Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird and Highland)

[Volvodart]

The Grasshopper will be due an increase and they will probably change the zones too. The last time the prices changed it took a while for Grasshopper to change their prices.

 

[PG]

The Grasshopper will be due an increase and they will probably change the zones too. The last time the prices changed it took a while for Grasshopper to change their prices.

I'm unsure if the Grasshopper requires council approval to amend the prices which might explain the delay, also would all participating operators have a say?

Although Stagecoach appears to run the Grasshopper website according to this the scheme is administered by Aberdeenshire council.

The Grasshopper Pass is a partnership led by bus operators and administered by Aberdeenshire Council. The partnership is also supported by Aberdeen City Council and NESTRANS.

 

[Jordan Adam]

One of the two new E400MMCs (either 11566 or 11567) is at Tullos.

As mentioned previously these were part of an order of 12 (11556-67) intended for the 727, however the other 10 have been diverted with 11556-9 going to Kent and 11560-65 to East Scotland.

 

[AndrewTaylor95]

One of the two new E400MMCs (either 11566 or 11567) is at Tullos.

As mentioned previously these were part of an order of 12 (11556-67) intended for the 727, however the other 10 have been diverted with 11556-9 going to Kent and 11560-65 to East Scotland.

Is it just 2 now for Aberdeen, just be used on whatever service then.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Is it just 2 now for Aberdeen, just be used on whatever service then.

Yes just two, they'll just be used wherever needed. They're not really that strict about allocations, it's fairly normal to see the current JETs appear on pretty much any route.

There is rumours that Moray are getting the Elites at West Scotland which are away to be replaced by Astromegas, these would likely go on the 10 displacing the shorter dual axle Elites to Macduff for the 35, which in turn would move to Aberdeen displacing the KX61 Panthers to Highlands allowing for the withdrawal of the remaining B7R Profiles.

 

[AndrewTaylor95]

Yes just two, they'll just be used wherever needed. They're not really that strict about allocations, it's fairly normal to see the current JETs appear on pretty much any route.

There is rumours that Moray are getting the Elites at West Scotland which are away to be replaced by Astromegas, these would likely go on the 10 displacing the shorter dual axle Elites to Macduff for the 35, which in turn would move to Aberdeen displacing the KX61 Panthers to Highlands allowing for the withdrawal of the remaining B7R Profiles.

West Scotland are always confusing, always replace newer buses for older ones, I'm assuming it's the 66 plate ones on the X77 that where originally on the X76, X76 got new Panoramas in 2018 instead of the X77 and it was basically a swap, X77 should've had the Panoramas considering it's normally always absolutely heaving in the Summer time.

 

[Jordan Adam]

West Scotland are always confusing, always replace newer buses for older ones, I'm assuming it's the 66 plate ones on the X77 that where originally on the X76, X76 got new Panoramas in 2018 instead of the X77 and it was basically a swap, X77 should've had the Panoramas considering it's normally always absolutely heaving in the Summer time.

Indeed it would be the eight 66 plates and the two 19 plates displacing the ten 67 plates (54825-34) at Elgin.

The 10 is somewhat the same, the current Elites are too small for it and often run full so they have to run lots of short workings at the Aberdeen end. While the E400MMCs on the 35 have generally been poorly received with complaints the minute they entered service about how unsuited they are for such a long service.

 

[AndrewTaylor95]

Indeed it would be the eight 66 plates and the two 19 plates displacing the ten 67 plates (54825-34) at Elgin.

The 10 is somewhat the same, the current Elites are too small for it and often run full so they have to run lots of short workings at the Aberdeen end. While the E400MMCs on the 35 have generally been poorly received with complaints the minute they entered service about how unsuited they are for such a long service.

Forgot about they 19 plate ones, I've done the 10 before about 2 years ago and when it got to Elgin it was full so yeah it could do with the extra seats, I done the 35 last year when Lockdown eased and I found it not too bad to be honest on the deckers was pretty dead the whole way from Elgin to Aberdeen as well sat upstairs up the top deck at the front the whole way and not a single person came upstairs, was a lovely day as well I actually quite enjoyed it I hadn't been up that way for years.

 

[Blindtraveler]

if all this shuffling actually happens then I'm sure Highlands will be glad to be rid of the profiles. Awful buses, should never have been built

 

[hst43102]

According to FleetReport 54038 (2020 Long Distance yellow livery) has been sold. If this is the case, does anyone know why a vehicle for disposal was repainted?

 

[Jordan Adam]

if all this shuffling actually happens then I'm sure Highlands will be glad to be rid of the profiles. Awful buses, should never have been built

The plans were/are to have all Profiles and the older 531xx Panthers gone by the end of the year. The Profiles are not that bad, just weren't suited to the routes they were bought for, they're a light weight medium distance coach, yet were being hammered on routes that should've been using full size coaches. It surely speaks volumes that the 10 has went from B7Rs, to B9Rs and now to B11Rs. The latter of which are superb.

According to FleetReport 54038 (2020 Long Distance yellow livery) has been sold. If this is the case, does anyone know why a vehicle for disposal was repainted?

Indeed it has and already previously reported on the thread. I'm not sure on the reasons, but i agree it does seem a waste of paint.

 

[mbonwick]

According to FleetReport 54038 (2020 Long Distance yellow livery) has been sold. If this is the case, does anyone know why a vehicle for disposal was repainted?

It was painted while it was having MOT repairs, and then saw some service out of Thurso - presumably its higher 69 seat capacity (no toilet fitted) was advantageous for the Dounreay contracts.
Looking at how sisters 54039-41 have a comment against them in previous fleetcards, would appear that the sale to Ensign was as part of a job lot including the load of B7R/B12Bs. Perhaps as payment to the E400s that have been on loan from Ensign to Opcos down South??

 

[Jordan Adam]

One of the two new E400MMCs (either 11566 or 11567) is at Tullos.

As mentioned previously these were part of an order of 12 (11556-67) intended for the 727, however the other 10 have been diverted with 11556-9 going to Kent and 11560-65 to East Scotland.

Flickr user Prisma Aberdeen has posted a photo of recently delivered 11566 at Tullos. 11567 is also now here.

New for Bluebird (11566)

We are being spoiled for new double deckers in Aberdeen this year with Stagecoach Bluebird taking delivery of a pair of Alexander Dennis Enviro400MMC to add to the fifteen StreetDecks First Aberdeen have just received. This is 11566 (SK21 FJX) numerically the first of the pair seen here at...

flic.kr

 

[Volvodart]

Over £40 million for zero emission buses​

Over £40 million for zero emission buses | Transport Scotland

www.transport.gov.scot

​

The Scottish Government has awarded £40.5 million through a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS).
This is the largest investment yet through the SULEBS programme, and will support operators in replacing 215 old diesel buses with new battery-electric models. This is a substantial increase on the 57 buses supported through the first round and to help meet demand, the intended budget for this second round has been increased by £15 million.
With 172 of the buses to be built in Falkirk, this investment supports skilled, green manufacturing jobs in Scotland, as well as reducing transport emissions.
The Scottish Government has also published a new information and ideas pack which shows how the bus and finance sectors are innovating to speed up the transition to net-zero. This is the first report from The Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, which brings together senior leaders from the energy, bus and finance sectors to co-design a pathway to a fully decarbonised bus fleet. The information pack identifies new routes for financing green buses that can build on government support and bring about faster fleet transformation.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“The Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme continues to help drive a green recovery, responding to the global climate emergency and improving air quality.
“Ensuring a just and fair transition to a net-zero economy is a truly national endeavour and I’m delighted that the Scottish Government’s investment is matched by private investment from bus operators and the finance sector. 172 of these new buses will be manufactured in Falkirk – benefitting the Scottish bus industry and wider supply chain.
“More journeys are made by bus compared to any other public transport mode and a vibrant bus industry can provide the solutions to complex challenges in our society. By helping operators to invest in a greener fleet we can support our green recovery – and keep more people moving with fewer carbon emissions and better air quality as a result.
“Our bus decarbonisation work, both through SULEBS and the Taskforce, is part of a wider package of support for our bus industry – including long-term funding of over £500 million for bus priority infrastructure. We’re also providing support of up to £191.3 to help maintain essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic and help keep Scotland moving.”
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director said: “The Scottish Government deserves huge credit for leading by example to support bus operator’s commitment to invest in cleaner, greener buses and we are delighted that bids for 172 of our electric buses have been successful.
“These zero emission buses will be built at our factory in Falkirk and therefore ensure this Scottish Government investment is made domestically, allowing the benefits to be felt across our communities whilst helping to underpin skilled jobs. We very much look forward to working with the successful operators to finalise terms and get these vehicles into service at pace.”
Paul White, Director at CPT Scotland said: “This announcement highlights the commitment of Scotland’s bus sector to decarbonisation. The £40.5m awarded by Government will be met with investment of over £80m from bus companies to fund these 215 vehicles.
“CPT will continue to work with Scottish Government to create an operating environment that prioritises sustainable and active travel, frees buses from congestion and maximises the benefits of this investment.”
Dave Moxham – Deputy General Secretary for the STUC and member of the Just Transition Commission said: “I am delighted to see that all of the ADL buses will be manufactured in Falkirk. This is positive news for the workers who through their union have been working hard to achieve this.
“There is no doubt that we need to build on our existing domestic manufacture if we are to ensure that Scotland can be at the forefront of a net-zero industrial revolution.
“This announcement is an example of the kind of interventions we need if we are to embark on a real green recovery.”

Stagecoach Bluebird for use in Aberdeen City (this year per Bluebird's MD tweet)​

Bid: 22 double deck ADL buses and infrastructure
Total funding awarded to date: £3,177,020

 

[cnjb8]

Over £40 million for zero emission buses​

Stagecoach Bluebird for use in Aberdeen City (this year per Bluebird's MD tweet)​

Bid: 22 double deck ADL buses and infrastructure
Total funding awarded to date: £3,177,020

The 22 buses are probably likely replacements for the brand new E400MMCs diverted from here to East Scotland and South East

 

[Jordan Adam]

The 22 buses are probably likely replacements for the brand new E400MMCs diverted from here to East Scotland and South East

I suspect the 22 new buses will replace or at least part replace the E350Hs on the X17 & 59 and E400MMCs on the 727, the latter probably moving to the 201, where the displaced E350Hs go is anyones guess.

They're due for delivery in December.

 

[cnjb8]

I suspect the 22 new buses will replace or at least part replace the E350Hs on the X17 & 59 and E400MMCs on the 727, the latter probably moving to the 201, where the displaced E350Hs go is anyones guess.

They're due for delivery in December.

I'm guessing that was the plan for the diverted MMCs then

 

[Jordan Adam]

I'm guessing that was the plan for the diverted MMCs then

Yes somewhat, the original plan was for the new MMCs to be primarily allocated to the 727 with the current 16/67 plates moving to the new service 5/6, these being replacement routes proposed in March 2020 as a X17 replacement, the changes were called off last minute although the 5/6 will still be replacing the X17 at some point. Possibly in the service changes next month due to be announced soon.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Mar 2021 ==

*New Post*

Highlands 37258 caught fire while on a engineering test run this morning. Damage is repairable but will likely be off the road for a while.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 31 Mar 2021 ==

*New Post*

There's some service changes going ahead for Bluebird from the 19th of April 2021. Most services are going back to August-January service levels, the only significant change is the replacement of the X17 with the new 5/6/6A which was originally proposed in March 2020.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2021 ==

The changes mentioned above have now officially been announced.

Bus timetables to increase as lockdown lifts

Services will increase across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray from Monday 19th April 2021.

www.stagecoachbus.com

Bus timetables to increase as lockdown lifts​

12 Apr 2021

• Extensive safety measures in place to allow customers to travel with confidence
• Full timetables available at stagecoachbus.com

Local bus operator, Stagecoach, has today announced plans to increase services across Aberdeen city, Aberdeenshire and Moray from Monday 19th April 2021.
Popular services such as service 10 Aberdeen - Elgin - Inverness, service 35 Aberdeen – Banff – Elgin and the Buchan services connecting Peterhead and Fraserburgh with Aberdeen are all set to welcome more journeys from 19th April.

From the same date, Service X17 connecting Aberdeen city with Prime4 Business Park, Kingswells P&R and Westhill will be replaced with services 4, 5 and 6. This change formed part of the public consultation held by Stagecoach in February 2020, but the introduction of the revised service was postponed due to the impact of the pandemic. Customers across the route will benefit from direct access to the city as well as journeys up to every 10 minutes from Kingswells P&R. Residents in the expanding Countesswells development continue to welcome frequent services to the city after the service was upgraded earlier this year from the previous shuttle to Kingswells P&R.

In Moray, many of the local services connecting to Elgin are set to increase from Monday 19th April. Following feedback from customers, Stagecoach will also be reintroducing a ticket valid for travel on any of their buses across Elgin. The Elgin zone will cost £3.50 day, £9 7-day or £35 for a 28-day ticket. The zone will also be available on the Flexi5 ticket on the Stagecoach app. Flexi 5 is a flexible ticket for infrequent travellers offering 5 day tickets for the price of 4 to use over a calendar month.

Peter Knight, managing director at Stagecoach Bluebird said: “We’re looking forward to increasing the number of local bus connections from next week. Our fantastic team have kept services operating right through the pandemic with social distancing on board and additional touch point cleaning taking place. This will remain the case from the 19th April for those who need to use our services.”
“As the vaccination programme continues at pace and as more of the country starts to open up in line with the latest advice from the Scottish Government, we’d like to thank our customers for their support and co-operation over the past year.”

Full timetables from Monday 19th April are available to download now.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2021 ==

Dirty, thievin' *******! While the good burghers of Westhill may be happy with their 30p reduction, I'm certainly not chuffed with having to pay an additional 90p on my day ticket price, currently £5.10.

But still, the Bluebird Explorer will be dropping by a whopping £3.90 from its current price. Handy at a time when we're not supposed to be going anywhere...

Stagecoach are reintroducing the Elgin Zone from the 19th. The current "Elgin Dayrider" will become the "Elgin Commuter Dayrider". Albeit it'll still be £6 for you.

ServiceUpdatesArticle

www.stagecoachbus.com

Ticket Changes in Elgin14 Apr 2021 to 26 Apr 2021​

Based on feedback from customers, from Monday 19th April we will be re-introducing our Elgin ticket zone. This zone will cover all services in Elgin. What is currently the "Elgin" zone will become the "Elgin Commuter" and will be valid for travel on all services in Elgin and as far as Alves, Fochabers, Burghead, Lossiemouth and Fogwatt.
There will be no change to other zones.
Elgin zone fares from Monday 19th April - valid in Elgin only

Elgin DayRider	£3.50
Elgin 7 day MegaRider	£9
Elgin 28 day MegRider	£35
Elgin Flexi5	£14

Elgin Commuter zone fares from Monday 19th April - valid in Elgin and as far as Alves, Fochabers, Burghead, Lossiemouth and Fogwatt.

Elgin Commuter DayRider	£6
Elgin Commuter 7 day MegaRider	£20
Elgin Commuter 28 day MegaRider	£75
Elgin Commuter Flexi5	£24

From Monday 19th April there will also be some changes to timetables. Download the latest timetables here.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Apr 2021 ==

27800 is currently undergoing repaint in to the cream/yellow/blue Northern Scottish "Bluebird" livery.

 

[GusB]

I'll reply to this here so as not to derail the livery updates thread.

Bluebirds 47233 and 47235 have now been repainted. In addition 27800 is currently in the paint shop receiving the "Bluebird" yellow/blue/cream Nothern Scottish livery.

I'm guessing that the repainting of 27800 into Bluebird Northern colours is to commemorate 30 years of assimilation by the evil empire?

 

[Jordan Adam]

I'll reply to this here so as not to derail the livery updates thread.



I'm guessing that the repainting of 27800 into Bluebird Northern colours is to commemorate 30 years of assimilation by the evil empire?

I'd assume so, although other opcos have done heritage liveries lately. It would be great to see one of the Macduff E400MMCs and a Panther done to match.

 

[fraser158]

I hope that the Inverness service 1 will go back to pre-lockdown levels...

 

[GusB]

I hope that the Inverness service 1 will go back to pre-lockdown levels...

I think you'll find that once more and more people are out and about shopping and travelling for leisure purposes, the service frequencies will increase. The "Bus Full" thread is probably going to see more posts as more and more people are being left behind at stops and companies will need to address that fairly quickly.

 

[Volvodart]

I'll reply to this here so as not to derail the livery updates thread.



I'm guessing that the repainting of 27800 into Bluebird Northern colours is to commemorate 30 years of assimilation by the evil empire?

Same reason as 53334 was painted 10 years ago - anniversary of Alexander Northern creation, 60 years old next month.

 

[GusB]

Same reason as 53334 was painted 10 years ago - anniversary of Alexander Northern creation, 60 years old next month.

Was that really 10 years ago?!!

Jeez, that makes me feel even older!

 

[Caleb2010]

Why 27800, hasn’t it just had a repaint - According to bus times it’s in local livery! Isn’t that a bit of a waste! Would it not be better to pick something routinely entering the paint shop!

 

[Jordan Adam]

Why 27800, hasn’t it just had a repaint - According to bus times it’s in local livery! Isn’t that a bit of a waste! Would it not be better to pick something routinely entering the paint shop!

It wasn't repainted in to local livery, anyone can update a buses details on bustimes and as has often happened a user (who has made frequent false changes in the past) updated it's livery at the start of the month when it first went in to the paint shop... I have since put in an updated change, however as it's a "new" livery it will need approval from the site admin first.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Apr 2021 ==

Was that really 10 years ago?!!

Jeez, that makes me feel even older!

In fairness it did retain the Northern livery until 2019, although it did gain a wrap for the Spotty Bag Shop in 2017. It was finally repainted in to Beachball when it moved to Highland in 2019.

Stagecoach Bluebird 53334 448GWL

A947 Birkenhills

www.flickr.com

53334 20170716 448GWL StagecoachBluebird SpottyBag BH

Stagecoach Bluebird - Bluebird Buses 53334 - 448 GWL : Volvo B7R : Plaxton Profile C51FL: 7/2009 as SV09 EFZ. Advertising the Spotty Bag Shop, Banff. Repainted from the Northern Scottish heritage livery of Cream & yellow. Seen at Macduff depot.

www.flickr.com

Interestingly it still retains it's private plate. I wonder if 27800 will gain a private plate now too.

Stagecoach Highlands 53334 448GWL - Seafield Road Depot

Explore KA Transport Photography's 23253 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[Caleb2010]

Ahh right, thanks for clearing that up! Not a wasted post - I learn something every time! Cheers

 

[Jordan Adam]

I should've perhaps mentioned in my original post last night, however for those wondering this is the livery 27800 is in:

NBT27 19890900 A127GSA BluebirdNorthern rb064

Bluebird Northern NBT27 : A127 GSA : Leyland Tiger TRBLXB/2RH : Alexander P B52F : 3/1984 : Alexander (Northern) NBT27

www.flickr.com

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Apr 2021 ==

*New Post*

Stagecoach have been re-awarded the bus service contract on Orkney for another 8 years (plus a potential 2 year extension). There will be major changes to the fleet over the coming months with every vehicle being replaced, a full press release regarding this is expected shortly...

Heritage Livery 27800 is expected to appear next week.

Updated list of vehicles in the 2020 liveries.

Stagecoach Bluebird
Enviro400MMC: 11566/67
Enviro400: 19374/541
Enviro300: 27112/538/601/602
Enviro350H: 29001/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09/10/17/20/21/22
Enviro200: 36046/47/50/68/959
Optare Solo: 47161/214/233/235/257/486/489/490/601/602/605/875
B12B Panther: 53107/110/112
B9R Elite: 53715
B11R Elitei: 54241/42/43/44/46/48/49/50/53/56

Stagecoach In the Highlands
Enviro300 (Transbus Style): 27586/87/88/91
Scania Enviro300: 28601/02/03/04/49
B9R Panther: 53612/613/615/616/617/618
B13Rt Panther: 54130/131/132/133/134/135/136/137

Key: Local Livery, Long Distance Livery, Training Livery

 

[Volvodart]

Heritage bus hits the road in Aberdeenshire​

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/news/...l/heritage-bus-hits-the-road-in-aberdeenshire

26 Apr 2021​

Local bus operator, Stagecoach, has today unveiled a special heritage bus that will serve communities across Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.
The bus now looks exactly as the Leopard and Tiger buses used locally in the mid 1980s. At that time the company was operated by Northern Scottish Omibuses trading as Bluebird Northern. Stagecoach then bought the company in March 1991.
The team at the Stagecoach Tullos depot in Aberdeen is responsible for the transformation which took 3 weeks to complete. The engineers got to work on the bus at the beginning of April 2021 drawing up the design before carrying out the priming, painting and final signwriting on the bus. The bus was painted carefully by hand and the finishing signwriting touches also completed by hand.
The heritage livery features the original ‘Bluebird’ logo which many bus drivers of the 80s and 90s had proudly tattooed on their arms.
Peter Knight, Managing Director for Stagecoach Bluebird said: “I’m really proud of how our Engineers have worked together to restore this bus to how it would have looked in the 1980s. I know many of our customers will remember travelling on the original Bluebird Northern buses and hope when they see the bus on the road it brings back fond memories of keeping connected by bus.”
The heritage bus operated the first service trips today on services 4, 5 and 6 connecting Aberdeen city centre to Countesswells and Westhill.

Pinned Tweet




Stagecoach Bluebird

@StagecoachBBird
·
25m


Our Engineering team in Tullos have done a fab job restoring this bus to paintwork circa 1980s

Now on the road across #Aberdeen and #Aberdeenshire -we'd love to see where you spot the bus! #heritagebus #BluebirdNorthern #NorthernScottish Full info> http://stge.co/RLdj50ExN6r

 

[GusB]

Heritage bus hits the road in Aberdeenshire​

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/news/...l/heritage-bus-hits-the-road-in-aberdeenshire

It looks nice enough, although I'm struggling to make out whether the "Bluebird" names are correct. Maybe it's just the photo, but they look orange to me when they should be yellow. Having said that, Northern yellow had a tendency to appear orangey in certain light, particularly with film.

Nevertheless, it's nice to see the livery back again after all these years.