Does anyone know what NXWMs new vehicle plans are for 2014, cheers
With a bit of luck, some new full size single deckers for WB ::)
With all true honesty, no-one here truly knows the answer to this question, apart from NX management.
All that can be said which is true, is that a certain number of new vehicles will be purchased for entry into service sometime in 2014. ;)
30 new Enviros are due for early next year (unsure of which garage)
The rumour floating around a while back was that the Pershore Road was getting upgraded with new buses
It was posted on here a week or two ago that there is a new NXWM fleetlist in the Ian Allen Bookshop, B'ham correct to end of Oct 2013. In it it stated fleetnumbers 4940-4979 would be taken by new E400's implying there are 40 due in the first part of 2014
Does anyone remember the NXWM fleet list from Ian Allan maybe 4years ago? Someone was having April fools fun the day it was printed. After the then current batch of Enviro400's there was an entry for fleetnumber 5001, reg number 1 APR. An Enviro500!
I can't help feeling that in 30 years or so, the Enviro400 to enthusiasts will be like the Metrobus is now, it is clear that in the next few years Birmingham is going to become swarming with them. Then, when the last ones are being withdrawn in however many years, they will be like the Metrobus is now, with people remembering how "they used to be everywhere" in my day
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 10:38:46 AM
I can't help feeling that in 30 years or so, the Enviro400 to enthusiasts will be like the Metrobus is now, it is clear that in the next few years Birmingham is going to become swarming with them. Then, when the last ones are being withdrawn in however many years, they will be like the Metrobus is now, with people remembering how "they used to be everywhere" in my day
I can't see any of the current double decker fleet seeing as many years service as the Metrobuses did (admittedly they were extensively re-built), the Hybrids may see longer service due to their higher initial cost
The Tridents are the new metrobus to me
Quote from: BU07 LGO on November 28, 2013, 11:28:54 AM
The Tridents are the new metrobus to me
Agreed, love the Tridents, will be gutted when they are withdrawn, they're used all over England
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 28, 2013, 11:34:47 AM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on November 28, 2013, 11:28:54 AM
The Tridents are the new metrobus to me
Agreed, love the Tridents, will be gutted when they are withdrawn, they're used all over England
Couldn't agree more Shaun :) Tridents are my favourite type of bus. Tbh Tridents have a few years yet before they are withdrawn with Presidents and Spectras still to be withdrawn
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 10:38:46 AM
I can't help feeling that in 30 years or so, the Enviro400 to enthusiasts will be like the Metrobus is now, it is clear that in the next few years Birmingham is going to become swarming with them. Then, when the last ones are being withdrawn in however many years, they will be like the Metrobus is now, with people remembering how "they used to be everywhere" in my day
You should see Manchester then Matt! Enviro400s everywhere, hybrids, ADL and Scania versions, from Stagecoach and ex Olympic ones with First
Quote from: Trident 4609 on November 28, 2013, 11:37:50 AM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 28, 2013, 11:34:47 AM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on November 28, 2013, 11:28:54 AM
The Tridents are the new metrobus to me
Agreed, love the Tridents, will be gutted when they are withdrawn, they're used all over England
Couldn't agree more Shaun :) Tridents are my favourite type of bus. Tbh Tridents have a few years yet before they are withdrawn with Presidents and Spectras still to be withdrawn
Me too, my favourite bus type they just seem so solid compared to anything else and used on loads of routes!
I. Don't think the E400 will be a new 'Metrobus' not because I don't like them, or because they are modern, it's just that the Metrobus was pretty much a Birmingham/West Midlands bus, although obviously there were other fleets with large numbers. The E400 is everywhere. Apart from the NBFL there is no local identity to any bus anymore.
Quote from: Winston on November 28, 2013, 11:02:24 AM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 10:38:46 AM
I can't help feeling that in 30 years or so, the Enviro400 to enthusiasts will be like the Metrobus is now, it is clear that in the next few years Birmingham is going to become swarming with them. Then, when the last ones are being withdrawn in however many years, they will be like the Metrobus is now, with people remembering how "they used to be everywhere" in my day
I can't see any of the current double decker fleet seeing as many years service as the Metrobuses did (admittedly they were extensively re-built), the Hybrids may see longer service due to their higher initial cost
The new Enviros should actually considerably outlive the Hybrids, for mechanical reasons which I don't fully understand, particularly the B5 if I remember rightly
Quote from: BU07 LGO on November 28, 2013, 01:36:04 PM
Quote from: Trident 4609 on November 28, 2013, 11:37:50 AM
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 28, 2013, 11:34:47 AM
Quote from: BU07 LGO on November 28, 2013, 11:28:54 AM
The Tridents are the new metrobus to me
Agreed, love the Tridents, will be gutted when they are withdrawn, they're used all over England
Couldn't agree more Shaun :) Tridents are my favourite type of bus. Tbh Tridents have a few years yet before they are withdrawn with Presidents and Spectras still to be withdrawn
Me too, my favourite bus type they just seem so solid compared to anything else and used on loads of routes!
I second this, although the voith tridents are superior :P I actually am really starting to like the BU04s at Wolves.
I'd love to see some more voith deckers in the fleet tbh, maybe 2014 will be voiths year :D I'll bet some more E200 will arrive at some point as there are still a few midibuses that need replacing.
I doubt there'll be any Voith deckers, NX haven't taken delivery of any for nearly 10 years
The BU04 Tridents are my favourite batch, and I wouldn't be surprised if 4575 is the fastest Trident in the whole NXWM fleet (of Voith and ZF)
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:42:11 PM
I doubt there'll be any Voith deckers, NX haven't taken delivery of any for nearly 10 years
The BU04 Tridents are my favourite batch, and I wouldn't be surprised if 4575 is the fastest Trident in the whole NXWM fleet (of Voith and ZF)
Actually i need a ride on 4575 again to see how it performs as i haven't rode it in ages.
Anyway going back to the topic, I wonder where the next batches of E400's will be allocated to. If there is 40 due (As quoted either earlier on in this thread or another thread) i would hazard a guess some would be for BC for Pershore Rd but i wonder where some others will go as i can't see BC gaining all of the next batch of E400's.
I can see then more tridents transferring to PN to withdraw more Mercs
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Please no more E400's. NXWM. will have one of the most boring fleets out unless a manufacturer comes up with a new vehicle suitable for the West MIds.
Couldn't they get some of them E200 lookalikes
In my opinion, the main areas for investment are:
BC (Double decks)
WB (Single and double decks)
WA (Midi-bus)
Alas, the only way I can see WB getting singles is through cascades
Quote from: Sh4166 on November 28, 2013, 06:54:06 PM
In my opinion, the main areas for investment are:
BC (Double decks)
WB (Single and double decks)
WA (Midi-bus)
Alas, the only way I can see WB getting singles is through cascades
Yep, any newer full size single decks will be cascades. The 20 vehicles for WB in a £3 million investment next year (around £150k each) would indicate midibuses
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
I think it'll be concrete once they finally produce documents reference the South Brum Consult.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
I think it'll be concrete once they finally produce documents reference the South Brum Consult.
When they decide to do something...
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 28, 2013, 09:24:24 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
I think it'll be concrete once they finally produce documents reference the South Brum Consult.
When they decide to do something...
Well the 45 will be going to Cofton Hackett via Bristol Rd Sth, Lickey Lane and Lowhill Ln, to serve the new housing 'state which is being built on good old factory land. No doubt its going to be favouring the increasing influx of ... but also to serve the ENTRANCE to new Sainsburys and damn awful Longbridge.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:35:12 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 28, 2013, 09:24:24 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
I think it'll be concrete once they finally produce documents reference the South Brum Consult.
When they decide to do something...
Well the 45 will be going to Cofton Hackett via Bristol Rd Sth, Lickey Lane and Lowhill Ln, to serve the new housing 'state which is being built on good old factory land. No doubt its going to be favouring the increasing influx of ... but also to serve the ENTRANCE to new Sainsburys and damn awful Longbridge.
The South B'ham review revised registrations should start appearing on VOSA from late Dec/early Jan
The enviro is due to be replaced next year so I think this will be the last of the enviro400's
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:35:12 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 28, 2013, 09:24:24 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
I think it'll be concrete once they finally produce documents reference the South Brum Consult.
When they decide to do something...
Well the 45 will be going to Cofton Hackett via Bristol Rd Sth, Lickey Lane and Lowhill Ln, to serve the new housing 'state which is being built on good old factory land. No doubt its going to be favouring the increasing influx of ... but also to serve the ENTRANCE to new Sainsburys and damn awful Longbridge.
I heard they were getting E400's with a blue branding for the 45/47... :o
Quote from: clayderman on December 08, 2013, 08:40:30 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:35:12 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 28, 2013, 09:24:24 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 09:14:49 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on November 28, 2013, 08:01:59 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on November 28, 2013, 04:56:37 PM
What is all the hype about the BR getting an upgrade? It's nothing more than a rumour. Isn't it?
Pershore Road. February.
I meant PR sorry. Has there been confirmation yet? I must've missed it?
I think it'll be concrete once they finally produce documents reference the South Brum Consult.
When they decide to do something...
Well the 45 will be going to Cofton Hackett via Bristol Rd Sth, Lickey Lane and Lowhill Ln, to serve the new housing 'state which is being built on good old factory land. No doubt its going to be favouring the increasing influx of ... but also to serve the ENTRANCE to new Sainsburys and damn awful Longbridge.
I heard they were getting E400's with a blue branding for the 45/47... :o
Yeah I know you heard that from me.
But more recent news (did I post? Can't remember) the Pershore Road were gonna get refurbished transfered buses and rebranded. But then I've also been told they're not getting anything!! Apparently the facelifted E400's aren't happening... at all.
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 08, 2013, 08:46:06 PM
But more recent news (did I post? Can't remember) the Pershore Road were gonna get refurbished transfered buses and rebranded. But then I've also been told they're not getting anything!! Apparently the facelifted E400's aren't happening... at all.
I'm sure you have said that the Ex-Perry Barr Enviro400s now at Yardley Wood were rumoured to be refurbished and branded for the Pershore Road
Quote from: John on December 08, 2013, 08:48:04 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 08, 2013, 08:46:06 PM
But more recent news (did I post? Can't remember) the Pershore Road were gonna get refurbished transfered buses and rebranded. But then I've also been told they're not getting anything!! Apparently the facelifted E400's aren't happening... at all.
I'm sure you have said that the Ex-Perry Barr Enviro400s now at Yardley Wood were rumoured to be refurbished and branded for the Pershore Road
Yeah that sounded about right at the time; and it was probably going to happen but it all kicked off at Pensnett instead
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 08, 2013, 08:49:41 PM
Quote from: John on December 08, 2013, 08:48:04 PM
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 08, 2013, 08:46:06 PM
But more recent news (did I post? Can't remember) the Pershore Road were gonna get refurbished transfered buses and rebranded. But then I've also been told they're not getting anything!! Apparently the facelifted E400's aren't happening... at all.
I'm sure you have said that the Ex-Perry Barr Enviro400s now at Yardley Wood were rumoured to be refurbished and branded for the Pershore Road
Yeah that sounded about right at the time; and it was probably going to happen but it all kicked off at Pensnett instead
I actually believed it, until I saw 4721 (i believed to be transferred first) on the 50 near Markets. I thought it was on loan to YW, until more started to crop up on the 35! Then I wasn't so sure about these at BC on PR Routes. :-\
I think 4731 was the first to transfer. Transferring in October, rather than 4721 transferring in November.
I remember 4731 was the first reported on here working out of Yardley Wood, and the first one I saw working a Yardley Wood route (50)
Quote from: John on December 08, 2013, 08:54:52 PM
I think 4731 was the first to transfer. Transferring in October, rather than 4721 transferring in November.
I remember 4731 was the first reported on here working out of Yardley Wood, and the first one I saw working a Yardley Wood route (50)
Oops... I knew it was along the lines of 47*1. I
was close... ::)
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
The last fire was not the same cause as the previous two! Same as the two presidents at AG both had very different causes
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
The last fire was not the same cause as the previous two! Same as the two presidents at AG both had very different causes
There have been more than 3 Merc fires at Pensnett recently...
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:11:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
The last fire was not the same cause as the previous two! Same as the two presidents at AG both had very different causes
There have been more than 3 Merc fires at Pensnett recently...
Has there? And you know the causes of them all?
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:11:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
The last fire was not the same cause as the previous two! Same as the two presidents at AG both had very different causes
There have been more than 3 Merc fires at Pensnett recently...
Has there? And you know the causes of them all?
No, I know the cause of some of them
1663, 1664, 1644, 1658 were the notable examples, plus there have been instances of others such as 1628 suffering minor fires, many of which will go unreported to the general public
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:46:04 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:11:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
The last fire was not the same cause as the previous two! Same as the two presidents at AG both had very different causes
There have been more than 3 Merc fires at Pensnett recently...
Has there? And you know the causes of them all?
No, I know the cause of some of them
1663, 1664, 1644, 1658 were the notable examples, plus there have been instances of others such as 1628 suffering minor fires, many of which will go unreported to the general public
Go on then tell us the causes of any of them
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 10:12:46 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:46:04 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:11:38 PM
Quote from: Tony on December 08, 2013, 09:09:17 PM
Quote from: nitromatt1 on December 08, 2013, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 08, 2013, 09:01:04 PM
To me it seems that NE want to see rid of the Mercs much earlier than we had anticipated, maybe that they are costing them more money than they want to spend (there always seems to be a queue of them at PE awaiting attention).
But as we all know, that policy could change next week, if not tomorrow!
The problems causing fires in the Mercs at PN have been sorted now, so we should see a decrease in the frequency of Merc fires
The last fire was not the same cause as the previous two! Same as the two presidents at AG both had very different causes
There have been more than 3 Merc fires at Pensnett recently...
Has there? And you know the causes of them all?
No, I know the cause of some of them
1663, 1664, 1644, 1658 were the notable examples, plus there have been instances of others such as 1628 suffering minor fires, many of which will go unreported to the general public
Go on then tell us the causes of any of them
I can go one better and tell you the cause of any fire in any bus ever! Or any fire ever in the history of fire for that matter
Fuel + Oxygen + Heat
;D
4939 in pristine livery seen late last night (sat 28/12/) on the 907 svc...can anyone confirm the names of 4920,4924,4930,and 4931 please? thanks
Quote from: windy miller on December 29, 2013, 05:18:34 PM
4939 in pristine livery seen late last night (sat 28/12/) on the 907 svc...can anyone confirm the names of 4920,4924,4930,and 4931 please? thanks
4920 - Caitlin Rose
4924 - Ava-Mai
4930 - Megan Louise
4931 - Shakirah
Many thanks John
I heard the 50 is being upgraded to brand new buses.Anyone know incidentally if 4916 is off the road.Saw 4937 on 16 today also 1864 and 4283 on 904 thought only new ones allowed on Sutton routes.
Quote from: PaddyGraham on January 02, 2014, 06:33:07 PM
I heard the 50 is being upgraded to brand new buses.Anyone know incidentally if 4916 is off the road.Saw 4937 on 16 today also 1864 and 4283 on 904 thought only new ones allowed on Sutton routes.
I think 4940-4979 are destined for Birmingham Central for the Pershore Road and possibly the Bristol Road aswell but I could be wrong :)
Why is the 50 being upgraded when there are other routes which could benefit from new buses.
Quote from: PaddyGraham on January 02, 2014, 06:33:07 PM
I heard the 50 is being upgraded to brand new buses.Anyone know incidentally if 4916 is off the road.Saw 4937 on 16 today also 1864 and 4283 on 904 thought only new ones allowed on Sutton routes.
If you are talking about the new E400's, Some of the new E400's are not branded for Sutton Line so they are used on other PB routes
Quote from: Rob H on January 02, 2014, 06:37:47 PM
Quote from: PaddyGraham on January 02, 2014, 06:33:07 PM
I heard the 50 is being upgraded to brand new buses.Anyone know incidentally if 4916 is off the road.Saw 4937 on 16 today also 1864 and 4283 on 904 thought only new ones allowed on Sutton routes.
I think 4940-4979 are destined for Birmingham Central for the Pershore Road and possibly the Bristol Road aswell but I could be wrong :)
As there is no 4940-4979 on order, I am not sure why you would think that.
Quote from: Tony on January 02, 2014, 07:49:21 PM
Quote from: Rob H on January 02, 2014, 06:37:47 PM
Quote from: PaddyGraham on January 02, 2014, 06:33:07 PM
I heard the 50 is being upgraded to brand new buses.Anyone know incidentally if 4916 is off the road.Saw 4937 on 16 today also 1864 and 4283 on 904 thought only new ones allowed on Sutton routes.
I think 4940-4979 are destined for Birmingham Central for the Pershore Road and possibly the Bristol Road aswell but I could be wrong :)
As there is no 4940-4979 on order, I am not sure why you would think that.
Why does the name of this topic keeps changing?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2014, 06:41:13 PM
Why is the 50 being upgraded when there are other routes which could benefit from new buses.
I can certainly see scope for the 50 to be upgraded, being the most frequent service/one of the busiest in the West Midlands. But other routes also deserve an upgrade, personally, I'd like to see the Dudley Road upgraded
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 02, 2014, 08:40:10 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2014, 06:41:13 PM
Why is the 50 being upgraded when there are other routes which could benefit from new buses.
I can certainly see scope for the 50 to be upgraded, being the most frequent service/one of the busiest in the West Midlands. But other routes also deserve an upgrade, personally, I'd like to see the Dudley Road upgraded
Also financial and business considerations come into play, with the 50 having the most competition (three operators), largest patronage and a captive market (there is no competing rail service). Traditionally its always had first pick of new vehicles with a cascade following around NXWM. That isn't to say there is a need to upgrade other routes and I think its time Bristol Road and Pershore Road was given a make-over (though to be fair a refurbished Trident can fool the irregular traveller into thinking its a new bus).
As I think winston pointed out recently there is a very neat NXWM log book with a glossy cover available from the Ian allan Bookshop (Just off Navigation street) Birmingham. I had a quick look at it on a recent visit and I can confirm that there is a listing for 4940-4979. obviously without any details/registrations. The book also has all the NX dundee fleet listings. As I said, A neat publication but a bit thin!. Is it worth £3.50? :-\ :-\
Quote from: Tony on January 02, 2014, 07:49:21 PM
Quote from: Rob H on January 02, 2014, 06:37:47 PM
Quote from: PaddyGraham on January 02, 2014, 06:33:07 PM
I heard the 50 is being upgraded to brand new buses.Anyone know incidentally if 4916 is off the road.Saw 4937 on 16 today also 1864 and 4283 on 904 thought only new ones allowed on Sutton routes.
I think 4940-4979 are destined for Birmingham Central for the Pershore Road and possibly the Bristol Road aswell but I could be wrong :)
As there is no 4940-4979 on order, I am not sure why you would think that.
No doubt a certain NXWM fleet list in Ian Allen Bookshop has bowled us all a curved ball.....
Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on January 02, 2014, 09:53:54 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 02, 2014, 08:40:10 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2014, 06:41:13 PM
Why is the 50 being upgraded when there are other routes which could benefit from new buses.
I can certainly see scope for the 50 to be upgraded, being the most frequent service/one of the busiest in the West Midlands. But other routes also deserve an upgrade, personally, I'd like to see the Dudley Road upgraded
Also financial and business considerations come into play, with the 50 having the most competition (three operators), largest patronage and a captive market (there is no competing rail service). Traditionally its always had first pick of new vehicles with a cascade following around NXWM. That isn't to say there is a need to upgrade other routes and I think its time Bristol Road and Pershore Road was given a make-over (though to be fair a refurbished Trident can fool the irregular traveller into thinking its a new bus).
There's still which 10 corridors are going to be upgraded to 'Gold' standard to take in to account. They will no doubt dictate where many of the new buses ate destined
I think Coventry's route 13 should be upgraded with brand new 63 or 14 plate Geminis. It is one of the busiest routes in Coventry and one of the longest main routes. They did buy 10 geminis for the route in 2005, but with the pvr increasing over the years meaning more variety of vehicles must appear on the 13 and the geminis aging and being used on all routes, it's about time NX ordered some new geminis, as they are on good terms with wright, seeing as they order all those B7's last year.
Am sure that in the order for the next year or so, NXC will get some new buses, plus they need to consider a replacement for NXCs Mercs?
Quote from: lauren1993 on January 05, 2014, 03:03:31 AM
I think Coventry's route 13 should be upgraded with brand new 63 or 14 plate Geminis. It is one of the busiest routes in Coventry and one of the longest main routes. They did buy 10 geminis for the route in 2005, but with the pvr increasing over the years meaning more variety of vehicles must appear on the 13 and the geminis aging and being used on all routes, it's about time NX ordered some new geminis, as they are on good terms with wright, seeing as they order all those B7's last year.
It's been mentioned elsewhere and long time ago that 13 probably get 15 hybrids. Interesting to see what fleets are they going to replace
Quote from: Sayeed_M on January 05, 2014, 12:57:44 PM
Quote from: lauren1993 on January 05, 2014, 03:03:31 AM
I think Coventry's route 13 should be upgraded with brand new 63 or 14 plate Geminis. It is one of the busiest routes in Coventry and one of the longest main routes. They did buy 10 geminis for the route in 2005, but with the pvr increasing over the years meaning more variety of vehicles must appear on the 13 and the geminis aging and being used on all routes, it's about time NX ordered some new geminis, as they are on good terms with wright, seeing as they order all those B7's last year.
It's been mentioned elsewhere and long time ago that 13 probably get 15 hybrids. Interesting to see what fleets are they going to replace
NXC wasn't awarded any funding for hybrids from Greenbus fund 4
Could Hybrids for Coventry not be purchased with NX's own funds?
From what I've heard, buying a hybrid at cost compared to a conventional bus; the price difference isn't delivered in efficiency savings, hence why the greenbus funding bridges the gap a little.
Quote from: Matt on January 05, 2014, 01:58:20 PM
Could Hybrids for Coventry not be purchased with NX's own funds?
Doubt it, in the 300 new buses announcement it said 15 hybrids were subject to green bus funding
I'm sure it was mentioned elsewhere that the NB4L (Borismaster) costs around £354,000.
Other hybrid double-deckers cost upwards of £300,000.
I'm not sure of the cost of a new non-hybrid double, but must be around the £180,000 mark.
Until hybrids become a little more affordable, I can't see many bus operators buying significant quantities out of their own pockets.
i would presume if you could order the Hybrids in sufficient quantity, then the price would fall, though i doubt it would be anywhere near the price of a normal double decker.
Presumably now the greenbus funding has fallen through, 15 normal deckers will be ordered.
If NXC got the new gems, they would replace the mercs, as it'd mean lots of tridents would be freed up from the 13, and able to go on routes such as the 2/3, 5, 7, 18/18A regularly, instead of the mercs.