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It seems that the Streetdeck due to be launched at Euro Bus Expo is to have a face-lifted Gemini 3 body:

http://www.route-one.net/vehicles/wrightbus-launch-new-integral-decker-euro-bus-expo/

The front/low windscreen look early E300 styling, whilst the upper deck windscreen looks very East Lancs 'Pyoneer/Low Lander'

The glass staircase is a bit better than the original version on the Gemini 3 demo's

Abellio is tomorrow expected to be awarded the new Scotrail Franchise, yet another set-back for First Group which also releases a half year trading update tomorrow.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/first-group-loses-scotrail-franchise-to-dutch-firm.1412715902

Initially requiring 141 new buses & to commence Feb 2015

http://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/media/corporate-news/2014/national-express-breaks-new-ground-with-bahrain-contract-win/

Once all the current E400's have been delivered to WB, NXWM's double fleet (assuming no more Spectra withdrawal's) will number 989, just shy of two thirds of the total fleet.

IIRC the proportion of double deckers hasn't been that high since TWM started withdrawing large chunks of the Metrobus fleet and replacing them with low floor single deckers.

If anyone had a soft spot for Wyvern's Volvo Citybuses, a trip to Worcester may be in order:

Courtesy of Midlandred.net (Posted by Adam Harber)

32854 has been written off following yesterday's accident. 38125 was collected from Potteries today as it's replacement.

Arriva have today sold 'The Original London Sightseeing Tour' business to RATP Dev



This sale comes hot on the heels of Arriva selling much of TGM's Heathrow Airport operations back to OFJ Connections who TGM bought it off in the first place. With TGM's private hires & some schools work going to Falcon Coaches (Richard and Steve Telling)

Not seen anything reported on this before:

www.flickr.com/photos/33747326@N05/14607421257/in/photostream/

www.flickr.com/photos/33747326@N05/14813743973/in/photostream/

www.vantage-power.com/retrofit-overview.php

www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/10153536/Vantage-Powers-hybrid-engines-find-niche.html

For use from tomorrow

For use from tomorrow

PD0001301/4 - AIRPARKS SERVICES LTD, 100 MACKADOWN LANE, BIRMINGHAM, B33 0JD
    Registration Accepted
    Starting Point: Airparks, Mackadown Lane
    Finish Point: Airparks, Mackadown Lane
    Via: Birmingham International Airport
    Service Number: AIRPARKS SHUTTLE 2
    Service Type: Excursion or Tour
    Effective Date: 14-SEP-2014
    Other Details:

PD0001301/5 - AIRPARKS SERVICES LTD, 100 MACKADOWN LANE, BIRMINGHAM, B33 0JD
    Registration Accepted
    Starting Point: Airparks, Mackadown Lane
    Finish Point: Airparks, Mackadown Lane
    Via:
    Service Number: AIRPARKS SHUTTLE 1
    Service Type: Excursion or Tour
    Effective Date: 14-SEP-2014
    Other Details:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/east_lancs/14503991489/

MTR, Hong Hong has been awarded the Crossrail Franchise this morning, Arriva, Go-Ahead & National Express have all missed out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28361782

I don't think its been mentioned elsewhere? But the West Midlands was last week awarded £350 million of Government Funding, included were the following transport related projects:

* A new 16.5km public transport system known as Sprint from Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham International and a planned new high speed rail station near the NEC. This uses road vehicles similar to buses but they operate in a similar way to trams: £35 million

* A Sprint scheme connecting Birmingham City Centre with Quinton along the Hagley Road: £8.1 million

* A Midland Metro extension to Edgbaston: £59.8 million

* Midland Metro extension to Eastside £40.5 million

* A new pedestrian link between Birmingham's Moor Street and New Street stations: £3.5 million

* Midland Metro extension to Centenary Square: £8 million

* Improving Snow Hill Station in Birmingham: £4.66 million

* Developing cycle routes in Birmingham: £6 million

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/350m-funding-boost-west-midlands-7379681

PD0001111/12 - WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS, 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ
    Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Upper Bull Street and Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade/Hardwick Road given service number 907/907A effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.

PD0001111/55 - WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS, 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ
    Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Upper Bull Street and Sutton Coldfield, Lower Parade given service number 914/115 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Timetable.

PD0001111/431 - WEST MIDLANDS TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL WEST MIDLANDS, 51 BORDESLEY GREEN, BIRMINGHAM, B9 4BZ
    Variation Accepted: Operating between Birmingham, Bull Street and Falcon Lodge given service number 902/904/905 effective from 31-Aug-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

For use from tomorrow.

Good news for NX Groups future in UK rail franchising:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/10929222/National-Express-to-retain-c2c-rail-services.html

Use from 1st June

Just reported on the radio that a bus is on fire by Morrisons, Rubery. Bristol Rd South closed as a result anyone able to ID?

Extract from Bus & Coach article:

'ADL is also working on a major model change for the Enviro200 which is expected to be launched in October this year'

http://www.busandcoach.com/featurepage.aspx?id=8389&categoryid=0

For use from 1st May