WM Bus Photos Forum

Quote from: kodijay on March 22, 2013, 11:24:39 AM
Who is that

Quote from: bahumbug on May 14, 2012, 08:09:51 PM
Just going off your fleet list for Midland Classic - you have a section of: 'withdrawn vehicles are also believed to be owned'

Under which you list WDA 4T - Just to confirm they do or did own this vehicle - but it is now at Whytall Transport Museum - I took this photograph of it there - not the best - but it was stuck between two others :)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527750_3216145037111_1070905660_2963251_421078985_n.jpg)

Just thought you might be interested :)

Quote from: arrivaaston on April 07, 2013, 04:53:41 PM
Why did they get rid of the 57/08 plate volvos?

Quote from: Winston on April 07, 2013, 04:54:50 PM

Quote from: arrivaaston on April 07, 2013, 04:53:41 PM
Why did they get rid of the 57/08 plate volvos?

To standardize the the fleet on the Scania/Wright combination

Quote from: Tony on March 31, 2013, 07:28:10 PM
One of the recent Scanias has previous history in the area, see bottom photo on this page
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandClassic/88.html

Quote from: John on April 07, 2013, 05:00:48 PM

Quote from: Tony on March 31, 2013, 07:28:10 PM
One of the recent Scanias has previous history in the area, see bottom photo on this page
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandClassic/88.html

Never knew Dunn-line used to come to Birmingham. Where did the X1 come from?

Quote from: Winston on April 07, 2013, 04:54:50 PM

Quote from: arrivaaston on April 07, 2013, 04:53:41 PM
Why did they get rid of the 57/08 plate volvos?

To standardize the the fleet on the Scania/Wright combination

Quote from: nx4737 on April 07, 2013, 06:49:45 PM

Quote from: Winston on April 07, 2013, 04:54:50 PM

Quote from: arrivaaston on April 07, 2013, 04:53:41 PM
Why did they get rid of the 57/08 plate volvos?

To standardize the the fleet on the Scania/Wright combination

That and because they're Volvo, so unreliable.

Quote from: Peter123 on April 18, 2013, 03:30:59 PM
Seems like the lichfield to sutton corridor will be very well covered now-is it even well used??

Quote from: John on April 18, 2013, 03:45:03 PM

Quote from: Peter123 on April 18, 2013, 03:30:59 PM
Seems like the lichfield to sutton corridor will be very well covered now-is it even well used??

The 112 when I have done it in the daytime has been quite empty, not sure about peak times.

The X12 may be better for people who might want to go to Sutton From Burton, who would have to change in Lichfield otherwise.

The Central Buses new route 92 may go a different route from the 112/X12, so more people might use this as well

Quote from: Tony on April 07, 2013, 06:54:44 PM

Quote from: nx4737 on April 07, 2013, 06:49:45 PM

Quote from: Winston on April 07, 2013, 04:54:50 PM

Quote from: arrivaaston on April 07, 2013, 04:53:41 PM
Why did they get rid of the 57/08 plate volvos?

To standardize the the fleet on the Scania/Wright combination

That and because they're Volvo, so unreliable.

Give me a Volvo over a Scania anyday

Quote from: Smethwickian on April 26, 2013, 09:45:38 AM
The remaining section of Arriva 112 between Lichfield and Sutton is being reduced in frequency from Monday, so there probably won't be three buses an hour on that stretch.

However, I cannot find details anywhere for the new Central Buses 92 or Midland Classic X12 and emails to both companies have as yet gone unanswered.

Can companies really expect passengers to use buses with no publicity or information? How long do they expect these routes to last?

Quote from: bahumbug on May 14, 2012, 08:09:51 PM
Just going off your fleet list for Midland Classic - you have a section of: 'withdrawn vehicles are also believed to be owned'

Under which you list WDA 4T - Just to confirm they do or did own this vehicle - but it is now at Whytall Transport Museum - I took this photograph of it there - not the best - but it was stuck between two others :)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527750_3216145037111_1070905660_2963251_421078985_n.jpg)

Just thought you might be interested :)

Quote from: Smethwickian on May 16, 2013, 01:14:35 PM
Confirmed timetable for extended X12 (Sutton Coldfield - Burton), definitely starting May 28, finally available on the company's website.

Quote from: Steveminor on May 17, 2013, 08:02:06 AM
I guess Arriva are going to have a quiet week on their 112 then.

Quote from: Stu on May 16, 2013, 07:13:02 PM
Interesting, Central Buses also announced on their Facebook page that their new 92 service will be free, for an introductory period.

Quote from: Ashley 4569 on May 30, 2013, 10:22:40 PM
That would be quite a sight, two routemasters doing normal service duties in 2013

Quote from: John on July 27, 2013, 04:27:21 PM
New Addition 'D245 FYM'

http://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/9378587732/

Any idea of a fleet number?

Quote from: Matt on January 26, 2014, 01:23:34 PM
Can anyone tell me if the following vehicles are used in service at Midland Classic

12 (K212 UHA)
80 (TOJ 592S)
90 (L649 MYG)

Quote from: bob on January 26, 2014, 04:08:55 PM
Wow!!! I wish itd appear in service more often!

Quote from: Tony on May 03, 2014, 11:24:09 AM
Should be a Trident on the 1230 X12 from Sutton.  First one ever

Quote from: John on May 17, 2014, 04:48:48 PM
New addition is ex-Reading Buses 'YN05 GXH'

on the X12 today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14019344408/

Quote from: Tony on May 17, 2014, 08:18:04 PM

Quote from: John on May 17, 2014, 04:48:48 PM
New addition is ex-Reading Buses 'YN05 GXH'

on the X12 today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14019344408/

I had a tip off as well! - here it is in Four Oaks
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandClassic/YN05GXH.html

Quote from: the trainbasher on May 17, 2014, 08:29:55 PM

Quote from: Tony on May 17, 2014, 08:18:04 PM

Quote from: John on May 17, 2014, 04:48:48 PM
New addition is ex-Reading Buses 'YN05 GXH'

on the X12 today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14019344408/

I had a tip off as well! - here it is in Four Oaks
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandClassic/YN05GXH.html

@Tony. Nice pic, are you sure about the location on the page?

Quote from: Tony on May 17, 2014, 08:18:04 PM

Quote from: John on May 17, 2014, 04:48:48 PM
New addition is ex-Reading Buses 'YN05 GXH'

on the X12 today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14019344408/

I had a tip off as well! - here it is in Four Oaks
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandClassic/YN05GXH.html

Quote from: DiamondDart on May 17, 2014, 08:34:01 PM

Quote from: Tony on May 17, 2014, 08:18:04 PM

Quote from: John on May 17, 2014, 04:48:48 PM
New addition is ex-Reading Buses 'YN05 GXH'

on the X12 today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-s-91/14019344408/

I had a tip off as well! - here it is in Four Oaks
http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandClassic/YN05GXH.html

There certainly were a fair few of these for sale with Drew Wilson so if Midland Classic are prepared to get their cheque book out, it won't be the last...

Quote from: mikestone on May 09, 2014, 10:20:48 PM
White Streetlite (201) MX12DYM
white E200 202 (MX60BWW)

Quote from: stuartn on July 27, 2014, 05:20:23 PM
Midland Classic now have two brand new Enviro200's in the fleet registered as JB14 MCL and KW14 MCL with the fleet numberes reported to be 1 (JB14) and 2 (KW14).

The pair at Plaxtons in Scarborough: www.flickr.com/photos/wda4t/14705302216/

Quote from: John on November 24, 2014, 08:38:18 PM
Either 81 or 82 is now registered with a FN55 registration rather than its South Lancs Travel numberplate. Deffinatly one of the X12 branded Scanias anyway

Quote from: 646 on November 24, 2014, 09:32:06 PM
Where?

Quote from: Alex on March 13, 2015, 09:45:18 PM
Anyone know anything about the supposed X13 starting on the 12th April between Burton and Tamworth?

http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/12April2015.aspx

Quote from: Tiptonian on March 26, 2015, 11:21:00 PM
Now that the ADL E20Ds 1 and 2 have been here for some time, does anyone know if they tend to stick to a particular route?

Also, how are they performing as regards reliability, driver acceptance and fuel consumption?

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on March 27, 2015, 07:01:01 AM
You get one on the X12 most days and the other normally on the 21. Its abit strange having an E200 with leather seats and laminate flooring but there are worse buses out there and theyre a nice pair. Just need more umph for the A38.

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on March 27, 2015, 07:01:01 AM
You get one on the X12 most days and the other normally on the 21. Its abit strange having an E200 with leather seats and laminate flooring but there are worse buses out there and theyre a nice pair. Just need more umph for the A38.

Quote from: Tiptonian on March 26, 2015, 11:21:00 PM
Now that the ADL E20Ds 1 and 2 have been here for some time, does anyone know if they tend to stick to a particular route?

Also, how are they performing as regards reliability, driver acceptance and fuel consumption?

Quote from: Bob on March 27, 2015, 06:22:27 PM
Does the classic metrobus ever see use?

Quote from: Dutsey on March 31, 2015, 10:58:22 AM
Looking at the X13 route another bus down the Lichfield Road corridor lol.

Quote from: 3Q on March 31, 2015, 06:42:21 PM
This section of route has gone from 2 to 9 buses per hour in just over 12 months !

Quote from: mikestone on March 31, 2015, 08:40:36 PM
;
eh - two X12s, an x13 and  two 7s - how do you make that 9?

Quote from: Dutsey on April 08, 2015, 02:25:43 PM
I think that looks good. I also think I saw some of the old livery on Eclipses in Leicester and they looked well smart.

Quote from: Solo1 on April 25, 2015, 07:53:32 PM
this was in town today on the pen top tour of brum  https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjack/17081516349/

Quote from: Dutsey on May 08, 2015, 10:33:27 AM
What has the patronage been like on the X13?

Quote from: DiamondDart on June 05, 2015, 04:30:40 PM
Obviously not sufficient as it's withdrawn from 5/7/15

Quote from: Dutsey on June 15, 2015, 09:49:13 AM
That's a shame, I think new routes should have to be run for a year to give people the chance to use it and rely on it

Quote from: Dutsey on June 15, 2015, 01:13:24 PM
I understand that but surely a route needs time to become established, 3 months is hardly a long time and they should advertise the route with offers etc.

I think they could link with the hospital which may give more usage.

Quote from: Dutsey on June 15, 2015, 01:13:24 PM
I understand that but surely a route needs time to become established, 3 months is hardly a long time and they should advertise the route with offers etc.

I think they could link with the hospital which may give more usage.

Quote from: Dennis on June 15, 2015, 08:34:07 PM
Three months sounds ample time to assess whether it's commercially viable or not. The only way to tell is to try it.

If there's been patronage growth in that period you might keep at it, but if it's been flat for two of the three months it's probably not going to work and you're best to scale it back.

Quote from: Michael Bevan on June 15, 2015, 11:39:22 PM
I know I'm going to seem like an idiot for asking but is TOJ 592S still with Midland Classic?

Quote from: Tony on June 15, 2015, 08:39:19 PM
Any 'new' route takes a lot longer than three months to know if it is going to be viable. Most genuine 'new' routes as opposed to ones aimed at either taking existing passengers, or mostly replacing another route are generally tendered for the first year to give them chance to grow and become viable.

Nobody just changes their travelling habits just because a new route appears.

Quote from: Bob on June 16, 2015, 10:15:25 AM
Do you think this will be the case with the 154 Tony? Because despite smart new buses wi fi etc its doing absolutely dismally at the moment.  Yet the 54 has taken off.

Quote from: Bob on June 16, 2015, 10:24:53 AM
True but plenty of people from cannock go to wolves.  But as ive said before there's not a single timetable up anywhere in staffordshire,  well at least as far as Featherstone so how on earth would anyone know it even exists?

Quote from: John on June 16, 2015, 08:42:21 PM
Are the Tridents used in service anymore?

I never saw any today, but did see all of the 'new' deckers 51-55 out and about (including 54 on the X12)

Quote from: Westy on June 16, 2015, 09:18:18 PM
@Bob Do you know if theres any timetable leaflets for the 54 / 154 in Cannock or any other Staffordshire library?

Quote from: trident4370 on July 28, 2015, 05:31:57 PM
I suspect it will do the rounds at the bus rallies this summer, must admit I am dying to see it in the flesh.

Quote from: Cheese on July 28, 2015, 05:56:23 PM
Just seen a pic of it in Midland Classic livery, looks rather good. Although would have been even better in Stevensons livery...

Quote from: John on July 28, 2015, 06:14:33 PM
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11174766_10153153423555787_1160105806808789284_n.jpg?oh=0bdd9de95c58289ac7569c6d237f293d&oe=56465CF1

Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 28, 2015, 06:16:53 PM
Wow Thankyou @John

Quote from: John on July 28, 2015, 08:41:58 PM
Here is a pic of the offside. I do agree it looks dam smart

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wda4t/19468962703/

I do hope it will see normal service in Burton to make it easy to find. I know it would probably never happen, but I would love to see it in Sutton on the X12  ;D

Quote from: Michael Bevan on August 29, 2015, 05:58:27 PM
R2 NEG just left Sutton on X12!

Quote from: John on August 29, 2015, 06:16:23 PM
I was hoping it would make an appearance on there. Hope you got a pic! If I knew, I would have gone to see it

Quote from: Michael Bevan on August 29, 2015, 06:19:23 PM
Was on 4926 at the time so didn't manage to.

Quote from: Gareth on August 30, 2015, 07:41:53 PM
4002 will be one of the buses operating the car park shuttle at BaMMOT tomorrow. Looking forward to a ride along with sister 4001.

Quote from: RS on August 30, 2015, 08:29:06 PM
where abouts to and from is it free ?

Quote from: RS on August 30, 2015, 09:50:23 PM
is 4002 defo gonna be there

Quote from: Reece on October 04, 2015, 12:54:02 PM
I am happy to announce I was told by a Midland Classic driver in Sutton Coldfield yesterday that Midland Classic are apparently having some more Optare Spectras off NXWM I don't how many. Apparently the drivers their really like the Spectra. :D

Quote from: Reece on October 04, 2015, 12:54:02 PM
I am happy to announce I was told by a Midland Classic driver in Sutton Coldfield yesterday that Midland Classic are apparently having some more Optare Spectras off NXWM I don't how many. Apparently the drivers their really like the Spectra. :D

Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 25, 2015, 10:09:09 AM
Can anyone tell me what routes have what buses even if just saying single decker or double decker please. Thankyou

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 25, 2015, 11:08:42 AM
The 401/402 are L94UB's.

Quote from: 2206 on October 25, 2015, 11:18:56 AM
Midland Classic don't have a 401?
403?
@Ashley 60171

Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 25, 2015, 01:28:36 PM
Where are 71 and 72 usually?

Thanks @Ashley 60171 for your consistently good knowledge

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 25, 2015, 01:34:10 PM
The 4, 9, 19, 21 are your best bets. But they don't seem to appear on each visit so it's pot luck sadly but they're a good ride and still pretty tidy.

Quote from: tphi12000 on November 19, 2015, 10:48:28 PM
E200's 3 and 207 were noted in use today on the former diamond Lichfield circulars.

Quote from: DiamondDart on November 20, 2015, 12:42:13 AM
Thought Solus Coaches ran the Lichfield Circular's now?

Quote from: Cheese on November 20, 2015, 08:19:52 AM
They were, but Midland Classic now operating them on behalf of Diamond instead.

Quote from: Winston on November 20, 2015, 08:39:43 AM
Is that just until the Solus coaches registrations kick in or have things changed?

Quote from: Justin Tyme on November 20, 2015, 07:08:17 PM
That's interesting - thanks Cheese!

I've found the timetable on the Midland Classic website, stating that the company started operating services 20-23 (on behalf of Diamond) from 16 November and will do so until Christmas Eve: -

http://www.midlandclassic.com/media/1945/Lichfield-Timetable-161115-web.pdf

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on December 13, 2015, 02:11:21 PM
Spectra 41 was there but had a panel missing on the front so may be withdrawn.

Quote from: P419 EJW on December 13, 2015, 03:03:02 PM
If it is true 4002 may be withdrawn then it is a shame she had a short life outside NX... Hope 4002 goes into preservation. :)

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on December 13, 2015, 03:28:15 PM
It may not be withdrawn but that was just my guess. There may also be a lack of spare parts.

Quote from: Westy on December 13, 2015, 03:37:41 PM
Wonder why they bought it if there was likely to be a spare part issue?

Didn't WMPTE have a similar problem with a FODEN double decker they bought in the late 70's?

Quote from: James on December 13, 2015, 06:19:11 PM
The engine has expired on the Spectra in a big way. The DLA has been purchased to donate its engine (and it's X441 not 438, that's the one at Arriva Burton!) but will run it in the short term. So don't worry, it's in good hands. Shows as a warning that the purchase price of a bus for preservation is most certainly the cheap part!

71 and 72 both withdrawn for scrap.

James

Quote from: James on December 13, 2015, 10:53:33 PM
Likely to be sold after 31 December.

Intend to run it on X12 on the 31 December though.

James

Quote from: RS on December 13, 2015, 10:57:29 PM
So is EX NX 4002 To be used again or is it withdrawn

Quote from: James on December 13, 2015, 06:19:11 PM
The engine has expired on the Spectra in a big way. The DLA has been purchased to donate its engine (and it's X441 not 438, that's the one at Arriva Burton!) but will run it in the short term. So don't worry, it's in good hands. Shows as a warning that the purchase price of a bus for preservation is most certainly the cheap part!

71 and 72 both withdrawn for scrap.

James

Quote from: P419 EJW on December 14, 2015, 01:09:45 AM
Well, if you have read the other replies then you would know the answer to your question. James has already said he's waiting for the donor engine...

Quote from: Bob on December 13, 2015, 11:46:37 PM
It was running on Thursday in Lichfield not sure what on though. Do you still have the Metro?

Quote from: James on December 30, 2015, 12:29:27 AM
Afraid not, it's decided it didn't want to last until the deadline :(

James

Quote from: Adam 404 on February 17, 2016, 04:04:24 PM
Midland Classic 40 is for sale at £8,500
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-X-DAF-DB250-ALEXANDER-ALX400-67-SEAT-LOW-FLOOR-DOUBLE-DECK-BUS-/281932931623?hash=item41a4832227:g:bWkAAOSwezVWvGL-

Quote from: tphi12000 on March 18, 2016, 10:03:46 PM
Noted former Trident 93 V306KGW passing through Lichfield this evening converted to open top and repainted mainly white / cream and green livery no fleetnames.

Quote from: 2206 on April 02, 2016, 11:49:36 AM
Does anyone know what route 1 and 2 are on today and if they are out?

Quote from: John on April 02, 2016, 11:53:42 AM
2 is on the X12. Saw it in Sutton this morning

Quote from: 2206 on April 02, 2016, 11:54:24 AM
Thanks @John.
What time did you see it?

Quote from: John on April 02, 2016, 11:56:22 AM
I think it was around half 9

Quote from: John on April 07, 2016, 08:17:07 PM
Midland Classic are about to recieve 2 brand new Optare Metrocities. One will be '5'

The link to Flickr on the Facebook post dosen't work so I've attached the post

Quote from: 2206 on April 07, 2016, 08:18:39 PM
Does anyone know what route they are for? It would be nice to see one on the X12.

Quote from: Adam 404 on April 07, 2016, 08:21:57 PM
On the post it says "A regular sight in Lichfield" so I am guessing the circular services there but I may be wrong.

Quote from: Solo1 on April 08, 2016, 02:09:30 AM
If it is on the Lichfield locals does it pay enough would of thought more
for the x12

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on April 21, 2016, 06:12:46 PM
Are the Metrocities in service yet on the Lichfield circulars?

Quote from: Tony on April 26, 2016, 01:29:25 PM
In talks to buy Arriva Burton
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Arriva-talks-sell-Burton-services-Midland-Classic/story-29178652-detail/story.html

Quote from: Bryan on April 15, 2016, 11:32:07 AM
PD1050801 SN
MIDLAND CLASSIC LIMITED T/A MIDLAND CLASSIC
Director(s): JAMES BODDICE, JOHN MITCHESON, JULIAN HENRY PEDDLE.
UNIT 5, 290 STANTON ROAD  BURTON-ON-TRENT DE15 9SQ
New operating centre: WETMORE ROAD  BURTON UPON TRENT DE14 1QL
()
New authorisation at this operating centre will be: 20 vehicle(s),

Quote from: Winston on April 26, 2016, 01:31:55 PM
It makes you wonder whether this is the start of more to come at Midlands & elsewhere within Arriva UK, parent company DB have apparently slashed the new fleet investment budget for this year

Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2016, 03:17:47 PM
how near to the old Stevenson depot /arriva depot is the new operating centre

Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2016, 11:22:31 PM
I wonder if midland classic has dented the profit at Arriva Burton &that's the reason for the sale or is there another reason for the sale

Quote from: Winston on April 26, 2016, 11:41:09 PM
They may well have done on the town services, but it might also just be another cost cutting exercise designed to reduce Arriva Midlands operating costs by removing the requirement for a depot in Burton & the associated overheads, transferring as many Burton services in to other Arriva depots, whilst only sacrificing the town services (which may now be less profitable due to successful competition from Midland Classic). As an added bonus it may free up some current Burton vehicles for cascade / replacing older vehicles due to reduced requirements & savings on engineering spares etc

Quote from: John on May 17, 2016, 08:51:33 AM
'R2 NEG' now re-engined and back on the road

Quote from: Westy on April 27, 2016, 09:01:28 PM
How good are Burton's vehicles compared to Cannock's?

Would they transfer straight to Cannock or would they transfer elsewhere & Cannock gets inferior 'cheaper' vehicles?

Quote from: 646 on May 17, 2016, 05:18:14 PM
No they haven't. 3706 and 2716 are examples to the contrary.

The deckers may appear reasonably tidy but are time-expired.

Quote from: Bob on May 17, 2016, 05:34:47 PM

3706 is pretty much as bad as all of 3701-4 were in cannock till they got a light retrim years after the others

Quote from: tjwpsv on March 18, 2016, 11:32:30 PM
Heading to Seaford & District for their new Eastbourne Sightseeing service.

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 04, 2016, 03:43:20 PM
I would have thought they will use the arriva buses at the start but gradually phase them out with new/second hand buses so they may just have the midland classic logos on the arriva livery. As for the buses themselves, I don't think midland classic will want the cadets/commanders but I think they will keep the versas and buy more favoured buses like Scanias or Optares second hand/new to replace the cadets/commanders. I think they may keep the DAF DB250s for mechanical parts to keep R2NEG going strong.

All of this is just my opinion so I may be wrong but this is what I would say @Solo1

Quote from: mikestone on July 26, 2016, 06:16:58 PM
It has now been revealed that several routes will be either be changed, cancelled or extended beginning on Sunday, August 28, the day the deal is due to be completed.

This includes:

    Services 7 / 7A / 7B / 7E (Arriva Midlands, Burton - Lichfield) will be cancelled and replaced by Midland Classic services 11 / 810 / 811 / 812.
    Service 8 (Queens Hospital - Burton - Swadlincote) will be operated by Midland Classic with a revised timetable and the route extended to Queens Hospital.
    Services 9 / 19 (Midland Classic, Burton - Ashby) - Revised route and timetable, with 19A journeys cancelled, and most journeys no longer serving Queens Hospital (replaced by service 8 extension).
    Service 9 (Arriva Midlands, Burton - Coalville) - Revised route and timetable, with evening journeys reduced and renumbered as 9.
    Service 9A (Arriva Midlands, Burton - Coalville) - Revised timetable.
    Service 10 (Midland Classic, Burton - Rough Hay) - Revised timetable.
    Service 11 - Midland Classic Burton - Anglesey Road service will be extended to Barton-under-Needwood to replace Arriva Midlands 7A.

Other services are set to be affected by a revised timetable.

These include:

    Service 17 (Midland Classic, Burton - Stretton) - Revised timetable.
    Service 18 (Midland Classic, Burton - Dalebrook) - Revised timetable.
    Services 402 / 403 (Midland Classic, Burton - Uttoxeter) - Revised route and timetable. 402X will be cancelled.
    Service 406 - New half hourly, Monday to Saturday, Uttoxeter Town circular, to be operated by Midland Classic (replacing Arriva Midlands service 4).
    Services 810 / 811 / 812 (Midland Classic, Burton - Lichfield) - Revised route and timetable, with additional 811 and 812 journeys to replace Arriva Midlands 7 / 7B and a new Sunday service to replace Arriva service 7E.
    Swift service (Trent Barton, Derby - Uttoxeter) - Revised timetable.
;

taken from
;
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/changes-to-bus-routes-in-burton-as-takeover-deal-nears-completion/story-29553245-detail/story.html

;
I presume they have overlooked the 1, which becomes 401 according to Derbyshire.

Quote from: Solo1 on July 27, 2016, 02:26:58 PM
Which buses are used on each route  what service would N2neg  be found on

Quote from: 2206 on July 27, 2016, 05:01:00 PM
The X12 gets Scania L94UB and the occasional Enviro 200

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 27, 2016, 05:34:59 PM
I wouldn't say that Midland Classic routes have allocations as I have seen most types on most routes apart from the Metrocities which stay on circulars in Lichfield

Quote from: 2206 on July 27, 2016, 05:39:28 PM
The Sutton - Lichfield part of the X12 only gets Scania L94UB and Enviro 200, its rare for anything else to be on it.
@Dylanbusboy45

Quote from: Winston on August 12, 2016, 11:51:48 AM
PD1050801/33 - MIDLAND CLASSIC LIMITED T/A MIDLAND CLASSIC, UNIT 5, 290 STANTON ROAD, BURTON-ON-TRENT, DE15 9SQ
    Registration Accepted
    Starting Point: Derby
    Finish Point: Burton
    Via:
    Service Number: X39
    Service Type: Normal Stopping
    Effective Date: 04-OCT-2016
    Other Details: Daily

Quote from: 646 on August 12, 2016, 12:41:10 PM
For Boots in Burton

Quote from: 646 on August 12, 2016, 12:41:10 PM
For Boots in Burton

Quote from: mikestone on August 15, 2016, 04:58:35 PM
New timetables now on website. It looks as though they may be outstationing three buses in Uttoxeter.

Quote from: leepenfold30 on August 30, 2016, 06:29:11 AM
Arriva 2711 Y351 UON also on loan at Burton renumbered as 211

Quote from: mikestone on August 25, 2016, 11:14:38 PM
http://www.midlandclassic.com/news/2016/07/stevensons-90-event/
;

Quote from: mikestone on September 11, 2016, 10:45:58 PM
;
seen were
G918LHA
TFA13 now with Stevensons fleetnames
F96PRE
TOJ592S
798UXA
DOC26V
TMS405X
KCG627L
KLB596
1294RE depot
MFA703G
MFR41P
R2NEG
XBF423X, in Stevenson's livery as 14, also carrying reg plate UVT14X
KLB908
;

Quote from: Solo1 on September 28, 2016, 12:12:06 PM
The ex Arriva stuff midland classic has running with midland classic names over the arriva one will they repaint them or will they be getting some more new buses

Quote from: mikestone on September 28, 2016, 01:53:22 PM
Did you see TFA13 - if so has retained its Stevenson's fleetnames?

Quote from: mikestone on September 28, 2016, 01:53:22 PM
Did you see TFA13 - if so has retained its Stevenson's fleetnames?

Quote from: Cheese on September 28, 2016, 03:44:33 PM
Yes, graphed that on Saturday still with its Stevensons names.

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on October 05, 2016, 04:49:54 PM
There is 2 Olympus Scanias in use with Midland Classic according to the Derby Bus Depot. They are YN08HYO/HYP and were used on the Woodley services at Reading which is now being upgraded with new Streetdecks so I would say that Midland Classic has purchased them

Quote from: John on October 21, 2016, 01:52:57 PM
Two Reading Buses Optare Olympus's seem to be on loan, one is numbered 57

https://www.flickr.com/photos/55432463@N08/30063148052/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55432463@N08/30376777371/

Quote from: ntw456 on November 22, 2016, 02:48:57 PM
Just seen some of the commanders on eBay courtesy of @Busman Jamie

Quote from: Adam 404 on November 22, 2016, 03:24:09 PM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-DAF-SB200-WRIGHTS-COMMANDER-44-SEAT-DDA-BUS-CHOICE-OF-10-BUSES-/282262938963?hash=item41b82ea553:g:MqUAAOSw5cNYMjad

10 of them!

Quote from: James on December 29, 2016, 05:33:01 PM
Hello,

The following is planned.

Friday 30 December
Leyland Olympian F96PRE will operate the following:
X12 0930 Burton to Sutton Coldfield
X12 1033 Sutton Coldfield to Burton
X12 1430 Burton to Sutton Coldfield
X12 1538 Sutton Coldfield to Burton

Saturday 31 December
Most journeys on route 21 will be operated by our Routemaster, F96 and TOJ592S.

All subject to vehicle availability.

James

Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 31, 2016, 09:00:14 AM
Best way to burton centre from rail station?

Thanks

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 31, 2016, 09:04:12 AM
Turn right out the station and walk.

Failing that the bus stop on the other side of the road has plenty of choice.

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on January 03, 2017, 04:38:06 PM
Scania Wright Solars 86/82/81 and DAF Pulsar Gemini 45 are on the X12 today.
I thought the X12 needed 3 buses but I saw 4 buses on there today at Lichfield

Scania Wright Solar 88 seemed to be a spare bus at Lichfield

Quote from: John on January 03, 2017, 06:09:37 PM
I think the Burton-Lichfield X12s interwork with another route in Burton

Quote from: John on January 03, 2017, 06:09:37 PM
I think the Burton-Lichfield X12s interwork with another route in Burton

Quote from: Alex on January 03, 2017, 08:19:44 PM
@John They interwork with the 812 on both ends, i believe, as the past twice i did the 812, it changed to an X12 at Lichfield

Quote from: Solo1 on January 07, 2017, 10:51:22 AM
Wonder why they sold it didn't last long at midland classic

Quote from: Cheese on January 07, 2017, 04:53:50 PM
According to the Norwich Bus Page it is only on loan to Lynx for 5 weeks.

http://www.norwichbuspage.com/

Quote from: Grinder on February 16, 2017, 09:02:51 AM
Any one heard what is happening to the ex Arriva DAF Commanders that were up for sale on e-bay? Caught a glimpse of one the other day in Burton obviously in service as it had a good load.  Also saw a Enviro 200 in a red livery with Midland Classic stickers. Only caught part of the reg which was YX09 any news on that?

Quote from: mikestone on March 23, 2017, 10:27:31 PM
Revised timetables from 9th April now on website.
;
http://www.midlandclassic.com/media/2061/X12-9417.pdf

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on April 09, 2017, 08:15:20 PM
Midland Classic have purchased another Wright Solar from Reading Buses YN57FWG but this one is slightly different from the rest as it is on the Scania K230UB chassis

https://www.flickr.com/photos/twinbuses/33936897565/in/dateposted/

Quote from: Grinder on March 30, 2017, 09:27:23 AM
The Dennis Falcon fleet no 12 should be moved to the 'still owned' part of the fleet list as it has been out of use for some time with engine trouble. It is currently being restored, see Project Falcon on Facebook.

Quote from: Michael Bevan on September 17, 2017, 11:01:57 PM
According to a couple of posts on Facebook, it appears Midland Classic are now operating on Amazon routes. I believe they are doing journeys on the A5 and A51 alongside NX? I'm not too sure though.

Quote from: 47609FireFly on October 29, 2017, 02:09:34 PM
The bush telegraph suggests that Julian Peddle (Centrebus / Midland Classic) has acquired 10, 12 plate, E200s through Manheim auctions in Coventry. The vehicles were new to First London but passed to Tower Transit when First disposed of its London operations.

YX12 AYZ and YX12 DJE are currently at the Midland Repair Centre, Derby, for work and are thought to be for Midland Classic. Time will no doubt tell

Quote from: 2206 on November 11, 2017, 02:23:07 PM
Midland Classic 57, YN08HYO is on the X12 today and was in Sutton Coldfield at about 12:50 today. First time I've seen a Midland Classic Double Decker get to Sutton Coldfield.
It was operating the 12:55 - Sutton Coldfield to Burton Upon Trent.

Quote from: 2206 on November 11, 2017, 02:23:07 PM
Midland Classic 57, YN08HYO is on the X12 today and was in Sutton Coldfield at about 12:50 today. First time I've seen a Midland Classic Double Decker get to Sutton Coldfield.
It was operating the 12:55 - Sutton Coldfield to Burton Upon Trent.

Quote from: P419 EJW on November 11, 2017, 03:07:54 PM
The 09:50, 10:50 and 11:50 X12 ex Burton are all DD operated, all the rest are SD.

Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 12, 2017, 08:43:04 PM
Do deckers do any departures from Sutton?

Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 12, 2017, 08:43:04 PM
Do deckers do any departures from Sutton?

Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 12, 2017, 08:43:04 PM
Do deckers do any departures from Sutton?

Quote from: 47609FireFly on October 31, 2017, 09:42:45 PM
YX12 AFZ, YX12 AGZ and YX12 AYF were noted parked in the yard of Centrebus' Wenlock Way depot, in Leicester, on 31/10/2017.

Quote from: P419 EJW on November 11, 2017, 03:07:54 PM
The 09:50, 10:50 and 11:50 X12 ex Burton are all DD operated, all the rest are SD.

Quote from: 2206 on December 27, 2017, 11:27:17 PM
A Gemini decker operated the 17:08 X12 from Sutton Coldfield this afternoon.

Quote from: 2206 on August 13, 2018, 10:58:23 AM
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/524134/
Midland Classic will be operating in Erdington, Witton and Perry Barr on the X11 to Boots Burton over the next few months from September.

Quote from: Busman Jamie on August 13, 2018, 07:22:28 PM
Normally deckers

Quote from: StourValley98 on August 13, 2018, 08:01:24 PM
I'm not sure on the exact route it'll take, but I took a guess with it going via Lichfield.

Quote from: Smethwickian on August 14, 2018, 02:08:29 PM
When Central Buses ran it it went via Kingsbury Road, the A38 at Swinfen Hall, appeared to avoid Lichfield city centre but called at Trent Valley Island, then via the A38 past Fradley -  see http://www.midlandclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bootsleaflet.pdf

Quote from: MW on August 25, 2018, 08:44:30 AM
Just seen a Midland Classic Gemini in Balsall Common on Kenilworth Road. Presumably some sort of rail replacement/private hire.

Quote from: Solo1 on August 25, 2018, 11:41:31 AM
rail birmingham international  to coventry

Quote from: Justin Tyme on August 25, 2018, 08:58:50 PM
That's right. I had a great ride on DAF/Gemini 44 from Coventry to International, calling at all stations, this afternoon.  A similar Midland Classic Gemini followed us, and near Berkswell Station we passed a couple of Midland Classic pink ex-Reading Scanias en route from International to Rugby via all stations.

Quote from: broma1k on September 13, 2018, 09:02:18 PM
Seen at the Burton depot today E400 SN11 BMU with fleet number 211 on loan for evaluation to replace some deckers.

Quote from: Grinder on September 14, 2018, 08:23:19 AM
On 'Bus Lists On The Web' SN11BMU comes up as a Dennis Trident 2 with an Alexander ALX400 body and new to First Capital in 2011

Quote from: Grinder on September 14, 2018, 02:13:47 PM
Sorry I have misunderstood the AD Tt in the description AD Tt SFD1DSBRGBGXB592. Error based on reading Tt as Trident as per LK51UZO    Ds Tt SFD339BR21GX21608

Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 17, 2018, 10:38:27 PM
Just thinking aloud.... Possibility of setting up an outstation in a depot previously vacated or using space in another operators yard with spare capacity...

Operating tendered service 53 from the Perry Barr or Hockley area would work well and would fit with timetables for X11, JL1 and a central base for rail replacement work.

Quote from: 2206 on September 17, 2018, 07:16:56 AM
According to a post on the train forum Midland Classic have won the 53.
53 Erdington to Smiths Wood - via Nechells, Saltley, Alum Rock, Bordesley Green, Heartlands Hospital, Stechford, Shard End, Buckland End and Castle Bromwich.
Therefore operating in areas of East Birmingham that they have never operated in before.
I wander what they'll use?
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/west-midlands-bus-network-review-s.129378/page-3#post-3641661

Quote from: metrocity on September 28, 2018, 08:03:28 PM
MC have turned down the award

Quote from: I love Walsall buses on September 28, 2018, 08:05:02 PM
So who will be running the 53

Quote from: I love Walsall buses on September 28, 2018, 08:05:02 PM
So who will be running the 53

Quote from: Kevin on September 30, 2018, 07:26:47 PM
I would love to see nx on it. Give up pretending to care about the 66 and have it just run city - stab city and the 53 can provide the link from Nechells up to Erdington

Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 30, 2018, 08:28:00 PM
Stab city? Is it that bad @Kevin?

Quote from: metrocity on September 28, 2018, 09:05:56 PM
Back out to tender again (for a 3rd time)

Quote from: metrocity on September 28, 2018, 09:05:56 PM
Back out to tender again (for a 3rd time)

Quote from: I love Walsall buses on September 30, 2018, 09:11:28 PM
Well discount travel solutions or claribels might get it
Just a thought

Quote from: 2206 on September 30, 2018, 10:14:00 PM
Extremly unlikely.
Can't see that happening.

Quote from: fleetline6477 on October 01, 2018, 06:58:35 PM
Could say the same about Travel Express picking up the tender for Bilston route 303!!

Quote from: metrocity on September 28, 2018, 09:05:56 PM
Back out to tender again (for a 3rd time)

Quote from: 2206 on October 12, 2018, 06:01:39 PM
Has it been awarded to an operator yet?

Quote from: John on November 02, 2018, 08:45:28 AM
OmniCity 'YN08 MKO' is now repainted in fleet livery

Quote from: I love Walsall buses on November 02, 2018, 04:49:25 PM
crimson or red and white

Quote from: Winston on November 02, 2018, 04:50:08 PM
Midland Classic fleet livery is red & yellow

Quote from: Busman Jamie on November 17, 2018, 05:10:31 PM
Could it be on the John Lewis?

Quote from: 2206 on November 17, 2018, 05:00:07 PM
There was a Midland Classic Gemini on Park Street in Birmingham City Centre at about 16:00.
Does anyone know what it was doing?

Quote from: MW on November 17, 2018, 08:41:16 PM
About 5 times in the past few weeks I've noticed a Midland Classic bus on the A435 around Becketts Farm & Maypole heading towards Birmingham between 7.30am and 8am.

This morning it was a Gemini. Probably the same one.

Quote from: Smethwickian on November 18, 2018, 11:20:31 AM
Presumably on its way back from the morning contract run to Redditch iForce logistics centre (which has a contract for John Lewis order fulfilment, hence the references to that department store) - timetable here http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=cen&line=55JL1&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA03_32604598&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_spTr=1&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=MDC

Quote from: CL on January 02, 2019, 03:56:12 AM
Is 41 (R2 NEG) still used in service? If so, is there a particular service it stays on?

Quote from: StourValley98 on January 02, 2019, 05:45:26 AM
The last I heard was that it was out of service with issues or something along those lines.

Quote from: 2206 on January 02, 2019, 07:34:56 PM
I was in the City Centre in the Evening Peak tonight:
55 in Stevensons livery was on Smallbrook Queensway on the JL1 to John Lewis in Redditch.
An Optare Metrocity was on the A52 at Old Square where it terminated, is this no longer an NX route @Tony, I thought it was being operated by BC?

Quote from: 2206 on January 02, 2019, 07:34:56 PM
I was in the City Centre in the Evening Peak tonight:
55 in Stevensons livery was on Smallbrook Queensway on the JL1 to John Lewis in Redditch.
An Optare Metrocity was on the A52 at Old Square where it terminated, is this no longer an NX route @Tony, I thought it was being operated by BC?

Quote from: Wright liberator on April 27, 2019, 11:39:36 AM
Anyone know how many vehicles are on rt X12 burton to Sutton Coldfield on a Saturday ? Seen on rt X12 today fleet no. 78,81 as its last day of midland classic running service into West Midlands

Quote from: Wright liberator on April 27, 2019, 12:37:59 PM
Ok thanks so they'll be more than 3 buses on x12 then ?

Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on April 27, 2019, 01:17:09 PM
Should be yes, just keep watching https://bustimes.org/services/x12-burton-lichfield-sutton-coldfield as they should show up on there upon being logged onto the route in Burton

Quote from: mikestone on April 29, 2019, 09:37:36 PM
R2NEG reported to have gone to Mike James on the Derby Bus Depot site.

Quote from: mikestone on April 29, 2019, 09:37:36 PM
R2NEG reported to have gone to Mike James on the Derby Bus Depot site.

Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2019, 05:19:54 PM
Noticed a repainted in Burton colours vehicle in Lichfield earlier.

Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 21, 2019, 01:06:40 PM
Does the 813 still run?

Quote from: broma1k on August 27, 2019, 06:28:24 PM
Surprised to see Wright double deck 47 in Lichfield this lunchtime thought these had been sold.

Passed to a dealer recently then returned  & put back into service.

Quote from: BusMan Greg on August 21, 2019, 01:06:40 PM
Does the 813 still run?

Quote from: mikestone on September 10, 2019, 06:59:46 PM
;
According to Staffordshire website a new service from Burton to Rodbaston College is running as 813 - no timetable on Midland Classic website or traveline, so perhaps closed door service listed in error? The college booklet has an 844 and certainly implies closed door - unless the 844 was oversubscribed and 813 is commercial?
;
This may be connected with reported hire of Centrebus 702 as 218?

Quote from: pb2012 on September 06, 2019, 11:16:52 AM
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/538451/
x61 wolves to burton?

Quote from: Michael Bevan on November 15, 2019, 09:01:35 AM
Looks like Midland Classic have acquired an ex Yourbus Enviro 200 in the form of YY67 USO. It's just passed through Kingstanding on the X18 to Burton.

Quote from: CL on November 25, 2019, 02:39:30 PM
on their website: http://www.midlandclassic.com/routes-and-services/

"Open to all wishing to travel. Standard fares apply"

Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 22, 2020, 07:59:00 PM
Does anyone know what font Midland classic use for their route numbers?

Quote from: mikestone on March 21, 2020, 11:05:38 AM
Or look at Staffordshire website which has had it for several days without any "answer this to carry on reading" nonsense and doesn't lead with a scare mongering withdrawal of hospital  buses story..

Quote from: mikestone on June 07, 2020, 06:51:40 PM
It has been reported that 63 has lost its Burton Corporation livery and now has a  "Key Workers" embelishments on fleet livery.

Quote from: mikestone on September 09, 2020, 09:06:59 PM
Lichfield City services have become 31/2, as 8xx series numbers are school routes and the 812 is now 12.
;
Were the city services 31/2 in a previous incarnation?

Quote from: CL on January 10, 2021, 09:04:50 PM
MC seems to have acquired (at least) three Scania Irizar i3s; former Menzies' YN64 FWX/FWY/FWZ

Quote from: mikestone on March 28, 2021, 10:31:31 PM
bustimes is consistently showing Olympian 96 on the 808 - anyone know if that's right, or has there been a ticket machine swop?

Quote from: BusMan Greg on April 08, 2021, 07:43:06 PM
As of the 19th of April, a new service 12E will be introduced between Lichfield & Burton which will bring new early morning & late night links to the area (The last trip off Lichfield is 2220). This service is semi-fast and misses out the villages of Kings Bromley & Yoxall! I'd imagine these journeys are funded by the council?

Quote from: CL on June 19, 2021, 09:34:45 AM
Irizar i3, fleet number 26, on its first day in service
https://flic.kr/p/2m6rb3v

Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 29, 2021, 07:53:36 PM
Those Scania irizars really do look outstanding vehicles. Managed to sample two of midland classics fleet today. President 105 on the 12 (what a great route that one is) and 92 on the 401 (very quick e400). Double deckers have some great scenery too. West Midlands is so dull now

Quote from: mikestone on July 29, 2021, 08:17:32 PM
It is also reported they have acquired some from Sc/Irizar from Reading Buses too.
;

Quote from: B61 ANDREW on August 08, 2021, 09:37:05 PM
YN17ONJ on rail replacement at Bromsgrove this afternoon. Rather smart vehicle.

Quote from: mikestone on August 09, 2021, 09:50:31 AM
Is there more than one?

Quote from: DJ on August 08, 2021, 09:47:25 PM
One of their 21 plate MCV eVoRa B8RLEs was on there too.

Quote from: mikestone on August 23, 2021, 02:41:40 PM
What I assume to be Olympian 96 is in one of the yards at Tamworth - has it left the fleet?
.
Ex Reading Irizar 15  is now in fleet livery
.
At least two of the 66 reg Optares are branded for the 9 to EMA.

Quote from: Ian Hardy on September 26, 2021, 08:25:11 PM
Irizar 17 YN17 ONJ looked very good in the sun at Showbus today (26/09/2021)

Quote from: Wumpty on October 06, 2021, 02:32:38 PM
Does anyone know what the X11 to Newtown was that was shown on Bustimes a few days back?

Quote from: metrocity on October 06, 2021, 02:54:07 PM
Seasonal workers service to Boots Warehouse in Burton

Quote from: Wumpty on November 03, 2021, 10:14:24 AM
Is there a list of the X contract services running as there's nothing shown on their website?

Quote from: Wumpty on November 03, 2021, 10:14:24 AM
Is there a list of the X contract services running as there's nothing shown on their website?

Quote from: Wumpty on November 03, 2021, 10:14:24 AM
Is there a list of the X contract services running as there's nothing shown on their website?

Quote from: 2206 on November 10, 2021, 05:22:12 PM
No, Coventry DHL.

Quote from: ellspurs on November 10, 2021, 05:21:29 PM
X45 Erdington to Burton-upon-Trent Boots

Quote from: CL on November 10, 2021, 04:40:55 PM
Pulsar YJ07 JDZ (ex-Diamond 32101) acquired

Quote from: CL on November 10, 2021, 04:40:55 PM
Pulsar YJ07 JDZ (ex-Diamond 32101) acquired

Quote from: ellspurs on November 10, 2021, 05:21:29 PM
X45 Erdington to Coventry DHL

X39 Chaddesden, Derby to Burton-upon-Trent Boots

X11 Newtown, Birmingham to Burton-upon-Trent Boots

There was an X76 showing on bustimes as well but I can't see where the full route was.

EDIT: Changed it.

Quote from: 4679 on November 13, 2021, 04:51:33 PM
X46 Dudley - Burton-upon-Trent Boots via Walsall

Quote from: andy41 on August 03, 2022, 01:57:52 PMWhen are you moving this thread to Rotala?

Quote from: DJ on August 03, 2022, 01:58:56 PMJesus, give them chance! There's nothing official yet anyway.

Quote from: andy41 on August 03, 2022, 02:01:02 PMKeep up. Yes there is.

Quote from: DJ on August 03, 2022, 02:03:53 PMOkay, now there is. It's now showing on the London Stock Exchange.

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/ROL/acquisition/1556989

Quote from: andy41 on August 03, 2022, 02:07:04 PMYou don't say!

Quote from: Westy on August 03, 2022, 03:23:51 PMWonder where this leaves the little 'mini ' group around there?

D & G/Chaserider & Select left, of Peddle interests.

Quote from: andy41 on August 03, 2022, 03:46:46 PMIt makes no difference whatsoever seeing as MC was not related to any of those businesses.

Quote from: MW on August 03, 2022, 05:04:42 PMThe paint shops will be busy for the next few months then!

Can we expect Tamworth to be incorporated into Diamond East Midlands?

Quote from: MW on August 03, 2022, 05:04:42 PMCan we expect Tamworth to be incorporated into Diamond East Midlands?

Quote from: 2206 on August 03, 2022, 07:07:38 PMTamworth also run the 25 Ward End - Erdington and 600 Erdington Circular. As well as a few journeys on the 94 that come off the 25.
Wonder if these would move to Tividale if Tamworth closed.

Quote from: Stu on August 03, 2022, 07:12:52 PMWhy would they close the Tamworth depot?

Quote from: Stu on August 03, 2022, 07:12:52 PMWhy would they do that when Tamworth is part of West Midlands (the wider region, not just the county!)
Why would they close the Tamworth depot?

Quote from: winston on August 03, 2022, 05:36:40 PMMidland Classic was related to all of D&G, Chaserider, Select & Centrebus Group via Julian Peddle. He was a Director at Midland Classic up until resigning on today's takeover.

Quote from: MW on August 03, 2022, 08:07:05 PMTamworth is part of Staffordshire, as is the Midland Classic depot (30mins away from Tamworth).

As the Tamworth "depot" is an outstation of Tividale and from what I understand, a yard with minimal facilities, it may make sense to operate its services out of the Burton depot.

There's a *rumour* around about another acquisition more local to the current Tamworth depot which, if true, would render the Tamworth outstation obsolete.

Quote from: andy41 on August 03, 2022, 11:52:51 PMBut he was simply a Director. That doesn't make the businesses related and it doesn't mean anything to these other businesses or their future. That was my point.
Lots of people are directors of multiple businesses that mean nothing to each other.

Quote from: winston on August 04, 2022, 12:01:49 PMJulian Peddle wasn't simply a Director, he owned shares in Midland Classic as he still does with Select Bus & Centrebus Group (owners of D&G & Chaserider) and there have been close ties / links / overlap with his various shareholdings in the past in different ways. There also appears to be close ties between Julian Peddle & Arriva, which incidentally Midland Classic originated from. I'm not suggesting anything will change with the remainder of his shareholdings now Midland Classic has been sold, but neither do I believe that JP's bus operator shareholdings all worked completely independent of one another.
 
IIRC Select Bus for example have expanded a number of times in recent years by taking over D&G's Stafford area services & subsequently Chaserider's Stafford Town Service, Select Bus aren't owned by Centrebus Group (owners of D&G & Chaserider) but they do have the common link via JP being a shareholder in both, coincidence....

Quote from: Jack6101 on August 05, 2022, 10:11:14 PMDiamond street deck 40736 is currently ( was) at the midland classic depot ( pic on Facebook )

Quote from: winston on August 05, 2022, 10:12:45 PMIts 40726 from Redditch

Quote from: Jack6101 on August 05, 2022, 10:29:50 PMYes that's the one , is there a date when diamond take over , or have they already ?

Quote from: Grinder on August 08, 2022, 11:29:57 AMLooking at the lists of ex Midland Classic fleet numbers there seems to be some omissions on both the Buses website and on here.  The ones missing are:

29	YN 03 ZXC	Optare Solo M920
30	YN 04 LWT	Optare Solo M920
32	YX 09 FMP	Alexander Dennis E20D
56	BV 55 UCU	Scania N94UD
85	TFA 13	Scania L94UB
91	LK 56 FHE	Alexander Dennis Trident 2
93	LK 57 AXM	Alexander Dennis Trident 2

 
TFA 13 was originally YN 04 ANX and is in the heritage livery of Stevensons of Uttoxeter.  Any thoughts, knowledge or ideas.

Quote from: Grinder on August 08, 2022, 11:29:57 AMLooking at the lists of ex Midland Classic fleet numbers there seems to be some omissions on both the Buses website and on here.  The ones missing are:

29	YN 03 ZXC	Optare Solo M920
30	YN 04 LWT	Optare Solo M920
32	YX 09 FMP	Alexander Dennis E20D
56	BV 55 UCU	Scania N94UD
85	TFA 13	Scania L94UB
91	LK 56 FHE	Alexander Dennis Trident 2
93	LK 57 AXM	Alexander Dennis Trident 2

 
TFA 13 was originally YN 04 ANX and is in the heritage livery of Stevensons of Uttoxeter.  Any thoughts, knowledge or ideas.

Quote from: SSmith2009 on August 08, 2022, 12:28:39 PM29 and 30 both withdrawn prior to sale
91 and 93 both withdrawn and sold last year

Quote from: twbc99 on November 10, 2022, 06:29:03 PM3 of the Scania Irizar i3's have left the fleet and returned to Reading buses. These being 30997, 998 and 999.

30913 is the first of the ex Midland Classic fleet to be repainted. 31428 seems to be next in line.

Route 32 on weekdays is now run by Diamond West Midlands and also seems to be the 20 and X11.

Quote from: IMarkeh on April 07, 2023, 03:33:29 AMSadly it looks like the Boots X11 will cease, again. This will take effect 7th May. Not sure if it's low usage or Boots have cut the funding. Shame to see the route lost but I do think that it's a shame that more wasn't done with the route to try and get normal people onboard.

Quote from: winston on April 07, 2023, 09:59:48 AMThe X11 may just be swapping operator?

QuoteX11 Service Cancellation 31/03/2023 12:36:30
From 7th May 2023
Please be aware that service X11 will be withdrawn from 7th May 2023.
For alternative journey planning solutions please visit https://journeyplanner.tfwm.org.uk/ (https://journeyplanner.tfwm.org.uk/)
Affected Services: X11 (https://www.diamondbuses.com/bus-services/wm/wmx11-aston/)
Affected Regions: Staffordshire, (https://www.diamondbuses.com/Staffordshire?region=Staffordshire) West Midlands (https://www.diamondbuses.com/West-Midlands?region=WestMidlands)

QuoteFormer Yellow bus Gemini 3's have started to enter service at Burton. These being:
40612 BF15 KFE
40613 BF15 KFD

QuoteI would love to see an E400 in diamond livery

Quote from: BNH2004 on December 03, 2023, 09:35:24 PMHas 31423 been withdrawn as I've heard rumours that it has

Quote from: twbc99 on December 04, 2023, 06:30:17 PMOver the last few days it has been added and removed from the bustimes fleet list a few times with the removal posts stating that it has been involved in a RTC.

QuoteFrom 19th January 2024
From 19^th January 2024, Diamond Bus will no longer accept Staffordshire Knot Multi-Operator tickets on our services.
To continue to accept Knot tickets, would impact on the commercial viability of our services in the Staffordshire area.
Therefore we have taken the decision to leave the Knot scheme.

Quote from: IMarkeh on January 03, 2024, 12:50:45 AMJust when you think that Diamond can't be any more anti-passenger, they have decided to withdraw themselves from The Knot, multi operator ticket scheme as of the 19th January. What an absolute joke. I am often quite supportive of Diamond where I can be but at a time when the rest of the industry is trying to get more passengers onboard, in swoops Diamond Midlands to give everyone a kick in the teeth.

https://www.diamondbuses.com/service-updates/

Quote from: Westy on January 03, 2024, 06:52:39 PMAnd possibly put The Knot itself in jepoardy!

Quote from: markcf83 on January 04, 2024, 07:37:46 PMWhat's the reason for the withdrawal of 40833?

Quote from: IMarkeh on January 03, 2024, 06:56:57 PMWhat a wonderful thing for Diamond to do. I know Staffordshire aren't the most 'pro bus' authority but surely as it's one of the only good things to happen in the area, they should support it.

If Staffordshire Council has any sense, they will make it a requirement of tenders. That will soon change things.

Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2024, 07:43:25 PMShop incident in Manchester

Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 04, 2024, 08:05:24 PMPlease bare in mind the reasoning behind the decision, while I agree it seems a backwards step the main reason stated by Diamond seems to be the viability of the commercial network. Perhaps the process of claiming money back from the council for acceptance is too slow. Making it a condition of tenders would not make any difference to Diamond's commercial network in my opinion.

Quote from: IMarkeh on January 05, 2024, 10:50:44 AMMaking it a condition of tenders would kind of force Diamond to accept it more because of the contracts that they have.

For Diamond, of all operators, to claim that a low usage multi operator ticket is going to cripple the commercial network is laughable. Especially when cowboys such as Select accept the ticket, it really can't be that bad.

QuoteFrom 19th January 2024, Diamond Bus will no longer accept Staffordshire Knot Multi-Operator tickets on the majority of our services.
To continue to accept Knot tickets, would impact on the commercial viability of our services in the Staffordshire area. Therefore we have taken the decision to withdraw from the scheme for our commercially operated services.
From 19/01/24, Knot tickets will continue to be available and valid on the following Diamond services only:
1 Burton to Tutbury
10 Burton to Acorn Inn
11 Burton to Anglesey Road
12E Burton to Lichfield
They will no longer be accepted on board other Diamond services.

Quote from: Wba_lad on January 05, 2024, 08:42:03 PM31003 (evora) seen in Lichfield around 17:20 this evening, I think it completed a X12 from burton and went out as a 31 Lichfield circular.

Quote from: twbc99 on January 05, 2024, 08:53:29 PMYes the X12 and 31 interwork at least until tomorrow when they both go back to standalone routes.

Quote from: Tony on January 04, 2024, 07:43:25 PMShop incident in Manchester

Quote from: twbc99 on March 12, 2024, 05:56:39 PM30902 seems to have been withdrawn as well.

Quote from: twbc99 on March 17, 2024, 04:48:57 PM30903 and 30904 appear to still be in service. 31416, 31419 and 31420 have arrived at Burton but not yet entered service.

Quote from: winston on March 17, 2024, 05:14:28 PM30903 & 30904 were withdrawn & moved to Tividale depot, but hastily re-instated & returned to Burton due to the condition the Kidderminster E200's were received in.

31419 & 31420 have both been in service for one day at Burton. They've all been off the road the road since....

Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 17, 2024, 11:30:24 PMThose e200s are in a dreadful condition I'm not surprised. 31420 I sampled on the 142 and if you think that's doing above 30mph.

Quote from: winston on May 01, 2024, 07:51:26 PMThere's a Midland Classic liveried E400 & Versa currently parked in Tividale depot, Simon Dunn has since confirmed that the E400 is for repaint, the Versa for accident repairs & I assume it will be repainted at the same time.

Quote from: twbc99 on May 02, 2024, 05:46:00 PMPresumably 40521 and 30994 looking at bustimes. It would be nice if the Metrocity keeps some sort of Airway9 branding.

Quote from: winston on May 02, 2024, 06:08:56 PMI doubt it will, as isn't it the 8/9 routes that Rotala have won funding for, to buy a new fleet of EV's for.

Quote from: Mayfield on May 18, 2024, 08:55:23 PMCan't believe after all this time buses still carry Midland Classic fleet names

Quote from: Mayfield on May 18, 2024, 08:55:23 PMCan't believe after all this time buses still carry Midland Classic fleet names

Quote from: joieman on May 18, 2024, 10:16:02 PMYeah, after nearly two years! Rather sluggish progress in my opinion.

Quote from: twbc99 on May 19, 2024, 11:07:09 AMIt does seem to be going quite slowly. 40521 is supposedly being repainted but was last tracked 2 months ago. Would of thought it would be back now.

Quote from: Mayfield on May 19, 2024, 10:15:57 PMIt takes a few minutes to place a Diamond sticker over the Midland Classic name

Quote from: Rachvince53 on June 28, 2024, 06:34:13 PMFrom 20th July 2024 Diamond will commence operating new daily service 66 between Tamworth and Birch Coppice partly replacing Stagecoach services 766/767 which will run between Nuneaton and Dorden only.

Quote from: joieman on September 18, 2024, 07:17:09 PMSomeone on another forum claimed that Diamond East Midlands won't be able to bid for the tender for the service 22. The result of this, to me at least, is that Buslink of Drakelow will automatically be awarded the route.

Quote from: Solo1 on October 12, 2024, 08:59:31 PMWonder if the mini bus will return to tividale after the car park built

Quote from: Mayfield on November 14, 2024, 06:11:39 PMSaw 31002 today, it still has Midland Classic fleet names, unbelievable after how long it's been since the take over

Quote from: Mayfield on November 14, 2024, 10:21:30 PMEven so doesn't take much to put a sticker over the original

Quote from: twbc99 on November 15, 2024, 05:51:58 PMTrue.

It appears 2 more minibuses have landed at Burton:
15017 - WN74 YFO
15018 - WN74 YFM

Looks like these will now run on the 22 & 24 and maybe a spare. Hopefully this frees up something for painting.

Quote from: twbc99 on December 31, 2024, 12:02:56 PMBus times is currently showing a vehicle tracking in the depot as 40519. Any idea what this maybe and are more due?

Quote from: twbc99 on December 31, 2024, 12:02:56 PMBus times is currently showing a vehicle tracking in the depot as 40519. Any idea what this maybe and are more due?

Quote from: joieman on December 31, 2024, 04:44:43 PMIt used to be one of the Omnicity double-deckers, but obviously that's no help as to what carries this number now! Bustimes edits suggest it's merely a mistrack.

Quote from: EastMidlandsenthusiast on January 12, 2025, 02:09:12 AMDoes anyone know whether or not diamond East Midlands are meant to be getting new buses because the irizar i3s are going soon and the electric chargers not being installed yet diamond East Midlands need something new and different half the fleet is knackered not moaning or anything just some buses are showing age

Quote from: EastMidlandsenthusiast on January 12, 2025, 02:09:12 AMDoes anyone know whether or not diamond East Midlands are meant to be getting new buses because the irizar i3s are going soon and the electric chargers not being installed yet diamond East Midlands need something new and different half the fleet is knackered not moaning or anything just some buses are showing age

Quote from: EastMidlandsenthusiast on January 12, 2025, 02:09:12 AMDoes anyone know whether or not diamond East Midlands are meant to be getting new buses because the irizar i3s are going soon and the electric chargers not being installed yet diamond East Midlands need something new and different half the fleet is knackered not moaning or anything just some buses are showing age

Quote from: EastMidlandsenthusiast on January 12, 2025, 02:09:12 AMDoes anyone know whether or not diamond East Midlands are meant to be getting new buses because the irizar i3s are going soon and the electric chargers not being installed yet diamond East Midlands need something new and different half the fleet is knackered not moaning or anything just some buses are showing age

QuoteZero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 Update

[...]

26. In November 2024, the DfT has provided all successful ZEBRA 2 bids the opportunity to expand their projects. Diamond Bus has worked with SCC to propose an expansion to the Burton element to deliver:

a. Five additional electric buses for services 8/9 to completely electrify the route.
b. One electric bus for service two which completely electrifies the route.
c. Two electric buses for service X12 that runs between Burton and Lichfield via Fradley Park.
d. Nine gantry chargers and associated infrastructure at the Burton depot.

27. A ZEBRA 2 expansion bid was submitted in December [2024] that could potentially secure an additional c£5.3m investment into Staffordshire. The DfT has not indicated timescales for informing local authorities of the outcome.

Quote from: Michael Bevan on April 04, 2025, 08:00:02 PMSeen a post on Rotala's LinkedIn advertising the Irizar i3's for sale...

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on April 19, 2025, 04:10:51 PMApparently Diamond have lost tender for Routes 1, 12, 12E and South Staffs Coach Hire based in Tamworth have win the tenders.

Quote from: Rachvince53 on April 19, 2025, 08:21:17 PMThe 12 is partly subsidised. However a new operator is taking over the current 805/806 school services after Easter which will be renumbered 12A/12B.

Quote from: joieman on April 22, 2025, 09:14:19 AMServices 125 and 129 show up on Bustimes as cancelled effective 31st of May

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on April 25, 2025, 08:02:49 PMService 1 is apparently meant to be being ran by South Derbyshire Coaches which is formerly Lichfield City Coaches.

Quote from: EK40 on April 25, 2025, 09:48:19 PMAlso routes 125,129 out of loughborough and leicester are to be cancelled (unless a new operator is found just like these two services)

Quote from: EK40 on April 25, 2025, 09:48:19 PMSDC has posted the timetable for the 1 on their facebook,
South staffs also confirming their takeover of the 12E on their facebook, but no timetable.
starting the 17th of may for the 12E, 19th for the 1.

Also routes 125,129 out of loughborough and leicester are to be cancelled (unless a new operator is found just like these two services)

Quote

• Service 12E (Burton - Lichfield) will be operated by LA Travel with a revised timetable.

QuoteStaffordshire CC says the 12E is won by LA Travel
Changes to bus services - Staffordshire County Council (https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Transport/buses/Changes-to-bus-services.aspx)

Quote from: tombzy on April 29, 2025, 06:15:36 PMI do wonder if the irizars would be better off being relocated to another diamond depot instead of being sold if thats the plan.

Quote from: Stu on April 29, 2025, 07:49:36 PMSplit off from the 'Rotala Management' topic, which is not a general chat thread.

The Irizars are non-standard in the Rotala fleet, so it makes no sense to move them to any other depot which has never operated the type before.

Quote from: tombzy on April 29, 2025, 08:01:58 PMItd reduce emissions from older buses such as the plaxton centros though which is what id assume would be the better option

Quote from: Rachvince53 on April 29, 2025, 08:08:57 PMMay be but drivers would all have to be type trained before they could be used in service. As Stu says it just makes sense to keep them at the existing gqrage.

Quote from: TheMidlandsTransportGuy on May 11, 2025, 10:35:07 AMHow long are the Custom Denning Buses?

Quote from: Tony on May 11, 2025, 10:40:25 AM12m (There are some 10.5m as well)

Quote from: Mayfield on May 16, 2025, 08:19:14 AMWhy shouldn't a fare paying passenger ask for a comfortable journey

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 16, 2025, 02:12:13 PMThe air conditioning doesn't work when it closed all we want is a bus with windows we can open on it even if it's a Mellor Strata you send at least it has windows you can open.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 16, 2025, 02:54:37 PM@Mkinson2224 you say "we" - who are the others that that say "all we want is a bus with windows we can open....".

Previously you've asked for bigger buses, so which is it to be? As @Simon Dunn has already answered, the aircon won't work with the skylight open, nor will it be as effective every time the bus stops and opens its doors as all of the conditioned air escapes and the aircon pump then works harder to chill the bus.

Rest assured, the aircon does work, but as it's on a service bus and not a coach which doesn't stop very often, then you don't feel the benefit.

I look forward to the others who were on the same bus posting their thoughts on this.

Quote from: EK40 on April 25, 2025, 09:48:19 PMAlso routes 125,129 out of loughborough and leicester are to be cancelled (unless a new operator is found just like these two services)

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 16, 2025, 03:10:45 PMMost of the passengers on the 22 are elderly people and they don't want to be in a bus with not working Aircon.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 16, 2025, 03:10:45 PMMost of the passengers on the 22 are elderly people and they don't want to be in a bus with not working Aircon.

Quote from: winston on May 16, 2025, 06:15:25 PMMost elderly people still have heating on in the summer months / wear extra layers as they feel the cold really easily, so I highly doubt they want cold Aircon.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 18, 2025, 02:46:25 PMOne of the driver's at Burton been going around telling people this.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 16, 2025, 03:10:45 PMMost of the passengers on the 22 are elderly people and they don't want to be in a bus with not working Aircon.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 19, 2025, 07:11:50 AM"Most" ????

I am sure that other passengers are quite capable of speaking for themselves and, a quick trawl of the internet of local news outlets, Facebook and social media feeds, suggests that there are no further issues with the aircon on the 22 for "most" other passengers.

I would strongly suggest that that, as you've asked the driver and they have politely declined, that this is more of a mole hill than the mountain it's made out to be.

Just enjoy the sunny weather and I'm sure that if this is as big an issue as you make it out to be, we'll see a plethora of angry passenger comments forthcoming.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 08:56:30 AMNo the driver was very rude about not opening it and I won't repeat what he said as he used some bad language.

Quote from: Stu on May 18, 2025, 07:46:09 PM@Mkinson2224 by 'people' I assume you actually mean 'bus enthusiasts'? :rolleyes:

Because some drivers - at all operators it seems! - do seem to get some pleasure out of giving out 'duff information' to gullible bus enthusiasts, knowing full well that such info gets rapidly shared as 'rumours', which then get misrepresented as 'facts'.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 19, 2025, 09:58:29 AMCome now @Mkinson2224 we're all anoraks together, please regale us with what the driver said, paying particular attention to me earlier post about no complaints or comments online from "most" passengers. As for the alleged bad language, that is very strange, considering your original post makes ABSOLUTELY NO MENTION of such behaviour:

"Hi Simon I was on the 22 the other day and I asked the driver on the 14:15 to Swadlincote if he could open the skylight on the roof because it was 31.7C on the Minibus and the driver refused to open it and the air condition was blowing warm air out of it."

You are usually exceptionally forthright and detailed in your accounts of your experiences - was it a tad of amnesia or sudden urge to embellish the truth? Also, what device were you using to measure the temperature on said vehicle and was it calibrated?

I "heard" that the K230's are being replaced by a fleet of former Stevenson's Leyland Leopards that were found in a barn in Tutbury, that Rotala are going to convert to hamster power. I'm more than happy for @Mkinson2224 to quote me on that.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 01:23:24 PMYou guys that think Diamond are the best company are wrong the sooner a company comes into burton and runs you out the better.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 19, 2025, 01:39:08 PMCan you show me ANY of my posts that suggest anything like this? If I DID think that Diamond were the best company, can you tell me why they aren't??

Exactly who is going to run Diamond out? Your post smacks of a petulant teenager who has made inaccurate representations about a Company's buses, "most" passengers on the bus on which you were travelling, then suddenly remembers a driver's bad language to embellish the truth to garner sympathy or support for your posts, once their post has been scrutinised and logically challenged!

Diamond Bus, and Rotala, have been in business for a number of years and acquired the Midland Classic business after 17 years of trading in Burton. There is little competition in Burton, which suggests to me that Diamond are doing a very good job, and that there's no other operator willing to compete or challenge.

Here's a suggestion - why don't you put your money where your mouth is, buy a fleet of buses and show Diamond how it *should* be done!

I look forward to reading about Mkinson2224 Buses in the "Other Operators" forum!

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 02:30:55 PMDiamond have just lost two route to other companies south Staffs and South Derbyshire Coaches and from what I've been told South Derbyshire Coaches are after more of Diamond routes.

Quote from: Tony on May 19, 2025, 02:34:30 PMThose are tendered routes, not on road competition

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 02:30:55 PMDiamond have just lost two route to other companies south Staffs and South Derbyshire Coaches and from what I've been told South Derbyshire Coaches are after more of Diamond routes.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 19, 2025, 03:03:14 PMBeat me to it @Tony - thanks.
Such as which routes - did your well informed contact care to impart that knowledge?

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 03:19:39 PMAnd you still lost routes to another company.

Quote from: Tony on May 19, 2025, 03:21:42 PMThat's how tendering works.

The best companies tend to not win a lot of tendered routes all over the UK as they are undercut by operators with cheaper costs, which will often, not always, be those with lower standards

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 03:19:39 PMAnd you still lost routes to another company.

Quote from: Tony on May 19, 2025, 03:21:42 PMThat's how tendering works.

The best companies tend to not win a lot of tendered routes all over the UK as they are undercut by operators with cheaper costs, which will often, not always, be those with lower standards

Quote from: Wumpty on May 19, 2025, 03:34:17 PMMe? Why would I have lost routes?

Unfortunately, the ill-informed or uneducated anoraks tend not to know the basics.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 03:23:12 PMAt Diamond not bothered about tended route then

Quote from: Stu on May 16, 2025, 04:12:31 PMThen they need to accept that the windows need to be kept closed!

Vehicle air-conditioning systems only work effectively in a 'closed environment'.

The system recirculates air from within the cabin/saloon and passes it through an evaporator which cools the air before passing it back into the cabin. The cycle continues until the interior air temperature is at the desired temperature.

If windows or skylights are open, then all that happens is that warmer air from outside enters the cabin, which means the aircon system cannot keep the interior air cool.

The aircon compressor is driven by the engine, so the engine has to work a little harder which means it uses more fuel - in the case of EVs, the compressor is powered by electricity, which means the battery charge is reduced more quickly.

Keeping windows open with the air-conditioning running is just a waste of fuel really, and that's why many bus operators don't bother with it, especially as you'll always have passengers who will insist on opening windows for 'some fresh air'.

Quote from: Tony on May 20, 2025, 11:32:46 AMHere's a massive irony. This post has just appeared on Facebook about the wonderful driver who drives the 22 route!

We've received wonderful comments regarding one of our newest drivers. Ebony has been with us for just over a month, and it's fantastic to witness the positive impact she's having on our passengers.
'I'd like to say that Ebony who drives the Bus route 22 in Burton Upon Trent is a lovely person & I've seen a real difference in the route since she's been doing it. Amazing.' 

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 03:19:39 PMAnd you still lost routes to another company.

Quote from: karl724223 on May 19, 2025, 04:41:52 PMWatch what you call them stu might give you a final written warning for upsetting them

Quote from: Tony on May 19, 2025, 03:21:42 PMThat's how tendering works.

The best companies tend to not win a lot of tendered routes all over the UK as they are undercut by operators with cheaper costs, which will often, not always, be those with lower standards

Quote from: winston on May 19, 2025, 06:11:25 PMDiamond will have bid for the tendered routes at a price that is profitable to them, the winning bidder obviously bid lower.

Quote from: Tony on May 20, 2025, 11:32:46 AMHere's a massive irony. This post has just appeared on Facebook about the wonderful driver who drives the 22 route!

We've received wonderful comments regarding one of our newest drivers. Ebony has been with us for just over a month, and it's fantastic to witness the positive impact she's having on our passengers.
'I'd like to say that Ebony who drives the Bus route 22 in Burton Upon Trent is a lovely person & I've seen a real difference in the route since she's been doing it. Amazing.' 

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 19, 2025, 03:23:12 PMAt Diamond not bothered about tended route then

Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on May 20, 2025, 11:58:14 AMThe poster slating the driver implied it was a man but clearly the passengers on the 22 are happy with there drivers, as no one else has complained about the male driver

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 22, 2025, 11:30:03 PMJust to be quite clear with everyone on the air conditioning I think all buses/minibuses should have windows because you can't always count on the air conditioning working especially with summer weather on the horizon. As for the drivers some of them could do with a lesson in customer service I'm not saying all of the but some of them.

Quote from: Jack on May 23, 2025, 01:10:51 AMWell your previous posts implied otherwise...

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 22, 2025, 11:30:03 PMJust to be quite clear with everyone on the air conditioning I think all buses/minibuses should have windows because you can't always count on the air conditioning working especially with summer weather on the horizon. As for the drivers some of them could do with a lesson in customer service I'm not saying all of the but some of them.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 22, 2025, 11:30:03 PMJust to be quite clear with everyone on the air conditioning I think all buses/minibuses should have windows because you can't always count on the air conditioning working especially with summer weather on the horizon. As for the drivers some of them could do with a lesson in customer service I'm not saying all of the but some of them.

Quote from: karl724223 on May 23, 2025, 02:14:23 AMA lot of passengers need a lesson in customer service to

Quote from: Wumpty on May 23, 2025, 08:07:02 AMI think @karl724223 sums your post up perfectly........

I think your posts would be taken far more seriously if you weren't so bolshie and added some fact to them.

You've made a number of very inaccurate comments regarding drivers, Diamond and myself in your posts with absolutely no evidence or substance to corroborate them.

All buses have windows and skylights though that's by design and not necessarily at the request of the operators. Just because one passenger wants a window open, doesn't mean "most" passengers do - it's called being grown up, and not slating drivers who cannot defend themselves on here.

You don't like reasoned debate because it unpicks your posts and proves them to be without base.

Oh, and I'm still waiting for

My responses to you have been tempered so as to adhere to forum rules, and you've chosen to ignore requests to explain comments made about me, Diamond and other members.

Oh, and I'm STILL waiting for you to explain why "I" have lost routes!

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 23, 2025, 08:26:07 AMLike I said I don't tea care anymore diamond is just a bloody joke the sooner they are a of burton and a really bus company coming in the better.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 23, 2025, 08:27:41 AMAnd THAT just amplifies your immaturity and lack of understanding of the bus industry.

WHO is this real bus company you speak of?

And I ask again, what routes have I lost?

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 23, 2025, 08:52:51 AMThe good bus company is Bus Link the driver are friendly and helpful unlike diamond and the bus are decent and well looked after unlike diamond.

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 23, 2025, 09:24:55 AMRoute you have lost 1s, 12Es, 129s, 125s all route are are payed for by the Council and are route they you need in Burton to keep the depot running,

Quote from: winston on May 23, 2025, 12:40:06 PMWho says Diamond need those few tendered routes to keep Burton depot running?

How do you know if they're currently contributing to Burton Depot profit??

Quote from: Mkinson2224 on May 23, 2025, 09:24:55 AMRoute you have lost 1s, 12Es, 129s, 125s all route are are payed for by the Council and are route they you need in Burton to keep the depot running,

Quote from: Wumpty on May 23, 2025, 01:27:35 PMThis STILL is not me!!!

I typed the following earlier and I'm not sure why it didn't post, though here goes again:

 Buslink - that'll be the same management team that were happy to take Rotala's money and leave you with this God-awful bus company you speak so poorly about? The same Diamond Bus that are still operating some of the previous owners buses, so your rationale is that because Diamond own their old buses then somehow these buses are no longer decent?

Let's just unpack this - what is a decent bus......shiny new paint job? Used buses in old liveries with fleet stickers on them?

The average age of Diamond East Midland's fleet is 9.01 years old.
Fleet of 58 (24 not liveried: 2 red and 22 in Midland Classic variants!)
41.4% of vehicles not in company livery (see above!)

The average age of Buslink's fleet is 16.4 years old (which excludes their heritage Metrobus, Olympian and Routemaster)
Fleet of 16 (5 not liveried)
31.3% of vehicles not in company livery.

Can you see how quickly your posts unravel with very little scrutiny of factual data.

To infer that Diamond's buses are not decent, casts aspersions on the former Midland Classic, and now current owners of Buslink, on what they were happy to sell to Diamond to operate for passengers like YOURSELF!

For clarity, this is a comparison to highlight how easy it is to misrepresent an operator - it is by no means my opinion of any of the operators, or the motives behind buying or selling respective businesses.

Quote from: karl724223 on May 23, 2025, 02:13:10 PMWonder if he has to ask his neighbours to open his window in the place he lives in 😂

Quote from: Westy on May 25, 2025, 02:59:40 PMThese buses that are being discussed, are these the Mercedes Sprinters that Tividale also has, as I'm not a fan of those either.

Why sometimes they get put on the 326, god knows, as they are cramped, especially if you've got bags with you.

The Solos (both lengths!) are the best buses in the main for that route, in my opinion.

QuoteThe inference is that, as Buslink has decent buses (see my post about fleet age), that Diamond have NO decent buses (some of which were acquired from Midland Classic, the new owners of Buslink - go figure!).

The post isn't restricted to one bus type, although the original spat started with a bus on their 22 route which has a Sprinter illesbus i-City operating this morning.

Quote from: Wumpty on May 27, 2025, 09:34:34 AMThe inference is that, as Buslink has decent buses (see my post about fleet age), that Diamond have NO decent buses (some of which were acquired from Midland Classic, the new owners of Buslink - go figure!).

The post isn't restricted to one bus type, although the original spat started with a bus on their 22 route which has a Sprinter illesbus i-City operating this morning.

Quote from: Wba_lad on May 27, 2025, 12:19:52 PMYou are moaning burton have no decent buses yet rotala have just invested in some new sprinters. They are also having some brand new electric buses. And for the shiny paint work it's not as easy as just send all the buses for paint. When you send a bus for paint it's a bus less for service slowly one by one they are being repainted it's not like when diamond brought Johnson's or claribels out midland classic was a whole depot which all the buses was needed for service slowly they have been getting newer buses and buses painted. What you have to think is what Simon will probably be thinking too is it worth painting a bus which potentially may not be staying within the group. And another thing is would you rather buses go for paint and have buses missing for service (worse case scenario) the enviro 400s have started to be painted now. You've had some enviro 200s repainted some metro city's. Only thing really is the Scanias which some have been listed for sale.