There will be rail replacements tomorrow morning for a few hours on the Snow Hill Lines if anyone is interested. Buses will replace trains between 7:30-9:00 between Birmingham Snow Hill and Dorridge. There will be four departures from Snow Hill, and two to Snow Hill. The 7:35, 8:00 and 8:15 departures will operate for Chiltern to Dorridge. the 8:31 departure will operate for West Midlands Trains to Whitlocks End. There will also be a bus leaving Dorridge at 8:10 to Birmingham and 8:18 from Whitlocks End to Birmingham. Both on behalf of West Midlands Trains.
May as well use this thread for any future Rail Reps...
Due to Cross City still being shut there are Rail Reps running Longbridge - Redditch/ Bromsgrove
Think Redditch is all Minibuses from Five Star Cars and Bromsgrove is a few Green Bus Tridents
Currently parked up at Longbridge is former D&G Bus Wright Commander 147 YG52EVY. Not sure who it's with now as D&G logos have been removed and it has no legals on side - possibly a standby
Edit YG52EVY is now with Coastal Liner
Noted yesterday at Bromsgrove Station were a Dudleys coach departing for Longbridge , a Bouden coach arrived from ?? and parked up. Two Woodstones vehicles also arrived and parked up. One of the Woodstones was noted returning to Kidderminster at around 20.25 last evening. 8)
Mostly complete list of Birmingham International - Coventry - Rugby today
Green Bus 101, 110, 111, 112, 113, 302, 312, 351
NXWM 4878, 4925, 4941, 4947, 6144, 6148 (standby), 6826, 6835
Centrebus Scania Omnidekkas 903 (standby), 905, 902 and Scania Omnicity 900 (standby)
Ridley's B7TL Presidents W443WGH, W840WGH
Midland Classic 61, 62 and a DAF/Gemini
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 26, 2018, 07:10:02 PM
Mostly complete list of Birmingham International - Coventry - Rugby today
Green Bus 101, 110, 111, 112, 113, 302, 312, 351
NXWM 4878, 4925, 4941, 4947, 6144, 6148 (standby), 6826, 6835
Centrebus Scania Omnidekkas 903 (standby), 905, 902 and Scania Omnicity 900 (standby)
Ridley's B7TL Presidents W443WGH, W840WGH
Midland Classic 61, 62 and a DAF/Gemini
4967 & 6838 did a late night trip from Rugby - New Street around 22:20 Last Night.
Bromsgrove just after the rush hour this morning produced the following - BV66GVL of Amans , R443FWT of Guru , BF61HCX of Boudens , VU13EES of R.H., [Rashid Hanif] Travel and M31BRT of Brit Coaches , unable to see the legal lettering but I would guess from Halesowen as the motif on the coach was the same as on their website . 8)
There is Rail Replacement tommorow morning on the cross city south between Birmingham New Street and Redditch/ Bromsgrove via all stations the to engineering works.
Quote from: 4369Beast on January 19, 2019, 10:07:34 PM
There is Rail Replacement tommorow morning on the cross city south between Birmingham New Street and Redditch/ Bromsgrove via all stations the to engineering works.
YW Scanias
Over running engineering work on the Stourbridge line today (from what was said a track machine caught fire at Hagley during the night), any idea who provided the replacements.
Anyone know who will be providing vehicles for the Warwick Parkway - Solihull closure this weekend?
Quote from: Kevin on January 24, 2019, 08:09:45 PM
Anyone know who will be providing vehicles for the Warwick Parkway - Solihull closure this weekend?
Pretty sure it was NXWM with the Caetano Levantes used on JLR work, mixed in with Johnsons and Ridley's Coaches last time.
@Tony may be able to confirm if that will occur again this time round
There is Rail Replacment on the WCML ( Birmingham International - Rugby via Coventry and all stations) from 19/04/2019 - 22/04/2019. I wonder what will be out this time as last time NXWM had a variety of garages on it including BC,YW,WB and NXC. Green bus were also on it.
Quote from: 4369Beast on February 09, 2019, 12:32:15 PM
There is Rail Replacment on the WCML ( Birmingham International - Rugby via Coventry and all stations) from 19/04/2019 - 22/04/2019. I wonder what will be out this time as last time NXWM had a variety of garages on it including BC,YW,WB and NXC. Green bus were also on it.
Usual Easter rail engineering works, so if NX get the work, most garages will have spare capacity.
National Express always get first choice on the Rail Replacement work and they choose there load and then sub contract it out If you like to the likes of Green bus, midland classic and arriva.
After yesterday evenings "problems" on the Cross City route , it would seem that common sense prevailed and two of Boudens fleet were noted on standby at Bromsgrove rail station just after 06.00 this morning. :)
Coventry based 6956 noted at Birmingham International this morning presumably route learning this weekend Replacements between International and Rugby
List of everything I have seen so far today
NXWM 4623 4877 6879 NXC 6956 6967
Green Bus 109 110 111 302 304 312 395
Midland Classic 51 55 63 66 68 69 and 67 Coventry Standby
Centrebus 900
Ridley's W443WGH and X157FBB sadly Rugby standby
Coastal Liner T183CLO International standby
All running in pairs on the half hourly stoppers, though frequently will get sent express from Coventry to International by the controllers
And today's list of buses....
NXWM 6891 6892 6950 NXC 6952 6954
Green Bus 105 109 301 302 304 351 395
Midland Classic 51 55 61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 (all their Enviros - increased number of buses today)
Centrebus 904
Ridley's W443WGH and X157FBB Rugby standby again
Coastal Liner T183CLO International standby again, though lucky
@Michael Bevan and a few others a bagged a ride on it
Midland Classic 67 was Coventry standby, though with the Cov-Nuneaton line having a points failure, Buses were replacing trains along there too, so it was utilised along with T183CLO on there. Overall a lot busier today so slightly more buses in service, but more difficult to bash buses of choice.
Green Bus 302 and 304 have been performing excellence over these last few days, they really have worked wonders to them by speed unrestricting the Vamooz ones. Meanwhile 395 has really not been enjoying its consistent hot weather thrashing, with fans running consistently yesterday, whilst 302 and 304 barely had them on for 1 minute in the circa 1hour I have spent on both of them y/today. Anybody wanting good President thrash, it really is worth it :D
The Green Bus open top Olympian 365 is on Birmingham International-Rugby rail replacements today.
Does anyone know what will be on Snow Hill Rail Replacements on Sunday please? Is it likely to see buses or coaches?
Buses will be Scanias or E200 due to low bridges and low hanging Branches
B&RLES not to be used due to ground clearances.
Noted at various times yesterday at Bromsgrove on r/r to Droitwich / Worcester were Dudleys M750VYB and GO52END. National Express West Midlands BV19XOX and a Tourismo - BA19OWM owned by Rashid Hanif.
Saturday 5th at Bromsgrove come up with BA19OWM again , Commandery's YT62JCO , Brit Travels M31BRT , Cresswells HS66BUS , Dudleys CN04NFF and a Tourismo still in Westbus livery - BF61HBD.
Midland Classic 81 and 82 on Barnt Green-Redditch.
.
As at Droitwich yesterday it appears to be too much trouble for WMR to advise guards that buses load on the main road, or set up the PIS on trains.
NXWM 1813 and Brit Coaches M31BRT at Bromsgrove Station at 9.30 this morning.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on December 07, 2019, 12:08:50 PM
NXWM 1813 and Brit Coaches M31BRT at Bromsgrove Station at 9.30 this morning.
I was there last night with SN55BNU on standby.
Two R H Travels mini-buses at Bromsgrove at 13.20 today - HX05KXP and SH09OKX.
Potteries 'Kingfisher' branded B9TL on Rail Replacement in Birmingham - in addition to the usual Midland Classic bunch, as well as a few Arriva Pulsars
Quote from: Nathan on February 16, 2020, 04:03:16 PM
Slight correction, The Kingfisher branded's are B7TL's ;)
Ah, that's my bad! :P
Quote from: CL on February 16, 2020, 03:08:23 PM
Potteries 'Kingfisher' branded B9TL on Rail Replacement in Birmingham - in addition to the usual Midland Classic bunch, as well as a few Arriva Pulsars
Slight correction, The Kingfisher branded's are B7TL's ;)
In addition, the Stourbridge replacements were in the hands of Midland Classic Solars and NXWM Omnilinks, plus ex-YourBus E200 YY67 USO. There were some replacements to Stafford too, which seemed to have coaches from JKT and Amans, and Eminence had a minibus on the Walsall line replacements.
is there a rail replacement service on the kidderminster line today ? as i saw 3 buses in stagecoach livery parked on the road by kidderminster station.
Quote from: Cedric on February 18, 2020, 03:07:00 PM
is there a rail replacement service on the kidderminster line today ? as i saw 3 buses in stagecoach livery parked on the road by kidderminster station.
There was a track defect between Kidderminster and Worcester this morning. Trains started running south of Kidderminster at about 11:30.
Coventry are on the Rail Reps today to Coleshill. 6967 & 6952 departed New Street at 0952
First Potteries 32633 37160 did the 1052 departure, with Midland Classic 74 and 32643 on the 1112
Other buses later seen...
NXWM 6946 6948 6950 7523
Midland Classic 22 75 76 219
Arriva Midlands 3002 3795 - Coleshill standbys
I see same midland classic bus every Sunday at merry hill. What are these on?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on February 22, 2020, 10:57:08 AM
I see same midland classic bus every Sunday at merry hill. What are these on?
They were on Snow Hill rail replacement which finished last week I believe
Shuttles to Coleshill today included NXWM 4733, 6945, 7516and Midland Classic double deckers. 63/5/7, Arrriva Tamworth single decks, and rather surprisingly Potteries Streetlites incl 63178.
I heard one of the co-ordinators refer to specific journeys being wheelchair acccesible altthough it appeared all were - unless MC produced 96 it seems highly unlikely those operators would use anything else.
Quote from: Cedric on February 18, 2020, 03:07:00 PM
is there a rail replacement service on the kidderminster line today ? as i saw 3 buses in stagecoach livery parked on the road by kidderminster station.
Stagecoach 34519 on a Guru Travel disc at Crewe tonight, also number 1311.
Out again this morning. Still with Stagecoach legal lettering as well as Guru's on s piece of paper, and other saying its waiting to be repainted - do Guru have a livery?
Quote from: mikestone on March 02, 2020, 08:52:06 PM
Stagecoach 34519 on a Guru Travel disc at Crewe tonight, also number 1311.
Out again this morning. Still with Stagecoach legal lettering as well as Guru's on s piece of paper, and other saying its waiting to be repainted - do Guru have a livery?
I'm not entirely sure of they have a specific livery although I was the co ordinator there at crewe and it was a standby vechile down at liverpool south parkway but Northwich travel wasnt playing ball so that got utilized instead and then I sent it back out at 18:50 all stations to Livepool South Parkway.
Quote from: mikestone on March 02, 2020, 08:52:06 PM
. . . . . . . . . . do Guru have a livery?
I have only seen coaches working for them and they are usually all over white , some have the odd stripe or swirl from their previous operators still in place. Tonys photo's of the fleet will confirm this. Cheers.
That was the reason for my question, having spotted that the photos suggested they didn't have a livery.
Three vehicles belonging to Brit Travel at Bromsgrove Rail Station around 15.00 this afternoon. M31BRT,MD15XNR and BV69LOF.
King Edward liveried Green Bus dropping off passengers around half two yesterday afternoon at Bromsgrove Station.
For anyone interested here's a near complete list of all the buses that have been on CrossCountry / Avanti / LNWR Replacements between Birmingham International - Rugby / Leamington and Coventry to Nuneaton, over the past few days. Some operators were parking overnight at stations so it was basically the same buses each day.
Atlantic Travel (Bolton) - N230/Omnidekka YT59OZV (ex Nottingham) , B9TL/Gemini's BJ11DSO DSV and another, ex Tower Transit
Barnes (Swindon) - B9TL/Olympus tri-axle PN10FOA
Bestway Coaches (Bolton) - N230/Omnicity YN08DHX, ex RATP London SP31
Catteralls of Southam - B7TL/ALX400s UUI4920/4921, ex Arriva London VLA23/25
Coastal Liner - Trident T183CLO
DW Coaches (Clay Cross) - B7TL/ALX400 LJ05BJU, ex Arriva London VLA128
First Leicester and Worcester - various Streetdecks
Hamilton Coaches (Northampton) - B7TL/ALX400s BC51NFE/NFR, ex De Courcey and Dublin
Happy Als (Birkenhead) - E400MMCs DD17ALS DD68ALS, N230/OmniCitys ex Stagecoach London 15132 15140 and another
Johnsons - E400MMCs SN65OHZ OJA OJB
Lakeside of Ellesmere- E400MMC YX69NNB
Midland Classic - various E400s (63-69 range) and Scania Omnicity 61
MP Travel (Warrington) - N94UD/Omnidekka W22MPT, ex Nottingham
NXWM - 6893 out today, 4412 4417 noted standby on Saturday
Orbit Coaches (Leicester) - N94UD/Omnidekkas YN53RZA RZB CNZ4060, ex Metrobus
Regional Transport (Shropshire) - DB250/ALX400 - Y473UGC ex Arriva London DLA273
Ridleys- N230/OmniDekkas YT09YHO YHL and another, ex Nottingham
Sharpes (Nottingham) - B7TL/ALX400 MIB6571, ex Dublin Bus AV130
Skills (Nottingham) - E400MMC SN17MVV, Trident/President SIL7028 (ex Lothian)
South Staffs - Trident/ALX400 PX04DNE (ex Stagecoach Cumbria 18140) , E400 LK08FMA ex Metroline TE1572 and B7TL/President PJ53OVA ex London Soverign VLP24
Thandi - N94UD/OmniDekka RUI2058 ex Metrobus
Warwickshire Travel - Trident/ALX400 F10WTC, ex Stagecoach London 17752
Seems PSVAR may have taken its toll as last time these happened it was mostly coaches doing the then Virgin Trains direct services, now just a handful of coaches around, mostly ex Oxford Tube Astromegas with Ridleys and some Tourismos. Also NX understandably have less double deckers spare in the current times, hence the array of independents.
Hope this provides some interest to anyone who wasn't around :)
Edit: Lots of Green Bus Gemini's around too which I wasn't keeping track of, plus 111 112 304 312
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 31, 2020, 07:20:55 PM
For anyone interested here's a near complete list of all the buses that have been on CrossCountry / Avanti / LNWR Replacements between Birmingham International - Rugby / Leamington and Coventry to Nuneaton, over the past few days. Some operators were parking overnight at stations so it was basically the same buses each day.
Atlantic Travel (Bolton) - N230/Omnidekka YT59OZV (ex Nottingham) , B9TL/Gemini's BJ11DSO DSV and another, ex Tower Transit
Barnes (Swindon) - B9TL/Olympus tri-axle PN10FOA
Bestway Coaches (Bolton) - N230/Omnicity YN08DHX, ex RATP London SP31
Catteralls of Southam - B7TL/ALX400s UUI4920/4921, ex Arriva London VLA23/25
Coastal Liner - Trident T183CLO
DW Coaches (Clay Cross) - B7TL/ALX400 LJ05BJU, ex Arriva London VLA128
First Leicester and Worcester - various Streetdecks
Hamilton Coaches (Northampton) - B7TL/ALX400s BC51NFE/NFR, ex De Courcey and Dublin
Happy Als (Birkenhead) - E400MMCs DD17ALS DD68ALS, N230/OmniCitys ex Stagecoach London 15132 15140 and another
Johnsons - E400MMCs SN65OHZ OJA OJB
Lakeside of Ellesmere- E400MMC YX69NNB
Midland Classic - various E400s (63-69 range) and Scania Omnicity 61
MP Travel (Warrington) - N94UD/Omnidekka W22MPT, ex Nottingham
NXWM - 6893 out today, 4412 4417 noted standby on Saturday
Orbit Coaches (Leicester) - N94UD/Omnidekkas YN53RZA RZB CNZ4060, ex Metrobus
Regional Transport (Shropshire) - DB250/ALX400 - Y473UGC ex Arriva London DLA273
Ridleys- N230/OmniDekkas YT09YHO YHL and another, ex Nottingham
Sharpes (Nottingham) - B7TL/ALX400 MIB6571, ex Dublin Bus AV130
Skills (Nottingham) - E400MMC SN17MVV, Trident/President SIL7028 (ex Lothian)
South Staffs - Trident/ALX400 PX04DNE (ex Stagecoach Cumbria 18140) , E400 LK08FMA ex Metroline TE1572 and B7TL/President PJ53OVA ex London Soverign VLP24
Thandi - N94UD/OmniDekka RUI2058 ex Metrobus
Warwickshire Travel - Trident/ALX400 F10WTC, ex Stagecoach London 17752
Seems PSVAR may have taken its toll as last time these happened it was mostly coaches doing the then Virgin Trains direct services, now just a handful of coaches around, mostly ex Oxford Tube Astromegas with Ridleys and some Tourismos. Also NX understandably have less double deckers spare in the current times, hence the array of independents.
Hope this provides some interest to anyone who wasn't around :)
Edit: Lots of Green Bus Gemini's around too which I wasn't keeping track of, plus 111 112 304 312
Thanks for the post Dylan. That certainly helps me in completing my list!
The other Atlantic Travel Gemini was BJ11DYH.
Bestway also used Omnicity YN08DHV (seen at International today).
NX used platinum 7534 this morning although this went back by midday.
For anyone interested, the Green Bus Geminis were 401, 402, 404, 405, 407, 408, 416 & 417.
Trident 120 was used as well as President 113.
Trident 117 was used as a staff bus today.
The First Leicester Streetdecks were 35188, 35189, 35190, 35191 & 35192.
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 31, 2020, 07:20:55 PM
Happy Als (Birkenhead) - E400MMCs DD17ALS DD68ALS, N230/OmniCitys ex Stagecoach London 15132 15140 and another
The other Happy Al's OmniCity was ex-Stagecoach 15135 LX59 CMY
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on August 31, 2020, 07:20:55 PM.
Hope this provides some interest to anyone who wasn't around :)
Thanks folks for posting . Great selection of vehicles.
Does anyone know which operators will be on cross city rail replacements this weekend?
Quote from: BusMan Greg on September 28, 2020, 06:44:37 PM
Does anyone know which operators will be on cross city rail replacements this weekend?
We normally have Midland Classic, Arriva and NX. Although whatever vechiles are used they have to be single deck because of Low Bridges.
Quote from: 4369Beast on September 28, 2020, 09:22:12 PM
We normally have Midland Classic, Arriva and NX. Although whatever vechiles are used they have to be single deck because of Low Bridges.
D&G versa on Moor Street Queensway and Jennens Road today operating a Rail Replacement service.
Nice selection of vehicles at Bromsgrove Station today , including Brit Tours - BV69LOF , Henshaw of Moreton in Marsh - GL67HEN , Bakers of Moreton in Marsh - OB66MTB and my star attraction , N.N.Cresswell's - YJ59NMZ , a coach seated Optare Versa in a vey "different" livery , basically the red livery of previous owner , Sargeant of Kington with the addition of various symbols and patterns , see pictures on Flickr.
Bromsgrove earlierthis morning , 30 minutes worth of coaches saw Amans x 1 , Ridley x 2 , Henshaw x 2 , Endevour x 1 and Sovreign of Willenhall x 1.
Various buses noted on Cross City replacement at University station earlier on, Pelham's AA68BUS and PC18BUS, Guru Travel PJ53OLK and PJ53OLC (saw GX04EXN by Digbeth yesterday as well which may have been on RRP), Mighty Travels KX08OMP, Midland Classic YJ66APF.
Saw Eminence Merc coach BV70UAL and Amans Caetano Levante X17ATL on the Worcester service as well, and an Endeavour Merc coach (possibly BV66GVZ?) which I'm guessing was ex Shearings.
Midland Classic spotted doing the Chase Line replacements.
Noticed they were also showing on BusTimes.org as well.
Quote from: Cheese on June 27, 2021, 02:33:56 PM
Various buses noted on Cross City replacement at University station earlier on, Pelham's AA68BUS and PC18BUS, Guru Travel PJ53OLK and PJ53OLC (saw GX04EXN by Digbeth yesterday as well which may have been on RRP), Mighty Travels KX08OMP, Midland Classic YJ66APF.
Saw Eminence Merc coach BV70UAL and Amans Caetano Levante X17ATL on the Worcester service as well, and an Endeavour Merc coach (possibly BV66GVZ?) which I'm guessing was ex Shearings.
Small correction, Grosvenor Coaches own KX08OMP (MAN/Plaxton Centro). Mighty Travels are using former Go North East Scania L94/Wright NL02ZRX.
At Redditch is First Choice Minibus Hire BMC Condor BX60CKL, likely standby
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on June 27, 2021, 03:31:13 PM
Small correction, Grosvenor Coaches own KX08OMP (MAN/Plaxton Centro). Mighty Travels are using former Go North East Scania L94/Wright NL02ZRX.
At Redditch is First Choice Minibus Hire BMC Condor BX60CKL, likely standby
KX08OMP had Mighty Travels legals in the window so don't know if it's on loan to them in that case?
Quote from: Cheese on June 27, 2021, 03:47:28 PM
KX08OMP had Mighty Travels legals in the window so don't know if it's on loan to them in that case?
My apologies, I won't question that! Must've changed hands as I remember seeing it with Grosvenor on this very Rail Replacement some years ago. The Scania also has the legals in the window so does add up
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on June 27, 2021, 03:55:42 PM
My apologies, I won't question that! Must've changed hands as I remember seeing it with Grosvenor on this very Rail Replacement some years ago. The Scania also has the legals in the window so does add up
No worries, haven't kept up to speed with these operators who have appeared in recent times doing rail replacements like Guru, Mighty etc!
Cheers for all the additional reports folks. As said , its often a good way to record recent fleet changes . One of the Henshaws coaches at Bromsgrove was an immaculate ex-Parkes Plaxton Elite - SD16ABM, [ ex KSK979 ] 8)
Pretty much the same operators [ and the same vehicles ] noted at Bromsgrove yesterday. Can I ask if someone could give me the full reg of a JKT Irizar seen please ? The last three letters "could" have been WDX . . . . . .
The usual suspects at Bromsgrove around 20.30 yesterday - Woodstones , Guru and Mighty Travels.
On national rail it was listed as "Compliant Woodstones" - their website dosen't seem to be using compliance as a selling point.
With WMT having a severe staff shortage yesterday , a lot of afternoon services at Worcester were cancelled with r/r buses/coaches laid on . This gave me the chance to travel on my first "BMC" badged vehicle for many a year !
I travelled back to Bromsgrove on First Choices BMC Condor BX60CKL. Which , apart from doing what many buses do - rattle - , it went well in between queues in the rush hour slow traffic. The driver was smart and helpful too . On arrival at Bromsgrove I also noted a Tourismo of Emminence Travel and an example of the obligitory anonymous , all white , ex-National Express Levante coach. :D
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on August 11, 2021, 09:22:59 AM
With WMT having a severe staff shortage yesterday , a lot of afternoon services at Worcester were cancelled with r/r buses/coaches laid on . This gave me the chance to travel on my first "BMC" badged vehicle for many a year !
I travelled back to Bromsgrove on First Choices BMC Condor BX60CKL. Which , apart from doing what many buses do - rattle - , it went well in between queues in the rush hour slow traffic. The driver was smart and helpful too . On arrival at Bromsgrove I also noted a Tourismo of Emminence Travel and an example of the obligitory anonymous , all white , ex-National Express Levante coach. :D
The Ex nx one if you could see where the words National express used to be on the rear then that's Mighty Travel of Yardley.
Cheers for that . :)
Green Bus E400s LJ09CCX/Z/DE/F/N/O all seen on rail replacements, also a pair of ex Golden Tours MCV bodied Volvo B9TLs in allover blue still with Stagecoach fleet names for when they were on loan at Busways.
Diamond Streetlite 32320 is on Cross City South rail replacements today between Birmingham New Street and Redditch.
At 11.15 today GO Goodwin's Yelloway liveried E40 outside TK Max, both of Ridley's E40s seen later on Nuneaton services.
'
Didn't see any D&G or Midland Classic vehicles, yet coaches from as far away as Swansea.
Quote from: mikestone on September 05, 2021, 08:24:04 PM
At 11.15 today GO Goodwin's Yelloway liveried E40 outside TK Max, both of Ridley's E40s seen later on Nuneaton services.
'
Didn't see any D&G or Midland Classic vehicles, yet coaches from as far away as Swansea.
Midland Classic had their 10, 14, 15, 22, 24 out throughout the day
There was also some other operators on rails yesterday;
- Guru Travel Darts GX04 EXN, PJ53 OLC and PJ53 OLK
- Pulhams Coaches Citaro N99 NHS
- First Choice Minibuses BMC BX60 CKL
- The Green Bus E400 LJ09 CDO (Probably others, but I only saw that one)
- Ridleys Van Hool FSV 305 and E400MMC YX70 OLR
- Sovereign Levante FJ60 HXX
There's bound to be a bunch that I've missed, but I was down on the southern Cross City for most of the day.
A few more for yesterday - SK68TWP - AA Minibus. BX65WCZ - Mighty Travels. KBZ662 - South Staffs.
Diamond 32233, 32238 and 32325 are on Cross City South rail replacements this morning between Redditch and Birmingham.
All are tracking on bustimes.org under RAIL.
Been a nice variety on Cross City South rail replacements earlier...
Some of the noteworthy ones on Birmingham New Street to Redditch/Bromsgrove were Diamond Streetlite 32326, Thandi EX16M TT21 NOY, N.N. Cresswell TC12 L2 NNC and GT Trident X398 KBV...
Some of the noteworthy ones on Birmingham New Street to Droitwich Spa were Diamond Streetlite 32325, GT Sprinter UIG 2133 and Endeavour Levante BX65 WDE...
You also had the usual stuff on there from GT Coaches/Guru Travel, Midland Classic, Brit Coaches, Aston Manor Coaches, Pulham Coaches etc.
Midland Classic out today on South Cross City included Scania's 14,16,25.
Two vehicles at Bromsgrove this morning , SK68TWN of AA Minibuses and BA19OWM of RH Travels.
The usual suspects at Bromsgrove yesterday afternoon - Guru , AA and Endeavour. There could have been more but at least two advertised workings failed to materialise . . . . . . . :sad:
Two of First Choices vehicles on standby at Kidderminster this afternoon. BX60CKL + BU18YST.
The Green Bus, South Staffs, Cymru Coaches, solus coaches, Lingburg and Southern Coachlines will be out on Sunday. Operating for XC between Leamington Spa, Banbury and Oxford. And Leamington Spa - Didcot Parkway direct if anyone is interested
I've just had a quick look on Bus View and the fleet of Southern Coachlines looks to be very varied and interesting. :smiley:
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on September 23, 2022, 06:08:20 PMI've just had a quick look on Bus View and the fleet of Southern Coachlines looks to be very varied and interesting. :smiley:
It was a tourismo last time so who knows.
Northern have said that they won't be doing a number of Rail Replacements in their area due to shortages of available coaches/drivers
Roger French has commented on this https://twitter.com/BusAndTrainUser/status/1573326013051949058 https://twitter.com/BusAndTrainUser/status/1573327317442891776
One of Kev's E200's working between Longbridge and Bromsgrove this afternoon.
I was going to ask for observations as to rail replacement vehicles being used on the Lichfield line but I see that Tony has kindly posted some photos. :smiley:
Brit Coaches Merc BU18 YMP was on the Aston rail replacements heading to Tame Bridge as I walked out of Hamstead Station
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on April 04, 2024, 12:56:52 PMI was going to ask for observations as to rail replacement vehicles being used on the Lichfield line but I see that Tony has kindly posted some photos. :smiley:
Where has he posted these, please?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on May 29, 2024, 07:52:20 PMWhere has he posted these, please?
My post refers to a previous line closure at the start of April.
Apparently there are no passenger trains at all for Coventry on Sat 22 & Sun 23 June.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/engineering-works/rugby-birmingham-international-20240622/
I wonder how many rail replacement buses will be in use?
Quote from: Sandy Lane on June 21, 2024, 08:38:53 PMApparently there are no passenger trains at all for Coventry on Sat 22 & Sun 23 June.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/engineering-works/rugby-birmingham-international-20240622/
I wonder how many rail replacement buses will be in use?
Noticed that some of the Diamond buses are tracking on Bus times today (Service RRO6).
At the newish Coventry bus interchange there are two permanent stops , RR1 and RR2 for rail replacement buses. The stops do not appear on the live tracking systems though.
Quote from: Sandy Lane on June 23, 2024, 05:33:58 PMAt the newish Coventry bus interchange there are two permanent stops , RR1 and RR2 for rail replacement buses. The stops do not appear on the live tracking systems though.
I don't think they would as they aren't normal services.
Ridleys had a number of vehicles on the road yesterday ALX400, E400 MMC, Omnidecka and various coaches.
I travelled on a (70 plate I think) MMC from Birmingham International to Rugby via all Stations.
Also saw YX61GAO at Coventry Station. The Thandi Scania and an ex NX 17XX on the A45 somewhere by Stretton on Dunsmore I think.
Coastal Liner at Birmingham International. And also Solus Coaches had a plain white coach out as well.
I think the X1 might have been on diversion briefly yesterday as I saw on on the Kenilworth Road Birmingham bound as well.
Just a few noted in 30 minutes at Leicester station this morning
BX56XBS in NX grimson
YX11FZW
YC16XAA
SK07DZN Guru
MA23RYO a long way from home Mario coach travel
Fleet Street garage
Fleet Street lane
Ribchester
Preston
PR3 3ZA
LX11CWK and BN61MXG were working late Birmingham - Coleshill Parkway rail replacements.
Google says Tyrers Travel are based in Farnworth, Bolton. so they've come a long way to operate these.
Coaches from First Choice , Amans and JKT at Bromsgrove rail station earlier today.
Snow Hill is closed from Smethwick Galton Bridge to Stourbridge Junction for 5 days. Rail replacement running Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction.
Seemed to be solely Diamond Streetlites and Britts Coaches today with a ex NX 17XX on standby at Stourbridge Junction.
I think there is a bridge restriction at Old Hill on the all stopper route. As the coach I was on was to tall to go down there and the driver honked and got out shouting from the bottom of the road for the sole passenger waiting to come down. And then had to reverse blind.
He said he doesn't know why they try and send them down there when they can use the 14A stop round the corner
Quote from: 2206 on October 27, 2024, 08:15:48 PMSnow Hill is closed from Smethwick Galton Bridge to Stourbridge Junction for 5 days. Rail replacement running Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction.
Seemed to be solely Diamond Streetlites and Britts Coaches today with a ex NX 17XX on standby at Stourbridge Junction.
I think there is a bridge restriction at Old Hill on the all stopper route. As the coach I was on was to talk to go down there and the driver honked and got out shouting from the bottom of the road for the sole passenger waiting to come down. And then had to reverse blind.
He said he doesn't know why they try and send them down there when they can use the 14A stop round the corner
Old Hill has an 11' 9" bridge at the one side of it, and nowhere for any coach/bus to turn around if they go up there (the car park has a barrier across it and would be difficult to do a 3-point turn in if the parking spaces opposite the entrance were being used).
Quote from: ellspurs on October 27, 2024, 09:01:02 PMOld Hill has an 11' 9" bridge at the one side of it, and nowhere for any coach/bus to turn around if they go up there (the car park has a barrier across it and would be difficult to do a 3-point turn in if the parking spaces opposite the entrance were being used).
But TFWM have rail replacement on the flag on the stop on Station Road for some reason, so that is where the passenger was waiting.
Quote from: 2206 on October 27, 2024, 09:06:51 PMBut TFWM have rail replacement on the flag on the stop on Station Road for some reason, so that is where the passenger was waiting.
Well that's just typical TfWM for you!
NXWM have several vechiles out from today (Monday 28th) till Thursday 31st on Rail Replacement Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction.
So far I've seen 4992, 4757,4836,4890,4752 and 4761. As well as Brit coaches.
Nice bit of extra income
Quote from: 4369Beast on October 28, 2024, 08:43:44 AMSo far I've seen 4992, 4757,4836,4890,4752 and 4761. As well as Brit coaches.
Not 4890, that's a BC bus on the 95
Ex NXWM BX56 XCD on standby at Stourbridge Junction
E200 YX61 FYF is on today as well
Quote from: Tony on October 28, 2024, 11:02:21 AMNot 4890, that's a BC bus on the 95
My mistake sorry tony.
Quote from: 2206 on October 27, 2024, 09:06:51 PMBut TFWM have rail replacement on the flag on the stop on Station Road for some reason, so that is where the passenger was waiting.
As well as having a dedicated stop located in a location the majority of vehicles being used are unable to reach.
The other question is why do trains to Smethwick Galton Bridge then seem to run empty to the platform at Langley Green and why run empty and not in service.
Also for passengers travelling from Stourbridge to Snow Hill why not run some buses direct along the A456. Instead of making everyone take the 2 hour route via either the Soho Road or Winson Green and convoluted roads in Sandwell.
Quote from: 2206 on October 29, 2024, 07:56:09 PMThe other question is why do trains to Smethwick Galton Bridge then seem to run empty to the platform at Langley Green and why run empty and not in service.
Presumably there are some points between the two stations so the trains can switch tracks, then the driver can change ends more easily at Langley Green.
Quote from: 2206 on October 29, 2024, 07:56:09 PMAlso for passengers travelling from Stourbridge to Snow Hill why not run some buses direct along the A456. Instead of making everyone take the 2 hour route via either the Soho Road or Winson Green and convoluted roads in Sandwell.
Why not use the 9 bus service instead? Sounds like it would be quicker and cheaper!
QuoteAs well as having a dedicated stop located in a location the majority of vehicles being used are unable to reach.
The other question is why do trains to Smethwick Galton Bridge then seem to run empty to the platform at Langley Green and why run empty and not in service.
Also for passengers travelling from Stourbridge to Snow Hill why not run some buses direct along the A456. Instead of making everyone take the 2 hour route via either the Soho Road or Winson Green and convoluted roads in Sandwell.
Trains can not run in passenger service from Smethwick to Smethwick via the Langley Shunt, must be done as an ECS. Likewise with trains that terminates Rowley Regis have to go ECS to Langley Green to start. The points are not clear for passenger use. Thought there is plans to redo Rowley Regis to enable turnbacks there during disruption.
Quote from: Stu on October 29, 2024, 08:27:55 PMWhy not use the 9 bus service instead? Sounds like it would be quicker and cheaper!
I thought about that after. I could do but I think the only thing is it would mean when I get off the train at Stourbridge Junction, I have to get the Shuttle into the Town.
I'm comming from Kidderminster, so I've had to get the 3 into town from Walter Nash Road East, walk up to the Station, train to Stourbridge, Rail Replacement coach to Snow Hill then the 94.
There's 3 sets of temp lights on the Bus route which is causing huge delays and a journey take 90 mins+
Soho Road, Vyse St clock roundabout ( Jewellery Quarter ) and Vicarage Road, Rood End. Some other operators are going different routes to NX buses it seems.
QuoteLikewise with trains that terminates Rowley Regis have to go ECS to Langley Green to start. The points are not clear for passenger use.
The Rowley Regis crossover has been traversed by at least one Service Train, take three guesses as to how I know ;-)
Quote from: B7RLE on October 28, 2024, 11:05:48 AMEx NXWM BX56 XCD on standby at Stourbridge Junction
And the same yesterday, NXWM noted were 4751,4756 and 4841. Two s/d ex 'London' buses in use were YX61FYE/GAO. And two RH Travels m/b's in use were RF73VSJ and LN15RYA.
Quote from: BK63 YWP on October 29, 2024, 09:44:11 PMThought there is plans to redo Rowley Regis to enable turnbacks there during disruption.
The West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy has plans for a new turnback platform at Rowley Regis but probably not before 2031. I think it's part of Midlands Connect's plans to reinstate platform 4 at Snow Hill.
Quote from: B61 ANDREW on October 30, 2024, 09:53:17 AMAnd the same yesterday, NXWM noted were 4751,4756 and 4841. Two s/d ex 'London' buses in use were YX61FYE/GAO. And two RH Travels m/b's in use were RF73VSJ and LN15RYA.
Pensnett/Wolverhampton E400s 4834, 4835, 4859, 4988 and blue and white 4992 were on there tonight.
4830 was also on there yesterday.
As well as the usual coaches BA19OWM, BU18YMP, BV69LOF and red E200.
At the Jewllery Quarter TFWM have put rail replacement towards Birmingham on the 8A flag and towards Stourbridge on the 8C flag. The Pensnett driver said TFWM have completely messed all the flags up and they're serving the 8A stop in both directions.
Then again on the first day (Sunday) BU18YMP did stop at the 8C stop as well.
Anyone know who is running the Walsall to Rugeley coaches today due to a Fatality at Hamstead, the news says Stagecoach but that can't be the case there depot is miles away from Walsall
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 11, 2025, 12:30:16 PMAnyone know who is running the Walsall to Rugeley coaches today due to a Fatality at Hamstead, the news says Stagecoach but that can't be the case there depot is miles away from Walsall
If you read what it says "Supplied via Stagecoach" Each of the train companies uses one of the main replacement companies to source vehicles for them. Arriva, First & Stagecoach all have their dedicated replacement subsiduaries, but they source whatever is available, not often from within their own groups. West Midlands Trains always use Stagecoach at the moment.
Quote from: Tony on March 11, 2025, 01:18:25 PMIf you read what it says "Supplied via Stagecoach" Each of the train companies uses one of the main replacement companies to source vehicles for them. Arriva, First & Stagecoach all have their dedicated replacement subsiduaries, but they source whatever is available, not often from within their own groups. West Midlands Trains always use Stagecoach at the moment.
Don't NX have anything like this, if they do surely it would make more sense for WMT to use them as NX are local
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 11, 2025, 01:31:06 PMDon't NX have anything like this, if they do surely it would make more sense for WMT to use them as NX are local
It doesn't matter does it? which ever company they use, where ever they are based in the UK just contacts the local operators to provide the vehicles.
When you see NX or Diamond doing rail replacement work, they will be contracted to it from one of the suppliers on behalf of the rail company
Quote from: BlackCountryBusSpotter on March 11, 2025, 01:31:06 PMDon't NX have anything like this, if they do surely it would make more sense for WMT to use them as NX are local
Why? Any operator can do chose to do it? I don't think passengers are bothered about who's buses they are?
Quote from: Jack on March 11, 2025, 02:32:35 PMWhy? Any operator can do chose to do it? I don't think passengers are bothered about who's buses they are?
Normally will be some of the local coach operators Stagecoach contract to run it. Doubt NX and Diamond have buses/staff lying around to run an emergency contract like that on a weekday.
On the Worcester Lines to Stourbridge/Bromsgrove they normally seem to use Brits Coaches whos yard is based in Cradley Heath.
Quote from: 2206 on March 11, 2025, 03:37:07 PMNormally will be some of the local coach operators Stagecoach contract to run it. Doubt NX and Diamond have buses/staff lying around to run an emergency contract like that on a weekday.
On the Worcester Lines to Stourbridge/Bromsgrove they normally seem to use Brits Coaches whos yard is based in Cradley Heath.
Quite a lot of the mid-week engineering work that means RR buses are required happens during school holiday, NX run different timetables on most key routes meaning there is a saving of many peak running boards, therefore spare vehicles and drivers. Tony, do you have an idea of the PVR reduction when school holiday timetables are in place?
Quote from: fleetline6477 on March 13, 2025, 07:19:48 PMQuite a lot of the mid-week engineering work that means RR buses are required happens during school holiday, NX run different timetables on most key routes meaning there is a saving of many peak running boards, therefore spare vehicles and drivers.
I know that they sometimes do rail replacement when there are planned engineering works in the school holidays etc.
I meant unplanned rail replacement due to unplanned line closures that operate at short notice like the one the OP mentioned.
just curious, do we all actually pay for rail replacements?
and drivers, do we check tickets?
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 03, 2025, 10:43:51 PMjust curious, do we all actually pay for rail replacements?
and drivers, do we check tickets?
You're supposed to at least.
& sometimes I've seen the staff at the station/coordinator check tickets, often they don't.
Quote from: 2206 on April 03, 2025, 10:47:46 PMYou're supposed to at least.
& sometimes I've seen the staff at the station/coordinator check tickets, often they don't.
i heard drivers arent meant to, but most have passengers show them anyway
and there are revenue staff who are meant to check, but these revenue staff are only based in major stations ofc
This might sound so stupid but could you use a bus pass for a rail replacement service?
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on April 03, 2025, 11:20:08 PMThis might sound so stupid but could you use a bus pass for a rail replacement service?
In the West Midlands N network & concessionary passes the same as those accepted on rail.
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 03, 2025, 10:43:51 PMjust curious, do we all actually pay for rail replacements?
Yes, you must have a valid rail ticket.
Quote from: Ingleboro261F on April 03, 2025, 11:20:08 PMThis might sound so stupid but could you use a bus pass for a rail replacement service?
No, passes for bus travel are only valid on bus services, a rail replacement is still a train journey, just operated by a bus.
The exception, as pointed out earlier, would be nNetwork passes, which are valid on bus, metro and train services.
Quote from: Stu on April 04, 2025, 07:42:29 AMYes, you must have a valid rail ticket.
No, passes for bus travel are only valid on bus services, a rail replacement is still a train journey, just operated by a bus.
The exception, as pointed out earlier, would be nNetwork passes, which are valid on bus, metro and train services.
i showed a standard bus ticket to a revenue inspector and he said its fine to ride on, the actual bus looked like a local bus
that was the only time i was asked to show a ticket...
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 04, 2025, 08:53:33 PMi showed a standard bus ticket to a revenue inspector and he said its fine to ride on, the actual bus looked like a local bus
that was the only time i was asked to show a ticket...
so you need a rail ticket if you go out of nBus
or even snow hill - small heath?
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 04, 2025, 09:16:23 PMso you need a rail ticket if you go out of nBus
or even snow hill - small heath?
You need a rail ticket to use rail replacement services full stop. They do occasionally do ticket inspections and anyone without a rail ticket risks a £100 penalty fare.
Quote from: Mega Kickdown on April 04, 2025, 09:16:23 PMso you need a rail ticket if you go out of nBus
or even snow hill - small heath?
Yes. Basically if your ticket is valid on a train then you can use it on a rail replacement bus. That applies whether you're within the nBus area or not.
Thanks