Birmingham Central Garage

[Matt.N0056]

Anyone who thinks the WF 9.5m Streetlite is more driver friendly or manoeuvrable seriously needs to get a licence and get in one. They are truly hideous machines in every respect,

Zero turning circle and steering lock, virtually no power steering, too low slung giving a dreadful ride, terrible suspension and shock absorption particularly on the front axle, no power due to being far too heavy for the kit in them, dreadful brakes and in my case what seemed like only a 3 speed box with no selector, meaning you are its mercy.

If you manage to escape from the cab with your life, turn to your left and marvel at how they astonishingly crammed 37 'seats' in. If you manage to fit into a seat without removing your knee caps and putting them in your pocket, you will find yourself in a very perilous situation, akin to that moment when you're sat in a deck chair that's trying to fold itself up with you in it, only less comfortable. Fine for taking oompa loompas to work, not much use for anything else.

I wouldn't deliver milk in it.

I'm currently driving a DF one that sounds exactly like that; they do tend to have better sterring locks on DF but I nearly took out a lampost trying to turn a corner with this one!

[MW]

How would you guys compare the WF street lite to the Optare Solo?

Only "small" bus I've driven is the Plaxton Primo, and that was basically like driving a van

[andy41]

How would you guys compare the WF street lite to the Optare Solo?

Only "small" bus I've driven is the Plaxton Primo, and that was basically like driving a van

I hate early Solos with a passion but I'd take one any day over Streetlite. Later Solos I'm quite fond of, I think Optare products in general are far superior these days.

[Matt.N0056]

How would you guys compare the WF street lite to the Optare Solo?

Only "small" bus I've driven is the Plaxton Primo, and that was basically like driving a van

Streetlites are slowly growing on me, mainly cause the depot is full of them! But would much rather have an optare

[Liberator9]

Optares when they're working tend to be pretty good - known a few who driven on the Signatures who've commented that the Optares are good when they're working properly - i.e can actually get up any slight incline or alarm bells not going off constantly.... MFX is the best Solo SR as it had new turbos fitted; the worst having to be MFY with its' cooling fan.

The Streetlites are nothing special, just a old MK1 E200 copy. The E200MMCs are a step above the Streetlites personally and the new Optare Tempos as well. Wright's doubledeck offering is certainly superior over the single deck at the moment.

[Squiz1971]

A B7RLE on the 59 at Lidl Meadway lights was scrolling between On diversion ask driver for details & Kingshurst & the scrolling via's. This was about 10:50 this morning any reason why or had the driver put the wrong destination code in???

[Stu]

A B7RLE on the 59 at Lidl Meadway lights was scrolling between On diversion ask driver for details & Kingshurst & the scrolling via's. This was about 10:50 this morning any reason why or had the driver put the wrong destination code in???

There was a 58 this evening showing the same, noticed it at Bordesley station heading towards city.

[The Real 4778]

[Stu]

Travelled home on 6715 this evening, and was pleased to see (and hear) that the audio/visual announcements are working again.  8)

[V89MOA]

4444 has a new megarear for the new David Brent movie.

[Jack6101]

There is a trident with police and fire on moor st now

[Gareth]

There is a trident with police and fire on moor st now

Rumoured to be a fuel leak.

[Ronnoc]

There is a trident with police and fire on moor st now

It's 4181.

[Dylanbusboy45]

809 is on the 98 today. This has happened quite a few times now I think, hence I'm not posting it in Noteworthy Workings

[2206]

The branding posters inside the current 9s still mention 241 and 141 going to merry hill as a connection from halesowen haha

The map of the 900 also still has the 70 as a connection at Sheldon for passengers wanting Garrets Green, JLR and Solihull, the 70 was withdrawn between Chelmsley Wood and Solihull in October 2015.