Do you think NXWM will bring out any new platinum services?
What are your predictions?
My prediction is on the Sutton Coldfield - Birmingham via Aston Expressway (902/904/905) perhaps to be more of a competitor against Arriva's 110 service.
Bristol Road l m a o
Quote from: Liverpool Street on December 24, 2015, 02:14:06 PM
Bristol Road l m a o
Knew you were going to say that!
I wonder if they will have platinum single decker routes?
Sutton Lines, 9 (current MMC's onto other PE routes), 37 (if bid for new "greener" buses is accepted then that corridor is mentioned for them).
Places such as Business Parks where buses provide an option to cars in Coventry routes such as 19 Westwood Business Park.
Also a Coventry example would be 8/A, 9/A which serves station, Walsgrave business park and "posh" suburbs.
What about route 20 to Bedworth to show up Stagecoaches Darts.
I appreciate they are more likely to used in Birmingham to reduce emissions.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2015, 02:18:14 PM
I wonder if they will have platinum single decker routes?
Exactly what I said in another thread! :D Mind you, i'm not too sure about which routes would suit S/D Platinums - logically, to me, the 58? Just to match with the deckers already on the Coventry Road.
Others that come to mind are the 98 or X64 - or as
@JoNi mentioned, services which serve Business Parks, so Wolverhampton's 54/154?
Single Deck Platinums would look divine, in my opinion! ;)
Quote from: clayderman on December 24, 2015, 05:51:13 PM
Exactly what I said in another thread! :D Mind you, i'm not too sure about which routes would suit S/D Platinums - logically, to me, the 58? Just to match with the deckers already on the Coventry Road.
Others that come to mind are the 98 or X64 - or as @JoNi mentioned, services which serve Business Parks, so Wolverhampton's 54/154?
Single Deck Platinums would look divine, in my opinion! ;)
But with numerous Platinum upgrades, does it not devalue the concept if you go for the loo paper approach.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 24, 2015, 06:03:05 PM
But with numerous Platinum upgrades, does it not devalue the concept if you go for the loo paper approach.
Meaning? ??? #Walsall, amirite? :P
Surely the 126 is a shoe in.
Quote from: WN on December 24, 2015, 07:09:22 PM
Surely the 126 is a shoe in.
As a Crimson routs with new MMC buses yes.
Platinum no
Platinum surely should be kept for express routes
Quote from: WN on December 24, 2015, 07:09:22 PM
Surely the 126 is a shoe in.
There could be potential for an express/limited stop versions of both the 9 & 126
52 then? Single deck platinum maybe.
Quote from: Kevin on December 24, 2015, 07:30:19 PM
As a Crimson routs with new MMC buses yes.
Platinum no
Platinum surely should be kept for express routes
The 126 was longer then I expected it to be, I think there may be a chance there.
In the case of the 9 it's called Sprint.
Quote from: JoNi on December 24, 2015, 08:06:21 PM
In the case of the 9 it's called Sprint.
That's if it ever gets off the ground, implementation date keeps going back
What about the passengers between Stourbridge & Halesowen that want to get to Birmingham quicker?
They get a bus then change onto Sprint (it's called integrated transport!)
Quote from: JoNi on December 24, 2015, 08:24:23 PM
They get a bus then change onto Sprint (it's called integrated transport!)
Inconvenient more like!
Quote from: Kevin on December 24, 2015, 07:30:19 PM
As a Crimson routs with new MMC buses yes.
Platinum no
Platinum surely should be kept for express routes
Either express routes or just generally nicer routes where they won't be damaged from the off.
X96 or 529?
Could future candidates be routes which have E400s allocated to them ?! (Not all obviously !)
Quote from: Winston on December 24, 2015, 07:31:15 PM
There could be potential for an express/limited stop versions of both the 9 & 126
The response to that suggestion in the past has always been "No. Express routes won't work on the Hagley Road"
Quote from: Kevin on December 24, 2015, 09:01:21 PM
The response to that suggestion in the past has always been "No. Express routes won't work on the Hagley Road"
To counter act that you could say Express / Limited stop services wouldn't work on the Coventry Road due to frequent delays and congestion.
Quote from: Kevin on December 24, 2015, 09:01:21 PM
The response to that suggestion in the past has always been "No. Express routes won't work on the Hagley Road"
If that's the case then 'Sprint' will be no quicker either.
The Hagley Rd only gets snarled up at peak times, just like any other route out of the City.
I think most routes would benefit from being limited stop even if the road infrastructure doesn't offer an alternative route, its surprising how much time is wasted starting and stopping at every stop.
I think the 966 would be a good shout for platinum in the future, it serves nice areas in Solihull and Castle brom, serves both Land Rover and Jaguar factories, the airport and the fort
126 to be split in half
9 to go platinum
140/1/241 to go red mmc
Quote from: BU07 LGO on December 24, 2015, 09:49:53 PM
I think most routes would benefit from being limited stop even if the road infrastructure doesn't offer an alternative route, its surprising how much time is wasted starting and stopping at every stop.
I think the 966 would be a good shout for platinum in the future, it serves nice areas in Solihull and Castle brom, serves both Land Rover and Jaguar factories, the airport and the fort
@BU07 LGO Not a bad idea regarding the 966 - certainly could make a big thing about the Airport link (I've used it to get the airport for multiple times) and from what I've seen quite a number of airport workers use it. The Land Rover plant of course would be another feature to note. Usually quite a nice ride - never had any problems.
Quote from: BU07 LGO on December 24, 2015, 09:49:53 PM
I think most routes would benefit from being limited stop even if the road infrastructure doesn't offer an alternative route, its surprising how much time is wasted starting and stopping at every stop.
I think the 966 would be a good shout for platinum in the future, it serves nice areas in Solihull and Castle brom, serves both Land Rover and Jaguar factories, the airport and the fort
Totally agree, having an alternative limited stop option would offer time savings on journey's throughout the day & may appeal more to potential new bus passengers. Traffic & congestion particularly at peak times is a fact of life, limited stop services would still be quicker over full stopping services once they are through the congestion hotspots
Quote from: karl724223 on December 24, 2015, 09:58:19 PM
126 to be split in half
9 to go platinum
140/1/241 to go red mmc
Is that the truth or hopefully what will happen lol
Quote from: Chris on December 24, 2015, 11:27:18 PM
Is that the truth or hopefully what will happen lol
Its what Santa's bringing to the black country in the new year.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 25, 2015, 12:21:20 AM
Its what Santa's bringing to the black country in the new year.
So what the point in branding the mmcs?
Quote from: Chris on December 24, 2015, 11:27:18 PM
Is that the truth or hopefully what will happen lol
strong rumours
Also 126 wolves to brum could be run by PENSNETT with reliefs in Dudley with 120 going to west brom
Would pensnett loose some tridents or b7s?
The 126 being split rumours have been going around for years. Don't think it would happen tbh.
I'll believe it when i see it....
Quote from: Nathan on December 25, 2015, 09:39:29 AM
The 126 being split rumours have been going around for years. Don't think it would happen tbh.
I'll believe it when i see it....
To be fair, how many people thought the old 79 would never be split, but it was
Quote from: karl724223 on December 25, 2015, 09:30:54 AM
strong rumours
Also 126 wolves to brum could be run by PENSNETT with reliefs in Dudley with 120 going to west brom
What I don't get is would WN garage need to loose a major route with a high Pvr such as the 126, then PN loose the 120 to WB (which I believe is already pretty full). Surely PN could have more capacity if they used the extra land to expand the garage
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 25, 2015, 08:04:04 AM
So what the point in branding the mmcs?
To be fair, not the first time we've heard of short lived branding. IIRC, remember the WB40(?) branding on the SWB E200s? Lol, what a cock up. ::) :P
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 25, 2015, 08:04:04 AM
So what the point in branding the mmcs?
NXWM isn't managed by Mystic Meg.
Quote from: clayderman on December 25, 2015, 12:31:45 PM
To be fair, not the first time we've heard of short lived branding. IIRC, remember the WB40(?) branding on the SWB E200s? Lol, what a cock up. ::) :P
Or the green branding
Concerning the 126 will have to see what the dudley review brings ;)
Quote from: Chris on December 25, 2015, 01:42:37 PM
Concerning the 126 will have to see what the dudley review brings ;)
Personally I feel it will be more than just a Dudley review
"Personally I feel it will be more than just a Dudley review"
I agree - But I do hope that they don't do more stupid renumbering.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on December 25, 2015, 03:32:07 PM
"Personally I feel it will be more than just a Dudley review"
I agree - But I do hope that they don't do more stupid renumbering.
I have to agree with the numbering issue
I have to ask (Seeing as I don't know) but when a route is created/ modified what is the rationale behind choosing the route number. I.e. why was the WB50 given the 50 number when a YW50 already exists.
Take for example the 5, you might now ask which one which is fairly logical seeing their is a AG5, WB5 and a WN5 !
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on December 25, 2015, 03:42:34 PM
I have to agree with the numbering issue
I have to ask (Seeing as I don't know) but when a route is created/ modified what is the rationale behind choosing the route number. I.e. why was the WB50 given the 50 number when a YW50 already exists.
Take for example the 5, you might now ask which one which is fairly logical seeing their is a AG5, WB5 and a WN5 !
If they don't serve the same places is there really an issue? Having said that I don't believe centros rationale that the new numbering format makes it easier to remember for passengers and boost patronage. If you can't remember a 3 digit number then.... !!
Quote from: s94 on December 25, 2015, 03:48:16 PM
If they don't serve the same places is there really an issue? Having said that I don't believe centros rationale that the new numbering format makes it easier to remember for passengers and boost patronage. If you can't remember a 3 digit number then.... !!
That sums it up really well. I think a Dudley/Sandwell is really needed.
The only routes I can see going Platinum are the Sutton Lines
The Sutton Lines seem a safe bet to get some of the passengers lost to Arriva. A friend travelling by bus in Sutton witnessed people letting Sutton Lines buses go so they could travel by Sapphire.
Quote from: JoNi on December 25, 2015, 05:17:03 PM
The Sutton Lines seem a safe beg to get some of the passengers lost to Arriva. A friend travelling by bus in Sutton witnessed people letting Sutton Lines buses go so they could travel by Sapphire.
I agree with that one,
@John mention there were some rumours about pb getting a platinum route. I wouldn't be surprised if all the 9** series got platinums. Then pb could send some e400s to bc for bristol road services?
Quote from: Chris on December 25, 2015, 07:13:18 PM
I agree with that one, @John mention there were some rumours about pb getting a platinum route. I wouldn't be surprised if all the 9** series got platinums. Then pb could send some e400s to bc for bristol road services?
I'm not going to mention the route, but it's not any Sutton service. I know it's still a rumour but it is a current Platinum route.
Personally I couldn't see the Sutton Lines becoming Platinum. Because I see Platinum buses are on routes that are a faster alternative, i.e. X51 to the 51 and the other express routes. The Suttons are not a fast alternative, but the only NX bus service from Sutton/Erdington. I may be completely wrong but that's just what I am thinking. I could see us getting new Crimson buses within the next few years for the Suttons though, and maybe the current Enviro400s heading onto the 65/7 or the 94
Quote from: John on December 25, 2015, 07:34:17 PM
I'm not going to mention the route, but it's not any Sutton service. I know it's still a rumour but it is a current Platinum route.
Personally I couldn't see the Sutton Lines becoming Platinum. Because I see Platinum buses are on routes that are a faster alternative, i.e. X51 to the 51 and the other express routes. The Suttons are not a fast alternative, but the only NX bus service from Sutton/Erdington. I may be completely wrong but that's just what I am thinking. I could see us getting new Crimson buses within the next few years for the Suttons though, and maybe the current Enviro400s heading onto the 65/7 or the 94
Maybe pb getting back some of the 93* will have to see what 2016 brings but the vadt majority of the orders will be of the double decker variety to make birmingham routes compliant for 2017?
Quote from: karl724223 on December 25, 2015, 09:30:54 AM
strong rumours
Also 126 wolves to brum could be run by PENSNETT with reliefs in Dudley with 120 going to west brom
The 126 will not be leaving WN, other garages simply do not have the capacity for the buses and even if they did due to other routes being swapped and changed, drivers at WN garage would be entitled to move with the route, thus resulting in over/under staffing at garages should driver wish to either take up or not take up the offer.
A strongly roumered Platinum and express version of the 126 is a very good possibility.......
I wish they'd extend the X51 to cannock daytimes instead of just peaks. It'd wipe the floor with Arriva's 1 & 2. Probably never happen though
Quote from: Driver03 on December 25, 2015, 08:47:44 PM
The 126 will not be leaving WN, other garages simply do not have the capacity for the buses and even if they did due to other routes being swapped and changed, drivers at WN garage would be entitled to move with the route, thus resulting in over/under staffing at garages should driver wish to either take up or not take up the offer.
A strongly roumered Platinum and express version of the 126 is a very good possibility.......
If patronage / Pvr growth continues, I'd expect NXWM to have to consider sourcing additional garage capacity to service B'ham area routes. A garage extension at Pensnett might help relieve garage capacity issues through moving extra routes in
Quote from: Winston on December 25, 2015, 09:40:51 PM
If patronage / Pvr growth continues, I'd expect NXWM to have to consider sourcing additional garage capacity to service B'ham area routes. A garage extension at Pensnett might help relieve garage capacity issues through moving extra routes in
I can't see why any WN routes would need to move out to PN as has been suggested by various on here previously. WN aren't struggling for capacity are they?
Quote from: Driver03 on December 25, 2015, 08:47:44 PM
The 126 will not be leaving WN, other garages simply do not have the capacity for the buses and even if they did due to other routes being swapped and changed, drivers at WN garage would be entitled to move with the route, thus resulting in over/under staffing at garages should driver wish to either take up or not take up the offer.
A strongly roumered Platinum and express version of the 126 is a very good possibility.......
What with rumours of both the 99 and now the 126 moving to PE, the garage will soon be growing to match the size of its thread.
The problem with PE from I can deduce is that being located in the middle of a trading estate it has a limited amount of space to work with, if the dead mercs are gone, that muddy land can be tarmed over to provide valuable space
I think the 126 being made an express service sounds good, its a long route as it so shortening it makes sense. I also agree with a comment on here about more X51 journeys going to cannock. Quite annoying to get off an X51 then get on an Arriva 1/2
Quote from: Winston on December 25, 2015, 09:40:51 PM
If patronage / Pvr growth continues, I'd expect NXWM to have to consider sourcing additional garage capacity to service B'ham area routes. A garage extension at Pensnett might help relieve garage capacity issues through moving extra routes in
NX also have the ability to increase WN garage at the moment also. A previously used piece of land on the site is now available to purchase, should this be invoked it could mean the garage growing to accept a larger amount of vehicles.
Quote from: Driver03 on December 26, 2015, 07:46:00 AM
NX also have the ability to increase WN garage at the moment also. A previously used piece of land on the site is now available to purchase, should this be invoked it could mean the garage growing to accept a larger amount of vehicles.
Would be interesting to see which routes would move to Wolves in that case. Cant see it myself.
(They wouldnt have a crack at Staffordshire as previously rumoured, from Wolves, would they?)
Quote from: Driver03 on December 26, 2015, 07:46:00 AM
NX also have the ability to increase WN garage at the moment also. A previously used piece of land on the site is now available to purchase, should this be invoked it could mean the garage growing to accept a larger amount of vehicles.
If the land is available now, it's definitely worth considering purchasing for future growth requirements. Although I'm not totally sure where substantial growth on WN routes would come from without expanding in to Staffs or moving in more routes from WA.
How big is this extra plot of land? How many extra buses do you estimate it could hold?
Quote from: Winston on December 26, 2015, 11:09:59 AM
If the land is available now, it's definitely worth considering purchasing for future growth requirements. Although I'm not totally sure where substantial growth on WN routes would come from without expanding in to Staffs or moving in more routes from WA.
How big is this extra plot of land? How many extra buses do you estimate it could hold?
It's the old MEB land at the front of the garage, if you've been to WN before you could basically double the amount of buses (or there about) from the wash to the gates, or move the staff car park there in that plot and gain an extra row + some extra in the main yard it self.
Quote from: Driver03 on December 26, 2015, 01:45:52 PM
It's the old MEB land at the front of the garage, if you've been to WN before you could basically double the amount of buses (or there about) from the wash to the gates, or move the staff car park there in that plot and gain an extra row + some extra in the main yard it self.
@Driver03 - Thanks for info, I've had a look on Google Earth, I assume you mean the plot of land on the right-hand side when viewing the front of the garage stood on park Lane? It definitely looks/sounds like it would be worth acquiring even if it isn't used for a while and just kept as is
Quote from: Winston on December 26, 2015, 02:57:49 PM
@Driver03 - Thanks for info, I've had a look on Google Earth, I assume you mean the plot of land on the right-hand side when viewing the front of the garage stood on park Lane? It definitely looks/sounds like it would be worth acquiring even if it isn't used for a while and just kept as is
@Winston that's it, you've got it :) like you say, a worthwhile investment should it be acquired, especially as at the moment the rest of the garage is "land locked" as such. There are rumours, all be it only rumours that this is being considered.
Are there still rumours of expansion into Staffordshire?
Quote from: Bob on December 26, 2015, 04:08:06 PM
Are there still rumours of expansion into Staffordshire?
Rumours are rumours until such time NX either confirm or deny things and I'd doubt any employee would confirm or deny any rumours due to commercial confidentiality etc.
There's rumours that WA are getting 4 more platinums with the x51 been upped to every 7 mins
Wonder if more people are travelling now that the free travel facility on Central Trains has been been removed with the installation of barriers at New Street?
Quote from: Bob on December 26, 2015, 04:08:06 PM
Are there still rumours of expansion into Staffordshire?
Doubt it'd be platinum lol....
Quote from: WN on December 26, 2015, 06:02:45 PM
Doubt it'd be platinum lol....
Could be partially if the X51 gets extended lol
If they sort out the Chester road wondering if a reincarnation of the 994/962 is feasible ?
Quote from: BU07 LGO on December 26, 2015, 05:21:07 PM
There's rumours that WA are getting 4 more platinums with the x51 been upped to every 7 mins
WA could well be down to receive more Platinum's since the introduction of the 937
I wonder if we are to see a Coventry platinum route? I know the 900 uses Coventry but I mean a NXC route
Quote from: JoNi on December 26, 2015, 05:46:40 PM
Wonder if more people are travelling now that the free travel facility on Central Trains has been been removed with the installation of barriers at New Street?
Central Trains? That's worse than people saying Travel West Midlands.
Quote from: Winston on December 26, 2015, 11:28:04 PM
WA could well be down to receive more Platinum's since the introduction of the 937
I thought the 937 replaced the 936 during the day?
Quote from: Westy on December 27, 2015, 10:01:37 AM
I thought the 937 replaced the 936 during the day?
Yeah but the 936 still exists in peaks
Quote from: JoNi on December 26, 2015, 05:46:40 PM
Wonder if more people are travelling now that the free travel facility on Central Trains has been been removed with the installation of barriers at New Street?
every time i've been to new street the barriers have been open anyway..
edit: has the 77 been upgraded to platinum? I was in sutton most of the day yesterday and every 77 that came was a platinum.
Quote from: George on December 31, 2015, 02:19:59 PM
every time i've been to new street the barriers have been open anyway..
edit: has the 77 been upgraded to platinum? I was in sutton most of the day yesterday and every 77 that came was a platinum.
No. Spare Platinum E400 MMC are used on the 77.
Quote from: George on December 31, 2015, 02:19:59 PM
every time i've been to new street the barriers have been open anyway..
edit: has the 77 been upgraded to platinum? I was in sutton most of the day yesterday and every 77 that came was a platinum.
I use New Street almost everyday, and 8/10 times the barriers are closed
Quote from: Sh4318 on December 31, 2015, 04:23:16 PM
I use New Street almost everyday, and 8/10 times the barriers are closed
Same here, even on late nights, so not sure how George manages to avoid them
Quote from: Tony on December 31, 2015, 04:32:56 PM
Same here, even on late nights, so not sure how George manages to avoid them
Haven't been in around a month now but I was using trains regularly on Sun/Mon evenings (around 6pm I think), they were always open