NXWM Halloween Bus

[James4368]

Route 666 - The Zombie Bus

Link -  http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/useful-information/hop-on-board-the-birmingham-zombie-bus

[Stu]

I can't help but wonder if this is also an experiment to assess viability for a new city centre circular service?

[GeminiFan1991]

I can't help but wonder if this is also an experiment to assess viability for a new city centre circular service?

Having just looked at the route map, I'd say its a good idea. Although they'd need more than a day to make any long term plans.

[WMT3000]

A city circle would be a good idea nowadays. The old 19 route wouldn't work as places that used to be heavily populated and full of factories, workshops etc are either much quieter or have become housing estates from where people would only really catch a bus into the city. A route that covered the outskirts of the city centre while bringing people into/around the main shopping areas would be ideal. A flat fare of a pound could apply (with usual rules for passes etc) - I think it would soon catch on.

[MW]

They had that Station Link route before that basically went around town. Those MX06 solos ran them I think. We're run by Central Connect so I presume Rotala runs them now?

[CL]

Having read the article, and thinking it's a great idea - I know the rides are free, but I don't suppose you could get a souvenir ticket?

Also, any guess on what vehicle would be allocated or rather, which garage would operate such route? I have my bets on either BC or... Omnicity Deckers from PB.

In fairness, and I'm sure to a lot of people, a bus is a bus, and that this is just some gimmicky fun, but IMO, I think it'd be a real shame if it were operated by the (Euro V and below) E400s (thus excluding the MMCs). Not that I hate them, but seeing as they've become the "standardised" bus (in a way), it would sort of take away from the novelty of a Halloween Special service.

[lauren1993]

Maybe use AG 11 branded 4666 on this service. ;)

[Solo1]

Which stops are they using & I take it you can get off & on any where on the route

[James4368]

Looks like 6702 is the haulage for the 666

Photo - https://www.facebook.com/nxwestmidlands/photos/a.373247266053647.97051.204017859643256/1305358292842535/?type=3&theater

[Gareth]

there was a clip on the trailer for Midlands Today. Thought It looked like a Hybrid interior out of the corner of my eye. They'll be featuring it in the programme.

[Gareth]

Ah, it's a platinum. I mistook the close up of a yellow stop bell casing as a yellow seat grab rail.

[GeminiFan1991]

Putting the Halloween stuff to 1 side, as a service do we know if its being positively used (i.e. is it feasible to run it as a proper commercial service)

[Gareth]

Putting the Halloween stuff to 1 side, as a service do we know if its being positively used (i.e. is it feasible to run it as a proper commercial service)

We'll never know. It's not being run as a service. It's a fun charity event for children. Any amount of passengers carried tonight are irrelevant as to future use. People are using it as something to do with the kids, not because they want to travel around the city centre.

[2206]

Looks like 6702 is the haulage for the 666

Photo - https://www.facebook.com/nxwestmidlands/photos/a.373247266053647.97051.204017859643256/1305358292842535/?type=3&theater

6702 was on the Priory Queensway on the 666 at 18:00.