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Lothian Buses and ECB Discussion

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OmniCity999

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Honestly a year ago I wouldn't have been too surprised had Lothian bought E200XLBs or E300XLBs, as they could probably get ADL to make them if they really wanted to

Now that Richard Hall is gone, I cant see companies creating new products for us anymore, it'll all be off the shelf products i reckon.

Although last year there was talk of an Enviro300XLB, tri-axle B8RLE chassis, Enviro 300 body. The Enciro 200 is the complete product. Cant wee it happening anymore.
 
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Lothiangem22

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There is however an order of 110 new buses this year (presumably Delayed with current pandemic). The majority of these were due to be single decks but don’t know what! Could be something interesting?
 

cnjb8

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Now that Richard Hall is gone, I cant see companies creating new products for us anymore, it'll all be off the shelf products i reckon.

Although last year there was talk of an Enviro300XLB, tri-axle B8RLE chassis, Enviro 300 body. The Enciro 200 is the complete product. Cant wee it happening anymore.
Are integral E200MMCS a possibility then?
There is however an order of 110 new buses this year (presumably Delayed with current pandemic). The majority of these were due to be single decks but don’t know what! Could be something interesting?
Could be MCV but who knows?
 

CN04NRJ

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Many companies have done it, but I dont see Lothian doing it

They're decent buses and certainly much better than the old E200 but I just can't quite picture them working well in the city here.
 

OmniCity999

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Are integral E200MMCS a possibility then?

Could be MCV but who knows?

Can't really see integral MMCs being suitable for replacing B7RLEs myself, I certainly hope they don't anyhow.
They're decent buses and certainly much better than the old E200 but I just can't quite picture them working well in the city here.
Lothian will be sticking with a Volvo product I believe and as such, the all in one Enviro200 product wont be specified. Although, it would be suitable for the 61 and 69, if only we were continuing these services...
 

scosutsut

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Despite Hall being gone he would only have signed off plans, not been the sole voice at the table. Do people seriously think big companies are run like Germany was in the early 1940s? One man deciding everything?

Obviously engineering are happy with Volvo products, and if an order is already in then you've got to assume that while there might be scope in the contract for minor changes within it, ADL will hold them to their order once this all blows over.
 

Jordan Adam

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Despite Hall being gone he would only have signed off plans, not been the sole voice at the table. Do people seriously think big companies are run like Germany was in the early 1940s? One man deciding everything?

I doubt anyone is saying that is the case however (and this applies at pretty much all bus operators) the MD has a huge amount of influence and can make or break the direction of a company.

They're decent buses and certainly much better than the old E200 but I just can't quite picture them working well in the city here.

To be fair many people thought exactly this 20-25 years ago when the first Dart SLFs came about. Yet if you look back now most Darts lasted just as long if not longer than many "full size" vehicles. I live on a route that's used 11.5M 4 cylinder E200MMCs for over 4 years now (replacing B10BLEs) and they manage perfectly fine, the 6 cylinder ones in particular are pretty much on par with any full size bus (hence even Borders have bought them for their routes). Given that they work perfectly fine in practically every other city in the UK i can't see how Edinburgh would be any different. I do personally think the whole "midis" cannot replace full size buses argument is pretty outdated now and being more and more proven wrong, especially given how far midi buses have come. I would agree there are some instances where they're a full size bus is still "better", but on the whole (especially in the city) they're on par and/or better.... Well except Streetlites but that's another matter :lol:.

Many companies have done it, but I dont see Lothian doing it

Agreed, i don't see any issues with doing it. However i can't see Lothian doing it as they're very loyal to Volvo and at an operational perspective it makes far more sense having as few vehicle types as possible. If only there was B5RLE/E200MMC and B8TL/E400MMC products, i suspect Volvo sales would rocket again!
 

overthewater

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Looks like the Fringe is about to get the plug pulled outright, Which might give the company some rest bite this year.
 

DunsBus

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Looks like the Fringe is about to get the plug pulled outright, Which might give the company some rest bite this year.

Now confirmed as being off together with the Book Festival, the Tattoo and the main Festival itself.
 

buslad1988

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Now confirmed as being off together with the Book Festival, the Tattoo and the main Festival itself.
Whilst it gives the company some rest bite it’s going to hit finance and profits hard; airlink, tours, no festival or tattoo. even zoo trade and ECB will take a hit with tourists. Going to be a hard year, even us staff are concerned... however much the festival etc is a pain at the time.
 

Jordan Adam

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What is the exact date the 20 and 63 transfer to First ? Thanks .

There is no exact date, but it'll be in June.

Is that really going to go head during this period of lockdown?

Hard to really say for sure but i can't see why it wouldn't as the contract has already been awarded and First are already prepping the additional vehicles.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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There is no exact date, but it'll be in June.

Hard to really say for sure but i can't see why it wouldn't as the contract has already been awarded and First are already prepping the additional vehicles.
It's not put off Transport for Cornwall from unleashing a whole new network as from Sunday. It'll probably transfer as planned.
 

scotrail158713

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CN04NRJ

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Does it look that awful though? Or is it just that it’s still new so nobody has got used to it? I say this as I initially disliked the change to green and grey with ECB - however I’ve realised it was more just it was change from what had been normal for a good few years.

I think it looks quite good myself, alot cleaner with the extra white.
 
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