My hopes for 2017 are:
More platinum buses
No more route branding on Red and White or Blue and White buses - it doesn't have the same impact !
No more unnecessary re-numbering
Simplify routes in Birmingham City Centre in an attempt to improve reliability
I suppose some black country routes could be made Platinum although I think we have enough of them on the Eastern side of Birmingham ! I'd quite like a different vehicle type to become Platinum as well.
I'd quite like more bus lanes in the City Centre to help improve the flow of buses, it might potentially cause congestion for car users but it'll help beat the congestion for buses and who knows it might improve bus usage.
More bus lanes with camera & fine the car drivers £1.000 with points on there licence
More E200MMCs would be nice. Whether this is expected or not, I'm unsure
Enviro mmc200 platinum buses for x96
Maybe a gold number 9 service route
Streetdecks in quantity!
More Streetdecks.
Crimson E400H MMC's
Tidy up the Eclipse 2's at Wolves
More ALX400's (both) in black country.
More luck with winning haulage.
Oh, and tomorrows lottery numbers if you have those too.
Quote from: RW on December 23, 2016, 05:40:18 PM
Streetdecks in quantity!
Have to agree more Streetdecks, sorry not a fan of the E400MMCs,
a change to the Platinum livery, the Crimson livery is so so much better, the Platinum livery makes the buses look dull and uninviting (just my personal opinion)
a Dudley Bus Review that actually listens to the views of the public,
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 24, 2016, 10:32:20 AM
Have to agree more Streetdecks, sorry not a fan of the E400MMCs,
a change to the Platinum livery, the Crimson livery is so so much better, the Platinum livery makes the buses look dull and uninviting (just my personal opinion)
a Dudley Bus Review that actually listens to the views of the public,
Some mmcs are ok, but I also prefer streetdecks
An increase in revenue teams and a 'get tough' stance on fraud and smoking.
Quote from: B.C Driver on December 24, 2016, 01:58:53 PM
An increase in revenue teams and a 'get tough' stance on fraud and smoking.
Smoking definitely needs addressing. Why we have revenue inspector yesterday when it's the busiest time of year I do not know. Do they understand people are rushing this time of year?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 02:11:40 PM
Smoking definitely needs addressing. Why we have revenue inspector yesterday when it's the busiest time of year I do not know. Do they understand people are rushing this time of year?
When do you want revenue teams to check buses? When there is no-one on them on their way back to garage?
Quote from: Tony on December 24, 2016, 02:34:34 PM
When do you want revenue teams to check buses? When there is no-one on them on their way back to garage?
Not 2 days before Christmas
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 03:57:01 PM
Not 2 days before Christmas
So what do you expect revenue inspectors to do two days before Christmas.
Do you expect the buses to be free for people that don't want to pay on some days?
Quote from: Tony on December 24, 2016, 04:09:19 PM
So what do you expect revenue inspectors to do two days before Christmas.
Do you expect the buses to be free for people that don't want to pay on some days?
I've very rarely been on a bus where there have been people without tickets
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 04:15:54 PM
I've very rarely been on a bus where there have been people without tickets
How do you know?
Quote from: Tony on December 24, 2016, 04:18:38 PM
How do you know?
Well I suppose that's the problem I don't, as the drivers don't seem to care. From a passenger point of view it looks like everyone has valid tickets.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 04:21:33 PM
Well I suppose that's the problem I don't, as the drivers don't seem to care. From a passenger point of view it looks like everyone has valid tickets.
You just confirmed you don't know so a valid point is made that its the revenue team's duty to know who has valid tickets.
I've just renewed my monthly bus pass and I for 1 like other bus passengers don't think its fair that I have to fork out a good amount of money for it while others think they can just get on and ride for free hence the revenue team.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 04:21:33 PM
Well I suppose that's the problem I don't, as the drivers don't seem to care. From a passenger point of view it looks like everyone has valid tickets.
in 2016 over £700,000 has been paid in Standard Fares by people caught without a ticket / the correct ticket by the revenue team. That just shows there is a need for the revenue team.
As for Driver's 'not appearing to care' They do care, that is why every employee survey gets lots of 'expand the revenue team'
Quote from: Tony on December 24, 2016, 04:33:25 PM
in 2016 over £700,000 has been paid in Standard Fares by people caught without a ticket / the correct ticket by the revenue team. That just shows there is a need for the revenue team.
As for Driver's 'not appearing to care' They do care, that is why every employee survey gets lots of 'expand the revenue team'
Yes but they should be scared of getting on bus without ticket I order to reduce fraud. Eg: higher penalty fines and more revenue team
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 04:38:16 PM
Yes but they should be scared of getting on bus without ticket I order to reduce fraud. Eg: higher penalty fines and more revenue team
Hang on - you just said you didn't want to see the revenue team, which is what started this discussion.
I'm 100% with Tony on this one, The Revenue team are becoming very effective in not always been at the same stops or at the same time, most of the time they take at least one person off the bus. There are times when it may be annoying especially when we are tired and we want to get home, but they do a good and effective job.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 04:15:54 PM
I've very rarely been on a bus where there have been people without tickets
Because of course you've personally checked
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 04:15:54 PM
I've very rarely been on a bus where there have been people without tickets
Do you see every ticket then? If not you must not catch many buses
Streetdecks (preferably with the glass corner pillars)
Buses with driver-side displays
Citaros
Quote from: S570 on December 24, 2016, 06:53:12 PM
Streetdecks (preferably with the glass corner pillars)
Buses with driver-side displays
Citaros
Driver side displays? What use would that pose? People don't look at the anyway 9 times out of 10!
Quote from: Dom on December 24, 2016, 07:13:45 PM
Driver side displays? What use would that pose? People don't look at the anyway 9 times out of 10!
Why not, they're on every other side? Useful if you're on that side.
Though I agree a lot of people ignore them anyway.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 24, 2016, 02:11:40 PM
Smoking definitely needs addressing. Why we have revenue inspector yesterday when it's the busiest time of year I do not know. Do they understand people are rushing this time of year?
I cannot actually remember the last time I got on a bus where there was anyone smoking. In the area I live, it was at one time, almost every journey. Now, nothing!
Quote from: Gareth on December 24, 2016, 08:58:04 PM
I cannot actually remember the last time I got on a bus where there was anyone smoking. In the area I live, it was at one time, almost every journey. Now, nothing!
Oh it still happens, and they do get very offensive when challenged by members of the public
Quote from: Kevin on December 24, 2016, 06:36:37 PM
Because of course you've personally checked
Any excuse for the 9, 142 and 244 to be "on time".
More bus types, different platinum bus types, i personally do not like the on and off at every bus stop
am I the only one on here who likes opture they've come a long way since NXWM tried them.
I like Optare
More hopes for 2017 (none of these have any chance of happening):
Remove black cabs and cars from Dale End to allow better flow for buses
BAN cars from Moor Street and change it into a bus station
Remove awkward stops on Platinum routes:
Adderley Street (drivers to change at Coach Station instead)
Price Street/Lancaster Circus on services 907, 934-7 and 997 (it can make up to a 3 minute difference at rush hour to pick up 1 or 2 people when the 60 or so already on board would appreciate a quicker journey.
I used the X51 a few weeks ago and was impressed by a "proper express route" (quote from an inspector), I wonder if it would be possible to do a peak period service from Birmingham to Brownhills running non-stop from the Children's Hospital to Wellhead Lane, then Perry Park, Beeches Road/Aldridge Road, Queslett (ASDA), Buffet Island, then as 997 to Aldridge, then 937 to Brownhills.
What I'd like to see is the Acocks Green 37A, formerly the 44 (the current ag37 route from City but turning off Warwick Road at Lincoln Road North and terminating at Woodcock Lane/Clay Lane), re-instated as maybe a half-hourly service in the peaks and an hourly service through the day. Mon - Sat daytime only would be fine - evening and Sunday journies would be lightly loaded if at all.
Speaking personally, I don't mind walking to Warwick Road for the 37, but there are a lot of ageing/elderly people in the area who wouldn't be able to manage it on a regular basis.
While Igo's 99 service seems good in terms of reliability and punctuality, it's hourly and necessitates changing in Acocks Green to get into the City Centre. The alternative is the Diamond 30, which can be ok when all's going to plan, but of late has been unreliable. This, however, again requires a change in Acocks Green to get into Birmingham.
At the moment, I think cars that park along Lincoln Road North might be a bit of a problem, but double yellow lines around the corners near the canal bridge would at least partially solve this. The bus would then have room to manoeuvre I should think. I think it would have to be single deckers too, as dd's haven't been allowed under the railway bridge for a good while (I seem to remember quite a lot of damage being done to the roofs of buses in the '80s on the 44 as a result of drivers not moving far enough out into the middle of the road to go cleanly under - I also remember the sound of the roof of a bus scraping the two bolts which stuck out of the brickwork at the top of the arched section of the bridge). You could quite often spot an Acocks Green double decker by the marks/dents in the roof at the front!
My hopes, even though they won't happen, is for the X64 to go and the 21 be brought back to join up again with the 22/23/29. Maybe keeping it going to Woodgate if there was enough demand for it and doing short 21Es to Bartley Green like with the 29/29E.
Maybe extend the 18 to Weoley Castle, linking it with Cotteridge/Kings Norton. Or failing that, perhaps an 18A that would terminate at Weoley Castle Square.
The 63 terminus moved to join the X61 in town.
Maybe rerouting the 98 to leave the QE towards Town the X64 way.
Perhaps have 29 follow the 21 out of Weoley Castle Square along Weoley Castle Road, and then straight up Shenley Lane, not stopping at all until the one just past the Weoley Castle Pub, cutting some of the journey time from the Geegory Avenue part of the route.
Additionally more Hybrid buses for the Harborne routes as the current lot is not enough.
My hopes and expectations of next year is we get more Platinum buses Envrio 200MMC's, 400MMC's and any other types.
More Scania buses probably get critics for saying that.
More Streetdecks
More new Volvo Wright combos
And Free wifi on all buses not just Platinum.
Also I hope the Presidents don't get scrapped with their owners until at least well 2019.
Quote from: WMT3000 on December 28, 2016, 04:52:18 PM
At the moment, I think cars that park along Lincoln Road North might be a bit of a problem, but double yellow lines around the corners near the canal bridge would at least partially solve this. The bus would then have room to manoeuvre I should think. I think it would have to be single deckers too, as dd's haven't been allowed under the railway bridge for a good while (I seem to remember quite a lot of damage being done to the roofs of buses in the '80s on the 44 as a result of drivers not moving far enough out into the middle of the road to go cleanly under - I also remember the sound of the roof of a bus scraping the two bolts which stuck out of the brickwork at the top of the arched section of the bridge). You could quite often spot an Acocks Green double decker by the marks/dents in the roof at the front!
When I first moved to Acocks Green in 2008, Metrobuses were the norm on the 30, and they had no problems getting under that bridge.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on December 27, 2016, 08:52:27 PM
More hopes for 2017 (none of these have any chance of happening):
Remove black cabs and cars from Dale End to allow better flow for buses
BAN cars from Moor Street and change it into a bus station
Remove awkward stops on Platinum routes:
Adderley Street (drivers to change at Coach Station instead)
Price Street/Lancaster Circus on services 907, 934-7 and 997 (it can make up to a 3 minute difference at rush hour to pick up 1 or 2 people when the 60 or so already on board would appreciate a quicker journey.
I used the X51 a few weeks ago and was impressed by a "proper express route" (quote from an inspector), I wonder if it would be possible to do a peak period service from Birmingham to Brownhills running non-stop from the Children's Hospital to Wellhead Lane, then Perry Park, Beeches Road/Aldridge Road, Queslett (ASDA), Buffet Island, then as 997 to Aldridge, then 937 to Brownhills.
can't see that coming they have just withdrawn the X56 which provided a fast link to Brownhills peaks
NXWM buying Worcester garage off First. Think it would be a good deal for both companies as could help NXWM extend into Worcestershire and First could focus on its core areas as Worcester is very much on its own now. I'd happily work for NXWM there.
Quote from: j789 on December 28, 2016, 10:06:21 PM
NXWM buying Worcester garage off First. Think it would be a good deal for both companies as could help NXWM extend into Worcestershire and First could focus on its core areas as Worcester is very much on its own now. I'd happily work for NXWM there.
Thank god someone posted it, I had the same thought before but maybe it is obvious for some or I was just afraid to share it. I would love to see that especially buying just the bus operation but without buses like First bought Finglands Coachways in Manchester
Quote from: Stu on December 28, 2016, 06:34:16 PM
When I first moved to Acocks Green in 2008, Metrobuses were the norm on the 30, and they had no problems getting under that bridge.
Which bridge is this? Lincoln Road bridge only 13 feet (4m(according to the sign)). Double deckers are 14 foot plus.
Are you confusing it for Ulverley Green bridge Stu? Or has the bridge changed? Or am I confusing it?
Quote from: MW on December 28, 2016, 11:27:35 PM
Which bridge is this? Lincoln Road bridge only 13 feet (4m(according to the sign)). Double deckers are 14 foot plus.
Are you confusing it for Ulverley Green bridge Stu? Or has the bridge changed? Or am I confusing it?
The bridge on Lincoln Road. Metrobuses used to get under, if they went down the middle of the road. Perhaps the height restriction has changed since then, but I used to get the 30 every day, the usual allocation was Metrobuses until it was initially withdrawn and replaced with the S3.
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 28, 2016, 05:50:52 PM
My hopes, even though they won't happen, is for the X64 to go and the 21 be brought back to join up again with the 22/23/29. Maybe keeping it going to Woodgate if there was enough demand for it and doing short 21Es to Bartley Green like with the 29/29E.
Maybe extend the 18 to Weoley Castle, linking it with Cotteridge/Kings Norton. Or failing that, perhaps an 18A that would terminate at Weoley Castle Square.
The 63 terminus moved to join the X61 in town.
Maybe rerouting the 98 to leave the QE towards Town the X64 way.
Perhaps have 29 follow the 21 out of Weoley Castle Square along Weoley Castle Road, and then straight up Shenley Lane, not stopping at all until the one just past the Weoley Castle Pub, cutting some of the journey time from the Geegory Avenue part of the route.
Additionally more Hybrid buses for the Harborne routes as the current lot is not enough.
Why would you bring the 21 back when it would take longer than the X64 ?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on December 29, 2016, 10:47:58 AM
Why would you bring the 21 back when it would take longer than the X64 ?
Because it was much more reliable than the X64 is. I'd rather a bus take a little longer ans turn up than not turn up at all...
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 29, 2016, 04:23:56 PM
Because it was much more reliable than the X64 is. I'd rather a bus take a little longer ans turn up than not turn up at all...
If you look at the actual facts you will find the opposite, one of the reasons the 21 was stopped was unreliability. Currently Harborne Road is actually has the most delays on it of any route into Birmingham in the morning peak
Quote from: Tony on December 29, 2016, 04:53:48 PM
If you look at the actual facts you will find the opposite, one of the reasons the 21 was stopped was unreliability. Currently Harborne Road is actually has the most delays on it of any route into Birmingham in the morning peak
Exactly, which is why I suggest changing and the X64, 48, 98 and 99 as follows:
20 City-Northfield via Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston Park Rd, QE Hospital, then as 48 to Northfield
21 City-Woodgate via Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston Park Rd, QE Hospital, then as X64 to Woodgate
both 20 and 21 would continue to provide a freq every 10 mins from City to QE Hospital (every 20 mins each) as the 98 and 99 do now.
48 to run West Brom to QE Hospital only.
98 and X64 withdrawn and replaced by the above services.
62 City-Bristol Road-QE Hospital, then as 98 to Rednal and Rubery (every 20 mins)
99 to run Halesowen to QE Hospital only.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on December 29, 2016, 05:12:29 PM
Exactly, which is why I suggest changing and the X64, 48, 98 and 99 as follows:
20 City-Northfield via Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston Park Rd, QE Hospital, then as 48 to Northfield
21 City-Woodgate via Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston Park Rd, QE Hospital, then as X64 to Woodgate
both 20 and 21 would continue to provide a freq every 10 mins from City to QE Hospital (every 20 mins each) as the 98 and 99 do now.
48 to run West Brom to QE Hospital only.
98 and X64 withdrawn and replaced by the above services.
62 City-Bristol Road-QE Hospital, then as 98 to Rednal and Rubery (every 20 mins)
99 to run Halesowen to QE Hospital only.
You are not the first to suggest curtailing the 99 to the QE but I totally disagree with that idea. When visiting family in Harborne I choose the 99 as my bus of choice from the City centre. I do not get off until Tennal Rd and can certainly say that there are plenty of people who travel beyond the QE from the City on it and would have their journeys disrupted by stopping the 99 going to town. When driving the 144, the stop in front is for the 98/99 service and whenever I see one they always have a good number of people on. I'd think the 98/99 combined route to the city from the QE is somewhat of a success story compared with the previous 44 it replaced which was not as frequent or as well used, so why mess with them? Surely your idea for a 20/21 could just use the Bristol Rd like the current X61/X64 anyway to get to and from town.
Another idea I'd suggest would be to extend the 76 from the QE to Five Ways via the current 98/99 route and then follow the 1 route to Five Ways. Would provide Selly Park and Kings Heath with a route to Broad Street and the business area.
Hope the 244 will run on time when it goes to pastures new
Quote from: Tony on December 29, 2016, 04:53:48 PM
If you look at the actual facts you will find the opposite, one of the reasons the 21 was stopped was unreliability. Currently Harborne Road is actually has the most delays on it of any route into Birmingham in the morning peak
What facts are they then exactly? I'm not being funny but I've gotten the X64 on a regular basis for years and it significantly worse than what the 21 was.
As for the Harborne Road, yeah it has been bad but you get traffic everywhere. I've noticed the Metchley Lane traffic hasn't been as bad as it used to be.
Quote from: j789 on December 29, 2016, 05:41:23 PM
Another idea I'd suggest would be to extend the 76 from the QE to Five Ways via the current 98/99 route and then follow the 1 route to Five Ways. Would provide Selly Park and Kings Heath with a route to Broad Street and the business area.
That's another reason I'd bring back the 21. There's currently no bus that goes from Selly Oak and the QE Hospital to Broad St etc. Surely you'd get more customers than the current X64 route? Barely anybody gets on board on the Bristol Road.
Quote from: j789 on December 29, 2016, 05:33:49 PM
You are not the first to suggest curtailing the 99 to the QE but I totally disagree with that idea. When visiting family in Harborne I choose the 99 as my bus of choice from the City centre. I do not get off until Tennal Rd and can certainly say that there are plenty of people who travel beyond the QE from the City on it and would have their journeys disrupted by stopping the 99 going to town. When driving the 144, the stop in front is for the 98/99 service and whenever I see one they always have a good number of people on. I'd think the 98/99 combined route to the city from the QE is somewhat of a success story compared with the previous 44 it replaced which was not as frequent or as well used, so why mess with them? Surely your idea for a 20/21 could just use the Bristol Rd like the current X61/X64 anyway to get to and from town.
I don't think there'd be a need for the 20 and the 62 to be honest. I'd stick with just the 62.
Quote from: karl724223 on December 29, 2016, 06:20:19 PM
Hope the 244 will run on time when it goes to pastures new
Pastures new?
More bus lanes and more bus lane enforcement.
The congestion in Birmingham is getting worse and if we expand the capacity of the roads, we do nothing to reduce the congestion.
If we paint more bus lanes, congestion will worsen but some car users will eventually stop using cars thereby reducing the congestion.
I recall a news article basically saying Birmingham has the worst commute times out of the UK.
Quote from: :D on December 29, 2016, 10:32:57 PM
Birmingham has the worst commute times out of the UK.
It's hardly surprising as we're the city furthest from the ferries 8)
All these ideas of restricting bits of the City Centre so that cars can't go there can f*** off as far as I'm concerned. As much as I'm interested in buses, if the powers that he want any form of restriction, they can build a bus station somewhere in the City Centre and have everything terminate there.
Why should car drivers have to suffer? Equally entitled to the road as buses. Frankly, the restrictions at the moment are ridiculous too. And as for making bus lanes to make life harder for cars so those people use buses, have you seen the amount of tramps using the buses? With the behaviour of some of the passengers on buses, I think I'll stick to my car.
Quote from: MW on December 30, 2016, 02:00:39 AM
if the powers that he want any form of restriction, they can build a bus station somewhere in the City Centre and have everything terminate there.
I'm not sure there'd be enough space for everything to terminate there but still not a bad idea. Other places have one, why don't we?
I'm in favour of more restrictions on the roads. If there was less room for private conveyances and more room for buses to have quicker journeys, more people would use the bus as reliability would be up
If I had my way, Moor Street would have the entire inside Lane in both directions fully bus and taxi only, Priory would be bus and taxi only all the way up, Lower Bull Street would be bus and taxi only, all down Colmore Row from Livery Street to the lights where the buses turn right and Upper Dean Street.
When I say buses and taxis only, I mean when Hackney Carriages, not those pesky Uber cars!!
In dudley I would have a bus lane all the way from the Hospital to Queens Cross, the entrance to Foster Street in Stourbridge (and the lane on the ring road leading up to it), the entire inside lane from Halesowen bus station round to the island at the bottom of Mucklow Hill/bottom of Manor Way, both directions on Brierley Hill High Street from the five ways lights to the lights at the police station, plus Mill Street heading High Street bound.
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 30, 2016, 06:29:47 AM
I'm not sure there'd be enough space for everything to terminate there but still not a bad idea. Other places have one, why don't we?
What would you demolish to build it?
Quote from: The Real 4778 on December 30, 2016, 11:10:32 AM
What would you demolish to build it?
Not to sure to be honest...
Quote from: MasterPlan on December 30, 2016, 04:29:56 PM
Not to sure to be honest...
Precisely. To buy enough land to build a bus station big enough to take all of Birmingham's buses would be impossible
I'm with MW on this one. City Centre has changed vastly in just under half a decade; this has seen road transport being rerouted along main roads like Corporation Street, going towards Stephenson Street, to make way for the Metro... Adding even more road restrictions would make car drivers suffer, indeed.
I could see the appeal of restricting cars from Moor Street, but I can't see that happening, especially when the Bullring car park is situated there. Also, even the notion of removing cars from Colmore Row is a giant crock of s**t. Snow Hill Queensway and surrounding areas is already a nightmare at rush hour, as it is - not helped with the tram extension running through the City Centre; causing bottlenecks around Colmore Circus, and resulting in reputable standstill traffic from Livery Street. I doubt restricting cars from other viable route options out of city centre (i.e. Colmore Row) would prove popular; especially if that meant causing delays on services, which now appears to be the only service to go in/out of city via this particular route *ahem* 101 *ahem*.
TL;DR - I believe that even more road restrictions will cause problems for private car users in the City Centre, as well as having a knock-on effect to the bus network.
Plenty of recent changes have seen private transport modes to "draw the short straw", imo. And I'm sure it is for the best. I think it is unfortunate that our city, albeit dubbed the UK's second largest city, has quite a small City Centre compared to others. Withdrawing options to car drivers could increase the chances of them switching to use public transport, but could equally get public transport users to switch to private transport; as a result of unreliability caused by the changes that have seen the domino effect on buses.
Long story short, I don't think there should be much more drastic changes made in the City Centre (which quite a number of you have suggested) that would see car users restricted from more main roads, as this will most certainly lead to knock on effects for everyone involved.
Quote from: Tony on December 30, 2016, 05:41:28 PM
Precisely. To buy enough land to build a bus station big enough to take all of Birmingham's buses would be impossible
And you'd end up demolishing most of the city centre to accomodate it! :D
Quote from: the trainbasher on December 30, 2016, 09:26:05 AM
I'm in favour of more restrictions on the roads. If there was less room for private conveyances and more room for buses to have quicker journeys, more people would use the bus as reliability would be up
If I had my way, Moor Street would have the entire inside Lane in both directions fully bus and taxi only, Priory would be bus and taxi only all the way up, Lower Bull Street would be bus and taxi only, all down Colmore Row from Livery Street to the lights where the buses turn right and Upper Dean Street.
When I say buses and taxis only, I mean when Hackney Carriages, not those pesky Uber cars!!
In dudley I would have a bus lane all the way from the Hospital to Queens Cross, the entrance to Foster Street in Stourbridge (and the lane on the ring road leading up to it), the entire inside lane from Halesowen bus station round to the island at the bottom of Mucklow Hill/bottom of Manor Way, both directions on Brierley Hill High Street from the five ways lights to the lights at the police station, plus Mill Street heading High Street bound.
Why should taxis get priority? They're taking up as much room as any other car plus are making a healthy profit, especially those black cabs that you seem to favour
Quote from: MW on December 30, 2016, 02:00:39 AM
All these ideas of restricting bits of the City Centre so that cars can't go there can f*** off as far as I'm concerned. As much as I'm interested in buses, if the powers that he want any form of restriction, they can build a bus station somewhere in the City Centre and have everything terminate there.
Why should car drivers have to suffer? Equally entitled to the road as buses. Frankly, the restrictions at the moment are ridiculous too. And as for making bus lanes to make life harder for cars so those people use buses, have you seen the amount of tramps using the buses? With the behaviour of some of the passengers on buses, I think I'll stick to my car.
Agree with this, car drivers shouldn't suffer at the expense of bus users. Personally I would feel removing bus lanes outside of the city centre would maybe ease traffic congestion for the majority as it gives traffic an extra lane and would only slightly delay running times of buses. However this unlikely to happen as the council can make a fair whack of money from bus lane fines 8)
I would suggest
18 - Yardley Wood - Bartley Green (no change)
18A - Yardley Wood - Weoley Castle Square (using the current 48 route to / from Northfield / Weoley Castle)
48 - West Bromwich - Weoley Castle
1) More Platinum routes centred on Coventry
2) A load more new buses (Crimson and platinum)
3) The end of most 41xx and 42xx buses
4) Some double decker trainers (4135; 4191?)
5) Preservation of Trident 4194
6) Enlightened transport Policy leading to fewer cars in central Birmingham and less public transport delays
7) Another 100 pages of pure entertainment in the Pensnett garage thread ;D
8 ) A Pensnett based Black Country ales and pubs heritage advertising bus extolling the virtues of visiting by bus
9) 99 branded Crimson repainted and retrimmed E200s
I'm all for further restrictions on car traffic as a general thing, but with the city centre itself already being fairly restricted for all traffic -buses included - any further restrictions are just going to create more traffic chaos on the approach to the centre
Now that all the bus routes have been pushed out of the most central areas I'd personally like to see more of the sort of city centre minibus routes that exist and work perfectly well in other cities
Short but incredibly useful connecting routes that run out to places like the Jewellery quarter and the Aston Uni / BCU Eastside development etc
Quote from: BigDaddyCool on December 31, 2016, 12:40:21 AM
I would suggest
18 - Yardley Wood - Bartley Green (no change)
18A - Yardley Wood - Weoley Castle Square (using the current 48 route to / from Northfield / Weoley Castle)
48 - West Bromwich - Weoley Castle
Yeah that could work. The 18A every half an hour maybe.
Quote from: don on December 31, 2016, 12:43:54 AM
1) More Platinum routes centred on Coventry
2) A load more new buses (Crimson and platinum)
3) The end of most 41xx and 42xx buses
4) Some double decker trainers (4135; 4191?)
5) Preservation of Trident 4194
6) Enlightened transport Policy leading to fewer cars in central Birmingham and less public transport delays
7) Another 100 pages of pure entertainment in the Pensnett garage thread ;D
8 ) A Pensnett based Black Country ales and pubs heritage advertising bus extolling the virtues of visiting by bus
9) 99 branded Crimson repainted and retrimmed E200s
Is there something special about Trident 4194? Or is it going to be a birthday present for
@Trident 4194 so he can have it brand for the 244 and it will be on time haha sorry could not resist
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 29, 2016, 07:59:54 PM
Pastures new?
I reckon if the X9 comes off between Birmingham & Hasbury, the 99 will be extended to Dudley via the 244 route?
Am I close
@karl724223
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on December 31, 2016, 01:00:48 PM
I reckon if the X9 comes off between Birmingham & Hasbury, the 99 will be extended to Dudley via the 244 route?
Am I close @karl724223
yes
Quote from: karl724223 on December 31, 2016, 02:26:01 PM
yes
So what route will 99 do?
Is the x9 basically the old 19?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 31, 2016, 03:25:01 PM
So what route will 99 do?
Is the x9 basically the old 19?
When are you going to learn? Karl never responds to your questions unless he's being sarcastic
Quote from: MW on December 31, 2016, 04:37:59 PM
When are you going to learn? Karl never responds to your questions unless he's being sarcastic
im only said yes didn't say what to did I
He will have to wait till the registrations go in 😜
Quote from: karl724223 on December 31, 2016, 04:41:37 PM
im only said yes didn't say what to did I
He will have to wait till the registrations go in 😜
When are the registrations?
Quote from: MW on December 31, 2016, 04:45:18 PM
29th February
Thankyou, your too funny. No wonder you got sacked from nx, comedian is more up your street
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 31, 2016, 04:49:02 PM
Thankyou, your too funny. No wonder you got sacked from nx, comedian is more up your street
Hahahahaha
Leaders - who act as an inspiration
(Including the new mayor through initatives as integrated ticketing in all areas belonging to WMCA as against franchising.)
Clear - Roles and Responsibilities
(To define who has it within their power to take action to meet standards of the best)
Open and Honest - Communication
(1 Co-ordinated marketing of buses as an option to ensure it remains relevant to travellers against threats such as Uber.
2 Transformation of customer relations from culture of it's not our fault but we will forward it to person responsible inbox to thank you to your feedback we will take responisibility for getting something done.)
I'll be glad when these mystery rumoured changes to the 99 which were first posted on here around Christmas 2014 actually happen. It's like a multiple choice of complete cobblers. Will it be:
a) Extended to one of Hasbury / Hayley Green / Merry Hill / Dudley (insert Black Country place)
b) Curtailed to operate to the QE only
c) Transferred to Pensnett garage
d) Who actually gives one
e) All of the above
Quote from: Mike K on December 31, 2016, 06:51:05 PM
I'll be glad when these mystery rumoured changes to the 99 which were first posted on here around Christmas 2014 actually happen. It's like a multiple choice of complete cobblers. Will it be:
a) Extended to one of Hasbury / Hayley Green / Merry Hill / Dudley (insert Black Country place)
b) Curtailed to operate to the QE only
c) Transferred to Pensnett garage
d) Who actually gives one
e) All of the above
D
I look forward to seeing how NXWM cope with the new restrictions on emissions from May 21st 2017. I have not yet seen any of the Euro6 conversions and I think a good number of new buses will be required as well. Also it was suggested that the new rules will apply to Solihull and Wolverhampton soon. That would mean even more new buses.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on December 31, 2016, 08:04:03 PM
I look forward to seeing how NXWM cope with the new restrictions on emissions from May 21st 2017. I have not yet seen any of the Euro6 conversions and I think a good number of new buses will be required as well. Also it was suggested that the new rules will apply to Solihull and Wolverhampton soon. That would mean even more new buses.
A lot of AG 46xx crimson geminis are already converted and a start has been made on BC 46xx tridents. Over 200 buses in total will get traps, The initial Solihull zone is Euro3 so the withdrawal of the Plaxtons takes care of that
First post of 2017 and a Happy New Year to everyone ;)
I think the general expectation this year is just to continue the good work of 2016. The fleet is looking its smartest in a long time with the Crimson refurbishments, new MMCs/Streetdecks and an effective rebrand. The pricing has become more flexible and certainly the fleet improvements in 2017 will help further improve the service delivery and passenger numbers.
I hope that TfWM successfully manage the bus side of things in the West Midlands; continue the Alliance and work with operators to deliver improvements. Franchising is something I'd avoid due to the costs potentially involved, and I certainly do not want any move to remove the individual identities of operators. Further ticketing integration and improvements to the SWIFT card system would be good, and improvements to the infrastructure on main route corridors to improve reliability.
Certainly things are continuing to improve, and I feel 2017 will continue with that upward trend.
Quote from: don on December 31, 2016, 12:43:54 AM
5) Preservation of Trident 4194
For his comedy value?
Thanks Tony, that makes the position with NX clear but I think some of the independents may run into problems.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on January 02, 2017, 04:08:45 PM
Thanks Tony, that makes the position with NX clear but I think some of the independents may run into problems.
Only other operator Birmingham will affect is First. The only double deckers from Worcester allowed on the 144 will be the StreetDecks. I think Arriva 4200 is Euro 4 so Tamworth is fully compliant.
Some of the darts currently running into Solihull may be Euro 2 though
Quote from: Tony on January 02, 2017, 04:25:08 PM
Only other operator Birmingham will affect is First. The only double deckers from Worcester allowed on the 144 will be the StreetDecks. I think Arriva 4200 is Euro 4 so Tamworth is fully compliant.
Some of the darts currently running into Solihull may be Euro 2 though
Would it be fair to say then that anybody predicting or hoping for a 144 upgrade might be more on the money than they first thought?
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 02, 2017, 04:48:53 PM
Would it be fair to say then that anybody predicting or hoping for a 144 upgrade might be more on the money than they first thought?
More likely Tridents 33401-5 would get traps like the NXWM ones of a similar age, it would be great to have the route upgraded with Streetdecks but I cn't see the cost outlay being worth it. The current Streetdecks are meant for the 44 route, even though the 1615 weekday service from Worcester is meant to be a Streetdeck. More likely the traps or buses moved from Leicester or Bristol.
Quote from: j789 on January 02, 2017, 07:17:30 PM
More likely Tridents 33401-5 would get traps like the NXWM ones of a similar age, it would be great to have the route upgraded with Streetdecks but I cn't see the cost outlay being worth it. The current Streetdecks are meant for the 44 route, even though the 1615 weekday service from Worcester is meant to be a Streetdeck. More likely the traps or buses moved from Leicester or Bristol.
Be some B9TL's going spare somewhere at some point you'd think. Think a full Streetdeck upgrade is just a personal wish I have to admit.
Another route which could be affected by the emissions regulations is the 10H on which Igo uses 02 reg Darts.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on January 03, 2017, 08:27:57 PM
Another route which could be affected by the emissions regulations is the 10H on which Igo uses 02 reg Darts.
No changes to Single Deck rules and it's rare for the two deckers on there nowadays
re open lea hall bus garage
Quote from: iansdavies on February 11, 2017, 08:58:48 PM
re open lea hall bus garage
Why ? I believe it was closed to help save operational costs and I think it has.
Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on February 11, 2017, 10:24:13 PM
Why ? I believe it was closed to help save operational costs and I think it has.
I can't see how, most former Lea Hall garage services used to start from the outer terminus, now you have most starting from the City end or run dead from BC, BY or PB so how can that save operation costs ?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on February 12, 2017, 09:26:29 AM
I can't see how, most former Lea Hall garage services used to start from the outer terminus, now you have most starting from the City end or run dead from BC, BY or PB so how can that save operation costs ?
Couldn't you reverse that argument ? Journeys that used to end in the City Centre would have run dead back to Lea Hall. I think the routes were distributed to help minimize dead mileage and their revenue/ profit seems to be increasing year on year (I Think?) so it seems to have worked in the long run. 10 garages are easier to run than 11. I think they just consolidated their overall operations.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on February 12, 2017, 09:26:29 AM
I can't see how, most former Lea Hall garage services used to start from the outer terminus, now you have most starting from the City end or run dead from BC, BY or PB so how can that save operation costs ?
Is that a serious question, the point is you have one less operating building, all the bills and maintenance that goes with it. Reduced staffing to a degree (less cleaners / less canteen staff). The list goes on and of course consolidation of resources etc. Same haven't invested in the services since it's demise (or could that be about to change, who knows).
I can't think of one Lea Hall journey that would have terminated in the City Centre even in the morning peak. Everything used to be planned to minimise dead journies due to the old fuel tax rebate which could only be claimed for passenger mileage. Dead running was the evil of the bus scheduler!!
I've just been looking at a variety of 94 timetables from 1988-2017 to see if the change of garage twice has really affected the service or dead mileage.
In 1988 at WH the first 16 journeys all started at City Centre. In 1993 also at WH only 4 out of the first 16 journeys went from city. The other 12 started at the garage. But the service started running earlier, so it's a slightly different first 16.
In 2000 when at LH, the timetable is pretty much the same, but services that once started or finished at WH garage were now to/from Fox and Goose. Leaving some customers on Washwood Heath Road without an as frequent service.
In 2017 under Perry Barr, although the frequency is slightly reduced compared to 1993/2000 passengers are better off than under WH or LH as many morning services start at Saltley.
It's difficult to compare afternoon/evening services as the current timetable just has 'frequent intervals'.
So whilst dead mileage could be argued as in distance from garage, the service for customers can be argued as better.
For specific departures on "high frequency routes" Traveline West Midlands. In the case of the 94 late afternoon service is every 7/8 minutes on Monday to Fridays.
The Tridents at BC and YW have now largely been converted to euro6 and Tony has said the PN ones are being done. Logically the rest of the Gemini's should follow. This will leave the 42XX Volvo/Alexander's at PB and WB to be replaced before the end of May. If new vehicles are to be used we should hear about them soon, otherwise there will need to be some interesting transfers.
Quote from: Eric Shaw on February 24, 2017, 07:56:04 PM
The Tridents at BC and YW have now largely been converted to euro6 and Tony has said the PN ones are being done. Logically the rest of the Gemini's should follow. This will leave the 42XX Volvo/Alexander's at PB and WB to be replaced before the end of May. If new vehicles are to be used we should hear about them soon, otherwise there will need to be some interesting transfers.
Or traps fitted to 42xx Volvos which is what is going to happen
Quote from: Tony on February 24, 2017, 07:58:44 PM
Or traps fitted to 42xx Volvos which is what is going to happen
Brilliant news. Do we have a finally date of withdrawal for y reg tridents?
Quote from: Tony on February 24, 2017, 07:58:44 PM
Or traps fitted to 42xx Volvos which is what is going to happen
This makes me really happy. They haven't aged well, but I'm not ready to let go of them yet
Quote from: Tony on February 24, 2017, 07:58:44 PM
Or traps fitted to 42xx Volvos which is what is going to happen
Nice to hear. Sounds like NX want to keep them for a while.
Hopefully the tatty early repaints, will get repainted in the red white livery.
Oh great.
Quote from: Sh4318 on February 24, 2017, 08:15:43 PM
This makes me really happy. They haven't aged well, but I'm not ready to let go of them yet
The ALX B7TLs haven't received that much attention in terms of regular repaints or major refurbs but they seem a fairly reliable workhorse. Interesting to see that there's life in them yet.
@Trident 4194 there are 100 tridents to be withdrawn and replaced this year and then the alx400 maybe 2018/9 so probably why the traps are being fitted as the eu regs start in may
Quote from: Chris on February 24, 2017, 10:45:03 PM
@Trident 4194 there are 100 tridents to be withdrawn and replaced this year and then the alx400 maybe 2018/9 so probably why the traps are being fitted as the eu regs start in may
Nothing to do with EU regs, and there are not 100 Tridents to be withdrawn this year
Quote from: Tony on February 24, 2017, 07:58:44 PM
Or traps fitted to 42xx Volvos which is what is going to happen
How many 42** & gemini's being fitted with traps?
Quote from: pb2012 on February 25, 2017, 09:51:27 AM
How many 42** & gemini's being fitted with traps?
Just wondered as i thought it was just the crimson refurbs that were being treated or is it for higher resale value on 42**???
Quote from: pb2012 on February 25, 2017, 09:56:39 AM
Just wondered as i thought it was just the crimson refurbs that were being treated or is it for higher resale value on 42**???
It's to get enough buses to meet the requirements
I thought the 41xx were not compliant on Birmingham city routes? Is there only a small order happening
Quote from: Chris on February 25, 2017, 10:52:32 AM
I thought the 41xx were not compliant on Birmingham city routes? Is there only a small order happening
They aren't, but there's not a 100 of those left. Some have already been withdrawn & others are in reserve
Quote from: Winston on February 25, 2017, 11:06:39 AM
They aren't, but there's not a 100 of those left. Some have already been withdrawn & others are in reserve
And plenty of them are at Wolverhampton, Coventry, Walsall & Pensnett, not visiting the low emission zone.
Several at BC had Euro 4 conversion
Quote from: Tony on February 25, 2017, 10:42:39 AM
It's to get enough buses to meet the requirements
NX have had plenty of warning to ensure that they can meet the new emission requirements. Fitting traps to 16 year old buses some of which have never been retrimmed since new seems like a last minute panic. I assume they'll never recoup the cost of the upgrades either, due to their age & useful service life left, especially if the cost of a Crimson refurb was out the question.
Quote from: Winston on February 25, 2017, 11:18:23 AM
NX have had plenty of warning to ensure that they can meet the new emission requirements. Fitting traps to 16 year old buses some of which have never been retrimmed since new seems like a last minute panic. I assume they'll never recoup the cost of the upgrades either, due to their age & useful service life left, especially if the cost of a Crimson refurb was out the question.
I'm happy with them staying, however surely they shou,d have brought more normal spec mmcs to platinums. What the cost of a normal mmc to a platinum mmc??
Suspect I know where these crap old buses will stay.
Having said that saw one of them broken down in Crimson near clock garage today.
I'm amazed at seeing some local marketing Pr on a bus stop say only £1.50 to chelmsley wood shopping centre when I drove down Cooks Lane today. Perhaps the ex lea hall patch does get some resource lol.
Are the 42XXVolvo/Alexanders receiving the full update to euro6, or will fitting traps just get them to euro4?
Getting full Euro 6 upgrade
Quote from: Tony on February 25, 2017, 08:56:46 PM
Getting full Euro 6 upgrade
I assume NX won't now be buying as many new buses for 2017
I was of the belief the B7TL ALX400s were going to be withdrawn after the Y Reg Tridents so them getting traps to make them Euro 6 compliant is a surprise.
Apologies for asking this but will these buses get repainted into crimson ? I know buses buses above 4425 are due to be repainted with Geminis & Tridents from various garages leading the way but they also have/ are getting traps fitted and will also be in new livery so it also stands to reason the B7TL ALX400s should also be repainted as they have an immediate future with NX unless I've missed something ?
IF they order 100 new buses this year this would replace y reg tridents & early b7tl?
153 would or could replace everything up to 4304?
This is pure speculation not fact, based on my own totally & probably inaccurate calculations?
Please correct me if i'm wrong?
Who else wants to have a go?
Quote from: pb2012 on February 26, 2017, 10:51:26 AM
IF they order 100 new buses this year this would replace y reg tridents & early b7tl?
153 would or could replace everything up to 4304?
This is pure speculation not fact, based on my own totally & probably inaccurate calculations?
Please correct me if i'm wrong?
Who else wants to have a go?
They aren't replacing the early B7TL's, they are now upgrading some/all to full Euro 6 spec. That's what the last 2 pages above are discussing.
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2017, 11:20:27 AM
They aren't replacing the early B7TL's, they are now upgrading some/all to full Euro 6 spec. That's what the last 2 pages above are discussing.
Just on that subject or thereabouts - is this still correct?
NX Group has ordered 550 [plus 50 for Xplore Dundee] 'Alexander/Dennis Euro 6 buses' single and double-deckers - 125 each year from 2015 to 2018 (I think the 100 delivered in 2014 count as part of the '600').
In 2016 x96 ADL E400MMC's (and x5 Wright Streetdecks) were delivered.
In 2015 x171 new ADL buses entered service (plus x5 Wright StreetLites).
In 2014 x100 ADL buses were delivered.
So 367 out of the 600 have been received? What happened to the '50 for Dundee' ?
Additional orders are: 10 x Wrights HEV96 gyro drive Hybrids in 2017 followed by 19 x Electric buses and 22 x Fuel Cell in 2018:
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2017, 11:20:27 AM
They aren't replacing the early B7TL's, they are now upgrading some/all to full Euro 6 spec. That's what the last 2 pages above are discussing.
I'm pleased they are stopping for a bit longer. Get a nice one and they are really good to drive. Some are tired both internally and engine wise, but they are still good solid buses. Favourites I have are 4262, 4300 (when we had them), 4241 (only took me 3 years to get!), 4243 and 4284.
Will the upgrade affect the drive of them in any way?
could that mean we see 42xx buses in Crimson i wonder?
Quote from: pb2012 on February 26, 2017, 10:51:26 AM
IF they order 100 new buses this year this would replace y reg tridents & early b7tl?
153 would or could replace everything up to 4304?
This is pure speculation not fact, based on my own totally & probably inaccurate calculations?
Please correct me if i'm wrong?
Who else wants to have a go?
Apart from the high echelons of NX management, nobody knows exactly how many buses are on order for this year and what they will replace.
So at this point, all anybody is doing here is speculating. And speculating is just as bad as rumours. Because people start believing rumours and speculation as facts.
Quote from: paulb1973 on February 26, 2017, 11:46:17 AM
Just on that subject or thereabouts - is this still correct?
NX Group has ordered 550 [plus 50 for Xplore Dundee] 'Alexander/Dennis Euro 6 buses' single and double-deckers - 125 each year from 2015 to 2018 (I think the 100 delivered in 2014 count as part of the '600').
In 2016 x96 ADL E400MMC's (and x5 Wright Streetdecks) were delivered.
In 2015 x171 new ADL buses entered service (plus x5 Wright StreetLites).
In 2014 x100 ADL buses were delivered.
So 367 out of the 600 have been received? What happened to the '50 for Dundee' ?
Additional orders are: 10 x Wrights HEV96 gyro drive Hybrids in 2017 followed by 19 x Electric buses and 22 x Fuel Cell in 2018:
That sounds about right with what is currently confirmed.
I someone doubt that Dundee have got any chance of gaining 50 new buses from the multi year ADL order though. They've only had the 5 x WF Streetlites since the 9 x E400H's were delivered in 2013. Their decker fleet needs some new investment, it is quite elderly in comparsion to Stagecoach Strathtay's deckers that serve Dundee.
Traps fitted to 42xx will increase their resale value so not too bad of an idea with emissions being a bigger thing nowadays. Who knows where other zones will appear round the country so might be appealing for other operators.
Quote from: uniquicity on February 26, 2017, 10:06:57 PM
Traps fitted to 42xx will increase their resale value so not too bad of an idea with emissions being a bigger thing nowadays. Who knows where other zones will appear round the country so might be appealing for other operators.
It will increase their resale value, assuming you can find someone prepared to pay the extra when they are eventually sold on. Regardless of what comes out the exhaust, they are still heavy weight 16 year old buses (some never having been refurbished since the day they were new). Even if the Euro 6 upgrade also boosts fuel efficiency to a degree, I'm assuming it will still not come close to the latest new deckers on the market.
Quote from: Winston on February 26, 2017, 09:13:31 PM
That sounds about right with what is currently confirmed.
I someone doubt that Dundee have got any chance of gaining 50 new buses from the multi year ADL order though. They've only had the 5 x WF Streetlites since the 9 x E400H's were delivered in 2013. Their decker fleet needs some new investment, it is quite elderly in comparsion to Stagecoach Strathtay's deckers that serve Dundee.
50 would be a huge investment for Dundee (in one go) bearing in mind the active fleet is around 120. Once the Presidents have gone, the rest of the fleet is more middle-aged than really old.
Quote from: paulb1973 on February 27, 2017, 12:10:26 AM
50 would be a huge investment for Dundee (in one go) bearing in mind the active fleet is around 120. Once the Presidents have gone, the rest of the fleet is more middle-aged than really old.
Dundee would never likely get 50 in the same year, it was based on multiyear deliveries originally.
I wouldn't consider the 54 plate Gemini's middle aged, even they are not too far off being too old to work the Fife school contracts
I predict new buses on the 51.
Sutton routes and Coventry rd are due another up grade this year.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 21, 2017, 06:03:32 PM
Sutton routes and Coventry rd are due another up grade this year.
What do you mean "another upgrade" ?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 21, 2017, 06:03:32 PM
Sutton routes and Coventry rd are due another up grade this year.
17 plate buses for it😜. Those poor people not travelling on the newest buses out
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 21, 2017, 06:03:32 PM
Sutton routes and Coventry rd are due another up grade this year.
First is very unlikely,second might have a chance.
Quote from: Ronnoc on March 21, 2017, 07:42:28 AM
I predict new buses on the 51.
33 & 51 would be ideal, to free up '61 reg Enviros
New buses for the 94. Would be nice to see some new vehicles on there.
New buses for WB as we get all the crap from other garages.
Quote from: WB Driver on March 21, 2017, 09:06:56 PM
New buses for WB as we get all the crap from other garages.
You didn't notice a load of 14 and 64 plate double and single deckers parked up in WB then? 😜
Walsall & Coventry are deserving of new vehicles in my opinion. Maybe to replace the 61/13/14/64 plate Enviros and have them move to Birmingham based garages to replace what's left of 4125-4395 within Birmingham. (Minus the Euro 4+ ALX400s of course)
Quote from: Jack B on March 21, 2017, 09:02:26 PM
New buses for the 94. Would be nice to see some new vehicles on there.
Good shout.
Quote from: MW on March 21, 2017, 09:23:27 PM
Walsall & Coventry are deserving of new vehicles in my opinion. Maybe to replace the 61/13/14/64 plate Enviros and have them move to Birmingham based garages to replace what's left of 4125-4395 within Birmingham. (Minus the Euro 4+ ALX400s of course)
The B7TL ALX400 are getting traps and getting a full Euro 6 upgrade. Some of the Y reg Tridents are already Euro 4 +. In Birmingham City Centre that just leaves the none Euro 4 + Y reg Tridents at Birmingham Central.
Quote from: Jack B on March 21, 2017, 09:02:26 PM
New buses for the 94. Would be nice to see some new vehicles on there.
Agreed. Unlikely, but would be nice to see the 11 get upgraded with some new vehicles.
Quote from: 2206 on March 21, 2017, 09:32:22 PM
Agreed. Unlikely, but would be nice to see the 11 get upgraded with some new vehicles.
The only problem with trying to upgrade the 11, is its the high PVR.
Quote from: 2206 on March 21, 2017, 09:32:22 PM
The B7TL ALX400 are getting traps and getting a full Euro 6 upgrade. Some of the Y reg Tridents are already Euro 4 +. In Birmingham City Centre that just leaves the none Euro 4 + Y reg Tridents at Birmingham Central.
Yeah I know which is why I said minus all the Euro 4+ ones. Isn't it just some of the 4225-4304 batch being done? I can't imagine the AG ones being done. They rarely visit the City Centre as you will know.
Keeping older <Euro4 complaint vehicles on the Outer Circle 11 is actually quite wise as it provides fleet planners/managers somewhere to 'hide' these older buses as, the 11 keeps well away from Birmingham City Centre and the low emission zones.
Whilst the AG ones might not be frequent visitors to the City Centre, converted them to Euro6 complaint emissions might improved their resale and interest to second tier operators in their later lives, especially being single-door.
That said, some of the B7/ALX400's at PB that are regulars on the 65 and 67 seem on face value, very mechanically tired. It'll be interesting to see which ones are selected for upgrading.
Quote from: twb1979 on March 22, 2017, 12:50:30 PM
Keeping older <Euro4 complaint vehicles on the Outer Circle 11 is actually quite wise as it provides fleet planners/managers somewhere to 'hide' these older buses as, the 11 keeps well away from Birmingham City Centre and the low emission zones.
Whilst the AG ones might not be frequent visitors to the City Centre, converted them to Euro6 complaint emissions might improved their resale and interest to second tier operators in their later lives, especially being single-door.
That said, some of the B7/ALX400's at PB that are regulars on the 65 and 67 seem on face value, very mechanically tired. It'll be interesting to see which ones are selected for upgrading.
During the week the B7TL ALX400's are regulars on the 94 as well.
Quote from: Jack B on March 21, 2017, 09:02:26 PM
New buses for the 94. Would be nice to see some new vehicles on there.
94 an upgrade yeah right lol