Johnsons

[MW]

I was down in London, and there seemed to be loads of Gemini 2 hybrids down there. Couldn't work out if they were B5LHs or the bigger B9TLs. Caught them on the 73 (Victoria - Stoke Newington) and 149 (London Bridge - Edmondton Green), and saw them on the 476 (Northumberland Avenue - Euston Station), all operated by Arriva.

B9TL are not hybrids so are easy to tell the difference

Thanks, I've only been on one B5LH up here, they just seemed bigger down in London.

I think the B5LH only comes in one size, like the examples we have here.

[BU07 LGO]

London have a load of different Hybrid's now. I go every year and was shocked this year (february) at how few trident alx400's there are compared to the year before!

[MW]

London have a load of different Hybrid's now. I go every year and was shocked this year (february) at how few trident alx400's there are compared to the year before!

When some routes get their contract renewed, they have to purchase new buses (in most cases).

Think of all the ex London darts we have in the West Midlands. No doubt we'll be getting loads of ex London Tridents to companies like Thandi and all those second rate independants. They'll also beat the emission zone in Birmingham, as they would be LEZ compliant.

[danny]

I have to say personally i think johnsons are one of the best oporators within the west midlands, modern buses, clean, friendly drivers and plesant routes, just wondered what you lovely people thought, weather they have any imidiate plans for the future in terms of routes within the west midlands or new buses/coaches!

[Stu]

Never caught any of their buses, though I am tempted to hop on the X20 one day and take a trip to Stratford-On-Avon, any idea how much a return from Hall Green/Shirley might cost, anyone?

[danny]

Well from birmingham a returns 4.20 soo i wont be no more than that they, they give change lol

[D10]

Agree, Johnsons are a class operator.

It's hard to believe that a few years ago they ran no local bus services only coaches and schools, but now the route network covers an area from Birmingham, then round to Bromsgrove, Moreton in Marsh, Banbury and Coventry.

In terms of future expansion, they seem to stick to Tenders and so if First pull out of Redditch with no sale , then there may be routes that have to go out to Tender by Worcs CC, and most Oxon tenders in Banbury are due for renewal next year.

[TinnedPeaches]

I completely agree with this. Ventured into Stratford under my own steam the other week and used their Park and Ride service. The Optare Versa diesel-electric hybrids were really comfortable and the drivers were very friendly and helpful, even to the extent of recommending a cheaper ticket for us when we got on. SUPERB!

[vinh1000]

Have to agree also
Lost property I lost on X20
Driver decides to drive back down from Henley in order to give to me during his 45 min break :D
Quality class service

[danny]

It just goes to show really that when it comes to service their team go up and beyond the call of duty, would love to work for them, and would love it even more if they came more prominant into the midlands, i wouldnt mind paying extra fair because of the level of service they offer

[fleetline6477]

They also operate tendered 69 Shirley - Kings Heath, X7 Solihull - Maypole - Wythal, X50 Birmingham - Maypole - Redditch and have the contract for the University of Birmingham Campus shuttles. I agree more would be great.

[Stu]

X7 Solihull - Maypole - Wythal

Was the S7 last time I checked!

[jc]

There also long term holders of the C1 Campus Shuttle under contract from NEW College in Redditch and Bromsgrove, which takes 4 buses or coaches at its busiest period.

[fleetline6477]

Have to agree also
Lost property I lost on X20
Driver decides to drive back down from Henley in order to give to me during his 45 min break :D
Quality class service

I would keep quiet about aspects of kindness like this to avoid getting drivers into trouble. A break is a legal requirement that drivers must take during the course of a day / duty and are not for them to spend driving around, however well meaning and well intentioned.

[vinh1000]

Have to agree also
Lost property I lost on X20
Driver decides to drive back down from Henley in order to give to me during his 45 min break :D
Quality class service

I would keep quiet about aspects of kindness like this to avoid getting drivers into trouble. A break is a legal requirement that drivers must take during the course of a day / duty and are not for them to spend driving around, however well meaning and well intentioned.

He had only done 2 hours on the plot and they all go back to depot for dropbacks or breaks - he had come off by the time the bus came back around and the depots in Henley so near enough