Platinum

[The Real 4778]

not really snetters don't travel that far because of the asbo tags on there ankles they have to be home for 1900

You DID notice my spelling of PN, I trust?  ;)

[Tiptonian]

I do not get back to the West Midlands very often, am getting old, and have health problems  :'(  . I feel a lot of discomfort when travelling.
Last time I was here, a journey on a Trident (route 529) was immediately followed by a Platinum MMC (X51). Having memories of the Walsall to Birmingham Timesavers, I was looking forward to it. Though I noted the extra legroom of the Platinum, I did not like the seat. The cushion was too firm and the seat back was too upright and not supportive. When demands were made on the suspension, far too many hard bumps came through to the occupants. Rather than considering it a premium service, I was glad to be off the vehicle. Even the livery is, I feel, less classy looking than the crimson. 
My next two buses were a crimson MMC and 3301. I found the seats on all three of the other vehicles more comfortable than the Platinum, (softer cushion, dished supportive seat backs), and the suspension on 3301 far superior to the others; indeed it was nearly as good as I remember the B7TL/Plaxtons when they were new. The only "premium" feature I see in the X51 is the faster running time.
I appreciate that many aspects of bus travel are subjective to an enthusiast, but not to my joints and myalgia! Some of my views on buses past and present would surprise many, but to me, Platinum is all image and no substance, and is certainly not worth a premium fare.

[Stuharris 6360]

6720 currntly parked on Bus Stop J at Stourbridge Bus station.

Bit odd as no Stourbridge services are getting Platinum?

[James4368]

Off NXWM's Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/nxwestmidlands/photos/a.373247266053647.97051.204017859643256/1235559879822377/?type=3&theater

[Stu]

Popped over to Meriden this afternoon on the 900, actually the furthest I've been on the route since it was upgraded to Platinum!

A certain someone elsewhere often complains about how 'slow' and 'sluggish' the E400MMC Platinums are, but I would tend to disagree; under the right circumstances (ie less traffic and late running!) they really do shift, especially along the long stretches of the A45 without stops, my return bus did Meriden Green to the Airport in 10mins, must have easily been doing 50mph.

[MW]

Popped over to Meriden this afternoon on the 900, actually the furthest I've been on the route since it was upgraded to Platinum!

A certain someone elsewhere often complains about how 'slow' and 'sluggish' the E400MMC Platinums are, but I would tend to disagree; under the right circumstances (ie less traffic and late running!) they really do shift, especially along the long stretches of the A45 without stops, my return bus did Meriden Green to the Airport in 10mins, must have easily been doing 50mph.

Come on, 50mph is nothing. I've done that on the 37 route lol

[GeminiFan1991]

Come on, 50mph is nothing. I've done that on the 37 route lol

Traffic Office: Exactly when !

I remember being in a car doing 50mph and a Trident kept up with us so much so we couldn't pull into the Bus Lane to come off the dual carriageway

[Trident 4194]

Come on, 50mph is nothing. I've done that on the 37 route lol

Just before coming into Solihull? The e200 mmc are very fast.

[Ashley 60171]

Come on, 50mph is nothing. I've done that on the 37 route lol

Our 200MMC's are slow compared to some other companies examples.

The 400MMC's as Stu says. Right place, right time, buffeting!

[Ronnoc]

Traffic Office: Exactly when !

I remember being in a car doing 50mph and a Trident kept up with us so much so we couldn't pull into the Bus Lane to come off the dual carriageway

I had a similar situation when I was doing 40 and a Trident was overtaking quite quickly.

[BU07 LGO]

Popped over to Meriden this afternoon on the 900, actually the furthest I've been on the route since it was upgraded to Platinum!

A certain someone elsewhere often complains about how 'slow' and 'sluggish' the E400MMC Platinums are, but I would tend to disagree; under the right circumstances (ie less traffic and late running!) they really do shift, especially along the long stretches of the A45 without stops, my return bus did Meriden Green to the Airport in 10mins, must have easily been doing 50mph.

They're fine once moving but pull off is very slow! Especially onto a busy island the only way is to rev with handbrake and use it for a boost!

[dw1308]

Correct me if I am wrong but I am pretty sure I read somewhere on this forum or somewhere else on the net that the E400 MMC that is used for the 900 are limited to 62mph for the long stretch of the Coventry road between Meriden and coventry? Although I do remember being on 6704 going along the perimeter road of the airport easily doing 55mph looking at the speedo from the seat over the front axle by the door

[MW]

Correct me if I am wrong but I am pretty sure I read somewhere on this forum or somewhere else on the net that the E400 MMC that is used for the 900 are limited to 62mph for the long stretch of the Coventry road between Meriden and coventry? Although I do remember being on 6704 going along the perimeter road of the airport easily doing 55mph looking at the speedo from the seat over the front axle by the door

Yeah as far as I'm aware, the Platinum ones are limited to 62, whilst the normal ones aren't. Normal ones are around 44 I'd imagine

[B.C Driver]

From what I can gather the Platinums at my garage have a tv screen in the cab that can be switched from upper saloon view to showing the outside of the bus. That is all well and good, but why oh why dont bus manufacturers ever ask drivers what they would like to see on their buses. For example a tv screen focused on the upstairs back seat rather than the side of the vehicle.

[MW]

From what I can gather the Platinums at my garage have a tv screen in the cab that can be switched from upper saloon view to showing the outside of the bus. That is all well and good, but why oh why dont bus manufacturers ever ask drivers what they would like to see on their buses. For example a tv screen focused on the upstairs back seat rather than the side of the vehicle.

The AG ones have that. You've got to keep the button pressed to see the sides of the bus. Never used it, don't think anyone has lol. A reversing camera would be more useful in garage