Recent posts

#81

General Discussion, Questions & Route Suggestions / Re: Service Changes Jan 2025

Last post by jasmine - Yesterday at 11:06:26 AM

As annoying as the repetition is, there's a valid point there.

We're now at the 6 weeks mark until these changes will kick in, and we currently know... next to nothing.

These are likely to be fairly major changes too, not just some tweaks to timetables, and people do rely on these services; services that may well be unrecognisable come January.

The fact that even just the changes to the services can't or haven't been published yet, and even if it is with a disclaimer ("The timetables and operator have not been finalised yet, please check back later for up to date timetables." or something in that vein.), reflects extremely poorly on TfWM.

And this is a problem TfWM have had before - the January 2023 changes were almost ridiculous in how short notice and how poor quality the information provision was - so for them to make the same mistake again would be emblematic of a far greater problem in the system...

I can vouch for the last sentence, I went to Germany over new year's 2023 and I came back to my local route being entirely withdrawn. without knowing what happened.

#82

Garage threads / Re: Birmingham Central Garage

Last post by Appleby - Yesterday at 10:27:24 AM

What's one route that gets used for new drivers at bc?

#83

National Express West Midlands / Re: VERY Late running services

Last post by Tony - Yesterday at 08:21:41 AM

I know its weather related before people start but the first X51 from Cannock is running late, about 15 to 20 mins.

Due at 0636 at my stop, according to Bustimes, not arriving till 0653.

31 & 32 must be struggling getting off the estates as well.

Yes, roads are all frozen around Great Wyrley & Cannock

You can see here that the driver left Bloxwich on time on his first journey to Cannock
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/tnxb-wa-6727#journeys/650579233

#84

National Express Coventry / Re: Noteworthy Workings 2024

Last post by Danthebusman - Yesterday at 08:05:42 AM

2149 - 7

#85

National Express West Midlands / Re: Noteworthy Workings Novemb...

Last post by MSU2008 - Yesterday at 07:49:25 AM

2078 on the 126

#86

National Express West Midlands / Re: VERY Late running services

Last post by Westy - Yesterday at 06:54:17 AM

I know its weather related before people start but the first X51 from Cannock is running late, about 15 to 20 mins.

Due at 0636 at my stop, according to Bustimes, not arriving till 0653.

31 & 32 must be struggling getting off the estates as well.

#87

General Discussion, Questions & Route Suggestions / Re: Service Changes Jan 2025

Last post by metrocity - Yesterday at 06:19:40 AM

According to Lukeee in the Carolean Coaches thread, they have won the 3 (evenings), 23, 41 and 224

@j789 will be delighted at this news 😂

#88

National Express West Midlands / Re: New Deliveries / New Liver...

Last post by Ingleboro261F - Yesterday at 06:12:00 AM

Most of the older vehicles that are branded are going through the repaint process. And the newer platinum' brands leave no residue behind as we can see from 16 examples. I doubt halfway through next year route branding will exist at all.

Not seen any 35 route branding been thought of yet and the buses used on that are over 17 years old, might be the next ones that will be debranded maybe?

#89

National Express West Midlands / Re: New Deliveries / New Liver...

Last post by Appleby - November 19, 2024, 11:25:18 PM

One logical reason is so they can be used on any other route. I recall one reason given for the X1/X2 branding being removed was because those vehicles were racking up a lot of mileage compared to others of the same age. By rotating the fleet like this, it keeps things 'balanced'.

I guess you can't keep everyone happy - there are those that complain when branded vehicles appear on other routes, then others complain when the branding gets removed so they can go on other routes!

I still think any replacement of BC garage is another couple of years off, and if they are both electric-ready, it takes time to get new buses ordered and built.

I thought it was the end of branding but enough said keeping the entire platinum fleet balanced seems a great idea more like a free for all.

#90

Other Operators / Re: Carolean Coaches, Willenha...

Last post by B7RLE - November 19, 2024, 10:15:58 PM

The 3? 224? What the? Blimey! *sees stars*

That was my reaction as well 😂