Banga buses

[Liberator9]

Two days ago I travelled to Bilston on the 34 and saw some Banga buses. However the two I saw were unusual. They were larger and one I saw was a Optare delta I think. he next one was parked up at the bus station was of medium size and in the yellow livery. I do not know what type it was. Can anyone enlighten me?

[Tomjusttom]

They've recently had a trio of ex National Express Optare Solos

[Stu]

One of these you saw?
http://wmbusphotos.com/Banga/S240EWU.html

[Liberator9]

No it wasn't a Optare Solo, it was a older larger bus and also the other one was what looked like a Optare Sigma.

[Stu]

They must have acquired some new (!) buses then. Maybe Tony can find out more?

[Tony]

no, not Banga, are you sure these bigger vehicles were not the all yellow Wolverhampton City Council buses

[Ossie]

The next one was parked up at the bus station was of medium size and in the yellow livery.

Following on from Tony's post, Wolverhampton City Council YJ54ZXX (Oe B33F and basically yellow!) is frequently on the free town centre shuttle service, and passes through the Bus Station regularly .....  they have a similar vehicle ZXY as well, but I've only ever seen ZXX on the shuttle.

[SMK]

Was it one of these?: http://wmbusphotos.com/Wolvescouncil/wcc_5204.html
If it was a WCC vehicle I have to wonder why it'd be in Bilston Bus Station.
I recall I used to see a similar looking vehicle (not sure if it was a WCC-owned) dropping off school kids at the old Bilston Leisure Centre.
Maybe it was waiting at the bus station after dropping the kids off at the new Leisure Centre?

[Liberator9]

Afraid its not any of the Wolvehampton council buses. I'm sure the bus had a blue stripe and it didn't have a DAF body. Perhaps they've got some "new" additions.

[Tony]

Yellow with a blue strip in Bilston Bus Station?

Sandwell Travel Dart is the answer. Certainly wasn't Banga if it was bigger than a merc

[Liberator9]

Thats the one Tony. Thanks, they do look similar to Banga though!

[Liberator9]

Just found the photo of one of the buses I saw:

http://wmbusphotos.com/sandwell/l148yvk.html

[winston]

Banga appear to be increasing competition with NXWM, launching on WN route 26 from 17th Sept

PD1078264/1 - RAJINDER BANGA T/A BANGA BUSES, 4 VICARAGE ROAD, ALLSAINTS, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV2 1DT
        Variation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton and Codsall given service number 535 effective from 17-Sep-2013. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.

PD1078264/6 - RAJINDER BANGA T/A BANGA BUSES, 4 VICARAGE ROAD, ALLSAINTS, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV2 1DT
        Variation Accepted: Operating between Wolverhampton, Queen Street and Codsall, Bakers Way given service number 634 effective from 17-Sep-2013. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.

PD1078264/7 - RAJINDER BANGA T/A BANGA BUSES, 4 VICARAGE ROAD, ALLSAINTS, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV2 1DT
        Registration Accepted
        Starting Point: Wolverhampton, Queen Street
        Finish Point: Bilston Bus Station
        Via:
        Service Number: 26
        Service Type: Normal Stopping
        Effective Date: 17-SEP-2013
        Other Details: Mondays to Fridays except bank holidays.

[Trident 4609]

Great! Another Banga service clogging Up Queen Street!Banga regually block buses like the 59 trying to pass.


Anyway enough moaning good to see Banga starting up on other routes .I wonder if they have enough buses or if they buy some more

[winston]

Anyway enough moaning good to see Banga starting up on other routes .I wonder if they have enough buses or if they buy some more

I guess it depends on whether the timetables changes to the 535 & 634 will allow buses to be re-deployed off those routes, if not additional buses may well need to be sourced