New tram on display at snow hill on saturday
http://www.centro.org.uk/about-us/news/2014/public-to-get-first-glimpse-of-new-midland-metro-trams/
But how would we get pass the ticket gates? ::) ??? :o :P
Quote from: clayderman on April 03, 2014, 07:49:22 PM
But how would we get pass the ticket gates? ::) ??? :o :P
What ticket gates? There are no gates on to any tram stop
Quote from: Tony on April 03, 2014, 07:58:02 PM
Quote from: clayderman on April 03, 2014, 07:49:22 PM
But how would we get pass the ticket gates? ::) ??? :o :P
What ticket gates? There are no gates on to any tram stop
Silly me... Only, I thought I saw some at Snow Hill. ::) I don't often use rail of any sort! Apart from to and from London in the Summer Holidays. :P
Quote from: clayderman on April 03, 2014, 08:56:23 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 03, 2014, 07:58:02 PM
Quote from: clayderman on April 03, 2014, 07:49:22 PM
But how would we get pass the ticket gates? ::) ??? :o :P
What ticket gates? There are no gates on to any tram stop
Silly me... Only, I thought I saw some at Snow Hill. ::) I don't often use rail of any sort! Apart from to and from London in the Summer Holidays. :P
The tram platforms don't have any barriers. But the rail platforms do
I am looking forward to see the new tram for the first time on Saturday. Will be interesting to see what does the interior design looks like.
Today is the day. I saw the new tram. First impressions were okay, just... That pink colour at the ends. I like the body design. I was a bit surprised with the seating layout, I don't know but it looked it has less seats than the current trams. More space for standing. The information of passenger capacity says "Passenger capacity: 208. Seated: 52. Wheelchair areas: 2."
I asked the staff how many trams. She said we will have 20 trams, got 5 at the moment, will have more coming. The new trams will be in service in July, apparently.
What are your thoughts about the new tram?
Visited Snow Hill today to see new Tram 20. It's nice to have the whole of the interior on the same level and it gives the impression of being of being much longer than the original trams supplied. Visitors were allowed to sit in the driver's seat by the friendly staff who were keen to answer questions. The number of seated passengers and total capacity is similar to the new trams being supplied to Manchester and Nottingham, so i suppose this has proven to be a successful configuration. The new tram has 5 articulated sections and increased braking power due to gradients and sharp curves at the lower end of Corporation St into Stephenson St. It seems as if the original trams
will never use the new route because of their inadequate braking as well as being as being due for retirement, although they were never in the plans for the new route.
I have to say the new tram 20 looks good apart from the colour scheme (vomit inducing) if I may pick a couple of faults
Bum Numb
The seats are very uncomfortable and will give you a numb bum after a time I think the plan is that you will not be on the tram for to long,
One Cheek Seats
If you are broad in the beam then sadly some of the seats you will only fit one cheek at a time
Kneesy
Again with some of the seats you will be touching the knees of the person who sits in the opposite seat this is fine in the person is a nice young female, with my luck it will be a big hairy arsed bus driver
Other than that it was an interesting day of course come the day and they run in service watching the trams turn into Stevenson Street will be interesting as the buses found the turn awkward at times
Quote from: horsencart on April 05, 2014, 05:51:50 PM
of course come the day and they run in service watching the trams turn into Stevenson Street will be interesting as the buses found the turn awkward at times
Shouldn't be much fun on the first day as they run on rails & any gauging issues should have been long sorted by then.
Having said that, there's always the potential for derailments - & Centro are involved, so I shouldn't really rule anything out!
here is the tram at Snow hill for those who didn't';t make It https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13648362245/in/photostream/
Quote from: Solo1 on April 05, 2014, 07:08:21 PM
here is the tram at Snow hill for those who didn't';t make It https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13648362245/in/photostream/
I wonder how many people tried to get on for travel, without even noticing anything different!
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on April 05, 2014, 06:57:57 PM
Quote from: horsencart on April 05, 2014, 05:51:50 PM
of course come the day and they run in service watching the trams turn into Stevenson Street will be interesting as the buses found the turn awkward at times
Shouldn't be much fun on the first day as they run on rails & any gauging issues should have been long sorted by then.
Having said that, there's always the potential for derailments - & Centro are involved, so I shouldn't really rule anything out!
On the first day of Flexity Operation in Blackpool a derailment happened in Fleetwood 006 was the victim it was departing Fleetwood Ferry on the first journey to Starr Gate it derailed on the curve that was due to sand being blown onto the rails and trams were being terminated at Fisherman's Walk while 006 was being re-railed.
As you said Dave Never Rule anything out.
I couldn't make it to Snow hill on the day but I notice Tony took a great shot of tram 20.
Passing Wednesbury depot on thursday, (10th) there were 4 trams clearly visible in the open depot area, but not able to see the numbers.. can I assume they are trams 17, 18, 19, and 20?... :-\ thanks
Both 21 & 22 have both been reported as arrived by last week.
Quote from: broma1k on April 13, 2014, 05:13:56 PM
Both 21 & 22 have both been reported as arrived by last week.
Thanks broma... on reflection I did see one odd tram and another 4 abreast so that looks like 5? not sure there was a sixth one , ie tram 22? can anyone confirm that 22 has arrived? Thanks. Not sure how many are actually due
this year though.
There are certainly five - in March I was in Wednesbury and there were four in line abreast and another just being unloaded
How many new trams are at the depot now?
When are the new trams going to be entered in service?
8 trams have been delivered, the latest being No. 24, it arrived earlier this week
I'm sure I read on Twitter this morning that one of the trams will be at St Georges on Saturday. Can't find the tweet though
The tweet was on the Network West Midlands feed but seems to shave been deleted. Not happening now I take it
I'm Guessing all the construction work ajacent to the original tram depot will be the new depot premises?.. Are ALL of these new trams visible from the northbound platform??
Quote from: windy miller on June 06, 2014, 02:52:31 AM
I'm Guessing all the construction work ajacent to the original tram depot will be the new depot premises?.. Are ALL of these new trams visible from the northbound platform??
@windy millerThe last (& only) time I looked was when there were 6 new toys. All were easily visible from onboard a southbound tram just after leaving Wednesbury P'way. They weren't all visible from the Gt. Western st. platform, furthermore I could only identify one set (18) from the photo's that I took.
According to the RTI screens on the platforms, one of the new trams was out on test on Wednesday. I travelled the whole line but didn't see it.
A new tram will be at St Georges this Saturday. Info from @centrowm twitter feed
One of the new trams was at Soho (Benson Road) stop this evening at about 9 pm - presumably route testing or driver training. I didn't catch the number.
A new tram was in Wolves this evening travelling very slowly with loads of 'orange people' on it i'm about 90% sure it was Tram 19 (first one I've seen BTW ;D
New Tram 20 is parked up at W'ton St Georges this morning.
On the opposite side of the road was a 'tram' spotter at the ready with his camera and tripod
The new trams set to be running august bank
Holiday
New tram departed birmingham snow hill tonight @ 2200, not in service.
Have any of the new trams been out in service yet, as a colleague told me the other day he saw one.
There are now 11 new trams at Wednesbury (17 - 27).
Quote from: nitromatt1 on July 15, 2014, 07:16:24 PM
Have any of the new trams been out in service yet, as a colleague told me the other day he saw one.
September looks like the likely start date
A friend told me he was told that the new trams will be in service on the bank holiday in August.
Quote from: P419 EJW on July 22, 2014, 09:22:06 PM
A friend told me he was told that the new trams will be in service on the bank holiday in August.
I am off to Wednesbury later in the week to get photos of them all, been told I cannot put them on the website until they go into service which will probably be September
Quote from: Tony on July 22, 2014, 09:33:03 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on July 22, 2014, 09:22:06 PM
A friend told me he was told that the new trams will be in service on the bank holiday in August.
I am off to Wednesbury later in the week to get photos of them all, been told I cannot put them on the website until they go into service which will probably be September
It'll be worth the wait ;)
Quote from: Rob on July 23, 2014, 09:30:21 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 22, 2014, 09:33:03 PM
Quote from: P419 EJW on July 22, 2014, 09:22:06 PM
A friend told me he was told that the new trams will be in service on the bank holiday in August.
I am off to Wednesbury later in the week to get photos of them all, been told I cannot put them on the website until they go into service which will probably be September
It'll be worth the wait ;)
Been to Wednesbury today and photographed the first 11 new trams. 1st September is when the first 6 are expected to enter passenger service as that is the date they will be officially signed over. 22 did a full run the length of the line today out on test though
Tram 24 was out on test today. It arrived at Snow Hill at 1032 this morning and departed 3 minutes later.
This was probably the one I saw stop at Jewellery Quarter on Jul 24 about 12 noon and head on for Wolves.
Wednesbury depot - looking very 'continental'
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/newdepotview.html
Tram 24 out on test again today. I travelled on 12 which followed it from Wolverhampton to Birmingham.
Tram 24 out last night.Seen at Handsworth as my tram pulled in.
New tram No. 28 arrived at Wednesbury on Tuesday 29/7/2014
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2014, 10:01:59 PM
Wednesbury depot - looking very 'continental'
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/newdepotview.html
I'm guessing this photo was taken from the new maintenance building? ,ie overlooking the yard?.. It might be an idea to mention that the depot is no longer visible from the wednesbury platform(s) due to the new building construction adjacent to the wolves platform and the foilage alongside the line ect. Is there ANY public view/vantage point around the depot with/without binnoculars?
Quote from: windy miller on August 10, 2014, 06:31:02 PM
Quote from: Tony on July 27, 2014, 10:01:59 PM
Wednesbury depot - looking very 'continental'
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/newdepotview.html
I'm guessing this photo was taken from the new maintenance building? ,ie overlooking the yard?.. It might be an idea to mention that the depot is no longer visible from the wednesbury platform(s) due to the new building construction adjacent to the wolves platform and the foilage alongside the line ect. Is there ANY public view/vantage point around the depot with/without binnoculars?
That photo was taken from the original office block. I don't think there is any decent public viewing point now
According to Rail Technology Magazine, the first 4 new trams will go into service on 5 September
http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/new-midland-metro-trams-go-into-service-in-september- (http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/new-midland-metro-trams-go-into-service-in-september-)
i was in bilston street just after 3.30pm. saw a new tram pulling into st george's "not in service"
Tram 23 was not in service at Wolverhampton yesterday and I saw tram 25 earlier in the week
tram 24 was out on driver training https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14959154896/
I believe the first few new trams should be in service this weekend, possibly Friday. photos of the first 11 are now on the main site
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/index.html
Quote from: Tony on September 03, 2014, 07:51:33 PM
I believe the first few new trams should be in service this weekend, possibly Friday. photos of the first 11 are now on the main site
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/index.html
Looks like some of the new trams are out today
Tram 20 was the official "launch" tram, although it came in with people on, currently en route to Wolverhampton. There are others out too but I haven't seen numbers.
Tram 20 currently at Wolverhampton St Georges
21 and 23 have also been in use today.
I managed short rides on each of them. They are a huge improvement on the original stock - really quiet. The transverse seating layout is good, although the seats are hard.
New trams 18/20/21 & 23 all in service today, managed a ride on all except No.23.
Personally think I prefer the older trams but as the saying goes, nothing lasts forever.
Are these new trams running on sundays? :-\
Trams 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 18, 21 and 23 were in service this morning and had been joined by 12 by early afternoon.
The arrangements at Priestfield seem very poor with passengers from Wolverhampton having to cross the main road, where there is no marked crossing point.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on September 06, 2014, 08:16:46 PM
Trams 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 18, 21 and 23 were in service this morning and had been joined by 12 by early afternoon.
I think u mean 22 team 20 is off due to broken window
last night
tram 20 now got a broken window 18 21 22 23 all out today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15159958985/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15156968321/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/14973269380/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/13648362245/in/set-72157634815348147 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15159981315/
Quote from: Solo1 on September 06, 2014, 10:02:17 PM
trams 18 20 now got a broken window
Haha the irony, after all the destruction they have caused in Brum ::)
I agree about the poor interchange at Priestfield. A good load from a Trident from Wolves on the 79 crossed over only to be faced with the pavement on the other side blocked by waiting passengers. Then the tram left just before we arrived at the platform.
I think its absolutely appalling that passengers are expected to use existing services - there should be a bus waiting to pick up passengers off each terminating tram.
;
This just emphasises that NX should never have been allowed to run the line.
Quote from: mikestone on September 07, 2014, 07:57:50 PM
I think its absolutely appalling that passengers are expected to use existing services - there should be a bus waiting to pick up passengers off each terminating tram.
;
This just emphasises that NX should never have been allowed to run the line.
So which operator should be running it? and why would they be any different in having seperate buses waiting?
Only two new trams out today 21 and 22. Managed to catch both purely by chance.
I haven't used the Metro for many years, so it was good to try out the new ones and also catch older 10 and 16 for possibly the last time. The new trams are very nice, much larger, roomy, bright and fresh. However the seats!! They are the most uncomfortable, vile seats I've ever had on any public transport. And that's not an exaggeration either. Moquette covered plastic. Horrible. A huge let down on otherwise great vehicles.
Quote from: Gareth on September 08, 2014, 04:55:56 PM
Only two new trams out today 21 and 22. Managed to catch both purely by chance.
I haven't used the Metro for many years, so it was good to try out the new ones and also catch older 10 and 16 for possibly the last time. The new trams are very nice, much larger, roomy, bright and fresh. However the seats!! They are the most uncomfortable, vile seats I've ever had on any public transport. And that's not an exaggeration either. Moquette covered plastic. Horrible. A huge let down on otherwise great vehicles.
I decided to try out a new tram today. I'm not really interested in tram/trains so it was more a case of seeing what they're like. By pure chance, the first tram that came into Bilston was new Tram 21 which was swapped at Wednesbury Parkway due to a fault with Tram 23.
I agree about the seats - such a shame they didn't specify the usual NX generous padding. They must be the least comfortable seats in the Midlands since the wartime utilities with wooden slatted seats. No, I don't remember them!
Quote from: mikestone on September 07, 2014, 07:57:50 PM
I think its absolutely appalling that passengers are expected to use existing services - there should be a bus waiting to pick up passengers off each terminating tram.
;
This just emphasises that NX should never have been allowed to run the line.
NX operate the trams, they are not responsible for the maintenance/upgrading of the tracks. Their buses are accepting Metro tickets for passengers to continue their journey so there's no additional cost to the passenger, the buses are fairly frequent anyway, and aren't there extra shuttle buses being put on?
As Tony said, it would have made no difference who operates the tram, when essential works close the line like this, passengers are going to be inconvenienced. If anything NX are probably better equipped to help out.
Another thing that is unsatisfactory about using the 39 and 79 is use of passes. Last Saturday when people boarded a B10L at Priestfield off a tram most used their senior passes in the normal way, touching the pass on the reader. This must mean Centro is paying for two journeys, the tram and the bus - in effect being charged twice. And better signage would be good - although men in hi-vis jackets were at the 39/79 stand in Wolves bus station it was by no means clear that they were selling Metro tickets, nor did I notice any signs in the bus station directing Metro passengers. At Priestfield there are no obvious signs directing passengers to the bus stop.
So I used the tram yeasterday, won't lie I wasn't impressed, on the face of it, the U-s are very attractive trams with alot of good features, longer, wider and all on the same level, however, I feel that the uncomfortable ill shapedd seats let them down massively. I took my journey from snow hill to priestfield and moved seats twice, it was almost unbearable, which is disappointing as the trams features make the metro to me look like a more attractive alternative to the bus or car.
I did find however just to end on a positive that the trams felt about quicker pulling away from stations and less time was spent at empty stations when their was know passengers waiting.
Think I would only ever use the service if their was no alternative..
Re the seats last Friday on the first day of the Urbos some Metro employees on one of them were discussing the BBC's coverage earlier that morning which was to be shown on Midlands Today that evening. One said: Someone said to the interviewer 'Awful hard seats'. It was clear they expected this to be broadcast, but it wasn't.
586 just arrived in Wolverhampton Bus Station displaying '79E Metro Replacement Service'. 586 then went in not in service.
Quote from: P419 EJW on September 09, 2014, 06:23:39 PM
586 just arrived in Wolverhampton Bus Station displaying '79E Metro Replacement Service'. 586 then went in not in service.
I've seen the tram replacements displaying 79E-Bilston and ML1 to Bilston
I had my first ride on an Urbos yesterday, although admittedly only a short journey on #18 (Sandwell Town Central - The Poorthorns). I'd picked up on the complaints about the seats but didn't find them that bad to be honest, certainly no worse than the T69's (which I detest anyway, a trip from Priestfield will give me numb bum syndrome on arrival at Snow Hill). It was actually a pleasant experience to board a tram and FIND a vacant seat!
One thing I did pick up on, the flat floor throughout the passenger area made the Urbos seem immensely long & roomy inside, a vast improvement over the uninviting crap that they replace.
First trip today on New CAF tram (No 20) from Weds Parkway to Snow Hill. First impressions are that the vehicle interior is a vast improvement over the T69's. Bright, airy and a feeling of spaciousness. The seats weren't particularly comfortable although should be fine for a short hop tram journey. On the downside the passenger information system was having trouble with its sat nav resulting in our arrival at Snow Hill being announced and shown as St Pauls! Nothing that can't be put right. I was, however, disappointed with the 'ride' of the vehicle. There was some serious swaying in places enough to make passengers pay attention to the movement and at a number of points on the route there was significant vibration which you could feel through the floor and seating. Presumably something to do with the contact between wheels and rail? Also at a couple of points where there were clearly rail joints the vehicle 'crashed' over them rather than passed over them with noticeable jolting. Get the impression that the 'off road' tracks could do with some maintenance. Overall 8/10 with some room for improvement probably track maintenance/ replacement.
The problem with full low floor cars is that they can't have bogies as they'd rotate and foul a low gangway so the trams run on four-wheel trucks. There isn't the secondary suspension that the bogie mount gives so the ride is less insulated from track irregularities and joints. Ride on a T69 over a bogie right after riding on an Urbos over a truck and you'll find the ride smoother and more even.
Thanks for that Stevo. Didn't have that level of expertise myself. Presumably though the condition of the track will play a part in the quality of ride of the new vehicles?
Two trams, 21, & anotherthat i didn't see the number of, in service today, both headed towards Priestfield
NewTrams thro west brom today (thurs) 18th.. 20 22 24 in service and 27 on test runs to S hill still with bubble wrap seat coverings! apparently 3 in service and 1 on test each morning to around 1pm is a daily schedule :-\..
tram 19 was the test one today https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15101486427/
why are we only seening the same trams out when they have approx 11 of ther new one i n the depot
Im guessing as they have the old T69s still in depot they are probably getting their moneys worth before sending all of the new trams out.......just a theory mind :]
5 Urbos out today in service but an 18 minute gap in the service. The Metro seemed very quiet - perhaps the poor arrangements at Priestfield deter Wolverhampton passengers. (The 79 went past just before we got to the stop today and the 39 didn't turn up - an 18 minute wait for the next 79. Not good enough!)
I spent a short time in west brom today. There were at least 6 new trams in service..18 19.. 21 22 24 27 and the three 'new' WB 400's 4967/68/69 were all working on the 74/75 SVC
I had thought that a trip to wolves might be a good idea... from your post I'm glad I didn't bother! Are tram passengers required to pay an additional £1.80 (or whatever) for the p/poor bus service from preistfield?... >:( >:(
As I posted earlier people with passes get on the bus from the tram and those passes, for instance senior passes, are touched on the machine, so Centro is paying twice. I'm not sure about tickets - there's very little info other than posters on the stops which merely say the line is being curtailed at Priestfield. Presumably you can buy tram tickets in Wolverhampton but I don't know how - there are no signs in the bus station that I could see. In fact the bus station screen still tells passengers the trams start from the St Georges stop! As I said - not good enough.
Quote from: Stevo on September 24, 2014, 08:39:07 PM
As I posted earlier people with passes get on the bus from the tram and those passes, for instance senior passes, are touched on the machine, so Centro is paying twice. I'm not sure about tickets - there's very little info other than posters on the stops which merely say the line is being curtailed at Priestfield. Presumably you can buy tram tickets in Wolverhampton but I don't know how - there are no signs in the bus station that I could see. In fact the bus station screen still tells passengers the trams start from the St Georges stop! As I said - not good enough.
Both times I have been in Wolverhampton there has been a tram conductor with a ticket machine stood by the 39/79 stop issuing tickets to those changing onto the tram
Quote from: Stevo on September 24, 2014, 08:39:07 PM
As I posted earlier people with passes get on the bus from the tram and those passes, for instance senior passes, are touched on the machine, so Centro is paying twice. I'm not sure about tickets - there's very little info other than posters on the stops which merely say the line is being curtailed at Priestfield. Presumably you can buy tram tickets in Wolverhampton but I don't know how - there are no signs in the bus station that I could see. In fact the bus station screen still tells passengers the trams start from the St Georges stop! As I said - not good enough.
Every time I've been on the 39/79 from Wolves recently there have been a few Metro conductors stood near to the bus stop stand - although they appear to avoid contact with customers in that they always seem to be talking to each other/backs turned etc. rather than proactively shouting out/speaking to passengers.
That being said, I had to laugh the last time I was there when despite there being 3 Metro Conductors, the bus Inspector & the bus station supervisor all stood very near to the stand, one passenger still came over to me to ask if the 39 served Priestfield, whilst several others asked other passengers.
In my personal opinion, there should be a queue system put in place at the 39/79 stand in Wolverhampton to aid the queue (certain services can get busy and its a bit of a free for all when the bus comes in) for the duration of the works. This would make it easier for the Metro Conductor to speak along the queue and inform customers they can get both the 39 & 79 for example.
In addition, the bus drivers on the 39/79s I have been on appear to make very little effort to announce the arrival at the metro stop (it's not the most obvious and again on several journeys I've heard customers worrying & asking each other when Priestfield actually is.) It would be nice if the conductor or driver could announce just before the bus leaves Wolverhampton, "Please be advised the driver will announce when this service arrives at Priestfield for Midland Metro tram connections" or something along those lines, and for the bus driver to actually do that.
Does anyone know if the names on the T69s will be transferred to the new trams? It would be a shame if they were lost, especially 'Sister Dora'.
I agree, notepanel. But there's no substitute for a proper dedicated bus service. At the moment Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield is providing two bus shuttles, one for a planned blockage and another because of a hole that's appeared by the track. They don't just tell passengers to board a scheduled service.
(Other Tony - I like your Walsall photo - those were the days!)
Quote from: Stevo on September 25, 2014, 12:26:24 PM
I agree, notepanel. But there's no substitute for a proper dedicated bus service. At the moment Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield is providing two bus shuttles, one for a planned blockage and another because of a hole that's appeared by the track. They don't just tell passengers to board a scheduled service.
(Other Tony - I like your Walsall photo - those were the days!)
Wolverhampton have got 3 Tridents each day just doing shuttles to Bilston as Tram replacements
Which new trams r out 2 day
Was told 6 were out when I asked one
Of the tram staff
Quote from: Solo1 on September 27, 2014, 08:37:47 PM
Was told 6 were out when I asked one
Of the tram staff
I saw 20-24(5)
A Few Pics From Last Week:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/15187678678/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/15187764647/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/retroscania/15187516329/in/photostream/
Quote from: Tony on September 25, 2014, 09:31:55 PM
Quote from: Stevo on September 25, 2014, 12:26:24 PM
I agree, notepanel. But there's no substitute for a proper dedicated bus service. At the moment Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield is providing two bus shuttles, one for a planned blockage and another because of a hole that's appeared by the track. They don't just tell passengers to board a scheduled service.
(Other Tony - I like your Walsall photo - those were the days!)
Wolverhampton have got 3 Tridents each day just doing shuttles to Bilston as Tram replacements
Where do they run from? Where is the publicity for these?
They just run as required as 79Es between Bilston & Wolverhampton
There are posters facing the street by the coach stop door. I didn't go inside there, but did notice that both the travel centre and wall mounted racks had the normal tram timetables on display.
Quote from: Tony on September 28, 2014, 09:34:20 PM
They just run as required as 79Es between Bilston & Wolverhampton
With respect, that's not really a dedicated shuttle service which should be purely for tram passengers and run non-stop between tram stops - it's just an enhancement of an existing service.
Quote from: Stevo on September 29, 2014, 07:00:57 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 28, 2014, 09:34:20 PM
They just run as required as 79Es between Bilston & Wolverhampton
With respect, that's not really a dedicated shuttle service which should be purely for tram passengers and run non-stop between tram stops - it's just an enhancement of an existing service.
Isn't there also a shuttle service displaying "ML1" in addition to the 79Es?
I saw one parked up on stand U in the bus station when I was last there.
26 out on test today, still with plastic covers on seats etc.
Quote from: SMK on September 30, 2014, 11:11:12 PM
Quote from: Stevo on September 29, 2014, 07:00:57 PM
Quote from: Tony on September 28, 2014, 09:34:20 PM
They just run as required as 79Es between Bilston & Wolverhampton
With respect, that's not really a dedicated shuttle service which should be purely for tram passengers and run non-stop between tram stops - it's just an enhancement of an existing service.
Isn't there also a shuttle service displaying "ML1" in addition to the 79Es?
I saw one parked up on stand U in the bus station when I was last there.
ML1 is no longer used from my observations. All display 79E-Bilston
another new trAM OUT TODAY number 25 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15504156231/
Please can you actually tell is which vehicle is in your posts instead of just putting loads of anonymous posts deliberately to boost your views
Trams 26 & 27 both out on test today.
Another poor experience with the tram-bus 'interchange' - sorry to go on about this! I tried The Crescent as suggested by someone on this forum and at least the bus stop is closer. 582 came up on the 39 about 3 late. When it got to Priestfield it was unable to pick all of those waiting up and 5 people were left in the cold and drizzle on the pavement. We had over 15 standing. There seemed to be only 2 Urboses out - 20 and 22. They were finding the slippery rails difficult.
In West Bromwich bus station the display for the Metro still says it's running to Wolverhampton.
Trams out this morning were:04, 05, 06, 09, 10, 11, 12, 16, 20 and 22. 27 was out on test. There have been reports on BBC wm recently about trams breaking down, this suggests it may be problems with the new ones.
I wonder how the new trams will cope with Stephenson Place in B'ham City Centre? A steep descent followed by a 90' turn? And of course a steep climb on the way out.
Quote from: Stevo on October 22, 2014, 04:56:20 PM
Another poor experience with the tram-bus 'interchange' - sorry to go on about this! I tried The Crescent as suggested by someone on this forum and at least the bus stop is closer. 582 came up on the 39 about 3 late. When it got to Priestfield it was unable to pick all of those waiting up and 5 people were left in the cold and drizzle on the pavement. We had over 15 standing. There seemed to be only 2 Urboses out - 20 and 22. They were finding the slippery rails difficult.
In West Bromwich bus station the display for the Metro still says it's running to Wolverhampton.
;
Traveline seems to prefer The Crescent and Bilston as second choice
New tram out on test today,(Thursday) making several mid-afternoon trips> Tram 30
31 was on test yesterday Nov 6 but only 2 Urboses out - 20 and 22 again.
29 noted out on test in West Bromwich today, seats still covered in plastic and CAF stickers in the window.
New trams seen in service were 18, 22/24/25.
tram 30 was out the other day seen on test https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15896627561/
Just the usual suspects out last Friday - 20 and 22 again, plus 26. 31 and another on test.
Q... Has anyone seen new tram 17 recently?... it appears to be one thats off the radar for some reason :-\
TRAM 26 AT PREISTFIELD DUE TO TRAM AT ROYALBROKE DOWN https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/15953306108/
20 broke down twice today. I arrived at Snow Hill at about midday and it was refusing to leave. The driver dropped the pantograph, rebooted but with no luck, so everyone was turfed off. 10 took us on after a few minutes. I got back to Snow Hill at about 1630 and 20 was in the platform trying to leave, but couldn't, so 'Everyone off!' again. Actually I don't know if it had been the platform since midday or had been out and back a number of times. Just the other usual suspects out, 22 and 26, plus 19. (And T69s). Does anyone know why they use these cars so much while others never seem to leave the depot?
Trams I saw in service today were 04, 06, 08, 09, 10, 12, 16 19, 22 and 26. 24 had the pantograph up and appeared ready for service. I think the three parked way down the yard were 03, 05 and 11.
has anyone seen tram 17 actually IN service during 2014? and any sign of overhead wire installations on the new extension? :-\
Quote from: windy miller on December 31, 2014, 01:23:34 AM
has anyone seen tram 17 actually IN service during 2014? and any sign of overhead wire installations on the new extension? :-\
No idea about 17, no signs of knitting over the extension either.
... & don't hold your breath about travelling over the extension next year either!
Considering that the first track was laid in Upper Bull Street in November 2013, it's taken well over a year to lay much less than half the track- only one line down in Corporation Street and not for the whole distance, no northbound track in the lower half of Upper Bull Street and no track across New Street down to Stephenson approach. And the curve they've laid from Stephenson Street doesn't look not sharp enough to get round the bend and looks as if it will end up on the pavement or worse.
For anyone interested who doesn't know, Horsencart82 regularly posts on Flickr on the Tram extension progress:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dofartshavelumps/15952064535/
When will tram 17 & the rest of the trams that have
arrived be in service
Saw tram 18 today for the first time in a while.
30 was still being tested on Wednesday.
Finally got on one of the new trams today - Tram 18.
Actually really like them - very smart design inside and out - the cab seems to very roomy for the driver. Tram was smooth riding and quick to pick up speed. Seats aren't great - they're ok, but not much padding on them. Some of the seats I noticed facing each other seemed to lack legroom, but the pair of seats at the front are very good. Good trams although will miss the heating, motors and seats on the older Trams.
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 24, 2015, 10:22:09 PM
Finally got on one of the new trams today - Tram 18.
Actually really like them - very smart design inside and out - the cab seems to very roomy for the driver. Tram was smooth riding and quick to pick up speed. Seats aren't great - they're ok, but not much padding on them. Some of the seats I noticed facing each other seemed to lack legroom, but the pair of seats at the front are very good. Good trams although will miss the heating, motors and seats on the older Trams.
NX have buses with hard seating some of the Eviro 400 have them at the front and i think the rear seats are like it.
Quote from: wembley86 on January 25, 2015, 03:54:34 PM
Quote from: Liberator9 on January 24, 2015, 10:22:09 PM
Finally got on one of the new trams today - Tram 18.
Actually really like them - very smart design inside and out - the cab seems to very roomy for the driver. Tram was smooth riding and quick to pick up speed. Seats aren't great - they're ok, but not much padding on them. Some of the seats I noticed facing each other seemed to lack legroom, but the pair of seats at the front are very good. Good trams although will miss the heating, motors and seats on the older Trams.
NX have buses with hard seating some of the Eviro 400 have them at the front and i think the rear seats are like it.
I think only the early batch of E400's (47xx) have the hard seating at the back, as i was on 4812 today and it doesn't have hard seats at the back, only the front
Tram 33 on mileage accumulation trip today, through Jewellery Quarter at 14.30.
Tram 31 on trial today. Also, something failed this morning causing delays...
I notice I posted that 31 was on test in November. Just how much testing do they need?
Quote from: Stevo on February 14, 2015, 10:43:14 AM
I notice I posted that 31 was on test in November. Just how much testing do they need?
Each one has to complete a set number of problem free miles before it is accepted. I can't remember what that number is.
Trams running this morning were :19, 20, 22, 23, 31, 18, 04, 09, 25 and 16. No 05 had joined in by this afternoon, it may have replaced 22 or 23. My personal opinion I that the new trams are very suitable for street running e.g. from Five Ways to Curzon Street but for an interurban route like Birmingham to Wolverhampton more seats and more comfortable seats are needed.
Was 31 in normal service? It must have completed its trouble free mileage at last.
I believe 31 was in service. It appeared to be one of the ten running in the morning.
The info screens were working on tram 20 tonight. Showing stop information and passenger info, but no CCTV
Quote from: Eric Shaw on February 23, 2015, 04:33:37 PM
I believe 31 was in service. It appeared to be one of the ten running in the morning.
ît in service went on in today will upload photo Sunday tram 31 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/16476623297/
34 was on test yesterday.
will tram 11 the one in cream & blue ever be back in service as it seems a waste to paint it only have it now on the sideling's not in service
Quote from: Solo1 on February 28, 2015, 09:21:56 PM
will tram 11 the one in cream & blue ever be back in service as it seems a waste to paint it only have it now on the sideling's not in service
Will go into storage and possible back in use when Digbeth - Birmingham comes online
32 on test today.
I got told that tram 21 was in service earlier this week.
Not sure if true. Don't recall seeing that one for a while
I was at West Bromwich Wed & 08,18 & 20-27 were all seen in service.
Quote from: broma1k on March 20, 2015, 07:32:20 PM
I was at West Bromwich Wed & 08,18 & 20-27 were all seen in service.
Thanks :)
I need 21, 22 and 31 for haulage currently
can we assume that ALL 36? trams have actually been delivered to the wednesbury site? or are there still a couple missing? :-\
Quote from: uniquicity on March 20, 2015, 07:39:39 PM
Thanks :)
I need 21, 22 and 31 for haulage currently
I'm guessing you have actually ridden on tram 17 then??
Need that too. That one is definitely a long term absentee
Of course there are only 20 new trams: 17-36. Has anyone seen 33, 35 or 36?
A recent report on British Trams states there will be tram no.37 making 21 new trams. This confirms what Midland Metro staff told me last April when a new tram was first shown to the public at Snow Hill.
A little bird told me that New tram 17 had its windscreen fall out apparently, fortunately while on test! and currently being 'cannibalised'...So maybe the 37th tram will be a replacement...? unless you know different?...
Think I read somewhere some time ago that Centro had obtained additional funding to purchase an additional vehicle over and above the original order for 20.
Quote from: windy miller on March 28, 2015, 04:02:11 AM
A little bird told me that New tram 17 had its windscreen fall out apparently, fortunately while on test! and currently being 'cannibalised'...So maybe the 37th tram will be a replacement...? unless you know different?...
why would you cannibalise a brand new tram because of this problem, would'nt you get caf on the case to sort it out.
Quote from: wembley86 on March 28, 2015, 02:35:01 PM
why would you cannibalise a brand new tram because of this problem, would'nt you get caf on the case to sort it out.
I have not specified that it was the ONLY problem... I assume there must have been other problems with mo
re than one tram and a Temp 'loan' may have been an easy option.
Tram 37 seen at the Wednesbury Parkway end of the depot today with 17/18/25/27/34/36 amongst others around the depot.
Tram 35 on test run, just left Birmingham Snow Hill
tram 34 on test https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/20361100329/in/dateposted-public/
Tram 32 is now out in service.
any news on tram 17. delivered two years ago and not even made out in public service.