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First Greater Glasgow

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route101

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I see the 25 new Enviro 400 MMCs are listed in the latest FB handbook, 33201-33225. The book states all will be allocated to Caledonia Depot.

They may be delivered to caley then transferred to other depots perhaps.
 

JonnyB1984

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All new vehicles are allocated to our depot first before moving on. Just like the Caetano Darts from Kernow, they will show as allocated to Caley but Caley aren't having any.
 

83G/84D

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All new vehicles are allocated to our depot first before moving on. Just like the Caetano Darts from Kernow, they will show as allocated to Caley but Caley aren't having any.

Around 10 of the Darts due from Kernow have still not departed for Glasgow.

No idea of what is going on despite asking around.
 

38A-Z

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Hmmm.... the Caetano Darts are 43854-74 excl 43858. I smell farm smells

That would make more sense!
It’s showing 53851-3 and 53858 going to Bath and the other 20, as mentioned above, to Caledonia Depot. Always good to have new buses in Glasgow but I don’t think 20 (27 seat) solos are what Glasgow needs.
 

overthewater

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But they would be very useful on m4, m60, 81, and all those spt contracts including the new ones ;)
 

TheGrandWazoo

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That would make more sense!
It’s showing 53851-3 and 53858 going to Bath and the other 20, as mentioned above, to Caledonia Depot. Always good to have new buses in Glasgow but I don’t think 20 (27 seat) solos are what Glasgow needs.
Bath depot IS expecting eight new Solos.

However, bit dubious about those fleet numbers (given that the other ones are suspicious) and even more sceptical about 20 new ones heading to Glasgow.
 

JonnyB1984

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First I have heard of Solo's coming... Larger singles are urgently required to get the B10s and B7L (toilet boxes) retired. Caetano darts I am unsure what is happening and starting to think if they are actually still coming.
 

smtglasgow

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Does Glasgow really need tiny buses? There are a few random routes like the 81 or the Hamilton locals which they might suit, but if the numbers only work with such small, 16 year old vehicles, you’ve got to ask if these routes are worth it? The ex-Bristol darts that came up earlier in the year seem much more appropriate – a few more for the Motherwell/Vale of Leven locals would be more suitable replacements for the Renowns.

More generally, with no sign of any new stock beyond the much anticipated 25 mmc, you’ve got to wonder how they square the LEZ circle. With so few new buses arriving across the group, there isn’t much chance of newer cascades. I know I’m repeating myself, but the shabbiness of the Glasgow fleet these days is something to behold. If the city council or SPT do actually go down the quality partnership route, First will have to dig deep to meet their end of any bargain.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Does Glasgow really need tiny buses? There are a few random routes like the 81 or the Hamilton locals which they might suit, but if the numbers only work with such small, 16 year old vehicles, you’ve got to ask if these routes are worth it? The ex-Bristol darts that came up earlier in the year seem much more appropriate – a few more for the Motherwell/Vale of Leven locals would be more suitable replacements for the Renowns.

More generally, with no sign of any new stock beyond the much anticipated 25 mmc, you’ve got to wonder how they square the LEZ circle. With so few new buses arriving across the group, there isn’t much chance of newer cascades. I know I’m repeating myself, but the shabbiness of the Glasgow fleet these days is something to behold. If the city council or SPT do actually go down the quality partnership route, First will have to dig deep to meet their end of any bargain.

Been a few years since I enjoyed First Glasgow - I had a travel round including up to the Red Road Flats, not long before their demolition so that dates things! Hence, can't comment on the standard of the fleet.

However, we have been here before in questioning First's ability to meet PSVAR deadlines etc. The likelihood will be some trimming of peripheral and extremities to reduce the PVR, new vehicles, and also a programme of refurbishment etc. Bath depot is getting nine year old B9s refurbished with hybrid engines (IIRC) for their local scheme whilst Worcester depot has re-engineered 8 year old B7RLEs to conform with Birmingham's clean air zone.
 

overthewater

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First has won at least 5 extra bus worth of work from spt. Mr Javis has confirmed there is a plan in action to comply with said rule in 2022. There are dissucions about more stock this year but it's unclear if that's deckers or singles.
 

smtglasgow

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I’m possibly being a bit harsh – most of the post 2012 arrivals are still in decent nick. To be fair, the worst of the Tridents are probably leaving the fleet this year and a few Gemini now have e-leather. And yes, trimming frequencies will probably save a few more. But having been in Norwich and Bristol in the last few months and been impressed with the presentation/branding of the respective fleets, Glasgow just seems a bit meh.

The frustration comes from seeing that this is a business turning in a decent profit. Perhaps it’s the lack of investment that is maintaining that profit, but improving the quality of the operation (which doesn’t have to mean a fleet of new buses!) might start building ridership up again. With Firstgroup short of cash refurbs are going to play a part. But even with all the familiar problems (congestion, footfall, cheap parking, frequent and surprisingly cheap rail) Glasgow is still a good city for buses with much of the employment focused in a narrow band within the city centre.
 

JonnyB1984

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29 Apr 2018
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Glasgow
I take it these buses also comply with euro 6?
They haven't had anything converted yet as First Glasgow will meet the target for the LEZ this year as it has a good number of euro 6 buses already on the road with more euro 6 buses to arrive and be in service before the end of the year to replace a few of the older decker stock.
 

route101

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If these refurbished B9Ls are on the 61 , what route is loosing out because of this?
 

JonnyB1984

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The company expects this bus to only be in service for 4 1/2 more years?
No, Glasgow tend to run vehicles until they are at least 17years old or older. This vehicle is only 11 years old at the moment so has a good 6+ left if all going well. What I meant was this needs to be euro 6 spec before 2022 unless its replaced by newer vehicles which in this case it will be transferred to another route to avoid the city centre.
 

JonnyB1984

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Glasgow
If these refurbished B9Ls are on the 61 , what route is loosing out because of this?
Not sure what you mean, 61 has always had deckers. When they go down south for a refurb another decker will replace it as plenty spare.

Edit: More route branding will be happening going forward.

201 - In the near future
240 - Complete
266 (not 100% on 266 but it was mentioned, possibly to try and get more punters from JMB)
267 - In the near future (colour not mentioned yet)
61 - In Progress
6 - In the near future

This is all I know about the branding but I guess there will be lots more.
 
Last edited:

Volvodart

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Two more of the 54 plate double deckers are reported to be on their way to Bristol area today.
 

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