Pensnett Garage

[Dom]

Drivers hate them, terrible things.

I never used to mind them. Actually rather enjoyed them. 3303 being my personal favourite.

[Stu]

They're not, that is why they are not being used. There is a possible specific contract coming up for them, so whether they go back into normal service at PN depends on that contract

Would NX not consider selling them off? If they're really that disliked and this contract doesn't come off that is.

[bususer28]

They're not, that is why they are not being used. There is a possible specific contract coming up for them, so whether they go back into normal service at PN depends on that contract

I guess it's a bit silly to ask but why were they purchased in the first place when NX could've just ordered e400s to a higher spec which have a better reception from passengers. It's also not a great start considering NXWM will receive hydrogen buses in the same model.

[Stu]

I guess it's a bit silly to ask but why were they purchased in the first place when NX could've just ordered e400s to a higher spec which have a better reception from passengers. It's also not a great start considering NXWM will receive hydrogen buses in the same model.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.  ;D

As with anything, at the time they probably seemed like a good purchase. At least they only bought six of them.

[Tony]

I guess it's a bit silly to ask but why were they purchased in the first place when NX could've just ordered e400s to a higher spec which have a better reception from passengers. It's also not a great start considering NXWM will receive hydrogen buses in the same model.

Hydrogen buses are not the same model!

The may have the same body, but that is like comparing a B7TL to a Trident just because they look the same with an ALX400 body

[Pat]

Hydrogen buses are not the same model!

The may have the same body, but that is like comparing a B7TL to a Trident just because they look the same with an ALX400 body

The Volvo chassis is far better than Wrights own one.  You can never go wrong with a Volvo.

[MW]

The Volvo chassis is far better than Wrights own one.  You can never go wrong with a Volvo.

He was just stating that they are completely different, as are the Diesel and Hydrogen Streetdecks.

Side note- As a huge fan of the B7TL especially at Euro 3 (ZF), I've yet to drive the B9TL or B5TL! Definitely on the list! Having said that I've not driven an Enviro 400 before in any form!

[Trident 4194]

They're not, that is why they are not being used. There is a possible specific contract coming up for them, so whether they go back into normal service at PN depends on that contract

Why are they not good buses? Passenger perspective they are far smoother than an mmc. Do first also have issues with theirs and arriva?

[don]

I would imagine that having only five of a model from a firm which went out of business would result in a potential maintenance headache in terms of parts availability and priority with the supplier. Presumably larger scale users and customers get more priority? I wonder how Rotala find them also in the NW?

[Gareth]

Why are they not good buses? Passenger perspective they are far smoother than an mmc. Do first also have issues with theirs and arriva?

I'd imagine that each operator have different feeling over different buses. Take the Daimler Fleetline. Hundreds of operators using thousands of Fleetlines without issue. Whereas London Transport couldn't get rid of them fast enough.

[Westy]

I would imagine that having only five of a model from a firm which went out of business would result in a potential maintenance headache in terms of parts availability and priority with the supplier. Presumably larger scale users and customers get more priority? I wonder how Rotala find them also in the NW?

They would've had the same problem with the solitary Foden WMPTE had in the 70's!

[Roy]

Why are they not good buses? Passenger perspective they are far smoother than an mmc. Do first also have issues with theirs and arriva?

Both Brighton and Hove and First West of England have had issues with Streetdecks.  The first batch of B&H Streetdecks are allocated to route 12/12A/12X between Brighton and Eastbourne which has a number of steep hills.  The Omnidekkas previously allocated to the service were brilliant over the hills.  The Streetdecks are awful on hills - I have been on buses that have struggled to reach the top of relatively short climbs along the route.  In addition, because of reliability issues, B&H has two Streetdeck demonstrators on loan from Wrightbus to cover for buses off the road.  One of these two has been on permanent loan for over two years.

First West of England allocated a batch of 65-reg Streetdecks to Wells depot from new.  After many failures over the Mendip Hills, these have been swapped with older 12-reg E400s based at Hengrove depot in Bristol in order to maintain a reliable service.  Hengrove drivers have stated on on-line forums that they much prefer older B7TLs, B9TLs and E400s, and were very disappointed when some of their old B7TLs were transferred to First Kernow in exchange for more Streetdecks from First South Yorkshire.

[Trident 4194]

Both Brighton and Hove and First West of England have had issues with Streetdecks.  The first batch of B&H Streetdecks are allocated to route 12/12A/12X between Brighton and Eastbourne which has a number of steep hills.  The Omnidekkas previously allocated to the service were brilliant over the hills.  The Streetdecks are awful on hills - I have been on buses that have struggled to reach the top of relatively short climbs along the route.  In addition, because of reliability issues, B&H has two Streetdeck demonstrators on loan from Wrightbus to cover for buses off the road.  One of these two has been on permanent loan for over two years.

First West of England allocated a batch of 65-reg Streetdecks to Wells depot from new.  After many failures over the Mendip Hills, these have been swapped with older 12-reg E400s based at Hengrove depot in Bristol in order to maintain a reliable service.  Hengrove drivers have stated on on-line forums that they much prefer older B7TLs, B9TLs and E400s, and were very disappointed when some of their old B7TLs were transferred to First Kernow in exchange for more Streetdecks from First South Yorkshire.

Now that's strange because @pndriver used to say a street deck was fair better up a hill than an mmc.

[j789]

Now that's strange because @pndriver used to say a street deck was fair better up a hill than an mmc.

The First StreetDecks that I have driven are pretty decent vehicles and have proved reliable over the last 5 years. I particularly like them on the long 144 route. Maybe they have a different set up underbody to the NXWM ones?I absolutely hate Streetlites though and would much rather drive a Volvo or Citaro. Maybe NXWM could exchange the 5 StreetDecks for 5 Similar age Enviro 400s with First who operate both.

[Steve3229vp]

I'd imagine that each operator have different feeling over different buses. Take the Daimler Fleetline. Hundreds of operators using thousands of Fleetlines without issue. Whereas London Transport couldn't get rid of them fast enough.

Only because London Transport were not used to overhauling buses like other operators, all there other vehicles the RT, RM etc were specially built for London Transport which were made for simple overhauls, engine swaps etc. So once they started buying buses 'off the peg' it was a shock to them.