Just to start a thread for Worcester/Hereford related discussion -
@Liverpool Street can it be stickied?
I saw an Enviro300 heading up the A456 through Hagley this morning, turned left at the lights onto the A491 towards Stourbridge. Anything to do with the potential upcoming changes, or just heading to the same place as that Dart I saw a few weeks ago?
Quote from: Matt on June 05, 2014, 08:41:03 AM
Just to start a thread for Worcester/Hereford related discussion - @Liverpool Street can it be stickied?
I saw an Enviro300 heading up the A456 through Hagley this morning, turned left at the lights onto the A491 towards Stourbridge. Anything to do with the potential upcoming changes, or just heading to the same place as that Dart I saw a few weeks ago?
first trainer seen in Kidderminster on part of the number 10 of a main road think it was a wright bodied volo
Quote from: Matt on June 16, 2014, 03:02:27 PM
@bowler probably 60340
thanks for that matt was inside when it past my place . not the first one I have seen this year in same place.
PD0000480/49 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newton Farm, Argyll Rise and City Centre given service number 74/74A/74B/S79 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/52 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, City Centre and Credenhill given service number 71/71A/71B effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/69 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Leominster Bus Station and Hereford, City Bus Station given service number 492 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/84 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Hereford, Bus Station given service number 420/418 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/213 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hereford, City Bus Station and Bobblestock, Co-Op Store given service number 72/72A/72B effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/227 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, Hereford Rail Station and Herefordshire, Rotherwas given service number 78/78A/78B/88/88A effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/229 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hereford, Shire Hall and Belmont, Whitefriars Road given service number 75/75A/75B/75S effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/230 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, Hereford Railway Station and Herefordshire, The Pastures The Dales/Red Hill given service number 79/79A effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/318 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hereford, Country Bus Station and Ross-on-Wye, Cantilupe road given service number 44 effective from 01-Sep-2014.
PD0000480/320 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hereford
Finish Point: Tillington Common
Via: Burghill
Service Number: 437
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/321 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Leominster
Finish Point: Hereford
Via: Bodenham, Marden
Service Number: 426
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/322 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hereford
Finish Point: Almeley
Via: Staunton on Wye, Eardisley
Service Number: 446
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/323 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hereford
Finish Point: Woolhope
Via: Fownhope
Service Number: 453
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
Quote from: Winston on July 09, 2014, 05:11:50 PM
PD0000480/49 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newton Farm, Argyll Rise and City Centre given service number 74/74A/74B/S79 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/52 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, City Centre and Credenhill given service number 71/71A/71B effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/69 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Leominster Bus Station and Hereford, City Bus Station given service number 492 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/84 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Hereford, Bus Station given service number 420/418 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/213 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hereford, City Bus Station and Bobblestock, Co-Op Store given service number 72/72A/72B effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/227 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, Hereford Rail Station and Herefordshire, Rotherwas given service number 78/78A/78B/88/88A effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/229 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hereford, Shire Hall and Belmont, Whitefriars Road given service number 75/75A/75B/75S effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/230 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Herefordshire, Hereford Railway Station and Herefordshire, The Pastures The Dales/Red Hill given service number 79/79A effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/318 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hereford, Country Bus Station and Ross-on-Wye, Cantilupe road given service number 44 effective from 01-Sep-2014.
PD0000480/320 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hereford
Finish Point: Tillington Common
Via: Burghill
Service Number: 437
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/321 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Leominster
Finish Point: Hereford
Via: Bodenham, Marden
Service Number: 426
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/322 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hereford
Finish Point: Almeley
Via: Staunton on Wye, Eardisley
Service Number: 446
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/323 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hereford
Finish Point: Woolhope
Via: Fownhope
Service Number: 453
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
THANKS for posting this info Winston !
Can't be long till they release the Worcester changes
And my next trick
PD0000480/324 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Worcester Bus Station
Finish Point: Halesowen Bus Station
Via: Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove, Romsley
Service Number: 147
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday.
I was expecting just 144A, but I like 147. I'm sure it'll make a big break.
Duh-dum.
PD0000480/11 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Birmingham, Smallbrook Queensway given service number 144/S23 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/26 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Henwick Park, Monarch Drive given service number 31/31B/31C effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/8 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Evesham, Bus Station given service number 550/551/557 effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/18 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between KEMPSEY and CLAINES given service number 32/32A/32B effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/91 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, City Centre, Bus Station and Worcester, City Centre, Bus Station given service number 33/33A/34/34A effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/261 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between DROITWICH and BLESSED EDWARD OLDCORNE SCHOOL given service number S3/S4 effective from 01-Sep-2014.
PD0000480/285 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Worcester Bus Station given service number 30 effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/309 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between PERSHORE, BROAD STREET and WORCESTER BUS STATION given service number 382 effective from 01-Sep-2014.
PD0000480/310 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between WORCESTER BUS STATION and MALVERN LINK TOP given service number 362/363/364/41/42/42F/42G/43/43F effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/316 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Droitwich Victoria Square and Blessed Edward Oldcorne R C School given service number S1/S2 effective from 01-Sep-2014.
PD0000480/319 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester (Bus Station) and Tewkesbury (The Crescent) given service number 361/363 effective from 01-Sep-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/325 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Droitwich
Finish Point: Blessed Edward Oldcorne R C School
Via: Fernhill Heath, Warndon Villages
Service Number: S1
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Friday, School Journeys
PD0000480/326 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Barnt Green
Finish Point: Soth Bromsgrove High School
Via: Lickey
Service Number: S45
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Friday, School Journeys
I'm guessing I won't be able to buy the Wyvern day ticket on the 147 in Halesowen, as that part of the route is subsidised, isn't it?
@Matt I think you might but connecta bounday on the 007 is the first village out of halesowen
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 15, 2014, 07:27:53 PM
@Matt I think you might but connecta bounday on the 007 is the first village out of halesowen
It's actually the first bus stop on Grange Hill, by the junction with Illey Lane, it's closer to my house than the bus station
Quote from: Matt on July 15, 2014, 07:07:02 PM
I'm guessing I won't be able to buy the Wyvern day ticket on the 147 in Halesowen, as that part of the route is subsidised, isn't it?
This service might be wholly commercial. In June on another forum http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=97560&page=7 it was said that First planned to do this, and when the results of the tenders were published this service wasn't included. Certainly First have made the Malvern/Upton services commercial including the extension to Tewkesbury, so it wouldn't be totally surprising for First to take this approach on the Halesowen link.
@111 Roughley ironically that's where I got my information...
Quote from: Matt on July 15, 2014, 07:07:02 PM
I'm guessing I won't be able to buy the Wyvern day ticket on the 147 in Halesowen, as that part of the route is subsidised, isn't it?
You will be able to buy a Wyvern on the 147 in Halesowen as it is a commercial operation. Connecta will only be valid from the Worcestershire boundary.
On a different note, if there are no tree issues or similar it will certainly be nice driving a decker over the clent hills.
Quote from: j789 on July 16, 2014, 07:05:19 PM
Quote from: Matt on July 15, 2014, 07:07:02 PM
I'm guessing I won't be able to buy the Wyvern day ticket on the 147 in Halesowen, as that part of the route is subsidised, isn't it?
You will be able to buy a Wyvern on the 147 in Halesowen as it is a commercial operation. Connecta will only be valid from the Worcestershire boundary.
On a different note, if there are no tree issues or similar it will certainly be nice driving a decker over the clent hills.
That is a pleasant surprise, thanks.
There are some overhanging trees on Grange Hill on the ascent out of Halesowen, but they don't look particularly problemental. Other than that I can't think of any tree issues, most of the road from Halesowen through Romsley is surrounded by houses or open fields.
Does the Romsley bit still have the old bus stop flags with West Midlands on do you know? Ages since I have been down that road.
Quote from: j789 on July 16, 2014, 07:27:43 PM
Does the Romsley bit still have the old bus stop flags with West Midlands on do you know? Ages since I have been down that road.
The bus stop I use, the first one in Worcestershire (by Illey Lane) is a standard Worcestershire one. I don't remember seeing any non-standard ones the last time I went through on the 007 but I can't say for sure.
It must be 6 years since I went down there so probably all changed now, Ludlows were running the route then.
Pleasing to see First making an entrance into the Dudley Borough. Doubt they would want to compete and join In on the Halesowen to Merry Hill competition. Lol
32647 has returned "home" to Leicester.
Quote from: MidlandRed.netThe MD has given the green light to repaint a Trident into Heritage livery. The end of August 2014 will see the 100 year anniversary of Midland Red running buses from Birmingham to Worcester on the service 25 (renumbered to service 144 in 1928) so they will be giving the route a marketing 'push' under the banner of "100 years of 144".
The livery to be used is not set in stone yet, but pre-war with silver roof has been mentioned and overall red was done with 67631.
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 10, 2014, 02:54:32 PM
And my next trick
PD0000480/324 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Worcester Bus Station
Finish Point: Halesowen Bus Station
Via: Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove, Romsley
Service Number: 147
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday.
Does anybody know anything about this? Good idea for a service. Hope it takes off. Do we know if it's going to swap into the 144? If so, enviro 300's will be very nice but some tridents will be even better......
It is intergrated into the 144 timetable replacing 1 trip a hour off the 144A
Quote from: X94 on August 10, 2014, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 10, 2014, 02:54:32 PM
And my next trick
PD0000480/324 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Worcester Bus Station
Finish Point: Halesowen Bus Station
Via: Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove, Romsley
Service Number: 147
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday.
Does anybody know anything about this? Good idea for a service. Hope it takes off. Do we know if it's going to swap into the 144? If so, enviro 300's will be very nice but some tridents will be even better......
The timetables for this service (and all other new First Worcestershire timetables from 1 Sep) are available on their website at http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/forthcoming.php?&operator=14&depart_from=&going_to=&page=2 (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/forthcoming.php?&operator=14&depart_from=&going_to=&page=2)
Quote from: Roy on August 11, 2014, 03:17:16 PM
Quote from: X94 on August 10, 2014, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 10, 2014, 02:54:32 PM
And my next trick
PD0000480/324 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Worcester Bus Station
Finish Point: Halesowen Bus Station
Via: Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove, Romsley
Service Number: 147
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday.
Does anybody know anything about this? Good idea for a service. Hope it takes off. Do we know if it's going to swap into the 144? If so, enviro 300's will be very nice but some tridents will be even better......
The timetables for this service (and all other new First Worcestershire timetables from 1 Sep) are available on their website at http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/forthcoming.php?&operator=14&depart_from=&going_to=&page=2 (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/forthcoming.php?&operator=14&depart_from=&going_to=&page=2)
I saw that which is why I posted asking the question. Just guess we'll have to wait and see. Interesting though
It will interwork with the 144 and 144A looking at the times.
The 147 replaces the xx17 off Catshill 144A so southbound it will interwork with the 144 or 144A...
Quote from: the trainbasher on August 11, 2014, 08:42:51 PM
It will interwork with the 144 and 144A looking at the times.
The 147 replaces the xx17 off Catshill 144A so southbound it will interwork with the 144 or 144A...
Being hourly it fits in nicely as Catshill to Halesowen and back again can be done within an hour, so the returning 147 will just replace the current inbound 144a that leaves Catshill an hour later as well as the original outbound journey.
It quite interesting that certain journeys are extending beyond Halesowen bus station to b&q.
I wonder if that extension is a commercial one.
PD0000480/26 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Henwick Park, Monarch Drive given service number 31/31B/31C effective from 29-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/104 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Malvern Link, Pioneer Store given service number 44/44A/44B/44C effective from 29-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/317 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hereford Railway Station and Monmouth Bus Station given service number 34 effective from 29-Sep-2014.
It will be interesting to see how well the 147 does. Also, First operating in Halesowen, that should be a sight for sore eyes
Quote from: Winston on August 11, 2014, 11:59:10 PM
PD0000480/26 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Henwick Park, Monarch Drive given service number 31/31B/31C effective from 29-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/104 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Malvern Link, Pioneer Store given service number 44/44A/44B/44C effective from 29-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/317 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hereford Railway Station and Monmouth Bus Station given service number 34 effective from 29-Sep-2014.
I think the 44/44A/44B/44C change is the reintroduction of the winter timetable by cancelling the summer only Saturday extension of a 44C to Ledbury as route 44B.
The changes to the 31/31B/31C are interesting as the timetable is already changing on 31 August as part of the Worcestershire cuts.
Quote from: Roy on August 13, 2014, 09:31:58 PM
Quote from: Winston on August 11, 2014, 11:59:10 PM
PD0000480/26 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Henwick Park, Monarch Drive given service number 31/31B/31C effective from 29-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/104 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Malvern Link, Pioneer Store given service number 44/44A/44B/44C effective from 29-Sep-2014. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/317 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hereford Railway Station and Monmouth Bus Station given service number 34 effective from 29-Sep-2014.
The changes to the 31/31B/31C are interesting as the timetable is already changing on 31 August as part of the Worcestershire cuts.
Perhaps some new StreetLites at the same time - one or two with Orange Line embellishments ?? (- Wifi for the Uni students ?).
For anyone interested, here is the 147 timetable
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp)
Quote from: sonic84 on August 14, 2014, 06:24:13 PM
For anyone interested, here is the 147 timetable
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp)
It's not on that link!
Quote from: Westy on August 17, 2014, 08:46:58 PM
Quote from: sonic84 on August 14, 2014, 06:24:13 PM
For anyone interested, here is the 147 timetable
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp)
It's not on that link!
Link works for me!
Quote from: Stu on August 18, 2014, 07:37:04 AM
Quote from: Westy on August 17, 2014, 08:46:58 PM
Quote from: sonic84 on August 14, 2014, 06:24:13 PM
For anyone interested, here is the 147 timetable
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp)
It's not on that link!
Link works for me!
Ooops! Looks like it doesn't work on mobiles, but it works on the PC version of the first website
Quote from: sonic84 on August 18, 2014, 06:06:28 PM
Quote from: Stu on August 18, 2014, 07:37:04 AM
Quote from: Westy on August 17, 2014, 08:46:58 PM
Quote from: sonic84 on August 14, 2014, 06:24:13 PM
For anyone interested, here is the 147 timetable
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=147&routeid=2366171&operator=14&source=sp)
It's not on that link!
Link works for me!
Ooops! Looks like it doesn't work on mobiles, but it works on the PC version of the first website
"Life gets complicated - don't it" !!
Does this mean that we will see First double deckers in Halesowen since they are commonplace on 144 / A which interwork at Worcester?
I assume so...
And a nice variety of buses at that... would be ace to get a Gemini
Quote from: Kevin on August 27, 2014, 09:48:16 PM
And a nice variety of buses at that... would be ace to get a Gemini
The geminis aren't anything to jump up and down about but a first Centro next to a diamond Centro would make a nice photo
E 300 - 147 today
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 01, 2014, 03:39:59 PM
E 300 - 147 today
67641 and 67603 noted this afternoon - the latter could do with " tidying up " a bit . :(
67699 was the 0950 ex halesowen
67650 was also on there.
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 01, 2014, 08:58:02 PM
67699 was the 0950 ex halesowen
67650 was also on there.
67699 still has the wrong size nearside headlight surround fitted, it came to first like that ex Premiere. I thought First might have rectified that by now
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/15074085916/
43872 was on the 373 to Tewkesbury about 13:15 in Lower wick
32854 was on the 32 to Ombersley road at 13:35 in the bus station
53049 was on the 364 going to Great Malven about 16:35 in the bus station
33401 was parked in the Bus station with 551 Evesham on the destination board
Also i saw 43872 on a 44C going to Great Malvern at 17:05 in the bus station
Quote from: KevinBendall on September 02, 2014, 07:21:47 PM
43872 was on the 373 to Tewkesbury about 13:15 in Lower wick
32854 was on the 32 to Ombersley road at 13:35 in the bus station
53049 was on the 364 going to Great Malven about 16:35 in the bus station
33401 was parked in the Bus station with 551 Evesham on the destination board
Also i saw 43872 on a 44C going to Great Malvern at 17:05 in the bus station
I noticed this today while I was parking my Optare Solo up in Crowngate bus station after finishing my shift. 32854 seems to be making a regular appearance on the 32's this week
I believe there are some narrow sections on the 373 route which require smaller/shorter buses like the Jersey darts.
Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2014, 09:02:10 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 01, 2014, 08:58:02 PM
67699 was the 0950 ex halesowen
67650 was also on there.
67699 still has the wrong size nearside headlight surround fitted, it came to first like that ex Premiere. I thought First might have rectified that by now
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/15074085916/
67699 was never ex Premiere. That was enviro300 67665.
67699 was ex JPT
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 02, 2014, 09:39:36 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2014, 09:02:10 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 01, 2014, 08:58:02 PM
67699 was the 0950 ex halesowen
67650 was also on there.
67699 still has the wrong size nearside headlight surround fitted, it came to first like that ex Premiere. I thought First might have rectified that by now
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/15074085916/
67699 was never ex Premiere. That was the 08 plate enviro300.
67699 was ex JPT
I'm afraid it was.
http://www.derbybusdepot.co.uk/photos/premiere/PT59JPT.jpg
The 59 plate was new to JPT but both the 08 & 59 plate came to Ensign from Premiere
Quote from: Winston on September 02, 2014, 09:52:09 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 02, 2014, 09:39:36 PM
Quote from: Winston on September 01, 2014, 09:02:10 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 01, 2014, 08:58:02 PM
67699 was the 0950 ex halesowen
67650 was also on there.
67699 still has the wrong size nearside headlight surround fitted, it came to first like that ex Premiere. I thought First might have rectified that by now
https://www.flickr.com/photos/je1791/15074085916/
67699 was never ex Premiere. That was the 08 plate enviro300.
67699 was ex JPT
I'm afraid it was.
http://www.derbybusdepot.co.uk/photos/premiere/PT59JPT.jpg
The 59 plate was new to JPT but both the 08 & 59 plate came to Ensign from Premiere
Ah. I never realised that it came via premiere. My head ought to have a heath warning you know...
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 02, 2014, 09:58:41 PM
Ah. I never realised that it came via premiere. My head ought to have a heath warning you know...
My head has got a heath warning ! :)
PT59JPT and VX54MTO on the 147 this morning. :)
According to @firstwyvern on twitter, the wyvern streetlites should be so service from end of October
So I have heard the 147 has been doing pretty well?
If its so popular with people wanting to go to Merry Hill but they have to change to another service, would First be interested in extending it to Merry Hill, especially as the whole service is commercial if I'm right? Yes it would make the route a bit longer but surely no worse than the 144 route?
How much for one adult one child return to Worcester from halesowen any ideas? Thanks in advance
Wyvern tickts are:
£6.00 = adult and £4.00 for a child so about £10.00
Best value is if you can get more people to go as a 'family wyvern' is only £12 and allows 2 adults + up to 3 children all day travel around the network.
Can someone tell me why put a bus up mucklows hill to come back down again?
So the bus isn't parked in the bus station blocking the stand.
Centro bus station regs are the reason
I don't think much of there e300 at all. Quite powerful, but uncomfortable, can they use double deckers on the 147 as it was full on the way out ex halesowen
Most of the route is ok for deckers but there is a section between Romsley and Catshill where trees would prove an issue so unless the trees were pruned it won't happen. Depending on what e300 you get depends on how good the ride is - there is a big variety. My favourite to drive is 67664 which is a lovely bus whereas 67662 is one to miss! For the age of the vehicles though (10 years) they are in decent condition.
67664 has been out and about in its heritage livery this afternoon on 144 to Birmingham.
PD0000480/240 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between WORNDON (Glovers Needle) and HENWICK PARK given service number 30/31/35 effective from 27-Nov-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/254 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, County Hall and Worcester, Cathedral given service number County Hall Express effective from 29-Nov-2014. To amend Timetable.
Quote from: Winston on October 08, 2014, 03:08:30 PM
PD0000480/240 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between WORNDON (Glovers Needle) and HENWICK PARK given service number 30/31/35 effective from 27-Nov-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.
Thanks Winston.
I haven't previously noticed any applications lumping the 30/31/35 together (for licensing or paperwork purposes perhaps?).
- Have I just missed this in the past, or is this something new?
I have seen "Worndon" on past applications rather than Warndon !
This may well be to do with a change in Sunday workings as most city routes interwork on Sundays. The 31 that now terminates at the Glovers Needle could now well interwork with the 35 which has a similar 'terminus' (in is in fact a circular route of sorts).
Quote from: j789 on October 08, 2014, 08:43:00 PM
This may well be to do with a change in Sunday workings as most city routes interwork on Sundays. The 31 that now terminates at the Glovers Needle could now well interwork with the 35 which has a similar 'terminus' (in is in fact a circular route of sorts).
Thanks for this insight j789 !
(I would not have guessed that scenario - not in a month of Sundays !) :)
First impressions of First Wyvern. Caught the 1725 147 ex Halesowen. Friendly, knowledgable driver at the helm. Lovely route, 67656 a bland E300, clean and nippy. Instantly think little of Worcester itself. Got 67652 back to brum, better example already, more tuneful, quicker off the mark
Check out the pictures of the Trident in retro livery at Midlandred.net, fantastic! :)
http://www.midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1406632417/s-30/ (http://www.midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1406632417/s-30/)
Quote from: Ashley on October 10, 2014, 07:21:32 PM
First impressions of First Wyvern. Caught the 1725 147 ex Halesowen. Friendly, knowledgable driver at the helm. Lovely route, 67656 a bland E300, clean and nippy. Instantly think little of Worcester itself. Got 67652 back to brum, better example already, more tuneful, quicker off the mark
That was me driving the 1725 from Halesowen. 1st time I had ever driven it having only very recently route learned it.
Like the 44b to Ledbury and 551 to Evesham the route passes through some interesting countryside
Quote from: Anthony263 on October 11, 2014, 08:50:31 AM
Quote from: Ashley on October 10, 2014, 07:21:32 PM
First impressions of First Wyvern. Caught the 1725 147 ex Halesowen. Friendly, knowledgable driver at the helm. Lovely route, 67656 a bland E300, clean and nippy. Instantly think little of Worcester itself. Got 67652 back to brum, better example already, more tuneful, quicker off the mark
That was me driving the 1725 from Halesowen. 1st time I had ever driven it having only very recently route learned it.
Like the 44b to Ledbury and 551 to Evesham the route passes through some interesting countryside
I was the nutter who went end to end lol, id be surprised that was your first run given the length and variety of the route
Yes that was the1 st time I have ever driven it on my own.
I had learned it yesterday morning with the intention that I could then do it in the future if required however I did it sooner than I expected.
As I have said to other enthusiasts I am the only welsh driver with First at Worcester so I do stand out with my welsh accent.
Still glad you and the other passengers enjoyed the trip back to Worcester and if I had known you were and enthusiast I would have chatted to you for a bit after we got back to Worcester bus stn
Did you only have to route learn the Halesowen to Bromsgrove bit?
Yes just between Catshill and Halesowen as I generally knew the route through Sidmoor.
33404 now wearing a Midland Red heritage livery
Here are the diagrams for the two heritage liveried buses 67664 and 33404 for next week during the school holidays:
Saturdays from 25th October
Double Decker
From Worcester - 0740, 1130 and 1530
From Birmingham - 0917, 1317 and 1720
Single Decker
From Worcester - 1030 and 1430
From Birmingham - 1217 and 1617
Monday to Friday next week only for half term (27th to 31st October)
Double Decker
From Worcester - 0533, 0900, 1300 and 1715
From Birmingham - 0702, 1047, 1447 and 1915
Single Decker
From Worcester - 1100 and 1455
From Birmingham - 1247 and 1650
http://www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2014/11-11-14.aspx
Midland red branded 67664 and barbie 3 liveried 66694 are on the 147
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 29, 2014, 05:58:21 PM
Midland red branded 67664 and barbie 3 liveried 66694 are on the 147
As mentioned here they are
66694 - http://www.busphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/10810/category/105
67664 (Midland Red livery E300) - http://www.busphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/6493/category/105
Gemini on the 144
Midland red e300-147
Streetlite on the 44C today, dont know if that's normal though
EDIT
The above mentioned Streetlite was 47516, 43873 and a Soslow on the Malvern corridor
A few general obs for the day, as I don't know the area yet (13/12/14)
The 35 - running in trips of capacity full Streetlites then for the evening or possibly just one or two trips, two E300's which then became a Soslow and 47514
32852 was on the 30
33042 and 33043 (listed as at Hereford) were on the 144
Quote from: Ashley on December 13, 2014, 01:41:35 PM
Streetlite on the 44C today, dont know if that's normal though
EDIT
The above mentioned Streetlite was 47516, 43873 and a Soslow on the Malvern corridor
A few general obs for the day, as I don't know the area yet (13/12/14)
The 35 - running in trips of capacity full Streetlites then for the evening or possibly just one or two trips, two E300's which then became a Soslow and 47514
32852 was on the 30
33042 and 33043 (listed as at Hereford) were on the 144
33042 and 43 MAY have come over to make sure WR had enough DDeckers for Rugby services and Christmas shoppers. (?)
What is a Soslow - is it a Solo, or a low-floor bus built by Midland Red (SOS) ?
How's the 147 (Halesowen - Worcester) getting on?
Quote from: DD12 on December 14, 2014, 06:21:55 PM
Quote from: Ashley on December 13, 2014, 01:41:35 PM
Streetlite on the 44C today, dont know if that's normal though
EDIT
The above mentioned Streetlite was 47516, 43873 and a Soslow on the Malvern corridor
A few general obs for the day, as I don't know the area yet (13/12/14)
The 35 - running in trips of capacity full Streetlites then for the evening or possibly just one or two trips, two E300's which then became a Soslow and 47514
32852 was on the 30
33042 and 33043 (listed as at Hereford) were on the 144
33042 and 43 MAY have come over to make sure WR had enough DDeckers for Rugby services and Christmas shoppers. (?)
What is a Soslow - is it a Solo, or a low-floor bus built by Midland Red (SOS) ?
A Soslow is a Solo, sorry
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 14, 2014, 10:59:48 PM
How's the 147 (Halesowen - Worcester) getting on?
Ok I think, not many people do the full route, unsurprisingly
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 15, 2014, 04:50:10 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 14, 2014, 10:59:48 PM
How's the 147 (Halesowen - Worcester) getting on?
Ok I think, not many people do the full route, unsurprisingly
It would be a shame if people on the Halesowen section aren't having a day out in Worcester to include a bit of Xmas shopping - has it been promoted?
Quote from: DD12 on December 15, 2014, 08:20:00 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 15, 2014, 04:50:10 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 14, 2014, 10:59:48 PM
How's the 147 (Halesowen - Worcester) getting on?
Ok I think, not many people do the full route, unsurprisingly
It would be a shame if people on the Halesowen section aren't having a day out in Worcester to include a bit of Xmas shopping - has it been promoted?
I think quite a few people tried it when it was first introduced, but the novelty may have worn off a bit now.
Quote from: DD12 on December 15, 2014, 08:20:00 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 15, 2014, 04:50:10 PM
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 14, 2014, 10:59:48 PM
How's the 147 (Halesowen - Worcester) getting on?
Ok I think, not many people do the full route, unsurprisingly
It would be a shame if people on the Halesowen section aren't having a day out in Worcester to include a bit of Xmas shopping - has it been promoted?
There's a paper timetable in the information board at the stand in Halesowen bus station which also says it only goes to Bromsgrove where the 007 was ripped off and 147 written on with a biro. I'll use it for as long as it lasts
The route will be worth persevering with as it only requires 1 extra vehicle to what was already used on the 144/a. It is mainly OAPs who use it but as with anything, if you give it a chance it can be successful. There is far too much focus in the bus industry on instant results rather than focusing on the long term and developing routes and this is a criticism of all companies. I know money must be made but if routes can be given enough time (6 months is not longer enough eg the X1) then they will build custom up.
One change I would make to the 147 is to reroute it through Catshill so it serves Fairfield as there are more people living there to use the bus. However, this may not go down too well with the 318 operator.
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2014, 09:02:24 PM
The route will be worth persevering with as it only requires 1 extra vehicle to what was already used on the 144/a. It is mainly OAPs who use it but as with anything, if you give it a chance it can be successful. There is far too much focus in the bus industry on instant results rather than focusing on the long term and developing routes and this is a criticism of all companies. I know money must be made but if routes can be given enough time (6 months is not longer enough eg the X1) then they will build custom up.
One change I would make to the 147 is to reroute it through Catshill so it serves Fairfield as there are more people living there to use the bus. However, this may not go down too well with the 318 operator.
I think that's a very good idea about Fairfield. The point about developing routes is also the explanation why a much better service exists on some routes compared to others, yet they seem to have the same characteristics. The 318 was once half-hourly, yet it has dwindled to a subsidised two-hourly service. I know where I'd like the other 144a to go eventually.
Quote from: 111 Roughley on December 16, 2014, 10:50:46 PM
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2014, 09:02:24 PM
The route will be worth persevering with as it only requires 1 extra vehicle to what was already used on the 144/a. It is mainly OAPs who use it but as with anything, if you give it a chance it can be successful. There is far too much focus in the bus industry on instant results rather than focusing on the long term and developing routes and this is a criticism of all companies. I know money must be made but if routes can be given enough time (6 months is not longer enough eg the X1) then they will build custom up.
One change I would make to the 147 is to reroute it through Catshill so it serves Fairfield as there are more people living there to use the bus. However, this may not go down too well with the 318 operator.
I think that's a very good idea about Fairfield. The point about developing routes is also the explanation why a much better service exists on some routes compared to others, yet they seem to have the same characteristics. The 318 was once half-hourly, yet it has dwindled to a subsidised two-hourly service. I know where I'd like the other 144a to go eventually.
I think the long term plan would be to send it to Merry Hill but Midland Red/First has never seemed to like treading on WMT/nxwm toes in the West Mids so if it did happen it would probably run Halesowen to Merry Hill along one of the Centro subsidised routes. From my point of view as a driver, I think NXWM are missing a trick not setting up partnership routes with the other big groups around the Midlands - First/ Stagecoach and Arriva. This could lead to frequent long distance routes linking the major areas - Brum/Coventry to Worcester/ Warwick/ Lichfield/ Tamworth/ Redditch/ Stratford/ Stafford/ Nuneaton/ Leicester etc. By working in partnership (eg from 2 garages 1 of each company), the driving regulation issues could be solved as no driver would have to do the full trip if more than 50km in total. It would certainly take some cooperation and teamwork but the West Mids and surrounding areas could develop a wide range of routes that could compete with the train between the areas, especially on price.
Quote from: j789 on December 17, 2014, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: 111 Roughley on December 16, 2014, 10:50:46 PM
Quote from: j789 on December 16, 2014, 09:02:24 PM
The route will be worth persevering with as it only requires 1 extra vehicle to what was already used on the 144/a. It is mainly OAPs who use it but as with anything, if you give it a chance it can be successful. There is far too much focus in the bus industry on instant results rather than focusing on the long term and developing routes and this is a criticism of all companies. I know money must be made but if routes can be given enough time (6 months is not longer enough eg the X1) then they will build custom up.
One change I would make to the 147 is to reroute it through Catshill so it serves Fairfield as there are more people living there to use the bus. However, this may not go down too well with the 318 operator.
I think that's a very good idea about Fairfield. The point about developing routes is also the explanation why a much better service exists on some routes compared to others, yet they seem to have the same characteristics. The 318 was once half-hourly, yet it has dwindled to a subsidised two-hourly service. I know where I'd like the other 144a to go eventually.
I think the long term plan would be to send it to Merry Hill but Midland Red/First has never seemed to like treading on WMT/nxwm toes in the West Mids so if it did happen it would probably run Halesowen to Merry Hill along one of the Centro subsidised routes. From my point of view as a driver, I think NXWM are missing a trick not setting up partnership routes with the other big groups around the Midlands - First/ Stagecoach and Arriva. This could lead to frequent long distance routes linking the major areas - Brum/Coventry to Worcester/ Warwick/ Lichfield/ Tamworth/ Redditch/ Stratford/ Stafford/ Nuneaton/ Leicester etc. By working in partnership (eg from 2 garages 1 of each company), the driving regulation issues could be solved as no driver would have to do the full trip if more than 50km in total. It would certainly take some cooperation and teamwork but the West Mids and surrounding areas could develop a wide range of routes that could compete with the train between the areas, especially on price.
Ever since the creation of WMPTE 40 years ago, the break-up of Midland Red, the privatisation of WMT as a single company, and huge public investment in railways, the cross-border bus routes have mostly dwindled/struggled. I agree that longer bus routes suffer (which means in some cases they don't exist or are poor) because companies don't cooperate, which I've always put down to worries about the competition authorities, or simply that companies wouldn't trust each other. Rail isn't the answer in many cases: there are no stations between Worcester and Tewkesbury -and its station is inconveniently located- which is also true of Bromsgrove Station. I shall be interested to see how the extension of the cross-city line with 3 trains an hour affects the 144. Not very much I hope. I was pleased to see First take the initiative with the 147 and the 363. Developing existing routes is important. I would like the 550 to continue to Evesham creating with the 551 a half-hourly service. It might do a circular of Evesham, like the 28 does, making it very convenient to travel to Worcester.
If first were to ever extend the 147 to merry hill then surely a routing of Halesowen - Lye - Thorns Road into Merry Hill via the old Ludlows route may work?
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 18, 2014, 09:55:20 AM
If first were to ever extend the 147 to merry hill then surely a routing of Halesowen - Lye - Thorns Road into Merry Hill via the old Ludlows route may work?
Which old Ludlow's route went that way?
202/204 peaks then Hansons 004s
32645 on the 144 today
EDIT
If of interest, the 2020 144 Worcester to Birmingham Monday to Friday comes off a 44 which was 67632 tonight
67656 on the 30 tonight, I thought it was meant to be Streetlites
Daytime 35's were E300's and a Centro today, much needed
I'm also pretty certain 47520 was on the 31
47516 on late 44's vice an enviro
Quote from: Ashley on December 22, 2014, 07:40:17 PM
32645 on the 144 today
EDIT
If of interest, the 2020 144 Worcester to Birmingham Monday to Friday comes off a 44 which was 67632 tonight
67656 on the 30 tonight, I thought it was meant to be Streetlites
Daytime 35's were E300's and a Centro today, much needed
I'm also pretty certain 47520 was on the 31
47516 on late 44's vice an enviro
What bus is 32645?
The main site is there to answer all questions like that, just put 32645 in the search box and a photo will be there
Quote from: Winston on December 18, 2014, 10:56:42 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 18, 2014, 09:55:20 AM
If first were to ever extend the 147 to merry hill then surely a routing of Halesowen - Lye - Thorns Road into Merry Hill via the old Ludlows route may work?
Which old Ludlow's route went that way?
I'd say the ideal route would be to link it with the 217 as the 007 used to run.
The route via lye was never popular which is why no one ever sticks with it and centro haven't tried to get it covered
Quote from: sonic84 on December 24, 2014, 07:59:39 AM
Quote from: Winston on December 18, 2014, 10:56:42 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 18, 2014, 09:55:20 AM
If first were to ever extend the 147 to merry hill then surely a routing of Halesowen - Lye - Thorns Road into Merry Hill via the old Ludlows route may work?
Which old Ludlow's route went that way?
I'd say the ideal route would be to link it with the 217 as the 007 used to run.
The route via lye was never popular which is why no one ever sticks with it and centro haven't tried to get it covered
Indeed the Lye section seems to cope fine with the 9 linking people to Birmingham and Stourbridge and the 276 doing Stourbridge and Merry Hill.
I agree, a 147 extension should follow the current 217/old 007 route imo.
One of the new Streetlites 47515 had an accident this morning on the 31A, the score was brick pillar 1 extended mirror arm 0.
Quote from: Matt on February 28, 2015, 02:53:58 PM
14:50 147 from Halesowen pulled onto stand F way too early causing the 17 due out at 14:45 to wait ages behind him sounding his horn before having to go around him and load at stand G
Halesowen bus station isn't big enough for the number of services serving it.
Only way to sort the problems out with the 147 and 17 clashing is to merge the two together
Quote from: Matt on February 28, 2015, 03:02:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 28, 2015, 02:56:21 PM
Quote from: Matt on February 28, 2015, 02:53:58 PM
14:50 147 from Halesowen pulled onto stand F way too early causing the 17 due out at 14:45 to wait ages behind him sounding his horn before having to go around him and load at stand G
Halesowen bus station isn't big enough for the number of services serving it.
Same just happened with a 231 blocking a 4H and 244 at stand D, they had to load at stand E. You're absolutely right Winston Halesowen bus station is not fit for purpose.
They gave too much of the former bus station land back to pedestrian in front of ASDA. The location of the lay over bay means most buses that park there would need to go & turn around the island & re-enter the bus station to access their stand. The stands are too close together, they could ideally do with another two stands & at least two layover bays in a more suitable location. It all falls apart when a bus breakdowns on a stand.
Quote from: Matt on February 28, 2015, 03:02:59 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 28, 2015, 02:56:21 PM
Quote from: Matt on February 28, 2015, 02:53:58 PM
14:50 147 from Halesowen pulled onto stand F way too early causing the 17 due out at 14:45 to wait ages behind him sounding his horn before having to go around him and load at stand G
Halesowen bus station isn't big enough for the number of services serving it.
Same just happened with a 231 blocking a 4H and 244 at stand D, they had to load at stand E. You're absolutely right Winston Halesowen bus station is not fit for purpose.
I also saw the 244 and 4H pull round
And the same thing happened with the 16:50 to worcester( midland red one)
Am I right in thinking there hasn't been a double decker on the 147 yet?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 04, 2015, 04:19:34 PM
Am I right in thinking there hasn't been a double decker on the 147 yet?
Low hanging trees I believe
60311 (M516 PNA) just passed Kidderminster Town Hall!!
Solo 53040 is now on loan to Cornwall with musings that sister 53041 may follow suit.
32854 showing as withdrawn on the uk buses fleetlist for First Midlands with 33042 33043 nowshowing as Worcester buses. Can anyone confirm?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on March 24, 2015, 09:07:11 AM
32854 showing as withdrawn on the uk buses fleetlist for First Midlands with 33042 33043 nowshowing as Worcester buses. Can anyone confirm?
32854 has been in regular use lately, and I'm pretty sure it was today. (It might have been de-licensed for a while recently).
33042+43 are frequently swopped with WR's other deckers - mainly to allow certain maintenance I think, (and the repair of tree damage!)
- to all intents + purposes, two WR deckers can be considered to be outstationed at HD (most often 33042+43).
(BUT what appears on official company paperwork is anyone's guess)
33042 was in WR use a week ago, and today, - the offside of the bus being "more dirty diesel stain than paint" . :(
Quote from: DD12 on March 24, 2015, 09:06:03 PM
32854 has been in regular use lately, and I'm pretty sure it was today. (It might have been de-licensed for a while recently).
33042+43 are frequently swopped with WR's other deckers - mainly to allow certain maintenance I think, (and the repair of tree damage!)
- to all intents + purposes, two WR deckers can be considered to be outstationed at HD (most often 33042+43).
(BUT what appears on official company paperwork is anyone's guess)
33042 was in WR use a week ago, and today, - the offside of the bus being "more dirty diesel stain than paint" . :(
The last official First fleetlist I have dated 23/2/15 still has 32854 allocated to Worcester & 33042/3 allocated to Hereford
Quote from: DD12 on March 24, 2015, 09:06:03 PM
32854 has been in regular use lately, and I'm pretty sure it was today. (It might have been de-licensed for a while recently).
33042+43 are frequently swopped with WR's other deckers - mainly to allow certain maintenance I think, (and the repair of tree damage!)
- to all intents + purposes, two WR deckers can be considered to be outstationed at HD (most often 33042+43).
(BUT what appears on official company paperwork is anyone's guess)
33042 was in WR use a week ago, and today, - the offside of the bus being "more dirty diesel stain than paint" . :(
32854 was withdrawn several months ago with roof damage sustained at Crowngate bus station but this was subsequently repaired so the vehicle re entered service. It is a nice bus to drive (32852 is the complete opposite!)
The Gemini from Leicester (32645) is still at Worcester too so there still must be a decker short somewhere but not sure what it is. The drivers would certainly like more Geminis to be transferred as they are lovely to drive.
Quote from: j789 on March 24, 2015, 10:29:17 PM
32854 was withdrawn several months ago with roof damage sustained at Crowngate bus station but this was subsequently repaired so the vehicle re entered service. It is a nice bus to drive (32852 is the complete opposite!)
The Gemini from Leicester (32645) is still at Worcester too so there still must be a decker short somewhere but not sure what it is. The drivers would certainly like more Geminis to be transferred as they are lovely to drive.
The fleetlist I looked at was dated 21/3/15 but goodness knows where they get their info from, I just thought id ask
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on March 25, 2015, 09:19:02 AM
The fleetlist I looked at was dated 21/3/15 but goodness knows where they get their info from, I just thought id ask
To be fair, it's quite difficult to keep such a list 100% accurate for 100% of the time. As has been stated, 32854 was withdrawn for a time, following roof damage sustained at Crowngate. It was half expected that the vehicle would be replaced but in the end it was decided to repair it. Assuming the person compiling the list isn't directly involved with the company, and gathers their information from an assortment of internet sources, it's going to be quite a task to get things spot on in real time. It's a bit like "Buses" magazine having a publication date of a month later than the date it actually appears on the shelf - by the time it's on sale all sorts of fleet changes could have taken place. At the end of the day all information is provided in good faith.
Personally, I wish all operators would take the time and put fleet information on their websites. It's so easy to do. It provides a bit of transparency and also stops enthusiasts getting the wrong end of the stick by preventing wagging tongues from gossiping in the manufacture of incorrect information.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on March 25, 2015, 12:07:56 PM
Personally, I wish all operators would take the time and put fleet information on their websites. It's so easy to do. It provides a bit of transparency and also stops enthusiasts getting the wrong end of the stick by preventing wagging tongues from gossiping in the manufacture of incorrect information.
I agree with this. Going back 5 or 6 years ago, the TWM fleetlist on their website was excellent as it showed the Metrobuses (and other types) still going in service and also what garage they were based at which was useful if you wanted to go for a day out Metro hunting! Shame this is not maintained any longer.
Quote from: Matt on April 07, 2015, 02:11:44 PM
Gemini 32645 left Worcester a few minutes ago on the 144. Did not realise that was still here.
Also Tridents 32852 and 33401 are on the 30. Last time I was here that was a single deck route.
The times ive been to Worcester ive seen at least one decker on the 30, the SD's should be an E300 and a Streetlite which interworks with the 35 at night
What bus operates on 364 and 44 and 551?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 11, 2015, 06:49:43 PM
What bus operates on 364 and 44 and 551?
364-Not sure
44-E300's
551-E300's
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 11, 2015, 06:49:43 PM
What bus operates on 364 and 44 and 551?
One of the joys of working at Worcester is that you get variety on most routes, I don't think I could hack driving the same type of bus every day.
Generally the Enviro 300s can and do appear on any route, including the 31 which is meant to be Solo. The Solos are mainly on the 31 in the day then all (bar the 144) in the evening.
The deckers are limited to the 30, 32, 144 and schools due to low bridges but they occasionally do the 550, and even the 551. There is one 44 running board in the morning from Barnards Green to Worcester that is decker operated coming off a school route. The 44 would be an ideal route for deckers if it wasn't for a couple of roads in Malvern.
The streetlites are mainly on the 33/34/35 routes and 362/363/364/365/373 but can also appear across the network.
The centros like the E300s can be on anything but there are usually some guaranteed to be on the 44.
Like I said, variety!
Quote from: j789 on April 11, 2015, 09:08:34 PM
One of the joys of working at Worcester is that you get variety on most routes, I don't think I could hack driving the same type of bus every day.
Generally the Enviro 300s can and do appear on any route, including the 31 which is meant to be Solo. The Solos are mainly on the 31 in the day then all (bar the 144) in the evening.
The deckers are limited to the 30, 32, 144 and schools due to low bridges but they occasionally do the 550, and even the 551. There is one 44 running board in the morning from Barnards Green to Worcester that is decker operated coming off a school route. The 44 would be an ideal route for deckers if it wasn't for a couple of roads in Malvern.
The streetlites are mainly on the 33/34/35 routes and 362/363/364/365/373 but can also appear across the network.
The centros like the E300s can be on anything but there are usually some guaranteed to be on the 44.
Like I said, variety!
Thanks, but doesn't first only have six streetlites, so how can they appear on all of those routes?
What are the chances of a decker on 144?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 12, 2015, 11:11:04 AM
Thanks, but doesn't first only have six streetlites, so how can they appear on all of those routes?
What are the chances of a decker on 144?
There are 8 Streetlites (47513 - 47520) at Worcester. The routes they operate on only have PVR's of 3 to 6 and are allocated alongside other vehicle types.
Deckers are on most 144 journeys Monday to saturday
There are 8 Streetlites at Worcester, they appear across the board as they are not restricted to certain routes so it is possible to get them on any route but the 33/34/35 are most likely to have them. As for deckers on the 144, everyday except sunday you will have deckers on this route, the First bus out the garage at 5.25am is a Decker on the 144 (5.33am journey) and this will also run the 9am, 1pm and 5.15pm 144. Other deckers also appear on other running boards so you are quite likely to get a decker on the route (or 144a).
What is the best e300 in the first wavers fleet, as I know they have a wide range. Also what deckers are best ?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 23, 2015, 06:10:19 PM
What is the best e300 in the first wavers fleet, as I know they have a wide range. Also what deckers are best ?
For E300's, I'd go for 67637 and 67662 (best ZF)
67665 is a nice E300 (Newer too than the majority of other e300s) and 67662 is a pleasant drive. Best decker by far is the Gemini 32645 (albeit a Leicester bus that is on loan (for nearing a year now!). The Tridents are all OK but the cabs are very cramped.
I been told by a driver that the worst bus at First Worcester currently is Plaxton President 32852 T852LLC.
Do tridents serve Worcester bus station by foregate street?
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 08:08:46 PM
I know the Wyvern ticket covers the 420 to Hereford, but does it cover travel on Hereford routes too? Even the 446 out to Almeley?
Yep, absolutely everything! :D
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 08:47:30 PM
And the H1 to Hay-on-Wye in Wales?
@Matt No the First Wyvern ticket does not cover the H1 to Hay-on-Wye.
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 08:47:30 PM
And the H1 to Hay-on-Wye in Wales?
The Hay shuttle?
That's £7 single, £10 return I think, excluded from Wyvern.
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 09:02:26 PM
Oh balls haha, never mind.
Is that a temporary service or something, as don't remember hearing about it before.
Yep, to coincide with Hay on Wye festival, just from 21-31st May.
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 09:31:46 PM
Thanks @DiamondDart. Think I'm going to do a trip to Worcester & Hereford next week
Which routes?
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 09:31:46 PM
Thanks @DiamondDart. Think I'm going to do a trip to Worcester & Hereford next week
No worries!
Quote from: Matt on May 24, 2015, 09:38:55 PM
Also - why does the 44B to Ledbury only run on Saturdays? Is the route covered by another operator during the week?
It's just for the Summer. Normally Worcester-Ledbury is covered by the 417 service run by Astons, although not via an especially similar route.
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=twm&line=03417&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=CEN_EFA02_432316725&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_spTr=1&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=AST
What was the decker in midland livery from Worcester
doing going up by old square in Birmingham
last night just after 17.00
Quote from: Solo1 on May 29, 2015, 05:44:31 AM
What was the decker in midland livery from Worcester
doing going up by old square in Birmingham
last night just after 17.00
33404 I think
Looks as though 32645 has returned to Leicester with, ALX400 bodied, 32067 on the cards to be its replacement.
First Hereford up for sale see this link for details http://www.firstgroup.com/about-us/news/statement-first-bus
affects other first companies as well
Quote from: Cedric on June 29, 2015, 04:38:01 PM
First Hereford up for sale see this link for details http://www.firstgroup.com/about-us/news/statement-first-bus
affects other first companies as well
Interesting... Hereford might be of interest to Rotala to add to KR & RH to re-build MRW
First are intending to withdraw all Hereford services & shutdown the depot from 5th September
https://www.facebook.com/bbcherefordandworcester
Quote from: Winston on June 29, 2015, 05:02:36 PM
Interesting... Hereford might be of interest to Rotala to add to KR & RH to re-build MRW
personally I do not think Worcester will last long after
Quote from: Winston on June 29, 2015, 05:02:36 PM
Interesting... Hereford might be of interest to Rotala to add to KR & RH to re-build MRW
First are threatening to withdrawn all Hereford services & shutdown the depot from 5th September
https://www.facebook.com/bbcherefordandworcester
Would think Stagecoach would be a fit for the Hereford area as it's more their territory
Quote from: the trainbasher on June 29, 2015, 05:10:05 PM
Would think Stagecoach would be a fit for the Hereford area as it's more their territory
Possibly, but there's plenty of scope to expand & link Hereford in with existing Rotala services through potentially acquiring independents such as DRM, Sargents, Yeomans Canyon Travel etc
Quote from: Winston on June 29, 2015, 05:19:02 PM
Possibly, but there's plenty of scope to expand & link Hereford in with existing Rotala services through potentially acquiring independents such as DRM, Sargents, Yeomans Canyon Travel etc
Who knows..........if I had to bet I would say Stagecoach who already run in from Cardiff,Abergavenny,Ross on Wye,Gloucester and Hay on Wye.
The attraction of adding a batch of Town Services and reducing dead mileage to and from the above places may be very enticing.
Most of the independents only exist at the moment on tendered work and bits picked up in the past after being discarded by Midland Red West/First,and I wouldn't think they would be worth buying.
Quote from: arrifirststage on June 29, 2015, 05:36:20 PM
Who knows..........if I had to bet I would say Stagecoach who already run in from Cardiff,Abergavenny,Ross on Wye,Gloucester and Hay on Wye.
The attraction of adding a batch of Town Services and reducing dead mileage to and from the above places may be very enticing.
Most of the independents only exist at the moment on tendered work and bits picked up in the past after being discarded by Midland Red West/First,and I wouldn't think they would be worth buying.
To be fair, most of the independents suggested have much more modern fleets than First Hereford, so their work must generate a decent income
Bit of guesswork but perhaps Potteries will benefit from Hereford's DDA compliant fleet.
Historically the best interurban routes into Hereford were (and I think still are) from the south - Ross and Monmouth - and these are in the hands of Stagecoach. With the exception of First 420 to Worcester, most other services are in the hands of various independents, including the very successful DRM with three-axle Scanias and Sargeants who have a Spectra and other newer vehicles.
As First are closing Hereford garage rather than selling it, can we presume that Stagecoach are not that interested in Hereford city? If so, the Yeomans group could be worth watching.
Worcester is a different matter. First are doing quite well there - probably better than in the Potteries - and the allocation at WR is not that much smaller than First Leicester's fleet.
It was on BBC Midlands Today about First withdrawing their Hereford services and closing this depot along with the Newcastle Under Lyne one.Services due to end by the end of August ish?
Quote from: suavegarv on June 30, 2015, 09:28:55 PM
It was on BBC Midlands Today about First withdrawing their Hereford services and closing this depot along with the Newcastle Under Lyne one.Services due to end by the end of August ish?
there is a press release on first midlands website about this and it 5/9/15 Hereford is closing . Newcastle is closing on same day but it is being combined with another depot which close by
Looks as though First are retaining the 420 once Hereford closes:
PD0000480/84 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Hereford, Bus Station given service number 420/418 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
As well as the X50 Worcester to Alcester via Pershore Evesham Bidford on Avon
Quote from: Winston on July 17, 2015, 03:20:03 PM
Looks as though First are retaining the 420 once Hereford closes:
PD0000480/84 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Hereford, Bus Station given service number 420/418 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
must be a money making one for them to keep it
Quote from: Cedric on July 17, 2015, 03:35:20 PM
must be a money making one for them to keep it
I assume so, obviously it can be operated out of WR as well
Quote from: Winston on July 17, 2015, 03:20:03 PM
Looks as though First are retaining the 420 once Hereford closes:
PD0000480/84 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Hereford, Bus Station given service number 420/418 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
I am happy that First has kept the 420 as it has been operated out of the Worcester depot for a number of years. When ever I see the 420 it has a healthy loading even though it only runs 5 or 6 times a day.
More First WR changes:
PD0000480/8 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Evesham, Bus Station given service number 550/551/557 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/11 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, Bus Station and Birmingham, Smallbrook Queensway given service number 144/S23 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/18 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between KEMPSEY and CLAINES given service number 32/32A/32B effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/26 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Henwick Park, Monarch Drive given service number 31/31B/31C effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/91 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester, City Centre, Bus Station and Worcester, City Centre, Bus Station given service number 33/33A/34/34A effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/104 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Malvern Link, Pioneer Store given service number 44/44A/44B/44C effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
PD0000480/319 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester (Bus Station) and Tewkesbury (The Crescent) given service number 361/363 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Timetable.
PD0000480/324 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Variation Accepted: Operating between Worcester Bus Station and Halesowen Bus Station given service number 147 effective from 07-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.
here is link giving latest news on Hereford shut down
http://hm.sunshineradio.co.uk/news/local-news/bus-services-continue-in-herefordshire/
How does the 147 do these days? Would first ever give an extension to merry hill a go?
Quote from: s94 on July 21, 2015, 05:24:21 PM
How does the 147 do these days? Would first ever give an extension to merry hill a go?
Not sure if many people go end to end but you have former 007 passengers from Halesowen to Bromsgrove. From there to Worcester its just people who would use the 144 or 147 so I would assume it does well enough, ive never seen an empty or nearly empty one. As for a mezza extension I personally doubt it's something they'd look at due to high car ownership in the villages.
Postings elsewhere suggest 18 Enviro300s to go to Potteries as part of the forthcoming cascades created by new vehicles and depot closures. Some Solos would seem likely as well. It was apparently the plan that the Y-reg Caetano Darts would be DDA'd and go to Potteries too, but I'm not sure if that's still the case; two are in use at Adderley Green already, but the plans are apparently that nothing at Potteries (including five B7TLs) which is not DDA will be modified now.
Quote from: barry619 on July 24, 2015, 06:20:58 PM
Postings elsewhere suggest 18 Enviro300s to go to Potteries as part of the forthcoming cascades created by new vehicles and depot closures. Some Solos would seem likely as well. It was apparently the plan that the Y-reg Caetano Darts would be DDA'd and go to Potteries too, but I'm not sure if that's still the case; two are in use at Adderley Green already, but the plans are apparently that nothing at Potteries (including five B7TLs) which is not DDA will be modified now.
If Potteries get E300's, what would Worcester use to cover their PVR?
No doubt the new big streetlites due for the 44, the streetdecks due for the 144, the mini Caetanos due back from Hereford, 2 Centros at Hereford to move back and the two Presidents that they had for schools.
Rumours also saying that all of Hereford's Solos will move to Potteries to kill of the last of there non DDA Solos.
As long as 67664 Stays then that's a good thing!
Quote from: the trainbasher on July 24, 2015, 08:00:24 PM
As long as 67664 Stays then that's a good thing!
Yes, lets repaint an Enviro in heritage livery and then ship it out! Makes sense!
Quote from: jc on July 24, 2015, 08:05:48 PM
Yes, lets repaint an Enviro in heritage livery and then ship it out! Makes sense!
I cant see all the Enviros 300 leaving in one go so 67664 will probably be the last to go. Will be interesting to see what happens with 67699 as it is non standard. Probably will stay. Hopefully the E200s will come back too as they are much better than the Streetlites to drive.
Forgot the E200s at Hereford! No doubt with regards to the E300s it will be 67601-4 and 67631-43, the former Redditch ones basically.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on July 24, 2015, 07:51:19 PM
If Potteries get E300's, what would Worcester use to cover their PVR?
WR will have an increased Pvr from Sept with the new X50 & First providing a replacement for Aston's 382
Quote from: Winston on July 24, 2015, 08:46:54 PM
WR will have an increased Pvr from Sept with the new X50 & First providing a replacement for Aston's 382
Plus the 420 route as well - looking at 6 to 7 more vehicles I would think
Quote from: j789 on July 24, 2015, 09:21:07 PM
Plus the 420 route as well - looking at 6 to 7 more vehicles I would think
I think the First 420 is only a couple of supported journies, there are still suggestions DRM are taking over the full service
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on July 24, 2015, 07:51:19 PM
If Potteries get E300's, what would Worcester use to cover their PVR?
I don't know because it could be anything. There are going to be Volvos released from Hereford and there are also going to be mid-life single-deckers released from Leicester by new buses there, and then of course there is Worcester's new buses of its own. I think the final cascade plan is not yet set in stone so there are a huge number of possibilities. Some might be obvious, some less so.
Quote from: j789 on July 24, 2015, 08:31:26 PM
I cant see all the Enviros 300 leaving in one go so 67664 will probably be the last to go. Will be interesting to see what happens with 67699 as it is non standard. Probably will stay. Hopefully the E200s will come back too as they are much better than the Streetlites to drive.
The number mentioned to go to Stoke is either 15 or 18 of the E300s, the older ones.
Quote from: Winston on July 24, 2015, 09:24:14 PM
I think the First 420 is only a couple of supported journies, there are still suggestions DRM are taking over the full service
First have registered from Worcester to Hereford to start in September running from Worcester Garage.
Quote from: tank90 on July 24, 2015, 09:49:28 PM
First have registered from Worcester to Hereford to start in September running from Worcester Garage.
I know, I posted the registration on here. Midlandred.net seems to suggest it's not the current full service, only a couple of tendered journies that WR are taking over
Quote from: Winston on July 24, 2015, 09:53:30 PM
I know, I posted the registration on here. Midlandred.net seems to suggest it's not the current full service, only a couple of tendered journies that WR are taking over
Hehe just look at 382 posts on there lol
I would say first will carry on with what it does on the 420 at present.
Quote from: tank90 on July 24, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
Hehe just look at 382 posts on there lol
I would say first will carry on with what it does on the 420 at present.
The bit about First & the 420 is here:
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1435576868/s-45/
Haven't seen a new registration from DRM yet though :-\
How much is a Wyvern day ticket for 1 adult, 1 child?
Can I use Wyvern ticket on 144?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 28, 2015, 08:24:49 AM
How much is a Wyvern day ticket for 1 adult, 1 child?
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/worcestershire_herefordshire/tickets/wyvern/firstday.php
Should provide that information.
147 on diversion around romsley causing delays
I couldn't use a connecta ticket on the 144 to Birmingham could I? Can I purchase connecta ticket in Halesowen on the 192?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 29, 2015, 08:51:20 PM
I couldn't use a connecta ticket on the 144 to Birmingham could I? Can I purchase connecta ticket in Halesowen on the 192?
As Halesowen is not in Worcestershire then I guess you wouldn't be able to purchase one from there. And similarly, I guess a Connecta is not valid past Rubery into Birmingham on the 144.
Slightly out of date with service numbers, but the following page has a link with the boundaries on it.
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5598/connecta_boundary_points
Quote from: Cheese on July 29, 2015, 08:58:31 PM
As Halesowen is not in Worcestershire then I guess you wouldn't be able to purchase one from there. And similarly, I guess a Connecta is not valid past Rubery into Birmingham on the 144.
Slightly out of date with service numbers, but the following page has a link with the boundaries on it.
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5598/connecta_boundary_points
Two stops past the Harvester in Halesowen (Kidderminster bound) is where the 192 is valid from
Quote from: Cheese on July 29, 2015, 08:58:31 PM
As Halesowen is not in Worcestershire then I guess you wouldn't be able to purchase one from there. And similarly, I guess a Connecta is not valid past Rubery into Birmingham on the 144.
Slightly out of date with service numbers, but the following page has a link with the boundaries on it.
http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5598/connecta_boundary_points
But if I had my n bus i could use that from rubbery to Birmingham?
So if I wanted to get on by harvester and purchase connecta I couldn't. Are they lenient?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on July 29, 2015, 09:39:55 PM
But if I had my n bus i could use that from rubbery to Birmingham?
So if I wanted to get on by harvester and purchase connecta I couldn't. Are they lenient?
First no longer accept N-Bus.
Just buy a Wyvern or buy a Connecta and a single fare- First's WM singles are around the cheapest in the area anyway despite not being promoted at all!
Quote from: DiamondDart on July 29, 2015, 10:58:42 PM
Just buy a Wyvern or buy a Connecta and a single fare- First's WM singles are around the cheapest in the area anyway despite not being promoted at all!
Ok
PD0000480/327 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Worcester Bus Station
Finish Point: Pershore, Broad Street
Via: Norton, Defford, Eckington
Service Number: 382
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-SEP-2015
Other Details: Monday to Saturday
PD0000480/328 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Abbey Park Golf Club
Finish Point: South Bromsgrove High School
Via: Rowney Green, Alvechurch
Service Number: S55
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 07-SEP-2015
Other Details: Monday to Friday, school days only
PD0000480/329 - FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD T/A FIRST MIDLAND RED, FIRST POTTERIES, DIVIDY ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST3 5YY
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Alvechurch Square
Finish Point: South Bromsgrove High School
Via: Barnt Green, Lickey
Service Number: S45
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 07-SEP-2015
Other Details: Monday to Friday, school days only
THANKS v.much Winston for posting this interesting info.
What routes do the Worcester Streetlites usually do?
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 31, 2015, 04:59:26 PM
What routes do the Worcester Streetlites usually do?
Mostly 30-35 so Worcester locals but have seen them on 44's and 363's.
Ok thanks Ashley! Wanted to know as should be going to Worcester tomorrow.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on July 31, 2015, 04:59:26 PM
What routes do the Worcester Streetlites usually do?
I was in Worcester today and the 35 seemed to be the best place to see them.
Whilst waiting for the next 144 before deciding to go on the 147, I saw a Streetshite on the 144A.
Yes the 35 did seem the best route for them. This is what I saw:(Didn't write the workings down so some are guessed from what I remember and from my photos!)
47513:only saw parked up
47514:35?
47515:35
47516:Didn't see
47517:147?
47518:35
47519:Didn't see
47520:35
One thing I know is that they were all out as none were in the yard at Worcester unless they were being repaired etc in the shed at the back. Which streetlite did you see on a 144A?
Street lite on 144A/147 today. They look stunning!
Had you not seen one before? Yes I have to agree with you the livery is very good and makes them stand out against the Enviro 300s!
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 01, 2015, 07:35:40 PM
One thing I know is that they were all out as none were in the yard at Worcester unless they were being repaired etc in the shed at the back. Which streetlite did you see on a 144A?
I wasn't paying attention to the fleet number of the Streetshite on the 144A. Apologies for not being helpful.
Never mind mate.
I have on another site that the 147 will divert via the Halesowen bypass to Hayley Green and then onto Halesowen.
Has anyone seen anything else about this?
Quote from: sonic84 on August 11, 2015, 06:13:39 PM
I have on another site that the 147 will divert via the Halesowen bypass to Hayley Green and then onto Halesowen.
Has anyone seen anything else about this?
Yes, on the Service Changes page on the NWM website
http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/bus/servicechanges/ServiceChangesPages/6September2015.aspx
Timetable for the new 147 is up on Network West Midlands site now. I'd say this link will be more useful that the Mucklows Hill diversion. Should make the people of Hayley Green happy. Hopefully it will be used.
Quote from: sonic84 on August 15, 2015, 02:05:55 PM
Timetable for the new 147 is up on Network West Midlands site now. I'd say this link will be more useful that the Mucklows Hill diversion. Should make the people of Hayley Green happy. Hopefully it will be used.
Not when they don't accept nbuses!
Having had a look at the timetable I actually think it would have been better if the 147 was to serve Halesowen first and then terminate at Hayley Green. I doubt whether passengers from Bromsgrove /Romsley wish to Divert through Hayley Green first.
Also, during peak times the A456 Halesowen bypass can get particularly busy with quite bad congestion towards the grange road island and so going to the town centre first would avoid this.
Some, new to Midland Red West, Mercedes mini-buses for sale from Cornwall here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Minibus-/221865604371?hash=item33a8387513
Judging by the seller's name, it could be that the operating company have set up their own ebay page to offload redundant assets. If so, it's good to see common sense prevailing.
67699 was on driver training around Hayley green practising new route
How much would a single child from Hereford to Worcester cost?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 31, 2015, 04:11:37 PM
How much would a single child from Hereford to Worcester cost?
Remember this is not a First route after this week.....try DRM Coaches website.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 31, 2015, 04:11:37 PM
How much would a single child from Hereford to Worcester cost?
@Trident 4194 Are you planning on going to Hereford for First Hereford last day this Saturday mate?
Quote from: Reece on August 31, 2015, 04:41:02 PM
@Trident 4194 Are you planning on going to Hereford for First Hereford last day this Saturday mate?
No, although I was planning to catch the class 150 from bhm to Hereford, then 420, then bus or train back
@Reece will the 420 still run?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on August 31, 2015, 05:07:44 PM
No, although I was planning to catch the class 150 from bhm to Hereford, then 420, then bus or train back
@Reece will the 420 still run?
YES,but run by DRM COACHES, not First as I already told you in the last post.
66692 on the 147 instead of the usual Enviro 300
Will the Hereford buses that first have be sold
Or moved within the first group
Quote from: Solo1 on September 01, 2015, 09:55:28 PM
Will the Hereford buses that first have be sold
Or moved within the first group
No they will be moved within First Midlands & other First subsidaries to remove non DDA buses
144 Heritage Alx 400 broke down outside Waitrose this Lunch time.
First have published a planned fleetlist for January 2016 for the Midlands and were selling it at today's Leicester open day.
Worcester should look like this, with the usual disclaimers:
Solo: 53043-051, 53061/062;
StreetLite midi: 47513-520;
E200: 44511/514/515;
E300: 67642/643/647-665, 67699;
B7RLE: 66691-699;
BMC: 68507/559;
StreetLite Max: 63345-353 [due Nov/Dec];
Volvo coach: 20201/202;
Trident: 33039/042/043, 33401-405;
StreetDeck: 35156-159 [due imminently];
B7TL: 32066/067.
Things may change but this is the plan. Will add the Potteries and Leicester lists when I have time. The Worcester StreetDecks will be in the raspberry-fronted livery applied to the Bristol and Leicester ones.
Quote from: barry619 on September 06, 2015, 07:13:26 PM
First have published a planned fleetlist for January 2016 for the Midlands and were selling it at today's Leicester open day.
Worcester should look like this, with the usual disclaimers:
Solo: 53043-051, 53061/062;
StreetLite midi: 47513-520;
E200: 44511/514/515;
E300: 67642/643/647-665, 67699;
B7RLE: 66691-699;
BMC: 68507/559;
StreetLite Max: 63345-353 [due Nov/Dec];
Volvo coach: 20201/202;
Trident: 33039/042/043, 33401-405;
StreetDeck: 35156-159 [due imminently];
B7TL: 32066/067.
Things may change but this is the plan. Will add the Potteries and Leicester lists when I have time. The Worcester StreetDecks will be in the raspberry-fronted livery applied to the Bristol and Leicester ones.
No the new StreetDecks and Streetlites MAX should/will have Red fronts as First Worcester specified this in the order and because Red is a more suitable colour for this area because of Midland Red and the routes there for are the 44 series and they should have route branding as well apparently.
Quote from: barry619 on September 06, 2015, 07:13:26 PM
First have published a planned fleetlist for January 2016 for the Midlands and were selling it at today's Leicester open day.
Worcester should look like this, with the usual disclaimers:
Solo: 53043-051, 53061/062;
StreetLite midi: 47513-520;
E200: 44511/514/515;
E300: 67642/643/647-665, 67699;
B7RLE: 66691-699;
BMC: 68507/559;
StreetLite Max: 63345-353 [due Nov/Dec];
Volvo coach: 20201/202;
Trident: 33039/042/043, 33401-405;
StreetDeck: 35156-159 [due imminently];
B7TL: 32066/067.
Things may change but this is the plan. Will add the Potteries and Leicester lists when I have time. The Worcester StreetDecks will be in the raspberry-fronted livery applied to the Bristol and Leicester ones.
THANKS for posting this Barry.
I notice at the bottom of the Potteries list you've posted, it includes their PVR -
Could you possibly tell us the PVR for Worcester/Wyvern/FMR IF your "advance fleet list" shows it ?
THANKS.
Quote from: Reece on September 10, 2015, 11:25:05 AM
No the new StreetDecks and Streetlites MAX should/will have Red fronts as First Worcester specified this in the order and because Red is a more suitable colour for this area because of Midland Red and the routes there for are the 44 series and they should have route branding as well apparently.
Ok, you know better than the regional MD does then...
Re the PVR question, I will have a look at the fleetlist as I don't have it to hand at the moment.
Quote from: barry619 on September 11, 2015, 07:39:44 AM
Ok, you know better than the regional MD does then...
Re the PVR question, I will have a look at the fleetlist as I don't have it to hand at the moment.
First one has now arrived at Worcester
Quote from: Tony on September 11, 2015, 07:41:33 AM
First one has now arrived at Worcester
YES ! - The first NEW double decker for Worcester (Midland Red/M.R.West/First M.Red) in 47 years, has been delivered.
StreetDeck 35156 has the same "purply-pink" fronted livery as the Bristol and Leicester examples.
No registration plates yet.
We are expecting 35156-59.
The last NEW DDs for WR were Daimler Fleetlines 6092-96 LHA592-596F, delivered in November 1967.
Quote from: DD12 on September 11, 2015, 10:24:38 AM
YES ! - The first NEW double decker for Worcester (Midland Red/M.R.West/First M.Red) in 47 years, has been delivered.
StreetDeck 35156 has the same "purply-pink" fronted livery as the Bristol and Leicester examples.
No registration plates yet.
We are expecting 35156-59.
The last NEW DDs for WR were Daimler Fleetlines 6092-96 LHA592-596F, delivered in November 1967.
35156:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128350144@N03/21131996159/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128350144@N03/21130800960/in/photostream/
Quote from: DD12 on September 11, 2015, 10:24:38 AM
YES ! - The first NEW double decker for Worcester (Midland Red/M.R.West/First M.Red) in 47 years, has been delivered.
StreetDeck 35156 has the same "purply-pink" fronted livery as the Bristol and Leicester examples.
No registration plates yet.
We are expecting 35156-59.
The last NEW DDs for WR were Daimler Fleetlines 6092-96 LHA592-596F, delivered in November 1967.
I don't get where this first new decker for Worcester thing is resurfacing from... The VX54 tridents were new to FMR in 2005 and first used on Worcester christmas park and ride specials when new...
Quote from: Winston on September 11, 2015, 07:42:55 PM
35156:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128350144@N03/21131996159/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128350144@N03/21130800960/in/photostream/
Also look to be loans with Leicester citybus legals
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2015, 07:52:36 PM
I don't get where this first new decker for Worcester thing is resurfacing from... The VX54 tridents were new to FMR in 2005 and first used on Worcester christmas park and ride specials when new...
@DiamondDart The 5 54 reg Tridents were purchased brand new for First Redditch not First Worcester.
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2015, 07:53:09 PM
Also look to be loans with Leicester citybus legals
@DiamondDart The only reason this has happened is because these 4 StreetDecks were originally built for First Leicester so it was to their specification not First Worcester. New legals should be added next week for First Worcester because they are NOT long term LOANS!
Quote from: Reece on September 11, 2015, 08:47:48 PM
@DiamondDart The 5 54 reg Tridents were purchased brand new for First Redditch not First Worcester.
Yeah but first used at Worcester within FMR! They didn't make it to Redditch until a while later!
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2015, 08:55:06 PM
Yeah but first used at Worcester within FMR! They didn't make it to Redditch until a while later!
According to Tony's fleetlist, they were first used in Leicester when new, then Northampton, then Redditch
35157 has also shown its face at Worcester today on delivery, again in the raspberry front.
The VX54 Tridents were delivered to the Worcester garage (Worcester had the head office of FMR back then) when brand new, along with some new "Pointer Darts" ( - I'd love to see some photos !)
They were intended to be allocated to Redditch, but there were problems with this.
They quickly disappeared from Worcester without being used, but 2 or 3 of them reappeared on the Xmas P+R SPECIALS which were NOT operated from WR, but from Kidderminster, I believe.
All 5, "still-new", left FMR/Wyvern without being used on normal services, to work in Leicester + Northampton for many months.
When they eventually returned, they put-in surprise appearances at Evesham and Kidderminster (Again, I'd love to see photos) before settling-down as intended at Redditch.
The StreetDecks are the first NEW dds for WR since 1967.
P.S. I hope Reece is right about the FMR legals getting applied soon - then I "can die a happy man !"
Quote from: DD12 on September 11, 2015, 09:45:32 PM
The VX54 Tridents were delivered to the Worcester garage (Worcester had the head office of FMR back then) when brand new, along with some new "Pointer Darts" ( - I'd love to see some photos !)
They were intended to be allocated to Redditch, but there were problems with this.
They quickly disappeared from Worcester without being used, but 2 or 3 of them reappeared on the Xmas P+R SPECIALS which were NOT operated from WR, but from Kidderminster, I believe.
All 5, "still-new", left FMR/Wyvern without being used on normal services, to work in Leicester + Northampton for many months.
When they eventually returned, they put-in surprise appearances at Evesham and Kidderminster (Again, I'd love to see photos) before settling-down as intended at Redditch.
The StreetDecks are the first NEW dds for WR since 1967.
P.S. I hope Reece is right about the FMR legals getting applied soon - then I "can die a happy man !"
You're right about Leicester and Northampton, marketing there even briefly showed new ALX400's entering service that they knew wouldn't be stopping :P
They are still not the first new deckers since 1967, I'd be surprised if deckers were ever ran from KR as the roof was purpose designed to be too small for deckers at the request of the then general manager. If they had been then everything would have basically been done at Worcester, washing etc.
I believe Worcester may have had staff shortages around this time, which led to odd allocations and even 144's running from Kidderminster for a while!
They then went to Redditch and got branded up, get around every... which one of them still has one of the offside vinyls for all these years later!
Quote from: DiamondDart on September 11, 2015, 09:51:25 PM
They are still not the first new deckers since 1967, I'd be surprised if deckers were ever ran from KR as the roof was purpose designed to be too small for deckers at the request of the then general manager.
WRONG !!
These ARE the first NEW DDs allocated to WR garage since 1967 !! (ie normal services etc) .
AND ... First ran a selection of Deckers from KR despite the lack of headroom, including "Green Bus" examples !
I hope Tony Hunter is watching this thread ! ( I don't think members should be allowed to post rubbish like that from Diamond Dart !)
Quote from: DD12 on September 11, 2015, 09:45:32 PM
The VX54 Tridents were delivered to the Worcester garage (Worcester had the head office of FMR back then) when brand new, along with some new "Pointer Darts" ( - I'd love to see some photos !)
They were intended to be allocated to Redditch, but there were problems with this.
They quickly disappeared from Worcester without being used, but 2 or 3 of them reappeared on the Xmas P+R SPECIALS which were NOT operated from WR, but from Kidderminster, I believe.
All 5, "still-new", left FMR/Wyvern without being used on normal services, to work in Leicester + Northampton for many months.
When they eventually returned, they put-in surprise appearances at Evesham and Kidderminster (Again, I'd love to see photos) before settling-down as intended at Redditch.
The StreetDecks are the first NEW dds for WR since 1967.
P.S. I hope Reece is right about the FMR legals getting applied soon - then I "can die a happy man !"
@DD12 I am glad I am not the only one who is excited about Worcester having *BRAND NEW* Deckers. It's been a long wait but they are finally here in the form of 4 Wright StreetDecks. :D
Kidderminster at one time had a small fleet of deckers mainly two from the 3812* batch for GB work (Redditch had the other two and Lance 67241 for this work). At this time (around 2005) they also gained Trident 33404 as a back up vehicle, this would have only been a year or two old at the time and there were plans to allocate it permanently, 33402 at Evesham garage too.
In later First Group years 31452 had seen use from Kidderminster depot, mostly on service 3, but it did however manage at least a turn on the X3.
In the later 2000's a pair of former Glasgow and Evesham 31378 and 31379 were stored at Kidderminster awaiting scrap, 31455 would later join them there.
Quote from: jc on September 12, 2015, 06:45:13 AM
Kidderminster at one time had a small fleet of deckers mainly two from the 3812* batch for GB work (Redditch had the other two and Lance 67241 for this work). At this time (around 2005) they also gained Trident 33404 as a back up vehicle, this would have only been a year or two old at the time and there were plans to allocate it permanently, 33402 at Evesham garage too.
In later First Group years 31452 had seen use from Kidderminster depot, mostly on service 3, but it did however manage at least a turn on the X3.
In the later 2000's a pair of former Glasgow and Evesham 31378 and 31379 were stored at Kidderminster awaiting scrap, 31455 would later join them there.
THANKS JC.
What routes will they be allocated?
Is 67602 back on the road yet?
67602 not out the workshop as far as i am aware
The Streetdecks and the new 'Big' Streetlites will jointly operate the 44 services to Malvern, from what i understand they are rerouting one of the variants (there has been As, Bs and Cs for years now) to avoid certain roads that have low hanging trees
But I expected some of the StreetDecks will make it onto the 144 route eventually.
The 44 will be rerouted near Barnards Green up Barnards Green Road to Great Malvern, to avoid Avenue road where overhanging trees are a problem for deckers. The 44c will continue to serve Avenue Road in both directions so that variant will not see deckers on it. There is also meant to be a new route around Belmont to serve a new estate so the terminus will be adjusted.
As with any company, route branded buses invariably end up on different routes despite the best laid plans so I am sure one would make it to Birmingham at some point. Same as I am sure the current Tridents will be put on the 44 route as well. From a distance the new livery doesn't look too dissimilar to NXWM so hopefully NXWM wont be buying StreetDecks for the Bristol road corridor!!! Is bad enough having 33404 on a Brum, being all red, and people thinking it is a 63!
For the poster who wanted to know, the January PVR at Worcester according to First's planned fleetlist will be 72 from an allocation of 80.
Quote from: barry619 on September 15, 2015, 07:22:22 PM
For the poster who wanted to know, the January PVR at Worcester according to First's planned fleetlist will be 72 from an allocation of 80.
THANKS Barry !
The ex Jersey, Caetano bodied, Darts (43869 - 43874) are on the move to the south west today.
what's Worcester left with now
Surely the new Streetdecks would be put to better use on the 144 to Birmingham?
Why are the street decks going on 44 are they that busy & when will they all be in service
That's what I though too, wouldn't the Streetdecks be better on the 144. You always see ALX400s and Presidents on there so there must be a need for double deckers on there.
The 44 does need 'deckers on lots of the London Road workings and some of the Malvern workings.
I have been made uncomfortable just SEEING overloaded enviro 300s since the new September timetables, with customers having to stand for ages on the buses which are often stuck in the ever-worsening traffic.
I think the 144 is also long overdue for some new ones, to improve reliability, and improve the customer's experience -
- after-all, Brum is England's "second city" !
Maybe if we are lucky next year some new deckers may come for the 144.
Quote from: Cedric on September 19, 2015, 04:51:24 PM
what's Worcester left with now
http://wmbusphotos.com/FirstMidlandRed/fleetlist.html
http://midlandred.net/fleetlist.php?type=all&operator=mrw¤t=yes
Quote from: 47609FireFly on September 24, 2015, 11:10:12 AM
http://wmbusphotos.com/FirstMidlandRed/fleetlist.html
http://midlandred.net/fleetlist.php?type=all&operator=mrw¤t=yes
I have seen that list thanks just was wondering whats at Worcester since hefeord closed
The midlandred.net fleetlist via link above is "bang up to date" -
the only other buses at the depot (that I've seen) are 53060, 63 (ex Hereford) which have had work done on them, and are now parked alongside the fence.
My GUESS is they will move to Potteries.
When are street decks likely to enter service?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on September 26, 2015, 06:19:16 PM
When are street decks likely to enter service?
Apparently they won't be ready for a couple of weeks
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 26, 2015, 06:21:33 PM
Apparently they won't be ready for a couple of weeks
Is it still deckers on 144?
The 144 is not completely deckers as there is only 9 deckers other than the Streetdecks which are 32852/33039/33042/33043/33401/33402/33403/33404/33405 but I think a few are used on the 44? so there is E300s mixed in with the deckers as well.I saw 33043 and another 330xx today.Worcester also have 32854 but it is withdrawn.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on September 26, 2015, 07:05:55 PM
The 144 is not completely deckers as there is only 9 deckers other than the Streetdecks which are 32852/33039/33042/33043/33401/33402/33403/33404/33405 but I think a few are used on the 44? so there is E300s mixed in with the deckers as well.I saw 33043 and another 330xx today.Worcester also have 32854 but it is withdrawn.
The new Steerdecks are for the 44
The Volvo B7TL ALX400 aren't on that list?
@Dylanbusboy45
Oh yes I forgot about them!! How many is there? I have only saw one
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on September 26, 2015, 07:12:43 PM
Oh yes I forgot about them!! How many is there? I have only saw one
I think there is two of them 32066 and 32067
Ok thanks
@2206. Will have to look out for 32066
Walked passed the Worcester Garage and all four streetdeck are branded for the 44, i quite like the branding.
Quote from: Nathan on October 17, 2015, 05:58:51 PM
Found this one on Flickr:
https://flic.kr/p/zjWqNn
Cheers mate, I have to say they look amazing!"
@Trident 4194 i haven't got any as the way they were parked in the yard you could only see the back and there were a couple of tridents blocking a good view of the front. I will try and get some once they enter service.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on October 17, 2015, 06:00:29 PM
Cheers mate, I have to say they look amazing!"
There are more here onwards, some which are viewable without being a member
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1435503755/s-60/
One thing i did notice in Worcester earlier a plain white WF 11 or 61 plate Streetlite on a service 26? Is that first wyvern?
Quote from: Chris on October 17, 2015, 10:43:48 PM
One thing i did notice in Worcester earlier a plain white WF 11 or 61 plate Streetlite on a service 26? Is that first wyvern?
No. That would be an Astons bus.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 17, 2015, 10:55:04 PM
No. That would be an Astons bus.
Thanks
@Ashley 60171 there was no branding on it what so ever. Thought i do like the streetlite, very pink interior and a swear it sounds like an e200s engine
Quote from: Chris on October 17, 2015, 11:03:14 PM
Thanks @Ashley 60171 there was no branding on it what so ever. Thought i do like the streetlite, very pink interior and a swear it sounds like an e200s engine
I think they have one or two in plain white but most are in fleet livery. Streetlites and E200's have the same Voith gearbox so they sound almost identical. Best Streetlite interior I've found so far are the ones Arriva have in Telford/Leicester.
As for First Wyvern's 65 plates. I would assume these will be set up so they can keep to time on the 44's (couldn't think of any other handy link. Just adding to me autocorrect as I go)
Quote from: Chris on October 17, 2015, 11:03:14 PM
Thanks @Ashley 60171 there was no branding on it what so ever. Thought i do like the streetlite, very pink interior and a swear it sounds like an e200s engine
Yes, the engine/gearboxes are the same
The 4 StreetDecks have officially entered public service from today on route 44 but they will probably stray on to other routes before long :D
Had a ride on 35158 this morning from Malvern to Worcester also i spotted the other 3 on the 44 route aswell :) it was very nice ride on the streetdeck
66692 repainted in the NX copy livery and branded for the Worcester to Evesham route.
66693 reported as being away for refurb.
53044 VOR waiting for a new engine.
32852/854 rumoured to be transferring to Potteries. I believe this is what you get when you don't notch up the veg filter on some internet groups.
Also there was a Streetlite on the 1615 147 from Halesowen on Thursday about 10 down.
@Ashley 60171 32854 has just had a reconditioned engine fitted. I've never seen any suggestion of 32852/4 going to Potteries, but they were originally suggested to be going to Bristol for further service/to increase the number of deckers, not sure if this still on the cards.
Quote from: Winston on November 22, 2015, 04:57:33 PM
@Ashley 60171 32854 has just had a reconditioned engine fitted. I've never seen any suggestion of 32852/4 going to Potteries, but they were originally suggested to be going to Bristol for further service/to increase the number of deckers, not sure if this still on the cards.
They seem to get through a few engines at Worcester. I am doubtful of any Trident transfers north but First are good at surprises.
My comment in the Potteries thread yesterday said that I thought 32066 was a transfer but it's a loan that's done pretty much nothing by the looks of it.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 22, 2015, 06:06:55 PM
They seem to get through a few engines at Worcester. I am doubtful of any Trident transfers north but First are good at surprises.
My comment in the Potteries thread yesterday said that I thought 32066 was a transfer but it's a loan that's done pretty much nothing by the looks of it.
I seem to remember one of those two Tridents was a nail when it arrived from First Essex and was forever VOR.
What type of refurb has the e300 had?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on November 22, 2015, 06:59:30 PM
What type of refurb has the e300 had?
It's a B7RLE. It should read away for refurb but I don't know what it consists of.
Quote from: Winston on November 22, 2015, 06:53:28 PM
I seem to remember one of those two Tridents was a nail when it arrived from First Essex and was forever VOR.
Both are still required for haulage/photos but I believe alot of early ex London low floor deckers keeps any engineering team busy.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 22, 2015, 04:34:10 PM
66692 repainted in the NX copy livery and branded for the Worcester to Evesham route.
66693 reported as being away for refurb.
53044 VOR waiting for a new engine.
32852/854 rumoured to be transferring to Potteries. I believe this is what you get when you don't notch up the veg filter on some internet groups.
Also there was a Streetlite on the 1615 147 from Halesowen on Thursday about 10 down.
Couple of corrections:
66692 is in the red fronted livery but not branded for the X50 like 66694 is. 53044 has returned from Potteries repainted with the pink fronted livery with engine fitted from a scrapped Potteries Solo. 66693 suggested as you say to be away for repaint/refurb at Thorntons of Ashington which seems to consist of turquoise hand rails being fitted and seats put into standard First group circa 2008 seat trim. 53044 also now has seats in this trim. 32852/4 it'll be interesting to see what happens to them, they never look or seem in great shape, can't see what use they would be anywhere unless an area is struggling to meet DDA, and besides, deckers are good for another 12 months. Even Kernow have had far newer tridents and B7TL's put in than these!
Quote from: Winston on November 22, 2015, 06:53:28 PM
I seem to remember one of those two Tridents was a nail when it arrived from First Essex and was forever VOR.
Seems to be a common thing with ex London Euro2 Tridents. I shall not go into 32957s time VOR and time in service up in South Yorkshire...;)
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 22, 2015, 09:42:17 PM
Couple of corrections:
66692 is in the red fronted livery but not branded for the X50 like 66694 is. 53044 has returned from Potteries repainted with the pink fronted livery with engine fitted from a scrapped Potteries Solo. 66693 suggested as you say to be away for repaint/refurb at Thorntons of Ashington which seems to consist of turquoise hand rails being fitted and seats put into standard First group circa 2008 seat trim. 53044 also now has seats in this trim. 32852/4 it'll be interesting to see what happens to them, they never look or seem in great shape, can't see what use they would be anywhere unless an area is struggling to meet DDA, and besides, deckers are good for another 12 months. Even Kernow have had far newer tridents and B7TL's put in than these!
Cheers
@DiamondDart Re the red fronted Centros. I had seen a blurred photo of one but given the ID of 66692. Are the seats being changed/seatbelts removed or is it just the trim/handrails?
As for 53044 I bet that looks the business after a proper tidy up.
I've gone off Tridents personally. Both of the above and the 51 plates I don't think are suitable for Worcester need them for unless all 5 were kept on the 30 and 32.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 22, 2015, 10:33:55 PM
Cheers @DiamondDart
Re the red fronted Centros. I had seen a blurred photo of one but given the ID of 66692. Are the seats being changed/seatbelts removed or is it just the trim/handrails?
As for 53044 I bet that looks the business after a proper tidy up.
I've gone off Tridents personally. Both of the above and the 51 plates I don't think are suitable for Worcester need them for unless all 5 were kept on the 30 and 32.
@Ashley 60171 Pictures of 66694 part way through refurb here:
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1439988371/s-0/
66694 complete with branding here:
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1439988371/s-30/
Repainted 66692 & 53044 here:
http://midlandred.net/cgi-bin/forum/Blah.pl?m-1439988371/s-60/
No worries at all, it's Midlandred.net where I've seen most of the above info posted. The seats are the same, just recovered out of the red into the purple moquette, not like the VX54 Tridents/Enviros etc arrived in but the same as what the LN51 batch were refurbed into back in 2013. Seatbelts appear to be staying, handrails (presumably the same ones) are into Barbie spec Turqoise out of the yellow they were delivered in.
I'm not sure on Tridents, the VX54 ones are nice, LN51 ones aren't bad, the LLC's I can't stand and tellingly Rotala couldn't wait to be shot of the ones they acquired. 32852/4 both look pretty battered. Even the VX54's don't seem on a par with 32645 that Worcester had on loan. Even 32067 (with seats nicely recovered obviously fairly recently into Barbie moquette) seemed a good runner but rattles around the destination screen seemed far too noticeable. I guess it is 14 years old though! Would be nice to see Worcester get shot of 32852 as well, once the StreetLites arrive and with all the ex Hereford tridents, VX54 ones staying, plus the StreetDecks, they should be able to get rid of it. It's the StreetLite MAX's I'm looking forward to seeing arrive, they're nice buses with kerb appeal as well. It's just interesting that Potteries repainted 53044 but they don't seem able to repaint/refurb any of the existing fleet, I can't recall anything not new to fleet being done for a while. Bizarrely though Potteries prioritised painting old Olympians, refurbing 38125 to artificially inflate book value, they repainted old darts and Scanias as well. Priority should have been putting the 04/5 stock built Scanias into more standard First Group spec trim as per Worcester Centros. I just think it's odd they aren't seemingly painting the fleet, some of the Worcester E300's (nice though they are) haven't seen the paintbrush a great deal since new, 67601 at the back around the destination blind looks to have flakey paint, one has rusty marks towards the back as well. It's an upgrade over current non DDA stock but it'll be interesting to see if they get repainted/refurbed once the fleet's settled down post DDA. It's also worrying that post January, virtually all of the Potteries fleet will be of a similar age range, ie 2002-2006. 2002 B7L's which never seem great, 2005 B7RLE's and B7TL's, 2004-6 Scania integrals, few 2002/3 Solos and the odd newer one admittedly, 2003-5 darts, just some slightly newer Geminis and nearly new StreetLites to break up the fleet. To compound it, a batch of 2003-5 E300's is going in, 3 years time or so and they'll start to have a lot of stock nearing the end of its natural working life.
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 22, 2015, 11:06:51 PM
No worries at all, it's Midlandred.net where I've seen most of the above info posted. The seats are the same, just recovered out of the red into the purple moquette, not like the VX54 Tridents/Enviros etc arrived in but the same as what the LN51 batch were refurbed into back in 2013. Seatbelts appear to be staying, handrails (presumably the same ones) are into Barbie spec Turqoise out of the yellow they were delivered in.
I'm not sure on Tridents, the VX54 ones are nice, LN51 ones aren't bad, the LLC's I can't stand and tellingly Rotala couldn't wait to be shot of the ones they acquired. 32852/4 both look pretty battered. Even the VX54's don't seem on a par with 32645 that Worcester had on loan. Even 32067 (with seats nicely recovered obviously fairly recently into Barbie moquette) seemed a good runner but rattles around the destination screen seemed far too noticeable. I guess it is 14 years old though! Would be nice to see Worcester get shot of 32852 as well, once the StreetLites arrive and with all the ex Hereford tridents, VX54 ones staying, plus the StreetDecks, they should be able to get rid of it. It's the StreetLite MAX's I'm looking forward to seeing arrive, they're nice buses with kerb appeal as well. It's just interesting that Potteries repainted 53044 but they don't seem able to repaint/refurb any of the existing fleet, I can't recall anything not new to fleet being done for a while. Bizarrely though Potteries prioritised painting old Olympians, refurbing 38125 to artificially inflate book value, they repainted old darts and Scanias as well. Priority should have been putting the 04/5 stock built Scanias into more standard First Group spec trim as per Worcester Centros. I just think it's odd they aren't seemingly painting the fleet, some of the Worcester E300's (nice though they are) haven't seen the paintbrush a great deal since new, 67601 at the back around the destination blind looks to have flakey paint, one has rusty marks towards the back as well. It's an upgrade over current non DDA stock but it'll be interesting to see if they get repainted/refurbed once the fleet's settled down post DDA. It's also worrying that post January, virtually all of the Potteries fleet will be of a similar age range, ie 2002-2006. 2002 B7L's which never seem great, 2005 B7RLE's and B7TL's, 2004-6 Scania integrals, few 2002/3 Solos and the odd newer one admittedly, 2003-5 darts, just some slightly newer Geminis and nearly new StreetLites to break up the fleet. To compound it, a batch of 2003-5 E300's is going in, 3 years time or so and they'll start to have a lot of stock nearing the end of its natural working life.
It is a shame that Potteries haven't made much of an effort with their newest stock. 38125 was their most hated bus when it was at Newcastle but hey ho. The lack of effort is somewhat apparent on for example 32056 where they've used primary school paint to cover up some graffiti from its Leicester days.
It would be nice to see the E300's at both garages get some attention. I also noticed 67601's flakey paintwork. But some brand new stock for both areas (FMR and PMT) most profitable routes wouldn't go a miss but at least Potteries will have got rid of their non DDA single deck stock before the deadline. On a personal note, I've enjoyed the last 2 and a half years on those Scania's.
The LN51 reg Tridents are definitely smart. They come with mixed reviews. I think 2 of the WR trio are required for me so I will comment in the future.
Maybe 2016 or 2017 will bring more investment this way.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 23, 2015, 12:14:53 AM
It is a shame that Potteries haven't made much of an effort with their newest stock. 38125 was their most hated bus when it was at Newcastle but hey ho. The lack of effort is somewhat apparent on for example 32056 where they've used primary school paint to cover up some graffiti from its Leicester days.
It would be nice to see the E300's at both garages get some attention. I also noticed 67601's flakey paintwork. But some brand new stock for both areas (FMR and PMT) most profitable routes wouldn't go a miss but at least Potteries will have got rid of their non DDA single deck stock before the deadline. On a personal note, I've enjoyed the last 2 and a half years on those Scania's.
The LN51 reg Tridents are definitely smart. They come with mixed reviews. I think 2 of the WR trio are required for me so I will comment in the future.
Maybe 2016 or 2017 will bring more investment this way.
I think upgrading a service like the 10 could surely pay off in terms of growing patronage, maybe ensure deckers are always on the 32 as well. It's interesting how D and G have increased their presence in the Potteries area nicely, First do need to invest there, even if not the most profitable area. I always thought 38125 was a very nice bus indeed, I've always had a soft spot for Volvo CityBuses though! I think their general marketing and promotion/website etc is pretty good. The Scanias you mention probably weren't bad buses when new and aren't uncomfortable now, but they're pretty old and they've done the rounds of operations, some coming pretty battered looking when Northampton shut down. I've always preferred B10BLE's but I'm a fan of E300's so will be sure to go up more regularly when they're in service. Even the standard spec OmniCity's aren't bad although I've never been a massive fan of that type. It's interesting Worcester and Leicester appear to be getting the lion's share of the investment, it'll be interesting to see next year what Leicester's 29 StreetDecks cascade out, potentially some more Geminis to the Potteries? They look incredibly smart inside and out, no-one would guess some are over 10 years old now! Issue with Worcester's LN51 tridents is the rock hard seats! DDA deadline is good in a sense as it has forced operators to invest to meet the deadline, on a personal note, I reckon Worcester and Leicester are shaping up to be very smart operations, Potteries seems a bit left behind after the enthusiasm of the 2014 relaunch, investment and repaint of Cherry Lines etc. Quite why non DDA solos were repainted and branded at Potteries for short-lived services confuses me though!
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 23, 2015, 12:37:41 AM
I think upgrading a service like the 10 could surely pay off in terms of growing patronage, maybe ensure deckers are always on the 32 as well. It's interesting how D and G have increased their presence in the Potteries area nicely, First do need to invest there, even if not the most profitable area. I always thought 38125 was a very nice bus indeed, I've always had a soft spot for Volvo CityBuses though! I think their general marketing and promotion/website etc is pretty good. The Scanias you mention probably weren't bad buses when new and aren't uncomfortable now, but they're pretty old and they've done the rounds of operations, some coming pretty battered looking when Northampton shut down. I've always preferred B10BLE's but I'm a fan of E300's so will be sure to go up more regularly when they're in service. Even the standard spec OmniCity's aren't bad although I've never been a massive fan of that type. It's interesting Worcester and Leicester appear to be getting the lion's share of the investment, it'll be interesting to see next year what Leicester's 29 StreetDecks cascade out, potentially some more Geminis to the Potteries? They look incredibly smart inside and out, no-one would guess some are over 10 years old now! Issue with Worcester's LN51 tridents is the rock hard seats! DDA deadline is good in a sense as it has forced operators to invest to meet the deadline, on a personal note, I reckon Worcester and Leicester are shaping up to be very smart operations, Potteries seems a bit left behind after the enthusiasm of the 2014 relaunch, investment and repaint of Cherry Lines etc. Quite why non DDA solos were repainted and branded at Potteries for short-lived services confuses me though!
I also think that Citybuses are great. I believe Potteries drivers weren't keen which is why it was very rarely out. The expansion of D&G has hit First on some of the busier parts of the network and areas where First have cutback, however if D&G were to try competing on a busier service it would hit First where it hurts. I'm not doing a Bob of them not by any means but as in my previous comment I hope good things are on the cards.
There's a saying in some areas "oh that's typical First logic". Which may explain the repaints of the Solo's last year for them to be scrapped now apart from 50296 which is clinging on.
Over in Leicester, I think the 13 Streetlites will see off all of the ALX400's to the South West as speculated a few months ago. Next years Streetdecks I think will displace what's left of the Gemini's and E400's possibly a handful of B7L's but that's just my theory.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 23, 2015, 07:18:16 AM
I also think that Citybuses are great. I believe Potteries drivers weren't keen which is why it was very rarely out. The expansion of D&G has hit First on some of the busier parts of the network and areas where First have cutback, however if D&G were to try competing on a busier service it would hit First where it hurts. I'm not doing a Bob of them not by any means but as in my previous comment I hope good things are on the cards.
There's a saying in some areas "oh that's typical First logic". Which may explain the repaints of the Solo's last year for them to be scrapped now apart from 50296 which is clinging on.
Over in Leicester, I think the 13 Streetlites will see off all of the ALX400's to the South West as speculated a few months ago. Next years Streetdecks I think will displace what's left of the Gemini's and E400's possibly a handful of B7L's but that's just my theory.
In terms of this year's orders, as I've kind of lost track, Worcester has had its 4 StreetLites, Leicester its 5, Worcester is due 9 StreetLite MAX's, some of which are said to be nearly ready for delivery. How many StreetLites is Leicester due, they gained 4 off the original Worcester allocation in exchange for the StreetLites, so are they now up to 13?
Either way, we know Potteries are gaining several Worcester E300's, hard to know exactly how many and which ones. It was suggested early VX53's were staying put but 67601 seems to be the first transfer up. It seems likely Bristol will want to gain more deckers, perhaps E400's next year when Leicester gets StreetDecks, it makes sense to cascade out their next newest deckers, aside from the fact Bristol already run them. I guess this year with StreetDecks and StreetLites into Leicester some Geminis or B7RLEs may also cascade into Potteries, I'm not sure how many buses they need to meet DDA now?
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 23, 2015, 10:09:31 AM
In terms of this year's orders, as I've kind of lost track, Worcester has had its 4 StreetLites, Leicester its 5, Worcester is due 9 StreetLite MAX's, some of which are said to be nearly ready for delivery. How many StreetLites is Leicester due, they gained 4 off the original Worcester allocation in exchange for the StreetLites, so are they now up to 13?
Either way, we know Potteries are gaining several Worcester E300's, hard to know exactly how many and which ones. It was suggested early VX53's were staying put but 67601 seems to be the first transfer up. It seems likely Bristol will want to gain more deckers, perhaps E400's next year when Leicester gets StreetDecks, it makes sense to cascade out their next newest deckers, aside from the fact Bristol already run them. I guess this year with StreetDecks and StreetLites into Leicester some Geminis or B7RLEs may also cascade into Potteries, I'm not sure how many buses they need to meet DDA now?
I believe Potteries are having E300's 67601-4 & 67631-41 (15)
Quote from: Winston on November 23, 2015, 11:14:31 AM
I believe Potteries are having E300's 67601-4 & 67631-41 (15)
Ironically, all of Worcester's original ones are staying, these are new to Hereford and Redditch ones going, based on quick fleetlist look, could be wrong!
Quote from: DiamondDart on November 23, 2015, 10:09:31 AM
In terms of this year's orders, as I've kind of lost track, Worcester has had its 4 StreetLites, Leicester its 5, Worcester is due 9 StreetLite MAX's, some of which are said to be nearly ready for delivery. How many StreetLites is Leicester due, they gained 4 off the original Worcester allocation in exchange for the StreetLites, so are they now up to 13?
Either way, we know Potteries are gaining several Worcester E300's, hard to know exactly how many and which ones. It was suggested early VX53's were staying put but 67601 seems to be the first transfer up. It seems likely Bristol will want to gain more deckers, perhaps E400's next year when Leicester gets StreetDecks, it makes sense to cascade out their next newest deckers, aside from the fact Bristol already run them. I guess this year with StreetDecks and StreetLites into Leicester some Geminis or B7RLEs may also cascade into Potteries, I'm not sure how many buses they need to meet DDA now?
After the Scanias, Potteries non DDA vehicles are 32053-57 which could be done next year. Also, 40009, 40367, 40375 and 50296.
The two ex-Wyvern Y-AUY Darts are not DDA compliant either. There are either 17 or 18 non-DDA single-deckers remaining in use at Potteries, 15 E300s due from Worcester and only a month or so (if holidays and so on over Christmas are taken account of) to deal with the problem - despite First having had 15 years' warning of it. *If* the suggestion of the two Tridents from Worcester is correct this may be as temporary cover during early 2016, although I will believe it when I see it.
That said, more double-deckers are needed as a matter of urgency in the Potteries as complaints of people being left behind on services to and from Keele University are commonplace. First placed themselves in the absurd situation of only being able to run half of the services to Keele with 'deckers by combing it with the route to Crewe, which passes under a low bridge, but there is nothing stopping them running every other journey with double-deckers - which cannot happen at the moment as there are not enough of them. Sadly such things are not untypical of how Potteries operates.
It has been suggested that the five W-registered B7TLs which came from Leicester will not be modified and will instead be disposed of next year, which makes sense as they are hardly in the first flush of youth and there will be no shortage of 'deckers in the Midlands when Leicester's 29 StreetDecks are delivered.
Quote from: barry619 on November 24, 2015, 09:00:28 AM
The two ex-Wyvern Y-AUY Darts are not DDA compliant either. There are either 17 or 18 non-DDA single-deckers remaining in use at Potteries, 15 E300s due from Worcester and only a month or so (if holidays and so on over Christmas are taken account of) to deal with the problem - despite First having had 15 years' warning of it. *If* the suggestion of the two Tridents from Worcester is correct this may be as temporary cover during early 2016, although I will believe it when I see it.
That said, more double-deckers are needed as a matter of urgency in the Potteries as complaints of people being left behind on services to and from Keele University are commonplace. First placed themselves in the absurd situation of only being able to run half of the services to Keele with 'deckers by combing it with the route to Crewe, which passes under a low bridge, but there is nothing stopping them running every other journey with double-deckers - which cannot happen at the moment as there are not enough of them. Sadly such things are not untypical of how Potteries operates.
It has been suggested that the five W-registered B7TLs which came from Leicester will not be modified and will instead be disposed of next year, which makes sense as they are hardly in the first flush of youth and there will be no shortage of 'deckers in the Midlands when Leicester's 29 StreetDecks are delivered.
@barry619 First have only just repainted the W-reg B7TL/ALX400's at Bath in allover purple for Uni routes and masked their age with private plates. More deckers are needed at a few First subsidiaries, so I can't see them disposing of B7TL's just yet. Maybe it's more of a case that the B7TL's will not be modified by Potteries but will be disposed of to Bristol to join the rest of the batch & brought up to DDA there?
From January the 3 is being split, so the 25 will return from Hanley to Keele and the 3 will run Hanley to Crewe. That will hopefully allow them to run more deckers to Keele Uni.
Quote from: Winston on November 24, 2015, 09:31:01 AM
@barry619 First have only just repainted the W-reg B7TL/ALX400's at Bath in allover purple for Uni routes and masked their age with private plates. More deckers are needed at a few First subsidiaries, so I can't see them disposing of B7TL's just yet. Maybe it's more of a case that the B7TL's will not be modified by Potteries but will be disposed of to Bristol to join the rest of the batch & brought up to DDA there?
Indeed, I believe that the plan is that (if there any takers) they will move to another subsidiary rather than go for scrap. However the plan is not for Potteries to retain them; that would seem to be driven by the second batch of Leicester StreetDecks, and is logical as Potteries certainly have better things to spend money on (repaints, repanelling and a bus wash which is capable of cleaning the entire fleet at least a couple of times a week would seem to be the most obvious ones).
Quote from: CheeseFrom January the 3 is being split, so the 25 will return from Hanley to Keele and the 3 will run Hanley to Crewe. That will hopefully allow them to run more deckers to Keele Uni.
Interesting... common sense for once!
Quote from: barry619 on November 24, 2015, 09:48:17 AM
Indeed, I believe that the plan is that (if there any takers) they will move to another subsidiary rather than go for scrap. However the plan is not for Potteries to retain them; that would seem to be driven by the second batch of Leicester StreetDecks, and is logical as Potteries certainly have better things to spend money on (repaints, repanelling and a bus wash which is capable of cleaning the entire fleet at least a couple of times a week would seem to be the most obvious ones).
Spending any money at Potteries would be a bonus as would trying to win the travelling public back over.
66310 is now in service in Leicester.
There is speculation that more of Leicester's 51 plate ALX400 bodied B7TLs will be heading over to PMT to provide additional capacity for Keele.
Quote from: 47609FireFly on November 28, 2015, 12:42:21 AM
66310 is now in service in Leicester.
There is speculation that more of Leicester's 51 plate ALX400 bodied B7TLs will be heading over to PMT to provide additional capacity for Keele.
12 double-deckers will be required for the revised service to Keele according to the present timetable. Add to that the requirements for the services to Cheadle and Uttoxeter, plus another five or six required on 'normal' service to satisfy peak college flows and two employed on dedicated college services, and the 22(?) B7TLs currently in the Potteries fleet will not be enough, so you are no doubt right. In addition, with the double-decking of Keele there will then be too many cherry-fronted saloons.
The only reluctance towards having many more 'deckers in the Potteries is the prevalence of low bridges which may be encountered when running 'dead' at the beginning or end of the day.
I thought all of Leicester's 51 plate B7TL's were due to go to Bristol
Quote from: Winston on November 28, 2015, 12:24:05 PM
I thought all of Leicester's 51 plate B7TL's were due to go to Bristol
Plans are often fluid and evolve according to circumstance. Cascading to Bristol was the original idea and indeed 32069 to 32076 are already there (or Bath).
Quote from: barry619 on November 28, 2015, 11:35:56 AM
12 double-deckers will be required for the revised service to Keele according to the present timetable. Add to that the requirements for the services to Cheadle and Uttoxeter, plus another five or six required on 'normal' service to satisfy peak college flows and two employed on dedicated college services, and the 22(?) B7TLs currently in the Potteries fleet will not be enough, so you are no doubt right. In addition, with the double-decking of Keele there will then be too many cherry-fronted saloons.
The only reluctance towards having many more 'deckers in the Potteries is the prevalence of low bridges which may be encountered when running 'dead' at the beginning or end of the day.
Leicester is very similar in terms of the number of low bridges within the city and indeed has one route, the 21, which must be single-deck due to it operating under the bridge. Right from Leicester City Transport days, there has been considerable operational onus on the bridges and there hasn't been that many incidents over the years.
B7rle-147
Couple of bits
All four Streetdecks, 32067, 33404 and 47513 on the 910 Worcester Victorian Fayre park and ride yesterday.
47516 noted on the 144.
Solo's on late 30/35. Unsure whether Streetlites still cover these.
E300 on evening 31's vice Solo.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 29, 2015, 11:52:27 AM
Couple of bits
All four Streetdecks, 32067, 33404 and 47513 on the 910 Worcester Victorian Fayre park and ride yesterday.
47516 noted on the 144.
Solo's on late 30/35. Unsure whether Streetlites still cover these.
E300 on evening 31's vice Solo.
The late 30/35s - it depends on the running board as they can be Solo or Streetlite (or enviro 200)
The fleet at Worcester is certainly varied these days, as a driver makes things interesting to say the least.
Quote from: j789 on November 29, 2015, 02:01:07 PM
The late 30/35s - it depends on the running board as they can be Solo or Streetlite (or enviro 200)
The fleet at Worcester is certainly varied these days, as a driver makes things interesting to say the least.
I have only been a handful of times so I just assumed my small number of observations to be the norm but I do want to try and haul/photo the fleet pretty soon.
The way the services are after about 1800 onwards you end up just stood in Crowngate like a lemon waiting for the 144 when you return from your last run. But the interworking is a mix of potential confusion for drivers/variety for drivers and spotters and the old saying "First logic".
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on November 29, 2015, 05:36:56 PM
I have only been a handful of times so I just assumed my small number of observations to be the norm but I do want to try and haul/photo the fleet pretty soon.
The way the services are after about 1800 onwards you end up just stood in Crowngate like a lemon waiting for the 144 when you return from your last run. But the interworking is a mix of potential confusion for drivers/variety for drivers and spotters and the old saying "First logic".
Yep for the non - local it would seem a little mixed up but the Worcester city routes 30/32/33/34/35 are all interworked to some degree with other routes (Route 30 double decker running boards are stand alone) . The 31 is generally standalone using Solos. The 44/ 144 + Evesham services are generally standalone too, except some late 144 journeys may be off a 44 or city route. Because of the size of Worcester this does make sense in order to minimise vehicle requirements.
Quote from: j789 on November 29, 2015, 08:13:23 PM
Yep for the non - local it would seem a little mixed up but the Worcester city routes 30/32/33/34/35 are all interworked to some degree with other routes (Route 30 double decker running boards are stand alone) . The 31 is generally standalone using Solos. The 44/ 144 + Evesham services are generally standalone too, except some late 144 journeys may be off a 44 or city route. Because of the size of Worcester this does make sense in order to minimise vehicle requirements.
It does make it more interesting. But the more you go to an area, the more you get to grips with the way things work.
My friend who was with me on Saturday sighted an Alexander PS parked in the garage, do you know by any chance an ID just out of curiosity?
Quote from: j789 on November 29, 2015, 08:13:23 PM
Yep for the non - local it would seem a little mixed up but the Worcester city routes 30/32/33/34/35 are all interworked to some degree with other routes (Route 30 double decker running boards are stand alone) . The 31 is generally standalone using Solos. The 44/ 144 + Evesham services are generally standalone too, except some late 144 journeys may be off a 44 or city route. Because of the size of Worcester this does make sense in order to minimise vehicle requirements.
Thanks for that summary j789 !
The Alexander PS that was sighted could have been 60460 G605NWA which is usually based at Leicester but was at Worcester for some reason.
The First Midlands Christmas bus is ready to roll, 67664. I believe VOSA have deemed it road legal. It will spend a week in Worcester, a week in the Potteries and a week in Leicester. More info on the Midland Red Forum and the First website. I think there should be an NX Christmas Crimson bus, would work as good as this.
63346, 63348, 63349, 63357, 63358 reported as being at Heynsham Docks today. Access reported blocked due to the weather in recent days.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 08, 2015, 06:03:44 PM
63346, 63348, 63349, 63357, 63358 reported as being at Heynsham Docks today. Access reported blocked due to the weather in recent days.
Not anymore. 63348 and 63357 are currently trundling down the M6.....
New Streetlites are out in force today, mainly on the 44 route but also 2 were on the 144 so more 65 plate buses in Brum!
63346 63347 63356 Worcester - Leicester
63362 63363 63366 Leicester - Worcester
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 07, 2016, 06:29:39 PM
63346 63346 63356 Worcester - Leicester
63362 63363 63366 Leicester - Worcester
Logic?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 07, 2016, 06:56:46 PM
Logic?
To move buses temporary allocated to make up the original batch Leicester & Worcester were originally allocated now DDA is met
Quote from: Winston on January 07, 2016, 06:59:18 PM
To move buses temporary allocated to make up the original batch Leicester & Worcester were originally allocated now DDA is met
What buses are they?
Quote from: Winston on January 07, 2016, 07:07:49 PM
DF Streetlite Max
Oooohh do these have leather seats?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 07, 2016, 07:57:48 PM
Oooohh do these have leather seats?
All new deliveries at First have leather seats.
Quote from: Nathan on January 07, 2016, 08:40:06 PM
All new deliveries at First have leather seats.
Even in Bristol 😊
Quote from: Nathan on January 07, 2016, 08:40:06 PM
All new deliveries at First have leather seats.
But all recently refurbished buses at First Midlands have been retrimmed in standard first bus moquette rather than gray leather like other First areas. Apparently First Midlands still have several rolls of standard first moquette left in stock so there probably just using it up. ::)
Quote from: Reece on January 08, 2016, 11:48:20 AM
But all recently refurbished buses at First Midlands have been retrimmed in standard first bus moquette rather than gray leather like other First areas. Apparently First Midlands still have several rolls of standard first moquette left in stock so there probably just using it up. ::)
Generally refurbs aren't getting leather seats across First as a whole, they're just getting new moquette when they need it.
63357 Worcester to Leicester
63364 or 65 Leicester to Worcester
Quote from: T840MAK on January 08, 2016, 12:14:53 PM
Generally refurbs aren't getting leather seats across First as a whole, they're just getting new moquette when they need it.
Personally I prefer non-leather seats, which are cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
Quote from: Bryan on January 12, 2016, 06:29:21 PM
Personally I prefer non-leather seats, which are cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
@Bryan Each to there own I guess but I prefer leather my self because they don't as much hold dust like Moquette does.
63360 is on 144 today. Just seen at Northfield (13:22) heading to Birmingham
Edit:63362 is as well seen at 14:20 in Northfield heading to Birmingham
Just a quick question does anyone know how much the bus fare is on the 144 from Birmingham to Worcester please!!!
Quote from: Martin on January 21, 2016, 09:45:04 PM
Just a quick question does anyone know how much the bus fare is on the 144 from Birmingham to Worcester please!!!
I'd reckon £5.50 ish, not sure. Probably easier to just buy a Wyvern at £6.50
Quote from: Martin on January 21, 2016, 09:45:04 PM
Just a quick question does anyone know how much the bus fare is on the 144 from Birmingham to Worcester please!!!
£4.50 single or £6.50 return (Wyvern Day ticket)
How far can you travel on a swift card with first
Quote from: Solo1 on February 27, 2016, 02:43:00 PM
How far can you travel on a swift card with first
I'm guessing on the 147 from Halesowen the boundary point would be Romsley and on the 144 I'm guessing it would be either Rubery or Frankley
Quote from: Solo1 on February 27, 2016, 02:43:00 PM
How far can you travel on a swift card with first
Don't think they even accept Swift? Or is it just the nBus tickets they don't accept?
If they did then logic would be Rubery Church on the 144 and the first stop after Manor Way on the 147, as those points are where the Worcs Connecta tickets are valid from
Not accepted, I believe they still accept nNetwork tickets although not nBus.
44 branded StreetLite on the 144
Worcester Solo 53046 on London Midland Rail Replacement today (Stourbridge Junction - Stourbridge Town). I'll upload the pic on Tuesday.
Seen in Stourbridge while waiting for 2105 on the 276 to Wollaston Junction.
67661 had broke in Halesowen on 147. Wonder how long the replacement would take
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 05, 2016, 03:17:45 PM
67661 had broke in Halesowen on 147. Wonder how long the replacement would take
What time? I saw 67658 NIS on Manor Way heading towards Halesowen from the motorway junction at 1:05. I did wonder if it was off to replace another bus.
Quote from: Niall on March 05, 2016, 08:32:28 PM
What time? I saw 67658 NIS on Manor Way heading towards Halesowen from the motorway junction at 1:05. I did wonder if it was off to replace another bus.
It was meant to have been 11:50 ex halesowen
http://m.worcesternews.co.uk/news/14382461.Lifeline_147_bus_service_given_stay_of_execution_as_Romsley_rebels_over_axing/?ref=fbshr
Quote from: Nathan on March 26, 2016, 10:47:35 PM
http://m.worcesternews.co.uk/news/14382461.Lifeline_147_bus_service_given_stay_of_execution_as_Romsley_rebels_over_axing/?ref=fbshr
Ah... so it seems it's not exactly been saved. After looking on Traveline, I can see the Worcestershire County Council Fleet Services will be running the 147, but
only between Halesowen and Catshill around every 2 hours. The link beyond Catshill into Bromsgrove and on to Worcester has unfortunately been lost.
I was rather hoping that Worcestershire CC would subsidise First on the Halesowen to Catshill section and retain the link to Worcester. :-\
http://www.travelinemidlands.co.uk/wmtis/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=twm&line=09147&sup=A&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y11&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=CEN_EFA03_2299188833&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_spTr=1&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=WCS
Bit of a blast from the past, graphed ex Midland Red West Lynx G126HNP today in Colchester which is being used as their SOS bus which I think is used to help out drunks at night! Doing well for SOS buses recently having graphed the Southend one G649EKA last week.
What's normally on 144 Sundays
Usually Streetlites and Enviro 300s when I see it
@Solo1 6335x/63359/63361 are on the 144 today
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on May 01, 2016, 10:59:31 AM
Usually Streetlites and Enviro 300s when I see it @Solo1
Seen two Streetlites on it today.
New Birmingham day, week and multi - trip tickets were introduced from yesterday.
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/news/new-birmingham-zone-tickets-available-saturday-30-april
The week and 10 journey ticket especially should prove popular as it significant reduces the fare for regular users.
No Centro tickets are accepted at all any more which is surprising as we used to carry a fair few passengers with n tickets, obviously not being paid enough for them!
I thought they never did accept n tickets?
They used to accept n-network tickets but not n-bus tickets.
The prices between Rubery and City are good value but I don't believe it will make potential cash paying passengers let an NX bus go past and wait for a 144. The 144 is too infrequent from Rubery to the city at every half hour, and with it being limited stop as well I can't see these offers being used too much.
You're forgetting unique bits of Rubery First serve plus the fact that general NX quality on the BR isn't what it is on other corridors, plus antisocial behaviour issues.
I really see potential for this idea, fingers crossed it's promoted a bit somehow, difficult though with interworking. On destination blinds somehow?
To be fair if First actually put some effort into advertising these fares I am sure they would be popular. We pick up quite a few passengers between Rubery and Brum, and most know that the fares are cheaper as they have the correct £1.80 fare so word does get around (albeit much quicker if this was actually advertised in the local area).
Would be good to see 144 back at every 20 mins like in 2007, used to catch either that or the 64 every day! Happy days and I reckon they'd load ok. It's a fast peak X44 that's long been needed though...
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 01, 2016, 02:39:49 PM
Would be good to see 144 back at every 20 mins like in 2007, used to catch either that or the 64 every day! Happy days and I reckon they'd load ok. It's a fast peak X44 that's long been needed though...
A Worcester Birmingham express has long been rumoured to be returning but never seems to happen. I think with the improvements to add capacity being made to the M5 currently between Worcester and Junction 4 at Lydiate Ash the potential for a motorway express coming off at junction 3, rather than 4, is quite good. It still wouldn't compete time wise with the quickest train from Worcester to Birmingham, but would serve more of Birmingham than the Train which on the fastest route only stops at University station.
The only problem with making the 144 every 20 minutes would be how the 144a was affected. The route between Catshill and Worcester now has a better 15 minute frequency than in 2010 when the whole route changed from every 20 minutes. I don't think it could justify the 144a being every 20 minutes as well to create a 10 min frequency, that would require 3 or 4 extra buses.
Or indeed bite the bullet and run the full length to Brum every 15?
What about having a half hourly stopping service and a half hourly express service? Just an idea...
Quote from: markcf83 on May 01, 2016, 03:25:14 PM
What about having a half hourly stopping service and a half hourly express service? Just an idea...
Good idea, its a shame the Street decks couldn't have been used for an express service, running down Hagley Road coming off the M5 at junction 3.
With the new Tram system in the future down Hagley road, you'd think longer distance premium routes would entice new passengers but unfortunately most bus companies don't like taking that sort of risk. Saying that, its not my money to risk so is probably understandable!
Anyone been on/seen the new Worcester city routes? Things are definitely simpler now, hopefully this reflects in ridership!
Quote from: DiamondDart on May 23, 2016, 12:36:42 PM
Anyone been on/seen the new Worcester city routes? Things are definitely simpler now, hopefully this reflects in ridership!
I have once. I agree the network is now simpler to roam around. The 38 is definitely busier than it was as the 31. The 34 is pretty much dead after Lyppard unless I missed something. However there do seem to be more Solos on the 30 and 35 with Streetlites MAX's on the 31 which is the wrong way up to me but anyway.
Having all the City timetables in one booklet is useful. Wish they'd do it for the country runs too.
66694 (X50 branded) on 144. Seen at 15:10 at Northfield towards Birmingham
UNID X50 Centro seen just past Northfield towards at 16:00 towards Worcester on 144. Does this come off something as seen quite a few X50 Centros on 144 recently?
There is a streetdeck on the 144 about to leave Worcester on the next journey. 8)
Saw a single decker and double decker '44' branded on the 144.
I find it a bit strange that they have branded singles and doubles on the same route. And the numbers on the 4s seem to have the top chopped off. Surely it's a bit confusing having a 44 and a 144 and having branded 44 buses on the 144. ::)
Quote from: Bham Central Driver on June 15, 2016, 10:09:00 PM
Saw a single decker and double decker '44' branded on the 144.
I find it a bit strange that they have branded singles and doubles on the same route. And the numbers on the 4s seem to have the top chopped off. Surely it's a bit confusing having a 44 and a 144 and having branded 44 buses on the 144. ::)
It is confusing if you don't know the Worcester area. The 144 used to run to Malvern from brum but got split into the current 144 to Worcester and 44 Worcester to Malvern when the 50k distance rule game in, I think the buses would have needed tachos to run the full way to Malvern after that. Midland red must have thought it was easier to keep the two routes similar and to be fair no body really complains about it. I've never had anyone on my bus when driving either route who got on the wrong bus. As for branding, the malvern 44 route got some funding from a local council for new buses so they had to go on that route initially. Obviously with logistics of the operation sometimes buses end up on other routes, especially the streetlites on the 144. Other branded buses like the x50 are a bit more haphazard and can turn up anywhere hence why there have been a few sightings in brum area of these buses.
Quote from: j789 on June 15, 2016, 10:57:31 PM
It is confusing if you don't know the Worcester area. The 144 used to run to Malvern from brum but got split into the current 144 to Worcester and 44 Worcester to Malvern when the 50k distance rule game in, I think the buses would have needed tachos to run the full way to Malvern after that. Midland red must have thought it was easier to keep the two routes similar and to be fair no body really complains about it. I've never had anyone on my bus when driving either route who got on the wrong bus. As for branding, the malvern 44 route got some funding from a local council for new buses so they had to go on that route initially. Obviously with logistics of the operation sometimes buses end up on other routes, especially the streetlites on the 144. Other branded buses like the x50 are a bit more haphazard and can turn up anywhere hence why there have been a few sightings in brum area of these buses.
Ok, thanks for clarifying j789
Often I drive the 61 and 63 and feel envious of the drivers on the 144, would love to get out into the countryside!
What breaks do you get on the 144? And how long are the journey times?
The 144 is a love it or hate it route with the drivers. I like doing them as the Worcester city routes get boring doing them repeatedly and would happily do 2 a day if I could. Doing 6 straight 35s in Worcester is a nightmare! A round trip varies in the day between 3 and 4 hours and some recent changes have meant you get quite a lot of time parked up in brum on a few journeys. It is a good route but being so long is liable to delays especially if the M5 has a problem anywhere between junction 4 and 6. It is funny you say you feel envious of us as a fair few first drivers, me included, are envious of the new buses you get to drive as we rock up in our 54 plate buses!!
Quote from: j789 on June 15, 2016, 11:22:25 PM
The 144 is a love it or hate it route with the drivers. I like doing them as the Worcester city routes get boring doing them repeatedly and would happily do 2 a day if I could. Doing 6 straight 35s in Worcester is a nightmare! A round trip varies in the day between 3 and 4 hours and some recent changes have meant you get quite a lot of time parked up in brum on a few journeys. It is a good route but being so long is liable to delays especially if the M5 has a problem anywhere between junction 4 and 6. It is funny you say you feel envious of us as a fair few first drivers, me included, are envious of the new buses you get to drive as we rock up in our 54 plate buses!!
You're joking! What new buses? The majority on the 61 and 63 are 12, 13 and 15 years old!
The newer ones (the enviro 400s) are quite sluggish and arnt popular with most drivers.
The 61 and 63 routes arnt too bad to drive, serving most of the Bristol Rd they are straight routes, unlike some others at our garage which twist and and turn all over the place.
I know a couple of drivers on the 144 who used to work at my garage.
63365 (44 branded) on 144 today. Seen 16:02 in Northfield towards Bham
Just a quick mention that the informative MidlandRed.net forum is up and running again after a major "crash". :)
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on July 04, 2016, 08:50:08 AM
Just a quick mention that the informative MidlandRed.net forum is up and running again after a major "crash". :)
And they report that Worcester are to lose 2 x D/D's to First Kernow.
67647 is in for repaint into Olympia at Worcester
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on July 28, 2016, 11:57:47 AM
And they report that Worcester are to lose 2 x D/D's to First Kernow.
Or one if you read further on.
Quote from: tank90 on July 28, 2016, 03:37:59 PM
Or one if you read further on.
Yes I read that later on and thought "#£&@^>#$" !! But now they are going back to saying two are going . . . . . . As we say at work, "seeing is believing". :-\ ;D
Plaxton Centro 66697 is on the 144 today
67663 now repainted:
http://midlandred.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4&start=40
Edit:67647 is repainted with 67663 the next one to be repainted
If you read it Dylan, it says 67647 is repainted, 67663 was meant to go the opposite way
Quote from: jc on August 26, 2016, 09:24:30 PM
If you read it Dylan, it says 67647 is repainted, 67663 was meant to go the opposite way
Ah yes. Thanks, will edit my post
X50 branded Centro 66692 is on the 144 today
X50 Branded 66694 is on the 144 today.
35188/189/191/192/37158 are at Worcester for use on London midland rail replacements.
Of the buses I saw, 35189/191/192 were out today and the buses seem to change quite frequently despite the 2 services (Bromsgrove-Droitwich & Longbridge-Bromsgrove) only running every hour
At least 4 maybe 5 Plaxton Centros were on the 144/A today. Not seen that many on there before but I don't see the 144A much so they may be quite common on the 144A.
66691/8 on 144
66696/9 on 144A
Think I saw another which could have been on either 144 or 144A
Edit: 144/A interwork so they would all have been on 144 and the 144A at some point
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on October 29, 2016, 05:12:58 PM
35188/189/191/192/37158 are at Worcester for use on London midland rail replacements.
Of the buses I saw, 35189/191/192 were out today and the buses seem to change quite frequently despite the 2 services (Bromsgrove-Droitwich & Longbridge-Bromsgrove) only running every hour
At least 4 maybe 5 Plaxton Centros were on the 144/A today. Not seen that many on there before but I don't see the 144A much so they may be quite common on the 144A.
66691/8 on 144
66696/9 on 144A
Think I saw another which could have been on either 144 or 144A
The 144 and 144A interwork
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on October 29, 2016, 05:12:58 PM
35188/189/191/192/37158 are at Worcester for use on London midland rail replacements.
Of the buses I saw, 35189/191/192 were out today and the buses seem to change quite frequently despite the 2 services (Bromsgrove-Droitwich & Longbridge-Bromsgrove) only running every hour
First are also running Droitwich to Barnt Green via Bromsgrove, and are also required to have two vehicles on Stand By all day. Normally this is at Bromsgrove but quite often one is sent to Longbridge and is on Stand By there. Towards the end of next week, First will also be working Rail Replacement from Redditch and Cheltenham.
Quote from: AdamH on October 29, 2016, 06:25:32 PM
First are also running Droitwich to Barnt Green via Bromsgrove, and are also required to have two vehicles on Stand By all day. Normally this is at Bromsgrove but quite often one is sent to Longbridge and is on Stand By there. Towards the end of next week, First will also be working Rail Replacement from Redditch and Cheltenham.
Thanks for the info
@AdamH. I was wondering whether First would be on the Redditch ones and it does make sense for them to be.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on October 29, 2016, 06:07:14 PM
The 144 and 144A interwork
Oh right. I didn't know that, thanks
@Ashley 60171 :)
33039/35188/35192 are on the London midland rail replacements today
32066/35159/35188/189/191/192/37158 all on rail replacement today. Think I saw all the First buses out today as I had a few rides today
A E300 is on rail replacement today.
On Arthur Road in Edgbaston going to New Street at about 10:10.
At Five Ways Station from New Street at about 10:50.
Quote from: 2206 on November 05, 2016, 11:52:53 AM
A E300 is on rail replacement today.
On Arthur Road in Edgbaston going to New Street at about 10:10.
At Five Ways Station from New Street at about 10:50.
67661 that will be. 67648 is standby at Redditch after 63360 knocked its wing mirror off near Barnt Green which then smashed the doors according to driver. 63360 now back in depot having been partly replaced by 67648. A Leicester Streetdeck will also be out in a bit. Apparently doing 1343 Redditch-Bham all stops except Bournville. I think this Streetdeck will be doing what 63360 would have done
Edit: Leicesters 35188 is the Streetdeck
Edit (2) : 67656 has now appeared too
B7RLE Centros 66691/66694/66695/66698/66699 are on Worcester-Malvern/Hereford stopping services for London Midland on Rail Replacement today
Tri axle Plaxton Coach 20202 looks to be on standby at Worcester Shrub Hill for GWR
New X43 and X44 -
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/15474132.Bus_service_improvements_praised_by_councillor/?ref=rss
Been meaning to post this for a while:
144 is now mainly Streetlites, B7RLE Centros and the double deckers from recent observations. The number of Enviro 300s continues to decreases with 67650 now at Potteries and 67651 withdrawn and awaiting the first of the former Leicester B7RLEs which are currently being refurbished/repainted for the 144 to displace it to Potteries. This is all due to the Enviro 300s not being aloud into Birmingham due to their emissions. 5 E300s are set to stay at Worcester.
South Yorkshire B7TL/ALX400 31789 is currently at Worcester for maintenance; the first of 3. This is due to very poor maintenance resulting in shortages of buses.
Most of this info comes from the Midlandred.net website
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 16, 2017, 01:59:43 PM
Been meaning to post this for a while:
144 is now mainly Streetlites, B7RLE Centros and the double deckers from recent observations. The number of Enviro 300s continues to decreases with 67650 now at Potteries and 67651 withdrawn and awaiting the first of the former Leicester B7RLEs which are currently being refurbished/repainted for the 144 to displace it to Potteries. This is all due to the Enviro 300s not being aloud into Birmingham due to their emissions. 5 E300s are set to stay at Worcester.
South Yorkshire B7TL/ALX400 31789 is currently at Worcester for maintenance; the first of 3. This is due to very poor maintenance resulting in shortages of buses.
Most of this info comes from the Midlandred.net website
Shame. The First E300's are the best I've been on and 100 times better than Diamonds. Shame they are no longer going to be on the 144, which is a great route for thrash.
Thanks for the info
@Dylanbusboy45
Quote from: Jack B on August 16, 2017, 05:05:26 PM
Shame. The First E300's are the best I've been on and 100 times better than Diamonds. Shame they are no longer going to be on the 144, which is a great route for thrash.
Thanks for the info @Dylanbusboy45
I've only been on a few on LM Rail Reps but I am very fond of these E300s. It is a shame they are no longer going to be on the 144 but at least the route is getting a well needed upgrade.
No problem, thought I would share the info as nothing had been posted on here
First Worcester Optare Solo 53064 transferred to South Wales today in exchange for 53802. The latter is needed at Worcester to operate a new school contract that requires a vehicle fitted with seat belts.
The 144s Ex Leicester Volvos are being branded in a three tone green livery
Taken off the Midland Red.net forum and credit to
@AdamH who posted it on there. Note at first they will not be fully branded and will carry the slogan shown below
Hello everyone can anyone tell me please if there is a best location to get all of this fleet i know i have been told crowngate bus station but i just wanted to know if there were any other locations
Thank you
Mark
Quote from: mark114 on October 08, 2017, 02:13:14 PM
Hello everyone can anyone tell me please if there is a best location to get all of this fleet i know i have been told crowngate bus station but i just wanted to know if there were any other locations
Thank you
Mark
Well the bus garage is at Padmore Street but this is private property so you can't just wonder on. If you went into the ASDA car park on a higher level on a sunday you could get some decent photos of the whole garage but the buses are tightly packed in so you couldn't see everything. The city centre is the best around the bus station and approaching roads.
Thank you so much J 789 for the info yes that what i was told around the bus station so i guess that is the best place to go
thank you again for the info very helpful
Mark
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on October 08, 2017, 09:25:43 AM
The 144s Ex Leicester Volvos are being branded in a three tone green livery
Taken off the Midland Red.net forum and credit to @AdamH who posted it on there. Note at first they will not be fully branded and will carry the slogan shown below
Heard they were being branded, and hoped it would be something red, but I guess that wouldn't have stood out down the Bristol Road with all the Chrimson and Red and White NXWM buses.
This green certainly stands out as something different though!
When will the ex Leicester volo' s be on the rd on 144 service
Quote from: Solo1 on October 09, 2017, 09:05:52 AM
When will the ex Leicester volo' s be on the rd on 144 service
69453 is certainly already out and about...
https://www.facebook.com/CovBusPage/photos/a.569650873206850.1073742270.369276339910972/784462091725726/?type=3&theater
Quote from: Adam 404 on October 09, 2017, 04:10:33 PM
69453 is certainly already out and about...
https://www.facebook.com/CovBusPage/photos/a.569650873206850.1073742270.369276339910972/784462091725726/?type=3&theater
That is the only one out at the moment which is to cover for Enviro 300s which have already transferred to Potteries. Once the first refurbished ones are out, 69453 will get its refurbished like the rest. There was a Leicester Streetlite on loan as well but not sure if Worcester still have that
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on October 09, 2017, 04:47:58 PM
That is the only one out at the moment which is to cover for Enviro 300s which have already transferred to Potteries. Once the first refurbished ones are out, 69453 will get its refurbished like the rest. There was a Leicester Streetlite on loan as well but not sure if Worcester still have that
Yes Streetlite 63102 is still at Worcester on loan. It had a window put through on Saturday doing the 38 route so may be out of service for a few days currently.
Finally the first of an eventual 12 refurbished B7RLEs has arrived at Worcester in a the new green livery. Unrefurbished 69453 has now gone to Thorntons for its treatment. link to photo below
http://midlandred.net/vehicles/photograph.php?operator=mrw&type=b7&fleet=69435&image=1
Has 144 changed it route as i saw a 144 on moor st queensway &then
Go up & loop by old square unless somethink has happened on smallnrook queensway
Quote from: Solo1 on December 07, 2017, 08:23:12 PM
Has 144 changed it route as i saw a 144 on moor st queensway &then
Go up & loop by old square unless somethink has happened on smallnrook queensway
No change. Unfortunately, a lot of idiots (mostly taxis) park in the turning point on Smallbrook Queensway making it difficult to turn round. Some buses will just carry on and turn at Moor Street instead to save the hassle of blocking everything up. I have been stuck there before due to a badly parked police car of all things!
Hello could anyone tell me please the 2 vehicles at Worcester 53124/207 are these vehicles on loan or are here permanent info would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Mark
Quote from: mark114 on February 17, 2018, 01:08:06 PM
Hello could anyone tell me please the 2 vehicles at Worcester 53124/207 are these vehicles on loan or are here permanent info would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Mark
If these are Solos that I think you are referring too, then one is to become a spare for the seat belted Solo on Herefordshire contracts and the other is to donate its engine to the first one and then be scrapped. I'm not sure which bus is the one to be refurbished though.
Apparently, Worcester may be receiving some Mercedes Citaros for the 35 route, just gossip at the moment but those in 'the know' hint things may happen in this direction.
Thank you so much for your post and info J789 yes the ones in question are solos and yes i heard that rumour as well regarding route 35 well if they will do the same as route 144 could be interesting again thank you for your post which is greatly appreciated
Quote from: j789 on February 17, 2018, 02:20:28 PM
If these are Solos that I think you are referring too, then one is to become a spare for the seat belted Solo on Herefordshire contracts and the other is to donate its engine to the first one and then be scrapped. I'm not sure which bus is the one to be refurbished though.
Apparently, Worcester may be receiving some Mercedes Citaros for the 35 route, just gossip at the moment but those in 'the know' hint things may happen in this direction.
Both are from Potteries. 53124 will be donating it's engine to 53207. The latter is a 2007 ex viola. The majority of sister vehicles to 53124 (ex first Essex 2002 reg) have been either scrapped or sold by first in the last 18 months or so
Thank you so much for you post and info DVXXII on vehicles 53124/207 info greatly appreciated
Quote from: j789 on February 17, 2018, 02:20:28 PM
Apparently, Worcester may be receiving some Mercedes Citaros for the 35 route, just gossip at the moment but those in 'the know' hint things may happen in this direction.
Apparently Slough have had a drastic cut in services operated,and they have plenty of Citaros based there-mostly 07reg or newer.
Let's hope then markcf83 there might be Worcester bound
Have any 144 buses got full branding yet - or have HQ vetoed any further spending on the scheme?
Hello milestone am not sure regarding your question what I have been told that the current 144 colour's there will be 20 of them in total
Quote from: mikestone on February 18, 2018, 11:57:54 AM
Have any 144 buses got full branding yet - or have HQ vetoed any further spending on the scheme?
Isn't the idea to wait until all of the batch have arrived/been liveried then brand them all?
Hello PM yes I would of thought that would be the idea
Quote from: mark114 on February 18, 2018, 12:15:31 PM
Hello milestone am not sure regarding your question what I have been told that the current 144 colour's there will be 20 of them in total
I believe there are only 13 Volvos due for the 144/A as that is the pvr for the route. When all have arrived they will be branded. A artist impression of the finished livery was in the drivers restroom at crowngate and it will certainly stand out.
Hello J789 yes that's the info I have I believe some are already in service on that route 69435/436/449/450/451/452/453/454/455 the latter I don't it as entered service yet
69459 in service today , green livery but no branding at all , also no outside fleet number or legal lettering on the side panels - printed details on paper display on front side window. That is the eleventh I have seen myself so almost all at Worcester now. :D
Worcester are now due up to 12 ex First Berkshire Citaro's via refresh at Thornton's. Some will be replacing Solo's.
Info courtesy of midlandred.net:
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1497
Quote from: Winston on March 11, 2018, 02:53:17 PM
Worcester are now due up to 12 ex First Berkshire Citaro's via refresh at Thornton's. Some will be replacing Solo's.
Info courtesy of midlandred.net:
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1497
anyone know when these will be in service
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on March 09, 2018, 04:20:39 PM
69459 in service today , green livery but no branding at all , also no outside fleet number or legal lettering on the side panels - printed details on paper display on front side window. That is the eleventh I have seen myself so almost all at Worcester now. :D
Indeed, the last one, 69460, is currently at Thornton's. Naturally, this means that all of the former Bristol B7RLEs have now been removed from Leicester service.
Was there something up in the City Centre last night? At 10pm there was a 144 Streetlite on Masshouse Lane. At first it was in the bus lane waiting to come up The Priory Queensway then he changed lanes to go right towards the college. People were on it
Quote from: John on May 18, 2018, 09:44:09 AM
Was there something up in the City Centre last night? At 10pm there was a 144 Streetlite on Masshouse Lane. At first it was in the bus lane waiting to come up The Priory Queensway then he changed lanes to go right towards the college. People were on it
Smallbrook Queensway was closed last night for roadworks, so buses were on diversion. Presumably this was part of the diversion route
Yesterday (07/06/18) I saw 69453 with "Along the Salt Road" branding at Smallbrook Queensway, see First's website: https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/routes-and-maps/along-salt-road
From 9 June, our Worcester - Droitwich Spa - Bromsgrove - Birmingham service is getting a new look. You may have already seen our striking new green buses with free WiFi, free USB charging and refreshed interiors - we're now unveiling their final look. There's also a new timetable for a better service.
Come and find out more, meet the team, pick up samples of Droitwich Salted fudge, come face-to-face with a roman gladiator and more at:
Birmingham City Centre - outside Marks & Spencer, Saturday 9 June: 1000-1500
Droitwich Town Centre - Victora Square, Monday 11 June: 1100-1400
Worcester City Centre, outside the Guildhall, Tuesday 12 June: 1100-1400
Bromsgrove Town Centre, Tuesday 19 June: 1100-1400
Ian Hardy
On Monday how many will be out with the full branding for 144
Quote from: Solo1 on June 09, 2018, 07:12:03 PM
On Monday how many will be out with the full branding for 144
How long is a piece of string?
Quote from: Solo1 on June 09, 2018, 07:12:03 PM
On Monday how many will be out with the full branding for 144
It should be all 'Green' Volvo on the 144 but I'm sure something else will creep onto it. Should be all branded buses on the Sunday journeys tomorrow though so would be a good time to keep an eye out. In Worcestershire, all the bus flags where the 144 stops are being changed to eye catching green ones, unfortunately they can't put them in the Centro area.
Any news on the Worcester mercs entering service
Quote from: Solo1 on June 15, 2018, 05:56:46 PM
Any news on the Worcester mercs entering service
They are currently at Thorntons waiting for First to give the green light for refurbishment work to start.
Quote from: Solo1 on June 09, 2018, 07:12:03 PM
On Monday how many will be out with the full branding for 144
The route number 144 (and 144A) is now being slowly phased out and the route is to be known as "Salt Road". Use of the route numbers hasn't totally come to an end yet, but expect to see less of it as time goes by.
All now have full "Salt Road" branding fitted, however 69449 is currently off the road with accident damage so don't expect to see that on the road for a while, and 69460 is still at Thorntons and delivery isn't expected before mid-July.
Full operation at peak time requires 12 vehicles and with usual servicing requirements there will typically be one in the dock at any given time, so at the moment expect to see 3 non-green buses on the route each day. Later in the year two additional vehicles will receive Salt Road livery to give additional capacity and provide a spare.
Quote from: AdamH on June 19, 2018, 05:59:20 PM
They are currently at Thorntons waiting for First to give the green light for refurbishment work to start.
ok thanks how long after first give the green light will they be in service
Will the 144 number be phased out completely. Can't imagine anyone referring to it as "Salt Road" rather than the route number.
How is the new branding been welcomed in Worcestershire?
Quote from: sonic84 on June 19, 2018, 10:29:41 PM
Will the 144 number be phased out completely. Can't imagine anyone referring to it as "Salt Road" rather than the route number.
How is the new branding been welcomed in Worcestershire?
The thing is, I mostly hear people outside of Worcester referring to it as "the Worcester Bus", so I'm not convinced it makes much difference
I'd expect people on here to kick up a colossal fuss about losing a historic route number though, or is that just particularly anti NX sentiment?
A mixture of branded Volvos and Trident on 144/A today.
One thing I've noticed over the last couple of days is they seem to have had the blinds reprogrammed and the via points have been removed, it's just a big "Birmingham 144" or "Worcester 144" now which actually looks smarter. I'm guessing the plan is to eventually alternate between that and the "Salt Road" display seen at the recent exhibitions? 69454's side blind was only showing "144", the others seemed fine though.
Quote from: Solo1 on June 19, 2018, 08:37:33 PM
ok thanks how long after first give the green light will they be in service
That I do not know. I do know the new seat moquette wont arrive until mid-July so we wont see any before that day.
This week there has been news, (and details), that appears to be new, about the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, starting some time in 2020.
It appears to me that the "Salt Road" buses (144/144A), (and similar bus services in and out of the central area), could possibly gain a substantial number of extra passengers (?)
Can anyone "in the know" confirm that, or tell us how things are likely to develop, please ?
I wasted an hour in Worcester yesterday. Arrived about 17.20 in the bus station to see a Salt Road bus parked up, so went to wait for the 17.30 departure, whch if it ran was a generic liveried bus. Another one then arrived and was tucked up behind the one already there, so I decided to walk up to Foregate Street to be in position to see inward and outbound journeys.
67659 then turned up on an inwards working and returned almost immediately and was at Foregate Street at 18.16, either the 17.45 nearly 30 late or if the 18.15 it had left early. People at the Foregate Street bus stop had made other arrangements by then, and more than one person appeared to be festering outside ready to cross the road if a 144 appeared, at least one of whom I saw get off my train at Droitwich.
.
If that's typical I give it about six months after the Bromsgrove electrics start.
Quote from: mikestone on June 21, 2018, 09:03:36 AM
I wasted an hour in Worcester yesterday. Arrived about 17.20 in the bus station to see a Salt Road bus parked up, so went to wait for the 17.30 departure, whch if it ran was a generic liveried bus. Another one then arrived and was tucked up behind the one already there, so I decided to walk up to Foregate Street to be in position to see inward and outbound journeys.
67659 then turned up on an inwards working and returned almost immediately and was at Foregate Street at 18.16, either the 17.45 nearly 30 late or if the 18.15 it had left early. People at the Foregate Street bus stop had made other arrangements by then, and more than one person appeared to be festering outside ready to cross the road if a 144 appeared, at least one of whom I saw get off my train at Droitwich.
.
If that's typical I give it about six months after the Bromsgrove electrics start.
It's not typical, if it was then the company would be up before the traffic commissioner. More than likely a delay somewhere along the route affecting later journeys. At the moment, there are two green buses missing from fleet strength so an Enviro 300 or similar may well have been on the route. It is very rare for 2 buses in a row to be missing, unless there is a major issue, so if I can't imagine both the 17:30 and 17:45 were missing.
Any news on the mercs arrivals?
First are cutting back in Worcester:
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/16396531.lifeline-rural-bus-services-to-be-cut-in-worcestershire/
Seems to be mainly late evening service withdrawals:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/changes-services-17-september
Quote from: Winston on August 05, 2018, 10:10:03 AM
First are cutting back in Worcester:
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/16396531.lifeline-rural-bus-services-to-be-cut-in-worcestershire/
Seems to be mainly late evening service withdrawals:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/changes-services-17-september
Media does seem to have unnecessarily made a mountain out of a molehill if that's the extent of the cuts
Quote from: Kevin on August 05, 2018, 11:14:24 AM
Media does seem to have unnecessarily made a mountain out of a molehill if that's the extent of the cuts
You get the same with the Stoke Sentinel when First Potteries make the smallest of changes. All the people they interview kick off at the smallest thing, even when it's only buses being moved forward by a couple of minutes or any other minor timetable changes.
Quote from: Winston on March 11, 2018, 02:53:17 PM
Worcester are now due up to 12 ex First Berkshire Citaro's via refresh at Thornton's. Some will be replacing Solo's.
Info courtesy of midlandred.net:
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1497
Anyone heard anymore on the Citaro's arrival?
Quote from: PointerDart on August 05, 2018, 11:37:13 AM
You get the same with the Stoke Sentinel when First Potteries make the smallest of changes. All the people they interview kick off at the smallest thing, even when it's only buses being moved forward by a couple of minutes or any other minor timetable changes.
I don't think people in the villages around Pershore left with no daytime services or those on the Upton and Tewkesbury route reduced to just a couple of journeys outside school times would agree that the changes are minor.
Quote from: Smethwickian on August 12, 2018, 01:53:30 PM
I don't think people in the villages around Pershore left with no daytime services or those on the Upton and Tewkesbury route reduced to just a couple of journeys outside school times would agree that the changes are minor.
My point is more a response to Kevin's post (which I originally quoted), in which he said the media tends to "make a mountain out a molehill" from a limited extent of cuts, in some ways. My point is more that some of the smallest of changes are still blown out of proportion, although I fully understand and sympathise with those having their service completely removed rather than just minor, 5 minute changes.
Quote from: Smethwickian on August 12, 2018, 01:53:30 PM
I don't think people in the villages around Pershore left with no daytime services or those on the Upton and Tewkesbury route reduced to just a couple of journeys outside school times would agree that the changes are minor.
It would appear the original list I made the comment on only had the city services and no mention of the bigger county cuts, so yeah I now see it's an entirely valid mountain to be made by the press
Quote from: BN on August 12, 2018, 10:21:01 AM
Anyone heard anymore on the Citaro's arrival?
@BN The Citaro's are still due to upgrade the 35 at least, whether the full quantity originally intended are still due following the cuts is unconfirmed. I personally don't see the point in bringing in 52 plate Citaro's, they're too old:
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2499&start=10
The "missing" Salt Road Volvo , WX59BZ0/69460 , was seen around mid-day today heading south on the M5 by J5 on the back of a lorry . Better late than never. 8)
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on September 24, 2018, 08:33:24 PM
The "missing" Salt Road Volvo , WX59BZ0/69460 , was seen around mid-day today heading south on the M5 by J5 on the back of a lorry . Better late than never. 8)
wonder how long before it's on the rd
Quote from: Solo1 on September 25, 2018, 07:59:32 AM
wonder how long before it's on the rd
Not seen it today !! But I would guess it needs vinyls applying ,ticket machine installing and a few other pre-service checks. :D
Quote from: Solo1 on September 25, 2018, 07:59:32 AM
wonder how long before it's on the rd
I'd give it a few days.
Surprised that no one's picked up on the first batch of Worcester Citaro's being delivered refurbished by Thornton's, they're virtually ready to hit the streets on the Worcester City (Nimrod branded) route 35 :
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2953&start=50
64035 in spare livery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/45555270511
Wonder how long before the mercs at worester stat to arrive & go into service
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2018, 12:30:12 AM
Surprised that no one's picked up on the first batch of Worcester Citaro's being delivered refurbished by Thornton's, they're virtually ready to hit the streets on the Worcester City (Nimrod branded) route 35 :
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2953&start=50
64035 in spare livery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/45555270511
The livery on the spare bus reminds me of Transdev Pride of the North livery. The wording is similar to Transdev's Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President (B7 BVD). See here (credit to Roy Cropper. No, not him from Coronation Street!): https://flic.kr/p/2aKVyhX
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2018, 12:30:12 AM
...
64035 in spare livery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/45555270511
The fact they've painted one in a "spare" livery is strange, are they expecting not to use it as much as the others?
Quote from: Kevin on November 05, 2018, 11:08:49 AM
The fact they've painted one in a "spare" livery is strange, are they expecting not to use it as much as the others?
It will probably be used on other routes too aiding the service requirements at Worcester.
Quote from: Solo1 on November 05, 2018, 08:53:49 AM
Wonder how long before the mercs at worester stat to arrive & go into service
No need to wonder, read the link to Midlandred.net that I posted + back messages and it will tell / show you that the batch for the 35 are already at WR & confirms when they are due to enter service.
Quote from: Kevin on November 05, 2018, 11:08:49 AM
The fact they've painted one in a "spare" livery is strange, are they expecting not to use it as much as the others?
They've done two in spare livery
Quote from: Winston on November 05, 2018, 02:45:10 PM
They've done two in spare livery
Another stupid Ray Stenning idea? What's wrong with just the standard First livery for the none route branded ones so they don't look out of place used elsewhere?
Quote from: Tony on November 05, 2018, 02:52:11 PM
Another stupid Ray Stenning idea? What's wrong with just the standard First livery for the none route branded ones so they don't look out of place used elsewhere?
I agree. My first thought was a rehash/rip off of Transdev's Pride Of The North livery
Quote from: Nathan on November 05, 2018, 03:22:11 PM
I agree. My first thought was a rehash/rip off of Transdev's Pride Of The North livery
I don't get this 'god like' status some operators seem to have with Best Impressions, most things they come up with are just rehashes of previous ideas like your example above
Quote from: Tony on November 05, 2018, 02:52:11 PM
Another stupid Ray Stenning idea? What's wrong with just the standard First livery for the none route branded ones so they don't look out of place used elsewhere?
I know it's daft, standard First Wyvern livery would have been perfectly fine & at least passengers wouldn't have to look twice to check it was a First bus. The Nimrod 35 livery is really smart though.
Ray's getting greedy, he's billed Transdev & First for exactly the same spare bus livery....
Why go through all the effort of giving it lettering saying it's a spare bus? Just don't bother with it - just keep the colours. It looks absolutely stupid like that.
Today at Worcester showing the 3 different liverys used on the Mercedes...
http://adam.legacypic.uk/tw2.png
Interesting picture , still not sure about the "spare bus" concept though. :o
Photo on Facebook of 2 more mercs coming on Monday on a low loaders
I mean, the concept of buses being in a "spare" livery kinda works, but only if every route has its own livery, which isn't the case with Worcester because of course there's the standard First livery...
In this case, the buses are only "spare" for that one route and you can guarantee that normal First livery vehicles will end up on there
Quote from: Kevin on November 18, 2018, 08:33:44 PM
I mean, the concept of buses being in a "spare" livery kinda works, but only if every route has its own livery, which isn't the case with Worcester because of course there's the standard First livery...
In this case, the buses are only "spare" for that one route and you can guarantee that normal First livery vehicles will end up on there
The thing is, with the Salt Road also being branded, could that spare livery Merc be put on there if need in a worst case.
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 19, 2018, 12:54:43 AM
The thing is, with the Salt Road also being branded, could that spare livery Merc be put on there if need in a worst case.
Does it comply with the Euro rules in Birmingham though?
Quote from: StourValley98 on November 19, 2018, 01:22:51 AM
Does it comply with the Euro rules in Birmingham though?
Does it need to? Only half hourly in Brum
Quote from: the trainbasher on November 19, 2018, 12:54:43 AM
The thing is, with the Salt Road also being branded, could that spare livery Merc be put on there if need in a worst case.
Streetlites do still appear on the 144 occasionally
With two Citaro's arriving on the 19th the outstanding balance is now just two. Not sure when they get out on service but driver familiarisation is on-going.
Is there any updates to the mercs been in service thanks
Quote from: Solo1 on December 03, 2018, 10:23:23 PM
Is there any updates to the mercs been in service thanks
The first couple have been in service from Saturday according to a colleague. I wasn't working this weekend so I'm unsure of which fleet numbers they were.
64016 , 64018 and 64012 are mentioned on MidlandRed.net as being available for service. ;D
When will the other mercs be out on the rd
MidlandRed.net say , fittings for the ticket machines have to be removed from the buses that the Citaro's will be replacing first and then fitted to the Citaro's . . . . . . . { Check the thread on Midland Red.net to find which vehicles the Citaro's will replace.}. ;)
67659 (VX05 LWC) now working with First Potteries
Didn't see any Citaro's on Saturday.
53047 was on the last round 417, was the warmest I'd been all day.
MidlandRed.net suggest tomorrow is the day . . . . . . :o
Do they use exact fare policy?
32067 on 144A- does this do 144 too?
67699 has gone to Potteries.
Quote from: mikestone on January 17, 2019, 02:04:13 PM
67699 has gone to Potteries.
And repainted into purple Urban 2 livery
Here is some info regarding First Midlands Worcester & Leicester fleets: https://cbwmagazine.com/first-midlands-investment-in-worcester-and-leicester-fleets/
Leicester based Streetdeck 35189 is currently (presumably) on loan to Worcester, it's been out this morning on the 32.
Quote from: StourValley98 on May 23, 2019, 10:10:22 AM
Leicester based Streetdeck 35189 is currently (presumably) on loan to Worcester, it's been out this morning on the 32.
Intended for Hay on Wye festival services
Quote from: willr7 on April 10, 2019, 06:57:14 PM
Here is some info regarding First Midlands Worcester & Leicester fleets: https://cbwmagazine.com/first-midlands-investment-in-worcester-and-leicester-fleets/
Sadly I can't read it as I need to be a subscriber to read further. You couldn't copy it out here could you?
Malvern-branded Streetlite on the 144
Quote from: CL on September 20, 2019, 09:22:09 AM
Malvern-branded Streetlite on the 144
Although it should be with all the branded Salt Road buses this is not really a rare occurrence!
With the service cuts coming up in October, including Malvern, there will be a couple of spare Streetlites available from the 44 so may be seen more on the 144. However, All the larger streetlites are moving soon to Leicester for the emissions thing so they may just go straight there once the cuts occur.
For the new 44 timetable, I make it 5 buses needed at most which will be 4 street decks plus one other. I can see a further street deck moving to Worcester to convert the route to full deckers, unless they just use a trident perhaps.
PD0000480/319 Registered (Short notice)
FIRST MIDLAND RED BUSES LTD
Route: Worcester (Bus Station) to Tewkesbury (The Crescent) via Upton upon Severn
Service number: 373 (363)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 13 Oct 2019
64033 on route 144 today seen at Northfield
Apparently Swift PAYG and Nbus is now valid on the 144 in the network area according to the latest First Bus changes....
Quote from: the trainbasher on October 13, 2019, 06:20:02 PM
Apparently Swift PAYG and Nbus is now valid on the 144 in the network area according to the latest First Bus changes....
Has been for a good while now, certainly has since they relaunched the route as the "Salt Rd". It just hadn't been advertised well.
Solo 53065 now carries a purple livery for 'The Riversider' - AKA route branding for the 31
not sure if others have followed suit? I've been told the 44 and "a few other routes" are to gain new branding also ???
Quote from: CL on November 12, 2019, 06:43:29 PM
Solo 53065 now carries a purple livery for 'The Riversider' - AKA route branding for the 31
not sure if others have followed suit? I've been told the 44 and "a few other routes" are to gain new branding also ???
There will be a second Solo put into 'The Riversider' livery at some stage.
53155 (CN06 BXH) was originally the second candidate to join 53065 but apparently there is a list of problems with it so it might be towed back to the Potteries for scrap. (I think management are still thinking of an alternative)
I had also heard that branding for the 44 will commence once 'The Riversider' re-brand is complete.
I've not heard anything about the few other routes other than the 44 but it may be possible - maybe the 30 & 38 as I know those routes are not too heavily inter-worked making them suitable for specific route branding. I reckon the X50 could also benefit from a Re-brand.
Quote from: CL on November 12, 2019, 06:43:29 PM
Solo 53065 now carries a purple livery for 'The Riversider' - AKA route branding for the 31
not sure if others have followed suit? I've been told the 44 and "a few other routes" are to gain new branding also ???
More Citaros are still rumoured to be moving to Worcester, but that's delayed at the moment with the Wrightbus situation and all the cascades it has messed up for the time being. I heard Worcester were expecting the B7TLs from Leicester to replace their Tridents, with the Streetlites moving to Leicester and the Tridents to Essex.
I'd assume the 44 new brand is being delayed until the extra Citaros or whatever else moves in, arrives due to cascades - it wouldn't make sense to brand the Streetlites if they're still due to move to Leicester. As for the Streetdecks, maybe they will be the recipients of new brands soon though as I've not heard anything suggesting they aren't staying at Worcester.
As to where the extra Citaros will come from, it can only be Slough but then what they will get, who knows.
Hope this is somewhat useful
@CL ::)
Thanks
@willr7 @Dylanbusboy45 - I'm not down there often, so I don't tend to keep up with First's going-ons. :P Much appreciated
I think from what i have read or heared of that Worcester are keeping the Street Decks although be 1 has had the the Malverns Vinyls removed and replaced with Worcester City Vinyls
Quote from: Rich-82 on November 12, 2019, 08:41:41 PM
I think from what i have read or heared of that Worcester are keeping the Street Decks although be 1 has had the the Malverns Vinyls removed and replaced with Worcester City Vinyls
Yes - 35157 is the one. Since losing it's Malvern's branding it is used on morning X50 and 144A, S5 & 45 journies.
Evidently in response to the WMR strike, 32066/67 and all 4 Streetdecks are on the 144 today 8)
63366 has had a 3/4 promotion applied in support for the charity Action for Children.
Saw 63362 on the 417 on Friday. Is that a regular turn nowadays?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 02, 2019, 02:55:32 PM
Saw 63362 on the 417 on Friday. Is that a regular turn nowadays?
The most common vehicles used on the 417 are Optare Solo's (normally 53802 or 53207) and any Plaxton Centro's.
However, in Worcester you can see pretty much any single deck vehicle used on any route - I would say this is mainly down to the inter-working of many routes.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on December 02, 2019, 01:23:38 PM
63366 has had a 3/4 promotion applied in support for the charity Action for Children.
Here's a picture
http://forum.midlandred.net/download/file.php?id=3386&mode=view (http://forum.midlandred.net/download/file.php?id=3386&mode=view)
It is being reported on midlandred.net and their members are rarely wrong on service changes that from 26th January the 144 is to be reduced to HOURLY from Brum to Worcester yet more slash and burn from First in Worcester and to think under Midland Red West the 143/4 ran every 15mins from Bromesgrove to Brum producing healthy returns until Frist started chasing margins over service growth you would hope Rotala will liberate Worcester at some point from this oppression if there is anything left to liberate.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 08, 2019, 10:11:13 AM
It is being reported on midlandred.net and their members are rarely wrong on service changes that from 26th January the 144 is to be reduced to HOURLY from Brum to Worcester yet more slash and burn from First in Worcester and to think under Midland Red West the 143/4 ran every 15mins from Bromesgrove to Brum producing healthy returns until Frist started chasing margins over service growth you would hope Rotala will liberate Worcester at some point from this oppression if there is anything left to liberate.
I suspect that it could be because of the improved Worcester line train. (yes even though there's problems at the moment) not only that but also reliability of service along Salt Rd and into Brum could be another reason.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on December 08, 2019, 11:13:03 AM
I suspect that it could be because of the improved Worcester line train. (yes even though there's problems at the moment) not only that but also reliability of service along Salt Rd and into Brum could be another reason.
Apparently The main reason for this is that First Group have requested that Worcester reduce there PVR. I suspect that as pretty much every other route has been cut then the 144 is the only other route left that can be cut!
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on December 08, 2019, 11:13:03 AM
I suspect that it could be because of the improved Worcester line train. (yes even though there's problems at the moment) not only that but also reliability of service along Salt Rd and into Brum could be another reason.
I use it regulary to Longbridge and Rubery as its quicker than the 63 its normally full I havent noticed a difference with the Bromesgrove rail upgrade its a different market this again marks of the incompetence of First when I was at MRW it was the most profitable route after 57/8 I frankly think the Salt Rd thing was stupid and a great mistake the 144 should be red based on the old MRW livery. Droitwich has always had a good rail service and thats never effected loadings Catshill should be good country bus based on the data when I was there and even Ludlows 007 was commercial just look at the difference with the Saphire 110 the sooner First flog off Worcester the better and yes I have heard too that they want the PVR cut to boost the market values of the company.
Quote from: willr7 on December 08, 2019, 11:31:03 AM
Apparently The main reason for this is that First Group have requested that Worcester reduce there PVR. I suspect that as pretty much every other route has been cut then the 144 is the only other route left that can be cut!
It sounds like what First Group are doing across all subsidiaries to boost profit margins of UK Bus prior to sale next year.
Quote from: Bus Man K2 on December 08, 2019, 11:13:03 AM
I suspect that it could be because of the improved Worcester line train. (yes even though there's problems at the moment) not only that but also reliability of service along Salt Rd and into Brum could be another reason.
I am surprised it hasn't been cut back to Bromsgrove, or possibly the station.
Quote from: mikestone on December 08, 2019, 03:20:20 PM
I am surprised it hasn't been cut back to Bromsgrove, or possibly the station.
I get the 144 about twice a month and its always full
I've heard news that 32066/7 are off to Essex some point in the future.
I might be imagining it and I can't remember for the life of me where I saw it but I read that Stagecoach West were looking at Worcester but this probably isn't the case.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 09, 2019, 10:32:08 AM
I might be imagining it and I can't remember for the life of me where I saw it but I read that Stagecoach West were looking at Worcester but this probably isn't the case.
you where not imagining I saw it two . but think it was a rumor
Quote from: Cedric on December 09, 2019, 12:13:52 PM
you where not imagining I saw it two . but think it was a rumor
Yes I have read that too and Evesham would be good fit for Stagecoach but surely Rotala have their eye on Worcester with the synergies of scale that would bring with it in Worcestershire & would Diamond Bus want Stagecoach so close to Redditch as they didnt move to but Kiddy & Redditch when they went on the market & other for the days of Citibus there is not much profit to be made on Worcester buses unless they moved onto a LEZ as the car rules away from schools and the trunks when I was at MRW the good money was made on the Redditch 57/58 thats whyRed Diamond moved onto it and the Centro Contracts.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 08, 2019, 10:11:13 AM
It is being reported on midlandred.net and their members are rarely wrong on service changes that from 26th January the 144 is to be reduced to HOURLY from Brum to Worcester yet more slash and burn from First in Worcester and to think under Midland Red West the 143/4 ran every 15mins from Bromesgrove to Brum producing healthy returns until Frist started chasing margins over service growth you would hope Rotala will liberate Worcester at some point from this oppression if there is anything left to liberate.
A BIG IF rotala did buy Worcester (which I think is very unlikely it would give the more workshop and paintshop space in the midlands and more safer storeage for withdrawn vehicles
Quote from: Cedric on December 09, 2019, 12:26:58 PM
A BIG IF rotala did buy Worcester (which I think is very unlikely it would give the more workshop and paintshop space in the midlands and more safer storeage for withdrawn vehicles
Cedric I think Diamond are looking towards more of a Hereford style closedown than actually spending capital to buy, its a bit of basket case yes last years accounts showed a profit instead of a loss for once but when you work the margins out they are painfully low and anyone buying it would have to do major write downs on their Balance Sheet simply to break even. It is interesting to read Simon Dunns comments on turning round Bolton after First on the forum this morning you would expect similar problems at Padmore Street Mind you me & my mate look forward to coming back from the gym and & baths at Tipton on a night simply to see what's on fire today at Diamond that's a fair point you make about the scrap line and Padmore Street when I was there there were plans to sell it off for redevelopment along with Heron Lodge and move like Kiddy to new premises and then they went on a blind date with GRT.........
Is it just me or this just issued by First Marketing sums up everything that is wrong with First Midland Red Buses Limited and its priorities?
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 09, 2019, 08:27:42 PM
Is it just me or this just issued by First Marketing sums up everything that is wrong with First Midland Red Buses Limited and its priorities? The photo is from MidlandRed.net
Not sure what is wrong with First sponsoring a charitable cause, nearly all big companies do it
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2019, 08:31:24 PM
Not sure what is wrong with First sponsoring a charitable cause, nearly all big companies do it
My argument is the companies inability to focus on its current failings I would want as an accountant the company to be restored to financial sucess before the management focused on peripheral activities. It suggests a company that is not focusing on its core activities to me I am not disputing the aims it just breaks every rule of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 09, 2019, 08:37:39 PM
My argument is the companies inability to focus on its current failings I would want as an accountant the company to be restored to financial sucess before the management focused on peripheral activities. It suggests a company that is not focusing on its core activities to me I am not disputing the aims it just breaks every rule of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs.
Surely being seen to support community projects helps to improve any companies public profile, and is good for staff morale at a time when difficult decisions are being made. Good PR and promotional marketing is not a peripheral activity for any large business, and First must employee Marketing and or Community staff who work across the group who would have no involvement anyway in service decisions.
Quote from: D10 on December 09, 2019, 08:53:11 PM
Surely being seen to support community projects helps to improve any companies public profile, and is good for staff morale at a time when difficult decisions are being made. Good PR and promotional marketing is not a peripheral activity for any large business, and First must employee Marketing and or Community staff who work across the group who would have no involvement anyway in service decisions.
If I was the management accountant at MRW ; & that is where my training contract was with Badgerline Holdings & there are none at Padmore St now; I would want to get the companies in a fit financial state with a top down fiscal analysis on what is going wrong, where are our margins in line with the industry, what is fleet age profile, what is the staff churn rate & why is our pubic perception so low throwing money at a charity while worthy does the company no gain in the long run when it is detested by its customers does it? That's my point that it sums up what is wrong at First Midland Red Buses Ltd and its lack of a focus of its priorities I am not aware of a National Express West Midlands Santa Bus and are they not a more sucessfull company or correct me if I am wrong? Mind you with nothing to do on Boxing Day I am sure Diamond Bus would welcome Santa with open arms to do a Boxing Day Duty Working obviously a safe a pair hands on a Mellor isnt he?
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 09, 2019, 09:08:34 PM
If I was the management accountant at MRW ; & that is where my training contract was with Badgerline Holdings & there are none at Padmore St now; I would want to get the companies in a fit financial state with a top down fiscal analysis on what is going wrong, where are our margins in line with the industry, what is fleet age profile, what is the staff churn rate & why is our pubic perception so low throwing money at a charity while worthy does the company no gain in the long run when it is detested by its customers does it? That's my point that it sums up what is wrong at First Midland Red Buses Ltd and its lack of a focus of its priorities I am not aware of a National Express West Midlands Santa Bus and are they not a more sucessfull company or correct me if I am wrong? Mind you with nothing to do on Boxing Day I am sure Diamond Bus would welcome Santa with open arms to do a Boxing Day Duty Working obviously a safe a pair hands on a Mellor isnt he?
As I said, the person who probably thought of this had no say in some of the difficult decisions, they are just doing their own job!
And as for NX, not I don't think there is a Santa Bus. But, there has been St Patrick's Day, Pride, Halloween buses etc. All done by staff members who want to do their bit, whilst other managers and senior staff are doing their more difficult to accept jobs to increase profits.
Quote from: D10 on December 09, 2019, 09:20:13 PM
As I said, the person who probably thought of this had no say in some of the difficult decisions, they are just doing their own job!
And as for NX, not I don't think there is a Santa Bus. But, there has been St Patrick's Day, Pride, Halloween buses etc. All done by staff members who want to do their bit, whilst other managers and senior staff are doing their more difficult to accept jobs to increase profits.
Yes I understand your train of thought completely and I agree with you but an organization should be coherant top down and bottom up and in no way am I critising the cause and the aims but to me it shows all what is wrong with Firsts organizational structure which I why I quoted Maslow it breaks my heart what is going on at Midland Red West it was such a happy place and customer focused when I was there with a sound business strategy and you look at it today.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 09, 2019, 09:08:34 PM
If I was the management accountant at MRW ; & that is where my training contract was with Badgerline Holdings & there are none at Padmore St now; I would want to get the companies in a fit financial state with a top down fiscal analysis on what is going wrong, where are our margins in line with the industry, what is fleet age profile, what is the staff churn rate & why is our pubic perception so low throwing money at a charity while worthy does the company no gain in the long run when it is detested by its customers does it? That's my point that it sums up what is wrong at First Midland Red Buses Ltd and its lack of a focus of its priorities I am not aware of a National Express West Midlands Santa Bus and are they not a more sucessfull company or correct me if I am wrong? Mind you with nothing to do on Boxing Day I am sure Diamond Bus would welcome Santa with open arms to do a Boxing Day Duty Working obviously a safe a pair hands on a Mellor isnt he?
National Express gives many thousands of pounds to charities, see
https://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/our-way/case-studies/community/employee-charity-panel/
Quote from: Tony on December 09, 2019, 10:03:25 PM
National Express gives many thousands of pounds to charities, see
https://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/our-way/case-studies/community/employee-charity-panel/
Thats not my point National Express PLC is now a very sucessfull company but I doubt you did the same when you were under siege from the Spanish & Stagecoach can you despite me standing in the cold for a photoshoot & launch at Crewe today say the same about FirstGroup PLC?
Well my 144 today to brum was busier than the 63 was behind it. Very full service seems a shame to pull the plug basically
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 10, 2019, 08:50:21 PM
Well my 144 today to brum was busier than the 63 was behind it. Very full service seems a shame to pull the plug basically
As I've said in the most profitable route thread, full bus doesn't mean profitably if the passengers arevtravelling long distances at discounted fares
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 10, 2019, 08:50:21 PM
Well my 144 today to brum was busier than the 63 was behind it. Very full service seems a shame to pull the plug basically
First Group have instructed Worcester and other operations to simply cut Pvr to boost margins before First UK Bus sale, the 144 is the result of this, as it must now be Worcester depots biggest Pvr route.
What is happening to the frequency of 144A as it currently provides a 15 minute frequency between Worcester and Catshill?
Quote from: Winston on December 10, 2019, 09:51:57 PM
First Group have instructed Worcester and other operations to simply cut Pvr to boost margins before First UK Bus sale, the 144 is the result of this, as it must now be Worcester depots biggest Pvr route.
Good opportunity for Rotala/NX to muscle in on the 144 here.
Quote from: MW on December 10, 2019, 10:14:55 PM
Good opportunity for Rotala/NX to muscle in on the 144 here.
I'm not sure either would entertain it though. Don't First also still manage Worcester Bus Station.
More details here about Jan cuts:
http://midlandred.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=5374
That said, I have seen an increasing number of people on forums / social media of late wishing NXWM would buy Worcester to finally get rid of First. Worcester under NX could also be potentially used as a hub to create commuter routes (similar to Kings Ferry/Clarkes services) to/from Worcester and potentially in to Birmingham if journey times aren't too far away from those of the train or there's significant scope to compete on price instead. Or even NX coach shuttle services linking Birmingham Airport with Worcester City Centre & other Worcestershire towns.
Quote from: Tony on December 10, 2019, 09:32:59 PM
As I've said in the most profitable route thread, full bus doesn't mean profitably if the passengers arevtravelling long distances at discounted fares
I see very few twirlees usually full fare passengers on the 144 Tony trust me its FirstGroup politics not a loss making service
Quote from: fleetline6477 on December 10, 2019, 10:01:03 PM
What is happening to the frequency of 144A as it currently provides a 15 minute frequency between Worcester and Catshill?
From what I have been told 2 to 3 per hour to Catshill with 1 onwards to Brum
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 10, 2019, 11:04:30 PM
I see very few twirlees usually full fare passengers on the 144 Tony trust me its FirstGroup politics not a loss making service
Do you do First Worcester's accounts in your full time job then?
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2019, 07:29:29 AM
Do you do First Worcester's accounts in your full time job then?
Yes I did but it wasnt a full time job it was during my five year accountancy degree my training contract was with Badgerline Holdings and my time was spent between Oldmixinton Crescent & Heron Lodge under Ken Mills a very happy place to train at before Trevor Smallwood went on a blind date with a Scots man called Moir! Very little accounting is now done at subsidiary level now its all done from King Street with bits in Essex and Leicester but not much.
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 11, 2019, 08:01:17 AM
Yes I did but it wasnt a full time job it was during my five year accountancy degree my training contract was with Badgerline Holdings and my time was spent between Oldmixinton Crescent & Heron Lodge under Ken Mills a very happy place to train at before Trevor Smallwood went on a blind date with a Scots man called Moir! Very little accounting is now done at subsidiary level now its all done from King Street with bits in Essex and Leicester but not much.
Precisely. You've no real idea whether it is now profitable. I haven't either, the only people who know that are First's current accountants.
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2019, 08:18:41 AM
Precisely. You've no real idea whether it is now profitable. I haven't either, the only people who know that are First's current accountants.
You can obtain First Midland Red Buses Llmited accounts which I do from Companies House by using the net profit ratios used in the industry its very simple to work a profitability of a route all routes work to an NRV a net residual value these havent changed in donkeys years when using this ratio to the type of vechicle used you can work out a routes profitable also by traveling on the actual journey take the mean mode and medium of a particular journey correlate this with the fixed overhead costs of the operator and you can soon work out if the journey is profitabile you dont need to be a an accountant with First to work it out. If I spend a day on any bus with any operator I can work out what journeys are profitable and not its what I used to do at MRW & what i did untill recently I did for H M Gov its how we collect the statistical data on UK bus use service use & profitability nobody trusts an operator to provide accurate data do they? Its one of the reasons TfWM has its Bus Champions collecting data on your bus services when I used to be collecting the data for my work at the same I collected it for TfWM. I can assure the last time we collected the data on the 144 its quite profitable the late January cuts are simply First Corporate policy on PVR poor old First Midland Red Buses Ltd hasnt really got anything left to cut but the 144 to reduce its PVR and lets face it you make a lot money on the X8 in the peaks our stats prove it the margin is above the industry average yet you offer such a poor service in return but no.other operator can compete profitabilty because of synergys of scale thats why the Ludlows of Halesowen 9 failed but thats life!
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 11, 2019, 08:25:31 AM
You can obtain First Midland Red Buses Llmited accounts which I do from Companies House by using the net profit ratios used in the industry its very simple to work a profitability of a route all routes work to an NRV a net residual value these havent changed in donkeys years when using this ratio to the type of vechicle used you can work out a routes profitable also by traveling on the actual journey take the mean mode and medium of a particular journey correlate this with the fixed overhead costs of the operator and you can soon work out if the journey is profitabile you dont need to be a an accountant with First to work it out. If I spend a day on any bus with any operator I can work out what journeys are profitable and not its what I used to do at MRW & what i did untill recently I did for H M Gov its how we collect the statistical data on UK bus use service use & profitability nobody trusts an operator to provide accurate data do they? Its one of the reasons TfWM has its Bus Champions collecting data on your bus services when I used to be collecting the data for my work at the same I collected it for TfWM. I can assure the last time we collected the data on the 144 its quite profitable the late January cuts are simply First Corporate policy on PVR poor old First Midland Red Buses Ltd hasnt really got anything left to cut but the 144 to reduce its PVR and lets face it you make a lot money on the X8 in the peaks our stats prove it the margin is above the industry average yet you offer such a poor service in return but no.other operator can compete profitabilty because of synergys of scale thats why the Ludlows of Halesowen 9 failed but thats life!
I'm sorry but that is complete rubbish. NXWM has routes making extremely good profits and others just breaking even and looking at the accounts published gives you no clues whatsoever. All it does is tell you the profitability as a whole. There's also different levels of allocating fixed overheads to routes. None of this detail is made public to anyone. Travelling on, and surveying will give you a clue if a trip is taking £40 an hour which is likely to be the minimum needed for that journey, but not for the entire service. The data collectors for TfWM are paid staff, Dom on here used to be one, therefore employees, and I'm sure some of the stuff you have posted would break their employee social media guidelines.
I don't generally see the figures so have no idea which NXWM routes make the money and which don't, so I am certain First wouldn't disclose that to a non employee. TfWM only need the figures tendered routes, so although they survey passenger use on all routes, aren't working out how much profit each is making
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2019, 10:11:52 AM
I'm sorry but that is complete rubbish. NXWM has routes making extremely good profits and others just breaking even and looking at the accounts published gives you no clues whatsoever. All it does is tell you the profitability as a whole. There's also different levels of allocating fixed overheads to routes. None of this detail is made public to anyone. Travelling on, and surveying will give you a clue if a trip is taking £40 an hour which is likely to be the minimum needed for that journey, but not for the entire service. The data collectors for TfWM are paid staff, Dom on here used to be one, therefore employees, and I'm sure some of the stuff you have posted would break their employee social media guidelines.
I don't generally see the figures so have no idea which NXWM routes make the money and which don't, so I am certain First wouldn't disclose that to a non employee. TfWM only need the figures tendered routes, so although they survey passenger use on all routes, aren't working out how much profit each is making
So your saying the job I have done for years is rubbish interesting perhaps your right as I quit last month so cant pass your comments on to ONS sadly not sure what I was being paid for them if you read my post correctly you would see we used company accounts for the base calculations of an operator all limited company accounts are in the public domain then we collected our data onboard over a 7 day period and used it to create profitability reports your entitled to your opinion but I was really happy to be paid over £60000 for what you say was rubbish mind you your taxes were paying my salary! They employ weirdos like me because we dint need any company data bar the base accounts we know how much it costs to run a Trident or Gemini, we now what your pay rates are that has to be provided to the GOV and we were given back a non identifiable statistical average for the company, We then work out the route viability I think your overplaying only the operators know this they don't its our job to work it out for H M GOV. I bet no one on this site has ever given a thought to where and how H M Gov gets its statistics from about bus services before I became a Bus Champion no one at TfWM had heard of what we do and I doubt whether most at NXWM have any idea. The onboard TfWM data collectors collect data for tenders etc the Bus Champions collect different data on the quality of the services for TfWM for preparation for the WMCA board. FIRST or any other bus company have no need to disclose any information to us WE work out the average cost per journey that was our job and provided the data ourselves I loved being paid to spend 5 to 6 hrs on the bus collecting our data over a 7 day period and then working out the route profitability you can view all the results in the govs blue books of statistics but as you say its rubbish! also if you read my earlier posts the reason I never posted before was because we were not allowed to use any form social media or discuss what we did with others. I am now not employed by anyone so why would I care who reads my posts now or is that rubbish too as the great Ted Bovis would say "Give Me Strength"
There's a few things I am struggling to understand.
What £60,000 accountancy job gives someone enough spare time to have a second job collecting data for TfWM.
Bus champions are not employees of either TfWM or any of the companies. They are independent passengers that give their view on the services being provided or planned. (professional complainers)
Quote from: Tony on December 11, 2019, 10:59:09 AM
There's a few things I am struggling to understand.
What £60,000 accountancy job gives someone enough spare time to have a second job collecting data for TfWM.
Bus champions are not employees of either TfWM or any of the companies. They are independent passengers that give their view on the services being provided or planned. (professional complainers)
Your mixing this up I am partner in our family accountancy firm in Edgbaston that is my main job as a partner I am not employed. I was also contracted part time by the Gov to provide them separately with statistics for the Government blue books & DfT reports etc that usually had a net return of around £60.000 a year I ended up doing this by accident after I was on a routine secondment from our accounting Institute to Whitehall, the Bus Champion work is unpaid and done for fun. The work for the Gov was nothing to do with our family accounting practice. I am not employed by anyone now I have quit my work for H M Government but there was a clause in their contract that we were not to discuss our work or use social media of any time my contract was up and we both mutually agreed it was time for me to go hence I am now on your excellent forum with a lot of time on my hands waiting and waiting and waiting for the X8 annoying everyone at our practice know I am there more often they were always happier when I was on the bus collating my statistics as I posted earlier for Health & Safety reasons we had to wear a uniform of a high vis jacket & safety boots when on the bus that is how I used to get mistaken for someone who knew about the buses on Five Ways!
Quote from: richardjones210368 on December 11, 2019, 11:07:01 AM
Your mixing this up I am partner in our family accountancy firm in Edgbaston that is my main job as a partner I am not employed. I was also contracted part time by the Gov to provide them separately with statistics for the Government blue books & DfT reports etc that usually had a net return of around £60.000 a year I ended up doing this by accident after I was on a routine secondment from our accounting Institute to Whitehall, the Bus Champion work is unpaid and done for fun. The work for the Gov was nothing to do with our family accounting practice. I am not employed by anyone now I have quit my work for H M Government but there was a clause in their contract that we were not to discuss our work or use social media of any time my contract was up and we both mutually agreed it was time for me to go hence I am now on your excellent forum with a lot of time on my hands waiting and waiting and waiting for the X8 annoying everyone at our practice know I am there more often they were always happier when I was on the bus collating my statistics as I posted earlier for Health & Safety reasons we had to wear a uniform of a high vis jacket & safety boots when on the bus that is how I used to get mistaken for someone who knew about the buses on Five Ways!
Could you repeat that with proper grammar so we can understand what you're saying.
Isn't it about time this prat was removed from the forum? Every once in a while we get these nutters. On one hand a super professional accountant slash "Bus Champion" earning this that and the other with infinite knowledge, and on the other hand he can't put a fucking sentence together.
Excuse my french.
Quote from: MW on December 11, 2019, 07:13:14 PM
Isn't it about time this prat was removed from the forum? Every once in a while we get these nutters. On one hand a super professional accountant slash "Bus Champion" earning this that and the other with infinite knowledge, and on the other hand he can't put a fucking sentence together.
Excuse my french.
Sadly I cannot spell to save myself you dont need it as an accountant so who cares I.dont and my posts were in response to being told I could not know the profitability of a service and my reply of how I do if you read the posts apologies if that wasnt clear.
As an employee at Worcester garage for well over a decade I would concur that even employees really have no idea of profitability of each route. Whilst regularly driving routes gives a good indication of popularity, it doesn't necessarily mean that the route makes much profit. Particularly if other overheads like higher wages, staff sickness levels, breakdowns etc are taken into account. I am VERY surprised at the 144 timetable change as personal think it would support a 20 minute service to Birmingham so don't think this decision is based on the route losing money, in the canteen the consensus was the new branding increased patronage overall. However, the Worcester to Bromsgrove part of the route is remaining at every 15 minutes so perhaps it has been this section that has seen an increase rather than the Brum part.
Personally from driving the 144 over the years, certain journies are very busy to Birmingham but others are not so it is hard to tell. It is a very useful route for many people and deserves a frequent service, it just can't compete with the 63 frequency in the West Midlands. That is one reason why I genuinely hope NXWM ultimately purchase Worcester garage as I believe the 144 would regain its high status and be run in tandem with the 63 to provide a better service but actually using no extra vehicles as they could be timetabled together.
X50 serving Worcestershire Parkway, which has been added to the cove panels of the branded buses - just a pity one of the two buses I saw was a Salt Road one!
.
Notices on the bus stops in Crowngate bus station advertising the link.
Quote from: mikestone on February 25, 2020, 03:45:25 PM
X50 serving Worcestershire Parkway, which has been added to the cove panels of the branded buses - just a pity one of the two buses I saw was a Salt Road one!
.
Notices on the bus stops in Crowngate bus station advertising the link.
A Sunday service has been introduced between Worcester and Pershore too, it runs on Sunday evenings (there's no evening service Monday to Saturday)
I didn't realise the Sunday service was new - I'd have thought they might have made more of that, the notice just seemed to mention it as a warning there was no connection from Evesham.
I saw a First Worcester bus today that had "Nimrod" written on the side of it.
I wonder what it did wrong to be called that?
Quote from: ellspurs on March 17, 2020, 08:01:59 PM
I saw a First Worcester bus today that had "Nimrod" written on the side of it.
I wonder what it did wrong to be called that?
Class it as a complement in Worcestershire to be named after one of Elgar's classic pieces!
Nimrod is one of the variations in Edward Elgar's VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME (Enigma), op 36.
Elgar was born on 2nd June 1857 at Broadheath, a village three miles from Worcester. There is more information here:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/routes-and-maps/nimrod
https://www.firstgroup.com/uploads/news-attach/nimrod%20tt%20dl%20leaflet%20mar19%20PRINT.pdf
I didn't even know it was an insult, Nimrod was a "mighty hunter" in the bible, some time before Elgar appropriated it.
;
When I was in Worcester last week there was a MB with a blue front in service, but I didn't note the number.
Quote from: mikestone on March 18, 2020, 12:04:49 PM
I didn't even know it was an insult, Nimrod was a "mighty hunter" in the bible, some time before Elgar appropriated it.
;
When I was in Worcester last week there was a MB with a blue front in service, but I didn't note the number.
Worcester have recently gained two more Citaros:
64034 has the green front
64038 has the blue front
Quote from: D10 on March 17, 2020, 08:47:05 PM
Class it as a complement in Worcestershire to be named after one of Elgar's classic pieces!
I guess I watched too much Looney Tunes as a kid.
First Worcester services from Thursday March 26th
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information
Quote from: Winston on March 18, 2020, 12:16:16 PM
Worcester have recently gained two more Citaros:
64034 has the green front
64038 has the blue front
Probably a legacy of route branding in Slough.
Quote from: Winston on March 18, 2020, 12:16:16 PM
Worcester have recently gained two more Citaros:
64034 has the green front
64038 has the blue front
After First Worcesters service cuts because of the crisis when they are used next is anyone's guess
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on March 27, 2020, 01:53:05 PM
After First Worcesters service cuts because of the crisis when they are used next is anyone's guess
They were put straight in to service within days, as 2 x WR Streetlites were shipped off to Leicester.
First Worcester have told drivers from Monday we are working on a week on week basis from Monday.
Diamond Bus has withdrawn its services to and from First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station with immediate effect. Bevere & City will now only be served by First Worcester 37
the 303 has not been withdrawn all together it is just susppend due to falling numbers due to current situation the uk is in due to the virus
At present WCC have no plans for free travel on First Worcester unlike Diamond Bus & Centro to allow free travel for key workers in the Metropolitan area in Worcestershire.
From "Route One" with regard to reimbursements to First Worcester and other operators:
In England, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has written to members of the industry confirming that the Department for Transport (DfT) will continue to pay BSOG to English operators "on the basis of estimated service levels before the outbreak."
DfT is also writing to every English LA outside London to urge continuation of payments for tendered services and concessionary fare reimbursement at levels based on the position before the outbreak.
That move follows a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) issued by the Cabinet Office that urged LAs to continue to pay "at risk" suppliers while service delivery is disrupted. The PPN included a reference to home-to-school transport, but the subsequent letter from Mr Shapps does not.
Mr Shapps adds that he has asked officials and Buses Minister Baroness Vere "to continue to work closely with the sector to understand what the ongoing risks and issues are and how they could be addressed."
However, he sounded a warning that as part of the agreement, operators are expected to "continue to provide appropriate service levels for key workers, most particularly to hospitals." Ensuring that buses are not heavily loaded due to reduced timetables is also imperative.
Additionally, Mr Shapps expects operators to do their utmost to provide the services that LAs consider are required, and that communications with LAs and passengers are "first class."
First Worcester 675 will be main transport link to Colwall from Monday as West Midlands Railway has withdrawn its passenger train service from Great Malvern to Hereford. First Worcester 44 continues to maintain an hourly service from the City to The Malverns. I understand sister company Great Western Railway is not happy with the decision as assurances had been given that the vital link will be maintained. Just a reminder that Hartlebury, Crossway Green and Ombersley are without a public bus service at all following Rotalas decision to axe its commercial bus service 303 with little warning. The Secretary of State has reminded operators that they should maintain vital links and will still be reinbursed at pre virus rates. Therefore there is no excuse for bus companies at present to withdraw vital links even if patronage is low. First Worcester continue to operate a full emergency service throughout its operating area in Worcestershire and Herefordshire putting the needs of its key worker customers FIRST.
First Worcester sister company Great Western Railway are to provide a replacement bus service for its passengers from Great Malvern to Hereford following the decision of West Midlands Trains to withdraw its rail service from Monday after GWR ceased to operate over the section of line it was led to believe would be continued to be served by another rail operator.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 03, 2020, 07:36:38 PM
First Worcester sister company Great Western Railway are to provide a replacement bus service for its passengers from Great Malvern to Hereford following the decision of West Midlands Trains to withdraw its rail service from Monday after GWR ceased to operate over the section of line it was led to believe would be continued to be served by another rail operator.
Yeomans have been contracted to operate the Rail Replacement Bus Service
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 02, 2020, 11:29:25 AM
From "Route One" with regard to reimbursements to First Worcester and other operators:
In England, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has written to members of the industry confirming that the Department for Transport (DfT) will continue to pay BSOG to English operators "on the basis of estimated service levels before the outbreak."
DfT is also writing to every English LA outside London to urge continuation of payments for tendered services and concessionary fare reimbursement at levels based on the position before the outbreak.
That move follows a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) issued by the Cabinet Office that urged LAs to continue to pay "at risk" suppliers while service delivery is disrupted. The PPN included a reference to home-to-school transport, but the subsequent letter from Mr Shapps does not.
Mr Shapps adds that he has asked officials and Buses Minister Baroness Vere "to continue to work closely with the sector to understand what the ongoing risks and issues are and how they could be addressed."
However, he sounded a warning that as part of the agreement, operators are expected to "continue to provide appropriate service levels for key workers, most particularly to hospitals." Ensuring that buses are not heavily loaded due to reduced timetables is also imperative.
Additionally, Mr Shapps expects operators to do their utmost to provide the services that LAs consider are required, and that communications with LAs and passengers are "first class."
The BBC BUSINESS STAFF have made a comment on the above:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52122342
FIRST WORCESTER Easter services
Over the Easter period FIRST WORCESTER will be operating the special reduced timetables for each day, except for Easter Monday where the reduced Sunday timetable applies.
Good Friday – reduced 'Monday-Friday' timetables
Easter Saturday – reduced 'Saturday' timetable
Easter Sunday & Easter Monday – reduced 'Sunday' timetable
Clearways have ceased to operate local services in Bromesgrove. Passengers are advised in Charford & Catshil to use First Worcester 144 which continues to serve parts of the area
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 03, 2020, 08:06:37 PM
Yeomans have been contracted to operate the Rail Replacement Bus Service
The Rail Replacement Service was featured on.BBC MIDLANDS TODAY and an interview undertaken with a Yeomans driver.
Quote from: Cedric on March 29, 2020, 11:53:15 PM
the 303 has not been withdrawn all together it is just susppend due to falling numbers due to current situation the uk is in due to the virus
It is worthy to note the only trunk Worcestershire bus service into the City of Worcester to be WITHDRAWN from the City Centre is operated by the Black Country based Rotala. Worcester based FIRST bus routes continue to offer a FULL emergency service for Key Workers to the City of Worcester, The Malverns, Droitwich Evesham & Bromesgrove in very extreme circumstances.
http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/rotala/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=182&newsid=1385252
Despite the assurances given to the City today by Rotala as a key business the company continues not to offer passengers from Hartlebury, Ombersley a public bus service into First Worcester Crowgate Bus Station on the City Centre. First Worcester continues to operate a full emergency service to the City of Worcester
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 09, 2020, 03:03:47 PM
http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/rotala/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=182&newsid=1385252
Despite the assurances given to the City today by Rotala as a key business the company continues not to offer passengers from Hartlebury, Ombersley a public bus service into First Worcester Crowgate Bus Station on the City Centre. First Worcester continues to operate a full emergency service to the City of Worcester
From what I know, it's a commercial service running with next to nobody on board.
Last I heard, it's still a free market and the operator can withdraw commercial services. If this is such a big deal, maybe you should contact Worcester County Council. I'm sure if they deem it necessary, they'll put their money where their mouth is.
Quote from: MW on April 09, 2020, 03:24:15 PM
From what I know, it's a commercial service running with next to nobody on board.
Last I heard, it's still a free market and the operator can withdraw commercial services. If this is such a big deal, maybe you should contact Worcester County Council. I'm sure if they deem it necessary, they'll put their money where their mouth is.
diamond have not withdrawn the 303 kidderminster Worcester service it is just SUSPENED while the lockdown /virus timetables are in operation, https://www.diamondbuses.com/worcester-warwickshire//
Quote from: Cedric on March 29, 2020, 11:53:15 PM
the 303 has not been withdrawn all together it is just susppend due to falling numbers due to current situation the uk is in due to the virus
Rotala have withdrawn its services from From First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station I can assure you despite your comments about a so called suspension it is contrary to the guidance given to operators. Whatever you may post it is not currently serving the City of Worcester leaving key workers on a large part of the A449 without a public bus service. First Worcester continues to maintain its commitments to providing key workers with an emergency bus service serving the areas of Worcestershire its operates within for which it should be applauded and thanked. We owe a debt of gratitude to hard working brave staff of First Worcester who continue to work in such difficult circumstances at present.
Quote from: MW on April 09, 2020, 03:24:15 PM
From what I know, it's a commercial service running with next to nobody on board.
Last I heard, it's still a free market and the operator can withdraw commercial services. If this is such a big deal, maybe you should contact Worcester County Council. I'm sure if they deem it necessary, they'll put their money where their mouth is.
Worcestershire County Council are not responsible for the operation of this service. The operator did not give the statutory notice for the withdrawal of the service therefore replacement facilities could not be percured. Guidance has been given to operators of what they should do in the current emergency circumstances. Operators will be reimbursed at pre-emergency levels for the continued operation of key workers bus services. Other operators are continuing to serve the City unlike Rotala PLC.
I dont think the dft guidance had come out at the time the route was suspended.
Quote from: Steveminor on April 09, 2020, 10:11:21 PM
I dont think the dft guidance had come out at the time the route was suspended.
The guidance was outlined in principle to operators before Rotala withdrew its routes from the First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station and finally published in full by the DfT on 3rd April
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 09, 2020, 10:41:04 PM
The guidance was outlined in principle to operators before Rotala withdrew its routes from the First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station and finally published in full by the DfT on 3rd April
the 303 was suspened onth 27th of march
Quote from: Cedric on April 10, 2020, 12:03:17 AM
the 303 was suspened onth 27th of march
The guidance
was outlined in principle
to operators before Rotala withdrew its services from the First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station
First Worcester will today be running a reduced 'Monday-Friday' timetable
Tomorrow a reduced 'Saturday' timetable whilst on Easter Day & Bank Holiday Monday a reduced 'Sunday' timetable.
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information#easter
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 10, 2020, 12:26:23 AM
The guidance was outlined in principle to operators before Rotala withdrew its services from the First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station
saying services you are wrong they only have the 303 that goes to crgwn gate. there is the 302 but that is a collage service and as they are shut it would not run anyway
On this day 39 years ago the management of the Midland Red Omnibus Company Limited & National Bus Company met to finalise the formation the incorporation of Midland Red (West) Limited which became active on the 15th April 1981. The company continues to serve to this day City of Worcester and parts of Herefordshire & Worcestershire. My thanks to all involved in the company both past and those currently working for the company in these unprecedented times for the service they provide.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 10, 2020, 12:26:23 AM
The guidance was outlined in principle to operators before Rotala withdrew its services from the First Worcester Crowngate Bus Station
What part of the guidance do you think we failed at?
Nigel Eggleton; Managing Director; of First Worcester has spoken to The Worcester Evening News about the company continuing to support key workers in this very difficult time in the City of Worcester and throughout its operating area of Worcestershire. Mr Eggleton also comments on how his company have acted fully on the DfT guidance given to maintain services for the benefit of its rural customers. The company should be applaud for maintaining its social responsibility to its customers in Worcestershire and should be thanked for continuing to operate its services into The Crowngate Bus Station and into The West Midlands on the 144 maintaining vital links.
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18374891.face-shields-bus-drivers-coronavirus-deaths/
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 13, 2020, 09:17:36 AM
Nigel Eggleton; Managing Director; of First Worcester has spoken to The Worcester Evening News about the company continuing to support key workers in this very difficult time in the City of Worcester and throughout its operating area of Worcestershire. Mr Eggleton also comments on how his company have acted fully on the DfT guidance given to maintain services for the benefit of its rural customers. The company should be applaud for maintaining its social responsibility to its customers in Worcestershire and should be thanked for continuing to operate its services into The Crowngate Bus Station and into The West Midlands on the 144 maintaining vital links.
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18374891.face-shields-bus-drivers-coronavirus-deaths/
Are you forgetting that first wyvern have basically cut every route prior to this crisis?
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 13, 2020, 09:17:36 AM
Nigel Eggleton; Managing Director; of First Worcester has spoken to The Worcester Evening News about the company continuing to support key workers in this very difficult time in the City of Worcester and throughout its operating area of Worcestershire. Mr Eggleton also comments on how his company have acted fully on the DfT guidance given to maintain services for the benefit of its rural customers. The company should be applaud for maintaining its social responsibility to its customers in Worcestershire and should be thanked for continuing to operate its services into The Crowngate Bus Station and into The West Midlands on the 144 maintaining vital links.
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18374891.face-shields-bus-drivers-coronavirus-deaths/
I am sorry. When are you going to answer the question I asked?
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 13, 2020, 09:17:36 AM
Nigel Eggleton; Managing Director; of First Worcester has spoken to The Worcester Evening News about the company continuing to support key workers in this very difficult time in the City of Worcester and throughout its operating area of Worcestershire. Mr Eggleton also comments on how his company have acted fully on the DfT guidance given to maintain services for the benefit of its rural customers. The company should be applaud for maintaining its social responsibility to its customers in Worcestershire and should be thanked for continuing to operate its services into The Crowngate Bus Station and into The West Midlands on the 144 maintaining vital links.
https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18374891.face-shields-bus-drivers-coronavirus-deaths/
The article published in The Worcester Evening News clearly states First Worcester approach to the published DfT guidance & also clearly explains Rotala decision to withdraw its commercial service 303 which it is perfectly entitled to do before the DfT guidance was officially published whilst Grant Shapps reminded all operators to do thier upmost to provide services that local authorities consider are required therefore as a commercial service Rotala may withdrawn any service however Grant Shapps also wrote to all members of the industry confirming that DfT will contiue to pay BSOG to all English operators "on the basis of estimated service levels before the outbreak" to maintain vital services throughout England. First Worcester & Rotala from the article appear to be trying to match supply with demand for which both operators should be commended for in such difficult times.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on April 13, 2020, 09:35:09 PM
The article published in The Worcester Evening News clearly states First Worcester approach to the published DfT guidance & also clearly explains Rotala decision to withdraw its commercial service 303 which it is perfectly entitled to do before the DfT guidance was officially published whilst Grant Shapps reminded all operators to do thier upmost to provide services that local authorities consider are required therefore as a commercial service Rotala may withdrawn any service however Grant Shapps also wrote to all members of the industry confirming that DfT will contiue to pay BSOG to all English operators "on the basis of estimated service levels before the outbreak" to maintain vital services throughout England. First Worcester & Rotala from the article appear to be trying to match supply with demand for which both operators should be commended for in such difficult times.
Prior to removal of the service, we had not carried a single person on the service across all journeys for 3 days. We discussed the service provision with WCC.
WCC were prepared to support the service in the short term, but as the service was not carrying anyone - we felt we would remove and see if we received any adverse reaction from key workers.
To date - we have not had any contact. Diamond Bus is engaged with key stakeholders about all changes, and under government guidance are not allowed to make changes without Local Authorities agreement.
Hence my question - following your criticism, of what have we done wrong?
It is to be appreciated that both Nigel Eggleton of First Worcester through his interview with the Worcester Evening News & now from the Managing Director of Rotala subsidiary Diamond Bus Ltd on giving a full frank explanation of the rationale between his companies operation of its commercial service 303 & Worcestershire County Council on this thread I am happy to acknowledge that both companies are operating their services to the best of their abilities whilst following the direction of DfT guidance published on 3rd April & sincerely acknowledge that both companies are operating to as full capacity as possible at this current time of difficulties and regret any confusion in the interpretation of the DfT guidance provided and welcome fully the clarification of socially necessary services for key workers by the Managing Directors. Whilst it is regrettable that some key workers in parts of Worcestershire do not have a public bus service it is clear that some services are unfortunately unsustainable even with support via the BSOG and in line with the DfT guidance which appears to be followed following clarification from the Managing Directors some services are simply unsustainable which I acknowledge. I thank both companies Managing Directors for fully clarifying the criteria for the continued operation of services under DfT guidance. We owe a debt of gratitude to both companies for the continued operation of its services in this difficult time.
The latest update on First Worcester commercial services operated by this PLC owned company together with details of publicly funded services operated on behalf of Worcestershire County Council & Herefordshire County Council:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information
First Worcester timetables for FRIDAY 8TH MAY 2020:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/plan-journey/timetables/?operator=14&page=1&redirect=no
Following the announcement by the DfT of the new funding scheme for CBSSG details of which I have posted within the Diamomd Bus thread for the attention of
@Simon Dunn &
@Steveminor . FIRST WORCESTER have announced enhanced service provision from 1st June 2020 as expected and summarized on the following link:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 29, 2020, 03:39:30 AM
Following the announcement by the DfT of the new funding scheme for CBSSG details of which I have posted within the Diamomd Bus thread for the attention of @Simon Dunn & @Steveminor . FIRST WORCESTER have announced enhanced service provision from 1st June 2020 as expected and summarized on the following link:
https://www.firstgroup.com/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information
Thank you. With the service adjustments we did from 25th May 2020 our mileage was at circa 73%.
Simon
66304 is currently in service at Worcester, ex Leicester
I'd say that's permanent with Leicester now just 4 months left to get rid.
66311 also in service here at Worcester !!
35156 is on loan to First Essex's Hadleigh depot for school services.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 16, 2020, 09:08:29 PM
35156 is on loan to First Essex's Hadleigh depot for school services.
No that's just a tracking error I'm told by a local. The bus input as that is actually an ex First London and Tower Transit B9TL that is on loan for school services. Don't believe everything you see on bustimes.org 8)
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on September 16, 2020, 09:23:20 PM
No that's just a tracking error I'm told by a local. The bus input as that is actually an ex First London and Tower Transit B9TL that is on loan for school services. Don't believe everything you see on bustimes.org 8)
Oh my apologies. Where is 35156, if you know, seeing as it hasn't been out in a while.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 16, 2020, 09:36:36 PM
Oh my apologies. Where is 35156, if you know, seeing as it hasn't been out in a while.
No worries. Not sure myself, could be away at an external location or anything really
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on September 16, 2020, 09:23:20 PM
No that's just a tracking error I'm told by a local. The bus input as that is actually an ex First London and Tower Transit B9TL that is on loan for school services. Don't believe everything you see on bustimes.org 8)
Seems a good a time as any to mention it; one of Diamond's Darts on the 401E had been tracking as First Essex's 30888 this afternoon!
Last I heard, the real 30888 had been withdrawn - but I digress.
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on September 16, 2020, 09:36:36 PM
Oh my apologies. Where is 35156, if you know, seeing as it hasn't been out in a while.
it is inside the garage at Worcester when I walked past earlier
Latest arrival , 32644 , in service on "The Salt Road" this afternoon. ;D
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on November 13, 2020, 05:05:00 PM
Latest arrival , 32644 , in service on "The Salt Road" this afternoon. ;D
That didn't take long! 👍 was still running in service in Leicester on Monday 👍
I guess 32645 is almost ready to go out too!
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on November 13, 2020, 05:55:53 PM
I guess 32645 is almost ready to go out too!
Saw it earlier on a short 144 working . So one more to go ! [Or should that be arrive.] :o
32646 (KP54 AZL) has now entered service in Worcester, still in Leicester City Transport colours.
Is the Worcester depot moving ? or are first pulling out of Worcester ? as i have seen in Worcester evening news . that in the proposed redevelopment of Worcester . the Padmore St site of firsts depot is included in it
Yes, the First garage in Worcester is due to be redeveloped in the new Shrub Hill regeneration plans which are now funded.
It will be interesting to see future events that will occur because of this
Quote from: uniquicity on June 08, 2021, 06:55:27 PM
Yes, the First garage in Worcester is due to be redeveloped in the new Shrub Hill regeneration plans which are now funded.
It will be interesting to see future events that will occur because of this
Maybe a cue for First to consider exiting Worcester? the fleet has already largely been stripped of newer Euro 6 buses.
First's management will need to be convinced that Worcestershire County council is actually capable of forming the new partnership with operators that is required by new government legislation and funding.
The City council continues to redevelop areas without adequate roads, and that includes booting-out the central bus depot which is currently in the best place.
If I won £175 million on Euromillions, I could quite fancy buying my local bus company (First Midland Red), but unless I got cast-iron guarantees from the two councils, I wouldn't offer even £1 for it !!
First Worcester B7RLE 69435 coming down Digbeth High Street earlier past the coach station.
Have been some transfers in recently, 36241/2 from South Yorkshire (to replace 32066 and 32067) and Potteries 43876 (to replace 42892).
Also parked up at Padmore Street this afternoon was 69217 also from FSY for whatever reason
Didn't know Worcester had become quite so citaro focused. Defo need a trip up there some time
Does anyone know if a decker is meant to be on the X50? Been a decker on it for the last couple of months but this week has reverted back to b7rle operation. Anyone familiar with Worcester operations able to help out?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 07, 2021, 12:40:32 PM
Does anyone know if a decker is meant to be on the X50? Been a decker on it for the last couple of months but this week has reverted back to b7rle operation. Anyone familiar with Worcester operations able to help out?
they have 2 buses branded for X50 might be due to loadings tghe decker was used or ome of the singles was off so used a decker
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 07, 2021, 12:40:32 PM
Does anyone know if a decker is meant to be on the X50? Been a decker on it for the last couple of months but this week has reverted back to b7rle operation. Anyone familiar with Worcester operations able to help out?
32646 is on it today.
32646 is one fast Gemini. Had it on the x50 and it was insanely quick
This weeks weekly TFWM changes say that the 144 (Birmingham to Worcester via Bromsgrove and Droitwitch) will lose the long standing link to Birmingham from April 2022. And will now terminate at Catshill.
Not really suprised at this but I thought it might still go as far as Rubery . . . .
More on 144 ending going to Birmingham https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/shock-as-144-bus-services-to-birmingham-are-axed/
Quote from: Solo1 on April 07, 2022, 03:30:14 PMMore on 144 ending going to Birmingham https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/shock-as-144-bus-services-to-birmingham-are-axed/
May 2nd? The date on TFWM website says 24th April, a week earlier I think?
The 63 goes to Birmingham from Rubery does it not?
"People rely on that bus to get to work in Birmingham if they live in Rubery or Bromsgrove and vice versa."
From my understanding the route is well used between Worcester and Catshill, beyond there usage drops.
Quote from: 2206 on April 07, 2022, 03:33:12 PMMay 2nd? The date on TFWM website says 24th April, a week earlier I think?
The 63 goes to Birmingham from Rubery does it not?
"People rely on that bus to get to work in Birmingham if they live in Rubery or Bromsgrove and vice versa."
From my understanding the route is well used between Worcester and Catshill, beyond there usage drops.
It would be a good opportunity for NX to extend the 63 beyond Rubery to Bromsgrove
Back in the early to mid 00s I used to work and in both Hopwood and Wychbold and commuted from Birmingham. I had wonderful, reliable, frequent services that ran early mornings and late at night that suited my working patterns on both the 144 and 146. Such a shame how times have now changed and the effects these have had on both those services.
I seem to recall seeing something a while back that First refused to accept nBus tickets/passes, which might go some way to explaining the low usage between Rubery and Birmingham.
The councillor makes it sound like Rubery has no other bus services.
I would imagine that TfWM would be unwilling to provide any support for this service, not while there are numerous other more frequent services that serve the Bristol Road.
Quote from: Stu on April 07, 2022, 05:49:38 PMI seem to recall seeing something a while back that First refused to accept nBus tickets/passes, which might go some way to explaining the low usage between Rubery and Birmingham.
First do accept N Bus, they might have reinstated ticket acceptance since then as that would probably have been some years ago.
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/worcestershire/tickets/ticket-types/nnetwork-nbus-swift
Though a lot of local usage passengers on the Bristol Road might have NX day/season tickets for use on the 63. 63 runs frequently to Rubery.
Also odd routing in the City Centre to, doesn't stop with the 63, so won't pick up any local usage passengers anyway and misses out some of the busiest stops on that route.
I need to be somewhat careful here with what I say but this has been on the cards since the Brum section was reduced to every hour only. 10 or so years back in was every 20 minutes the full length between Worcester and Brum. There were also regular evening buses every day of the week (bar Sunday).
The frequency was chipped away in order to provide a more frequent service on part of the route (Bromsgrove to Worcester) which, at least pre-Covid, did increase passenger numbers on that section. It is understandable to focus on profitable routes (or sections of) but this just smacks of throwing in the towel without really trying.
However, there was no need for this withdrawal to ever have happened if First had just took a chance and not gone to every hour a few years back (when books needed to be balanced for a possible sale of parts of the company). Having driven this route regularly in the past, the Bromsgrove to Brum route is viable in the right hands, the train station is far outside of town and not convenient for a large part of the town, unless you travel there first by car.
It is a shame what has happened but if I was working in the route planning department at NXWM today, I would be sending a 63 route amendment to the relevant authorities straight away to extend to Bromsgrove every 20 minutes. NXWM WOULD be successful on that route, and I speak from a position of genuine know how about this route. Introduce the Daysaver valid to Bromsgrove (along with a reliable and decent frequency) and paying passenger numbers would treble in a year I am certain. There is a real need for this service and it has the potential to be well used once again.
I really don't know why First just could not have come to some sort of arrangement with NXWM to terminate at Longbridge island and passengers transfer onto the 63 there for onward travel. At least the link would have been maintained to Brum that way.
As NXWM like most operators have not got the drivers to run their existing routes, I can't see that a speculative extension of the 63 would be a good use of the resources they currently have no matter what a good idea it seems.
Quote from: j789 on April 07, 2022, 08:17:41 PMI really don't know why First just could not have come to some sort of arrangement with NXWM to terminate at Longbridge island and passengers transfer onto the 63 there for onward travel. At least the link would have been maintained to Brum that way.
I must admit I'm not familiar with the 144 route having never needed to use it myself.
But looking at the timetable, it looks to take roughly an hour between Worcester and Catshill, and then an hour from Catshill to Birmingham, so it probably makes some operational sense to curtail the service at Catshill rather than Rubery or Longbridge.
I can't imagine there are many people who regularly commute by bus from Worcester or Droitwich to Birmingham though, not while there is a quicker train service available.
Quote from: Stu on April 07, 2022, 08:55:43 PMI must admit I'm not familiar with the 144 route having never needed to use it myself.
But looking at the timetable, it looks to take roughly an hour between Worcester and Catshill, and then an hour from Catshill to Birmingham, so it probably makes some operational sense to curtail the service at Catshill rather than Rubery or Longbridge.
I can't imagine there are many people who regularly commute by bus from Worcester or Droitwich to Birmingham though, not while there is a quicker train service available.
Pre-Covid there was a not insignificant number of passengers who traveled between Droitwich and Bromsgrove (such as Wychbold) to destinations past Catshill, particularly Longbridge and Northfield.
It is not easy for these passengers to transfer onto alternative transport now as they are not near train stations. Running from Catshill to Longbridge and back would be done easily within 30 minutes meaning only one extra bus is needed on a 30 min frequency.
A few years back, there was garage rumours of the Worcester to Brum motorway express bus route via the M5 being brought back as it was thought there was scope for passenger growth on this route, despite the train competition. It must be said that in recent years the trains themselves have not exactly been very reliable on that route so perhaps a fast express bus/coach service could have worked.
Quote from: j789 on April 07, 2022, 09:37:52 PMPre-Covid there was a not insignificant number of passengers who traveled between Droitwich and Bromsgrove (such as Wychbold) to destinations past Catshill, particularly Longbridge and Northfield.
It is not easy for these passengers to transfer onto alternative transport now as they are not near train stations. Running from Catshill to Longbridge and back would be done easily within 30 minutes meaning only one extra bus is needed on a 30 min frequency.
That one extra bus would probably make it unviable I guess. Not enough passengers to justify it, I think it was already said 1 extra bus costs £100, 000 a year.
Yet some people complain because its always busy when they use it "4 times a year". https://twitter.com/JenOnTheMoveUK/status/1512113165856878603
There does seem to be a 145 from Wychbold to Bromsgrove Station to. Though irregular service.
Could totally see it coming, obviously First chasing the commercial local traffic has made that bit more profitable and worthwhile and obviously the Cross City line was going to take some Brum traffic from some areas of Bromsgrove.
I just hope that something better could be made of the link from Rubery down to Bromsgrove at least, be it over Lickey or round via J4, the current 202 is only hourly Mon-Sat daytime that could be much improved on. And at least some replacement connection for the Worcs bit of Rubery up the Bristol Road into Brum.
I would also have thought that someone would have made more of connecting areas of Bromsgrove to the station when the Cross City line started up. Realistically only the 147/318 have made anything of that and between them and the Diamond routes they're hardly frequent enough to be worth locals using over their own cars.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 06, 2022, 08:27:42 PMNot really suprised at this but I thought it might still go as far as Rubery . . . .
From someone on the outside looking in, it does seem daft they wouldn't run the bus as far as a decent Nx route interchange point?
The only thing I can see comparable in my neck of the woods, is Chaserider's truncation of it's route 3 at Brownhills allowing passengers to use Nx to continue south.
Quote from: Kevin on April 08, 2022, 11:50:57 AMCould totally see it coming, obviously First chasing the commercial local traffic has made that bit more profitable and worthwhile and obviously the Cross City line was going to take some Brum traffic from some areas of Bromsgrove.
I just hope that something better could be made of the link from Rubery down to Bromsgrove at least, be it over Lickey or round via J4, the current 202 is only hourly Mon-Sat daytime that could be much improved on. And at least some replacement connection for the Worcs bit of Rubery up the Bristol Road into Brum.
I would also have thought that someone would have made more of connecting areas of Bromsgrove to the station when the Cross City line started up. Realistically only the 147/318 have made anything of that and between them and the Diamond routes they're hardly frequent enough to be worth locals using over their own cars.
I am not that surprised either. The trains had taken most of the Bromsgrove - Birmingham traffic (and I believe struggled to cope until the Cross City Line reached Bromsgrove).
What will happen next for the Bromsgrove or Catshill to Rubery section? Unless another operator decides to give it a go commercially it's up to Worcestershire County Council to decide whether to fund a replacement - or not. I am not surprised that First have decided not to run beyond Catshill to Rubery
Finally, any bus service linking areas of Bromsgrove to the station would be up against the Bromsgrove on Demand DRT service that started last year - see https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/bromsgrove-on-demand/ (https://www.diamondbuses.com/news/bromsgrove-on-demand/).
Quote from: j789 on April 07, 2022, 08:17:41 PMIt is a shame what has happened but if I was working in the route planning department at NXWM today, I would be sending a 63 route amendment to the relevant authorities straight away to extend to Bromsgrove every 20 minutes. NXWM WOULD be successful on that route, and I speak from a position of genuine know how about this route. Introduce the Daysaver valid to Bromsgrove (along with a reliable and decent frequency) and paying passenger numbers would treble in a year I am certain. There is a real need for this service and it has the potential to be well used once again.
If the data is available for NX to look at then I'm sure if they thought it was viable they'd be on the case.
Perhaps there may be some advantage in running a service through to Bromsgrove station?
Clearly NX are not averse to expanding 'cross-county' as we've seen with the X51 to Cannock and X3 to Lichfield.
But then again it could be argued that if the demand was there, then First wouldn't be curtailing their 144.
Quote from: Stu on April 08, 2022, 06:30:23 PMIf the data is available for NX to look at then I'm sure if they thought it was viable they'd be on the case.
Perhaps there may be some advantage in running a service through to Bromsgrove station?
Clearly NX are not averse to expanding 'cross-county' as we've seen with the X51 to Cannock and X3 to Lichfield.
But then again it could be argued that if the demand was there, then First wouldn't be curtailing their 144.
I think the issue with being unviable is predominantly down to the lack of other First services in the West Midlands area. Previously when First had Redditch and Kidderminster garages, the 143 and 146 also ran to Birmingham giving at least some additional options for passengers. With those routes gone, the day ticket available on the 144 was pretty much restricted to only the one route.
The number of passengers I regularly had who moaned about having to purchase a First day ticket and then a NXWM daysaver as well for onward journeys was significant. It was a regular occurrence for passengers alighting in Selly Oak going to the QE hospital for example (or catching the 11a/c routes). The QE is used by a significant number of Bromsgrove residents and certainly put people off using the 144, even paying the high hospital car park fees is cheaper than a £6 144 return plus £4 NXWM daysaver on top to get to the hospital.
When the A38 Selly Oak bypass opened, the 144 should have been rerouted down it to serve the QE (this was before the x62/98/x20 NXWM services provided a link). This would have been popular and was suggested by a number of drivers to management at the time. Sadly, the idea wasn't adopted though.
I still believe the opportunity is there for NXWM to make the route to Bromsgrove work though as the above examples would instantly benefit from such a move.
This decision to pull the 144 out of Birmingham is bonkers.
Quote from: markcf83 on April 09, 2022, 11:50:21 PMThis decision to pull the 144 out of Birmingham is bonkers.
So you think operators should continue to have to run unviable services comercially such as this and others such as the Erdington 96, etc?
I can't imagine it will be subsidised to run all the way into the City Centre either, whilst the 63 and also 61 serve the Bristol Road well.
Quote from: 2206 on April 10, 2022, 09:43:13 AMI can't imagine it will be subsidised to run all the way into the City Centre either, whilst the 63 and also 61 serve the Bristol Road well.
They could, at least, have run it into say Longbridge or Northfield for connections into Birmingham.
Quote from: markcf83 on April 11, 2022, 07:37:16 PMThey could, at least, have run it into say Longbridge or Northfield for connections into Birmingham.
Yes they could have, but its not surprising they haven't when it would cost an extra bus, so probably makes more commercial sense to terminate at Catshill. As stu said it takes about an hour to Catshill, then another hour to Birmingham.
I am not too sure that if Rubery was the end point how easy it would be for the bus to "turn" so maybe "Austin's" traffic island at Longbridge or even the bus turn outside Longbridge rail station ?? The powers that be could then claim the route to be part of an integrated transport system ! Also , electric trains to Bromsgrove can often be stopped short at Longbridge so then passengers could use the bus connection to travel to Bromsgrove.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 12, 2022, 08:52:21 AMI am not too sure that if Rubery was the end point how easy it would be for the bus to "turn"
It is possible for the bus to turn there, could turn at the traffic island by Morrisons in Rubery.
The 49 turns at Great Park.
There isn't really a natural turning point at Rubery. Back in the early 1990s, MRW introduced short evening and Sunday journeys on the 143 (demand for the corridor was falling as far back as then). The service used a loop via Whetty Lane, Leach Heath Lane, Leach Green Lane and then onto New Road heading back towards Bromsgrove.
They were operated by Mercedes minibuses so much easier to use those roads than now.
I'm not surprised that the Bham section of the route is going, the service seems to have been withering for some years now and isn't heavily used.
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/worcestershire/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/changes-services-sunday-1-may-2022
31/31A and 37 also withdrawn, Discussions are in place with Worcestershire County Council regarding daytime service on 31/31A and 37.
37 could that be combined with Diamond 303?
https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/anger-and-frustration-over-144-not-going-to-brum-in-this-weeks-bumper-bromsgrove-and-droitwich-letters-page-37586/?fbclid=IwAR2jHUULOsaHpYG3CuKxWpu_SJdBZcUYIw00HLni5Ni1bq_xhaViUZQYyA4
The above letters page from a local newspaper gives a snap shot of the ill feeling the 144 cut has created across the area. This paper doesn't have the scope of the Birmingham mail area but I think the number of letters shows how much this cut will affect people as I do not ever recall seeing so many letters in one go concerning a West Midlands bus cut previously in any other newspaper.
NXWM could get some very healthy positivity towards its reputation by extending the 63 to Bromsgrove.
The potential passengers are there if the 'right' company provides a reliable service.
A commercial service for Kev's??
Even if NX were to extend the 63, at the moment with such a shortage of drivers including at Birmingham Central garage, I don't see that is any way that an extension of the 63 could be reliable I'm afraid.
Quotehttps://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/anger-and-frustration-over-144-not-going-to-brum-in-this-weeks-bumper-bromsgrove-and-droitwich-letters-page-37586/?fbclid=IwAR2jHUULOsaHpYG3CuKxWpu_SJdBZcUYIw00HLni5Ni1bq_xhaViUZQYyA4
The above letters page from a local newspaper gives a snap shot of the ill feeling the 144 cut has created across the area. This paper doesn't have the scope of the Birmingham mail area but I think the number of letters shows how much this cut will affect people as I do not ever recall seeing so many letters in one go concerning a West Midlands bus cut previously in any other newspaper.
NXWM could get some very healthy positivity towards its reputation by extending the 63 to Bromsgrove.
The potential passengers are there if the 'right' company provides a reliable service.
Birmingham Northfield MP Gary Sambrook and local Conservative prospective councillors have also been getting involved with this (signs there are local elections coming up!)
https://www.facebook.com/sambrookgary/posts/402219881720042
The thing is though that we've seen this all before - bus company decides to axe a service due to lack of use, then suddenly hundreds of people sign petitions calling for the service to be continued.
If the service is as well used as all these people claim, then why would First be withdrawing it due to lack of patronage?
Something doesn't add up.
Quote from: Stu on April 17, 2022, 08:44:41 PMBirmingham Northfield MP Gary Sambrook and local Conservative prospective councillors have also been getting involved with this (signs there are local elections coming up!)
https://www.facebook.com/sambrookgary/posts/402219881720042
The thing is though that we've seen this all before - bus company decides to axe a service due to lack of use, then suddenly hundreds of people sign petitions calling for the service to be continued.
If the service is as well used as all these people claim, then why would First be withdrawing it due to lack of patronage?
Something doesn't add up.
It wouldn't be the first time a bus company has tried to call the local authority's bluff by saying a service will be cut in order to get increased funding for it.
I believe the West Midlands part of the route was never funded as well as the Worcestershire part and I think what may be happening is that the company is hoping that Worcestershire will fund the route from Catshill to Rubery at least.
As has been said previously, the sensible thing would be to terminate at Rubery or Longbridge for transfer onto a 63 for onward travel. However, that is one extra bus on a 30 min frequency to what running only to Catshill would be.
It isn't beyond the realms of possibility that First want that extra bus funded by the local authority in order to run to Rubery. That way it costs them no more than the current plan to terminate at Catshill.
I can see the local authority providing this funding if no other company is willing to takeover the route.
The Worcestershire part of the service is also busier I think, it has a greater frequency and I have seen it referred to that "its been like 2 different services for some time.
Also getting signatures down on paper isn't going to cover the cost of running the service, maybe if all these people used it, it wouldn't be cut.
https://twitter.com/Professor1036/status/1512887561525551106
The current timetable also showed the 144 would run every 20 minutes Worcester to Catshill. If they keep that timetable, there's no way it would run every 30 minutes to Rubery. The 144A will become the 144.
Quote from: j789 on April 17, 2022, 09:02:41 PMAs has been said previously, the sensible thing would be to terminate at Rubery or Longbridge for transfer onto a 63 for onward travel. However, that is one extra bus on a 30 min frequency to what running only to Catshill would be.
It isn't beyond the realms of possibility that First want that extra bus funded by the local authority in order to run to Rubery. That way it costs them no more than the current plan to terminate at Catshill.
I can see the local authority providing this funding if no other company is willing to takeover the route.
I guess we will have to see. If it only needs one bus to run it to either of Longbridge or Rubery then I guess it will happen.
Quote from: j789 on April 17, 2022, 09:02:41 PMIt isn't beyond the realms of possibility that First want that extra bus funded by the local authority in order to run to Rubery. That way it costs them no more than the current plan to terminate at Catshill.
I can see the local authority providing this funding if no other company is willing to takeover the route.
The local authority, in the form of Worcestershire County Council, ought to provide some funding if no other company is willing to takeover the route.I can imagine the Council saying "but the 145 and 202, which we fund, provide links between Rubery and Bromsgrove" - in which case Rubery and Catshill residents could of course say to their local County Councillors "if you want our votes next time, sort this out."
Quote from: 2206 on April 17, 2022, 09:11:54 PMThe Worcestershire part of the service is also busier I think, it has a greater frequency and I have seen it referred to that "its been like 2 different services for some time.
Also getting signatures down on paper isn't going to cover the cost of running the service, maybe if all these people used it, it wouldn't be cut.
https://twitter.com/Professor1036/status/1512887561525551106
The current timetable also showed the 144 would run every 20 minutes Worcester to Catshill. If they keep that timetable, there's no way it would run every 30 minutes to Rubery. The 144A will become the 144.
It could however operate every 40 minutes between Catshill and Rubery and still keep with in sync with the rest of the route. This extra time could also allow it to extend to the turning circle near Longbridge station so passengers could also switch to the train for a faster trip to town.
This would still only need the one extra bus too.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on April 17, 2022, 08:33:06 PMA commercial service for Kev's??
No chance the amount of passengers between Catshill and Rubery is exceptionally low. No advantage to another operator unless they run Bromsgrove/Rubery and as First have registered half hourly Catshill Worcester that is very unlikely
QuoteNo chance the amount of passengers between Catshill and Rubery is exceptionally low. No advantage to another operator unless they run Bromsgrove/Rubery and as First have registered half hourly Catshill Worcester that is very unlikely
I guess that rules Kevs out as one of the two operators here:
144 LATEST - Discussions taking place with two operators to ensure Birmingham bus servicehttps://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/news/144-latest-discussions-taking-place-with-two-operators-to-ensure-birmingham-bus-service/
I still can't help but feel that if this service was so well used as many people are claiming, then First wouldn't be curtailing it "due to low patronage".
Maybe linked to the two streetdecks that are rumoured coming down to diamond in May?
QuoteMaybe linked to the two streetdecks that are rumoured coming down to diamond in May?
I'd hazard a guess that Diamond could be one of the operators involved in discussions, but I doubt that would be the reason for the double-decks!
Julian peddle predicted in a recent online discussion that he felt interurban services would be most at risk with frequency being cut back & those that run hourly at risk of being withdrawn.
It looks like his prediction is coming true, the government need to re look at the way they support the industry & quickly or predictions of 20 - 30% service reductions will come true. The kick the can down the road method of funding is simply not sustainable operators need certainty if they are to invest in the future of bus.
People (including politicians) think that private bus companies have been raking in the money, but the truth is now plain to see. A lot of services were marginal at best but were retained for the good of the "network".
So what do you when the network or large parts of it are no longer viable the answer is to start cutting parts off, this then leads to a downward spiral of decline.
We need more political buy in to what operators want after all it's the operators that will live or die by these decisions not politicians.
Quote from: Stu on April 21, 2022, 07:47:48 PMI'd hazard a guess that Diamond could be one of the operators involved in discussions, but I doubt that would be the reason for the double-decks!
Double decks for rail reps perhaps? Are there any rail replacements in the West Midlands in May
And would the new operator run it all the way to Worcester or just to Bromsgrove?
Quote from: Steveminor on April 21, 2022, 10:36:49 PMJulian peddle predicted in a recent online discussion that he felt interurban services would be most at risk with frequency being cut back & those that run hourly at risk of being withdrawn.
It looks like his prediction is coming true, the government need to re look at the way they support the industry & quickly or predictions of 20 - 30% service reductions will come true. The kick the can down the road method of funding is simply not sustainable operators need certainty if they are to invest in the future of bus.
People (including politicians) think that private bus companies have been raking in the money, but the truth is now plain to see. A lot of services were marginal at best but were retained for the good of the "network".
So what do you when the network or large parts of it are no longer viable the answer is to start cutting parts off, this then leads to a downward spiral of decline.
We need more political buy in to what operators want after all it's the operators that will live or die by these decisions not politicians.
The thing is, such interurban services are a vital part of the whole idea of having a "network" of services. The fact that, in the case of the 144, it's a different company which would require a different ticket makes it practically useless to most potential users. It makes it more akin to the train in that sense, which is obviously quicker so anyone wanting to do such interurban travel by public transport will travel further to the train and use that, or just use a car.
The only real way I see to save these interurban services (purely as a passenger, zero business sense here) is to fully integrate ticketing across all companies, and indeed all forms of public transport. But that's never gonna happen in this country because there's no incentive so we'll just lose these services.
Quote from: 2206 on April 22, 2022, 11:01:45 AMDouble decks for rail reps perhaps? Are there any rail replacements in the West Midlands in May
And would the new operator run it all the way to Worcester or just to Bromsgrove?
Someone suggested the 94 would get the double deckers(the Diamond operated one that is)
QuoteSomeone suggested the 94 would get the double deckers(the Diamond operated one that is)
See Winston's reply above.
Quote from: Steveminor on April 21, 2022, 10:36:49 PMIt looks like his prediction is coming true, the government need to re look at the way they support the industry & quickly or predictions of 20 - 30% service reductions will come true. The kick the can down the road method of funding is simply not sustainable operators need certainty if they are to invest in the future of bus.
The Government need to be encouraging people back onto public transport again - we've had two years of 'messaging' telling people to 'avoid public transport to stay safe', as well as forcing people to work from home. It's time this attitude was reversed.
I agree, bus operators need paying passengers, rather than support funding.
Quote from: Kevin on April 22, 2022, 11:05:45 AMThe thing is, such interurban services are a vital part of the whole idea of having a "network" of services. The fact that, in the case of the 144, it's a different company which would require a different ticket makes it practically useless to most potential users. It makes it more akin to the train in that sense, which is obviously quicker so anyone wanting to do such interurban travel by public transport will travel further to the train and use that, or just use a car.
The only real way I see to save these interurban services (purely as a passenger, zero business sense here) is to fully integrate ticketing across all companies, and indeed all forms of public transport. But that's never gonna happen in this country because there's no incentive so we'll just lose these services.
With regards to 'inter-urban services', I guess it really depends on the area or region. It is perhaps the case that Worcester is too far from Birmingham for a frequent direct bus service to be viable (not taking into consideration places served on the way, of course), would passengers regularly endure a near four hour round trip to commute between Worcester and Birmingham city centre for example?
And yes, the ticketing side is the other issue, especially when buses cross between different local authority areas with their own schemes.
Just seen a post on fb from a coach and Bus week saying NXWM will be running the Longbridge - Bromsgrove section with funding from Worcestershire County Council for 6 months. Starts 3rd May.
Good news.
Quote from: j789 on April 28, 2022, 05:16:39 PMJust seen a post on fb from a coach and Bus week saying NXWM will be running the Longbridge - Bromsgrove section with funding from Worcestershire County Council for 6 months. Starts 3rd May.
Good news.
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=300766
As I stated in my reply there, I imagine this is on a "use it or lose it" basis, so it will be interesting to see how many of these 2000+ petitioners end up using this service.
Quote from: j789 on April 28, 2022, 05:16:39 PMJust seen a post on fb from a coach and Bus week saying NXWM will be running the Longbridge - Bromsgrove section with funding from Worcestershire County Council for 6 months. Starts 3rd May.
Good news.
Route learning started today 4544 seen in Bromsgrove earlier :cool:
And here is a link to today's Worcestershire County Council notice about the Bromsgrove - Longbridge service: -
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/article/2827/bus_travel_between_bromsgrove_and_birmingham_to_continue_for_6_months (https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/article/2827/bus_travel_between_bromsgrove_and_birmingham_to_continue_for_6_months)
Will First now deregister 144A to Catshill and terminate at Bromsgrove ? Will NatEx be able to do the service with one bus, if so they will need to speed up the existing 144 timetable ? What fare structure will apply if First continue 144A ?
Quote from: igogeneral on April 28, 2022, 09:39:12 PMWill First now deregister 144A to Catshill and terminate at Bromsgrove ? Will NatEx be able to do the service with one bus, if so they will need to speed up the existing 144 timetable ? What fare structure will apply if First continue 144A ?
144A becomes 144 Worcester to Catshill every 20 mins. I doubt First would pull out of Catshill, as NX are only going to run once an hour.
There is a Timetable for NX 144A on Bus Times
Not to say it's the final version but gives an idea perhaps
Quote from: gc802002 on April 28, 2022, 09:50:34 PMThere is a Timetable for NX 144A on Bus Times
Not to say it's the final version but gives an idea perhaps
NX Have now put the 144A timetable on their website, it will run every 70 minutes
If that is correct then not worth doing especially if First are still going ahead with their 144A to Catshill. Our proposal was Bromsgrove to Longbridge peak with Bromsgrove Morrison off peak
Quote from: igogeneral on April 29, 2022, 02:50:28 PMIf that is correct then not worth doing especially if First are still going ahead with their 144A to Catshill. Our proposal was Bromsgrove to Longbridge peak with Bromsgrove Morrison off peak
First are withdrawing their 144A with all journeys operating as 144.
The NX Bus 144A will follow the current 144A out of Bromsgrove via Sidemoor, then follows the current 144 through Catshill up to Rubery, before turning off Bristol Road to terminate at Longbridge station.
So there will be a slightly different route for both services between Bromsgrove and Catshill.
If there is funding for the service from Worcestershire council, I wonder why this couldn't be offered to First (unless it actually was) for them to maintain a service to Rubery. Or maybe it's only part funded and it still wasn't worth their while.
One bus would struggle to run an hourly service, so extending the 144 may have needed two buses doubling the cost of the 70 min frequency
Quote from: BNH2004 on April 29, 2022, 12:33:34 PMNX Have now put the 144A timetable on their website, it will run every 70 minutes
Really difficult for passengers to remember times, different clock face time each hour. Why not work it in with 61, 63 and reun to Birmingham?
Surely this will all end in tears forcing more passengers into cars. If the services commencing on Tuesday actually happen then in an 140 minute time span we will have 7 First buses, 2 NatEx buses and two Kevs buses all operating between Bromsgrove and Catshill. That equals on average a bus every 13 minutes which is a higher frequency than most urban services. This will prove to be unsustainable with who knows what result. The average number of passengers per day boarding between Catshill and Rubery and reverse at the moment is less than 20 so a lot less than the numbers that have signed the petition, which I hear is 3000, so if everyone of those uses the bus once every week it is only 11 passengers per trip. Perhaps the odds are that First will eventually withdraw within the six months and terminate at Bromsgrove leaving NatEx with a 70 minute headway so what will they do then, go every hour using two buses or decide not worth it an pull out leaving passengers high and dry again ??
Quote from: igogeneral on April 30, 2022, 10:20:51 PMSurely this will all end in tears forcing more passengers into cars. If the services commencing on Tuesday actually happen then in an 140 minute time span we will have 7 First buses, 2 NatEx buses and two Kevs buses all operating between Bromsgrove and Catshill. That equals on average a bus every 13 minutes which is a higher frequency than most urban services. This will prove to be unsustainable with who knows what result. The average number of passengers per day boarding between Catshill and Rubery and reverse at the moment is less than 20 so a lot less than the numbers that have signed the petition, which I hear is 3000, so if everyone of those uses the bus once every week it is only 11 passengers per trip. Perhaps the odds are that First will eventually withdraw within the six months and terminate at Bromsgrove leaving NatEx with a 70 minute headway so what will they do then, go every hour using two buses or decide not worth it an pull out leaving passengers high and dry again ??
When First ran the 144 every 30 minutes to Brum alongside the 144a to Catshill around 2 years ago, there would have been 9-10 First buses in the space of 140 minutes then plus the 318 and 147 so there was a similar number of buses then to now.
Yes perhaps the passenger numbers have dropped but Catshill to Bromsgrove was a popular run with passengers, hence why Forst ran there every 15 minutes. The passenger numbers are still there to make this work if a decent, reliable service is offered.
It has already been said this odd 70 minute frequency is just for starters so only one bus needs to be used but there will likely be changes with the new route being incorporated into another NXWM route in the future to give better connections (and frequency).
It probably would suit first to terminate at Bromsgrove as that would save 1-2 buses but there are a good number of passengers from the Catshill area who travel beyond Bromsgrove so some sort of agreement would need to be in place for shared tickets so passengers could transfer in Bromsgrove without additional payment. Sadly, the Worcestershire multi operator ticket is no answer as it is too expensive. It needs the operating companies to cooperate to come up with a workable plan.
Long term, First in Worcester seems to have contracted so much it wouldn't be surprising for another operator to take them over there. Without the 144/63 crossover, you'd imagine that they'd be no issues with the monopolies commission if NXWM bought them. Worcester has potential to be profitable as it has in the past but it needs a proactive company who sees the possibilities there.
Quote from: igogeneral on April 30, 2022, 10:20:51 PMSurely this will all end in tears forcing more passengers into cars. If the services commencing on Tuesday actually happen then in an 140 minute time span we will have 7 First buses, 2 NatEx buses and two Kevs buses all operating between Bromsgrove and Catshill. That equals on average a bus every 13 minutes which is a higher frequency than most urban services. This will prove to be unsustainable with who knows what result. The average number of passengers per day boarding between Catshill and Rubery and reverse at the moment is less than 20 so a lot less than the numbers that have signed the petition, which I hear is 3000, so if everyone of those uses the bus once every week it is only 11 passengers per trip. Perhaps the odds are that First will eventually withdraw within the six months and terminate at Bromsgrove leaving NatEx with a 70 minute headway so what will they do then, go every hour using two buses or decide not worth it an pull out leaving passengers high and dry again ??
I completely agree.
I know the 70 minute frequency is only to start with, but a non-clock face frequency and not running to Birmingham, I can only imagine this will reduce passenger numbers further, driving more people to either drive if they can, get the train or just go elsewhere (as Birmingham is too difficult to get to).
With the 145/145A providing a clock face hourly frequency most the day already between Bromsgrove and Longbridge / Great Park, and the 202 aswell, I can see this not ending well unless the Bromsgrove extension is integrated into either a 45 / 47 or 63.
Quote from: sonic84 on May 01, 2022, 10:26:21 AMI completely agree.
I know the 70 minute frequency is only to start with, but a non-clock face frequency and not running to Birmingham, I can only imagine this will reduce passenger numbers further, driving more people to either drive if they can, get the train or just go elsewhere (as Birmingham is too difficult to get to).
With the 145/145A providing a clock face hourly frequency most the day already between Bromsgrove and Longbridge / Great Park, and the 202 aswell, I can see this not ending well unless the Bromsgrove extension is integrated into either a 45 / 47 or 63.
But very few passengers who used the 144 previously to Longbridge would catch the 145 which goes 'round the reacon' to serve the villages - it's not quick so isn't an attractive option.
Likewise, no 'sensible' passenger would catch the 145 from Bromsgrove to Droitwich directly instead getting the quicker 144.
And the 202 was fairly recently changed by Diamond to operate through Catshill then changed back so I can't see that route being overly popular either as it has had an hourly frequency for a long time too.
The Bromsgrove Longbridge route is currently hourly so 70 minute frequency isn't the end of the world really, particularly short term. I think most passengers who will use it will just be glad of the replacement and will be capable of reading a timetable to see when the return journey is coming.
Quote from: j789 on May 01, 2022, 11:21:21 AMBut very few passengers who used the 144 previously to Longbridge would catch the 145 which goes 'round the reacon' to serve the villages - it's not quick so isn't an attractive option.
Likewise, no 'sensible' passenger would catch the 145 from Bromsgrove to Droitwich directly instead getting the quicker 144.
And the 202 was fairly recently changed by Diamond to operate through Catshill then changed back so I can't see that route being overly popular either as it has had an hourly frequency for a long time too.
The Bromsgrove Longbridge route is currently hourly so 70 minute frequency isn't the end of the world really, particularly short term. I think most passengers who will use it will just be glad of the replacement and will be capable of reading a timetable to see when the return journey is coming.
There's nothing stopping someone at YW thinking 'Let's print some timetables off for the punters & give them to the drivers to pass on' is there?
The question is would someone be bothered enough to do so?
There's probably a few of these on here with Facebook, who are members of local Facebook groups, where if anything similar happened in their area, would pass the information onto their group.
I guess there are groups in the areas covered by the route, that would do the same in this instance?
Wasn't the frequency higher at one stage on the Bromsgrove to Catshill section with the 64/144E from Diamond running to?
And don't forget that service MRD do too
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 01, 2022, 03:24:36 PMWasn't the frequency higher at one stage on the Bromsgrove to Catshill section with the 64/144E from Diamond running to?
And don't forget that service MRD do too
I vaguely remember the Diamond 64 running direct via the A38 through Lickey End, not via Catshill
Personaly i would not be supprised if first dissposed of worcester , with the next nearest first depots at
bristol stoke on trent and leicester
Quote from: bewdley5 on May 03, 2022, 12:52:02 PMPersonaly i would not be supprised if first dissposed of worcester , with the next nearest first depots at
bristol stoke on trent and leicester
Nor would I to be honest.
Quote from: markcf83 on May 05, 2022, 11:01:58 AMNor would I to be honest.
I have my doubts to the long term future of "First Worcester", but the Midland Red . net forum suggests some 66 plate single deckers are expected and older vehicles that are being kept will be repainted into latest fleet livery. So thats it ,closure in six month's . LOL. :undecided:
Quote from: Kevin on May 03, 2022, 12:15:26 PMI vaguely remember the Diamond 64 running direct via the A38 through Lickey End, not via Catshill
Yes the 64 was direct through Lickey End.
I can't remember how long the diamond 144E's lasted but I don't think it was very long.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on May 05, 2022, 04:11:01 PMI have my doubts to the long term future of "First Worcester", but the Midland Red . net forum suggests some 66 plate single deckers are expected and older vehicles that are being kept will be repainted into latest fleet livery. So thats it ,closure in six month's . LOL. :undecided:
Wonder where they're coming from.....
Quote from: markcf83 on May 06, 2022, 09:44:48 PMWonder where they're coming from.....
My money is the Eclipse batch of E200s from Hampshire
Following the recent changes to the 144/144a 69453 and 69459 have been de-branded from The Salt Road.
They now have smart looking 'we are Worcester city' vynils and Excuse the wrong colour... I'll be repainted soon on the sides.
Photos of them are on the midlandred.net forum
http://forum.midlandred.net/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=11561#p20618
As long as it doesn't take as long as the ones with a similar message on Potteries half-branded 3/4 Streetlites
According to VOSA/Traffic Commissioner, First have cancelled the 31/31A registration.
Ex former Salt road branding WX59 BZH fleet number 69454 have now been repainted into Worcester city branding
EX former salt road branding WX59 BZJ 69455 have gone into paint to be the same branding as 69454
Ex former salt road WX59 BZJ 69445 have came back from paint this morning lovely looking bus as the livery suits really well 69455 (https://photos.google.com/u/3/photo/AF1QipM326j_kEG9-f2hyGV9z2QRThk8hi2m8DHUSfJ0)
Nice seeing WX59 BZH today on the 144 to Catshill as it's not longer a salt road branding as it's gone into the new first livery 69454 (https://photos.google.com/u/3/photo/AF1QipN10Qn-puEtAMrcJ3_82ipjopAgmozRatvkAy5I)
Looks like Worcester is going back to the 80s with the First reorganisation with management being Bristol based
69456 is in paint shop getting painted into the new first livery that's why it's not been on the road since 23rd June 2022
69456 is now in new livery looks amazing in its new colours
TV
Quote from: Bethhart2022 on August 26, 2022, 03:19:45 PM69456 is now in new livery looks amazing in its new colours
I remember when it was in Leicester in Barbie. Must have been one of the last Barbie painted buses on delivery before Olympia came in?
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on August 26, 2022, 11:00:58 PMTVI remember when it was in Leicester in Barbie. Must have been one of the last Barbie painted buses on delivery before Olympia came in?
Not quite. That would be the 11 plate Gemini 2s in Norwich.
44943 and 44944 are now in service at first worcester nice e200s
64012 and 64016 are the last remaining OIG Citaro left in service
Suprised this hasn't been mentioned yet.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/604287/
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 23, 2022, 10:40:51 PMSuprised this hasn't been mentioned yet.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/604287/
Why are you? Its probably just a timetable change.
Registration hasn't been updated to remove Birmingham. Neither of which are particularly uncommon.
Quote from: 2206 on November 23, 2022, 11:00:00 PMWhy are you? Its probably just a timetable change.
Registration hasn't been updated to remove Birmingham. Neither of which are particularly uncommon.
Well I saw it said Birmingham on it and last I checked it didn't serve Birmingham anymore, so yeah it kind of piqued my curiosity...
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 24, 2022, 07:29:18 AMWell I saw it said Birmingham on it and last I checked it didn't serve Birmingham anymore, so yeah it kind of piqued my curiosity...
It says the same thing on the previous registrations.
Quote from: Stu on November 24, 2022, 07:33:09 AMIt says the same thing on the previous registrations.
Fair enough
Drat. Like "MasterPlan" , I thought the 144 to Brum was returning . . . . . . . :embarrassed: The "via Lickey End" part really made me wonder or should that be wander ?? :grin:
Quote from: MasterPlan on November 24, 2022, 08:05:11 AMFair enough
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on November 24, 2022, 10:55:12 AMDrat. Like "MasterPlan" , I thought the 144 to Brum was returning . . . . . . . :embarrassed: The "via Lickey End" part really made me wonder or should that be wander ?? :grin:
This is why we warn people not to get 'carried away' when looking at bus registrations/variations.
In this case, the route has stayed registered as Birmingham to Worcester for whatever reason, but the previous registrations will have been to alter the registered timetable and/or stopping points, and that is then reflected in the route correctly showing in data feeds as only running between Catshill and Worcester.
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0000480/11
I don't know how this system works because I don't run a bus company, but perhaps changing the 'From' and 'To' details requires deregistering the service and submitting a new registration, that's a pure guess as I don't know what's involved, maybe it is much more straight-forward but someone didn't think it was that important.
Then again, that gets people 'excited' too when they see registrations showing as Cancelled...
Quote from: Stu on November 24, 2022, 07:09:15 PMThis is why we warn people not to get 'carried away' when looking at bus registrations/variations.
In this case, the route has stayed registered as Birmingham to Worcester for whatever reason, but the previous registrations will have been to alter the registered timetable and/or stopping points, and that is then reflected in the route correctly showing in data feeds as only running between Catshill and Worcester.
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0000480/11
I don't know how this system works because I don't run a bus company, but perhaps changing the 'From' and 'To' details requires deregistering the service and submitting a new registration, that's a pure guess as I don't know what's involved, maybe it is much more straight-forward but someone didn't think it was that important.
Then again, that gets people 'excited' too when they see registrations showing as Cancelled...
It is an interesting one to be honest , why some get changed and some don't. It's not like it's a small change either like Longbridge to Rednal or something like that.
I mean, NX 48 has changed to West Brom to QE Hosptial on the new registration so I am intrigued as to what the difference is.
Free travel in Worcester 10 Dec https://www.firstbus.co.uk/worcestershire/plan-journey/free-bus-travel-day
is the rumor i have heard right first worceter bus operations are being sold to another midlands opertor
Quote from: Cedric on January 18, 2023, 12:08:47 PMis the rumor i have heard right first worceter bus operations are being sold to another midlands opertor
I believe First Group may have now agreed a sale of the land Padmore St depot is built on to a developer, not sure if the sale has gone through yet
Quote from: Cedric on January 18, 2023, 12:08:47 PMis the rumor i have heard right first worceter bus operations are being sold to another midlands opertor
Where have you heard this from can I ask
The land is for sale for the shrub Hill development but they are getting a new depot somewhere in Worcester and Worcester isn't getting sold off to another operator at all they are under first west of England they could of got sold on if they was still under potteries
Quote from: Bethhart2022 on January 18, 2023, 12:57:10 PMThe land is for sale for the shrub Hill development but they are getting a new depot somewhere in Worcester and Worcester isn't getting sold off to another operator at all they are under first west of England they could of got sold on if they was still under potteries
Actually, they were under "Midlands and South Yorkshire" not just "Potteries".
However whilst under "Midlands and South Yorkshire" it was mentioned by the then MD quite a few times, that services in Worcester were struggling compared to other areas.
Whilst First may have tried to improve it under the Bristol / West of England, it doesn't mean as 1 entity "Worcester" they won't sell it off. If it doesn't perform they will get rid.. happened across several areas in the past, most recently part of Manchester!
That said, as they only changed operation area last year, I'd like to hope they trial it at least for 1 year!
Quote from: Glenfieldmathk1 on January 20, 2023, 02:08:21 PMActually, they were under "Midlands and South Yorkshire" not just "Potteries".
However whilst under "Midlands and South Yorkshire" it was mentioned by the then MD quite a few times, that services in Worcester were struggling compared to other areas.
Whilst First may have tried to improve it under the Bristol / West of England, it doesn't mean as 1 entity "Worcester" they won't sell it off. If it doesn't perform they will get rid.. happened across several areas in the past, most recently part of Manchester!
That said, as they only changed operation area last year, I'd like to hope they trial it at least for 1 year!
First could also simply shut the Worcester operation down to save having to find a new depot i.e. as per First Southampton which closes down next month. Worcester is pretty small & isolated from the rest of their operations.
That said a sale of the operations or transfer to another operator would be the best solution.
Quote from: winston on January 20, 2023, 03:33:50 PMFirst could also simply shut the Worcester operation down to save having to find a new depot i.e. as per First Southampton which closes down next month. Worcester is pretty small & isolated from the rest of their operations.
That said a sale of the operations or transfer to another operator would be the best solution.
Could Rotala add it to their existing Worcestershire operations, thus uniting much of the former Midland Red West operations (minus Hereford)?
I think First should stay in Worcester but ditch everything except the 30 and 35, and keep all school-time journeys and contracts ( = PROFITABLE ). It would then be up to the county and city councils to cough-up a huge amount to subsidise whatever else they think is needed, - giving the work to any operator ( - like Diamond) that can find the drivers and mechanics, and somewhere to park and maintain the vehicles.
Ridership of these subsidised services will not grow, because of frequent delays of 45 minutes due to constant traffic jams and the ongoing, appalling road "management" by those who are responsible (and PAID by us).
First should refuse to budge from their city centre depot until an equally suitable site is provided and is suitable for the electric and hydrogen buses of the near-future.
IF First sell Worcester, to Diamond (say) it won't be long before they (Diamond) realise they've "bought a pup" !!
Quote from: Rachvince53 on January 20, 2023, 04:27:12 PMCould Rotala add it to their existing Worcestershire operations, thus uniting much of the former Midland Red West operations (minus Hereford)?
Yes - but would most likely still need another depot closer to Worcester than their existing Worcestershire Depots
Quote from: DD12 on January 20, 2023, 04:29:20 PMI think First should stay in Worcester but ditch everything except the 30 and 35, and keep all school-time journeys and contracts ( = PROFITABLE ). It would then be up to the county and city councils to cough-up a huge amount to subsidise whatever else they think is needed, - giving the work to any operator ( - like Diamond) that can find the drivers and mechanics, and somewhere to park and maintain the vehicles.
Ridership of these subsidised services will not grow, because of frequent delays of 45 minutes due to constant traffic jams and the ongoing, appalling road "management" by those who are responsible (and PAID by us).
First should refuse to budge from their city centre depot until an equally suitable site is provided and is suitable for the electric and hydrogen buses of the near-future.
IF First sell Worcester, to Diamond (say) it won't be long before they (Diamond) realise they've "bought a pup" !!
There are a good number of routes in Worcester that can 'pay' their way in normal circumstances- the X50, 44 Malvern, the Tolladine road services, etc.
It wasn't that long ago the 44 was operating every 10 mins and gaining new passengers at a substantial rate. Then COVID hit and those increases were wiped out pretty much overnight. It's a tough operation in Worcester these days and the council certainly don't help matters with only limited support. However, it's not beyond salvage with a bit of longer term thinking, sadly lacking in many areas of our industry and the government currently though.
"46" has survived another day. Does sound like a bag of nails though
Quote from: winston on January 20, 2023, 03:33:50 PMFirst could also simply shut the Worcester operation down to save having to find a new depot i.e. as per First Southampton which closes down next month. Worcester is pretty small & isolated from the rest of their operations.
That said a sale of the operations or transfer to another operator would be the best solution.
Isn't the Worcester operations now managed by Bristol?
QuoteIsn't the Worcester operations now managed by Bristol?
Yep, its effectivly a return to Midland Red and Badgerline
Saw a salt road branded bus on the M5! Do drivers use that route back to garage routinely or?
Quote from: mesub on June 24, 2023, 05:47:52 PMSaw a salt road branded bus on the M5! Do drivers use that route back to garage routinely or?
Yes it is the quickest route to and from Worcester for buses starting or finishing at Catshill on the 144. This is a fairly recent trend though (say last 4-5 years) as drivers were previously banned from doing this and had to run via the A38 instead. There must be a decent wage and fuel saving via the motorway too as journey time is about 20 minutes compared with 35 'minutes via the A38 route.
The S45 school route starting from Alvechurch also uses the M5 and M42 to get to/from where it starts/finishes.
(https://i.ibb.co/xzyCQXy/IMG-1009.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8PJKVNJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/6bnqcys/IMG-1010.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wC02Zd6)
@uniquicity - there's suggestions that Worcester will be getting all 5 from that 65 plate batch at Leciester i.e. 35151-5
Quote from: winston on August 05, 2023, 05:13:18 PM@uniquicity - there's suggestions that Worcester will be getting all 5 from that 65 plate batch at Leciester i.e. 35151-5
Interesting, probably got one they will be replacing in the first shot i.e. 32645
Quote from: uniquicity on August 05, 2023, 05:35:35 PMInteresting, probably got one they will be replacing in the first shot i.e. 32645
I suspect the 2 x 12 plate B9TL / Gemini's might transfer elsewhere too (36241/2). First haven't forgot they still owned Worcester afterall.
Nothing still on the horizon to replace the 07 / 08 plate Citaro's or the last of the 07 plate Plaxton Centro's
Quote(https://i.ibb.co/xzyCQXy/IMG-1009.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8PJKVNJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/6bnqcys/IMG-1010.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wC02Zd6)
Just stick some Midland Red logos on it (and a badger maybe) and it'd be a good modern day spin on the classic Midland Red 😀
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 23, 2023, 07:31:54 PMYep, its effectivly a return to Midland Red and Badgerline
I'd completely forgotten I'd even asked the question..A reshuffle of one of my folders at home is overdue then......
Hello all, Just a quick question as the WCC website isn't working on my computer, Where about is the boundary for the City Connecta ticket?
Thanks in advance.
Quote from: LiamsTransport1 on August 14, 2023, 05:25:24 PMHello all, Just a quick question as the WCC website isn't working on my computer, Where about is the boundary for the City Connecta ticket?
Thanks in advance.
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/transport/bus-travel/connecta-scheme-multiple-use-passes
(https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-10/worcester_connecta.png)
Quote from: Stu on August 14, 2023, 07:30:26 PMhttps://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/transport/bus-travel/connecta-scheme-multiple-use-passes
(https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-10/worcester_connecta.png)
Thank you Stu
36241/2 have now moved to Weston super Mare but are due to move over to Ravenhill, Swansea. So all Worcester double decks fleet should be Streetdecks going forward.
32644 hasnt tracked since the 19th, anyone know why?
Quote from: B7RLE on December 28, 2023, 11:10:50 PM32644 hasnt tracked since the 19th, anyone know why?
Probably not needed for use. Don't read anything into it.
35152 is listed on Bustimes but with an allocation of Leicester and has not tracked since August, is it actually still at Leicester and if so why ?
Quote from: Mayfield on February 21, 2024, 09:47:00 AM35152 is listed on Bustimes but with an allocation of Leicester and has not tracked since August, is it actually still at Leicester and if so why ?
It's listed on the Worcester depot allocations.. Hasn't been on Leicester for 5months now. It did last track in Leicester but as far as I'm aware it left with the orange ones (35153..) (35152 being fuscia)
Midland Red net forum says 35152 is at Worcester awaiting a new engine. :smiley:
Thanks
Ex cymru & trawscymru E300 67431 is now at worcester in trade for streetlite 47470 marking the return of E300s in worcester,
permanent transfer apparently, with more to come
32644 has been withdrawn, meaning there are now no barbie buses in public service with first
Quote from: B7RLE on April 27, 2024, 04:44:59 PM32644 has been withdrawn, meaning there are now no barbie buses in public service with first
Indeed; it has certainly had a good innings. 32644 was the last of the 'new to Leicester' Wright Eclipse Gemini in service with First. 32628 is still going in Essex but, despite serving in Leicester for a while, was actually new to Northampton.
Are the X99 and HAY routes for a special event, appear to be running Thurs - Sunday are they here for the Summer?
Hay on Wye festival.
Or just Hay festival: https://www.hayfestival.com/home
47609 in Corporate Livery
https://flic.kr/p/2pSwBdU
Is this the corporate livery for all First fleets.
Quote from: Mayfield on May 27, 2024, 04:21:32 PMIs this the corporate livery for all First fleets.
its now the livery countrywide for all buses.
Anyone have any idea when the rest of the E400's will start moving over from SY to replace the StreetDeck's?
Also when the last 3 E300's are due + more E200's from Wales??
Wonder if there are any plans to get the ones already here repainted into the new corporate livery - Would look good on them me thinks!
Hi willr7, -- a knowledgeable guy on facebook says more E400s coming from up-north soon !
Does anybody know where 35156/7/9 SN65OKH/J/L have gone?
Interestingly they have disappeared from the trackers/Bustimes entirely.
My first hunch is that they have gone into the NewPower programme (First are repowering 32 StreetDecks to EV, remember), but otherwise I'd expect them to go to Bristol/West of England if not.
Quote from: Rich-82 on July 31, 2024, 12:17:12 PMDoes anybody know where 35156/7/9 SN65OKH/J/L have gone?
The last I heard 35156 and 35157 were going to Weston and 35159 was going to Hengrove
How come now the B7RLEs from first have started moving elsewhere to other parts of the UK?
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on August 08, 2024, 10:49:08 PMHow come now the B7RLEs from first have started moving elsewhere to other parts of the UK?
worcester depot is supposed to become a purely ADL enviro depot over the summer, hence the moves of the E400s from yorkshire and the E300s and E200s from cymru and streetlites to cymru and etc...
so should say next couple of weeks is the last time to catch any sort of non-adl vehicle at worcester before they all move elsewhere especially the B7RLEs
Quote from: EK40 on August 08, 2024, 11:55:41 PMworcester depot is supposed to become a purely ADL enviro depot over the summer, hence the moves of the E400s from yorkshire and the E300s and E200s from cymru and streetlites to cymru and etc...
so should say next couple of weeks is the last time to catch any sort of non-adl vehicle at worcester before they all move elsewhere especially the B7RLEs
Of course, will probably change again..
One minute it was supposed to be all Streetlites & Streetdecks depot.. then now it's ADL..
Maybe next week it will become an all Optare depot! Haha
Quote from: EK40 on August 08, 2024, 11:55:41 PMworcester depot is supposed to become a purely ADL enviro depot over the summer, hence the moves of the E400s from yorkshire and the E300s and E200s from cymru and streetlites to cymru and etc...
so should say next couple of weeks is the last time to catch any sort of non-adl vehicle at worcester before they all move elsewhere especially the B7RLEs
Thanks for that, shame that the b7s are going especially the fact they are the ZF ecomat versions. These are particularly my fav type of wright eclipse 2.
Quote from: EK40 on August 08, 2024, 11:55:41 PMworcester depot is supposed to become a purely ADL enviro depot over the summer, hence the moves of the E400s from yorkshire and the E300s and E200s from cymru and streetlites to cymru and etc...
so should say next couple of weeks is the last time to catch any sort of non-adl vehicle at worcester before they all move elsewhere especially the B7RLEs
It would help if they made inroads on repainting them too.
You would at least hope that they are planning on repainting anything in non-Olympia. Like the 8 ex Cymru Clipper E300's & the few E200's that are in the cymru red livery...
44602 has apparently also transferred in today, which wears a yellow First Cymru careers livery!
Mr TONY HUNTER, please can you confirm that the E400s you have listed as transferred from Lawrence Hill to Worcester - 33924 etc, is an error, or will not now happen ?
THANKS for all your efforrts over the years !
DD12.
Quote from: DD12 on August 31, 2024, 02:39:58 PMMr TONY HUNTER, please can you confirm that the E400s you have listed as transferred from Lawrence Hill to Worcester - 33924 etc, is an error, or will not now happen ?
THANKS for all your efforrts over the years !
DD12.
I presume it is true based on what was posted earlier a few replies back:
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=332439
Quote from: DD12 on August 31, 2024, 02:39:58 PMMr TONY HUNTER, please can you confirm that the E400s you have listed as transferred from Lawrence Hill to Worcester - 33924 etc, is an error, or will not now happen ?
THANKS for all your efforrts over the years !
DD12.
I suspect it is a copy & paste error, the line above were two Worcester transfers i.e. 33866; 33869
These are Worcesters E400's to date, most if not all from FSY:
https://bustimes.org/operators/first-worcestershire/vehicles
33927 & 33930 are still tracking & in service now with First Bristol, Bath & the West:
https://bustimes.org/operators/first-bristol-bath-the-west/vehicles
Thanks Winston !
Quote from: willr7 on August 18, 2024, 11:04:10 AM44602 has apparently also transferred in today, which wears a yellow First Cymru careers livery!
44603 has a similar livery too.
https://flic.kr/p/2qfwcuz
This is about as interesting as Worcester gets now. Not worth visiting.
I know this is a bit late to be saying but why did first just decide not to go from Worcester directly to Birmingham anymore? Was it just too costly/took too much time or is there a deeper meaning?
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on November 06, 2024, 07:01:15 PMI know this is a bit late to be saying but why did first just decide not to go from Worcester directly to Birmingham anymore? Was it just too costly/took too much time or is there a deeper meaning?
Low passenger usage.
Anyway if you are going to Worcester the train from New Street would take less than half the time.
Compared to all stops 90 minutes via Droitwitch, Bromsgrove, Catshill and Rubery/Longbridge.
You have the 20/20A on the route as well from Bromsgrove now anyway with new links to the QE Interchange,
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on November 06, 2024, 07:01:15 PMI know this is a bit late to be saying but why did first just decide not to go from Worcester directly to Birmingham anymore? Was it just too costly/took too much time or is there a deeper meaning?
And, simply, First were losing money on the Birmingham section of the 144.
The cross-city line finally reaching Bromsgrove was probably the final blow despite First's subsequent efforts to keep it going (e.g. timetable changes and Salt Road branding).
With the January bus improvements approaching (which will see the take over of the Droitwich network routes & frequency increase on the X50 to half hourly) Surely this will mean an increased PVR 🤔
It looks like the new Droitwich services will require 3 vehicles. Plus another two for the extra on X50...
Any more Enviro 200's/300's/400's going spare??
Or is there room for the current fleet to be better utilised throughout the day??
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on November 06, 2024, 07:01:15 PMI know this is a bit late to be saying but why did first just decide not to go from Worcester directly to Birmingham anymore? Was it just too costly/took too much time or is there a deeper meaning?
Faster trains, cheaper to run it to Bromsgrove and other factors too.
OUT:
33673 SN12 AEU - Bristol/Bath
33737 SN12 ANR - Bristol/Bath
IN:
33746 SN12 AOF - FGM
33747 SN12 AOG - FGM
33748 SN12 AOH - FGM
33749 SN12 AOJ - FGM
33751 SN12 AOL - FGM
44577 YX13 BNF - FCY
44578 YX13 BNJ - FCY
44579 YX13 BNK - FCY
69333 YJ08 CDO (Trainer) - FSY
Fleet now 100% ADL , except for trainer 69333. That's a big turn round in a short space of time. :smiley:
44618 flickering interior light
Anyone know if 33831 is still in the fleet? Or did that transfer over to Bristol along with 33673 & 33737?
Quote from: willr7 on January 15, 2025, 05:41:42 PMAnyone know if 33831 is still in the fleet? Or did that transfer over to Bristol along with 33673 & 33737?
Not listed on last fleet change list, so presumably still at Worcester.
http://wmbusphotos.com/Fleetchanges/First.html
Bustimes have 33831 still as a Worcester based bus but it has not been in service since January 2nd.
Its back out. Saw it yesterday in Worcester