Consultation on service changes to Diamonds Signature Services and Igo's 69 - including extending Igo's 69 into Solihull to replace the S15 and extending the operating hours of the S1's replacement.
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2550/solihull-propsed-changes-october-v3.pdf
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/campaigns/solihull-bus-review/
I notice it says Diamond are withdrawing their commercial S11 & S15 services from Feb, but there's no mention of the Silverline S10 or Claribel's S16
Quote from: 2206 on September 26, 2018, 04:59:45 PM
Consultation on service changes to Diamonds Signature Services and Igo's 69 - including extending Igo's 69 into Solihull to replace the S15 and extending the operating hours of the S1's replacement.
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2550/solihull-propsed-changes-october-v3.pdf
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/campaigns/solihull-bus-review/
I see potentially the loss of the S3 service from most if not all of the Wythall, Grimes Hill and Hollywood area of Worcestershire - and knowing that the county council hasn't filled gaps in recent big cuts in the south of Worcestershire, that does not bode well.
Also, Chadwick End loses all its buses apart from three Warwickshire Flexibus journeys per week.
The proposals to incorporate the S11 and S15 into other routes makes sense but I'd suggest the 30/31 to take in the S11 instead. One convoluted loop of the S1 surely isn't going to go well with the people that currently use it
Quote from: Smethwickian on September 27, 2018, 09:59:31 AM
I see potentially the loss of the S3 service from most if not all of the Wythall, Grimes Hill and Hollywood area of Worcestershire - and knowing that the county council hasn't filled gaps in recent big cuts in the south of Worcestershire, that does not bode well.
Also, Chadwick End loses all its buses apart from three Warwickshire Flexibus journeys per week.
The circular suggestion involving Wythall, Cheswick Green and Dickens Heath seems the best of the options, would even mean an improvement from what I can see because it would be more direct from Wythall to other places as opposed to the snaking around the S3 does now (Wythall - Tidbury Green is legit quicker walking than on that route)
Over the years any time I've travelled on the 88 or previous routes via Chadwick End I've only seen one person use the bus there. Hardly worthwhile really
S3W only tends to be busy in the morning from Wythall. I'm at Wythall Church right now with two passengers who are doing round trips from Knowle! Bet there'll be no passengers until Dickens Heath...
Most of the passengers who do use the S3W only catch it to Maypole, and you only get those passengers because the 150 is a few minutes later. If the S3W is running late, they'll just get the 150.
Better off getting rid of the S3W and extending a couple of AM & PM 50 journeys to Wythall.
A few years back (2011-2015) the 88 was the only regular link between Solihull and Balsall Common, unsurpisingly it's future was put into doubt when the 87 was extended to serve this link under a shorter journey, the 88 is untimately becoming an "87E" service.
The 87 potentially will be around 4 miles/10 mins longer each way if it still runs between Solihull and Coventry or we could possibly see an extension of a University of Warwick service to Balsall Common/Fen End.
Quote from: MW on September 27, 2018, 11:40:35 AM
S3W only tends to be busy in the morning from Wythall. I'm at Wythall Church right now with two passengers who are doing round trips from Knowle! Bet there'll be no passengers until Dickens Heath...
Most of the passengers who do use the S3W only catch it to Maypole, and you only get those passengers because the 150 is a few minutes later. If the S3W is running late, they'll just get the 150.
Better off getting rid of the S3W and extending a couple of AM & PM 50 journeys to Wythall.
Isnt that what they've just withdrawn from the South Brum one?
Quote from: Westy on September 30, 2018, 07:06:46 PM
Isnt that what they've just withdrawn from the South Brum one?
They've withdrawn the 50A in August I think, but if there was no S3W, then I think it could warrant a 50A. Same line of route as S3W from Maypole. 30 min extension (both directions included).
I'm very much of the opinion that as this involves subsidised services, this consultation should really be for people who regularly use these services to have their say on what happens.
Not wanting to denigrate anyone for having an opinion of course, but when it comes to the crunch, the outcome should be down to those people who rely on these services to get about their daily business. Rather than the 'armchair network planners' who fancy an occasional nice afternoon out once in a while.
NX withdrew their 50A due to "insufficient passenger demand", so I can't see the sense in recommending that service being reintroduced, if it is not even viable as part of an already busy and well-used commercial route.
Quote from: Stu on September 30, 2018, 08:07:35 PM
I'm very much of the opinion that as this involves subsidised services, this consultation should really be for people who regularly use these services to have their say on what happens.
Not wanting to denigrate anyone for having an opinion of course, but when it comes to the crunch, the outcome should be down to those people who rely on these services to get about their daily business. Rather than the 'armchair network planners' who fancy an occasional nice afternoon out once in a while.
NX withdrew their 50A due to "insufficient passenger demand", so I can't see the sense in recommending that service being reintroduced, if it is not even viable as part of an already busy and well-used commercial route.
It is, market research is being carried out on affected services.
The proposals as described imply Dickens Heath loses its bus service under three of the four S2-west options. Surely under all but S2-west option 2 the S3 would be retained between Solihull and Dickens Heath. Even under option S2-west 2 maybe one bph on the S3 this side of Solihull retained as I can't believe the Woodlands Estate (Stretton Rd) would be left without a service. I do wonder if under S2-west options 1,3 & 4 Tidbury Green and Majors Green are losing a sevice completely.
Over at Truemans Heath (Hollywood) I anticipate certain 150 journeys would be diverted off Alcester Road.
We now have some confirmation of what these changes will be (http://westmidlandsbususers.co.uk/2019/01/changes-to-some-solihull-services-25th-february-2019/).
With reference to the original consultation (https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/campaigns/solihull-bus-review/), it is S2 west option 4 that is to be implemented - a South Solihull circular via Cheswick Green, Blythe Valley, Hockley Heath and Dorridge. Numbered 78/79 at tender (http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=718.msg251949#msg251949), it will actually run as service A7 & A8 (plus A6 shorts to Cheswick Gr) and will be operated by Landflight on a 5 year contract.
Also operated by Landflight, service S3 is largely retained although split as service A3 to Dorridge via Knowle (tender service nr. 83) and A5 to Dickens Heath (tender service nr. 33), along with an hourly extension of the latter to Wythall running as A4 (tender service nr. 34) following WorcCC's decision to continue subsidy (https://www.facebook.com/731068140303315/posts/1884092448334206/).
The S1 and S11 continue, still operated by Diamond but as services A1 and A2, whilst the S15 is confirmed as being absorbed by an extension to iGo service 69.
There will also be changes to services 87 & 88 - details here (http://www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk/news/159/new-services-for-solihull).
What does the A suffix represent?...
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 13, 2019, 04:36:19 PM
What does the A suffix represent?...
I don't know to be honest, I will wait and see if any indication is given when TfWM / Network West Midlands put out their own official news release regarding this.
I have seen it suggested that the A- prefix (not suffix) has been derived from 'Arden', an old historical name for the area, hence why we have Hampton-in-Arden, Henley-in-Arden, amongst others.
Now on Network West Midlands website
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2648/solihull-240219.pdf
Quote from: Brummie45 on February 02, 2019, 06:22:52 PM
Now on Network West Midlands website
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2648/solihull-240219.pdf
would of thought the timetables would of been on as well
Having prefix and suffix letters just isn't attractive or user friendly. A7W, A8W for example. I recall WMT operating the S3E too. Don't think that lasted too long.
Quote from: Gareth on February 02, 2019, 07:23:19 PM
Having prefix and suffix letters just isn't attractive or user friendly. A7W, A8W for example. I recall WMT operating the S3E too. Don't think that lasted too long.
Diamond used to have an S2A and S2C in recent years as well.
I agree. Having 3 route numbers for the same route, isn't very user friendly either in my opinion. A3, A4 and A5. Usually 3 seperatre route numbers mean they are 3 seperate routes and A7/A8.
Why could they not just use a set of standard route numbers? e.g 40, 41, 42, etc.
Quote from: 2206 on February 02, 2019, 07:30:31 PM
Diamond used to have an S2A and S2C in recent years as well.
I agree. Having 3 route numbers for the same route, isn't very user friendly either in my opinion. A3, A4 and A5, usually 3 seperatre route numbers mean they are 3 seperate routes and A7/A8.
Why could they not just use a set of standard route numbers? e.g 40, 41, 42, etc.
I agree they could have had continued to use the 80's series, eg 89 Solihull-Knowle-Dorridge, 80/80A and 81/81A for the new circular routes (80E shorts for Cheswiick Green) etc.
Quote from: Brummie45 on February 02, 2019, 06:22:52 PM
Now on Network West Midlands website
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2648/solihull-240219.pdf
S16 not swapping the S for an A?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on February 02, 2019, 08:24:22 PM
I agree they could have had continued to use the 80's series, eg 89 Solihull-Knowle-Dorridge, 80/80A and 81/81A for the new circular routes (80E shorts for Cheswiick Green) etc.
The proposals in the tender spec was using 78/9 83 etc which sort of made sense!
Quote from: 2206 on February 02, 2019, 07:30:31 PM
Diamond used to have an S2A and S2C in recent years as well.
I agree. Having 3 route numbers for the same route, isn't very user friendly either in my opinion. A3, A4 and A5. Usually 3 seperatre route numbers mean they are 3 seperate routes and A7/A8.
Why could they not just use a set of standard route numbers? e.g 40, 41, 42, etc.
Only the A4 & A5 share the same route, with one extending past Dickens Heath to Wythall. The same as currently with the S3 to Dickens and S3W to Wthall.
Hmm, so the idea is to increase patronage, but from my reading Dorridge goes from 4 buses an hour to and from Soulihull (S2/S3) to 3 buses an hour (A3/7/8). Whilst Knowle goes from 3 buses (S3/88) to 2 buses (A3/88).
Quote from: D10 on February 02, 2019, 10:28:04 PM
Hmm, so the idea is to increase patronage, but from my reading Dorridge goes from 4 buses an hour to and from Soulihull (S2/S3) to 3 buses an hour (A3/7/8). Whilst Knowle goes from 3 buses (S3/88) to 2 buses (A3/88).
Knowle - Solihull is also served by Johnsons 87, so it looks like it will go down from 4 buses per hour to 3. There's no mention of a Sunday service for Knowle either.
In not many people use the services to knowle /dorrige u also gotvtge train at dorrige as well service will change
Johnsons and Landflight now have the new timetables on their websites. Johnsons (http://www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk/timetables/) are up to their usual standard, and Landflight (https://www.landflight.co.uk/bus-services/) have also done a good job with pics of an Enviro 200MMC and route maps appearing as well.
The new timetables confirm what has already appeared here, except that the A3 in fact will run on Sunday daytimes.
It looks like Johnsons 88/A will interwork with the 82 or 87. Not surprisingly, buses from Solihull on the 88 return from Balsall Common as an 88A, and vice versa, to allow a round trip inside 90 minutes.
From March 17th Diamond to lose the 30 which will be replaced by new igo A12, minor route change and reduced to hourly.
Also igo 96 is withdrawn the following week.
Quote from: Steve3229vp on February 21, 2019, 08:32:06 AM
From March 17th Diamond to lose the 30 which will be replaced by new igo A12, minor route change and reduced to hourly.
Also igo 96 is withdrawn the following week.
Diamond haven't lost the 30, they chose to terminate that contract early.
Quote from: Adam 404 on February 02, 2019, 08:29:46 PM
S16 not swapping the S for an A?
Yes, according to the latest Solihull Area Map (https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/media/2666/solihull_mg_web.pdf), however I can't find any other reference or a timetable to confirm this.
The map is incorrect. We have NOT changed the service number of the S16
Map also states that the A3 terminates at both Dorridge & Box Trees/Hockley Heath.
Quote from: MW on February 28, 2019, 07:38:46 AM
Map also states that the A3 terminates at both Dorridge & Box Trees/Hockley Heath.
Certain A3 journeys do continue to Hockley Heath:
https://www.landflight.co.uk/bus-services/
This story (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/anger-solihull-debate-bus-shake-15743781) explains why we have the A7W & A8W variants. Basically a concession to those opposed to the daytime routing, though quite what the issue with sending a total of two buses an hour up or down Alderminster Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.4013244,-1.7784947,0a,75y,313.43h,86.33t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sExe-4OOu85TKq2O_8otCEQ!2e0) is I'm struggling to see. I can think of so many other less suited roads that non-the-less accommodate a bus route. I wonder if once those opposed surely see what a non big deal it is they'll be less noise should all journeys be proposed to be routed that way in future.
Reminds me of when NX introduced the S2/S3 and Monastery Drive was used briefly at the start in the Olton area - after a few incidences of people refusing to remove their cars the S2/S3 were routed away!
http://www.solihullnews.net/news/local-news/pensioner-protest-after-new-bus-6052656
Haven't used the Landflight route yet but miss the simplicity of the old 40A/40C circular NX used to run until 2009 which was every 30 minutes. Seems a while now since NX days with the old Volvos on the route.
More changes due in Solihull.
Make the most of the A3, A5, A6 & A12 in their current form!
Quote from: MW on April 19, 2019, 10:02:18 PM
More changes due in Solihull.
Make the most of the A3, A5, A6 & A12 in their current form!
when are they changing as someone in knowle uses the. Bus a lot
A3 is changing from 29th April.
Will be rerouted to serve Bentley Heath, ommiting part of Station Road instead serving Widney Rd, Slater Rd, Mill Ln & Poplar Road. Timetable changes aswell, still roughly hourly frequency.
Quote from: MW on April 19, 2019, 10:02:18 PM
More changes due in Solihull.
Make the most of the A3, A5, A6 & A12 in their current form!
what are the changes to the above
Quote from: MW on April 19, 2019, 10:02:18 PM
More changes due in Solihull.
Make the most of the A3, A5, A6 & A12 in their current form!
And the proposed changes are finally published.
http://socsi.in/pcDe0
In summary, the routes will become...
A3 Solihull to Dorridge via Widney Manor/Bentley Heath (currently served by A7/A8 & prior to that; S2) A3W will serve Alderminster Road.
A5 Solihull to Cheswick Green via Dickens Heath (combining A5/A6; previously S2/S3). This change reduces PVR by 1.
A6 withdrawn.
A7/A8 will now serve Copt Heath & Knowle, restoring the connection between Solihull & Hockley Heath via Knowle. A much needed change. Route will be the same as the old S3; albeit at a lower frequency of every hour. It'll mean Knowle will get it's late evening service again. Journey time reduced from 90 mins to less than 60 mins thus lowering the PVR by 1.
Two buses saved by these changes. Two buses needed for the A12 I hear...
Where the A12 info as it seems missing
Quote from: Solo1 on July 04, 2019, 06:48:44 AM
Where the A12 info as it seems missing
A12 just a change of operator surely? So no info required on this scale
Quote from: Kevin on July 04, 2019, 08:29:19 AM
A12 just a change of operator surely? So no info required on this scale
...I spent almost an hour in knowle on Thursday and There seemed to be no end of (white)
Enviro's floating around clearly branded "Land flight" ?? have these (68reg) buses been absorbed by Johnson's? or are they a new franchise? I think they may be similar to the recent BC acquisitions
765-767 ?...... possibly working A6?/A8 services to/from solihull?
Quote from: windy miller on August 02, 2019, 02:08:04 AM
...I spent almost an hour in knowle on Thursday and There seemed to be no end of (white)
Enviro's floating around clearly branded "Land flight" ?? have these (68reg) buses been absorbed by Johnson's? or are they a new franchise? I think they may be similar to the recent BC acquisitions
765-767 ?...... possibly working A6?/A8 services to/from solihull?
Silverline LandFlight Ltd trading as LandFlight.
According to Companies House, they were incorporated in 1994, although I believe they were around before that. Primarily operate a coach/chauffeuring service and have only dabbled in bus services, although before Diamond entered the Solihull market in 2010, LandFlight (then Silverline) operated between Solihull/Dorridge/Knowle. 2006/7/8 I think. So yeah, they've been around a while.
Johnson's have actually been operating the A6 over the last fortnight on behalf of LandFlight due to driver shortages. YW68PFE was on loan to Johnson's. If you paid attention, the driver was actually in Johnson's uniform. A number of ex Diamond (Signature) drivers have now joined and they're now fully staffed.
Noticed loads of TFWM staff getting on buses on Blossomfield Road and Lode Lane,, counting passenger numbers going to the Town Centre for the past few days.
Any reason why they are doing it?
Quote from: 2206 on September 11, 2019, 12:31:57 PM
Noticed loads of TFWM staff getting on buses on Blossomfield Road and Lode Lane,, counting passenger numbers going to the Town Centre for the past few days.
Any reason why they are doing it?
Something they do every year for a week or so