in Tamworth and been blown out of the water?

Quote from: Westy on September 01, 2013, 12:20:32 PM

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 04:42:33 PM

Quote from: Steveminor on August 31, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
It's not the first time they have thought about running the 97 though. A fair few years ago they actually registered the 96 as it was then, this was at the time when Serverse ran the 96/97 against TWM. They ended up cancelling the registration when Serverse threatened an all out bus war in Tamworth matching Arriva bus for bus on the entire town network.
IMHO if they chose to run the 97 now then NX would just do what Serverse threatened & take Tamworth off the, so I doubt they would take the risk.

That is one of the big problems that Arriva have should they decide to go head to head against NX. NX could retaliate in Arriva strongholds such as Telford (from WN), Tamworth (from PB) & Cannock (from WA). Judging by their reaction to NX winning Cannock tenders, I doubt they'll now make a move......

Don't NX have capacity issues in Brum anyway?

A few what would've been Perry Barr routes are now operated by Walsall thesedays!

Dead mileage issues maybe too?

Quote from: Tony on August 31, 2013, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on August 31, 2013, 02:54:28 AM

Quote from: Winston on August 31, 2013, 01:33:16 AM
Who else is there to have a go on the 97 other than possibly Claribels? Do they have capacity at their depot to expand any further?

1) Names have been put forward. Some spoof, some have thought about it.

Yes, I remember being told that Arriva were going on the 97s last year....still waiting!

Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2013, 12:32:04 PM
The majority of the attacks in Tamworth in the past have come from smaller independent that don't have the finance to throw at any new operation that the big groups have, anyhow it's probably unlikely to happen anyway.

Quote from: andy on September 01, 2013, 01:03:38 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2013, 12:32:04 PM
The majority of the attacks in Tamworth in the past have come from smaller independent that don't have the finance to throw at any new operation that the big groups have, anyhow it's probably unlikely to happen anyway.

And that is the point Winston. All out bus wars are far too expensive for large bus groups with shareholders to answer to, and generally result in very little long term gain.  I can't ever see NX and Arriva properly engaging each other in such a way. The furthest this will go is the odd bit of tit for tat on largely worthless tenders such as the Cannock episode. Every now and then they will clash over a tender that both went for, but 9 times out of 10 only one operator or the other will have been interested in the tender.

Each operator will give a little and take a little. The exercise is all about market share, not predominance. And the same will apply with Rotala now that they appear to have given up on the commercial challenge to NX while the scandal of Centro's cosy relationship with them remains not dealt with.

Quote from: andy on September 01, 2013, 01:03:38 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2013, 12:32:04 PM
The majority of the attacks in Tamworth in the past have come from smaller independent that don't have the finance to throw at any new operation that the big groups have, anyhow it's probably unlikely to happen anyway.

And that is the point Winston. All out bus wars are far too expensive for large bus groups with shareholders to answer to, and generally result in very little long term gain.  I can't ever see NX and Arriva properly engaging each other in such a way. The furthest this will go is the odd bit of tit for tat on largely worthless tenders such as the Cannock episode. Every now and then they will clash over a tender that both went for, but 9 times out of 10 only one operator or the other will have been interested in the tender.

Each operator will give a little and take a little. The exercise is all about market share, not predominance. And the same will apply with Rotala now that they appear to have given up on the commercial challenge to NX while the scandal of Centro's cosy relationship with them remains not dealt with.

Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2013, 01:13:18 PM

Quote from: andy on September 01, 2013, 01:03:38 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2013, 12:32:04 PM
The majority of the attacks in Tamworth in the past have come from smaller independent that don't have the finance to throw at any new operation that the big groups have, anyhow it's probably unlikely to happen anyway.

And that is the point Winston. All out bus wars are far too expensive for large bus groups with shareholders to answer to, and generally result in very little long term gain.  I can't ever see NX and Arriva properly engaging each other in such a way. The furthest this will go is the odd bit of tit for tat on largely worthless tenders such as the Cannock episode. Every now and then they will clash over a tender that both went for, but 9 times out of 10 only one operator or the other will have been interested in the tender.

Each operator will give a little and take a little. The exercise is all about market share, not predominance. And the same will apply with Rotala now that they appear to have given up on the commercial challenge to NX while the scandal of Centro's cosy relationship with them remains not dealt with.

Andy, agreed it is unlikely that it would ever be more than a potential threat than a reality, bus wars were a thing of the 1990's when costs were much lower i.e. fuel/insurance etc not in the current climate. As you say the bigger groups have the odd spat here & there but no setting up on each other's patch generally.

As Simon has confirmed the competition commission have looked in to the local bus market with case studies by Rotala but haven't deemed it necessary to intervene in the West Midlands with NX's market share/ dominance etc

Quote from: Westy on August 29, 2013, 08:55:04 PM
Why don't you make a timetable leaflet available for the Walsall 301, as the Network WM one only features the NX one? (And put them in Walsall Bus Station travel office. If Arriva can manage it, surely you can too?)

Ever thought about going onto the Walsall 302 as a 'compliment' to the 301?

I used to be able to use my NX pass & pay 50p to use your buses, which came in useful on several occasions.

How come you stopped it?

Surely it would put more bums on seats?

Quote from: Winston on August 30, 2013, 07:58:26 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on August 30, 2013, 06:01:25 PM

1.  I believe some were built in 2009. 
2.  The Scania's are too big for the Contracts or not new enough for replacing the 57 plates.
3.  In the Interim Announcement which is available on our Plc Web site, it gives a list of areas were the revenue has dropped.  The West Midlands features on that list, but the poor weather has contributed also.
4.  Yes
5.  We have recieved feed back today from the manufacturer.  Of the batch some are New, 1 year old and 3 years old.  We are not interested in the price on the 3 year old kit.  We believe there is better value in the New and 1 year old, we are at present still negotiating the final price.
6.  At the present moment in time to service the fleet, Church Road is required.  We have 3 options, 1 maintain the current position, 2.  Invest in the current depot, extend the workshop and facilities.  3.  Move somewhere different altogether.  Now we have the OFT result, we need to review and consider our options.
7.  We are not part of any BBA bid.

Thanks for all your replies,

3. I've seen the Interim report, the turnover is broken down in to Contracted / Commercial & Charter Services, it isn't broken down to show the performance of each subsiduary company - on a side note the Rotala Plc website will also need to be updated to remove the Blue / Black & Red Diamond logo's off the home page & combine the three businesses under the 'Our Companies' section to combine the three buses under just Diamond.
5. Sounds promising with further new/nearly new buses if it comes off
6. Would I be correct in saying that Plymouth Road depot has very little spare land surrounding it that can be be used to increase the depot capacity & engineering facilities? Could the Kidderminster depot facilities not be utilized more to reduced costs of Church Road? As it seems that KR depot is only at a third to half capacity maximum. Does the lease on Church Road have much longer to run? Another potential issue on vacating Church Road is that you could leave Diamond vunerable to a new entrant in to the Redditch market with a purpose built bus depot available for use/lease......
7. Weblink for Brierley Hill Better Bus Network Transformation BBA Bid Submission Bus http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=7711&sID...%E2%80%8E

On page 6 it states the following:

A4. Total package cost (£m):
£10.0m (£1 local contribution for every £1 from DfT)

A5. Total DfT funding contribution sought (£m):
£5.0m (£3m capital and £2m revenue)

A5. Source of local contribution:

£1.5m from Westfield Shoppingtowns Limited as a contribution towards the
state of the art Merry Hill Bus Station
£1.3m from Centro (Transforming Bus Travel Partnership fund) as a
contribution towards upgrading the strategic bus routes and highway network
detailed in A4
£2.2m from National Express and Rotala for new buses on strategic corridors

NX have delivered new E200's for the 222 which was believed to be their share of the above commitment, are Rotala Plc no longer involved?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 02, 2013, 08:01:55 AM

3.  Financial accounting standards unable me to be more specific due to rules around segmental reporting.  Sorry.  I agree the website needs to be changed
6.  The depot is large enough to develop.  Although you could undertake additional work at Kidderminster.  Our present view is that Plymouth Road is too small without some form of development to even undertake running repairs.  Church Road (from memory) has 18 months to run.
7.  There was some discussion around this, but there is no commitment on our behalf.

Quote from: Steveminor on August 31, 2013, 06:29:54 PM
I think we may see rotala taking more tentative steps with competing with NX for the same reason.
It wouldn't take much for NX to cruise down the road to redditch or Kidderminster.
In fact let's ask Simon.
What is your position now towards defending your new territories, would you now look at less competition with the big groups to try & prevent them attacking you or is it still fair game to attack NX & the like?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 02, 2013, 07:55:30 AM

Quote from: Westy on August 29, 2013, 08:55:04 PM
Why don't you make a timetable leaflet available for the Walsall 301, as the Network WM one only features the NX one? (And put them in Walsall Bus Station travel office. If Arriva can manage it, surely you can too?)

Ever thought about going onto the Walsall 302 as a 'compliment' to the 301?

I used to be able to use my NX pass & pay 50p to use your buses, which came in useful on several occasions.

How come you stopped it?

Surely it would put more bums on seats?

There should be timetable leaflets for the 301, I will correct this

No we haven't.  Why do you believe the 301 will compliment the 301?

The NX travel card is one of the barrier to entry in the West Midlands.   By allowing people to pay 50 pence, we are were re-enforcing its value.  Ultimately there is a multi-operator travel card and we would prefer for people to acquire this.

In addition, accepting travel at 50 pence per passenger this would have a negative impact on concessionary fares reimbursement for all passengers.

Quote from: dgss1 on September 03, 2013, 06:43:12 PM
Where would you find lost property?

Quote from: dgss1 on September 03, 2013, 06:43:12 PM
Where would you find lost property?

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 03, 2013, 11:46:48 AM
MPD on the 4H this morning-is there a vehicle shortage at tividale at the moment as really MPDs are way too small for this route

Is MX08NNU VOR at the moment as I havent seen it for ages-my last photo is sometime in june!

Are the primos going to re-enter service

Where is W335VGX as again havent seen that for a long while

Thanks

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 03, 2013, 01:20:46 PM
Just noticed the fleet changes on the main site. Are there solos to come and any news about the 15 buses rotala put in a bid for. Why has an esteem been sold out of interest?

Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2013, 01:24:40 PM
Hi Simon,

Are you able to confirm who the Levantes have been sold too?

Interesting that the 3 x 59 plate Centros are the ex Go Whippet that operate on the guided busway, are these available immediately or are you having to wait for Go Whippet to receive new busway vehicles first?

Quote from: Ash on September 03, 2013, 06:03:22 PM
Hi Simon, Have you ever considered introducing a sunday service on the 002 with it being a popular service mon-sat and Merry Hill being as busy if not busier on a Sunday. Also may be extending the finishing time of the service monday-saturday.

The 4M mon-sat is every hour and when I have caught the service seems quite well used are there any plans to increasing the frequency may be to every 30 minutes.

Thank You.

Quote from: Westy on September 03, 2013, 06:37:25 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 02, 2013, 07:55:30 AM

Quote from: Westy on August 29, 2013, 08:55:04 PM
Why don't you make a timetable leaflet available for the Walsall 301, as the Network WM one only features the NX one? (And put them in Walsall Bus Station travel office. If Arriva can manage it, surely you can too?)

Ever thought about going onto the Walsall 302 as a 'compliment' to the 301?

I used to be able to use my NX pass & pay 50p to use your buses, which came in useful on several occasions.

How come you stopped it?

Surely it would put more bums on seats?

There should be timetable leaflets for the 301, I will correct this

No we haven't.  Why do you believe the 301 will compliment the 301?

The NX travel card is one of the barrier to entry in the West Midlands.   By allowing people to pay 50 pence, we are were re-enforcing its value.  Ultimately there is a multi-operator travel card and we would prefer for people to acquire this.

In addition, accepting travel at 50 pence per passenger this would have a negative impact on concessionary fares reimbursement for all passengers.

How come you never appeared on the Network WM version of the 301 leaflet?

The reason I ask about the 302 is a friend of mine has issues with the reliability of the NX journeys on that service.

( The local perception is that the 301 tends to be looked after better compared with the 302. 302 buses tend to go 'missing' more than 301's)

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 04, 2013, 07:40:14 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2013, 01:24:40 PM
Hi Simon,

Are you able to confirm who the Levantes have been sold too?

Interesting that the 3 x 59 plate Centros are the ex Go Whippet that operate on the guided busway, are these available immediately or are you having to wait for Go Whippet to receive new busway vehicles first?

This seems like the never ending story with the Levantes.  The vehicles should have gone a few weeks back, there has been some delays.  This should go through anyday

We are due to pay for the today/tomorrow/ in the next few days.  My understanding is that the equipment from the busway is being swapped from them to new buses and when this is complete we will pay and take delivery.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 04, 2013, 07:35:08 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 03, 2013, 11:46:48 AM
MPD on the 4H this morning-is there a vehicle shortage at tividale at the moment as really MPDs are way too small for this route

Is MX08NNU VOR at the moment as I havent seen it for ages-my last photo is sometime in june!

Are the primos going to re-enter service

Where is W335VGX as again havent seen that for a long while

Thanks

We have a large number of Long Single decks off the road including MX08NNU.  It is our intention to put the Primo's back into service.  W335VGX has been withdrawn.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 04, 2013, 07:41:50 AM

Quote from: Ash on September 03, 2013, 06:03:22 PM
Hi Simon, Have you ever considered introducing a sunday service on the 002 with it being a popular service mon-sat and Merry Hill being as busy if not busier on a Sunday. Also may be extending the finishing time of the service monday-saturday.

The 4M mon-sat is every hour and when I have caught the service seems quite well used are there any plans to increasing the frequency may be to every 30 minutes.

Thank You.

We have set change dates with Centro for service changes.  I will pass on your comments to my Commercial colleagues.

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

Quote from: Sh4166 on September 05, 2013, 09:42:28 AM

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

Read page 1  ;)

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 11:51:20 AM

Quote from: Sh4166 on September 05, 2013, 09:42:28 AM

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

Read page 1  ;)

I mean try commercialy to try to get more passengers on that corridor, and in west brom

Quote from: bususer12 on September 05, 2013, 01:20:35 PM
Fair enough for Diamond regarding the taking on the tender, but the 226W in my opinion is such a bad idea for a route. Just a waste of diesel one day a week, especially when the 74 leaves 5 minutes before it.

Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:54:04 PM

Quote from: bususer12 on September 05, 2013, 01:20:35 PM
Fair enough for Diamond regarding the taking on the tender, but the 226W in my opinion is such a bad idea for a route. Just a waste of diesel one day a week, especially when the 74 leaves 5 minutes before it.

The 226W is supposed to provide a link to the Russell's Hall Hospital from West Bromwich and agree between West Bromwich and Dudley it's hardly used, although if it was a service provided monday to saturday as well as Sunday's it would be much more popular. If this was to be the case you could extend the 42 service from Dudley with an express service to the hospital (non-stop) which would not increase the journey time by much.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 07:59:34 PM

Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:54:04 PM

Quote from: bususer12 on September 05, 2013, 01:20:35 PM
Fair enough for Diamond regarding the taking on the tender, but the 226W in my opinion is such a bad idea for a route. Just a waste of diesel one day a week, especially when the 74 leaves 5 minutes before it.

The 226W is supposed to provide a link to the Russell's Hall Hospital from West Bromwich and agree between West Bromwich and Dudley it's hardly used, although if it was a service provided monday to saturday as well as Sunday's it would be much more popular. If this was to be the case you could extend the 42 service from Dudley with an express service to the hospital (non-stop) which would not increase the journey time by much.

It seems to me that the 40/42/43 are the routes most in need of upgrade. Its a mismatch of solos and old darts some of which arent great along with MPDs in many liveries. Could rotala buy some more smaller enviro200 darts like the ones at wessex to replace the euro2 MPDs some of which look a bit dated?

Quote from: bususer12 on September 05, 2013, 01:20:35 PM
Fair enough for Diamond regarding the taking on the tender, but the 226W in my opinion is such a bad idea for a route. Just a waste of diesel one day a week, especially when the 74 leaves 5 minutes before it.

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

Quote from: Winston on September 04, 2013, 10:32:13 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 04, 2013, 07:40:14 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2013, 01:24:40 PM
Hi Simon,

Are you able to confirm who the Levantes have been sold too?

Interesting that the 3 x 59 plate Centros are the ex Go Whippet that operate on the guided busway, are these available immediately or are you having to wait for Go Whippet to receive new busway vehicles first?

This seems like the never ending story with the Levantes.  The vehicles should have gone a few weeks back, there has been some delays.  This should go through anyday

We are due to pay for the today/tomorrow/ in the next few days.  My understanding is that the equipment from the busway is being swapped from them to new buses and when this is complete we will pay and take delivery.

Thanks Simon,

Sounds as though you are nearly there with the Levantes  ;) obviously they are expensive assets to be sat around doing very little. Do you intend to re-invest the proceeds of the sale of these back in to upgrading the Diamond bus fleet?

One thing that did cross my mind, have Rotala/Diamond ever considered dropping the price of their cash fares to attract more passengers on your commercial competing services? Obviously they are set at exactly the same level as NXWM? And not everyone would be looking to buy a return ticket
Additionally, the Diamond day ticket is priced at £3.90 exactly the same as NXWM, but Diamond doesn't have the same network coverage or hours of operation

Have you ever looked at buying any MAN/Wright Meridian? There seems to be a number of late model examples around, not sure if that is a good thing or not....

Quote from: Ash on September 03, 2013, 06:03:22 PM
Hi Simon, Have you ever considered introducing a sunday service on the 002 with it being a popular service mon-sat and Merry Hill being as busy if not busier on a Sunday. Also may be extending the finishing time of the service monday-saturday.

The 4M mon-sat is every hour and when I have caught the service seems quite well used are there any plans to increasing the frequency may be to every 30 minutes.

Thank You.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 04, 2013, 08:06:52 PM
On Bank Holiday monday when on the 50 line of route, I saw 30004 BX07AXO-I'm sure of it but havent seen it since. I was wondering if you could tell me if it was at long acre, if I was imagining things or got the reg totally wrong and if it is at long acre whether it will be out again

Thanks Simon

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

Quote from: bewminster on September 05, 2013, 07:29:05 PM
when will you be starting a review for Kidderminster area

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 05, 2013, 07:59:34 PM

Quote from: Ash on September 05, 2013, 07:54:04 PM

Quote from: bususer12 on September 05, 2013, 01:20:35 PM
Fair enough for Diamond regarding the taking on the tender, but the 226W in my opinion is such a bad idea for a route. Just a waste of diesel one day a week, especially when the 74 leaves 5 minutes before it.

The 226W is supposed to provide a link to the Russell's Hall Hospital from West Bromwich and agree between West Bromwich and Dudley it's hardly used, although if it was a service provided monday to saturday as well as Sunday's it would be much more popular. If this was to be the case you could extend the 42 service from Dudley with an express service to the hospital (non-stop) which would not increase the journey time by much.

It seems to me that the 40/42/43 are the routes most in need of upgrade. Its a mismatch of solos and old darts some of which arent great along with MPDs in many liveries. Could rotala buy some more smaller enviro200 darts like the ones at wessex to replace the euro2 MPDs some of which look a bit dated?

Quote from: Jon on September 06, 2013, 11:51:00 AM

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

They cannot run the 226 right now as some drivers not all ( Some will run to time but others will park up and fake a brake down ( well thats what they tell Centro then leave on hansons time))  will hang back or park up on route and then run on hanson time. so before you send it to west brom i think Simon will have to look in to why his drives are doing the above and taking the **** out him and rotala. ps Simon they do mess about on the night when centro pay you to run the routre

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Had a nice ride round the diamond network today and caught some of the new enviros which are nice and some of the ex yourbus darts

Couple of points:

Why did diamond initially try to sell all the ex first enviro300s?

One of the ex yourbus darts still has yourbus interior notices-could these be removed? Other than that, great buses and the ones at redditch/kidderminster seem to rattle a lot less than 20849.

Which buses are the priority for repaint at the moment?

Oh and in walsall bus station, I asked about the diamond 301 timetable which didnt seem to be there only to be told diamond didnt run the 301 anymore?? when I could see one outside-maybe this is the problem with bus information points ran by nx officials.

Thanks Simon

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 06:00:35 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Had a nice ride round the diamond network today and caught some of the new enviros which are nice and some of the ex yourbus darts

Couple of points:

Why did diamond initially try to sell all the ex first enviro300s?

One of the ex yourbus darts still has yourbus interior notices-could these be removed? Other than that, great buses and the ones at redditch/kidderminster seem to rattle a lot less than 20849.

Which buses are the priority for repaint at the moment?

Oh and in walsall bus station, I asked about the diamond 301 timetable which didnt seem to be there only to be told diamond didnt run the 301 anymore?? when I could see one outside-maybe this is the problem with bus information points ran by nx officials.

Thanks Simon

Thank you for your comments

In response to your questions

1.  Having acquire the two businesses based at Redditch and Kidderminster, I was approached and made an offer for the E300's.  I was not really interested in selling them, but as this offer was more than I viewed they were worth I decided to put them in the weekly advert we were running.  As if someone was prepared to pay more, maybe it made sense to dispose of them and replace with newer vehicles.
2.  Yes, the YourBus information should not be on.  Ironically I acquired these vehicles from Ensign Bus. 
3.  We must have about 6 vehicles going through paint at the moment.  We have now paid for the 3 x 59 plate Volvo's (they will go into paint soon), we agreed a deal with Wrights on Friday for 12 Streetlites.  We need to get all these vehicles into fleet to create capacity to repaint other vehicles.
4.  This is because we did not sign up to the Network review in this area.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 06:00:35 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Had a nice ride round the diamond network today and caught some of the new enviros which are nice and some of the ex yourbus darts

Couple of points:

Why did diamond initially try to sell all the ex first enviro300s?

One of the ex yourbus darts still has yourbus interior notices-could these be removed? Other than that, great buses and the ones at redditch/kidderminster seem to rattle a lot less than 20849.

Which buses are the priority for repaint at the moment?

Oh and in walsall bus station, I asked about the diamond 301 timetable which didnt seem to be there only to be told diamond didnt run the 301 anymore?? when I could see one outside-maybe this is the problem with bus information points ran by nx officials.

Thanks Simon

Thank you for your comments

In response to your questions

1.  Having acquire the two businesses based at Redditch and Kidderminster, I was approached and made an offer for the E300's.  I was not really interested in selling them, but as this offer was more than I viewed they were worth I decided to put them in the weekly advert we were running.  As if someone was prepared to pay more, maybe it made sense to dispose of them and replace with newer vehicles.
2.  Yes, the YourBus information should not be on.  Ironically I acquired these vehicles from Ensign Bus. 
3.  We must have about 6 vehicles going through paint at the moment.  We have now paid for the 3 x 59 plate Volvo's (they will go into paint soon), we agreed a deal with Wrights on Friday for 12 Streetlites.  We need to get all these vehicles into fleet to create capacity to repaint other vehicles.
4.  This is because we did not sign up to the Network review in this area.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 06:13:52 AM
Since Tony received his fleet list.  There has been some fleet changes, and I think some of you expressed a desire to take pictures of the buses before they go.  Since Monday of this week, we have accepted offer on the following

1.  Willenhall Commercials

K123/6URP, plus all 5 darts parked up at Redditch and Kidderminster

2.  Peter Reddish - for Scrap

The last lance at Kidderminster

3.  A Bristol operator with 1 or 2 vehicles.

These are planned to be removed after service on Monday

R220MSA
P401MLA

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 04, 2013, 10:32:13 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 04, 2013, 07:40:14 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 03, 2013, 01:24:40 PM
Hi Simon,

Are you able to confirm who the Levantes have been sold too?

Interesting that the 3 x 59 plate Centros are the ex Go Whippet that operate on the guided busway, are these available immediately or are you having to wait for Go Whippet to receive new busway vehicles first?

This seems like the never ending story with the Levantes.  The vehicles should have gone a few weeks back, there has been some delays.  This should go through anyday

We are due to pay for the today/tomorrow/ in the next few days.  My understanding is that the equipment from the busway is being swapped from them to new buses and when this is complete we will pay and take delivery.

Thanks Simon,

Sounds as though you are nearly there with the Levantes  ;) obviously they are expensive assets to be sat around doing very little. Do you intend to re-invest the proceeds of the sale of these back in to upgrading the Diamond bus fleet?

One thing that did cross my mind, have Rotala/Diamond ever considered dropping the price of their cash fares to attract more passengers on your commercial competing services? Obviously they are set at exactly the same level as NXWM? And not everyone would be looking to buy a return ticket
Additionally, the Diamond day ticket is priced at £3.90 exactly the same as NXWM, but Diamond doesn't have the same network coverage or hours of operation

Have you ever looked at buying any MAN/Wright Meridian? There seems to be a number of late model examples around, not sure if that is a good thing or not....

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

I did participate in an Auction for some MAN/Wright Meridian.  They went for more than I would like to pay. I am not particularly an MAN fan, and the reason why we sold the MAN MCV's was because the relationship failed with MAN.  In our opinion they made a catalogue of promises which they failed to keep.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:33:58 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 04, 2013, 08:06:52 PM
On Bank Holiday monday when on the 50 line of route, I saw 30004 BX07AXO-I'm sure of it but havent seen it since. I was wondering if you could tell me if it was at long acre, if I was imagining things or got the reg totally wrong and if it is at long acre whether it will be out again

Thanks Simon

This vehicle was one, we intended to move to Long Acre.  Only one now be moved, and from memory I cant remember if this is going back to Bath or not

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 06:00:35 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Had a nice ride round the diamond network today and caught some of the new enviros which are nice and some of the ex yourbus darts

Couple of points:

Why did diamond initially try to sell all the ex first enviro300s?

One of the ex yourbus darts still has yourbus interior notices-could these be removed? Other than that, great buses and the ones at redditch/kidderminster seem to rattle a lot less than 20849.

Which buses are the priority for repaint at the moment?

Oh and in walsall bus station, I asked about the diamond 301 timetable which didnt seem to be there only to be told diamond didnt run the 301 anymore?? when I could see one outside-maybe this is the problem with bus information points ran by nx officials.

Thanks Simon

Thank you for your comments

In response to your questions

1.  Having acquire the two businesses based at Redditch and Kidderminster, I was approached and made an offer for the E300's.  I was not really interested in selling them, but as this offer was more than I viewed they were worth I decided to put them in the weekly advert we were running.  As if someone was prepared to pay more, maybe it made sense to dispose of them and replace with newer vehicles.
2.  Yes, the YourBus information should not be on.  Ironically I acquired these vehicles from Ensign Bus. 
3.  We must have about 6 vehicles going through paint at the moment.  We have now paid for the 3 x 59 plate Volvo's (they will go into paint soon), we agreed a deal with Wrights on Friday for 12 Streetlites.  We need to get all these vehicles into fleet to create capacity to repaint other vehicles.
4.  This is because we did not sign up to the Network review in this area.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:32:50 AM

Quote from: Ash on September 03, 2013, 06:03:22 PM
Hi Simon, Have you ever considered introducing a sunday service on the 002 with it being a popular service mon-sat and Merry Hill being as busy if not busier on a Sunday. Also may be extending the finishing time of the service monday-saturday.

The 4M mon-sat is every hour and when I have caught the service seems quite well used are there any plans to increasing the frequency may be to every 30 minutes.

Thank You.

We intend to review all our Black Diamond operations shortly.  Any comments you have would be appreciated.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 07, 2013, 06:47:36 PM


Understand this but a few timetables on buses would really help loadings I would reckon as people like diamond on the 301 and would wait around if they had a timetable in their pocket they could look at and think theres a diamond due at such and such a time as not everyone has the internet etc

Quote from: Tony on September 07, 2013, 07:07:53 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 07, 2013, 06:47:36 PM


Understand this but a few timetables on buses would really help loadings I would reckon as people like diamond on the 301 and would wait around if they had a timetable in their pocket they could look at and think theres a diamond due at such and such a time as not everyone has the internet etc

You are overestimating people there. Very few cash paying passengers wait for any company even if one charges lower fares. Nearly all of them will get on the first bus that comes.

On the 301 most get on the first bus that comes on their first journey, buy a return and most then wait for that company to go home on. The others try and use the first bus again either arguing with the driver about not being able to use the oppositions return or don't even realise they are two seperate companys.

If you think a timetable on that route is going to increase trade during the day I think you would be in for a shock

Quote from: Tony on September 07, 2013, 07:07:53 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 07, 2013, 06:47:36 PM


Understand this but a few timetables on buses would really help loadings I would reckon as people like diamond on the 301 and would wait around if they had a timetable in their pocket they could look at and think theres a diamond due at such and such a time as not everyone has the internet etc

You are overestimating people there. Very few cash paying passengers wait for any company even if one charges lower fares. Nearly all of them will get on the first bus that comes.

On the 301 most get on the first bus that comes on their first journey, buy a return and most then wait for that company to go home on. The others try and use the first bus again either arguing with the driver about not being able to use the oppositions return or don't even realise they are two seperate companys.

If you think a timetable on that route is going to increase trade during the day I think you would be in for a shock

Quote from: Ash on September 07, 2013, 11:18:01 PM

Quote from: Tony on September 07, 2013, 07:07:53 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 07, 2013, 06:47:36 PM


Understand this but a few timetables on buses would really help loadings I would reckon as people like diamond on the 301 and would wait around if they had a timetable in their pocket they could look at and think theres a diamond due at such and such a time as not everyone has the internet etc

You are overestimating people there. Very few cash paying passengers wait for any company even if one charges lower fares. Nearly all of them will get on the first bus that comes.

On the 301 most get on the first bus that comes on their first journey, buy a return and most then wait for that company to go home on. The others try and use the first bus again either arguing with the driver about not being able to use the oppositions return or don't even realise they are two seperate companys.

If you think a timetable on that route is going to increase trade during the day I think you would be in for a shock

From witnessing it myself I know of quite a few passengers that let the NXWM bus go and wait for diamond if there buying a return ticket as there cheaper, this happens on service 4 where diamond is every 6 minutes so you rarely have to wait long.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Dont remember the 10(H) branding nor the 142

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:14:26 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Dont remember the 10(H) branding nor the 142

the 142 was the stourbridge shuttle on the KS03 solos  and the 10 branding was connect10 on R...VLA darts and I accept that some of these brandings were technically not diamond but central connect but have classed it as one rotala wm business

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:21:51 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:14:26 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Dont remember the 10(H) branding nor the 142

the 142 was the stourbridge shuttle on the KS03 solos  and the 10 branding was connect10 on R...VLA darts and I accept that some of these brandings were technically not diamond but central connect but have classed it as one rotala wm business

Ill have to have a look next time im on the train see if any are parked up by the 97 branded buses or was all of them debranded

Quote from: sonic84 on September 08, 2013, 11:25:40 AM
Here is a link to a photo of the 142 Stourbridge Shuttle Branding

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachjordan/5466085920/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachjordan/5466085920/)

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:27:28 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:21:51 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:14:26 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Dont remember the 10(H) branding nor the 142

the 142 was the stourbridge shuttle on the KS03 solos  and the 10 branding was connect10 on R...VLA darts and I accept that some of these brandings were technically not diamond but central connect but have classed it as one rotala wm business

Ill have to have a look next time im on the train see if any are parked up by the 97 branded buses or was all of them debranded

All debranded and sold-and are there still connect97 buses in long acre?

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:37:09 AM

Quote from: sonic84 on September 08, 2013, 11:25:40 AM
Here is a link to a photo of the 142 Stourbridge Shuttle Branding

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachjordan/5466085920/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachjordan/5466085920/)

Looks like the old 401E Branding  :) do Diamond still run the 401E

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:27:28 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:21:51 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:14:26 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:12:59 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Dont remember the 10(H) branding nor the 142

the 142 was the stourbridge shuttle on the KS03 solos  and the 10 branding was connect10 on R...VLA darts and I accept that some of these brandings were technically not diamond but central connect but have classed it as one rotala wm business

Ill have to have a look next time im on the train see if any are parked up by the 97 branded buses or was all of them debranded

All debranded and sold-and are there still connect97 buses in long acre?

Ye, if your on the train heading from WA to Birmingham you'll see them all parked up at the back of the garage, gonna try an get a picture next time im on the train  ;D ;D

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 12:42:05 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Course!! How did I forget that??!! Best ones were the bcc, super 16, nifty 50 and double o 2 in my opinion

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:49:39 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 12:42:05 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Course!! How did I forget that??!! Best ones were the bcc, super 16, nifty 50 and double o 2 in my opinion

I dunno the ones for Worcester city services competing with First were pretty good, Oooh Matron!

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 01:01:40 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:49:39 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 12:42:05 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Course!! How did I forget that??!! Best ones were the bcc, super 16, nifty 50 and double o 2 in my opinion

I dunno the ones for Worcester city services competing with First were pretty good, Oooh Matron!

Haha there was ooh matron! forgot about that and then the super melons one as well. In fairness, they were imaginative brandings and some quite funny but shame some people dont have a sense of humour

Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 08, 2013, 01:05:28 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 01:01:40 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:49:39 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 12:42:05 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Course!! How did I forget that??!! Best ones were the bcc, super 16, nifty 50 and double o 2 in my opinion

I dunno the ones for Worcester city services competing with First were pretty good, Oooh Matron!

Haha there was ooh matron! forgot about that and then the super melons one as well. In fairness, they were imaginative brandings and some quite funny but shame some people dont have a sense of humour

Which route was "Ooh Matron" for?

Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 08, 2013, 01:05:28 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 01:01:40 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:49:39 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 12:42:05 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Course!! How did I forget that??!! Best ones were the bcc, super 16, nifty 50 and double o 2 in my opinion

I dunno the ones for Worcester city services competing with First were pretty good, Oooh Matron!

Haha there was ooh matron! forgot about that and then the super melons one as well. In fairness, they were imaginative brandings and some quite funny but shame some people dont have a sense of humour

Which route was "Ooh Matron" for?

Quote from: sonic84 on September 08, 2013, 01:07:38 PM

Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 08, 2013, 01:05:28 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 01:01:40 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:49:39 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 12:42:05 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 08, 2013, 12:34:41 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Don't forget the 4 (404) Black Country connection

Course!! How did I forget that??!! Best ones were the bcc, super 16, nifty 50 and double o 2 in my opinion

I dunno the ones for Worcester city services competing with First were pretty good, Oooh Matron!

Haha there was ooh matron! forgot about that and then the super melons one as well. In fairness, they were imaginative brandings and some quite funny but shame some people dont have a sense of humour

Which route was "Ooh Matron" for?

It was for the 37 in Worcester, but from memory the branding was removed when staff at the hospital complained.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:52:16 AM

Quote from: Jon on September 06, 2013, 11:51:00 AM

Quote from: dgss1 on September 05, 2013, 09:26:46 AM
Why don't you extend the 226 to west bromwich daily?

They cannot run the 226 right now as some drivers not all ( Some will run to time but others will park up and fake a brake down ( well thats what they tell Centro then leave on hansons time))  will hang back or park up on route and then run on hanson time. so before you send it to west brom i think Simon will have to look in to why his drives are doing the above and taking the **** out him and rotala. ps Simon they do mess about on the night when centro pay you to run the routre

I am surprised by your comments.  This service has come under scrutiny from VOSA.  From their investigations 95% or more of our journeys operate with in the window of tolerance.  That being said, any VOSA view is at those given point in time.  We do monitor these services on an on going basis, if you have specific examples of were this has happened I would appreciate some exact information off line.  It is important that we run our services properly and we do not give instructions to drivers to or any member of staff to act inappropriately.

Hi Simon

QuoteIt was for the 37 in Worcester, but from memory the branding was removed when staff at the hospital complained.

Quote from: Diamond Geezer on September 08, 2013, 04:58:32 PM

QuoteIt was for the 37 in Worcester, but from memory the branding was removed when staff at the hospital complained.

The branding wasn't removed because the hospital complained - although it made headline news around the UK and Europe, Matron ran on the back of the bus until the contract came to an end.

The one that was tweaked was 'Ride Me All Night' to 'Catch Me All Night' on the 31 branded Solo following 'feedback' from the University, Police and, urm, a rape support group.  We were referring to the bus - dunno what they were referring to  :o ::)

Quote from: Diamond Geezer on September 08, 2013, 04:58:32 PM

QuoteIt was for the 37 in Worcester, but from memory the branding was removed when staff at the hospital complained.

The branding wasn't removed because the hospital complained - although it made headline news around the UK and Europe, Matron ran on the back of the bus until the contract came to an end.

The one that was tweaked was 'Ride Me All Night' to 'Catch Me All Night' on the 31 branded Solo following 'feedback' from the University, Police and, urm, a rape support group.  We were referring to the bus - dunno what they were referring to  :o ::)

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 05:57:53 PM

Quote from: Diamond Geezer on September 08, 2013, 04:58:32 PM

QuoteIt was for the 37 in Worcester, but from memory the branding was removed when staff at the hospital complained.

The branding wasn't removed because the hospital complained - although it made headline news around the UK and Europe, Matron ran on the back of the bus until the contract came to an end.

The one that was tweaked was 'Ride Me All Night' to 'Catch Me All Night' on the 31 branded Solo following 'feedback' from the University, Police and, urm, a rape support group.  We were referring to the bus - dunno what they were referring to  :o ::)

Haha thats brilliant-did it have a picture of someone on the back or something? And people do go totally over the top

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 08:18:12 PM
Since Tony received his fleet list.  There has been some fleet changes, and I think some of you expressed a desire to take pictures of the buses before they go.  Since Monday of this week, we have accepted offer on the following

1.  Willenhall Commercials

K123/6URP, plus all 5 darts parked up at Redditch and Kidderminster

2.  Peter Reddish - for Scrap

The last lance at Kidderminster

3.  A Bristol operator with 1 or 2 vehicles.

These are planned to be removed after service on Monday

R220MSA
P401MLA


Does anyone on here know which 5 darts are parked up at redditch/kiddy-cos not interested in the MLA ones really as theyre vile but MSA need to get tomorrow along with YCR and CCV. Are all of these still in service? Just out of interest as i dont live very near worcestershire so dont get out there very often. Hope that someone from redditch or kidderminster or Simon could help here?

Quote from: bewminster on September 08, 2013, 08:33:33 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 08:18:12 PM
Since Tony received his fleet list.  There has been some fleet changes, and I think some of you expressed a desire to take pictures of the buses before they go.  Since Monday of this week, we have accepted offer on the following

1.  Willenhall Commercials

K123/6URP, plus all 5 darts parked up at Redditch and Kidderminster

2.  Peter Reddish - for Scrap

The last lance at Kidderminster

3.  A Bristol operator with 1 or 2 vehicles.

These are planned to be removed after service on Monday

R220MSA
P401MLA


Does anyone on here know which 5 darts are parked up at redditch/kiddy-cos not interested in the MLA ones really as theyre vile but MSA need to get tomorrow along with YCR and CCV. Are all of these still in service? Just out of interest as i dont live very near worcestershire so dont get out there very often. Hope that someone from redditch or kidderminster or Simon could help here?

not 100% sure what is parked up in Kidderminster   but P 403 mla did the late 292 on  Saturday  and  all the adds  inside  have been removed   and  it was very clean inside  so do not  know if that on could be going

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 11:10:19 AM

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 08, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 10:56:02 AM
Another question Simon-sorry! What is your opinion on route branding as we have seen a lot of it go at diamond even though it seemed popular and looked really smart Thanks

other than

226/50 what other Diamond routes were branded ?, 529 branding was still alive at Xmas running in bilston on 42
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90949252@N04/8582734085/in/set-72157632441422617

As you say Nathan, 226, 50, 16, 17, 97, 37, 10(H), 119, 401E, 142, 002, 529 and also some redditch routes were sort of branded-144/57/58 etc and at worcester 30/31-maybe more.

Quote from: NXWM Spectra on September 07, 2013, 09:36:22 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 06:00:35 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Had a nice ride round the diamond network today and caught some of the new enviros which are nice and some of the ex yourbus darts

Couple of points:

Why did diamond initially try to sell all the ex first enviro300s?

One of the ex yourbus darts still has yourbus interior notices-could these be removed? Other than that, great buses and the ones at redditch/kidderminster seem to rattle a lot less than 20849.

Which buses are the priority for repaint at the moment?

Oh and in walsall bus station, I asked about the diamond 301 timetable which didnt seem to be there only to be told diamond didnt run the 301 anymore?? when I could see one outside-maybe this is the problem with bus information points ran by nx officials.

Thanks Simon

Thank you for your comments

In response to your questions

1.  Having acquire the two businesses based at Redditch and Kidderminster, I was approached and made an offer for the E300's.  I was not really interested in selling them, but as this offer was more than I viewed they were worth I decided to put them in the weekly advert we were running.  As if someone was prepared to pay more, maybe it made sense to dispose of them and replace with newer vehicles.
2.  Yes, the YourBus information should not be on.  Ironically I acquired these vehicles from Ensign Bus. 
3.  We must have about 6 vehicles going through paint at the moment.  We have now paid for the 3 x 59 plate Volvo's (they will go into paint soon), we agreed a deal with Wrights on Friday for 12 Streetlites.  We need to get all these vehicles into fleet to create capacity to repaint other vehicles.
4.  This is because we did not sign up to the Network review in this area.

Will any of the newly acquired buses be for the Midlands?

Quote from: nitromatt1 on September 07, 2013, 10:02:36 AM
Hi Simon, I was wondering if you know what's happened to the 002-branded Centro 30808, which has been missing from the 002 for at least a couple of months now?

Quote from: Sh4166 on September 07, 2013, 10:04:47 AM
Hi Simon,

Speaking of the 002, are there any future plans for tha route?

Quote from: Winston on September 07, 2013, 11:49:19 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

Simon, Thanks for your responses,

A batch of 11 plate Levante that size was crying out to be snapped up by either NX or a major NX subcontractor, NX especially have large numbers of 06/56 plate Scania/Levate that will need removing from the network. I assume Rotala have still had to pay the monthly lease payments despite having no for them work.

I still think passenger numbers on Diamonds WM commercial services began to fall when fares were brought in line with those of NX, and ultimately those services began to be withdrawn. Obviously the economy has had an affect of passenger journeys across the board, the only thing to differentiate between the two competing operators is service & vehicle quality.

Good news of the 12 x Streetlites, will these be larger capacity DF versions? I take it Rotala are growing increasingly in favour of the Wright Streetlite with recent second-hand versions at Preston & Wessex

Quote from: bususer12 on September 07, 2013, 06:24:06 PM
Hi Simon, Diamond do seem to behave better now on the 226, although one thing that is annoying is the tendered timetable. It gives 15 minutes to get from Dudley to Wordsley Hospital, which in all the years that I have caught the bus, has never got to Wordsley on time(xx.30).  I understand that Centro have the say in tendered timetables, but If there was a way to show them that they have it wrong, it would be good.

When I set out for my bus, sometimes it will arrive at xx.35, or xx.45, depending on the driving sstyle of driver and type of day.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 07, 2013, 06:47:36 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 06:00:35 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 06, 2013, 04:28:54 PM
Had a nice ride round the diamond network today and caught some of the new enviros which are nice and some of the ex yourbus darts

Couple of points:

Why did diamond initially try to sell all the ex first enviro300s?

One of the ex yourbus darts still has yourbus interior notices-could these be removed? Other than that, great buses and the ones at redditch/kidderminster seem to rattle a lot less than 20849.

Which buses are the priority for repaint at the moment?

Oh and in walsall bus station, I asked about the diamond 301 timetable which didnt seem to be there only to be told diamond didnt run the 301 anymore?? when I could see one outside-maybe this is the problem with bus information points ran by nx officials.

Thanks Simon

Thank you for your comments

In response to your questions

1.  Having acquire the two businesses based at Redditch and Kidderminster, I was approached and made an offer for the E300's.  I was not really interested in selling them, but as this offer was more than I viewed they were worth I decided to put them in the weekly advert we were running.  As if someone was prepared to pay more, maybe it made sense to dispose of them and replace with newer vehicles.
2.  Yes, the YourBus information should not be on.  Ironically I acquired these vehicles from Ensign Bus. 
3.  We must have about 6 vehicles going through paint at the moment.  We have now paid for the 3 x 59 plate Volvo's (they will go into paint soon), we agreed a deal with Wrights on Friday for 12 Streetlites.  We need to get all these vehicles into fleet to create capacity to repaint other vehicles.
4.  This is because we did not sign up to the Network review in this area.

Interesting about the enviro300s and do you still have a weekly advert thing as i havent seen this for a while-was it not worth it-that route one feature on the levantes was good though

Yeah I thought that was weird they were bought from ensignbus and that more weren't purchased as they are brilliant

Interesting about the streetlites-anything wrightbus will undoubtedly be well made and rattle and clatter less than the enviro200 that is at tividale/long acre-dont know at the moment where it is. What livery are the streetlites currently in and are they new/stock built/second hand ones or a mixture?

Understand this but a few timetables on buses would really help loadings I would reckon as people like diamond on the 301 and would wait around if they had a timetable in their pocket they could look at and think theres a diamond due at such and such a time as not everyone has the internet etc

Quote from: Ash on September 07, 2013, 09:48:28 PM
As some of the cadets are not going to be repainted for some time it would be nice to see the diamond fleet names reapplied to some vehicles as some have had panel replacements and either have no fleet names or parts missing on them. Also some of the displays are not working on the cadets one for example is the side destination blind on 30216 which hasn't worked for some time. I was on 30202 last week and when the driver put his foot on the break the interior lights kept going on and off with a loud beeping noise in the cab to warn the driver that there is some kind of issue.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 08, 2013, 08:18:12 PM
Since Tony received his fleet list.  There has been some fleet changes, and I think some of you expressed a desire to take pictures of the buses before they go.  Since Monday of this week, we have accepted offer on the following

1.  Willenhall Commercials

K123/6URP, plus all 5 darts parked up at Redditch and Kidderminster

2.  Peter Reddish - for Scrap

The last lance at Kidderminster

3.  A Bristol operator with 1 or 2 vehicles.

These are planned to be removed after service on Monday

R220MSA
P401MLA


Does anyone on here know which 5 darts are parked up at redditch/kiddy-cos not interested in the MLA ones really as theyre vile but MSA need to get tomorrow along with YCR and CCV. Are all of these still in service? Just out of interest as i dont live very near worcestershire so dont get out there very often. Hope that someone from redditch or kidderminster or Simon could help here?

Quote from: dannygill on September 08, 2013, 08:39:53 PM
Hello and great to see your here.

I have a couple of questions for you

1. when Veolia transport lost the nx coach work did you put in a bid for the London 410/420 as well

2. will you be looking to purchase any buses with leather seats still?

and finally id just like to thank you for running rotala its good to see competition in the west midlands as it gives customers choice.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 07, 2013, 11:49:19 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

Simon, Thanks for your responses,

A batch of 11 plate Levante that size was crying out to be snapped up by either NX or a major NX subcontractor, NX especially have large numbers of 06/56 plate Scania/Levate that will need removing from the network. I assume Rotala have still had to pay the monthly lease payments despite having no for them work.

I still think passenger numbers on Diamonds WM commercial services began to fall when fares were brought in line with those of NX, and ultimately those services began to be withdrawn. Obviously the economy has had an affect of passenger journeys across the board, the only thing to differentiate between the two competing operators is service & vehicle quality.

Good news of the 12 x Streetlites, will these be larger capacity DF versions? I take it Rotala are growing increasingly in favour of the Wright Streetlite with recent second-hand versions at Preston & Wessex

National Express have taken all 14 Levantes, and we were responsible for the payments until the assignment.

7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

Quote from: bewminster on September 10, 2013, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

the 2 mpd I saw  had fleet numbers 20653/20654

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:51:20 PM

Quote from: bewminster on September 10, 2013, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

the 2 mpd I saw  had fleet numbers 20653/20654

Thanks bewminster but i was just interested in asking Simon how many of the batch are going to arrive-as I know two of the batch are on lease with another company

Quote from: bewminster on September 10, 2013, 06:28:53 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:51:20 PM

Quote from: bewminster on September 10, 2013, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

the 2 mpd I saw  had fleet numbers 20653/20654

Thanks bewminster but i was just interested in asking Simon how many of the batch are going to arrive-as I know two of the batch are on lease with another company

posted on wrong on wrong section  sorry

QuoteRoute 56 was also branded for a while

QuoteThe one that was tweaked was 'Ride Me All Night' to 'Catch Me All Night' on the 31 branded Solo following 'feedback' from the University, Police and, urm, a rape support group.  We were referring to the bus - dunno what they were referring to  :o ::)

Quote from: Diamond Geezer on September 10, 2013, 10:17:33 PM

QuoteRoute 56 was also branded for a while

It sure was, as Route56 - playing on the iconic US Highway sign for Route66.  Lines from the Nat King Cole song were changed as follows:

"If you ever plan to motor west" - changed to "Planning to motor Brownhills West?"
"Get your kicks on Route66" - changed to "Get your kids on Route56"

Even had the american bumper sticker too !

This was one of my favourites.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 09, 2013, 04:14:10 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 07, 2013, 11:49:19 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

Simon, Thanks for your responses,

A batch of 11 plate Levante that size was crying out to be snapped up by either NX or a major NX subcontractor, NX especially have large numbers of 06/56 plate Scania/Levate that will need removing from the network. I assume Rotala have still had to pay the monthly lease payments despite having no for them work.

I still think passenger numbers on Diamonds WM commercial services began to fall when fares were brought in line with those of NX, and ultimately those services began to be withdrawn. Obviously the economy has had an affect of passenger journeys across the board, the only thing to differentiate between the two competing operators is service & vehicle quality.

Good news of the 12 x Streetlites, will these be larger capacity DF versions? I take it Rotala are growing increasingly in favour of the Wright Streetlite with recent second-hand versions at Preston & Wessex

National Express have taken all 14 Levantes, and we were responsible for the payments until the assignment.

7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Great news about the streetlites being acquired and thanks for your information on the vehicles sold-really helpful as I popped over to kidderminster today to photograph some of the older stuff. Please could you do this in future for other buses sold as it will give those of us who want to photo then a bit of advance warning? Thanks

Are the MAN/centros at redditch having reliability problems at the moment as some of them dont sound very healthy and according to the drivers there they are not very reliable.

On the subject of MAN/centros, 30804 billows black smoke all the time and has done since about last november/december-maybe this one needs a look at?

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:51:20 PM

Quote from: bewminster on September 10, 2013, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

the 2 mpd I saw  had fleet numbers 20653/20654

Thanks bewminster but i was just interested in asking Simon how many of the batch are going to arrive-as I know two of the batch are on lease with another company

Quote from: bewminster on September 10, 2013, 09:08:50 PM
simon
have put some things in the Kidderminster review  but there are quite a few things I can think of  that   could improve your services a lot  and they may attract more passangers. can I use review more than once  . or  is there any other way I can in form you

Quote from: Ash on September 10, 2013, 11:17:56 PM
Are there any plans to brand or rebrand any of the services within the diamond network especially out of Tividale. Shame the black country connection branding was lost as the 404E gained it's own brand of which quite a few passengers referred to it as the 'black country connection bus' or the 'purple bus' whereas at the moment you can get a black/red/blue and red and white diamond vehicle on the service at any one time.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 11, 2013, 06:30:51 AM

Quote from: Ash on September 10, 2013, 11:17:56 PM
Are there any plans to brand or rebrand any of the services within the diamond network especially out of Tividale. Shame the black country connection branding was lost as the 404E gained it's own brand of which quite a few passengers referred to it as the 'black country connection bus' or the 'purple bus' whereas at the moment you can get a black/red/blue and red and white diamond vehicle on the service at any one time.

I will forward your comments to the Commercial Director.  I don't believe this is something we are considering at present

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 11, 2013, 06:24:36 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

To enable us to sell and move some vehicles around we are putting all the Blue V***HEC series MPD's into Kidderminster.  This will give us time to assess what we actually need

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 11, 2013, 06:23:11 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 09, 2013, 04:14:10 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 07, 2013, 11:49:19 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

Simon, Thanks for your responses,

A batch of 11 plate Levante that size was crying out to be snapped up by either NX or a major NX subcontractor, NX especially have large numbers of 06/56 plate Scania/Levate that will need removing from the network. I assume Rotala have still had to pay the monthly lease payments despite having no for them work.

I still think passenger numbers on Diamonds WM commercial services began to fall when fares were brought in line with those of NX, and ultimately those services began to be withdrawn. Obviously the economy has had an affect of passenger journeys across the board, the only thing to differentiate between the two competing operators is service & vehicle quality.

Good news of the 12 x Streetlites, will these be larger capacity DF versions? I take it Rotala are growing increasingly in favour of the Wright Streetlite with recent second-hand versions at Preston & Wessex

National Express have taken all 14 Levantes, and we were responsible for the payments until the assignment.

7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Great news about the streetlites being acquired and thanks for your information on the vehicles sold-really helpful as I popped over to kidderminster today to photograph some of the older stuff. Please could you do this in future for other buses sold as it will give those of us who want to photo then a bit of advance warning? Thanks

Are the MAN/centros at redditch having reliability problems at the moment as some of them dont sound very healthy and according to the drivers there they are not very reliable.

On the subject of MAN/centros, 30804 billows black smoke all the time and has done since about last november/december-maybe this one needs a look at?

1.  We have sold some further vehicles last night, which includes all the Ex-First Tridents, the last 2 remaining First darts at Kidderminster and W446DOP and I think W232DNO
2.  We have had problems with the MAN's, but it has been self inflicted.  i.e. Running without water.
3.  30804 - I will get it checked out

Quote from: bewminster on September 11, 2013, 03:29:43 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 11, 2013, 06:23:11 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 09, 2013, 04:14:10 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 07, 2013, 11:49:19 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 07, 2013, 05:31:29 AM

The Levantes were on an Operating Lease.  A subsidiary of National Express has taken assignment.

On an on going basis, we look at our fares.  What matters to us, is the money we take per trip, not what we charge.  Our whole pricing strategy is something we need to review again.  I agree with your comments that clearly a day ticket with ourselves with not worth the same value as on NX.  On the NBus panel, I tried to encourage the cost of the NBus product to be no more than NX (or less).  However, this is not something that any other operator or Centro would support.

Simon, Thanks for your responses,

A batch of 11 plate Levante that size was crying out to be snapped up by either NX or a major NX subcontractor, NX especially have large numbers of 06/56 plate Scania/Levate that will need removing from the network. I assume Rotala have still had to pay the monthly lease payments despite having no for them work.

I still think passenger numbers on Diamonds WM commercial services began to fall when fares were brought in line with those of NX, and ultimately those services began to be withdrawn. Obviously the economy has had an affect of passenger journeys across the board, the only thing to differentiate between the two competing operators is service & vehicle quality.

Good news of the 12 x Streetlites, will these be larger capacity DF versions? I take it Rotala are growing increasingly in favour of the Wright Streetlite with recent second-hand versions at Preston & Wessex

National Express have taken all 14 Levantes, and we were responsible for the payments until the assignment.

7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Great news about the streetlites being acquired and thanks for your information on the vehicles sold-really helpful as I popped over to kidderminster today to photograph some of the older stuff. Please could you do this in future for other buses sold as it will give those of us who want to photo then a bit of advance warning? Thanks

Are the MAN/centros at redditch having reliability problems at the moment as some of them dont sound very healthy and according to the drivers there they are not very reliable.

On the subject of MAN/centros, 30804 billows black smoke all the time and has done since about last november/december-maybe this one needs a look at?

1.  We have sold some further vehicles last night, which includes all the Ex-First Tridents, the last 2 remaining First darts at Kidderminster and W446DOP and I think W232DNO
2.  We have had problems with the MAN's, but it has been self inflicted.  i.e. Running without water.
3.  30804 - I will get it checked out

Have you kept the ex  first 54 reg darts ?  that where at kiddermister/redditch

Quote from: Solo1 on September 10, 2013, 05:45:58 PM
what services will the streetlite's be uses on

Quote from: bewminster on September 11, 2013, 09:44:32 PM

never seen a streetlite  who makes it and  is it a big bus or a small one like mpd size

Quote from: Westy on September 11, 2013, 07:54:36 AM
What was the point of Black, Red Diamond etc?

You couldn't move the buses around without them looking out of place,  eg Red Diamond's appearing on Black Diamond 301 for instance.

Why didn't you stick with the red & white livery instead?

Twm tried branding with the local garage name which didn't work.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 12, 2013, 06:35:44 AM

Quote from: Westy on September 11, 2013, 07:54:36 AM
What was the point of Black, Red Diamond etc?

You couldn't move the buses around without them looking out of place,  eg Red Diamond's appearing on Black Diamond 301 for instance.

Why didn't you stick with the red & white livery instead?

Twm tried branding with the local garage name which didn't work.

We acquired Diamond Bus in 2008.  We didn't like the Red & White livery and we have tried some different liveries, and route branding.  Today, we want one consistent livery for the West Midlands and we have decided on the Blue.  Clearly the Signature services will stay in their current Silver livery

Quote from: bususer12 on September 12, 2013, 08:05:21 AM
The seating on 20543 is quite scruffy, it was on the 205 last night. It may be because the seats are non standard, but its not that inviting, By the look of it they're from new (12 years). On the other hand it's good to hear that the buses and routes will be reviewed after the tender changes. I also would like to see the stance on NX Travelcards change, but i don't think that will happen, unless swift operates similar to Oyster with there being a daily cap, in which case the competitiveness of the travelcard may fall.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 12:58:45 PM

Quote from: bususer12 on September 12, 2013, 08:05:21 AM
The seating on 20543 is quite scruffy, it was on the 205 last night. It may be because the seats are non standard, but its not that inviting, By the look of it they're from new (12 years). On the other hand it's good to hear that the buses and routes will be reviewed after the tender changes. I also would like to see the stance on NX Travelcards change, but i don't think that will happen, unless swift operates similar to Oyster with there being a daily cap, in which case the competitiveness of the travelcard may fall.

Know what you mean here. In fairness to diamond, theyve got so many different types of seat with so many different moquettes, patching up or redoing any seats must be really difficult. I guess there is not much point redoing the seats for a fairly old bus

Quote from: Winston on September 12, 2013, 01:23:25 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 12:58:45 PM

Quote from: bususer12 on September 12, 2013, 08:05:21 AM
The seating on 20543 is quite scruffy, it was on the 205 last night. It may be because the seats are non standard, but its not that inviting, By the look of it they're from new (12 years). On the other hand it's good to hear that the buses and routes will be reviewed after the tender changes. I also would like to see the stance on NX Travelcards change, but i don't think that will happen, unless swift operates similar to Oyster with there being a daily cap, in which case the competitiveness of the travelcard may fall.

Know what you mean here. In fairness to diamond, theyve got so many different types of seat with so many different moquettes, patching up or redoing any seats must be really difficult. I guess there is not much point redoing the seats for a fairly old bus

That's one of the problems of buying second-hand with buses all different internal / mechanical specs

If you had a few of the same batch, there is nothing stopping Diamond replacing the cushion on the one with Diamond moquette and retaining the old cushions to use as replacement on other vehicles from the same batch

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2013, 03:02:32 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 11, 2013, 06:24:36 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 10, 2013, 04:18:23 PM
How many MPDs are arriving at kidderminster from wessex out of interest and what fleetnumbers will the new streetlites have?

Thanks

To enable us to sell and move some vehicles around we are putting all the Blue V***HEC series MPD's into Kidderminster.  This will give us time to assess what we actually need

Thats a good idea-will they have royal bath branding removed and diamond logos slapped on? Is that the plan? Never been on one of these so looking forward to that tomorrow

1.  We have sold some further vehicles last night, which includes all the Ex-First Tridents, the last 2 remaining First darts at Kidderminster and W446DOP and I think W232DNO
2.  We have had problems with the MAN's, but it has been self inflicted.  i.e. Running without water.
3.  30804 - I will get it checked out

Which 2 darts at kidderminster are these-P403MLA and R610YCR?

That explains the MANs sounding unhealthy but hope that hasnt caused any damage

Thanks

Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:25:25 PM
Hi Simon, I just wondered what you consider or are the flagship services of Rotala within the West Midlands.

Quote from: woody38 on September 11, 2013, 08:36:18 PM
Hi Simon further to your post about the review of services in the West Midlands asking what us members thing, the service that I used to use all the time was the 56 Birmingham-Brownhills, the only thing that stopped me using the service was it became very unreliable, taking to other people they all agree with me that when Diamond changed the route along the A34 to avoid the flyovers & underpasses the service went downhill fast.  Buses turn up late or not at all, that might be why NXWM but on the 936 because so many people where unhappy with the Diamond service.  The time's I,ve used the service nobody ever gets on or of at Perry Barr or Aston.  If the Service was to go back to the old route Limted stop down the A34 using the underpasses & flyover also the Lancaster tunnels surely the service would become faster & more reliable.  People might come back to using it, because what people from Aldridge & Brownhills want is a reliable, fast service into Brum.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 12, 2013, 02:33:29 PM

Quote from: woody38 on September 11, 2013, 08:36:18 PM
Hi Simon further to your post about the review of services in the West Midlands asking what us members thing, the service that I used to use all the time was the 56 Birmingham-Brownhills, the only thing that stopped me using the service was it became very unreliable, taking to other people they all agree with me that when Diamond changed the route along the A34 to avoid the flyovers & underpasses the service went downhill fast.  Buses turn up late or not at all, that might be why NXWM but on the 936 because so many people where unhappy with the Diamond service.  The time's I,ve used the service nobody ever gets on or of at Perry Barr or Aston.  If the Service was to go back to the old route Limted stop down the A34 using the underpasses & flyover also the Lancaster tunnels surely the service would become faster & more reliable.  People might come back to using it, because what people from Aldridge & Brownhills want is a reliable, fast service into Brum.

I have past your comments onto the Commercial team.  I am told the service was changed in 2009, is this the change you are talking about?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 12, 2013, 02:32:24 PM

Quote from: Ash on September 11, 2013, 04:25:25 PM
Hi Simon, I just wondered what you consider or are the flagship services of Rotala within the West Midlands.

Centro consider the signature services we operate to their Flagship services.  From our perspective for commercial reasons I would rather not comment

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

1.  It is still in service at present, but is due for imminent withdrawel
2.  We have an offer from New Zealand, which we are considering.
3.  No plan at present.
4.  Wright Eclipse.
5. 

Mercedes Engine, Optare Solo up to 9.5m
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse - 12m.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

6.  it is something we should do.  However, until the network is stable this is difficult

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

1.  It is still in service at present, but is due for imminent withdrawel
2.  We have an offer from New Zealand, which we are considering.
3.  No plan at present.
4.  Wright Eclipse.
5. 

Mercedes Engine, Optare Solo up to 9.5m
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse - 12m.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

6.  it is something we should do.  However, until the network is stable this is difficult

Thanks for all your replies again Simon!

Interesting to hear about CSF potentially going to new zealand as well soon and also interesting that you prefer eclipses over centros-sorry if it seemed a weird question but I was just intrigued as rotala have bought both types so can compare them directly. Personally, I prefer centros in terms of appearance and I like the royale ones-so do passengers as people often say about how its a posh bus when they pop up on unfamiliar routes. I understand your point about a network guide entirely-I guess its pointless to spend money on a quickly outdated guide.  Also interesting about your favourite buses-I too like eclipse gemini's, b7rles, but also MAN/centros, MAN/evolutions and dart slfs.

Where abouts is R610YCR at the moment as I havent been able to find it anywhere for ages. I imagine its at kidderminster and when is it coming off service?

Thanks again

Quote from: Jon on September 13, 2013, 10:42:51 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

Scania are more thirsty about 7 mile to the gallon, Volvo and ADL are lot better on fuel you be look around 10 + miles to the gallon

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:54:03 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

1.  It is still in service at present, but is due for imminent withdrawel
2.  We have an offer from New Zealand, which we are considering.
3.  No plan at present.
4.  Wright Eclipse.
5. 

Mercedes Engine, Optare Solo up to 9.5m
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse - 12m.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

6.  it is something we should do.  However, until the network is stable this is difficult

Thanks for all your replies again Simon!

Interesting to hear about CSF potentially going to new zealand as well soon and also interesting that you prefer eclipses over centros-sorry if it seemed a weird question but I was just intrigued as rotala have bought both types so can compare them directly. Personally, I prefer centros in terms of appearance and I like the royale ones-so do passengers as people often say about how its a posh bus when they pop up on unfamiliar routes. I understand your point about a network guide entirely-I guess its pointless to spend money on a quickly outdated guide.  Also interesting about your favourite buses-I too like eclipse gemini's, b7rles, but also MAN/centros, MAN/evolutions and dart slfs.

Where abouts is R610YCR at the moment as I havent been able to find it anywhere for ages. I imagine its at kidderminster and when is it coming off service?

Thanks again

The build quality on an eclipse is far superior to that of a Centro.

From memory I believe R610YCR is in Kidderminster and the plan is to remove and a number of other vehicles from Redditch and Kidderminster when the V registration darts from Wessex enter service/New Streetlites and Deckers are removed

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:55:08 AM

Quote from: Jon on September 13, 2013, 10:42:51 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

Scania are more thirsty about 7 mile to the gallon, Volvo and ADL are lot better on fuel you be look around 10 + miles to the gallon

We are not a large operator of Double decks.  However, from our experience I would say the Scania double deck is better than the Volvo double deck

Quote from: Westy on September 14, 2013, 12:37:57 PM
Surely it would be easier to make leaflets available rather than bus guides?

Most of the West Midlands services are available via NWM leaflets anyway apart from the 301 obviously.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 01:57:48 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

So you have 2 new Omnicity double deckers on order for Avonmouth then, are these from stock? As I though Scania have stopped making them unless they received a large fleet order

One thing I've wondered, is why New Zealand operators are so keen to take on the MCV Evolutions if the build quality isn't up to scratch, do you have an any inklings?

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 14, 2013, 02:02:45 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 01:57:48 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

So you have 2 new Omnicity double deckers on order for Avonmouth then, are these from stock? As I though Scania have stopped making them unless they received a large fleet order

One thing I've wondered, is why New Zealand operators are so keen to take on the MCV Evolutions if the build quality isn't up to scratch, do you have an any inklings?

I was wondering the same Winston and also about the fact that arent scania omni-buses known for very poor build quality if nxwm's omnilinks are anything to go by?

A good buy in my view would be the citaro currently at ensignbus-a single door one as well-would be perfect at preston to fit with the citaro there to replace the sold esteem or even at diamond

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 02:07:07 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 14, 2013, 02:02:45 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 01:57:48 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

So you have 2 new Omnicity double deckers on order for Avonmouth then, are these from stock? As I though Scania have stopped making them unless they received a large fleet order

One thing I've wondered, is why New Zealand operators are so keen to take on the MCV Evolutions if the build quality isn't up to scratch, do you have an any inklings?

I was wondering the same Winston and also about the fact that arent scania omni-buses known for very poor build quality if nxwm's omnilinks are anything to go by?

A good buy in my view would be the citaro currently at ensignbus-a single door one as well-would be perfect at preston to fit with the citaro there to replace the sold esteem or even at diamond

Yes that 04 plate Citaro may be an option for Long Acre, it must be surplus to requirements at Western Greyhound now FDC have taken over the Truro Park & Ride. Or it has been traded in against the Y/51-reg Tridents/ALX400's that Ensign are supplying to WG ex Stagecoach London

Quote from: ge321321 on September 14, 2013, 09:04:45 PM
Hi Simon,

How much do you want for this?

http://search.knightfrank.co.uk/cpd184834

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 14, 2013, 11:24:40 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:54:03 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

1.  It is still in service at present, but is due for imminent withdrawel
2.  We have an offer from New Zealand, which we are considering.
3.  No plan at present.
4.  Wright Eclipse.
5. 

Mercedes Engine, Optare Solo up to 9.5m
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse - 12m.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

6.  it is something we should do.  However, until the network is stable this is difficult

Thanks for all your replies again Simon!

Interesting to hear about CSF potentially going to new zealand as well soon and also interesting that you prefer eclipses over centros-sorry if it seemed a weird question but I was just intrigued as rotala have bought both types so can compare them directly. Personally, I prefer centros in terms of appearance and I like the royale ones-so do passengers as people often say about how its a posh bus when they pop up on unfamiliar routes. I understand your point about a network guide entirely-I guess its pointless to spend money on a quickly outdated guide.  Also interesting about your favourite buses-I too like eclipse gemini's, b7rles, but also MAN/centros, MAN/evolutions and dart slfs.

Where abouts is R610YCR at the moment as I havent been able to find it anywhere for ages. I imagine its at kidderminster and when is it coming off service?

Thanks again

The build quality on an eclipse is far superior to that of a Centro.

From memory I believe R610YCR is in Kidderminster and the plan is to remove and a number of other vehicles from Redditch and Kidderminster when the V registration darts from Wessex enter service/New Streetlites and Deckers are removed

That is interesting about build quality and thanks for the info about YCR-will try to get across to kidderminster soon and I imagine the buses leaving redditch soon will be the deckers, T418MNH?, old MPDs, S405JUA and R455CCV? Am I right or miles off?!

Thanks again

Quote from: Jon on September 14, 2013, 11:44:19 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:55:08 AM

Quote from: Jon on September 13, 2013, 10:42:51 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

Scania are more thirsty about 7 mile to the gallon, Volvo and ADL are lot better on fuel you be look around 10 + miles to the gallon

We are not a large operator of Double decks.  However, from our experience I would say the Scania double deck is better than the Volvo double deck

Hi Simon

I talking about more on the lines off single decker such as  OmniLink there are more thirsty vs B7's and E200 's but i not sure on double decker

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 01:57:48 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

So you have 2 new Omnicity double deckers on order for Avonmouth then, are these from stock? As I though Scania have stopped making them unless they received a large fleet order

One thing I've wondered, is why New Zealand operators are so keen to take on the MCV Evolutions if the build quality isn't up to scratch, do you have an any inklings?

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 14, 2013, 02:02:45 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 01:57:48 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

So you have 2 new Omnicity double deckers on order for Avonmouth then, are these from stock? As I though Scania have stopped making them unless they received a large fleet order

One thing I've wondered, is why New Zealand operators are so keen to take on the MCV Evolutions if the build quality isn't up to scratch, do you have an any inklings?

I was wondering the same Winston and also about the fact that arent scania omni-buses known for very poor build quality if nxwm's omnilinks are anything to go by?

A good buy in my view would be the citaro currently at ensignbus-a single door one as well-would be perfect at preston to fit with the citaro there to replace the sold esteem or even at diamond

Quote from: ge321321 on September 14, 2013, 09:04:45 PM
Hi Simon,

How much do you want for this?

http://search.knightfrank.co.uk/cpd184834

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 15, 2013, 07:36:39 AM
We have 2 Volvo Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 deckers on order for Avonmouth.  These are not from stock, they are new build.

I am not an expert on the requirements for buses for New Zealand.  However, my understanding is that there are vehicle dimension restrictions.  My understanding is that the MCV is 2.5m wide, were as most other products are 2.55 m wide.  I believe the New Zealand law allows for a maximum of 2.5m (From memory I believe this is what ours used to be until about 1991). 

The MCV body is not badly built.  We sold the 23 x MAN MCV, due to the chassis and aftermarket support.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 15, 2013, 07:47:12 AM

Quote from: ge321321 on September 14, 2013, 09:04:45 PM
Hi Simon,

How much do you want for this?

http://search.knightfrank.co.uk/cpd184834

Following our acquisition of Redditch and Kidderminster, some of the work operated from Long Acre is now nearly as Close from Redditch.  This provides the opportunity to reassess our depot Footprint, and Knight Frank are the acting agents for both Long Acre and Shady Lane (We have a 40+ year lease). 

We have not made a firm decision as yet, but we are considering our options and for the right offer would consider Sale of all, Sublet either all or part.

In terms of a Sale Price, the agent is quoting £2.75 million.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 15, 2013, 07:28:41 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 14, 2013, 11:24:40 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:54:03 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

1.  It is still in service at present, but is due for imminent withdrawel
2.  We have an offer from New Zealand, which we are considering.
3.  No plan at present.
4.  Wright Eclipse.
5. 

Mercedes Engine, Optare Solo up to 9.5m
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse - 12m.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

6.  it is something we should do.  However, until the network is stable this is difficult

Thanks for all your replies again Simon!

Interesting to hear about CSF potentially going to new zealand as well soon and also interesting that you prefer eclipses over centros-sorry if it seemed a weird question but I was just intrigued as rotala have bought both types so can compare them directly. Personally, I prefer centros in terms of appearance and I like the royale ones-so do passengers as people often say about how its a posh bus when they pop up on unfamiliar routes. I understand your point about a network guide entirely-I guess its pointless to spend money on a quickly outdated guide.  Also interesting about your favourite buses-I too like eclipse gemini's, b7rles, but also MAN/centros, MAN/evolutions and dart slfs.

Where abouts is R610YCR at the moment as I havent been able to find it anywhere for ages. I imagine its at kidderminster and when is it coming off service?

Thanks again

The build quality on an eclipse is far superior to that of a Centro.

From memory I believe R610YCR is in Kidderminster and the plan is to remove and a number of other vehicles from Redditch and Kidderminster when the V registration darts from Wessex enter service/New Streetlites and Deckers are removed

That is interesting about build quality and thanks for the info about YCR-will try to get across to kidderminster soon and I imagine the buses leaving redditch soon will be the deckers, T418MNH?, old MPDs, S405JUA and R455CCV? Am I right or miles off?!

Thanks again

At the moment we have too many spares in Redditch.  Once, we get this better under control we should not need any of the ex Diamond darts which have been transferred in

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 15, 2013, 07:36:39 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 14, 2013, 01:57:48 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 13, 2013, 06:03:40 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM
.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

Simon,

I was surprised that the Scania Omnideck featured our your favorites list, are those not quite so thirsty on fuel? It's a pity Ross @ Ensign wouldn't accept your offer on the 10 plate for sale there

We do not have a large requirement for Double deckers.  This year we have had to replace 1 and acquire an additional decker for Avonmouth.  We offered the 10 plates as an alternative to new.  In the end Ross wanted more than I thought they were worth, and the client wanted new.  Hence why we currently have 2 demo's from Volvo, until the new are delivered.

So you have 2 new Omnicity double deckers on order for Avonmouth then, are these from stock? As I though Scania have stopped making them unless they received a large fleet order

One thing I've wondered, is why New Zealand operators are so keen to take on the MCV Evolutions if the build quality isn't up to scratch, do you have an any inklings?

We have 2 Volvo Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 deckers on order for Avonmouth.  These are not from stock, they are new build.

I am not an expert on the requirements for buses for New Zealand.  However, my understanding is that there are vehicle dimension restrictions.  My understanding is that the MCV is 2.5m wide, were as most other products are 2.55 m wide.  I believe the New Zealand law allows for a maximum of 2.5m (From memory I believe this is what ours used to be until about 1991). 

The MCV body is not badly built.  We sold the 23 x MAN MCV, due to the chassis and aftermarket support.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM
7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Quote from: Winston on September 15, 2013, 10:02:30 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 15, 2013, 07:47:12 AM

Quote from: ge321321 on September 14, 2013, 09:04:45 PM
Hi Simon,

How much do you want for this?

http://search.knightfrank.co.uk/cpd184834

Following our acquisition of Redditch and Kidderminster, some of the work operated from Long Acre is now nearly as Close from Redditch.  This provides the opportunity to reassess our depot Footprint, and Knight Frank are the acting agents for both Long Acre and Shady Lane (We have a 40+ year lease). 

We have not made a firm decision as yet, but we are considering our options and for the right offer would consider Sale of all, Sublet either all or part.

In terms of a Sale Price, the agent is quoting £2.75 million.

Simon,

It obviously makes good business sense to vacate and sell Long Acre if sufficient work can't be found in the short/medium term to bolster the allocation and fill it to its full potential. In doing so subsequently it will reduce Rotala Plc/Diamond's overheads going forward..... Obviously disposing of an un-required asset such as Shady Lane makes perfect sense, the proceeds of any sales can then be re-injection back in to the business or used to pay down some of Rotala Plc debt

Is the £2.75 Million for both properties I take it?

Would Rotala Plc HQ have to find a new head office somewhere or could this function be moved in to Tividale in the event of Long Acre being sold or sub-let?

Quote from: the #trainbasher on September 15, 2013, 11:58:40 AM
Hi Simon,

One thing I've noticed whilst browsing the diamond site is that it does not contain any of the network changes that have been made since the network map was made in Oct 2012.

Is there any plans for marketing to change it and also would mini network maps (eg Redditch, Kidderminster, the Black Country) work on there as a way for folks in those areas to see specific routes without some of the restrictions the big network map has?

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:21:25 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 15, 2013, 07:28:41 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 14, 2013, 11:24:40 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 14, 2013, 07:54:03 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 13, 2013, 06:38:21 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 13, 2013, 05:53:55 PM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 12, 2013, 10:12:25 PM
Thanks for your replies Simon-just a couple more questions
1) Is R610YCR still in service or not-has it been withdrawn yet?
2)Do you plan to sell AE10CSF soon seeing as others of the type have gone and it is a one off in the WMids?
3)Do you plan to repaint KX57OVV soon or concentrate the MAN/centro type at any one depot as opposed to them being everywhere but kidderminster?
4) Which do you prefer-a plaxton centro or a wright eclipse? Just out of interest
5) What are your "favourite" buses run by diamond-ie best from an operational perspective, most reliable, cheapest to run, best value etc
6) Could rotala bring out a west midlands guide like the ones for redditch and kidderminster like arriva has done to raise awareness of the diamond network?

Thanks again  :)

1.  It is still in service at present, but is due for imminent withdrawel
2.  We have an offer from New Zealand, which we are considering.
3.  No plan at present.
4.  Wright Eclipse.
5. 

Mercedes Engine, Optare Solo up to 9.5m
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse - 12m.
Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Gemini/ Scania OmniDeck (not currently available due to not being whole type approved) - Double Deck

6.  it is something we should do.  However, until the network is stable this is difficult

Thanks for all your replies again Simon!

Interesting to hear about CSF potentially going to new zealand as well soon and also interesting that you prefer eclipses over centros-sorry if it seemed a weird question but I was just intrigued as rotala have bought both types so can compare them directly. Personally, I prefer centros in terms of appearance and I like the royale ones-so do passengers as people often say about how its a posh bus when they pop up on unfamiliar routes. I understand your point about a network guide entirely-I guess its pointless to spend money on a quickly outdated guide.  Also interesting about your favourite buses-I too like eclipse gemini's, b7rles, but also MAN/centros, MAN/evolutions and dart slfs.

Where abouts is R610YCR at the moment as I havent been able to find it anywhere for ages. I imagine its at kidderminster and when is it coming off service?

Thanks again

The build quality on an eclipse is far superior to that of a Centro.

From memory I believe R610YCR is in Kidderminster and the plan is to remove and a number of other vehicles from Redditch and Kidderminster when the V registration darts from Wessex enter service/New Streetlites and Deckers are removed

That is interesting about build quality and thanks for the info about YCR-will try to get across to kidderminster soon and I imagine the buses leaving redditch soon will be the deckers, T418MNH?, old MPDs, S405JUA and R455CCV? Am I right or miles off?!

Thanks again

At the moment we have too many spares in Redditch.  Once, we get this better under control we should not need any of the ex Diamond darts which have been transferred in

Thanks Simon-will these be going back to tividale soon as there as some routes there that need extra capacity and larger buses on the 142 at the moment might be an idea due to the holdups buses are getting very busy-know this isnt diamonds fault but might be an idea or maybe reduce the fares for a bit like in evesham as I overheard people talking about not catching it any more and that might be a way of keeping more custom

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:26:46 PM
Which pre-2005 citaros did rotala sell out of interest and thanks for all your replies-sorry for all the questions!!

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 15, 2013, 04:26:46 PM
Which pre-2005 citaros did rotala sell out of interest and thanks for all your replies-sorry for all the questions!!

Quote from: Winston on September 15, 2013, 10:42:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM
7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Simon,

Re: the Streetlites you have an order,

From the South Yorkshire forum, a senior figure at FSY (Olive Grove) depot is quoted as saying:

'Modifications now being carried out to Streetlites to enable them to operate at night without interior light problems, operation should settle down to 52/76s and plans afoot to maximise useage at weekends due to impressive MPG figures. There are a few niggles to sort out mainly electrical but most are performing ok'

They are the DF max type currently replacing B7L/Wright Eclipse in Sheffield

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:20:44 AM

Quote from: the #trainbasher on September 15, 2013, 11:58:40 AM
Hi Simon,

One thing I've noticed whilst browsing the diamond site is that it does not contain any of the network changes that have been made since the network map was made in Oct 2012.

Is there any plans for marketing to change it and also would mini network maps (eg Redditch, Kidderminster, the Black Country) work on there as a way for folks in those areas to see specific routes without some of the restrictions the big network map has?

I believe the site has been updated.  What do you think is out of date?

With regards mini network maps.  This is not something we have previously considered.

Simon

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:16:53 AM

Winston

The £2.75 million is the value of the Long Acre property.

Although Shady Lane can be sold, we foresee a more likely solution to sublet part of it.

We do not believe we will rent/lease/sell all the site to one person.  We have not as yet decided, this is exactly what we want to do.  We are considering our options, one option if we do recieve an offer for the asking price is that the Unit next door to Tividale is for Sale.  Potentially we could relocate our Head Office staff to the site current depot/ acquire the unit next door for the Operational team and combine all the site into one.

There are potentially other things we could, not sell Beacon House (part of Long Acre)

We are at present exploring options.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:28:54 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 15, 2013, 10:42:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM
7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Simon,

Re: the Streetlites you have an order,

From the South Yorkshire forum, a senior figure at FSY (Olive Grove) depot is quoted as saying:

'Modifications now being carried out to Streetlites to enable them to operate at night without interior light problems, operation should settle down to 52/76s and plans afoot to maximise useage at weekends due to impressive MPG figures. There are a few niggles to sort out mainly electrical but most are performing ok'

They are the DF max type currently replacing B7L/Wright Eclipse in Sheffield

I am not aware of this problem with Streetlites.

I have asked them about the problem this morning, and they claim on the later vehicles which we will recieve it has been resolved.

Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2013, 09:26:03 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:16:53 AM

Winston

The £2.75 million is the value of the Long Acre property.

Although Shady Lane can be sold, we foresee a more likely solution to sublet part of it.

We do not believe we will rent/lease/sell all the site to one person.  We have not as yet decided, this is exactly what we want to do.  We are considering our options, one option if we do recieve an offer for the asking price is that the Unit next door to Tividale is for Sale.  Potentially we could relocate our Head Office staff to the site current depot/ acquire the unit next door for the Operational team and combine all the site into one.

There are potentially other things we could, not sell Beacon House (part of Long Acre)

We are at present exploring options.

Thanks Simon,

Interesting stuff, is the site next door to Tividale that is currently for sale the glass re-processors? or the site that you turn right in to off Hallbridge Way that backs on to the canal?

I guess acquring that site would make sense and keep all Wm operations under one roof/on one site. Most of Diamond's routes can be run from Tividale without too much dead mileage

Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2013, 09:30:54 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:28:54 AM

Quote from: Winston on September 15, 2013, 10:42:17 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 09, 2013, 06:31:35 AM
7 are 10.8m DF versions, 5 are 9.5m versions.  We acquired 3 about a year ago for Preston.  Since then we have been evaluating them.  When we acquire any vehicle we have to assess what is best value for money.  We consider the deal we have done with Wrights to be best value for money at this present moment in time.

Simon,

Re: the Streetlites you have an order,

From the South Yorkshire forum, a senior figure at FSY (Olive Grove) depot is quoted as saying:

'Modifications now being carried out to Streetlites to enable them to operate at night without interior light problems, operation should settle down to 52/76s and plans afoot to maximise useage at weekends due to impressive MPG figures. There are a few niggles to sort out mainly electrical but most are performing ok'

They are the DF max type currently replacing B7L/Wright Eclipse in Sheffield

I am not aware of this problem with Streetlites.

I have asked them about the problem this morning, and they claim on the later vehicles which we will recieve it has been resolved.

Sorry Simon, I should have made the post a bit clearer, FSY (Olive Grove) were initially not too impressed to be receiving 41 x Streetlites, it was the 'impressive MPG figures' and the fact they are talking more positively about them that I was trying to unsuccessfully to highlight, obviously this is even in hilly terrains of Sheffield.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 05:24:50 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2013, 09:26:03 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:16:53 AM

Winston

The £2.75 million is the value of the Long Acre property.

Although Shady Lane can be sold, we foresee a more likely solution to sublet part of it.

We do not believe we will rent/lease/sell all the site to one person.  We have not as yet decided, this is exactly what we want to do.  We are considering our options, one option if we do recieve an offer for the asking price is that the Unit next door to Tividale is for Sale.  Potentially we could relocate our Head Office staff to the site current depot/ acquire the unit next door for the Operational team and combine all the site into one.

There are potentially other things we could, not sell Beacon House (part of Long Acre)

We are at present exploring options.

Thanks Simon,

Interesting stuff, is the site next door to Tividale that is currently for sale the glass re-processors? or the site that you turn right in to off Hallbridge Way that backs on to the canal?

I guess acquring that site would make sense and keep all Wm operations under one roof/on one site. Most of Diamond's routes can be run from Tividale without too much dead mileage

Its the glass site, which is for sale

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 05:26:30 PM

Winston

Thank you.

The Streetlites will replace Ex London Double Deckers, so I am sure you can imagine the difference in MPG's

Simon

Quote from: Ash on September 16, 2013, 07:12:07 PM
Both drivers had no idea about the ticket with one trying to sell me a n network ticket.

I just walked off the bus but to be honest before I even asked the driver I guess they wouldn't be aware of the ticket or where to find it on the ticket machine if it was available. I will try again soon and hopefully have more luck.

Quote from: Westy on September 16, 2013, 09:50:23 PM
What seems like a daft question, but I had a problem using a similar ticket 20 odd years ago back in the BCC days & it wasn't funny at the time!

People may remember that bus companies got the abillity to sell Daytripper from the ticket machine on the bus, instead of going to the nearest Travel Shop & buying one of the scratchcards.

Ok, so I thought, I give it a go & bought one from a WMT driver & headed over to Dudley.

I fell foul of the BCC driver on the 311 at the time, who despite me informing him it was a WMPTE / Centro Daytripper, even though it looked like a standard WMT bus ticket, swore blind he could not accept it! (I put this down to lack of communication between management & drivers of the time!)

Now 20 years on, BCC is now Diamond, but if I buy a Daytripper from a National Express driver, which looks like a standard National Express bus ticket, are your drivers now clued up enough to recognise a National Express branded Daytripper or will I more than likely have another 'discussion' with one of your drivers over the validity of the ticket?

(Can I please stress, I'm definetely talking about the £6 NWM / Centro Daytrippers & not the £3.90 National Express Daysavers, so there is no confusion & misunderstanding!)

Quote from: the #trainbasher on September 16, 2013, 08:43:35 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:20:44 AM

Quote from: the #trainbasher on September 15, 2013, 11:58:40 AM
Hi Simon,

One thing I've noticed whilst browsing the diamond site is that it does not contain any of the network changes that have been made since the network map was made in Oct 2012.

Is there any plans for marketing to change it and also would mini network maps (eg Redditch, Kidderminster, the Black Country) work on there as a way for folks in those areas to see specific routes without some of the restrictions the big network map has?

I believe the site has been updated.  What do you think is out of date?

With regards mini network maps.  This is not something we have previously considered.

Simon

Hi Simon

I should have made myself clear

http://diamondbuses.com/network.html

This is what I meant when I said that it does not contain any of the network changes that have been made since the network map was made in Oct 2012.

It still shows routes like the 17 and does not show any of the ex First routes Diamond had now.

Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2013, 05:53:37 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 05:24:50 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 16, 2013, 09:26:03 AM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 16, 2013, 07:16:53 AM

Winston

The £2.75 million is the value of the Long Acre property.

Although Shady Lane can be sold, we foresee a more likely solution to sublet part of it.

We do not believe we will rent/lease/sell all the site to one person.  We have not as yet decided, this is exactly what we want to do.  We are considering our options, one option if we do recieve an offer for the asking price is that the Unit next door to Tividale is for Sale.  Potentially we could relocate our Head Office staff to the site current depot/ acquire the unit next door for the Operational team and combine all the site into one.

There are potentially other things we could, not sell Beacon House (part of Long Acre)

We are at present exploring options.

Thanks Simon,

Interesting stuff, is the site next door to Tividale that is currently for sale the glass re-processors? or the site that you turn right in to off Hallbridge Way that backs on to the canal?

I guess acquring that site would make sense and keep all Wm operations under one roof/on one site. Most of Diamond's routes can be run from Tividale without too much dead mileage

Its the glass site, which is for sale

Simon,

That's the better of the two properties, as it would also allow you to be able to extend the Tividale yard in front of the engineering block if an offer was made/accepted. Sounds as though it may be worth snapping it up as a bolt-on regardless of whether or not you decide to vacate Long Acre. You'd then have the potential in the future to make Tividale in to one super depot & Rotala HQ if desired and/or increase capacity at Tividale ;)

Do Rotala own or lease the overflow yard on the opposite side of the road to the depot?

Quote from: Ash on September 16, 2013, 07:12:07 PM
Hi Simon I tried to purchase your £6 diamond network ticket twice today once on a 4 service and then on a 4H. Both drivers had no idea about the ticket with one trying to sell me a n network ticket. Even under the diamond network tab on the ticket machine all it has was an option for the 50% off the Evesham fares. Instead I had to go on the train to Kidderminster and then the bus to Stourport which was a bit disappointed as I wanted to use the diamond services and not the trains. Is the £6 diamond network 1 day ticket available to buy on the bus as I would think drivers would be aware of the ticket and where to find it on the bus but after each driver spending 5 minutes trying to find it I just walked off the bus but to be honest before I even asked the driver I guess they wouldn't be aware of the ticket or where to find it on the ticket machine if it was available. I will try again soon and hopefully have more luck.

Quote from: Nathan4775 on September 17, 2013, 09:04:52 PM
Hi Simon;

Regards to service 56 (B'Ham - Brownhills) is it not possible to re-introduce the X56 without it running limited stop from Kingstanding, College Road straight into Birmingham as it used to before it was withdrawn an replaced with 56 journeys, instead have it run limited stop from Perry Barr, Wellhead Lane - Birmingham like the 934/5/6, 997 do currently 

I only say this because off the passenger loadings, between Kingstanding - Birmingham very few passengers can board the service, I think from a personal point of view what puts them off getting the 56 is that it runs the same route as the 33 from Hawthorn Road - Birmingham and think it means stop, start from Perry Barr - Town were in fact that's not the case there has been many times were this route has just gone straight through without stopping until Birmingham Uni were as if the X56 was re-introduced you could see a rise in passenger loadings.

So the new route would be as follows;

normal stopping between Brownhills, The Rising Sun - Perry Barr, Wellhead Lane then over the flyover stopping at Royal mail, Lancaster Circus, B'Ham Uni, Moor Street & Lower Bull Street.

Just floating an Idea that's all

Regards
Nathan

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 18, 2013, 04:30:36 PM
Had another good day out exploring the diamond network but for some reason Simon Diamond Network tickets are not available to purchase on any tividale vehicles-could this possibly be corrected?

Could the red diamond eclipses also be given a good deep clean and removal of out of date notices?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 19, 2013, 06:06:13 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 18, 2013, 04:30:36 PM
Had another good day out exploring the diamond network but for some reason Simon Diamond Network tickets are not available to purchase on any tividale vehicles-could this possibly be corrected?

Could the red diamond eclipses also be given a good deep clean and removal of out of date notices?

All the ticket machines at Tividale, Redditch and Kidderminster use the same back office.  Therefore the tickets are on the ticket machine.  Following two reports of the same thing, we will retrain all the drivers.  In the mean time, can you help us identify who specifically didnt know how to issue this.

In relation to the buses.  All the buses by rotation go through special cleans.  If you can let me know which buses, I will have them inspected.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 19, 2013, 04:18:37 PM
We have looked at the ticket machine set up again this morning.  For some reason on certain services, the config although in the back office is installed is not downloading into the ticket machine.  - Thank you for pointing this out. 

We do not have a vehicle shortage issue anyway.  At present we have over 40 vehicles designated for sale, and we will look at your comments around legal lettering tonight.

Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2013, 06:32:35 PM
Spotted a white single decker with Wessex Connect in both West Bromwich & Wednesbury this week.

Surely there is a Diamond sticker you can shove over the other name?

Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on September 19, 2013, 06:44:48 PM

Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2013, 06:32:35 PM
Spotted a white single decker with Wessex Connect in both West Bromwich & Wednesbury this week.

Surely there is a Diamond sticker you can shove over the other name?

One in Dudley on Monday, presume it was the same one

Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on September 20, 2013, 10:19:55 AM

Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on September 19, 2013, 06:44:48 PM

Quote from: Westy on September 19, 2013, 06:32:35 PM
Spotted a white single decker with Wessex Connect in both West Bromwich & Wednesbury this week.

Surely there is a Diamond sticker you can shove over the other name?

One in Dudley on Monday, presume it was the same one

Same bus has now lost the Wessex Connect lettering, still visible of course through the scruffy paintwork but less obvious so thanks Simon

Quote from: neale95 on September 21, 2013, 12:15:22 PM
Simon,

R.E: The sale of Long Acre.

If this goes ahead, where are services i.e Signatures more likely to run from (Redditch/Tividale)?

Quote from: bewminster on September 22, 2013, 10:17:37 PM
Simon 
two little points for your   Saturday the 21st I travelled on a solo working the 18 45 no 10 from offmore farm to Kidderminster
and it  had posters in  with the Veolia  name on ,  sorry can not remember fleet no  , and Friday the 20th travelled on 20654
on a 10 in same dircection and it had posters in with transdev Lancaster  united on  , think some of the Kidderminster buses need looking at by that and having posters removing  and  replacing , with ones with diamond

Quote from: Winston on September 22, 2013, 11:53:25 PM
Hi Simon,

There are 3 x DF Streetlites in dealer stock white currently at Heysham Docks, would these be the first 3 or yours?

http://malsfotofile.smugmug.com/HeyshamDocks/Heysham-Docks/27816939_rvssTn#!i=2782616890&k=XQ5Bmws

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 23, 2013, 10:02:09 AM

Quote from: neale95 on September 21, 2013, 12:15:22 PM
Simon,

R.E: The sale of Long Acre.

If this goes ahead, where are services i.e Signatures more likely to run from (Redditch/Tividale)?

Nathan,

There are a lot of scenarios.  However, the most likely would be Redditch



Simon

Quote from: Winston on September 23, 2013, 01:02:49 PM
Hi Simon,

Thanks for all of your replies!

Just one other thing that crossed my mind, why are Rotala choosing to dispose of their ADL Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions when the original decision to dispose of the 23 x MAN/MCV Evolutions was primarily down to MAN?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 23, 2013, 10:06:29 AM

Quote from: bewminster on September 22, 2013, 10:17:37 PM
Simon 
two little points for your   Saturday the 21st I travelled on a solo working the 18 45 no 10 from offmore farm to Kidderminster
and it  had posters in  with the Veolia  name on ,  sorry can not remember fleet no  , and Friday the 20th travelled on 20654
on a 10 in same dircection and it had posters in with transdev Lancaster  united on  , think some of the Kidderminster buses need looking at by that and having posters removing  and  replacing , with ones with diamond

These should have been removed before entering service.  Thank you.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 23, 2013, 01:51:58 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 23, 2013, 01:02:49 PM
Hi Simon,

Thanks for all of your replies!

Just one other thing that crossed my mind, why are Rotala choosing to dispose of their ADL Dart SLF/MCV Evolutions when the original decision to dispose of the 23 x MAN/MCV Evolutions was primarily down to MAN?

Winston,

A number of reasons;

1.  We have too many vehicles and selling some straight will allow me to trade, some of the vehicles we don't need.
2.  There are more fuel efficient alternatives available.
3.  You have to question how long MCV will stay committed to the UK Market and whilst I can I will continue to sell them.


Simon

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 23, 2013, 04:06:35 PM
Hi Simon-thanks for all your replies

Just a couple of very quick questions

Will all the BA MCVs be coming up to Long Acre for a bit before they are sold? If so, what will replace them down at Heathrow?

Also, wouldnt running the 122 from tividale save some dead mileage, same with running the 133 from kidderminster, also reducing the number of vehicles required at redditch slightly.

Thanks again

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 23, 2013, 04:06:35 PM
Hi Simon-thanks for all your replies

Just a couple of very quick questions

Will all the BA MCVs be coming up to Long Acre for a bit before they are sold? If so, what will replace them down at Heathrow?

Also, wouldnt running the 122 from tividale save some dead mileage, same with running the 133 from kidderminster, also reducing the number of vehicles required at redditch slightly.

Thanks again

Quote from: Solo1 on September 24, 2013, 07:12:18 AM
Which buses/services  are moving to kidderminster
From Redditch thanks

Quote from: Simon Dunn on September 24, 2013, 01:02:54 PM

Quote from: Solo1 on September 24, 2013, 07:12:18 AM
Which buses/services  are moving to kidderminster
From Redditch thanks

S006, 833, 133, 141 which equates to 3 buses.

Quote from: DiamondDart on September 23, 2013, 04:06:35 PM
Hi Simon-thanks for all your replies

Just a couple of very quick questions

Will all the BA MCVs be coming up to Long Acre for a bit before they are sold? If so, what will replace them down at Heathrow?

Also, wouldnt running the 122 from tividale save some dead mileage, same with running the 133 from kidderminster, also reducing the number of vehicles required at redditch slightly.

Thanks again

Quote from: bususer12 on September 07, 2013, 06:24:06 PM
Hi Simon, Diamond do seem to behave better now on the 226, although one thing that is annoying is the tendered timetable. It gives 15 minutes to get from Dudley to Wordsley Hospital, which in all the years that I have caught the bus, has never got to Wordsley on time(xx.30).  I understand that Centro have the say in tendered timetables, but If there was a way to show them that they have it wrong, it would be good.

When I set out for my bus, sometimes it will arrive at xx.35, or xx.45, depending on the driving sstyle of driver and type of day.

Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:16:20 PM
Hi Simon,

I notice Scott's Yourbus business has now withdrawn the entire Nottingham Uni Hopper fleet after the contract was lost, is there any possibility that Rotala could acquire the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro's for either Wessex or Diamond @ Tividale (i.e. 3601/2 BK10MFX/MFY) & the 2 x 10 plate ADL E300's for Diamond @ Redditch (1402/1403 SN10CDF/CDK),

Quote from: bususer12 on September 30, 2013, 11:55:48 PM

Quote from: bususer12 on September 07, 2013, 06:24:06 PM
Hi Simon, Diamond do seem to behave better now on the 226, although one thing that is annoying is the tendered timetable. It gives 15 minutes to get from Dudley to Wordsley Hospital, which in all the years that I have caught the bus, has never got to Wordsley on time(xx.30).  I understand that Centro have the say in tendered timetables, but If there was a way to show them that they have it wrong, it would be good.

When I set out for my bus, sometimes it will arrive at xx.35, or xx.45, depending on the driving sstyle of driver and type of day.

Any Joy on getting Centro to look at the tendered timetable/

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 01, 2013, 08:44:30 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:16:20 PM
Hi Simon,

I notice Scott's Yourbus business has now withdrawn the entire Nottingham Uni Hopper fleet after the contract was lost, is there any possibility that Rotala could acquire the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro's for either Wessex or Diamond @ Tividale (i.e. 3601/2 BK10MFX/MFY) & the 2 x 10 plate ADL E300's for Diamond @ Redditch (1402/1403 SN10CDF/CDK),

Sorry, for the delay in response.

He has told me is looking to dispose of his deckers, but at no point has he told me these are for sale.

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 01, 2013, 08:48:41 PM
The Streetlites start to enter service tomorrow in Redditch.

They are intended to be used primarily at this stage on 51/55/56.

Quote from: Westy on October 01, 2013, 09:20:59 PM
Seeing you are changing the 301 end of October,  any chance of leaflets to coincide?

Quote from: Winston on October 01, 2013, 09:28:30 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 01, 2013, 08:44:30 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:16:20 PM
Hi Simon,

I notice Scott's Yourbus business has now withdrawn the entire Nottingham Uni Hopper fleet after the contract was lost, is there any possibility that Rotala could acquire the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro's for either Wessex or Diamond @ Tividale (i.e. 3601/2 BK10MFX/MFY) & the 2 x 10 plate ADL E300's for Diamond @ Redditch (1402/1403 SN10CDF/CDK),

Sorry, for the delay in response.

He has told me is looking to dispose of his deckers, but at no point has he told me these are for sale.

Hi Simon,

Thanks the reply, maybe what was posted with them all quoted as being withdrawn was more of an assumption than fact then?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 02, 2013, 03:39:29 PM

Quote from: Westy on October 01, 2013, 09:20:59 PM
Seeing you are changing the 301 end of October,  any chance of leaflets to coincide?

At this point, this will be actioned.

Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on October 04, 2013, 10:26:28 PM
I would be interested to know what happened to 30806 today on the 002 about 1 o'clock as quite frankly what happened could have caused a huge incident and it is very fortunate that no passengers or other drivers were hurt, my praise goes out to the driver who coped very well and managed to get it somewhere near the kerb at least, it seemed that either the handbrake or footbrake just jammed fully on at about 30 MPH, sending the bus swinging to the rear and coming to an abrupt halt, with no electrics working and the engine just dying, did it ever restart? Or did it have to be towed?

Quote from: Winston on October 01, 2013, 09:28:30 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 01, 2013, 08:44:30 PM

Quote from: Winston on September 29, 2013, 09:16:20 PM
Hi Simon,

I notice Scott's Yourbus business has now withdrawn the entire Nottingham Uni Hopper fleet after the contract was lost, is there any possibility that Rotala could acquire the 2 x 10 plate B7RLE/Plaxton Centro's for either Wessex or Diamond @ Tividale (i.e. 3601/2 BK10MFX/MFY) & the 2 x 10 plate ADL E300's for Diamond @ Redditch (1402/1403 SN10CDF/CDK),

Sorry, for the delay in response.

He has told me is looking to dispose of his deckers, but at no point has he told me these are for sale.

Hi Simon,

Thanks the reply, maybe what was posted with them all quoted as being withdrawn was more of an assumption than fact then?

Quote from: bewminster on October 02, 2013, 11:53:46 PM
why is Kidderminster getting old big bus from Redditch and Redditch getting all the new ones could the not be share out between the two depots

Quote from: Winston on October 01, 2013, 09:31:56 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 01, 2013, 08:48:41 PM
The Streetlites start to enter service tomorrow in Redditch.

They are intended to be used primarily at this stage on 51/55/56.

Was it the 5 x Door Forward models that are due for Redditch?

Do you have any dates set as yet for possible changes to the RH & KR networks following the reviews you are currently undertaking?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 05, 2013, 03:08:51 PM

Quote from: bewminster on October 02, 2013, 11:53:46 PM
why is Kidderminster getting old big bus from Redditch and Redditch getting all the new ones could the not be share out between the two depots

We moved some routes from Redditch to Kidderminster on 1st October, at that point some buses were transferred from Redditch to undertake the work.

Quote from: vinh1000 on October 05, 2013, 03:21:36 PM
Hey Simon

Any way of possibly arranging a date for a depot visit ie open day like NXWM?

Regards

Quote from: the trainbasher on October 05, 2013, 03:12:21 PM
Has anyone thought at diamond of extending the 4s that terminate at West Bromwich to Blackheath with another 4 running as a 4M to compete against NXWM?

Or even launching a Walsall to Dudley via Oldbury and the 121 route as part of the 4?

Quote from: sonic84 on October 05, 2013, 07:32:13 AM
Hi Simon,

When can we looking forward to seeing any changes from the Redditch and Kidderminster reviews being implemented?

Cheers

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 07, 2013, 03:55:40 PM

Quote from: vinh1000 on October 05, 2013, 03:21:36 PM
Hey Simon

Any way of possibly arranging a date for a depot visit ie open day like NXWM?

Regards

If you wish to visit the depot, and take photographs please email dave.russell@rotala.co.uk.  He will accommodate this.

We are at present tidying both the West Midlands Depots up.  This is something we will consider in the future, but at present it is not a priority

Quote from: wilmotm (Matt Wilmot) on October 04, 2013, 10:26:28 PM
I would be interested to know what happened to 30806 today on the 002 about 1 o'clock as quite frankly what happened could have caused a huge incident and it is very fortunate that no passengers or other drivers were hurt, my praise goes out to the driver who coped very well and managed to get it somewhere near the kerb at least, it seemed that either the handbrake or footbrake just jammed fully on at about 30 MPH, sending the bus swinging to the rear and coming to an abrupt halt, with no electrics working and the engine just dying, did it ever restart? Or did it have to be towed?

Quote from: Westy on October 01, 2013, 09:20:59 PM
Seeing you are changing the 301 end of October,  any chance of leaflets to coincide?

Quote from: bususer12 on October 07, 2013, 03:07:28 PM
Quick Question, how much is an adult week ticket for the birmingham and Black Country area?  The adverts on your buses say £10, but on the site is £13, could you clarify which is the live price on your machines?

Quote from: Winston on October 07, 2013, 03:59:49 PM

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 07, 2013, 03:55:40 PM

Quote from: vinh1000 on October 05, 2013, 03:21:36 PM
Hey Simon

Any way of possibly arranging a date for a depot visit ie open day like NXWM?

Regards

If you wish to visit the depot, and take photographs please email dave.russell@rotala.co.uk.  He will accommodate this.

We are at present tidying both the West Midlands Depots up.  This is something we will consider in the future, but at present it is not a priority

Hi Simon,

Does the tidying include the removal of scrap / withdrawn buses?

Quote from: Steveminor on October 07, 2013, 09:04:22 PM
Sorry if this seems rude Simon but what has happened to your companies competative spirit. Only a few years ago you were introducing more & more head to head routes against NX & we're doing really well on some of them. It has been a long time since you started any new competative routes & have cut some long standing competative routes like the 904, 97 etc. I know that passenger numbers had been falling but it just seemed like the will to fight had gone long before the routes were cancelled.
There are so many routes that I think Diamond could do well on & that are crying out for competition, the 900 for example which we did well on at AMPM we only came off as the Deckers were needed for other work & the darts proved too unreliable for the route.
Do you have any plans to increase your comparative portfolio?

Quote from: DiamondDart on October 09, 2013, 01:59:08 PM
Hi Simon

Looking at the recent fleetchanges, why does it seem that coaches are sold and then very similar ones acquired-surely easier to just keep them
Are there plans to move even more solos down to wessex?
Why is 20856 a probable write off-doesnt it just have minor damage at the back?
Are there plans to reinstate any more/repaint any more older darts in addition to 30382/30388
Will any euro2 mpds like the W361 one be repainted/prepped for service or is the plan to withdraw them
Why are VGX darts being withdrawn when older ones like 30382 are entering service?

Quote from: Simon Dunn on October 10, 2013, 06:01:53 AM

Quote from: DiamondDart on October 09, 2013, 01:59:08 PM
Hi Simon

Looking at the recent fleetchanges, why does it seem that coaches are sold and then very similar ones acquired-surely easier to just keep them
Are there plans to move even more solos down to wessex?
Why is 20856 a probable write off-doesnt it just have minor damage at the back?
Are there plans to reinstate any more/repaint any more older darts in addition to 30382/30388
Will any euro2 mpds like the W361 one be repainted/prepped for service or is the plan to withdraw them
Why are VGX darts being withdrawn when older ones like 30382 are entering service?

Dear Diamond Dart,

Coaches

Without knowing the specific examples, it is difficult to comment.  So I will ansswer your questions generally about coaches.  When we stopped operating the National Express contract, we had too many coaches.  So we were looking to dispose of 14 vehicles (the NX number) and we therefore disposed of whatever we could for fair value.  After National Express took the vehicles, we looked to acquire suitable vehicles to operate the work we had left - everything I ever do has a reason. 

Solo's

We have a fluid position in the South West, we have some capacity issues, and some of the routes which have capacity issues have problems with small vehicles.  So the honest answer is I am not sure, but I don't think so.

20856

Upon rear impact the bus popped one side window, and if you look underneath the bus the chassis is bent.  The vehicle is now a confirmed write off.

Other Darts

We do not need anymore vehicles.  However, over the last few winters we seem to have around half a dozen written off by third party accidents and hence why we increasing our spare capacity.

W361ABD

We intend to make fit for service both W361ABD and W366ABD again for the same reason we have made spare 30382/8

W336VGX

This was written off by third party insurers following an accident.  We have been paid in full, and the third party have recovered the salvage

W335VGX

I need to look at.  I am told it is quite badly damaged.


I think that is everything



Simon