PD0001111/65 Cancelled
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Perry Beeches to Birmingham to Perry Beeches to Birmingham via Perry Barr
Service number: 952 (952)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2019
This route changes more often than 50 upgrades
The 952 is going completely, there is a replacement, but not what you'd be thinking
The registrations for the tenders that have been won will presumably be published soon too.
Now that has been registered, there are other changes supposedly happening that may surprise some.
Quote from: Dom on February 28, 2019, 11:43:55 PM
The 952 is going completely, there is a replacement, but not what you'd be thinking
I reckon it's a 28 extension to Perry Barr...or the 46 getting extended
51running as 51p to serve Perry Beeches as it's a Walsall service
Could they just make a variation of the 997 maybe
New routes 14, 17A, 24, 288A/C will be operated by Pensnett from Sunday 21st April
Service 5 extended to Stourbridge via the existing Diamond 267 route to Stourbridge via Ashwood Park and Wordsley.
Service 14A to replace Igo service 208 and will run hourly between Dudley and Merry Hill.
Service 17A to replace existing Diamond service 657 and extend from Kingswinford to Wall Heath. Will be interworked with service 5.
Service 24 Route taken over from Diamond and operates between Foxyards, Dudley, Cradley Heath and Merry Hill.
Service 288A/C replacing existing Diamond service 288 between Stourbridge, Redlake Rd and Stourbridge Junction
Not NX related but saves me making another post in the April tenders thread:
Banga have registered a 52 (replacing the 22 between Wolves and Coseley) and have won the 53 (Wolverhampton to Rocket Pool) off igo.
Hopefully this extension may bring more passengers onto the 5 and gives ashwood and wordsley a faster link to Russell's Hall
The speculation that I've heard about the replacement for the 952 has been as follows:
28A re-introduced to Perry Barr One stop - Possible but not likely
46 - extended from Perry Barr via 952 to Perry Beeches - I think this is the most likely
52 re-introduced - Most unlikely unless it's reduced to every 30 minutes.
What's the issue with the Perry Beeches link, are people from that area just not using the service any more. Why wouldn't a reduced frequency work or is it they are just all changing when gets to Walsall rd and waiting for the X51 maybe?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 01, 2019, 06:06:57 PM
What's the issue with the Perry Beeches link, are people from that area just not using the service any more. Why wouldn't a reduced frequency work or is it they are just all changing when gets to Walsall rd and waiting for the X51 maybe?
We aren't important, that's why...
The 952 is a dying route anyway, I can see the 46 being extended...
Really can't see the 52 coming back...
If it's commercially viable the 952 would not be in the firing line, use it or lose it.
If I lived in Perry Beeches I would stop using the service altogether, the thought of longer journey and that diversion. Hardly appealing is it.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 01, 2019, 06:12:43 PM
If it's commercially viable the 952 would not be in the firing line, use it or lose it.
Or there could be other reasons. I doubt every route gets withdrawn because of not being commercially viable. I'm sure there's other potential factors.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 01, 2019, 06:14:10 PM
If I lived in Perry Beeches I would stop using the service altogether, the thought of longer journey and that diversion. Hardly appealing is it.
Neither would your suggestion of reducing the frequency of a route be appealing to anyone.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 01, 2019, 06:06:57 PM
Why wouldn't a reduced frequency work
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 01, 2019, 06:16:12 PM
Or there could be other reasons. I doubt every route gets withdrawn because of not being commercially viable. I'm sure there's other potential factors.
Like reliability. The uni services get good loadings but the reliability is abysmal. Therefore I can see changes occurring on those services at some point
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 01, 2019, 06:12:43 PM
If it's commercially viable the 952 would not be in the firing line, use it or lose it.
Remind me, how long has Perry Beeches had a direct bus service to Birmingham?
It will have a knock on effect to the 51 too along the Walsall Road at the stops the X51 doesn't service. While people do get whatever comes first the 952 does help the loadings for the 51. Can't wait to see the 51 running at a 10 minute frequency struggling with all the extra capacity, the buggies, not like the Birchfield Road section isn't always rammed, as well as Newtown.
When the 952 goes I hope the 33 and 51 have a more frequent frequency!!
Oh and the 907 gets sorted...
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2019, 04:32:11 PM
New routes 14, 17A, 24, 288A/C will be operated by Pensnett from Sunday 21st April
Service 5 extended to Stourbridge via the existing Diamond 267 route to Stourbridge via Ashwood Park and Wordsley.
Service 14A to replace Diamond service 208 and will run hourly between Dudley and Merry Hill.
Service 17A to replace existing Diamond service 657 and from Kingswinford to Wall Heath. Will be interworked with service 5.
Service 24 Route taken over by Diamond and operates between Foxyards, Dudley, Cradley Heath and Merry Hill.
Service 288A/C replacing existing Diamond service 288 between Stourbridge, Redlake Rd and Stourbridge Junction
Not NX related but saves me making another post in the April tenders thread:
Banga have registered a 52 (replacing the 22 between Wolves and Coseley) and have won the 53 (Wolverhampton to Rocket Pool) off igo.
There goes my enjoyment on these routes then. Mini e200s on crap road surfaces at 20 mph I presume? Hardly the luxuries that diamond are offering with the mellor I bet
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 01, 2019, 06:37:55 PM
There goes my enjoyment on these routes then. Mini e200s on crap road surfaces at 20 mph I presume? Hardly the luxuries that diamond are offering with the mellor I bet
Will there be enough Stumpy's for all this new work?
They will probably make the 46 extensions every 30 mins or the whole thing every 20 either one end of the route will get a reduction. Assuming this guess is right lol
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2019, 04:32:11 PM
New routes 14, 17A, 24, 288A/C will be operated by Pensnett from Sunday 21st April
Service 5 extended to Stourbridge via the existing Diamond 267 route to Stourbridge via Ashwood Park and Wordsley.
Service 14A to replace Diamond service 208 and will run hourly between Dudley and Merry Hill.
Service 17A to replace existing Diamond service 657 and from Kingswinford to Wall Heath. Will be interworked with service 5.
Service 24 Route taken over by Diamond and operates between Foxyards, Dudley, Cradley Heath and Merry Hill.
Service 288A/C replacing existing Diamond service 288 between Stourbridge, Redlake Rd and Stourbridge Junction
Not NX related but saves me making another post in the April tenders thread:
Banga have registered a 52 (replacing the 22 between Wolves and Coseley) and have won the 53 (Wolverhampton to Rocket Pool) off igo.
What about the rest of the 22 to Wednesbury?
Quote from: Westy on March 01, 2019, 07:20:00 PM
What about the rest of the 22 to Wednesbury?
I think it was mentioned on another thread that the other part of the 22 will be a seperate service won by Diamond.
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2019, 06:24:51 PM
Remind me, how long has Perry Beeches had a direct bus service to Birmingham?
It will have a knock on effect to the 51 too along the Walsall Road at the stops the X51 doesn't service. While people do get whatever comes first the 952 does help the loadings for the 51. Can't wait to see the 51 running at a 10 minute frequency struggling with all the extra capacity, the buggies, not like the Birchfield Road section isn't always rammed, as well as Newtown.
When the 952 goes I hope the 33 and 51 have a more frequent frequency!!
Oh and the 907 gets sorted...
It's still having a direct service to Birmingham.
Having been a driver on the 952 for the past 4 weeks, I can say first hand, it hardly picks anyone up. The company has target figures for passenger numbers and the 952 is nowhere near its. The 9:30 rush isn't even that bad on the 952. You pick a few up on Walsall Road but even then, they have the 51 or at Perry Avenue and Beeches Road the X51. If Perry Beeches was as busy as you attempt to make it out to be NX wouldnt need to try and keep the service alive. They've tried that many different variations and still see the same results. Writing is on the wall.
So does that mean it is going to be the 46 extension then.
Quote from: Dom on March 01, 2019, 08:10:54 PM
It's still having a direct service to Birmingham.
Direct? What is? This extended 46? So we users here have to take a longer way into City? Can't wait to see all the complaints again from angry users...
Quote from: Dom on March 01, 2019, 08:10:54 PM
Having been a driver on the 952 for the past 4 weeks, I can say first hand, it hardly picks anyone up. The company has target figures for passenger numbers and the 952 is nowhere near its. The 9:30 rush isn't even that bad on the 952. You pick a few up on Walsall Road but even then, they have the 51 or at Perry Avenue and Beeches Road the X51. If Perry Beeches was as busy as you attempt to make it out to be NX wouldnt need to try and keep the service alive. They've tried that many different variations and still see the same results. Writing is on the wall.
Oh ok then, take it you don't do the pre 9:30 runs then into City, usually full before they get to Walsall Road, but of course I'm wrong, being a user of the 952 (52 whatever you want to call it) for over the last decade and you've drove it for the last 4 weeks...
When the 952 goes I hope the 33 and 51 have a more frequent frequency!!
Oh and the 907 gets sorted...
[/quote]
When the 52 was replaced by the 952, the 33 and 51saw no improvements. It's about time their frequency was upgraded.
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2019, 08:19:26 PM
Direct? What is? This extended 46? So we users here have to take a longer way into City? Can't wait to see all the complaints again from angry users...
Still is direct only one bus...
The 16 Stourbridge to Wolverhampton is still a direct route even though it goes around womboune instead of the faster route straight up the A449
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 01, 2019, 08:15:46 PM
So does that mean it is going to be the 46 extension then.
Yes
Well NX's Facebook page has denied that withdrawal of the 952 is happening, despite someone screenshotting the registration.
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 01, 2019, 09:54:08 PM
Well NX's Facebook page has denied that withdrawal of the 952 is happening, despite someone screenshotting the registration.
"National Express West Midlands Sorry for the delay in reply Chris - We will announce any changes on our website.
11h
National Express West Midlands There is no confirmation of any changes at this time."
Presumably whoever responds to these comments isn't told about the changes until they are publically announced as well.
It doesn't really sound as though they are denying it to me and are just saying they've yet to publically announce anything.
When will the updates be on the nxwm website
Quote from: Dom on March 01, 2019, 08:10:54 PM
It's still having a direct service to Birmingham.
Having been a driver on the 952 for the past 4 weeks, I can say first hand, it hardly picks anyone up. The company has target figures for passenger numbers and the 952 is nowhere near its. The 9:30 rush isn't even that bad on the 952. You pick a few up on Walsall Road but even then, they have the 51 or at Perry Avenue and Beeches Road the X51. If Perry Beeches was as busy as you attempt to make it out to be NX wouldnt need to try and keep the service alive. They've tried that many different variations and still see the same results. Writing is on the wall.
Thankyou.
I've seen it go from 52 to 952, back to 52 and back again to 952. Enough is enough.
It benefits the few (Perry Beeches), while the many (Perry Barr, Birchfield, Six Ways) have had no improvements to their 33 and 51.
As Dom mentioned, the X51 is nearby.
In regards to this supposed extension to the 46: I know it's not been confirmed whether that's the case, but I have some reservations about this which I feel are worth sharing.
1. City Centre
I've suggested this in the dedicated suggestions thread, not too long ago - but definitely before talks of an extended 46 arose. My proposal was to remove the 7 & 46 away from Livery Street - and have them use the stops on Colmore Circus (Steelhouse Lane), instead. From my signature, you'll be able to see that the 101 is, indeed, one of my local routes - so excuse the bias. ;)
This suggestion came to mind after the 101 was reverted back to the overcrowded street that is Livery Street; in favour of the 23/24 returning to their once original stop at Colmore Row. Rush hour is nothing short of a nightmare, with three busloads of passengers unevenly distributed along the narrow pavement. It boggles my mind why the 7 & 101, arguably the most passenger-demanding services of the three, would be located at the same stop?
I sense myself going off on a tangent, so I'll stop myself here and hope you get the picture.
I bring this up now as, to me, an extension of a route (the 46) - brought about by the loss of another (the 952) - is sure to increase passenger use on the substituted service, in theory. ??? Having said that, I see more validity in my proposed solution to ease overcrowding on Livery Street.
2. Route Numbering
Keeping this short: does it not strike anyone that the PB46 would be hypothetically operating in a closer vicinity to WB46? Of course, the routes won't clash - just as it is currently - but would it be worth it to number the extended 46 as the 46A? (Or dare I say 46P, lol) - so as not to confuse the locals? Apologies if that sounds demeaning in a sense, but even once - while travelling into Brum on a 51 - I was confused by the sight of an Omnilink in Great Barr displaying 46 on it's rear - before realising it was the WB counterpart. Just food for thought.
Overall, I know this 46 extension is all talk (for the timebeing) - but this is just me throwing in my twopence.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 01, 2019, 06:12:43 PM
If it's commercially viable the 952 would not be in the firing line, use it or lose it.
To be fair to NX, it seems like they tried their best to keep it going, with the re-introduction of the 52/A and the frequency increase. Some parts of the route are a short walk to the 51/X51 or 997, but there will be losers with this withdrawal, as with every route
Quote from: CL on March 02, 2019, 12:19:43 AM
In regards to this supposed extension to the 46: I know it's not been confirmed whether that's the case, but I have some reservations about this which I feel are worth sharing.
2. Route Numbering
Keeping this short: does it not strike anyone that the PB46 would be hypothetically operating in a closer vicinity to WB46? Of course, the routes won't clash - just as it is currently - but would it be worth it to number the extended 46 as the 46A? (Or dare I say 46P, lol) - so as not to confuse the locals? Apologies if that sounds demeaning in a sense, but even once - while travelling into Brum on a 51 - I was confused by the sight of an Omnilink in Great Barr displaying 46 on it's rear - before realising it was the WB counterpart. Just food for thought.
Overall, I know this 46 extension is all talk (for the timebeing) - but this is just me throwing in my twopence.
I agree the two 46's will be stopping up the road from each other!
I could see NX leaving this secret and don't make the announcements public until a few weeks before the actual changes like the South Birmingham ones.
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2019, 04:32:11 PM
New routes 14, 17A, 24, 288A/C will be operated by Pensnett from Sunday 21st April
Service 5 extended to Stourbridge via the existing Diamond 267 route to Stourbridge via Ashwood Park and Wordsley.
Service 14A to replace Diamond service 208 and will run hourly between Dudley and Merry Hill.
Service 17A to replace existing Diamond service 657 and from Kingswinford to Wall Heath. Will be interworked with service 5.
Service 24 Route taken over by Diamond and operates between Foxyards, Dudley, Cradley Heath and Merry Hill.
Service 288A/C replacing existing Diamond service 288 between Stourbridge, Redlake Rd and Stourbridge Junction
Not NX related but saves me making another post in the April tenders thread:
Banga have registered a 52 (replacing the 22 between Wolves and Coseley) and have won the 53 (Wolverhampton to Rocket Pool) off igo.
Igo operate the 208 8)
Quote from: pndriver on March 02, 2019, 08:27:37 AM
Igo operate the 208 8)
Diamond operate it on Sundays.
Quote from: pndriver on March 02, 2019, 08:27:37 AM
Igo operate the 208 8)
I know 😁 I realised my error later on. They do operate it on a Sunday though (which is where my concentration probably lapsed when i typed out my message... the Sunday service is supposedly going anyway from April)
Quote from: 2206 on March 01, 2019, 10:02:33 PM
"National Express West Midlands Sorry for the delay in reply Chris - We will announce any changes on our website.
11h
National Express West Midlands There is no confirmation of any changes at this time."
Presumably whoever responds to these comments isn't told about the changes until they are publically announced as well.
It doesn't really sound as though they are denying it to me and are just saying they've yet to publically announce anything.
Yes, but someone has given them evidence & it's still denied!
Reminds me of the situation when Walkers Crisps had a sponsorship deal with the Spice Girls of all people 20 odd years ago.
Now there was lots of mentions in the media at the time, but our contact at Walkers Crisps couldn't comment publically on the situation until a certain time.
I knew she knew obviously & she knew I knew she knew etc, but what do you do in this situation?
Block access to the public of certain web sites, so they don't find out about changes until NX etc are ready to comment publically, but would that cause more problems than it solves?
In this day and age of social media, Internet advancements etc things get leaked and go viral quickly. I guess the person in question probably isn't allowed to confirm it but given the evidence provided saying nothing would've been more advisable.
Quote from: Jack on March 01, 2019, 08:19:26 PM
Direct? What is? This extended 46? So we users here have to take a longer way into City? Can't wait to see all the complaints again from angry users...
Oh ok then, take it you don't do the pre 9:30 runs then into City, usually full before they get to Walsall Road, but of course I'm wrong, being a user of the 952 (52 whatever you want to call it) for over the last decade and you've drove it for the last 4 weeks...
It's still one bus, i.e a direct link.
I've done every duty on the 952 M-F and Sun. Meaning I've driven every journey on the 952. You rarely pick up more than 10 people on the estate. It only gets busy on the Walsall Road and then the stop on Birchfield Road.
Evening peaks can be busier, but again, a majority get off at OneStop or along the Walsall Road, with again the handful round the estate.
Quote from: Dom on March 02, 2019, 01:33:26 PM
It's still one bus, i.e a direct link.
I've done every duty on the 952 M-F and Sun. Meaning I've driven every journey on the 952. You rarely pick up more than 10 people on the estate. It only gets busy on the Walsall Road and then the stop on Birchfield Road.
Evening peaks can be busier, but again, a majority get off at OneStop or along the Walsall Road, with again the handful round the estate.
Yes, one bus, which will take double the time the 952 currently takes. I can see most if not all get off on Walsall Road and change onto the 51/X51.
Oh yeah, sorry I forgot you never did the old 52 did you? The 952 helps the 51 out on the Walsall Road anyway, like I already said...
Quote from: Jack on March 02, 2019, 04:06:23 PM
Yes, one bus, which will take double the time the 952 currently takes. I can see most if not all get off on Walsall Road and change onto the 51/X51.
Oh yeah, sorry I forgot you never did the old 52 did you? The 952 helps the 51 out on the Walsall Road anyway, like I already said...
Swings and roundabouts. The 952 most certainly does NOT help out the 51 AND 33 through t e busy sections of the route - Birchfield and Aston up to Barton Arms.
Quote from: B.C Driver on March 02, 2019, 05:20:42 PM
Swings and roundabouts. The 952 most certainly does NOT help out the 51 AND 33 through t e busy sections of the route - Birchfield and Aston up to Barton Arms.
That's why they need a frequency increase!!! Anytime I try and get a 51 in the city it's like torture fighting my way onto a rammed bus.
Quote from: Jack on March 02, 2019, 05:25:13 PM
That's why they need a frequency increase!!! Anytime I try and get a 51 in the city it's like torture fighting my way onto a rammed bus.
Exactly. You've just proved my point.
Since the 52 was withdrawn and replaced with The Perry Beeches personal taxi (aka 952), the rammed 33s and 51s are common.
Quote from: B.C Driver on March 02, 2019, 06:29:04 PM
Exactly. You've just proved my point.
Since the 52 was withdrawn and replaced with The Perry Beeches personal taxi (aka 952), the rammed 33s and 51s are common.
Yes you're right, that's why I speculate why the 52 was withdrawn by the personal taxi, it did help the flow of passengers along Birchfield Road. In a way I think it was withdrawn just to have more spare Omnilinks in the depot.
Quote from: Jack on March 02, 2019, 05:25:13 PM
That's why they need a frequency increase!!! Anytime I try and get a 51 in the city it's like torture fighting my way onto a rammed bus.
In fairness, they need a frequency increase because they reduced the frequency of both to accodomate the 52/52A (6 buses an hour), surprised they didn't up the frequency of the 33 & 51, when the 952 was re-introduced
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 02, 2019, 07:59:00 PM
In fairness, they need a frequency increase because they reduced the frequency of both to accodomate the 52/52A (6 buses an hour), surprised they didn't up the frequency of the 33 & 51, when the 952 was re-introduced
Have they got the spare buses to up the frequency?
Presumbly garage PVR was decreased when the frequency was decreased, so unless spare buses can be magicked from somewhere, they won't just revert the frequency.
Quote from: Westy on March 02, 2019, 08:57:47 PM
Have they got the spare buses to up the frequency?
Presumbly garage PVR was decreased when the frequency was decreased, so unless spare buses can be magicked from somewhere, they won't just revert the frequency.
Would they not source the extra buses if they deemed it was required? Would it really be to do with spare buses in the garage?
They seem to have managed to source extra buses for other routes in the past, when other routes have had frequency increases such as the 80, X51 and Uni services? Also when the 952 was changed and became the 52/52A back in 2015 they managed to source the extra buses then.
They would pull resources from East Brum probably ;)
When the 52 was replaced by 952 in April 2018 the X51 was increased if I remember right. And PB lost 5 buses which 4 was lost from the 52 replacement.
PB lost 4856 to WA
1932/1933/1934 /1935 to YW
Quote from: Westy on March 02, 2019, 08:57:47 PM
Have they got the spare buses to up the frequency?
Presumbly garage PVR was decreased when the frequency was decreased, so unless spare buses can be magicked from somewhere, they won't just revert the frequency.
There are 75 more Platinum's due in next few months, so if it's something they want to do they could.
Quote from: Winston on March 03, 2019, 10:00:07 AM
There are 75 more Platinum's due in next few months, so if it's something they want to do they could.
Thsee replacing 43** tridents too?
Pensnett wins
Service 5 will be extended down 267 route to Stourbridge
Service 657 will inter work with service 5 renumbered 17A
Service 208 renumbered 14A
Service 24
Service 288 renumbered 288A/C will inter work with service 28
....Official notices were only put up at garage on Friday 1st....
Quote from: karl724223 on March 03, 2019, 03:24:02 PM
Pensnett wins
Service 5 will be extended down 267 route to Stourbridge
Service 657 will inter work with service 5
Service 208 renumbered 14A
Service 24
Service 288 renumbered 288A/C will inter work with service 28
@karl724223 does that mean the 5 extensions to wall heath will stop?
Hopefully this extension to Stourbridge will increase patronage of the 5
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 03, 2019, 03:56:34 PM
@karl724223 does that mean the 5 extensions to wall heath will stop?
Hopefully this extension to Stourbridge will increase patronage of the 5
quicker service to hospital and Dudley for passengers from wordsley ashwood park and kingswinford
Quote from: karl724223 on March 03, 2019, 03:24:02 PM
Pensnett wins
Service 5 will be extended down 267 route to Stourbridge
Service 657 will inter work with service 5
Service 208 renumbered 14A
Service 24
Service 288 renumbered 288A/C will inter work with service 28
Quote from: Nathan on March 01, 2019, 04:32:11 PM
New routes 14, 17A, 24, 288A/C will be operated by Pensnett from Sunday 21st April
Service 5 extended to Stourbridge via the existing Diamond 267 route to Stourbridge via Ashwood Park and Wordsley.
Service 14A to replace Igo service 208 and will run hourly between Dudley and Merry Hill.
Service 17A to replace existing Diamond service 657 and extend from Kingswinford to Wall Heath. Will be interworked with service 5.
Service 24 Route taken over from Diamond and operates between Foxyards, Dudley, Cradley Heath and Merry Hill.
Service 288A/C replacing existing Diamond service 288 between Stourbridge, Redlake Rd and Stourbridge Junction
Not NX related but saves me making another post in the April tenders thread:
Banga have registered a 52 (replacing the 22 between Wolves and Coseley) and have won the 53 (Wolverhampton to Rocket Pool) off igo.
Something I haven't seen mentioned is whether these tenders are specifying Euro 6 vehicles like some others have done recently? If so that would mean new E200MMC minis I assume
Quote from: Dylanbusboy45 on March 03, 2019, 04:17:06 PM
Something I haven't seen mentioned is whether these tenders are specifying Euro 6 vehicles like some others have done recently? If so that would mean new E200MMC minis I assume
I think it was mentioned Dundee don't need all of the streetlites, so maybe PN will get some of them?
Or it could be second hand trapped midi buses maybe?
Yes, they are Euro 6, no that doesn't mean new vehicles are needed
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2019, 04:31:16 PM
Yes, they are Euro 6, no that doesn't mean new vehicles are needed
What do you intend on using then?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 03, 2019, 06:36:45 PM
What do you intend on using then?
Euro 6 exhaust upgrade
Quote from: Winston on March 03, 2019, 06:41:07 PM
Euro 6 exhaust upgrade
On e200s? Do they have enough e200s?
Quote from: Winston on March 03, 2019, 06:41:07 PM
Euro 6 exhaust upgrade
Correct
You have six months from the date of contract award to upgrade to Euro6
Will any Streetlites be coming from down from Dundee
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 03, 2019, 07:12:27 PM
On e200s? Do they have enough e200s?
My point exactly.
They could send 733/4 to PE, the E200MMC's could do the JLR contract.
Quote from: Jack on March 03, 2019, 07:25:03 PM
My point exactly.
the E200MMC's could do the JLR contract.
Apart from the fact they cannot!
They are too long to get around the Gaydon site
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2019, 07:40:51 PM
Apart from the fact they cannot!
They are too long to get around the Gaydon site
That didn't stop AG using them, 2230-2233 went back for it.
Quote from: Jack on March 03, 2019, 08:14:18 PM
That didn't stop AG using them, 2230-2233 went back for it.
You do know there is more than one JLR route Acocks Green operate?
Quote from: Jack on March 03, 2019, 08:14:18 PM
That didn't stop AG using them, 2230-2233 went back for it.
2230-2233 have never done the Gaydon contract, nor have 2201-29. Even the 800s struggle when they have substituted.
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2019, 04:31:16 PM
Yes, they are Euro 6, no that doesn't mean new vehicles are needed
Would that apply to other operators who have won tenders too, or just NX? Just thinking about Banga and the one they've won.
Quote from: Jack on March 03, 2019, 08:14:18 PM
That didn't stop AG using them, 2230-2233 went back for it.
There is more than one JLR shuttle, they don't use E200MMC's on the Gaydon shuttle, they are used on the Solihull/Airport shuttles. The Gaydon runs are booked as 'SD Mini E200'
Quote from: StourValley98 on March 03, 2019, 08:18:01 PM
Would that apply to other operators who have won tenders too, or just NX? Just thinking about Banga and the one they've won.
It depends on the award.
TfWM accept bids using 'any vehicle', Euro 5 and Euro 6
NX have been awarded the 77 tendered journies on the 'Any Buses' bid so that the tridents could do both the tendered and commercial journeys.
Quote from: Tony on March 03, 2019, 08:21:00 PM
It depends on the award.
TfWM accept bids using 'any vehicle', Euro 5 and Euro 6
NX have been awarded the 77 tendered journies on the 'Any Buses' bid so that the tridents could do both the tendered and commercial journeys.
Gotcha, thanks for the insight into the process. I guess I'll have to wait and see then if they get anything new or carry on using Solos.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 03, 2019, 07:12:27 PM
On e200s? Do they have enough e200s?
They can always swap 8** series E200's with Tridents if they wished, they are the same length, assuming no low hanging trees on route / other height restrictions. That then free's up E200's or could simply cascade larger E200's to free up 7** E200's for cascading on to newly won tenders etc.
Does the Gaydon run only require one mini e200, with the other spare? As i wondered why they occasionally appear on 4/5 etc, or are they only needed at JLR shift changeover times.
Quote from: 37351ml on March 04, 2019, 01:30:52 PM
Does the Gaydon run only require one mini e200, with the other spare? As i wondered why they occasionally appear on 4/5 etc, or are they only needed at JLR shift changeover times.
I tend to see one 7XX at the Swan in the mornimg at about 8.20 going back to AG. Then a few times i'I've seen one heading for Gaydon at the Swan at about 14.50 - 15.00.
Dead route to AG depot is via the Swan and Coventry Rd. They seem to see use in the AM and PM peaks. Not sure if there are more than 2 boards though?
Quote from: 37351ml on March 04, 2019, 01:30:52 PM
Does the Gaydon run only require one mini e200, with the other spare? As i wondered why they occasionally appear on 4/5 etc, or are they only needed at JLR shift changeover times.
Fair bit of dead mileage to Gaydon from Acocks greens surely? Couldn't Coventry operate it?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 04, 2019, 02:59:45 PM
Fair bit of dead mileage to Gaydon from Acocks greens surely? Couldn't Coventry operate it?
Birmingham Central also run dead to Coventry Airport looking at this. Are Coventry full to capacity maybe?
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/JLR/JLRGaydonTimetablesJan19.pdf
Noticed this on VOSA, is there any relation?
Registration number PD0001111/213
Licence Number PD0001111
Variation number 32
Status Registered
Service number. 997, 997, 997E
Service type Limited Stop
Start point Pheasey
Finish point Lower Bull Street
Via Old Oscott and Perry Barr
Date received 22 Feb 2018
Effective date 22 Apr 2018
End date 03 Sep 2099
Supported by subsidies? No
Local authorities covered by route West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
TAOs covered by route West Midlands
Quote from: The Fox 4846 on March 05, 2019, 05:05:36 PM
Noticed this on VOSA, is there any relation?
Registration number PD0001111/213
Licence Number PD0001111
Variation number 32
Status Registered
Service number. 997, 997, 997E
Service type Limited Stop
Start point Pheasey
Finish point Lower Bull Street
Via Old Oscott and Perry Barr
Date received 22 Feb 2018
Effective date 22 Apr 2018
End date 03 Sep 2099
Supported by subsidies? No
Local authorities covered by route West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
TAOs covered by route West Midlands
If you re-read the date on that it says that the registration is effective from the 22nd April 2018.
So whatever change this refers to came into effect a whole year ago.
So no there is no relation.
My mistake, I was sure I read 2019, never mind. I saw last week it was invalid but, so put 2+2 together and made 3. Apologies
Quote from: 2206 on March 02, 2019, 09:01:58 PM
Would they not source the extra buses if they deemed it was required? Would it really be to do with spare buses in the garage?
They seem to have managed to source extra buses for other routes in the past, when other routes have had frequency increases such as the 80, X51 and Uni services? Also when the 952 was changed and became the 52/52A back in 2015 they managed to source the extra buses then.
WB shifted some of their 'spare' Enviros onto the 80/80A (including the branded 49**s). The withdrawal of the 75 must have helped too - can't for the life of me remember when the 75 was withdrawn
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 05, 2019, 06:14:41 PM
WB shifted some of their 'spare' Enviros onto the 80/80A (including the branded 49**s). The withdrawal of the 75 must have helped too - can't for the life of me remember when the 75 was withdrawn
75 was withdrawn in September 2016.
@Sh4318
Don't know anything about Perry Beeches or the 952 but just to jump on the mentions of the 51 and X51 there definitely needs an increased frequency, even if it's only at peak times. Would be good to have the X51 extension to Cannock throughout the day or on Sundays but that's a separate topic...
Quote from: Jack on March 05, 2019, 06:16:21 PM
75 was withdrawn in September 2016. @Sh4318
:o, probably no correlation then.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 05, 2019, 10:20:41 PM
Don't know anything about Perry Beeches or the 952 but just to jump on the mentions of the 51 and X51 there definitely needs an increased frequency, even if it's only at peak times. Would be good to have the X51 extension to Cannock throughout the day or on Sundays but that's a separate topic...
I have a couple of family members who live in the area, it's a handy link, but I would regularly walk up the road for the more frequent 51 etc. Saying that, I don't want to step on anyone's toes, as I don't actually live in the area
With the gaining of the 24, 14A (208), 17A (657) and the extended 5 (267) coming to PN and the 122 coming to WB, is there going to be a few moves coming up? Or extra buses sourced from Dundee?
Unusual thought but who knows 8354-6 could be used in WM.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 06, 2019, 08:48:44 PM
With the gaining of the 24, 14A (208), 17A (657) and the extended 5 (267) coming to PN and the 122 coming to WB, is there going to be a few moves coming up? Or extra buses sourced from Dundee?
What is the 122?
Quote from: gc802002 on March 06, 2019, 10:17:44 PM
What is the 122?
Oldbury to Bearwood (a Transport For West Midlands tendered route). Currently operated by Diamond Bus.
122 Oldbury-bearwood
Quote from: gc802002 on March 06, 2019, 10:17:44 PM
What is the 122?
One of those services that picks up more dust than passengers!
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 07, 2019, 12:24:48 AM
One of those services that picks up more dust than passengers!
But it must be useful to someone, even if you disagree.
122 could be operated using westbroms engineers van 😀
These mellors just vans with a bus body glued to the chassis
Tbf Ive used the 122 few times... Think the issue with it is is that along the route there are easier and more regular alternatives to bearwood and Oldbury as well as west brom. Pity they didn't bring back a variation of the old 441 which used to use the same route between Oldbury and pound Road before heading into halesowen... Also the last time a NXWM bus passed through Langley High Street and Village.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on March 07, 2019, 12:24:48 AM
One of those services that picks up more dust than passengers!
There must be some value to it otherwise NX wouldn't be taking it on.
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 07, 2019, 07:52:29 PM
There must be some value to it otherwise NX wouldn't be taking it on.
Yes, NX get paid to run it by TFWM.
Quote from: 2206 on March 07, 2019, 07:53:46 PM
Yes, NX get paid to run it by TFWM.
But TfWM don't tender a route unless it meets certain passenger numbers
Quote from: Tony on March 07, 2019, 08:00:19 PM
But TfWM don't tender a route unless it meets certain passenger numbers
Does the route pass any schools? Because during the day I've been on it several times and maximum 5 people on it
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 07, 2019, 08:03:15 PM
Does the route pass any schools? Because during the day I've been on it several times and maximum 5 people on it
So you see it once in a blue moon and reckon that is the loading?
Quote from: Tony on March 07, 2019, 08:05:40 PM
So you see it once in a blue moon and reckon that is the loading?
Have you got loading figures then Tony? Presume you've never stepped on the route before
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 07, 2019, 08:08:01 PM
Have you got loading figures then Tony? Presume you've never stepped on the route before
Yes NX do have the figures. TfWM give them to all route bidders. And you presume very wrong
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 07, 2019, 08:03:15 PM
Does the route pass any schools? Because during the day I've been on it several times and maximum 5 people on it
The Diamond 53 (Stechford) is a route that seems to have very low passenger numbers. I usually see it in the Stechford area. I regularly see the first bus of the day and there tends to be either no-one on it or just a few people on the mini bus they use. They always seem very empty passing through Saltley as well when I see them there.
Quote from: 2206 on March 07, 2019, 08:32:16 PM
The Diamond 53 (Stechford) is a route that seems to have very low passenger numbers. I usually see it in the Stechford area. I regularly see the first bus of the day and there tends to be either no-one on it or just a few people on the mini bus they use. They always seem very empty passing through Saltley as well when I see them there.
Did the 53 used to be 663 a route tendered for many years since the 90s. Being operated by WMT, Petes Travel, Central Connect, Diamond
It has changed a lot since then but in essence yes it's the old 663 which in turn is the old 626 operated by Serverse Travel
Quote from: PB2938 on March 08, 2019, 12:09:40 PM
Did the 53 used to be 663 a route tendered for many years since the 90s. Being operated by WMT, Petes Travel, Central Connect, Diamond
Never heard of the 626 mentioned by Steve above, but the earliest memory I have of the 663 is around 1989 operated by Midland Red West. Followed by Tame Valley, WMT, Stevenson's, WMT again, Petes Travel, Zaks, Diamond, Igo, Diamond again. Have I forgotten anyone?
Rerouting it away from Alum Rock Road hasn't improved it's rider numbers.
Extended 46 to Perry Beeches will be renumbered 52:
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/530862/
Quote from: 2206 on March 12, 2019, 03:47:54 PM
Extended 46 to Perry Beeches will be renumbered 52:
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/530862/
Is that supposed to be a joke 😂
Why don't they just bring back the actual 52, it would now make sense instead of making a new incarnation of it.
Though it does make sense with the WB 46 just a short distance away.
Will PB be running this new incarnation or will Walsall?
Quote from: Jack on March 12, 2019, 04:27:53 PM
Is that supposed to be a joke 😂
Why don't they just bring back the actual 52, it would now make sense instead of making a new incarnation of it.
Though it does make sense with the WB 46 just a short distance away.
Will PB be running this new incarnation or will Walsall?
Perry Barr.
Quote from: Dom on March 12, 2019, 04:44:48 PM
Perry Barr.
Thanks for that, can see this be operated by a mixture of Deckers and Omnilinks.
Extending the 46 is dreadful idea, I'm glad I don't live in Perry Beeches having to take a much longer route to and from the City Centre !
Quote from: Steve3229vp on March 12, 2019, 05:40:52 PM
Extending the 46 is dreadful idea, I'm glad I don't live in Perry Beeches having to take a much longer route to and from the City Centre !
Or you could walk / or get the bus up to the Walsall road and change onto the 51/x51
Quote from: Jack6101 on March 12, 2019, 06:14:26 PM
Or you could walk / or get the bus up to the Walsall road and change onto the 51/x51
That's what I think a lot of people are going to do.
Those living near Hassop Road or Thornbridge Avenue will most likely will take the 997/997E to the City.
Quote from: Jack on March 12, 2019, 04:27:53 PM
Is that supposed to be a joke 😂
Why don't they just bring back the actual 52, it would now make sense instead of making a new incarnation of it.
Though it does make sense with the WB 46 just a short distance away.
Will PB be running this new incarnation or will Walsall?
I agree. Just bring back the old 52 route and be done with it. Would have been nice to see the old 91 return in some form though. Always thought the current PB 46 is an odd route terminating so short at Perry Barr.
Quote from: B.C Driver on March 13, 2019, 11:42:26 AM
I agree. Just bring back the old 52 route and be done with it. Would have been nice to see the old 91 return in some form though. Always thought the current PB 46 is an odd route terminating so short at Perry Barr.
I'd love the old 91 to make a comeback. It'll be another local route for me! 😂
I see what you mean in regards to the 46 being a strange one. I see it as a "filler" route; serving the bits and bobs the Newtown/Hockley lot miss out. Another thought: if the 52 makes a comeback as an extended version of the 46, will the 46 have to be renumbered? Say 52E?
Quote from: B.C Driver on March 13, 2019, 11:42:26 AM
I agree. Just bring back the old 52 route and be done with it. Would have been nice to see the old 91 return in some form though. Always thought the current PB 46 is an odd route terminating so short at Perry Barr.
Yes bring back the 52. No 52A etc. Although some may moan they don't want to wait at Hassop Road while it has the long layover like the current 952 does, but saying that the 52A did at the end of Turnberry Road.
It would also be nice to have the 33/51's frequency back to every 8 mins.
Changes to WA 8/89 from 28 April 2019:
I've noticed that this registration that previous showed, 8/89 - Walsall to Wolverhamptom via Rushall, now shows 8/8A/9 - Walsall to Bloxwich via Rushall, High Heath and Pelsall.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531012/
60 Bloxwich to Wolverhampton:
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531014/
Changes to the X51 now on line as well
20 minute frequency to Cannock!
Quote from: Tony on March 14, 2019, 06:41:11 PM
Changes to the X51 now on line as well
20 minute frequency to Cannock!
Throughout the day? Ooh arriva watch Nx is about
Quote from: 2206 on March 14, 2019, 06:31:18 PM
Changes to WA 8/89 from 28 April 2019:
I've noticed that this registration that previous showed, 8/89 - Walsall to Wolverhamptom via Rushall, now shows 8/8A/9 - Walsall to Bloxwich via Rushall, High Heath and Pelsall.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531012/
60 Bloxwich to Wolverhampton:
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531014/
Be interested, on behalf of my sister, how this develops, as she is currently interested in the 0922 departure on Sunday from Bloxwich, the bus currently arriving at Wednesfield on Sundays at 1804 back to Bloxwich & the bus departing Bloxwich to Wolves Mon to Sat at 2132!
Quote from: 2206 on March 14, 2019, 06:31:18 PM
Changes to WA 8/89 from 28 April 2019:
I've noticed that this registration that previous showed, 8/89 - Walsall to Wolverhamptom via Rushall, now shows 8/8A/9 - Walsall to Bloxwich via Rushall, High Heath and Pelsall.
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531012/
60 Bloxwich to Wolverhampton:
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531014/
60 to be operated by WN
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 14, 2019, 07:59:36 PM
Throughout the day? Ooh arriva watch Nx is about
Yes.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 14, 2019, 07:59:36 PM
Throughout the day? Ooh arriva watch Nx is about
Including evening & sunday?
If Nx is the only leaflet accessable in the Travelshop, that wont help Arriva!
Maybe 6701-6711 to transfer to Walsall and give 11 "19" plates to AG?
Quote from: Nathan on March 14, 2019, 08:01:32 PM
60 to be operated by WN
Yes.
Thats Walsall depot's last route to Wolves then!
That's the reliability of the X51 gone then !
the 35B is being withdrawn aswell
Quote from: Tony on March 14, 2019, 06:41:11 PM
Changes to the X51 now on line as well
20 minute frequency to Cannock!
@Bob - You seen this ??
It's what you've always been asking for....
Quote from: Westy on March 14, 2019, 08:19:09 PM
Thats Walsall depot's last route to Wolves then!
Gutted! It's a great route!
Quote from: Dom on March 14, 2019, 09:33:38 PM
Gutted! It's a great route!
Go back a few years and WA operated 4 routes into Wolverhampton. The 39, 40, 69 & 89. Only other depot to operate into Wolverhampton now will be West Bromwich.
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 09:30:20 PM
@Bob - You seen this ??
It's what you've always been asking for....
Where is this online??
Quote from: Bob on March 14, 2019, 09:43:30 PM
Where is this online??
It isn't yet, will be published on VOSA (GOV.UK) either tomorrow or Monday I expect. Will take a while for online timetables to appear.
X51 20min frequency to Cannock!
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 09:48:13 PM
It isn't yet, will be published on VOSA (GOV.UK) either tomorrow or Monday I expect. Will take a while for online timetables to appear.
X51 20min frequency to Cannock!
Goodbye Arriva 1 & 2 and their crappy streetlites
Quote from: Bob on March 14, 2019, 09:49:00 PM
Goodbye Arriva 1 & 2 and their crappy streetlites
Help make the X51 Cannock extension a success, and you never know, NXWM might take on some Cannock locals one day.
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 09:48:13 PM
It isn't yet, will be published on VOSA (GOV.UK) either tomorrow or Monday I expect. Will take a while for online timetables to appear.
X51 20min frequency to Cannock!
Change is on VOSA although it doesn't say what
https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk/search/find-registered-local-bus-services/details/531011/
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 09:51:24 PM
Help make the X51 Cannock extension a success, and you never know, NXWM might take on some Cannock locals one day.
Oh i will. I have to go brum twice a week for work and then often have to go on scheme visits so if i had a travelcard i wouldnt have to have a daysaver as well. I have to say im very surprised fingers crossed though.
Quote from: Bob on March 14, 2019, 09:55:52 PM
Oh i will. I have to go brum twice a week for work and then often have to go on scheme visits so if i had a travelcard i wouldnt have to have a daysaver as well. I have to say im very surprised fingers crossed though.
If the extension is well received by passengers, there could always be further extensions in to Staffordshire & surrounding areas.
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 09:58:44 PM
If the extension is well received by passengers, there could always be further extensions in to Staffordshire & surrounding areas.
Lets hope so. The Cannock to Lichfield routes might be good to tap into
Quote from: Bob on March 14, 2019, 10:10:09 PM
Lets hope so. The Cannock to Lichfield routes might be good to tap into
A number of the core Staffordshire routes could easily be covered from WA / WN or even PB via various extensions to existing services, most areas are easily accessible from within NXWM operating areas.
Quote from: Tony on March 14, 2019, 06:41:11 PM
Changes to the X51 now on line as well
20 minute frequency to Cannock!
GREAT NEWS!!!
An observation.
Anyone know when the tender is up for the Turnberry & Leamore sections of the 2?
If my calculations are correct, that makes 7 buses an hour between Walsall & Cannock, 3 X51's, 2 1's & 2 2's.
Surely that cannot be sustained?
If the X51 keeps to it's peak time route, straight down Somerfield Road & Green Lane, that negates the Leamore tender, while the Turnberry could be covered by a rerouted 1 & if the X51 is the same route as the 2 in Great Wryley & Cheslyn Hay, you could lose the 2!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but previous comment on Staffs services have always resulted in the answer, 'It wouldn't pay', so how is NX 'making it pay' theorectically?
Quote from: Westy on March 14, 2019, 10:38:10 PM
An observation.
Anyone know when the tender is up for the Turnberry & Leamore sections of the 2?
If my calculations are correct, that makes 7 buses an hour between Walsall & Cannock, 3 X51's, 2 1's & 2 2's.
Surely that cannot be sustained?
If the X51 keeps to it's peak time route, straight down Somerfield Road & Green Lane, that negates the Leamore tender, while the Turnberry could be covered by a rerouted 1 & if the X51 is the same route as the 2 in Great Wryley & Cheslyn Hay, you could lose the 2!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but previous comment on Staffs services have always resulted in the answer, 'It wouldn't pay', so how is NX 'making it pay' theorectically?
They could re-route the number 1 through turnberry and could even reduce to every 60 minutes. It would be easy though for NX or DIamond to have a bus similar to the 31/32 to cover turnberry and back?
Quote from: Westy on March 14, 2019, 10:38:10 PM
An observation.
Anyone know when the tender is up for the Turnberry & Leamore sections of the 2?
If my calculations are correct, that makes 7 buses an hour between Walsall & Cannock, 3 X51's, 2 1's & 2 2's.
Surely that cannot be sustained?
If the X51 keeps to it's peak time route, straight down Somerfield Road & Green Lane, that negates the Leamore tender, while the Turnberry could be covered by a rerouted 1 & if the X51 is the same route as the 2 in Great Wryley & Cheslyn Hay, you could lose the 2!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but previous comment on Staffs services have always resulted in the answer, 'It wouldn't pay', so how is NX 'making it pay' theorectically?
I would imagine the 2 not lasting long...esp among fare paying passengers...6.30 daysaver or 4 pound?
Quote from: Bob on March 14, 2019, 10:42:42 PM
I would imagine the 2 not lasting long...esp among fare paying passengers...6.30 daysaver or 4 pound?
Presumbly there's nothing stopping NX introducing that Daysaver Plus they've got on the Wolves 54 for other Staffs routes?
Quote from: Westy on March 14, 2019, 10:38:10 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but previous comment on Staffs services have always resulted in the answer, 'It wouldn't pay', so how is NX 'making it pay' theorectically?
I assume NX are taking a calculated commercial risk on the full time Cannock X51 extension, partly based on their experience with the 10A extension in to Lichfield exceeding expectations (see comments in recent Annual NX Group results).
Plus it's an extension of an existing highly successful service, therefore, most likely the busier existing end will be subsidising the new extension initially. Lower risk than starting a brand new service.
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 11:10:47 PM
Plus it's an extension of an existing highly successful service, therefore, most likely the busier existing end will be subsidising the new extension initially. Lower risk than starting a brand new service.
Wonder whether the route through Landywood & Cheslyn Hay will be the same?
Quote from: Winston on March 14, 2019, 11:10:47 PM
I assume NX are taking a calculated commercial risk on the full time Cannock X51 extension, partly based on their experience with the 10A extension in to Lichfield exceeding expectations (see comments in recent Annual NX Group results).
Plus it's an extension of an existing highly successful service, therefore, most likely the busier existing end will be subsidising the new extension initially. Lower risk than starting a brand new service.
Its anazing about the 10A as Walsall to Lichfield services have a chequered history
Is it more the case that they are expecting the rail service to become a farce, than a sudden interest in competing with Arriva?.
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 14, 2019, 08:55:49 PM
the 35B is being withdrawn aswell
What has this got to do with NX? It's a Staffs contract that might be replaced.
Of far more interest is that I have heard the X12 being withdrawn between Sutton and Lichfield, I hear there may be a replacement service for this.
Quote from: Cheese on March 15, 2019, 07:38:12 AM
What has this got to do with NX? It's a Staffs contract that might be replaced.
Of far more interest is that I have heard the X12 being withdrawn between Sutton and Lichfield, I hear there may be a replacement service for this.
Correct
Quote from: mikestone on March 15, 2019, 06:46:51 AM
Is it more the case that they are expecting the rail service to become a farce, than a sudden interest in competing with Arriva?.
Why would the newly electrified ( around a week or so after) train service become a farce?
Quote from: Bob on March 15, 2019, 10:51:51 AM
Why would the newly electrified ( around a week or so after) train service become a farce?
Teething problems potentially maybe?
Quote from: Cheese on March 15, 2019, 07:38:12 AM
What has this got to do with NX? It's a Staffs contract that might be replaced.
Of far more interest is that I have heard the X12 being withdrawn between Sutton and Lichfield, I hear there may be a replacement service for this.
If NX replace it, could it be replaced by an extended X3 maybe?
Quote from: 2206 on March 15, 2019, 12:20:30 PM
If NX replace it, could it be replaced by an extended X3 maybe?
Yeah as the X3 goes to Hill Hook and crosses paths with the X12. Not much further to Lichfield on the scale of the route.
Quote from: Westy on March 15, 2019, 12:19:39 PM
Teething problems potentially maybe?
Poss when stuff goes wrong london end too...knockon effects
Ive a feeling extending the X51 will be a success
Quote from: Bob on March 15, 2019, 03:36:47 PM
Ive a feeling extending the X51 will be a success
Fingers crossed
Quote from: Cheese on March 15, 2019, 07:38:12 AM
What has this got to do with NX? It's a Staffs contract that might be replaced.
Of far more interest is that I have heard the X12 being withdrawn between Sutton and Lichfield, I hear there may be a replacement service for this.
That's a big shame :'( Though when I rode the last Saturday journey into Sutton last weekend, it was only me and a few others riding through to the West Midlands, though quite a few people got off on the outskirts of Lichfield. At least all is not completely lost if NXWM introduce a replacement
The withdrawal of the sutton to lichfield section of the x12 could result in one of the PB brum to sutton services being extended. I also heard a rumor that NX might be extending their 3 service to cannock similar to what arriva do now
Quote from: BusMan Greg on March 15, 2019, 05:21:41 PM
The withdrawal of the sutton to lichfield section of the x12 could result in one of the PB brum to sutton services being extended. I also heard a rumor that NX might be extending their 3 service to cannock similar to what arriva do now
Which one is the 3?
Quote from: 2206 on March 15, 2019, 12:20:30 PM
If NX replace it, could it be replaced by an extended X3 maybe?
National Express are not just replacing the X12 (which was about 9 return journies a day Monday-Saturday. They are giving a full blown Birmingham-Lichfield service a trial. It will be running 15 hours a day with a 20 minute peak frequency and even an hourly Sunday service is being introduced (The X3 currently doesn't run Sundays)
Is anyone anywhere else in the country being this brave?
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 05:56:11 PM
National Express are not just replacing the X12 (which was about 9 return journies a day Monday-Saturday. They are giving a full blown Birmingham-Lichfield service a trial. It will be running 15 hours a day with a 20 minute peak frequency and even an hourly Sunday service is being introduced (The X3 currently doesn't run Sundays)
Is anyone anywhere else in the country being this brave?
Wow they are really pushing into Staffordshire now... Will the X51 run late evenings and Sundays??
Quote from: Bob on March 15, 2019, 05:53:29 PM
Which one is the 3?
Walsall-Brownhills service operated in the evening/Sundays
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 05:56:11 PM
National Express are not just replacing the X12 (which was about 9 return journies a day Monday-Saturday. They are giving a full blown Birmingham-Lichfield service a trial. It will be running 15 hours a day with a 20 minute peak frequency and even an hourly Sunday service is being introduced (The X3 currently doesn't run Sundays)
Is anyone anywhere else in the country being this brave?
Will Perry Barr be running this new service
@Tony
Quote from: Bob on March 15, 2019, 10:51:51 AM
Why would the newly electrified ( around a week or so after) train service become a farce?
Because one train an hour comes from London and the other is detached off a Euston-Crewe, and they are hardly renowned for the effectiveness of their setvice recovery as seperate routes.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 15, 2019, 06:00:42 PM
Wow they are really pushing into Staffordshire now... Will the X51 run late evenings and Sundays??
No, nor will the 3 run to Cannock
You would've thought a hourly Sunday daytime service at least on the X51.
Quote from: Westy on March 15, 2019, 06:32:37 PM
You would've thought a hourly Sunday daytime service at least on the X51.
I'll be really disappointed if it doesn't run on a Sunday...
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 05:56:11 PM
National Express are not just replacing the X12 (which was about 9 return journies a day Monday-Saturday. They are giving a full blown Birmingham-Lichfield service a trial. It will be running 15 hours a day with a 20 minute peak frequency and even an hourly Sunday service is being introduced (The X3 currently doesn't run Sundays)
Is anyone anywhere else in the country being this brave?
Do NatEx have a grand plan to kill arriva off
Quote from: Westy on March 15, 2019, 06:32:37 PM
You would've thought a hourly Sunday daytime service at least on the X51.
Brand new routes cost a lot of money with not much return for many months. You might think it's a good idea, but if you had a company spending several hundred thousand pounds a year trying to get fresh customers who may or may not appear you might think differently.
Lichfield is different it is a lot closer to Mere Green than Cannock is to Walsall and you are also giving existing customers around Hill Hook a service to help support it
There goes new buses for the 94/97 lol
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 06:36:10 PM
Brand new routes cost a lot of money with not much return for many months. You might think it's a good idea, but if you had a company spending several hundred thousand pounds a year trying to get fresh customers who may or may not appear you might think differently.
Lichfield is different it is a lot closer to Mere Green than Cannock is to Walsall and you are also giving existing customers around Hill Hook a service to help support it
I wonder of NatEx would ever try on the cannock-wolves corridor again
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 15, 2019, 06:37:55 PM
There goes new buses for the 94/97 lol
Yet the X70 is still mainly E400's...
Can you add the 14 and 72 to list?
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 05:56:11 PM
National Express are not just replacing the X12 (which was about 9 return journies a day Monday-Saturday. They are giving a full blown Birmingham-Lichfield service a trial. It will be running 15 hours a day with a 20 minute peak frequency and even an hourly Sunday service is being introduced (The X3 currently doesn't run Sundays)
Is anyone anywhere else in the country being this brave?
Hoperfully it successful.
Quote from: Jack on March 15, 2019, 06:39:55 PM
Yet the X70 is still mainly E400's...
Can you add the 14 and 72 to list?
And the 55 which also could do with some double decks to cope with loadings at peak times.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 15, 2019, 06:37:55 PM
There goes new buses for the 94/97 lol
What you on about?
I gave Walsall enough during the last cascade, Perry Barr already have enough due to clever timetabling
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 06:36:10 PM
Brand new routes cost a lot of money with not much return for many months. You might think it's a good idea, but if you had a company spending several hundred thousand pounds a year trying to get fresh customers who may or may not appear you might think differently.
How late will it run then? After the 2E?
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 06:36:10 PM
Brand new routes cost a lot of money with not much return for many months. You might think it's a good idea, but if you had a company spending several hundred thousand pounds a year trying to get fresh customers who may or may not appear you might think differently.
Lichfield is different it is a lot closer to Mere Green than Cannock is to Walsall and you are also giving existing customers around Hill Hook a service to help support it
If the new X51 Cannock extension is well used, I'm sure NX will consider introducing a Sunday daytime service in the future if the demand is there. It's now up to the people of Cannock & surrounding areas to help make it a success.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 15, 2019, 06:52:07 PM
How late will it run then? After the 2E?
Those last 2 journeys from Cannock to Bloxwich will probably be the last ones of the day!
Any idea how those journeys are doing currently?
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 05:56:11 PM
National Express are not just replacing the X12 (which was about 9 return journies a day Monday-Saturday. They are giving a full blown Birmingham-Lichfield service a trial. It will be running 15 hours a day with a 20 minute peak frequency and even an hourly Sunday service is being introduced (The X3 currently doesn't run Sundays)
Is anyone anywhere else in the country being this brave?
Words for starting a 20 minute service from Birmingham to Lichfield in 2019 with more trains than ever before, offering quicker journeys on every possible section than a bus could ever be capable of? Let me see....
Quote from: andy41 on March 15, 2019, 09:06:47 PM
Words for starting a 20 minute service from Birmingham to Lichfield in 2019 with more trains than ever before, offering quicker journeys on every possible section than a bus could ever be capable of? Let me see....
Obviously I've no idea of any passenger figures, but from what my observations:
People still seem to use the X3/X4/X5 between Sutton and Birmingham where the train is an option and though there being an almost identical rail line and they seem to be very busy routes.
The X1 seems to carry a fair amount of through passengers to the Airport/NEC from Birmingham City Centre at peak times despite the train being an option.
X20/X21/X22 seem to carry a lot of people to the Uni/QE from the City Centre as well whenever i've been on them, at peak times the stand for these services can be full of people waiting to go there, though the train is again an option there.
Maybe there is a chance that it will do well?
Quote from: andy41 on March 15, 2019, 09:06:47 PM
Words for starting a 20 minute service from Birmingham to Lichfield in 2019 with more trains than ever before, offering quicker journeys on every possible section than a bus could ever be capable of? Let me see....
Train return fare £8.50, Bus return fare £4.50 using contactless. gives people a choice
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 09:29:05 PM
Train return fare £8.50, Bus return fare £4.50 using contactless. gives people a choice
Not a bad difference for people making that journey even if only once a week.
Quote from: 2206 on March 15, 2019, 09:11:24 PM
Obviously I've no idea of any passenger figures, but from what my observations:
People still seem to use the X3/X4/X5 between Sutton and Birmingham where the train is an option and though there being an almost identical rail line and they seem to be very busy routes.
The X1 seems to carry a fair amount of through passengers to the Airport/NEC from Birmingham City Centre at peak times despite the train being an option.
X20/X21/X22 seem to carry a lot of people to the Uni/QE from the City Centre as well whenever i've been on them, at peak times the stand for these services can be full of people waiting to go there, though the train is again an option there.
Maybe there is a chance that it will do well?
Totally incomparable examples though. They are all corridors where there are lots of places that lots of people can catch a bus but aren't anywhere near a station. Not so once you leave Four Oaks towards Lichfield.
And while the bus will be nearly half the price, it will take more than twice as long in some cases. That's all most people care about. That's why the X51 does so well against the train from Walsall. It's not the fare, it's because it's quicker and more frequent.
Quote from: andy41 on March 15, 2019, 09:42:22 PM
Totally incomparable examples though. They are all corridors where there are lots of places that lots of people can catch a bus but aren't anywhere near a station. Not so once you leave Four Oaks towards Lichfield.
And while the bus will be nearly half the price, it will take more than twice as long in some cases. That's all most people care about. That's why the X51 does so well against the train from Walsall. It's not the fare, it's because it's quicker and more frequent.
They're not. Have a look how many people catch the bus in Sutton town centre to Birmingham, or Erdington, Station Road stop to Birmingham. Lots of people prefer the bus to the train. If you study/work at Aston University for example as many thousands do 15 minutes of the time gained on the train is lost again in the walk from the station.
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 09:48:32 PM
They're not. Have a look how many people catch the bus in Sutton town centre to Birmingham, or Erdington, Station Road stop to Birmingham. Lots of people prefer the bus to the train. If you study/work at Aston University for example as many thousands do 15 minutes of the time gained on the train is lost again in the walk from the station.
But the journey time from Lichfield will be the issue. The bus stands up against the train from Wylde Green, Erdington etc for journey time, but it won't on the other side of Sutton.
I used to drive the 112 and the 912 and the constant queue of traffic from Four Oaks into Sutton got rid of everyone, and it's worse now. I just can't see the numbers stacking up. Especially on the NX fare structure.
Are platinum vehicles to be used on this new litchfield service?
Has anyone else heard the rumour that NXWM are also looking at the Sutton to Tamworth corridor also?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 15, 2019, 09:57:24 PM
Are platinum vehicles to be used on this new litchfield service?
If they are than PB will need more Platinums, maybe some will come for them in the next order.
Quote from: Jack on March 15, 2019, 10:02:52 PM
If they are than PB will need more Platinums, maybe some will come for them in the next order.
Its already been confirmed they won't need anymore.
Quote from: Tony on March 15, 2019, 06:49:05 PM
Perry Barr already have enough due to clever timetabling
Quote from: Winston on March 15, 2019, 07:55:29 PM
If the new X51 Cannock extension is well used, I'm sure NX will consider introducing a Sunday daytime service in the future if the demand is there. It's now up to the people of Cannock & surrounding areas to help make it a success.
I have shared the information we know so far on my community facebook group and loads of people have said great news and expressed interest. Let's hope they use it too and the same enthusiasm is mirrored by elsewhere long the route!
With regards to the timings it would be good to see them running to Cannock later than the 2E, i.e. after 8pm, even if its only an extra journey around 9pm. We shall soon find out...
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 15, 2019, 11:23:19 PM
I have shared the information we know so far on my community facebook group and loads of people have said great news and expressed interest. Let's hope they use it too and the same enthusiasm is mirrored by elsewhere long the route!
With regards to the timings it would be good to see them running to Cannock later than the 2E, i.e. after 8pm, even if its only an extra journey around 9pm. We shall soon find out...
I'm sure NX would consider enhancing the timetable in the future if the current extension matches or exceeds loading/revenue expectations. Initially, it's about minimizing risk.
Much better to build on something established, than jump in with both feet then quickly withdraw the extension as a it failed to meet expectations.
@Tony has pensnett got enough buses to cover the new routes coming in April?
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 16, 2019, 08:02:05 PM
@Tony has pensnett got enough buses to cover the new routes coming in April?
It will have
Quote from: Tony on March 16, 2019, 08:26:39 PM
It will have
I've heard some Dundee buses coming
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 16, 2019, 09:19:17 PM
431-435?
We need 2 Currently for a Tender and the 360
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/3434/stat-inf-april-2019.pdf
PD0001111/779 Cancelled
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Brownhills (Parade) to Walsall to Brownhills (Parade) to Walsall via Pelsall Lane and Rushall
Service number: 3 (3)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2019
Quote from: Winston on March 18, 2019, 03:32:39 PM
PD0001111/779 Cancelled
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Brownhills (Parade) to Walsall to Brownhills (Parade) to Walsall via Pelsall Lane and Rushall
Service number: 3 (3)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2019
That is the evening and Sunday service they took over from Arriva isn't it? Interesting
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 18, 2019, 03:35:48 PM
That is the evening and Sunday service they took over from Arriva isn't it? Interesting
It will now run during the day Monday to Saturday from April 28th, as well as evenings and Sunday, i can't remember if it's being renumbered 8A or if the current 8 is becoming the 8A and this is being renumbered the 8. It's one or the other.
It's cancelled as it's on a new registration containing the 8, 8A & 9 (the latter being the Walsall-Bloxwich end of the current 89)
Is this just a revised timetable for the summer or something else?
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001111/39
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 18, 2019, 05:27:12 PM
Is this just a revised timetable for the summer or something else?
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001111/39
April seems a bit early to be a revised summer timetable.
Quote from: 2206 on March 18, 2019, 05:28:37 PM
April seems a bit early to be a revised summer timetable.
Well there's quite a few routes included in this so I figured it might be that.
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 18, 2019, 05:29:28 PM
Well there's quite a few routes included in this so I figured it might be that.
Could be a revised timetable to improve reliability maybe?
Quote from: 2206 on March 18, 2019, 05:33:23 PM
Could be to improve reliability maybe?
Well the ☓20 says revised route and timetable.
https://bustimes.org/registrations/PD0001111/106
Quote from: Nathan on March 18, 2019, 04:37:21 PM
It will now run during the day Monday to Saturday from April 28th, as well as evenings and Sunday, i can't remember if it's being renumbered 8A or if the current 8 is becoming the 8A and this is being renumbered the 8. It's one or the other.
It's cancelled as it's on a new registration containing the 8, 8A & 9 (the latter being the Walsall-Bloxwich end of the current 89)
Hmm, a poss cutback of Arriva 3 between Cannock & Brownhills maybe?
Quote from: Westy on March 18, 2019, 06:20:48 PM
Hmm, a poss cutback of Arriva 3 between Cannock & Brownhills maybe?
Or maybe competition? Arriva's 3 seems to have Solo's on it regularly now, a reduction in capacity. Perhaps another dying route from Cannock garage?
Quote from: Bob on March 19, 2019, 05:24:27 PM
Or maybe competition? Arriva's 3 seems to have Solo's on it regularly now, a reduction in capacity. Perhaps another dying route from Cannock garage?
I could imagine Arriva cutting the 3 to Brownhills and no longer continuing to Walsall.
Wow, a lichfield to Birmingham bus service! Despite the long journey time I think that it will do OK. A lot more people from lichfield travel to Birmingham than to Walsall. But an 80 minute journey time and the terrible traffic between mere Green and Sutton Coldfield will deter some people. No doubt it will be busy when the cross city line has a signal fault / overhead wire problem etc.
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on March 20, 2019, 11:39:44 AM
Wow, a lichfield to Birmingham bus service! Despite the long journey time I think that it will do OK. A lot more people from lichfield travel to Birmingham than to Walsall. But an 80 minute journey time and the terrible traffic between mere Green and Sutton Coldfield will deter some people. No doubt it will be busy when the cross city line has a signal fault / overhead wire problem etc.
How do you know it'll be an 80 min journey time?
It's just a guess. The x3 takes an hour from Hill Hook to Birmingham, and the x12 takes just over 15 minutes from lichfield to Hill hook, and if the x3 takes its current route serving more of hill hook than the x12 that's eadily another 2 minutes. Of course we don't know the exact route yet, will it serve more of Shenstone than the x12, which way will it go into lichfield etc. But I think 70 minutes would be the absolute fastest it could do it in which is a long time.
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on March 20, 2019, 01:51:18 PM
It's just a guess. The x3 takes an hour from Hill Hook to Birmingham, and the x12 takes just over 15 minutes from lichfield to Hill hook, and if the x3 takes its current route serving more of hill hook than the x12 that's eadily another 2 minutes. Of course we don't know the exact route yet, will it serve more of Shenstone than the x12, which way will it go into lichfield etc. But I think 70 minutes would be the absolute fastest it could do it in which is a long time.
x12 don't serve hill hook it goes to Solihull are u meant to say X14
Quote from: SK68MEV on March 20, 2019, 04:46:26 PM
x12 don't serve hill hook it goes to Solihull are u meant to say X14
Midland Classic's X12 currently does.
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/03/20/new-bus-service-will-link-cannock-to-birmingham/
Anyone know when the contract is up for the Turnberry & Leamore is next up as this will have a bearing on it?
PD0001111/8 Registered
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Birmingham to Perry Barr/Perry Beeches via Lozells
Service number: 46 (52)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2019
I'm guessing the 52 will join the 33 & 51 and leave the Livery Street terminus.
Also looks like there will be 52Es.
I wonder, will the 46 double back in Perry Barr to pick up passengers in One Stop en route to City ?? I can see that the elderly citizens of Beeches Estate and Booths Farm may be displeased with that arrangement.
Registration number PD0001111/431
Licence Number PD0001111
Variation number 33
Status Variation
Service number. 902, X4, X5, X3
Service type Normal Stopping
Start point Birmingham
Finish point Lichfield/Minworth/Roughley
Via Erdington, Sutton Coldfield
Date received 20 Mar 2019
Effective date 28 Apr 2019
End date
Supported by subsidies? No
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 21, 2019, 05:00:38 PM
Registration number PD0001111/431
Licence Number PD0001111
Variation number 33
Status Variation
Service number. 902, X4, X5, X3
Service type Normal Stopping
Start point Birmingham
Finish point Lichfield/Minworth/Roughley
Via Erdington, Sutton Coldfield
Date received 20 Mar 2019
Effective date 28 Apr 2019
End date
Supported by subsidies? No
nearly all X3 journies extended to Lichfield
Sunday service introduced on the X3 (I cannot remember the date when Hillhook last had a Sunday service to Birmingham)
Various other timetable cjanges
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 05:24:58 PM
nearly all X3 journies extended to Lichfield
Sunday service introduced on the X3 (I cannot remember the date when Hillhook last had a Sunday service to Birmingham)
Various other timetable cjanges
So they are introducing sunday X3's to lichfield but the X51 already runs on sundays but not to cannock 🤔
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 21, 2019, 06:20:32 PM
So they are introducing sunday X3's to lichfield but the X51 already runs on sundays but not to cannock 🤔
I suppose if they did introduce a Cannock Sunday X51, it would be one of the existing journeys extended, so hourly to Cannock, half hourly to Walsall from Brum.
(Then they would have to fiddle with the 937a as well, as it interworks!)
So what is driving this new strategy to take on new areas outside of the West Midlands?? I am pretty sure I read on here that the strategy long term was to grow the core West Midlands region.
Is this from a new boss?
Identified that the train is under performing??
Investors or is it just trials to see if takes off etc.
Fair play to them if it works. Who knows could reintroduce the London Liner to compete with Mega etc.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 21, 2019, 06:39:26 PM
Fair play to them if it works. Who knows could reintroduce the London Liner to compete with Mega etc.
Of course! National Express don't run a service between Birmingham & London to compete with Megabus do they?
I get that bit I meant in the form of a tertiary brand i.e an Aldi of the transport sector.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 21, 2019, 07:09:09 PM
I get that bit I meant in the form of a tertiary brand i.e an Aldi of the transport sector.
I presume you didn't travel on London Liner. It was never the 'Aldi' of the London - Birmingham service. it was advertised as quite the contrary
That was then this now, that's my point a lower tier brand , just a random idea not my industry I accept that.
Quote from: Westy on March 21, 2019, 06:37:57 PM
I suppose if they did introduce a Cannock Sunday X51, it would be one of the existing journeys extended, so hourly to Cannock, half hourly to Walsall from Brum.
(Then they would have to fiddle with the 937a as well, as it interworks!)
The X51 often changes to 997E when I get off in Brum during the day. Wonder if it will still do that?
Hadn't the 937a used to be called X56 to Boney Hay under subsidy from Staffs? I suppose they could have extended that to Lichfield if it wasn't for the 10A or X3 opportunity.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 21, 2019, 07:28:54 PM
That was then this now, that's my point a lower tier brand , just a random idea not my industry I accept that.
Not quite sure how you go lower than the £1 (+50p booking fee Megabus offer)
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 21, 2019, 07:32:28 PM
The X51 often changes to 997E when I get off in Brum during the day. Wonder if it will still do that?
Hadn't the 937a used to be called X56 to Boney Hay under subsidy from Staffs? I suppose they could have extended that to Lichfield if it wasn't for the 10A or X3 opportunity.
No, the 937A use to be the 935A until the 937 was introduced in October 2015. The X56 didn't have any replacement when it left.
Quote from: Jack on March 21, 2019, 07:49:40 PM
No, the 937A use to be the 935A until the 937 was introduced in October 2015. The X56 didn't have any replacement when it left.
The journies to/from Boney hay on the 937 replaced the X56
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 07:53:58 PM
The journies to/from Boney hay on the 937 replaced the X56
You're right I completely forgot about that, but there was no 'new' route shall I say that replaced it.
Why can't NX just run to Boney Hay more often than peak times, is it that much of a effort?
Quote from: Jack on March 21, 2019, 08:06:01 PM
You're right I completely forgot about that, but there was no 'new' route shall I say that replaced it.
Why can't NX just run to Boney Hay more often than peak times, is it that much of a effort?
Because carrying fresh air does not pay the bills
Do NX carry anyone to/from Boney hay on the 937A?
@Tony Do you know when the new X51 timetable is due to be posted online?
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 08:12:11 PM
Because carrying fresh air does not pay the bills
What's wrong with just giving it a go? If it failed yes then cut it but I don't see why NX couldn't trial it...
Quote from: Jack on March 21, 2019, 08:16:10 PM
What's wrong with just giving it a go? If it failed yes then cut it but I don't see why NX couldn't trial it...
Just spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on guesswork?
That's not how businesses work
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 07:46:05 PM
Not quite sure how you go lower than the £1 (+50p booking fee Megabus offer)
Now that I didn't know ,
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 08:18:56 PM
Just spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on guesswork?
That's not how businesses work
I agree. I would guess that NX have done a lot of research into the X51 and X3 extensions and a good business case has been made for extending them.
They wouldn't just do it 'for fun' would they! :D
Admittedly, I might fancy an occasional trip out to Lichfield, but my opinion wouldn't really count as I am not a regular commuter along that line.
These have to work in the best interests of those regular passengers who need or rely on these services, rather than tailing to the whims of the 'occasional' traveller.
Just as a clue to how expensive a new service is. One bus costs £300,000, expected life is around 17 years. That's depreciation of over £17,000 a year now add fuel, drivers, maintenance, insurance and other overheads on top and just increasing a PVR by one means a six figure sum. That is a lot of passengers needed to break even
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 21, 2019, 05:00:38 PM
Registration number PD0001111/431
Licence Number PD0001111
Variation number 33
Status Variation
Service number. 902, X4, X5, X3
Service type Normal Stopping
Start point Birmingham
Finish point Lichfield/Minworth/Roughley
Via Erdington, Sutton Coldfield
Date received 20 Mar 2019
Effective date 28 Apr 2019
End date
Supported by subsidies? No
I heard the x4 was going to be terminating at falcon lodge obviously not by the looks of it then
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 08:45:35 PM
Just as a clue to how expensive a new service is. One bus costs £300,000, expected life is around 17 years. That's depreciation of over £17,000 a year now add fuel, drivers, maintenance, insurance and other overheads on top and just increasing a PVR by one means a six figure sum. That is a lot of passengers needed to break even
17 years on today's build quality is very ambitious !
Quote from: metrocity on March 21, 2019, 09:07:19 PM
17 years on today's build quality is very ambitious !
What makes you think that?
17 years is easily achievable on Alexander Dennis products as proved by the fact that is the age most tridents have run to
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 09:13:39 PM
What makes you think that?
17 years is easily achievable on Alexander Dennis products as proved by the fact that is the age most tridents have run to
Time will tell !
Quote from: Winston on March 21, 2019, 12:35:36 AM
https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/03/20/new-bus-service-will-link-cannock-to-birmingham/
I am glad to see that the Express and Star have used a photo of a brand new bus to advertise their story: 4061 V61VOA on a 61 :)
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 09:13:39 PM
What makes you think that?
17 years is easily achievable on Alexander Dennis products as proved by the fact that is the age most tridents have run to
4125 reaching 19 years still going strong 💪
The 122 (Oldbury to Bearwood via Langley Green) appears to be renumbered to 22 upon NXWM taking over running of the service from 22nd April.
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 21, 2019, 10:08:11 PM
4125 reaching 19 years still going strong 💪
18 years.
Also some of the 41XX at BC are still going.
Quote from: Nathan on March 21, 2019, 10:12:58 PM
The 122 (Oldbury to Bearwood via Langley Green) appears to be renumbered to 22 upon NXWM taking over running of the service from 22nd April.
makes sense to renumber it
You only have to look at the main ex lea hall routes to see how long they last.
Quote from: Tony on March 21, 2019, 08:18:56 PM
Just spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on guesswork?
That's not how businesses work
HS2 excepted obviously.
Is the route the X51 takes between Cannock and Bloxwich changing? Or will it still serve cheslyn hay/landywood etc
Quote from: Bob on March 22, 2019, 02:03:33 PM
Is the route the X51 takes between Cannock and Bloxwich changing? Or will it still serve cheslyn hay/landywood etc
https://flic.kr/p/2fccvdC
Quote from: CL on March 22, 2019, 03:15:30 PM
https://flic.kr/p/2fccvdC
Is that a section of timetable leaflet I see?!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 22, 2019, 03:58:11 PM
Is that a section of timetable leaflet I see?!
Perhaps more of a notice to be displayed inside the buses. ;) I've yet to see them, but this looks pretty legitimate to me.
Why do we need more buses down Bloxwich Road?
Looks like the 2 is here to stay for the foreseeable then.
Will it be all stops between Walsall & Cannock still?
Quote from: Westy on March 22, 2019, 04:49:53 PM
Why do we need more buses down Bloxwich Road?
Looks like the 2 is here to stay for the foreseeable then.
Will it be all stops between Walsall & Cannock still?
I said that... it could turn half way like the number 2 I suppose but I agree there's already various busses up to every minute. Green Lane would be faster too I reckon.
http://www.midlandclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/X12-changes-29th-April-2019.pdf
;
Quote from: mikestone on March 22, 2019, 09:16:50 PM
http://www.midlandclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/X12-changes-29th-April-2019.pdf
;
If Midland Classic's notice is correct, then with the X3 running every 30 mins (not 20 mins as it is now), will the X4 and X5 be every 30 mins (also not 20 mins as it is now) with X4 shorts to Sutton combining every 7-8 mins City to Sutton as it used to be ?
Word has spread in Perry Beeches about the 46 (52) being extended and a petition is looking to be started.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 22, 2019, 04:59:18 PM
I said that... it could turn half way like the number 2 I suppose but I agree there's already various busses up to every minute. Green Lane would be faster too I reckon.
You try waiting to turn right at the Leamore shops junction!
PD0001111/431 Registered (Short notice)
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Birmingham to Lichfield/Minworth/Roughley via Erdington, Sutton Coldfield
Service number: 902 (X4, X5, X3)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Apr 2019
PD0001111/785 Registered (Short notice)
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Wolverhampton to Goldthorn Park to Wolverhampton to Goldthorn Park
Service number: 61 (61)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Apr 2019
PD0001111/787 Registered (Short notice)
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Stourbridge to Norton to Stourbridge to Norton via Pedmore
Service number: 10 (10A, 10C)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Apr 2019
PD0001111/786 Registered (Short notice)
WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LIMITED
Route: Oldbury to Bearwood to Oldbury to Bearwood via Langley
Service number: 22 (22)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 21 Apr 2019
Unofficial timetables for Stourbridge services 5/5A, 10A/10C and 17A have been posted at http://www.stourbridgebusinfo.co.uk/
Quote from: Jack on March 23, 2019, 10:54:18 AM
Word has spread in Perry Beeches about the 46 (52) being extended and a petition is looking to be started.
So what? If enough of them caught the 52/952 direct route then this wouldn't be an issue
Ever since the X51 became the success it is many of them alight a Beeches bus at Tower Hill to catch that into town instead, and vice versa on the way back. Fact. Not everyone can have a direct route as the crow flies to where they are going. I spent 27 years living off Rocky Lane, similar distance up to the Walsall Road but there was the 424 (previously 653) minibus all the way into the city centre but near enough everyone walked up to the Walsall Road.
The Beeches people still get a route more frequent than that that goes all the way to town, and in reality it's only going to take an extra 5 mins
Side note. I know someone who is actually benefitted by this, lives off Thornbridge and works in the Jewellery Quarter, suddenly has only one bus and a short walk either end.
Quote from: Roy on March 25, 2019, 11:02:42 PM
Unofficial timetables for Stourbridge services 5/5A, 10A/10C and 17A have been posted at http://www.stourbridgebusinfo.co.uk/
Interesting that the timetable for the 10A/C says Stourbridge - Norton (circular), seems a bit misleading to me as it doesn't actually touch Norton really!!
Interesting that the NWM service changes page shows "revised timetable and limited stops" for the X20/X21.
Is that a mistake or will NX be making the X20/X21 limited stop
@Tony?
Also from the NWM service changes page it seems the X20 is being cut back to Longbridge?
Probably just stopping at Oak Tree Lane now inbound instead of Harborne Lane because of the Gibbins Road stop being reinstated.
Black Country changes for 21 April now on NXWM website at https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/service-changes-from-sunday-21st-aprl-2019
One big change is the reduction of service 14 from every 30 minutes to every hour.
It also appears that services 14/14A/24 will interwork.
55/94/97 all with timetable changes could this be long awaited upgrades ::) ::) :o
Do you have the confirmation of that
@monkeyjoe
Quote from: Jack D on March 27, 2019, 07:55:17 PM
Do you have the confirmation of that @monkeyjoe
See: https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ways-to-travel/bus/upcoming-bus-changes/
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 27, 2019, 07:40:55 PM
55/94/97 all with timetable changes could this be long awaited upgrades ::) ::) :o
I wouldn't get too excited, just revised timetables thats all. It's been suggested in another thread here that PB might be introducing an additional peak-time journey onto the 55 timetable.
Quote from: Roy on March 27, 2019, 07:18:43 PM
Black Country changes for 21 April now on NXWM website at https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/service-changes-from-sunday-21st-aprl-2019
One big change is the reduction of service 14 from every 30 minutes to every hour.
How the '241' has Demised. Once the fastest route to Dudley operating every 30 minutes, now a long winded hourly route.
Quote from: Stu on March 27, 2019, 08:07:40 PM
See: https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ways-to-travel/bus/upcoming-bus-changes/
I wouldn't get too excited, just revised timetables thats all. It's been suggested in another thread here that PB might be introducing an additional peak-time journey onto the 55 timetable.
I know lol
Quote from: Trident 4194 on March 27, 2019, 08:10:28 PM
How the '241' has Demised. Once the fastest route to Dudley operating every 30 minutes, now a long winded hourly route.
Or serving more places due to tender wins?! Dudley to Halesowen you do have the 19 aswell but the new 14 and 19 have a run time to Halesowen being 35 mins...
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on March 27, 2019, 08:20:41 PM
Or serving more places due to tender wins?! Dudley to Halesowen you do have the 19 aswell but the new 14 and 19 have a run time to Halesowen being 35 mins...
The 241 14 replaced the 127 partly which wasn't tendered was it? The 14 and 19 are both equally long winded routes. If I go to Dudley nowadays I will get a 4H to blackheath then an x8
Quote from: 2206 on March 27, 2019, 04:51:22 PM
Interesting that the NWM service changes page shows "revised timetable and limited stops" for the X20/X21.
Is that a mistake or will NX be making the X20/X21 limited stop @Tony?
Also from the NWM service changes page it seems the X20 is being cut back to Longbridge?
Not sure how much to read into a site that can't proof read things properly. Unless of course the ☓21 is now going to "Woodstock Hill"...
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/timetables/#/route/cen_33X21_B_H_y11_5-5
will the 14A go the same way as the current 208 to Merry Hill? asking on behalf of my parents.
Quote from: wbdriver on March 28, 2019, 07:18:03 PM
will the 14A go the same way as the current 208 to Merry Hill? asking on behalf of my parents.
It'll take over part of the current 24 and 208 routes
Hearing from a WN Driver that the WN X7 is due to be de-registered and withdrawn during July ?
Quote from: TT90 on March 28, 2019, 10:26:09 PM
Hearing from a WN Driver that the WN X7 is due to be de-registered and withdrawn during July ?
If it's true, I wouldn't be surprised, as it doesn't seem to be that well used overall. I'd presume the X8 would see a frequency increase, at least between Dudley and Wolverhampton, or the 126 extended back to Wolverhampton to retain the frequency along there.
I think the X8 could do with a frequency increase especially between Dudley and Birmingham, the 20 mins gap is a bit much I think. Maybe this will sort that once the X7 is withdrawn ?
I believe it to be June not July.
Quote from: StourValley98 on March 28, 2019, 10:45:15 PM
If it's true, I wouldn't be surprised, as it doesn't seem to be that well used overall. I'd presume the X8 would see a frequency increase, at least between Dudley and Wolverhampton, or the 126 extended back to Wolverhampton to retain the frequency along there.
They could make the 126 platinum then couldn't they
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 29, 2019, 10:49:24 AM
They could make the 126 platinum then couldn't they
They could return the 126 back to normal w-ton to brum . and retain x8 between dudley & brum?
126 wn & x8 pn?????
The 126 is a pretty dead route now doesn't carry much at all from my observations. At peaks the downstairs isn't full
What's with this obsession with making the 126 Platinum again? Times have changed and I'm sure people have benefited from the X8.
Quote from: MasterPlan on March 29, 2019, 12:09:17 PM
What's with this obsession with making the 126 Platinum again? Times have changed and I'm sure people have benefited from the X8.
I have never used the service it was a passing comment
Staffordshire County Council have sent me the timetables for the X51 (Cannock journeys only)... Anybody can ask for these so it's public information and there's no reason why I can't share it.
Did you get an x3 one too out of curiosity ?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 29, 2019, 04:17:42 PM
Staffordshire County Council have sent me the timetables for the X51 (Cannock journeys only)... Anybody can ask for these so it's public information and there's no reason why I can't share it.
So you can go out to Brum from Cannock mid evening but cant come back late night!
Dont think the train has anything to worry about!
Also, does anyone know if its all stops between Bloxwich & Walsall, as I cant see many passengers between Bloxwich & Walsall, as it will be different stops in Walsall to the 31 & 32?
Quote from: Westy on March 29, 2019, 06:41:57 PM
So you can go out to Brum from Cannock mid evening but cant come back late night!
Dont think the train has anything to worry about!
Also, does anyone know if its all stops between Bloxwich & Walsall, as I cant see many passengers between Bloxwich & Walsall, as it will be different stops in Walsall to the 31 & 32?
Was never going to be a late night service. That's been stated the whole time. It will be all stops up the Bloxwich Road and it'll pick up more than the X51 does now up Green Lane.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on March 29, 2019, 04:37:51 PM
Did you get an x3 one too out of curiosity ?
Yes sorry forgot to attach...
Quote from: Westy on March 29, 2019, 06:41:57 PM
So you can go out to Brum from Cannock mid evening but cant come back late night!
Dont think the train has anything to worry about!
Also, does anyone know if its all stops between Bloxwich & Walsall, as I cant see many passengers between Bloxwich & Walsall, as it will be different stops in Walsall to the 31 & 32?
X51 doesn't run late night anyway. I suppose they could have done a return journey late but what do I know. I don't think it should follow that route there's so much congestion as it is and traffic at peak times.
So the new X3/X4/X5 timetable looks good for lichfield but bad for other places. For example mere Green will drop from 6 buses an hour to Birmingham to 4, roughley and hill hook from 3 each to 2 each. I'm all for improving lichfield bus services, I really am, but not at the detriment to other places.
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on March 29, 2019, 10:30:23 PM
So the new X3/X4/X5 timetable looks good for lichfield but bad for other places. For example mere Green will drop from 6 buses an hour to Birmingham to 4, roughley and hill hook from 3 each to 2 each. I'm all for improving lichfield bus services, I really am, but not at the detriment to other places.
Loadings on the X3 and X5 at that end of the route don't warrant a 20 minute service
I'm glad to see the X4 upped to 15 mins frequency to Falcon Lodge as that can be busy. Also glad to see the Minworth section cut to 30 mins frequency as that is not needed at every 20
As for Lichfield, I think those running times are very ambitious
Quote from: John on March 29, 2019, 10:35:09 PM
Loadings on the X3 and X5 at that end of the route don't warrant a 20 minute service
I'm glad to see the X4 upped to 15 mins frequency to Falcon Lodge as that can be busy. Also glad to see the Minworth section cut to 30 mins frequency as that is not needed at every 20
There's also the Arriva 110 between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield so for those not restricted by an NX pass they have that option.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on March 29, 2019, 10:39:40 PM
There's also the Arriva 110 between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield so for those not restricted by an NX pass they have that option.
The Sutton lines will only see a frequency decrease of 1 minute (from 6/7 to 7/8), that's double the 110. Admittedly, those Sapphire Enviros do look lovely from the outside
Quote from: Sh4318 on March 29, 2019, 10:42:08 PM
The Sutton lines will only see a frequency decrease of 1 minute (from 6/7 to 7/8), that's double the 110. Admittedly, those Sapphire Enviros do look lovely from the outside
Not been on one but the Sapphires in Cannock look good but aren't very comfortable and the USBs often don't work.
It'll be interesting to see if the x3 is well used to lichfield. Doubt many will use it all the way to Birmingham as it'll take too long but even if a few switch to it from the train between lichfield and Sutton, who know, we'll have to wait and see.
Quote from: Lichfield_Lad on March 30, 2019, 12:07:38 AM
It'll be interesting to see if the x3 is well used to lichfield. Doubt many will use it all the way to Birmingham as it'll take too long but even if a few switch to it from the train between lichfield and Sutton, who know, we'll have to wait and see.
My partner drives from Lichfield to Walsall then gets the X51 to Birmingham. When he looked at the X3 timetable he said straight away it's quicker to continue going via Walsall than direct from Lichfield. I'm going to try it though.
I wonder what passengers that normally get on the 46 at Perry Barr One Stop going towards Lozells will think about having to get the new 52 route over the other side of the road ?
Quote from: Steve3229vp on March 31, 2019, 05:25:07 PM
I wonder what passengers that normally get on the 46 at Perry Barr One Stop going towards Lozells will think about having to get the new 52 route over the other side of the road ?
Same as years ago back in May 2005.
Perry Beeches Evening Sunday service was covered by 46X Perry Beeches- City--Northfield
Will Walsall need any extra platinums for X51 extension
Quote from: Bob on April 01, 2019, 05:13:21 PM
Will Walsall need any extra platinums for X51 extension
I've already given them the extras
Quote from: Tony on April 01, 2019, 05:33:40 PM
I've already given them the extras
I'm assuming you've had to sort the next stop announcements for the new route, have you had to change the others to match? Don't know how it works.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 01, 2019, 07:15:32 PM
I'm assuming you've had to sort the next stop announcements for the new route, have you had to change the others to match? Don't know how it works.
No, not my job
I know you said the X51 will have the extras, but does that mean where the 'spare' Platties were used on standard routes like the 7 & 10, on Saturdays, they will revert to 'standard ' vehicles?
Presumbly there would be no change to Sunday allocations in Walsall?
Quote from: Westy on April 01, 2019, 09:21:50 PM
I know you said the X51 will have the extras, but does that mean where the 'spare' Platties were used on standard routes like the 7 & 10, on Saturdays, they will revert to 'standard ' vehicles?
Presumbly there would be no change to Sunday allocations in Walsall?
Saturday timetable require less vehicles than Monday to Friday, so before 6712-6718 moved to WA the spare were used anywhere else they could so I doubt it will change with the extension to Cannock on a Saturday as the run time between brum and Cannock will be slightly faster than mon to fri service
Quote from: 2206 on March 18, 2019, 05:33:23 PM
Could be a revised timetable to improve reliability maybe?
If this is the case then it can't come quick enough. Only the 15 mins late into City this morning.
I noticed the 94s are being reduced in the daytime, suspect the same will happen with the 55.
It's only taken 1/4 of a century plus years to introduce a 97 that's serves CTC, people were asking for that when I went to school in that area in.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 05, 2019, 01:15:58 PM
I noticed the 94s are being reduced in the daytime, suspect the same will happen with the 55.
It's only taken 1/4 of a century plus years to introduce a 97 that's serves CTC, people were asking for that when I went to school in that area in.
I've had a quuck look at the timetable on Traveline? Still seems to be roughly every 8 minutes?
13:04, 13:12, 13:21, 13:29, 13:37.
Doesn't look too different to how it is now.
I'd think the 55/94 would still operate every 4 minutes between Fox & Goose and City Centre?
I'm being pedantic moved from every 7/8 to 8/9, i notice everything.
Has the decker on 55 been confirmed yet?
Happy that the x3 will take the more direct route into lichfiled via Birmingham Road instead of the current X12 route.
Is there any truth yet in this alleged route change for the X20?
Does anyone know if its correct that NX have the 99/A12 contract till June?
That's what the drivers have been telling people?
Quote from: 2206 on April 08, 2019, 04:06:31 PM
Is it correct that NX have the 99/A12 contract till June?
These were emergency tenders, I have read on someone's blog they are for 12 weeks
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 08, 2019, 04:19:15 PM
These were emergency tenders, I have read on someone's blog they are for 12 weeks
Thanks for the info.
Looks like the Perry Beeches lot are getting a raw deal with this new 52 reduced to 30 mins during the day and extra time of the journey.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 08, 2019, 05:06:33 PM
Looks like the Perry Beeches lot are getting a raw deal with this new 52 reduced to 30 mins during the day and extra time of the journey.
Passenger loading don't warrant a 20 minute frequency off peak
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 08, 2019, 05:06:33 PM
Looks like the Perry Beeches lot are getting a raw deal with this new 52 reduced to 30 mins during the day and extra time of the journey.
Makes sense but I hope to death they put it to double deckers, though I can't see loads of the people from the estate staying on past from Perry Barr.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 08, 2019, 05:06:33 PM
Looks like the Perry Beeches lot are getting a raw deal with this new 52 reduced to 30 mins during the day and extra time of the journey.
Fair enough but why change something that's been every 20 mins for years and people are use to...
I hope they bring back the 'original' 52 at some point in the near future because all these new variations and incarnations are getting so annoying, can't they just make their minds up what they want to do with the Beeches bus to Birmingham!
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:13:48 PM
Makes sense but I hope to death they put it to double deckers, though I can't see loads of the people from the estate staying on past from Perry Barr.
Fair enough but why change something that's been every 20 mins for years and people are use to...
I hope they bring back the 'original' 52 at some point in the near future because all these new variations and incarnations are getting so annoying, can't they just make their minds up what they want to do with the Beeches bus to Birmingham!
Because there isn't the footfall for a 20 min service, nor for double decks!
Where are people seeing this? There's nothing about it on NX's website that I can see?
Go on Traveline.com and stick in a date in May as an example will load up the timetable
Quote from: Dom on April 08, 2019, 08:35:49 PM
Because there isn't the footfall for a 20 min service, nor for double decks!
Double Decks yes, for the section it will be taking on from the 46, because I can't see it coping with all the Beeches lot as well as the Perry Barr to Birmingham to section, but let's be honest I can't see many of the people here using it all the way to Birmingham, the new route of which is longer is hardly appealing is it?
The 46 just about copes with an Omnilink, add the Perry Beeches part if people use it all the way to Birmingham will be a cramped ride.
Also I forgot, you've only driven route not long, yet I've been using the route over a decade, surely common sense plays apart?
What will happen to 99 service then (ex igo) a driver told me that NX are keeping it but changing it, and are 55 getting deckers driver told me they were?
Quote from: Jack D on April 08, 2019, 08:48:42 PM
What will happen to 99 service then (ex igo) a driver told me that NX are keeping it but changing it, and are 55 getting deckers driver told me they were?
If the latter is true would this mean that the 55 is moving depots then?
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 05, 2019, 08:27:40 PM
Is there any truth yet in this alleged route change for the X20?
The x20 changes are on a Facebook post answered by nxbus
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 08, 2019, 09:18:55 PM
The x20 changes are on a Facebook post answered by nxbus
Thanks, I've just had a look now. Are there any changes to the X21? Or is that simply just minor timetable adjustments?
Quote from: MasterPlan on April 08, 2019, 09:33:48 PM
Thanks, I've just had a look now. Are there any changes to the X21? Or is that simply just minor timetable adjustments?
If you've just had a look,ans a regular user you'll be able to tell
X21 looks like a frequency reduction to every 20 mins
Quote from: Tony on April 08, 2019, 09:39:44 PM
If you've just had a look,ans a regular user you'll be able to tell
There's nothing about it on Facebook.
That I saw from downloading a future dated timetable on Traveline.com
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 08, 2019, 09:48:31 PM
X21 looks like a frequency reduction to every 20 mins
Deckers for you masterplan maybe?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on April 08, 2019, 09:57:10 PM
Deckers for you masterplan maybe?
Hahaha. That was a good one.
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 08:38:36 PM
Double Decks yes, for the section it will be taking on from the 46, because I can't see it coping with all the Beeches lot as well as the Perry Barr to Birmingham to section, but let's be honest I can't see many of the people here using it all the way to Birmingham, the new route of which is longer is hardly appealing is it?
The 46 just about copes with an Omnilink, add the Perry Beeches part if people use it all the way to Birmingham will be a cramped ride.
Also I forgot, you've only driven route not long, yet I've been using the route over a decade, surely common sense plays apart?
From the outside looking in, it seems as though NX's priority was retaining the link between Perry Beeches and Perry Barr with the direct service to Birmingham being a convenient extra
Quote from: monkeyjoe on April 08, 2019, 09:48:31 PM
X21 looks like a frequency reduction to every 20 mins
Doesn't surprise me one bit. Suppose it won't be long before it's reduced again or withdrawn altogether.
Quote from: Jack on April 08, 2019, 07:13:48 PM
....
I hope they bring back the 'original' 52 at some point in the near future because all these new variations and incarnations are getting so annoying, can't they just make their minds up what they want to do with the Beeches bus to Birmingham!
Original? You mean the version that only used Beeches Road and didn't serve Booths Farm? Or are you picking and choosing which version you liked?
They can't make up their minds because quite clearly neither plan thus far has worked out, maintaining the local link Beeches - Perry Barr and the link to the X51 on the Walsall Road (which, I remind you, is what a vast number of passengers already do) seems to me the most logical option yet
(with the exception of a route coming in via the Aldridge Road and running through Beeches and Booths Farm to Scott Arms, but that's just my own personal bias)
New Updates are up
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/service-changes/service-changes-from-sunday-28th-april-2019
Utter crap. Yet the shambolic 27 carries on. I've just seen one with literally 0 passengers on it... During rush hour.
I guess technically the X20/21/22 branding should be amended to say up to every 5 mins Mon-Fri peak periods. They aren't up to every 5 mins during the day.
3 buses an hour City to Weoley Castle is a far cry from the days of the 21/29.
Quote from: Mike K on April 09, 2019, 06:06:53 PM
I guess technically the X20/21/22 branding should be amended to say up to every 5 mins Mon-Fri peak periods. They aren't up to every 5 mins during the day.
3 buses an hour City to Weoley Castle is a far cry from the days of the 21/29.
It sure it. Dont forgot, at one point City to Weoley Castle was also served by the 15 minute 44/44E/44T/44S services as well as the 21 and 29.
Now there is a 0933 10A from Lichfield, I can use an off peak daysaver 10 minutes earlier lol.
The amend 97s is not mentioned.
Quote from: Mike K on April 09, 2019, 06:06:53 PM
3 buses an hour City to Weoley Castle is a far cry from the days of the 21/29.
That's a nice way of putting it, yes...
Not looked in too much detail but it appears that in the evenings the X20/21/22 might all inter-work on the new timetable. I wonder if the reduced daytime frequency on the X21 might finally see it converted to double deck Platinum operation.
Quote from: Mike K on April 09, 2019, 10:27:19 PM
Not looked in too much detail but it appears that in the evenings the X20/21/22 might all inter-work on the new timetable. I wonder if the reduced daytime frequency on the X21 might finally see it converted to double deck Platinum operation.
Yeah they're all every 30 mins now in the evenings. The only positive from the new timetable is the later time of the last bus. But the big part is the removal of some early morning journeys that have been well used, and on a personal note I will lose out too.
As for the platinums, no chance.
How come they don't include High Heath as a timing point on the new 9?
@Tony - You might want to have a word with whoever puts these timetables on the web.
The 9 Sunday service is missing from the NX version, but its showing on the NWM version, if its correct that NX are still running it!
Cutting the X21 seems weird. Weoley Castle buses have always been well used to my knowledge, so don't get the reasoning behind there now only being 3 buses an hour to the city centre.
Similar situation to Perry Beeches? Are people just heading up to the Bristol Road or the 23 and catching those routes instead now?
Quote from: Kevin on April 10, 2019, 08:28:09 AM
Cutting the X21 seems weird. Weoley Castle buses have always been well used to my knowledge, so don't get the reasoning behind there now only being 3 buses an hour to the city centre.
Similar situation to Perry Beeches? Are people just heading up to the Bristol Road or the 23 and catching those routes instead now?
Peak time journeys look full the times I've seen them, including the 15:08 ish trip from University Station yesterday. They look full between Selly Oak/University and Birmingham anyway.
Can't see why anyone would change for the Bristol Road, can't see it being any quicker. Unlike with the X51.
Maybe they are decreasing the frequency and will be using double deckers instead?
Quote from: 2206 on April 10, 2019, 09:17:14 AM
Peak time journeys look full the times I've seen them, including the 15:08 ish trip from University Station yesterday. They look full between Selly Oak/University and Birmingham anyway.
Can't see why anyone would change for the Bristol Road, can't see it being any quicker. Unlike with the X51.
Maybe they are decreasing the frequency and will be using double deckers instead?
It isn't any quicker. Many times I've seen the ☓21 get to or from Selly Oak around the same time as a 61/63.
So to answer
@Kevin 's question, no I don't think so. Most people stay on it until QE/City whichever it is they need.
And as many people have said
@2206 where will the B7RLEs go then? No, I'm afraid we're stuck with them.
Quote from: Kevin on April 10, 2019, 08:28:09 AM
Cutting the X21 seems weird. Weoley Castle buses have always been well used to my knowledge, so don't get the reasoning behind there now only being 3 buses an hour to the city centre.
Similar situation to Perry Beeches? Are people just heading up to the Bristol Road or the 23 and catching those routes instead now?
Have you been on the Bristol road lately? It's like a car park? Certainly not any quicker journey times than x21
Any 99 changes ex.igo service?
Lots of platinums with "coming soon to Cannock/Lichfield" messages in the upper windscreen.
Traffic notice now on Walsall vehicles.
Quote from: mikestone on April 11, 2019, 01:26:07 PM
Lots of platinums with "coming soon to Cannock" messages in the upper windscreen.
Yes seen those. Wonder whether they'll put timetables throughout the cannock - bloxwich section that is Staffordshire.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 11, 2019, 08:23:40 PM
Yes seen those. Wonder whether they'll put timetables throughout the cannock - bloxwich section that is Staffordshire.
And if they mysteriously disappear at Cannock Bus Station. like they did with the 54 & 154.
Quote from: Westy on April 11, 2019, 08:33:56 PM
And if they mysteriously disappear at Cannock Bus Station. like they did with the 54 & 154.
With "1 & 2 still operating as usual" posters tied to stop posts like the pathetic ones for the 70 that went up in featherstone?
An X51 passed me in Landywood, Holly Lane, as not in service with staff on board
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 12, 2019, 02:07:26 PM
An X51 passed me in Landywood, Holly Lane, as not in service with staff on board
If it was not in service then it wasn't an X51
Quote from: Tony on April 12, 2019, 02:17:12 PM
If it was not in service then it wasn't an X51
I meant it was an X51 branded platinum... im sure you could work that out
I struggle to see how the new 10A/C (ex part 288) service is going to work.
Firstly and post importantly, the service will not stop in Stourbridge High Street. This in the past has been why a lot of elderly people around Oldswinford & Pedmore used the service. Having to walk either to/from Hagley Road or Stourbridge Bus Station will in my opinion not work. People will use Ring & Ride instead.
Also making it into a half hourly service, it wasn't very well patronised as an hourly service, so half hour seems stupid.
Well if more people use ring & ride surely that is a good thing they need all the passengers they can get at the moment if they are to be saved.
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on April 12, 2019, 02:30:45 PM
I struggle to see how the new 10A/C (ex part 288) service is going to work.
Firstly and post importantly, the service will not stop in Stourbridge High Street. This in the past has been why a lot of elderly people around Oldswinford & Pedmore used the service. Having to walk either to/from Hagley Road or Stourbridge Bus Station will in my opinion not work. People will use Ring & Ride instead.
Also making it into a half hourly service, it wasn't very well patronised as an hourly service, so half hour seems stupid.
if Dudley council did more to enforce parking restrictions they probably wouldn't have lost the town link Dudley council are shit when it comes to parking problems
Except roads around Russell's hall hospital easy pickings
New paper timetables (for the X5 at least) are in the Birmingham travel shop on Corporation Street. Assuming they will be in others such as Walsall.
Just had a thought.
Will the 31 / 32 return fares be accepted/issued on the X51 between Bloxwich & Walsall, as it's all stops as well?
Hmm.
According to Facebook, Arriva appearing to fight back on the 1 & 2 with special fares!
(Whistles !)
Quote from: Westy on April 16, 2019, 09:48:16 AM
Hmm.
According to Facebook, Arriva appearing to fight back on the 1 & 2 with special fares!
(Whistles !)
Amazing how such drastic fare cuts can now be justified. It's exactly the same on the weekly's that First Scotland East (West Lothian) have just done with Lothian Country Buses piling on the pressure. Makes you wonder if passengers were being overcharged in the first place for a 40% cut.
Between Bloxwich & Walsall, on both routes, signs & timetables now being changed.
(Earlier witnessed the one outside my house being changed!)
In addition, the Bloxwich Road, Stafford Street & High Street stops have had a NX notice promoting the improved service tied to the stops.
@Bob or anyone on the Staffs section, have these notices appeared on your stops yet?
Quote from: Westy on April 17, 2019, 01:34:16 PM
Between Bloxwich & Walsall, on both routes, signs & timetables now being changed.
Nowhere near Bloxwich/Walsall, but I saw a few 52s cropping up on bus stop flags around Constitution Hill (in place of the 46, of course)
Quote from: CL on April 17, 2019, 01:42:49 PM
Nowhere near Bloxwich/Walsall, but I saw a few 52s cropping up on bus stop flags around Constitution Hill (in place of the 46, of course)
Perhaps they can add the 74 while they're at it.
Quote from: Westy on April 17, 2019, 01:34:16 PM
Between Bloxwich & Walsall, on both routes, signs & timetables now being changed.
(Earlier witnessed the one outside my house being changed!)
In addition, the Bloxwich Road, Stafford Street & High Street stops have had a NX notice promoting the improved service tied to the stops.
@Bob or anyone on the Staffs section, have these notices appeared on your stops yet?
The posters have also appeared on the stops used by the X51 between Walsall and Birmingham, while the electronic totem in Lower Bull Street has a message about the extended service.
Anyone in Pelsall / Brownhills seen any similar notices for those revised services on the bus stops?
Will the 10A/C be one bus doing the 2 circuits or will they be inter working with anything?
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 17, 2019, 07:42:16 PM
Will the 10A/C be one bus doing the 2 circuits or will they be inter working with anything?
28 merry hill to stour shorts will inter work with 10a/c
@karl724223 what will be allocated to the 5s (still anything that is available?)
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 17, 2019, 08:56:19 PM
@karl724223 what will be allocated to the 5s (still anything that is available?)
8xx e200s they will interwork with the old 267/657 routes
Quote from: Westy on April 17, 2019, 01:34:16 PM
@Bob or anyone on the Staffs section, have these notices appeared on your stops yet?
Nothing from NX though Arriva have put their 1/2/2E promotion posters on every bus shelter and inside every timetable case in Great Wyrley & Cheslyn Hay. There's no room in any timetable cases for NX so they'll have to put their own up like on the 10A route.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 17, 2019, 11:39:11 PM
Nothing from NX though Arriva have put their 1/2/2E promotion posters on every bus shelter and inside every timetable case in Great Wyrley & Cheslyn Hay. There's no room in any timetable cases for NX so they'll have to put their own up like on the 10A route.
Desperation from Arriva lol. We can rip you off for years with a 6 quid plus daysaver, but the minute theres a sniff of competition....
Quote from: Bob on April 18, 2019, 05:38:38 AM
Desperation from Arriva lol. We can rip you off for years with a 6 quid plus daysaver, but the minute theres a sniff of competition....
That's exactly how I view it, and no doubt others, especially the fact 'this promotion' is 1 week before NXWM X51 changes are introduced.
Quote from: Bob on April 18, 2019, 05:38:38 AM
Desperation from Arriva lol. We can rip you off for years with a 6 quid plus daysaver, but the minute theres a sniff of competition....
Lol yes absolutely - this is why competition is so important for consumers and Cannock has needed it for a while
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 18, 2019, 10:19:57 AM
Lol yes absolutely - this is why competition is so important for consumers and Cannock has needed it for a while
"Forget cheaper fares on a Platinum, get the Sapphire, we'll even repeatedly thrown in a 14 year old threadbare dart, treat yourself"
Both the new X51 and X3 timetables are now in West Bromwich travelshop too.
Quote from: StourValley98 on April 18, 2019, 03:45:47 PM
Both the new X51 and X3 timetables are now in West Bromwich travelshop too.
Well there was no new timetables in Walsall on Wednesday.
Will have to check on Saturday!
Quote from: CL on April 17, 2019, 01:42:49 PM
Nowhere near Bloxwich/Walsall, but I saw a few 52s cropping up on bus stop flags around Constitution Hill (in place of the 46, of course)
A few flags on the Walsall Road have been changed and some timetables on the estate have too.
Quote from: Bob on April 18, 2019, 05:38:38 AM
Desperation from Arriva lol. We can rip you off for years with a 6 quid plus daysaver, but the minute theres a sniff of competition....
To be fair, surely Arriva are doing what any other operator would do in the same situation - looking to protect part of its network.
No doubt, like any major operator, their normal fare levels are designed to bring in enough income to meet company and group financial targets. But obviously when a serious new competitor comes along, you have to act to keep your passengers.
Quote from: Justin Tyme on April 19, 2019, 10:27:09 PM
To be fair, surely Arriva are doing what any other operator would do in the same situation - looking to protect part of its network.
No doubt, like any major operator, their normal fare levels are designed to bring in enough income to meet company and group financial targets. But obviously when a serious new competitor comes along, you have to act to keep your passengers.
Anyone would reduce their margins to protect their business.
Walking down Black Haynes Road the other day I couldn't help notice 10S on the bus stops. Looks like it will be extended to Northfield like proposed and join the 39A up there.
Also noticed that the stops that were taken out on the Bristol Road between Oak Tree Lane and Weoley Park Road have been reinstated for the 10S which explains why they were cleaned a week or so back.
The north field extension is on the network West Midlands sight, I believe
Quote from: Westy on April 18, 2019, 06:59:55 PM
Well there was no new timetables in Walsall on Wednesday.
Will have to check on Saturday!
X51 are hiding on the counter!
Managed to nab 2, with big sister bringing one from West Brom.
No other new services in Walsall available yet.
First day of the 5 going to Stourbridge and every flag (kford to Stourbridge) still has the 267, how long does TfWM need to change a flag.....
Quote from: SL 16 YPN on April 23, 2019, 03:11:08 PM
First day of the 5 going to Stourbridge and every flag (kford to Stourbridge) still has the 267, how long does TfWM need to change a flag.....
Same with the 208 some old folk was still waiting for it on knowle road
Interesting to notice that the 2 stops for Sneyd Lane/Cresswell Crescent in Bloxwich have been updated to show 31 60 326 but its an old style blue & white NWM flag not a new style WMB one!
Quote from: Westy on April 23, 2019, 06:11:12 PM
Interesting to notice that the 2 stops for Sneyd Lane/Cresswell Crescent in Bloxwich have been updated to show 31 60 326 but its an old style blue & white NWM flag not a new style WMB one!
They might not be using the new WMB ones anymore?
I can think of numerous other examples.
When they changed the flags along the Washwood Heath Road routes a few weeks ago to include Claribels 94A school service and remove Claribels 55 from the stops the NX 55 doesn't serve they kept the old flags.
When the Solihull tendered serevices were renumbered a few weeks ago they kept the old flags.
Quote from: 2206 on April 23, 2019, 06:18:55 PM
They might not be using the new WMB ones anymore?
I can think of numerous other examples.
When they changed the flags along the Washwood Heath Road routes a few weeks ago to include Claribels 94A school service and remove Claribels 55 from the stops the NX 55 doesn't serve kept the old flags.
When the Solihull tendered serevices were renumbered a few weeks ago they kept the old flags.
Yeah, but the next one along (Mossley Lane) still had a Wmb flag, plus all the flags on both Bloxwich Road & Somerfield Road are now Wmb ones, to account for the X51 rerouting.
Anyone know whether they will be putting timetables on stops between Bloxwich and Cannock for the X51??
Is the 55 getting the odd double decker in the morning from 28th april?
The 55 is operated by BY and they only have scanias 1788-1836 1876/1877 and no deckers are allocated there so unless BC do the odd journey i doubt there will be deckers allocated
Quote from: cris 99 on April 25, 2019, 09:51:40 AM
The 55 is operated by BY and they only have scanias 1788-1836 1876/1877 and no deckers are allocated there so unless BC do the odd journey i doubt there will be deckers allocated
There were suggestions that PB might be doing 1 or 2 decker 55 workings.
that would be good to see the scanias struggle to cope at peak times on the 55
What leaflets have been seen then?
Spotted at Walsall in no particular order :
529, X51, 8/8a/9, 60, so no 10/10a to my knowledge.
Plus X3 etc too!
Also spotted at West Brom(thanks to big sister!) : Wa 51(separated from.X51 leaflet, as that hasnt actually changed!) & x51 itself.
Quote from: Westy on April 25, 2019, 06:07:08 PM
What leaflets have been seen then?
Spotted at Walsall in no particular order :
529, X51, 8/8a/9, 60, so no 10/10a to my knowledge.
Plus X3 etc too!
Also spotted at West Brom(thanks to big sister!) : Wa 51(separated from.X51 leaflet, as that hasnt actually changed!) & x51 itself.
The new X51 and X3 leaflets are both at West Bromwich, as of last week.
Quote from: cris 99 on April 25, 2019, 05:38:20 PM
that would be good to see the scanias struggle to cope at peak times on the 55
The Scanias get busy at peaks, as do all buses, but 'struggling to cope' is a vast exaggeration.
Quote from: Gareth on April 25, 2019, 07:54:43 PM
The Scanias get busy at peaks, as do all buses, but 'struggling to cope' is a vast exaggeration.
I'd agree that they do struggle to cope at peak times. They're regularly having to leave people behind at the stops on the peak journeys I use and rammed full of passengers.
With no seats available at all.
Quote from: Gareth on April 25, 2019, 07:54:43 PM
The Scanias get busy at peaks, as do all buses, but 'struggling to cope' is a vast exaggeration.
Quote from: 2206 on April 25, 2019, 07:58:37 PM
I'd agree that they do struggle to cope at peak times. They're regularly having to leave people behind at the stops on the peak journeys I use and rammed full of passengers.
The same applies to any frequent service operated by single-deckers. As soon as 'gaps' appear in service due to traffic congestion, naturally as queues build up at stops, people will always try and force themselves onto the first bus arrives.
If people would learn to use the apps available to them on their smartphones, one will learn that following a gap in service, normally one or two buses will arrive in quick succession. The first one will obviously be rammed full, while if you wait another minute or so, the one following behind may well be less full.
It obviously doesn't help with single deckers where you get a number of passengers that would rather stand in the most awkward and narrow part of the bus, rather than taking any seat that is available, even if that means sitting next to a fellow human being! Once two or three people are standing in the narrow gangway between the front wheels, any other passengers that get on automatically assume there are no seats, and so stand there too, crowding the platform area by the drivers cab, because they simply can't move down the bus.
Believe me, I've seen this myself; I have fought my way through this crowding and found many seats available towards the rear of the bus. And it infuriates me, because there are some drivers that will look up at their rear view mirror, see a huge crowd of people standing at the front and assume there is no more room, and then start driving past stops.
Sometimes I just want to scream "USE THE SEATS AVAILABLE!"
Because believe me it is also no fun to try and fight your way off an overcrowded bus too.
Quote from: Stu on April 25, 2019, 08:30:52 PM
The same applies to any frequent service operated by single-deckers. As soon as 'gaps' appear in service due to traffic congestion, naturally as queues build up at stops, people will always try and force themselves onto the first bus arrives.
If people would learn to use the apps available to them on their smartphones, one will learn that following a gap in service, normally one or two buses will arrive in quick succession. The first one will obviously be rammed full, while if you wait another minute or so, the one following behind may well be less full.
I don't blame them to be honest, if the one infront pulls away and the one behind turns up a minute later you get told you should have got the one infront "because you are making the bus later".
Often the next one doesn't stop and usually won't stop and goes speeding past to overtake if there is one behind.
I don't blame them if they don't want to be stood round waiting all day for one in say 10 minutes time, etc.
Most of the time when they drive past all the stops, its because there's actually no more room.
Quote from: Gareth on April 25, 2019, 07:54:43 PM
The Scanias get busy at peaks, as do all buses, but 'struggling to cope' is a vast exaggeration.
Let's face it it's an ex lea hall route so progress is likely to be minimal.
Presumably the X3 will now accept Your Staffordshire cards for journeys through to Lichfield?
Been on the X51 today from my stop in Great Wyrley... really good to see people using it. Only thing I'd say is it would be better to go down green lane like it did previous as there are too many buses down bloxwich road! Also the next stop announcements hadn't been updated but besides that they've hit the nail on the head!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 29, 2019, 05:15:57 PM
Been on the X51 today from my stop in Great Wyrley... really good to see people using it. Only thing I'd say is it would be better to go down green lane like it did previous as there are too many buses down bloxwich road! Also the next stop announcements hadn't been updated but besides that they've hit the nail on the head!
There's hardly any houses down Green Lane, you give far more people a direct service to Birmingham going down Bloxwich Road
Quote from: Stu on April 25, 2019, 08:30:52 PM
people will always try and force themselves onto the first bus arrives.
This happened today on the X51 from Brum... I looked on the app and there was another due 1 minute later but everyone crowded onto the 1st bus to the point the driver had to stop anymore getting on. Then 30 seconds later the next X51 turned up and there were less than ten of us that got on!
Quote from: Tony on April 29, 2019, 05:34:55 PM
There's hardly any houses down Green Lane, you give far more people a direct service to Birmingham going down Bloxwich Road
saw the buses at Cannock today, I thought that about Green Lane being better than Bloxwich Road, there's more congestion along Bloxwich Road, Green Lane is a bit quicker. With journeys taking around 1 hour 20 from Cannock, even 5 minutes of the journey time would help.
Quote from: Tony on April 29, 2019, 05:34:55 PM
There's hardly any houses down Green Lane, you give far more people a direct service to Birmingham going down Bloxwich Road
What about routing it via Beechdale then we keep our Nx service down Somerfield Road?
Quote from: Westy on April 29, 2019, 06:42:05 PM
What about routing it via Beechdale then we keep our Nx service down Somerfield Road?
That would make it even longer. Most people I see get on the 31/32 when ive used it down Bloxwich Road have a day saver so changing in Walsall for them as they did before wouldn't be a massive issue.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 29, 2019, 06:55:41 PM
That would make it even longer. Most people I see get on the 31/32 when ive used it down Bloxwich Road have a day saver so changing in Walsall for them as they did before wouldn't be a massive issue.
Your a bus fan it won't be a massive issue to you or most existing bus users. The whole point National Express are trying to do is attract extra passengers, people who currently use one car to make a journey. They don't change cars part way to work. If they are to catch a bus they want to get on and get off at their destination. There is absolutely no point whatsoever spending hundreds of thousands of pounds running a new service just to help your existing passengers.
Saw an X51 leaving cannock on the Walsall Road around 230-235 ish today. Had a few passengers on to be fair. But didnt see any timetables at stops unfortunately. Does it leave from same stand as the Arriva 1?
yes it goes from the same stand but they had a brackdown already today
Well we're used to such regular ones with Arriva whats one more 😜
Quote from: Tony on April 29, 2019, 07:16:47 PM
Your a bus fan it won't be a massive issue to you or most existing bus users. The whole point National Express are trying to do is attract extra passengers, people who currently use one car to make a journey. They don't change cars part way to work. If they are to catch a bus they want to get on and get off at their destination. There is absolutely no point whatsoever spending hundreds of thousands of pounds running a new service just to help your existing passengers.
I understand that and I wasn't only thinking of existing passengers
Are the 31 / 32 returns valid on the X51 between Walsall & Bloxwich seeing its all stops?
Quote from: Westy on April 30, 2019, 11:37:24 AM
Are the 31 / 32 returns valid on the X51 between Walsall & Bloxwich seeing its all stops?
No as technically you could get on at Bloxwich with a 31/32 daysaver and stay on the bus to Brimingham
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 30, 2019, 02:58:40 PM
No as technically you could get on at Bloxwich with a 31/32 daysaver and stay on the bus to Brimingham
Ok then, so pointless for local journeys then, if you just catch the first Nx bus you spot!
(Theres one lady that lives near me that normally catches a Diamond 31 from Leamore around 640am, which is normally late.
I suggested catching the X51 instead, which is timed around 632am, but if she cant get a day return on that journey, its pointless!)
Quote from: Westy on April 30, 2019, 05:46:30 PM
Ok then, so pointless for local journeys then, if you just catch the first Nx bus you spot!
(Theres one lady that lives near me that normally catches a Diamond 31 from Leamore around 640am, which is normally late.
I suggested catching the X51 instead, which is timed around 632am, but if she cant get a day return on that journey, its pointless!)
Again, just people guessing then taking guesses as fact. I'm not answering as I cannot remember for definite.
Quote from: Tony on April 30, 2019, 05:57:39 PM
Again, just people guessing then taking guesses as fact. I'm not answering as I cannot remember for definite.
It's not a guess I heard someone ask!
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 30, 2019, 06:24:03 PM
It's not a guess I heard someone ask!
You heard who ask who?
Quote from: l.murphy123 on April 30, 2019, 02:58:40 PM
No as technically you could get on at Bloxwich with a 31/32 daysaver and stay on the bus to Brimingham
Well surely thats something the revenue staff need to look at?
(Technically it doesnt affect me, as I've got my Black Country Nbus anyway, but I know people it would affect!)
Quote from: Tony on April 30, 2019, 06:35:32 PM
You heard who ask who?
Somebody tried to get on and the driver said you cant use a 31 ticket on here
Where do Cannock bound trips load in Walsall?
Quote from: Bob on April 30, 2019, 07:27:24 PM
Where do Cannock bound trips load in Walsall?
Same stop as the Arriva 1 & 2
Quote from: Tony on April 30, 2019, 07:30:42 PM
Same stop as the Arriva 1 & 2
That might be an issue, seeing the 31 & 32 load in the bus station.
(Also affects the 1 & 2 to a lesser degree!)
Surely most people will go for the bus station & wont think to go across the road for an extra set of journeys serving most of the same stops?
I'm guessing theres no way of rejigging stand allocations in the bus station to allow all the Bloxwich Road services to depart from the same row at least?
Quote from: Tony on April 30, 2019, 07:30:42 PM
Same stop as the Arriva 1 & 2
Cheers Tony. Hopefully theyll pick up a few Arriva passengers there!
Quote from: Westy on April 30, 2019, 10:40:03 PM
I'm guessing theres no way of rejigging stand allocations in the bus station to allow all the Bloxwich Road services to depart from the same row at least?
They have tried to work out a way but there's no room for the 1 & 2.
&
@Bob the X51 picked quite a few up yesterday evening from Walsall. Those with OAP passes were over the moon. Interestingly they said they lived on the Turnberry but walked to the Stafford Rd (Stoney Lane / Stafford Close bit). So Arriva might lose people from the number 2 round Turnberry estate.
Have asked Nx on Twitter & the full reply is on there, but basically no to the 31/32 day returns on the X51 but they suggest buying a Walsall Low Fare ticket for £3.50.
I am unconvinced.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 01, 2019, 12:56:10 PM
They have tried to work out a way but there's no room for the 1 & 2.
& @Bob the X51 picked quite a few up yesterday evening from Walsall. Those with OAP passes were over the moon. Interestingly they said they lived on the Turnberry but walked to the Stafford Rd (Stoney Lane / Stafford Close bit). So Arriva might lose people from the number 2 round Turnberry estate.
Must be pretty mobile Oaps then.
My elderly mum wouldnt be able to do that if she lived on the Turnberry!
Quote from: Westy on May 01, 2019, 12:59:51 PM
Have asked Nx on Twitter & the full reply is on there, but basically no to the 31/32 day returns on the X51 but they suggest buying a Walsall Low Fare ticket for £3.50.
I am unconvinced.
I've had a look at the timetable for these services.
You've still got a service every 3/4 minutes without the X51, so thats a bus every 3/4 minutes that you can get on, don't see how anyone can complain about that. X51 is only one bus every 20 minutes.
I wouldn't have thought they'd have introduced a new service and be trying to win exsisting passengers who use another of their frequent services that already exsits. X51 is presumably aimed at new passengers making more long distance journeys in that area.
We'll see.
Any one know how the Cannock extensions are going? Theres been people on it every time ive seen one leaving Cannock. Caught the first X51 from Cannock last week to work and the Arriva 1 that leaves a few mins later went past us in Great Wyrley passengerless!
Makes you wonder why they cut the 951 in the first place?
Can anyone advise me please? I currently have a swift valid on train only from Rugeley trent valley and then usable across the whole of the Centro area. I want to stop using the train and just use the X51 from Cannock into brum for work ( and any other WM journeys i may need to make) . Swift is now usable in Cannock. Is there a swift pass i can change to ? That will cover what i need?
PS im on monthly direct debit
Quote from: Bob on May 07, 2019, 01:09:19 PM
Can anyone advise me please? I currently have a swift valid on train only from Rugeley trent valley and then usable across the whole of the Centro area. I want to stop using the train and just use the X51 from Cannock into brum for work ( and any other WM journeys i may need to make) . Swift is now usable in Cannock. Is there a swift pass i can change to ? That will cover what i need?
You have the NXWM only faresaver which is on Swift DD. Although if you ask your HR dept, they might be able to look into starting a salary sacrifice scheme (or may have one already!) For travel cards such as NXWM ones. (Plus salary sacrifice does helpfully reduce your tax/NI liabilities slightly too...)
Quote from: Bob on May 07, 2019, 09:14:47 AM
Any one know how the Cannock extensions are going? Theres been people on it every time ive seen one leaving Cannock. Caught the first X51 from Cannock last week to work and the Arriva 1 that leaves a few mins later went past us in Great Wyrley passengerless!
Pretty well when I have used it.. asked a couple of drivers and a revenue guy who said it's slowly picking up but looking positive. I'm told the X3 from Lichfield is doing very well.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 07, 2019, 01:32:48 PM
I'm told the X3 from Lichfield is doing very well.
I had a very good load on Saturday afternoon. At least 12 people got off and at least 20 got on from Lichfield
Quote from: the trainbasher on May 07, 2019, 01:18:44 PM
You have the NXWM only faresaver which is on Swift DD. Although if you ask your HR dept, they might be able to look into starting a salary sacrifice scheme (or may have one already!) For travel cards such as NXWM ones. (Plus salary sacrifice does helpfully reduce your tax/NI liabilities slightly too...)
think we do but theres a certain point in the year when we can apply
Quote from: John on May 07, 2019, 01:33:56 PM
I had a very good load on Saturday afternoon. At least 12 people got off and at least 20 got on from Lichfield
Is this down to the fact Nx is operating the route & not another operator?
Quote from: John on May 07, 2019, 01:33:56 PM
I had a very good load on Saturday afternoon. At least 12 people got off and at least 20 got on from Lichfield
Quote from: Westy on May 07, 2019, 05:58:42 PM
Is this down to the fact Nx is operating the route & not another operator?
And how many of the passengers 'going the distance' are actual commuters, rather than enthusiasts enjoying a new opportunity to flex their NX passes? ;D
Quote from: Westy on May 07, 2019, 05:58:42 PM
Is this down to the fact Nx is operating the route & not another operator?
Couldn't agree more! If diamond was to operate a service like this it would fail.
Quote from: John on May 07, 2019, 01:33:56 PM
I had a very good load on Saturday afternoon. At least 12 people got off and at least 20 got on from Lichfield
That's really good. Do many from Lichfield get off in Sutton Coldfield? Thinking about customers that used Midland Classic's X12 transferred to yours.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 07, 2019, 07:47:40 PM
That's really good. Do many from Lichfield get off in Sutton Coldfield? Thinking about customers that used Midland Classic's X12 transferred to yours.
Some have carried on past Sutton to Erdington as they had an NX pass, but the majority get off around Sutton. Last Sunday one guy went all the way into City
Quote from: Westy on May 07, 2019, 05:58:42 PM
Is this down to the fact Nx is operating the route & not another operator?
To be honest 75% of the passengers I've carried so far are concessions which I imagine used the X12 and the routes beforehand. In time this may reduce when more people start using the route and more people with travelcards and daysavers use the route into Lichfield
Quote from: John on May 07, 2019, 08:08:51 PM
Last Sunday one guy went all the way into City
It's about an hour to Birmingham isn't it? Was going to try it as my partner lives in lichfield we usually drive to Walsall and get the X51 (or now back to mine as it extends past me).
Quick question. Is the original hill hook Terminus in shelley drive still used or has that part the route been abandoned. Just wondering if the buses went down, did a loop then carried onto Litchfield / brum.
Bit confusing which stop is used by Nx in Lichfield as there's no sign on top of the shelter!
(Now on a X3 going back into Wm, having come in on a 10a but getting off the stop before the bus station!)
Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2019, 12:27:56 PM
Bit confusing which stop is used by Nx in Lichfield as there's no sign on top of the shelter!
(Now on a X3 going back into Wm, having come in on a 10a but getting off the stop before the bus station!)
I have spoke to Lichfield District council who are going to review the entire bus station - I asked why so many buses depart from the same stand but two or three are unused. There's also posters for Central Bus 35 on most bus stands which is not helpful, especially as it is now Diamond. Can't blame Arriva for their sign as when it was put up they were the only ones using the stand but since then the 10A and X3 are there. Needs standardising and updating really.
Might have been a good PR opportunity when introducing the X3 if NXWM had offered to replace all the flags.
Quote from: mikestone on May 11, 2019, 02:56:19 PM
Might have been a good PR opportunity when introducing the X3 if NXWM had offered to replace all the flags.
What state is Cannock in, by contrast?
Has anyone spotted a copy of the new timetable leaflet for the Walsall 10 / 10a?
Second time it's been revised & the leaflet ' goes missing' !
Quote from: Westy on May 11, 2019, 05:17:30 PM
What state is Cannock in, by contrast?
Much better - it has signs on the stands with the main destination, but no external indication of which routes, but at least there appear to be timetables for all services on the relevant stand.
Quote from: l.murphy123 on May 11, 2019, 02:36:17 PM
I have spoke to Lichfield District council who are going to review the entire bus station - I asked why so many buses depart from the same stand but two or three are unused. There's also posters for Central Bus 35 on most bus stands which is not helpful, especially as it is now Diamond. Can't blame Arriva for their sign as when it was put up they were the only ones using the stand but since then the 10A and X3 are there. Needs standardising and updating really.
Lichfield bus station was indeed in a sorry state yesterday with poor stand markings, shabby shelters and many out-of-date posters. Sadly a planned new facility was part of the city's ill-fated Friarsgate shopping centre scheme, abandoned after a decade or more of delays and financial false-starts.
Also in Lichfield yesterday, frustrating to note that apart from one Midland Classic leaflet there was a distinct lack of bus timetables for any other service in the library, which also hosts tourist info. Do operators have so little interest in promoting services in such obvious outlets?
While my gut feeling is paper timetables should be produced, I suspect in reality the number of people who can't cope with on-line timetables, but can understand paper ones is vanishingly small.
Quote from: mikestone on May 12, 2019, 12:13:05 PM
While my gut feeling is paper timetables should be produced, I suspect in reality the number of people who can't cope with on-line timetables, but can understand paper ones is vanishingly small.
Arriva always produce timetables and they are very clear to follow as are their bus stop timetables. It would be useful if they put PDF copies online so you can download when a new one is out and be familiar with the layout. Older people on the bus always take timetables on the rare occasion a driver has some (Arriva & NX). Diamond and Select don't seem to put timetables at Staffordshire bus stops e.g. 35 Lichfield.
Quote from: Smethwickian on May 12, 2019, 11:04:34 AM
Lichfield bus station was indeed in a sorry state yesterday with poor stand markings, shabby shelters and many out-of-date posters. Sadly a planned new facility was part of the city's ill-fated Friarsgate shopping centre scheme, abandoned after a decade or more of delays and financial false-starts.
Also in Lichfield yesterday, frustrating to note that apart from one Midland Classic leaflet there was a distinct lack of bus timetables for any other service in the library, which also hosts tourist info. Do operators have so little interest in promoting services in such obvious outlets?
I had one of those MC leaflets as well.
(Still debating about Burton one of the days!)
I saw a leaflet for the 110 in there, which was 'helpful' (not!).
Not sure whether the rail timetables were relavant, as I didn't look at those!