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West Midlands Buses in Discussion => General Discussion, Questions & Route Suggestions => Topic started by: Tony on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM

Title: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM
The April Tender winners were told today

Some interesting ones
Expect to see Claribels buying some more vehicles and running in places they don't currently.
I believe Diamond have won all the Black Country tenders currently run by Arriva that were due for renewal
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: the trainbasher on February 07, 2017, 10:45:41 PM
A FOI Request has been sent to WMCA regarding the tenders, which will get linked here in due course.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: monkeyjoe on February 07, 2017, 11:02:15 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM
The April Tender winners were told today

Some interesting ones
Expect to see Claribels buying some more vehicles and running in places they don't currently.
I believe Diamond have won all the Black Country tenders currently run by Arriva that were due for renewal

Go claribels, sunday service for the 94 too turn up the competition
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Ashley 60171 on February 07, 2017, 11:14:37 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 07, 2017, 11:02:15 PM
Go claribels, sunday service for the 94 too turn up the competition

Competition for NXWM or Uber?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 07, 2017, 11:17:38 PM
Quote from: monkeyjoe on February 07, 2017, 11:02:15 PM
Go claribels, sunday service for the 94 too turn up the competition

Would a Sunday service on the 94 operated by Claribels really be part of the April Tenders?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 07, 2017, 11:26:23 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM
The April Tender winners were told today

Some interesting ones
Expect to see Claribels buying some more vehicles and running in places they don't currently.
I believe Diamond have won all the Black Country tenders currently run by Arriva that were due for renewal

We now await the announcement that Arriva will be closing Wednesfield depot............
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 07, 2017, 11:33:56 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 07, 2017, 11:26:23 PM
We now await the announcement that Arriva will be closing Wednesfield depot............

Probably sell it to Claribels!!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: monkeyjoe on February 08, 2017, 06:53:46 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 07, 2017, 11:17:38 PM
Would a Sunday service on the 94 operated by Claribels really be part of the April Tenders?


No I was making a point that this could lead to them branching out in terms of their core routes/times etc.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2017, 08:13:50 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 07, 2017, 10:45:41 PM
A FOI Request has been sent to WMCA regarding the tenders, which will get linked here in due course.

Why waste time and money of WMCA when it's something released into the public domain anyway?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2017, 08:21:09 AM
I believe Claribels have won the 424, 606, 34 & S16
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Solo1 on February 08, 2017, 08:36:40 AM
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2017, 08:21:09 AM
I believe Claribels have won the 424, 606, 34 & S16
if  claribelll  has won the 424 will the solo Sr's that igo have on there move to claribelll
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: the trainbasher on February 08, 2017, 09:20:17 AM
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2017, 08:13:50 AM
Why waste time and money of WMCA when it's something released into the public domain anyway?

1) it's called holding public bodies to account to what they spend our council tax money on
2) They didn't publish it for the last tender round in October, until a similar FOI was made.

Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2017, 09:33:58 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 08, 2017, 09:20:17 AM
1) it's called holding public bodies to account to what they spend our council tax money on

More like wasting public money & time.

They tell you who won the tenders by publishing them in the service changes.

Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: the trainbasher on February 08, 2017, 09:46:05 AM
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2017, 09:33:58 AM
They tell you who won the tenders by publishing them in the service changes.

But not in the form of the statutory outcome of tenders, until the recent redesign of the website for the general public, and a FOI for on here
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: John on February 08, 2017, 10:06:08 AM
Quote from: Tony on February 08, 2017, 08:21:09 AM
I believe Claribels have won the 424, 606, 34 & S16

606?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 08, 2017, 10:18:26 AM
Quote from: John on February 08, 2017, 10:06:08 AM
606?

604 - sorry, typo
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Jack on February 08, 2017, 05:14:07 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 08, 2017, 08:36:40 AM
if  claribelll  has won the 424 will the solo Sr's that igo have on there move to claribelll
I doubt it. They'll probably be rebranded and be upgrade to another Igo route.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2017, 05:16:35 PM
Is there a minimum requirement for buses used on tendered routes? I don't understand why Igo upgraded a tendered route, when surely you would want to upgrade a commercial route.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: MW on February 08, 2017, 05:20:27 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2017, 05:16:35 PM
Is there a minimum requirement for buses used on tendered routes? I don't understand why Igo upgraded a tendered route, when surely you would want to upgrade a commercial route.

Solihull Signature routes are mostly tendered routes (or they were when Central Connect first came in). They upgraded it all to brand new Solos and Versas.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stu on February 08, 2017, 06:56:18 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 08, 2017, 05:16:35 PM
Is there a minimum requirement for buses used on tendered routes? I don't understand why Igo upgraded a tendered route, when surely you would want to upgrade a commercial route.

Quote from: MW on February 08, 2017, 05:20:27 PM
Solihull Signature routes are mostly tendered routes (or they were when Central Connect first came in). They upgraded it all to brand new Solos and Versas.

My understanding is that as part of the contract specifications, 'high-spec' vehicles were to be used for the new (at the time) Signature services. Other routes may have specific requirements, depending on the contract specification.

Quote from: Solo1 on February 08, 2017, 08:36:40 AM
if  claribelll  has won the 424 will the solo Sr's that igo have on there move to claribelll

Only if Claribels buy them, as they're owned (or leased) by igo.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Pete50492 on February 08, 2017, 08:22:26 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM
The April Tender winners were told today

Some interesting ones
Expect to see Claribels buying some more vehicles and running in places they don't currently.
I believe Diamond have won all the Black Country tenders currently run by Arriva that were due for renewal
No surprises with Diamond.....I seem to recall that last April when Arriva announced they had sold Burton operations to Midland Classic that there was an article in the local press about Diamond having bought land adjacent to Tividale garage to provide extra capacity. Appears then that this was the intention - to move into Arriva's Wednesfield operations.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Pete50492 on February 08, 2017, 08:25:11 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 07, 2017, 11:26:23 PM
We now await the announcement that Arriva will be closing Wednesfield depot............

Yep, surely it's been inevitable for some time given the persistent downgrades here since the contracts were taken on. Newest buses now around 13 years old.....more sheds than B & Q!!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 08, 2017, 09:09:28 PM
Quote from: Pete50492 on February 08, 2017, 08:22:26 PM
No surprises with Diamond.....I seem to recall that last April when Arriva announced they had sold Burton operations to Midland Classic that there was an article in the local press about Diamond having bought land adjacent to Tividale garage to provide extra capacity. Appears then that this was the intention - to move into Arriva's Wednesfield operations.

Rotala are looking to grow Diamond in the West Midlands & obviously the new Land when redeveloped will give them plenty of additional capacity. Tividale depot also doubles up as group HQ following the closure of Long Acre. Etc. Obviously securing new tendered work & introducing new commercial routes will help fill the new depot.

There's been rumours of Arriva closing Wednesfield & potentially selling Cannock for some time.... I don't see how Wednesfield will be viable to remain open now Diamond have won a large chunk of the tenders operated by that depot

Has nayone heard how many & what routes Diamond have won?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 09, 2017, 07:36:29 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 08, 2017, 09:09:28 PM
Rotala are looking to grow Diamond in the West Midlands & obviously the new Land when redeveloped will give them plenty of additional capacity. Tividale depot also doubles up as group HQ following the closure of Long Acre. Etc. Obviously securing new tendered work & introducing new commercial routes will help fill the new depot.

There's been rumours of Arriva closing Wednesfield & potentially selling Cannock for some time.... I don't see how Wednesfield will be viable to remain open now Diamond have won a large chunk of the tenders operated by that depot

Has nayone heard how many & what routes Diamond have won?

The comment I was told was 'All of the routes currently run by Arriva which expire in April' Diamond put in a package bid for the whole lot as one tender which TfWM have accepted
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 09, 2017, 07:53:48 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 09, 2017, 07:36:29 PM
The comment I was told was 'All of the routes currently run by Arriva which expire in April' Diamond put in a package bid for the whole lot as one tender which TfWM have accepted

The 604 was an Arriva one which Claribels have won
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 09, 2017, 07:55:18 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 09, 2017, 07:53:48 PM
The 604 was an Arriva one which Claribels have won

All of the Black Country routes
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 09, 2017, 07:57:45 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 09, 2017, 07:55:18 PM
All of the Black Country routes

Oh, fair enough.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Solo1 on February 09, 2017, 08:32:02 PM
How many extra  buses will this mean for diamond with the contract wins
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: j789 on February 09, 2017, 09:26:58 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 09, 2017, 07:36:29 PM
The comment I was told was 'All of the routes currently run by Arriva which expire in April' Diamond put in a package bid for the whole lot as one tender which TfWM have accepted

Such 'package' deals suggests to me then that profit margins will be tight on these services as the bids must have been fairly low to get them.  I doubt brand new buses would be used, more likely more second hand buses.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2017, 09:29:41 PM
Quote from: j789 on February 09, 2017, 09:26:58 PM
Such 'package' deals suggests to me then that profit margins will be tight on these services as the bids must have been fairly low to get them.  I doubt brand new buses would be used, more likely more second hand buses.

Purchased from Arriva perhaps?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: j789 on February 09, 2017, 09:42:23 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2017, 09:29:41 PM
Purchased from Arriva perhaps?

More darts then!!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 09, 2017, 09:48:25 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2017, 09:29:41 PM
Purchased from Arriva perhaps?

Rotala have only very recently acquired 8 x 59/10 & 60 plate Solo's ex GHA & Webberbus for use at Tividale.

Plus reinstated 2 x 05 plate MPD's ex Wessex also at Tividale

They haven't bought any Darts since 30886-8 were acquired a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: karl724223 on February 09, 2017, 09:54:24 PM
What's worse solos or arriva darts 
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2017, 09:55:31 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on February 09, 2017, 09:54:24 PM
What's worse solos or arriva darts

Solos, hate them, give me a Dart anytime!!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 09, 2017, 10:00:16 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on February 09, 2017, 09:54:24 PM
What's worse solos or arriva darts

The Cummins powered Solo's are quite decent, some Mercedes powered once can be a bit sluggish. The Ex GHA Solo's recently acquired have higher spec interiors with leather seats.

I've never been a fan of MPD's & that's what Arriva have mostly
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Mercedes1665 on February 09, 2017, 10:22:36 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 09, 2017, 10:00:16 PM
The Cummins powered Solo's are quite decent, some Mercedes powered once can be a bit sluggish. The Ex GHA Solo's recently acquired have higher spec interiors with leather seats.

I've never been a fan of MPD's & that's what Arriva have mostly

The cummins solos are excellent very quick and smooth the Mercedes engined  Ones  are very reliable.
The MPDS rattle a lot more compared to the solos and solos are much more comfortable than any dart.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Kevin on February 10, 2017, 07:26:02 AM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2017, 09:29:41 PM
Purchased from Arriva perhaps?

Likely still running in Arriva livery for about a year as well
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 10, 2017, 12:34:58 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 09, 2017, 09:55:31 PM
Solos, hate them, give me a Dart anytime!!

Solos are excellent. Darts are too rattly and suspensions poor. Darts do seem more spacious however if you compare to solos seating same amount of passengers.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 10, 2017, 10:01:05 PM
Well Wednesfield was a great success then......Couldn't even get a successful commercial route launch lol...who reckons Cannocks next?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 11, 2017, 11:20:36 AM
Quote from: Bob on February 10, 2017, 10:01:05 PM
Well Wednesfield was a great success then......Couldn't even get a successful commercial route launch lol...who reckons Cannocks next?

@Bob there is no confirmation wednesfield is closing, even if a new operator takes it on no doubt you will moan about them... the likely hood is Diamond offered a better deal for the April tenders than Arriva.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 12:18:19 PM
Yea but come on.....hardly gonna stay open is it? Judging by the fleet it must already haemorrhage money
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: Bob on February 11, 2017, 12:18:19 PM
Yea but come on.....hardly gonna stay open is it? Judging by the fleet it must already haemorrhage money

Arriva still have a few limited routes being run eg:12,13,17,19
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 12:39:10 PM
Yea but they aren't gonna keep a whole depot are they for that
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4609 on February 11, 2017, 12:41:34 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 12:37:16 PM
Arriva still have a few limited routes being run eg:12,13,17,19

I'm led to believe the 12, 13 & 17 are amongst the routes that were up for re tender. The 19 has been operated by Diamond since Arriva finished on there in October.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 01:02:27 PM
They'll probably upgrade Cannocks fleet with Wednesfield seconds lol
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 11, 2017, 01:07:19 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 11, 2017, 11:20:36 AM
@Bob there is no confirmation wednesfield is closing, even if a new operator takes it on no doubt you will moan about them... the likely hood is Diamond offered a better deal for the April tenders than Arriva.

Maybe not, but the Arriva camp have also gone amazingly quiet on the subject.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 03:20:23 PM
Yea there's no confirmation but it pretty much stands to reason.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Busman Jamie on February 11, 2017, 03:47:01 PM
If Wednesfield Shuts I reckon the cadets will move to Cannock and the remaining pulsars will move on elsewhere
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 05:17:51 PM
Yea the pulsars am falling in number.  Cadets great lol they break down more than any other type at cannock especially ex London 1s so they can add to the sliding quality image lol
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: PM on February 11, 2017, 06:01:28 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 11, 2017, 11:20:36 AM
@Bob there is no confirmation wednesfield is closing, even if a new operator takes it on no doubt you will moan about them... the likely hood is Diamond offered a better deal for the April tenders than Arriva.

The likelihood is that they didn't even bid, like the last round!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 11, 2017, 06:19:20 PM
Quote from: DiamondDart on February 11, 2017, 06:01:28 PM
The likelihood is that they didn't even bid, like the last round!

By losing all those Centro tenders it gives Arriva the perfect excuse to close Wednesfield & exit the West Midlands
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 06:30:22 PM
Hopefully they'll do one from Cannock soon after. 3.70 to go one way to Stafford on a decrepit Dart ffs lol
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Adam 404 on February 11, 2017, 06:32:32 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 11, 2017, 06:19:20 PM
By losing all those Centro tenders it gives Arriva the perfect excuse to close Wednesfield & exit the West Midlands
Don't forget the 70 / 71 / 110!

Is Arriva keeping the 35 (Walsall to Lichfield) - presuming that it is ran by Wednesfield, or is someone else going to operate it?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Busman Jamie on February 11, 2017, 06:35:25 PM
35 is a Wednesfield route,insure as to weather it's tendered or not, would imagine if arriva keep it and Wednesfield did shut, Cannock would work it with a 61 or 62
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: karl724223 on February 11, 2017, 06:39:01 PM
But miffed  diamond get badly slated and warned about everything they do  yet tfwm award everything to diamond
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Solo1 on February 11, 2017, 06:55:22 PM
Wonder if they is any more services up for tender apart from what's posted on here
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Michael Bevan on February 11, 2017, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: Nathan on February 11, 2017, 12:41:34 PM
I'm led to believe the 12, 13 & 17 are amongst the routes that were up for re tender. The 19 has been operated by Diamond since Arriva finished on there in October.

Arriva still operate the 19 on a Sunday and Bank Holiday.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: j789 on February 11, 2017, 08:17:20 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on February 11, 2017, 06:39:01 PM
But miffed  diamond get badly slated and warned about everything they do  yet tfwm award everything to diamond

I have a similar view too. However, I guess money talks so if they offered it as a cheap package deal to tfwm all the other stuff gets forgotten about it seems.
As I said in a previous post though, cheap deals does not exactly make you think of quality just cost cutting at every opportunity.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 08:20:07 PM
Quote from: j789 on February 11, 2017, 08:17:20 PM
I have a similar view too. However, I guess money talks so if they offered it as a cheap package deal to tfwm all the other stuff gets forgotten about it seems.
As I said in a previous post though, cheap deals does not exactly make you think of quality just cost cutting at every opportunity.

The fact they are tendered though suggests few passengers actually use otherwise you would commercially operate??? Why does it have to be quality? Gets you from A to B that's all that matters.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: karl724223 on February 11, 2017, 08:22:40 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 08:20:07 PM
The fact they are tendered though suggests few passengers actually use otherwise you would commercially operate??? Why does it have to be quality? Gets you from A to B that's all that matters.
but there not getting passengers from A to B ask kiddiminster passengers
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: j789 on February 11, 2017, 08:26:32 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 08:20:07 PM
The fact they are tendered though suggests few passengers actually use otherwise you would commercially operate??? Why does it have to be quality? Gets you from A to B that's all that matters.

Well if that's your attitude may as well just stick some leyland nationals back in service to run them, don't care about the image it gives to potential passengers!  Yes they may be only used by a few people but they will never attract new passengers if the quality is low. 
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Steveminor on February 11, 2017, 08:48:40 PM
It isnt quality that is what attracts & keeps passengers, its reliability. No point having leather seats wifi plug sockets etc if passengers dont know if the bus will actually arrive.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: D10 on February 11, 2017, 08:54:51 PM
Quote from: karl724223 on February 11, 2017, 06:39:01 PM
But miffed  diamond get badly slated and warned about everything they do  yet tfwm award everything to diamond

Diamond have the incentive to run them, if they don't run them then they won't get paid by TfWM.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 08:57:07 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on February 11, 2017, 08:48:40 PM
It isnt quality that is what attracts & keeps passengers, its reliability. No point having leather seats wifi plug sockets etc if passengers dont know if the bus will actually arrive.

Exactly
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 11, 2017, 09:18:19 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on February 11, 2017, 08:48:40 PM
It isnt quality that is what attracts & keeps passengers, its reliability. No point having leather seats wifi plug sockets etc if passengers dont know if the bus will actually arrive.

It's quaity that attracts passengers, it's reliability that keeps them
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 11, 2017, 09:19:55 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 11, 2017, 09:18:19 PM
It's quaity that attracts passengers, it's reliability that keeps them

Cannock fails on both counts then lol
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 09:34:23 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 11, 2017, 09:18:19 PM
It's quaity that attracts passengers, it's reliability that keeps them

Also agreed however with these small routes do you really need nice buses when they don't carry many at all.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Adam 404 on February 11, 2017, 09:41:59 PM
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 11, 2017, 09:34:23 PM
Also agreed however with these small routes do you really need nice buses when they don't carry many at all.
To attract customers to use these "small routes" so that they will "carry many".
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Westy on February 12, 2017, 01:23:24 AM
Quote from: Busman Jamie on February 11, 2017, 06:35:25 PM
35 is a Wednesfield route,insure as to weather it's tendered or not, would imagine if arriva keep it and Wednesfield did shut, Cannock would work it with a 61 or 62

Pretty sure it's tendered in parts.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Solo1 on February 12, 2017, 09:24:12 AM
Wonder if there's any others up for tender other than  the arriva ones
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Kevin on February 12, 2017, 12:02:15 PM
Quote from: Adam 404 on February 11, 2017, 06:32:32 PM
Is Arriva keeping the 35 (Walsall to Lichfield) - presuming that it is ran by Wednesfield, or is someone else going to operate it?

Potential to also operate it from Tamworth interworking with other routes?

Quote from: Steveminor on February 11, 2017, 08:48:40 PM
It isnt quality that is what attracts & keeps passengers, its reliability. No point having leather seats wifi plug sockets etc if passengers dont know if the bus will actually arrive.

One reason I actually like Arriva buses is the ability to track them, see on their app where the bus is
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Bob on February 12, 2017, 12:10:29 PM
Handy in Cannock you can track where they've broke down 😂😂
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Westy on February 12, 2017, 12:21:36 PM
Quote from: Kevin on February 12, 2017, 12:02:15 PM
Potential to also operate it from Tamworth interworking with other routes?



If they ran it from Tamworth,  could we have a through route Walsall to Tamworth then?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Kevin on February 12, 2017, 12:43:35 PM
Quote from: Westy on February 12, 2017, 12:21:36 PM
If they ran it from Tamworth,  could we have a through route Walsall to Tamworth then?

It's Arriva, I wouldn't put it past them, they tried X60 Cannock - Tamworth
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Dom on February 13, 2017, 01:16:25 PM
Is the 229 a tender due up in April?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2017, 05:58:38 PM
I've been told Claribels have thrown back one of their tender wins due to problems sourcing suitable vehicles, not sure if it is the 424 or 606 yet.

Possible the 424 as, because the tender runs into 2020 it requires Euro 6 vehicles, so basically brand new E200MMCs, new or recent StreetLites, or they would be allowed to use a standard Euro 5 E200 fitted with a trap before 2020.

I believe Arriva bid for 2 of the twelve routes won by Diamond in their package deal
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Solo1 on February 15, 2017, 06:56:03 PM
Minstrel  hire buses on lease .If claribelll having  problems  getting buses will the other bus firms have problems finding buses
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stu on February 15, 2017, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 15, 2017, 05:58:38 PM
I've been told Claribels have thrown back one of their tender wins due to problems sourcing suitable vehicles, not sure if it is the 424 or 606 yet.

Possible the 424 as, because the tender runs into 2020 it requires Euro 6 vehicles, so basically brand new E200MMCs, new or recent StreetLites, or they would be allowed to use a standard Euro 5 E200 fitted with a trap before 2020.

Forgive my ignorance on this, but could they not use what they have now, and source suitable buses in a couple of years time, closer to 2020?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2017, 06:59:43 PM
Quote from: Solo1 on February 15, 2017, 06:56:03 PM
Minstrel  hire buses on lease .If claribelll having  problems  getting buses will the other bus firms have problems finding buses

You know how many Euro 6 buses Mistral have available then? I'm sure they've got a field full of £120,000 brand new buses just sitting there. Mistral could obviously get some by buying them from Wrights or ADL, but so could anyone else.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2017, 07:01:15 PM
Quote from: Stu on February 15, 2017, 06:59:06 PM
Forgive my ignorance on this, but could they not use what they have now, and source suitable buses in a couple of years time, closer to 2020?

Claribels do not have any midi buses now, and it depends on the spec TfWM put on the tender. I'm sure Trainbasher will tell us when his FoI request comes through
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: PM on February 15, 2017, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: Tony on February 15, 2017, 05:58:38 PM
I've been told Claribels have thrown back one of their tender wins due to problems sourcing suitable vehicles, not sure if it is the 424 or 606 yet.

Possible the 424 as, because the tender runs into 2020 it requires Euro 6 vehicles, so basically brand new E200MMCs, new or recent StreetLites, or they would be allowed to use a standard Euro 5 E200 fitted with a trap before 2020.

I believe Arriva bid for 2 of the twelve routes won by Diamond in their package deal

Surprising Arriva bid, maybe on some of the Wolverhampton stuff that could easily be run from Cannock?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 15, 2017, 07:41:00 PM
Why bid for routes they can't source suitable vehicles for?

They would have known the vehicle spec before submitting a bid & surely you would at least make equiries to see what's available stockwise / leadtime for new build & price etc before bidding incase you were successful.

Presumably Diamond are also going to have to source nearly new or new buses also to comply.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: PM on February 15, 2017, 07:49:52 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 15, 2017, 07:41:00 PM
Why bid for routes they can't source suitable vehicles for?

They would have known the vehicle spec before submitting a bid & surely you would at least make equiries to see what's available stockwise / leadtime for new build & price etc before bidding incase you were successful.

Presumably Diamond are also going to have to source nearly new or new buses also to comply.

Diamond could stick a 16 plate StreetLite DF on there short term to comply, then source a new WF example longer term... Seems a bit of a costly overkill on routes like the 424E...
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2017, 07:54:55 PM
Quote from: Winston on February 15, 2017, 07:41:00 PM
Why bid for routes they can't source suitable vehicles for?

They would have known the vehicle spec before submitting a bid & surely you would at least make equiries to see what's available stockwise / leadtime for new build & price etc before bidding incase you were successful.

Presumably Diamond are also going to have to source nearly new or new buses also to comply.

The 424 is the only tender into Birmingham City Centre, so only one with Euro 6 requirements
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Steveminor on February 15, 2017, 08:02:12 PM
The 34 also runs into city centre. I believe Diamond may be thinking of throwing a tender back as they have won more than theg thought they would & may have trouble sourcing vehicles
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: j789 on February 15, 2017, 08:42:41 PM
Do companies have to pay a penalty of some sort for giving tenders back?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Kevin on February 15, 2017, 08:48:58 PM
Quote from: Steveminor on February 15, 2017, 08:02:12 PM
The 34 also runs into city centre. I believe Diamond may be thinking of throwing a tender back as they have won more than theg thought they would & may have trouble sourcing vehicles

Terminates at the markets though, is that within the boundary?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Simon Dunn on February 15, 2017, 08:53:51 PM
In answer to your questions.

I believe Steve Minor works for Claribels and I believe they have declined the award of the 34 tender.  We (Diamond) have consequently been offered this tender and we have accepted.  I am not sure why Steve Minor thinks we will turn work down - we have no intention to do so.  With regards penalty.  If you start a tendered service, and you try to terminate the contractual obligation means you have to meet the cost of a replacement service for the duration of the term of contract.



Simon
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Steveminor on February 15, 2017, 09:03:11 PM
To add to what Simon has said you do not pay any penalty should you not accept an award, only if you accept then hand it back.

Regards tge award of the 34 to Diamond. I was led to believe from another operator that Diamond were looking not to accept the tender. My apologies Simon.
Also the markets do come within.the SQPS  boundary.

I should also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rotala in their tender success.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Tony on February 15, 2017, 09:07:08 PM
Quote from: Simon Dunn on February 15, 2017, 08:53:51 PM
In answer to your questions.

I believe Steve Minor works for Claribels and I believe they have declined the award of the 34 tender.  We (Diamond) have consequently been offered this tender and we have accepted.  I am not sure why Steve Minor thinks we will turn work down - we have no intention to do so.  With regards penalty.  If you start a tendered service, and you try to terminate the contractual obligation means you have to meet the cost of a replacement service for the duration of the term of contract.



Simon

As you bid was a package bid, I presume if you did throw a route back it would cancel the whole package deal
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Simon Dunn on February 15, 2017, 09:12:54 PM
Tony

The Black Country tenders were a package bid.  We are doing some other work, which wasn't part of the package bid.

We have never ever thrown back a tender.



Simon
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 16, 2017, 11:08:35 AM
Quote from: Simon Dunn on February 15, 2017, 09:12:54 PM
Tony

The Black Country tenders were a package bid.  We are doing some other work, which wasn't part of the package bid.

We have never ever thrown back a tender.

Simon

Simon,

How many extra buses worth of work do the tender wins add to Diamond's pvr?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Simon Dunn on February 16, 2017, 02:12:53 PM
Winston

13


Simon
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: winston on February 16, 2017, 02:31:46 PM
Quote from: Simon Dunn on February 16, 2017, 02:12:53 PM
Winston

13

Simon

Thanks Simon, nice chunck of extra work for Diamond then!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Simon Dunn on February 17, 2017, 06:09:28 PM
Tony,

The Black Country tenders were bid for as a package.  The 34 was not part of this package and was won separately, following Claribels decision not to accept


Simon
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: BK63 YWP on February 17, 2017, 06:54:09 PM
Quote from: Simon Dunn on February 17, 2017, 06:09:28 PM
Tony,

The Black Country tenders were bid for as a package.  The 34 was not part of this package and was won separately, following Claribels decision not to accept


Simon

Simon
Does this mean Potential new vehicles for diamond? And does the package include 12/13/17?

Chris
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: 2206 on February 17, 2017, 07:03:00 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 17, 2017, 06:54:09 PM
Simon
Does this mean Potential new vehicles for diamond? And does the package include 12/13/17?

Chris
Does it include the 77?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Simon Dunn on February 18, 2017, 07:50:21 AM
All,

I believe this is what it includes

13   
63/64/65   
17   
23   
310   
223   
12   
243   (Sun Only)
82   (Eve & Sun)
142   (Eve & Sun)
36/41 (Eve & Sun)
19   (Sun Only)
208   (Sun Only)
257   (Eve & Sun)
229   (Eve & Sun)
530   (Eve & Sun)

So there is no 77.

Simon
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Dom on February 18, 2017, 08:00:22 AM
Quote from: Simon Dunn on February 18, 2017, 07:50:21 AM
All,

I believe this is what it includes

13   
63/64/65   
17   
23   
310   
223   
12   
243   (Sun Only)
82   (Eve & Sun)
142   (Eve & Sun)
36/41 (Eve & Sun)
19   (Sun Only)
208   (Sun Only)
257   (Eve & Sun)
229   (Eve & Sun)
530   (Eve & Sun)

So there is no 77.

Simon

So do Arriva still have daytime 229 or will that just be withdrawn?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Solo1 on February 18, 2017, 08:22:51 AM
When will we see  a full list of who's won what for the April tenders
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Westy on February 18, 2017, 09:02:37 AM
Looking at that, for the 77, there's 2 options for the Sunday service.

Nx has it back, or Arriva somehow runs it from Tamworth, assuming some placing journeys at least?
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: BusFan94 on February 18, 2017, 03:56:35 PM
Is that the 310 that goes between Willenhall and Wednesbury and then to wherever the hell it goes to after that.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: 2206 on February 18, 2017, 03:58:52 PM
Quote from: BusFan94 on February 18, 2017, 03:56:35 PM
Is that the 310 that goes between Willenhall and Wednesbury and then to wherever the hell it goes to after that.
Yes.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 18, 2017, 04:17:58 PM
Quote from: 2206 on February 18, 2017, 03:58:52 PM
Yes.

Well according to Network West Midlands it runs between Willenhall - Merry Hell !!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Kevin on February 18, 2017, 05:06:22 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 18, 2017, 04:17:58 PM
Well according to Network West Midlands it runs between Willenhall - Merry Hell !!

Was for a bit, cut it back fairly quick
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: BusFan94 on February 18, 2017, 06:32:56 PM
Quote from: 2206 on February 18, 2017, 03:58:52 PM
Yes.
Oh should be good to see diamond in Darlaston again what's was the route they used to run via Darlo around the time the 79 went to Brum.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Walsall1955 on February 19, 2017, 12:34:40 PM
In February 2012 Arriva had optimism for their new Black Country operation (14 buses, 35 drivers):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walsall1955/32174023273/in/dateposted-public/
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: fleetline6477 on February 19, 2017, 02:26:42 PM
The depot Arriva established was the former Pete's Travel depot in Hill Top on the West Bromwich / Wednesbury boarder.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: fleetline6477 on February 19, 2017, 02:31:51 PM
Quote from: BusFan94 on February 18, 2017, 06:32:56 PM
Oh should be good to see diamond in Darlaston again what's was the route they used to run via Darlo around the time the 79 went to Brum.

They ran 327 Willenhall - Darlaston - Wednesbury

They also ran 575 Bilston - Wolverhampton which went through Rough Hay and past the Tescos, Darlaston but not actually into Darlaston Bus Station
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: BusFan94 on February 19, 2017, 07:32:54 PM
Oh ok well because I never rode the 575 I didn't know about that so it was the 327 that went through Darlo bus station
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: the trainbasher on February 20, 2017, 01:05:39 PM
208 all trips after 1800 cut. Timetable revised as well.

12 to divert to Cradley Heath, no longer serving Merry Hill

34/424 MUST have a vehicle shorter than 8.6m

S16 minimum capacity 16 seats

82/229 to interwork

Prices were wanted for and without Euro V compliance on tenders

Information from tender specifications.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: Stuharris 6360 on February 20, 2017, 01:10:41 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 20, 2017, 01:05:39 PM
208 all trips after 1800 cut. Timetable revised as well.

12 to divert to Cradley Heath, no longer serving Merry Hill

34/424 MUST have a vehicle shorter than 8.6m

S16 minimum capacity 16 seats

Information from tender specifications

Am surprised they keep services like 12 13 14 going, I often see them and usage is very very low.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: the trainbasher on February 20, 2017, 01:22:35 PM
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on February 20, 2017, 01:10:41 PM
Am surprised they keep services like 12 13 14 going, I often see them and usage is very very low.

Timings and route from the specification

Service Specification
Monday to Friday
0700 and hourly until 1800      Blackheath to Cradley Heath
0730 and hourly until 1830          Cradley Heath  to Blackheath
Saturday
0900 and hourly until 1600          Blackheath to Cradley Heath
0930 and hourly until 1630          Cradley Heath  to Blackheath

Line of Route
Cradley Heath Interchange, Forge Lane, Lower High Street, High Street, B4173, Colley Lane, Colley Gate, Mapletree Lane, Ladysmith Road, Furlong Lane, Overend Road,
Congreaves Road, Barrs Road, Halesowen Road, Beechcroft Road, Lawrence Lane, A4100, Halesowen Road, Beauty Bank, Station Road, Gorstey Hill Road, Halesowen Street, Bassano Road, Halesowen High Street, Market Place and Blackheath Halesowen Street.
Return Route - Blackheath Halesowen Street, Gorstey Hill Road then via outward route in reverse until Cradley Heath Interchange.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: andyallen4014 on February 20, 2017, 06:18:53 PM
Quote from: Simon Dunn on February 18, 2017, 07:50:21 AM
All,

I believe this is what it includes

13   
63/64/65   
17   
23   
310   
223   
12   
243   (Sun Only)
82   (Eve & Sun)
142   (Eve & Sun)
36/41 (Eve & Sun)
19   (Sun Only)
208   (Sun Only)
257   (Eve & Sun)
229   (Eve & Sun)
530   (Eve & Sun)

So there is no 77.

Simon

Hi, do we know if there was much more up for grabs? And if so which routes? Thanks.
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: the trainbasher on February 21, 2017, 10:05:30 PM
Tender Specifications from TfWM

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AkYwwM3qx22AgZFlLp8eNAVzc3vZ2w
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: sonic84 on February 22, 2017, 07:26:03 AM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 21, 2017, 10:05:30 PM
Tender Specifications from TfWM

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AkYwwM3qx22AgZFlLp8eNAVzc3vZ2w

That's was really interesting to read. I am surprised some of these continue to operate as average usage per trip is so low!
Title: Re: April tenders
Post by: andyallen4014 on February 23, 2017, 04:31:37 PM
Quote from: the trainbasher on February 21, 2017, 10:05:30 PM
Tender Specifications from TfWM

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AkYwwM3qx22AgZFlLp8eNAVzc3vZ2w

Excellent, thank you!