Do any forum members take an interest in other operating areas?

[Ashley 4569]

Just wondering if many forum members take a great deal of interest in the bus scene beyond the west midlands?

I myself go on about Stagecoach West and it is a nice area is Gloucestershire, good day out if your a Trident or Scania N23OUD fan (im obviously not a fan of the latter :D)

First Potteries definately an enthusiasts company for now

I take abit of interest in the Yorkshire scene having enthusiasts friends in that area and when I can go on bus enthusiast tours (mostly in the east midlands so it seems)

Hope im not the only looney tune racking up too many train and bus miles :D

[Stu]

Apart from the West Midlands, the only other area of the country that I need to concern myself about is London, when I go to visit my brother who lives there.

[Nathan4775]

I like to visit London, Manchester

[Ashley 4569]

I dont mind manchester, bit of a maze but a nice day out also

[John]

I do like visiting London, and I am thinking of visiting outskirts next time I go, rather than just looking at the bus operations in Central London

Manchester is a place I really like, am hopefully getting there again on Monday, to see it on a weekday, as the last time it was a Sunday (it was really busy then so it must be busier on a weekday).

A bit closer to home, another city I really like is Leicester. Am also planning to get to Derby soon.

I also want to see Dundee, with NX up there, will have to wait and sort out some money first before I can get up there! With a quick stopover in Edinburgh

[Justin Tyme]

I take some interest wherever I go.  It's a good way of keeping up with trends around the country, and it's useful to compare other areas with the West Midlands - how can you tell if the West Midlands is as good as anywhere else if you don't compare?

Sometimes very interesting things can happen in other parts of the country that don't occur around here!   As an example, keep an eye on the Plymouth area, as in a few weeks' time two operators will start high-quality services in competition with an ailing First.

[PM]

I take some interest wherever I go.  It's a good way of keeping up with trends around the country, and it's useful to compare other areas with the West Midlands - how can you tell if the West Midlands is as good as anywhere else if you don't compare?

Sometimes very interesting things can happen in other parts of the country that don't occur around here!   As an example, keep an eye on the Plymouth area, as in a few weeks' time two operators will start high-quality services in competition with an ailing First.

Same here-interested in pretty much everywhere to be honest but havent had much chance to explore buses in other areas yet

[Ashley 4569]

John, ive done manchester on a schoolday friday and a saturday, afternoons are hectic on all corridors, mornings arent too bad, bus use is lower in first land compared to stagecoach land, maybe sunday would be a good day to go if service levels arent too bad.

Derby, not the most appealing of cities in all aspects but Trent are a good company with striking brandings and a well maintained fleet, arriva have an aquamarine presence in form of a mixed bag fleet, if you go on a saturday in the football season your guaranteed a WM Metro or two on the shuttles

[John]

John, ive done manchester on a schoolday friday and a saturday, afternoons are hectic on all corridors, mornings arent too bad, bus use is lower in first land compared to stagecoach land, maybe sunday would be a good day to go if service levels arent too bad.

Derby, not the most appealing of cities in all aspects but Trent are a good company with striking brandings and a well maintained fleet, arriva have an aquamarine presence in form of a mixed bag fleet, if you go on a saturday in the football season your guaranteed a WM Metro or two on the shuttles

Cheers for that Ash

I went to Manchester on a Sunday in May, and was amazed how busy it was. I just want to go back to see it on a day when all services are running.

I'm trying to see all Arriva Midlands areas, so that is the main reason for Derby, as well as getting to Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry, and eventually a trip Wardles way, especially if they are getting ex London DLAs. 

[Rob H]

Outside the West Midlands I follow the Blackpool Trams :)

[gc802002]

I live in Dundee, so NX Dundee and Scottish operations are my primary interests, NXWM/NXC and London are strong interests hence my membership of this forum

[Tony]

Apart from the West Midlands, the only other area of the country that I need to concern myself about is London, when I go to visit my brother who lives there.

I am going to try and add a photo of every 'Borismaster' on here at some point, just as an added extra. I actually like tham and the fact they are going to be numbered in one series whoever operates them is going to make getting a 'set' much easier. I got several of them yesterday which will be on soon!

[Ashley 4569]

I know you went to Fleetwood Tram sunday, i hope that was a good day Rob.

The entry into service of Wardie DLA's is imminent i believe, maybe during the holidays or or the start of the school term but hopefully the first one.

If anybodys interested theres a bus enthusiasts tour in chesterfield on saturday august 17th using a Lynx and up to 11 Leyland/Volvo Olympians, ill personal message the details if anybodys interested in that

As for manchester, my last visit was a saturday in june, first bus i boarded was an X50 and that was packed even at half 9 in the morning, second vehicle, a First mk1 B7RLE to Bolton, not even a half load for duration

[Ashley 4569]

Borismasters are very striking vehicles I have to agree and I look forward to seeing the photos Tony

[Rob H]

I know you went to Fleetwood Tram sunday, i hope that was a good day Rob.

Yes it was a good day Ash :) but I can tell you the Starr Gate to Fleetwood Tram Service isn't the same without the old trams I'm not keen on them Flexity's they've bought in, I'll travel on them but that's as far as it goes with them Flexity's with me