Arriva take over Midland

[4006]

2152 on the 63 saw it in Wednesfield this afternoon

[Lukeee]

Service 10 is not the only commercial service we operate.

2156 is also here now.

What else is there then?

The 9 and the 334

[NXWM Spectra]

2152 on the 63 saw it in Wednesfield this afternoon

63 and 64 always seem to be nearly empty, and they usually get Solos. Don't know why they're putting one of their best buses, somehow a 12 year old MPD on the route.

[Bob]

If a 12 yr old MPD is a 'best bus'....Theyre going to have to invest in the future if they want to have a serious presence in the West Midlands...

[sconehead85]

Nearly all Arriva fleets have large numbers of pre-2000 Dennis Darts, for which there is no known Arriva replacement order bar 50 Optare Versas. I reckon at least 500 pre -2000 Darts of MPD or regular length need replacing.  Not to forget the step-entry single decks Arriva Midlands are hanging on to.

sconehead85

[Discodave]

Service 10 is not the only commercial service we operate.

2156 is also here now.

What else is there then?

Another 11 services plus 2 part-commercial services.

Never knew they were that many see why Arriva are now the owner.

[Discodave]

Nearly all Arriva fleets have large numbers of pre-2000 Dennis Darts, for which there is no known Arriva replacement order bar 50 Optare Versas. I reckon at least 500 pre -2000 Darts of MPD or regular length need replacing.  Not to forget the step-entry single decks Arriva Midlands are hanging on to.

sconehead85

The thing is they are still refubishing the things come on Arriva stop recycling tat and replace them with something decent the amount spent on them you could have replaced the lot other Arriva areas have been investing E200's are not the answer or Versas Mercedes have put out a short wheel base citaro at the bus and coach show buy some of them for MPD replacements as like Tamworth you have a longer wheel base version for longer routes or busy ones and some volvos like NXWM show you mean business Mr ex NX mananging director.

[Bob]

Other than the Ex London MPDs ( which have got the old type Cummins engine Discodave im sure youll be  pleased to know lol) are there any other buses expected? And any plans to keep the Darts/Solos and repaint them? Could swap some MPDs for B6s at Stafford

[jarh_9394]

Other than the Ex London MPDs ( which have got the old type Cummins engine Discodave im sure youll be  pleased to know lol) are there any other buses expected? And any plans to keep the Darts/Solos and repaint them? Could swap some MPDs for B6s at Stafford

Yes - have already mentioned buses due other than ex-London MPDs.

A repaint programme will commence at some point.

[Bob]

No sorry i meant any more from other Arriva fleets, i know about the extra Darts from the midlands :)

[jarh_9394]

Not yet.

[notepanel]

Service 10 is not the only commercial service we operate.

2156 is also here now.

What else is there then?

Another 11 services plus 2 part-commercial services.

Never knew they were that many see why Arriva are now the owner.

Just out of curiousity, what are the other commercial routes operated by Midland? I believe some are the  9, 10, 19, 33 & 334 and possibly the 35 & 756?

[Bob]

Hopefully in the future Arriva might invest in some newer buses or better models for Wednesfield, that would make a good impression for the Midlands :) Not to sound disrespectful its just that  older Darts like what theyve brought in arent going to be the best having been thrashed for years around London & the midlands and arent really much better than slightly newer but still elderly clones of the buses theyre replacing

[nx4737]

Hopefully in the future Arriva might invest in some newer buses or better models for Wednesfield, that would make a good impression for the Midlands :) Not to sound disrespectful its just that  older Darts like what theyve brought in arent going to be the best having been thrashed for years around London & the midlands and arent really much better than slightly newer but still elderly clones of the buses theyre replacing

As long as they're refurbished to a decent standard, which they will be, and turn up on time, I don't see what the problem is...

[NXWM Spectra]

Service 10 is not the only commercial service we operate.

2156 is also here now.

What else is there then?

Another 11 services plus 2 part-commercial services.

Never knew they were that many see why Arriva are now the owner.

Just out of curiousity, what are the other commercial routes operated by Midland? I believe some are the  9, 10, 19, 33 & 334 and possibly the 35 & 756?

Think the 18, 57, 63 and 64 are also commercially run.
Can't see why Centro would tender them, though don't see why Arriva would want them commercially.
There only ever seems to be a group of pensioners with free passes on there.