X1 transfers to Coventry 22/10/2023

[JPC]

This has been 'on the cards' for some time and a recent amendment to the registration for the X1( / X2 "900")
indicates/confirms the service is to be operated by NXC from 22nd October. 

The following week (half-term) might have been a better choice of date for the 'new' drivers to start off, lighter traffic, etc.
I suppose many will be interested to see what happens with the overnight journeys.
It could be a niche allocation for the 'odd' E020-29 stock if that doesn't complicate things and hoping this doesn't mean deckers are pulled off the 17/17A - this is just my personal opinion/cravings.

[Stu]

I suppose many will be interested to see what happens with the overnight journeys.

Looking at the current timetable, depending on how long drivers are allowed to drive without a lengthy break, I would guess it feasible to have one duty begin at Coventry, do the last evening 'full run' to Birmingham, then do the couple of shorts to/from the Airport, before returning to Coventry on the 'first' morning run.

I guess it all depends on how well those overnight shorts are used, if the patronage isn't there then the opportunity could be taken to withdraw them.

The other possibility is that BC continue to operate those.

[MW]

Looking at the current timetable, depending on how long drivers are allowed to drive without a lengthy break, I would guess it feasible to have one duty begin at Coventry, do the last evening 'full run' to Birmingham, then do the couple of shorts to/from the Airport, before returning to Coventry on the 'first' morning run.

I guess it all depends on how well those overnight shorts are used, if the patronage isn't there then the opportunity could be taken to withdraw them.

The other possibility is that BC continue to operate those.

5.5 hours is the legal maximum driving time without a break.

[Stu]

5.5 hours is the legal maximum driving time without a break.

So in theory (looking at the current weekday timetable) what I suggest could be possible?

With a slightly rejigged timetable, a driver could start duty from Pool Meadow just after midnight, drive to Birmingham, then do the 'shorts' to the Airport and back, then return to Coventry just after 4am, and that would be legal?

[MW]

So in theory (looking at the current weekday timetable) what I suggest could be possible?

With a slightly rejigged timetable, a driver could start duty from Pool Meadow just after midnight, drive to Birmingham, then do the 'shorts' to the Airport and back, then return to Coventry just after 4am, and that would be legal?

4 hours driving stint? Yeah it's legal.

[TT90]

Are BC getting another route into it from somewhere to replace the X1, and I guess some BC drivers will want to transfer over to CV with the route ? .

[LiamsTransport1]

Are BC getting another route into it from somewhere to replace the X1, and I guess some BC drivers will want to transfer over to CV with the route ? .

I believe it was mentioned elsewhere on this forum that the 14 would be returning to Central with the X14 going back to Perry Barr.

[GoldenSquid]

I believe it was mentioned elsewhere on this forum that the 14 would be returning to Central with the X14 going back to Perry Barr.

14 PB > BC
X14 BC > PB
X21 Sunday hourly service extended to Merry Hill

[metrocity]

5.5 hours is the legal maximum driving time without a break.

Potentially longer than this if operators follow the 8.5 hour rule

[cvbususer]

Silly question, but presumably Coventry have enough fleet capacity for this? Currently bustimes shows around 10 vehicles on the road at the moment. 

Was this always factored into the electrics order, or will the cascade of SDs slow to free up more DDs for this route? I guess that this is also one of the highest mileage routes an electric would cover in one day, so be interesting to see range limitations (if any) here.

[MW]

Silly question, but presumably Coventry have enough fleet capacity for this? Currently bustimes shows around 10 vehicles on the road at the moment.

Was this always factored into the electrics order, or will the cascade of SDs slow to free up more DDs for this route? I guess that this is also one of the highest mileage routes an electric would cover in one day, so be interesting to see range limitations (if any) here.

Some rough maths,

A round trip is around 50 miles and takes 3 hours.

If range is around 200 miles (not sure on exact range but would imagine it's around 200), that means 4 trips or 12 hours.

*wikipedia says 160 miles range, so if that's true as I'm sure the range will vary on type of work, that would mean 3 round trips or 9 hours.

[Wumpty]

Some rough maths,

A round trip is around 50 miles and takes 3 hours.

If range is around 200 miles (not sure on exact range but would imagine it's around 200), that means 4 trips or 12 hours.

*wikipedia says 160 miles range, so if that's true as I'm sure the range will vary on type of work, that would mean 3 round trips or 9 hours.

Mathematically, it is certainly feasible. I expect that this was factored in during the anticipated changes. i'd like to see an E-bus on test to see what the *actual* running conditions would have on an E-bus on X1.

[Tony]

Mathematically, it is certainly feasible. I expect that this was factored in during the anticipated changes. i'd like to see an E-bus on test to see what the *actual* running conditions would have on an E-bus on X1.

The tests were done a couple of months ago where an electric was on the X1 most days for a couple of weeks.

The scheduling will be 3 round trips then into garage for a top up

[Wumpty]

The tests were done a couple of months ago where an electric was on the X1 most days for a couple of weeks.

The scheduling will be 3 round trips then into garage for a top up

Not far off the maths then!

Excellent!

[JPC]

The new NXC X1 timetable has been uploaded to Traveline today... click HERE to view.