97 finally extended?

[Sh4318]

I don't think the East of Birmingham are being too neglected, all single deck routes have modern buses (eclipses and omnilink), 02 reg claribel singles, although I agree that double deck routes could do with some investment

[winston]

I agree that double deck routes could do with some investment

I think that is the one main area that is currently letting the NXWM fleet down at present, it don't think that it is just confined to the East B'ham routes it's across the board, as TWM took delivery of large numbers of new double deckers between 1999 - 2004 circa 680 double deckers, which is currently around 75% of the total NXWM double deck fleet, therefore many of the double decker fleet are of a similar age and a large proportion of those are currently still awaiting refurbishment. During the following years smaller batches of double deckers were ordered in favour of either single deck B7RLE or Omnilinks, new double deckers were either diverted to Travel London for new Tfl tender wins & there were a couple of years (2009/10) where few new buses were delivered whilst NX were struggling with high debts following the handing back of the ECML rail franchise.

That said the majority of NX's 2013 bus order are for new double deckers, so by the end of 2013 this should go some way to start and re-address the problem, as I see NX need to continue this policy for the next couple of years at least. Plus Walsall paintshop are currently turning around the double deck repaints/internal refurbishments quite quickly & to a very high standard

[Ex BC driver]

I thought Tony was of the opinion that refurb'd Tridents were probably going on the 97, as BC were having more than normal numbers repainted/refurb'd

Yes, it was said that maybe the refurbished Y-TOH trident's will be branded when the 97 changes. Don't know if this is still the case though.

There's one Trident hidden away at the back of BC with the new branding for the 97. Couldn't get the number as it was dark and was doing my vehicle checks.

[John]

There's one Trident hidden away at the back of BC with the new branding for the 97. Couldn't get the number as it was dark and was doing my vehicle checks.

Interesting. Is it blue like the branding on Julie.

Timetables are now out. I picked up a timetable from Chelmsley Wood today from the stand in the shopping centre.

[Ex BC driver]

There's one Trident hidden away at the back of BC with the new branding for the 97. Couldn't get the number as it was dark and was doing my vehicle checks.

Interesting. Is it blue like the branding on Julie.

Timetables are now out. I picked up a timetable from Chelmsley Wood today from the stand in the shopping centre.

Same shade of blue

[Nathan4775]

I need to get a picture of 4177 before BC or whoever repaint it,. Sorry off tpoic a little but you mentioned the blue branding like 4177 aka juliee

[Ex BC driver]

The new route branding is the same shade as what was applied to 4177 Julie. I start in garage tomorrow morning so if it's about i'll get the fleet number.

[Kevin]

Question... When will the timetable start? Will it start at 00:00 with the night services or with the Sunday daytime service?

[ilovetea4370]

Will it be B7RLE operated at night, because there seems to be loads sneaking on lately

[Sh4318]

Will it be B7RLE operated at night, because there seems to be loads sneaking on lately

And it would help prevent anti-social behaviour :)

[ilovetea4370]

That's my theory, just like the Sutton 5. Could be to make sure all the drivers are up to date with type training? :P

[B.C Driver]

The new route branding is the same shade as what was applied to 4177 Julie. I start in garage tomorrow morning so if it's about i'll get the fleet number.

The fleet number is 4458 it is more or less similar to 4177, but sports '24 hours' and an aeroplane transfer.

[JB93]

So much for new deckers then!

[Tony]

The new route branding is the same shade as what was applied to 4177 Julie. I start in garage tomorrow morning so if it's about i'll get the fleet number.

The fleet number is 4458 it is more or less similar to 4177, but sports '24 hours' and an aeroplane transfer.

Best photo I could get today is http://wmbusphotos.com/NXWM/4225-4474/4458.html

[Kevin]

Not too bad, although it does look as if the bus is smiling