Lothian Group discussion (Lothian City, Lothian Country Bus and East Coast Buses)

[CSB0241]

There is 4 in Seafield getting final fitting of various systems, these will be at central late next week and entering service in time for the service change.

11 others are being delivered next week which will be 1-2 weeks behind the first 4 entering service.

We will see continued deliveries week on week after this

This should be exciting. Is it fair to assume these will most likely be on the 8/9 then, seeing as their PVRs add up to 15 & VRs are 13.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

This should be exciting. Is it fair to assume these will most likely be on the 8/9 then, seeing as their PVRs add up to 15 & VRs are 13.

I’m not sure what you mean by this. The PVR of the 8 is 7 and the 9 is 6, totalling 13. The peak extra buses on the 9 are all single part route runs so you shouldn’t really include them.

 

[buslad1988]

I’m not sure what you mean by this. The PVR of the 8 is 7 and the 9 is 6, totalling 13. The peak extra buses on the 9 are all single part route runs so you shouldn’t really include them.

Interesting also that on Sundays when Marine start operating some boards on the 8 and 9 they’ll be back to diesel deckers on there.

 

[CSB0241]

I’m not sure what you mean by this. The PVR of the 8 is 7 and the 9 is 6, totalling 13. The peak extra buses on the 9 are all single part route runs so you shouldn’t really include them.

Surely, since the 9 is still every 20min (well, technically every 15-22min), & the evening peaks take anywhere between 56 & 59min, the peak vehicle requirement would have to be 7. Additionally, evening 8 journeys take anywhere between 67-74min, so surely it’d have to have a PVR of 8 too (since the 14 for example takes 67min to Greendykes & 73min to Pennywell, & it’s VR is 8).

Interesting also that on Sundays when Marine start operating some boards on the 8 and 9 they’ll be back to diesel deckers on there.

That’s odd. We’ll see how that works out then!

 

[bonnyrigglad1]

Interesting also that on Sundays when Marine start operating some boards on the 8 and 9 they’ll be back to diesel deckers on there.

Marine will be operating some boards on the 7 on a sunday, not the 8 or 9. They will have some peak journeys on the 9, so likely the monday to friday rush buses only, from what the advertised changes state.

 

[stantheman]

Does the 45 revert to Marine on Saturdays after the change ?

 

[LothianBusesPh]

Does the 45 revert to Marine on Saturdays after the change ?

Yes

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Surely, since the 9 is still every 20min (well, technically every 15-22min), & the evening peaks take anywhere between 56 & 59min, the peak vehicle requirement would have to be 7. Additionally, evening 8 journeys take anywhere between 67-74min, so surely it’d have to have a PVR of 8 too (since the 14 for example takes 67min to Greendykes & 73min to Pennywell, & it’s VR is 8).

The frequency simply drops off. It’s 7 for the 8, 6 for the 9. Interworking at some points of the day means a combined 13.

That’s not how you should work out PVR. I work out PVR based on how long it takes a bus to do a full circuit of a route and then count the total number of journeys offered on a route between the start and end of one circuit. You obviously also need to know what point in the day to check it as well. Then factor in if any additional buses come out and whether or not it actually affects the PVR. In this case it doesn’t.

The 14 has slightly longer layovers and during the peak these are simply reduced, but stays at 8.

 

[DGP]

All these discussions about PVRs and garages prompted me to look for a website where all this was documented - I'm sure there used to be one but I can't find it. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

 

[LothianLover88]

All these discussions about PVRs and garages prompted me to look for a website where all this was documented - I'm sure there used to be one but I can't find it. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

There is a website for that? If there is and anyone knows, let me know while your at it!

 

[Bungle965]

This should be exciting. Is it fair to assume these will most likely be on the 8/9 then, seeing as their PVRs add up to 15 & VRs are 13.

Just a little reminder that any jargon must be defined first before use.

 

[H00V3R]

Just seen the first BZL out and about at Picardy Place. Fleet Number 701 which should confirm 701-750. Didn’t manage to get a picture but also looks to be lots of Zero Emission text around it!

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Just seen the first BZL out and about at Picardy Place. Fleet Number 701 which should confirm 701-750. Didn’t manage to get a picture but also looks to be lots of Zero Emission text around it!

Sounds good. Was it a 24 or 74 plate?

 

[computerSaysNo]

Just seen the first BZL out and about at Picardy Place. Fleet Number 701 which should confirm 701-750. Didn’t manage to get a picture but also looks to be lots of Zero Emission text around it!

Can you clarify, it was in service?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Can you clarify, it was in service?

They’re not expected to enter service until at least Sunday.

 

[Lothiangem22]

701e and 709e are both at central. They will both be in service next week along with others as they arrive and are prepped for service.

Both looking very smart. 74 plates

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

If what I have compiled is correct, these should be the registrations for the first 11 BZL’s for those interested:

701 - SF74 YLX
702 - SF74 YLY
703 - SF74 YLZ
704 - SF74 YMA
705 - SF74 YMC
706 - SF74 YMD
707 - SF74 YME
708 - SF74 YMG
709 - SF74 YMH
710 - SF74 YMJ
711 - SF74 YMK

Interestingly this is a very similar sequence to ECB 51-61, with the last two letters of the registration plate matching in all cases. 51 for example is SF17 VLX. If logic is correct 712-715 could have the same idea as 62-65.

 

[H00V3R]

Sounds good. Was it a 24 or 74 plate?

Can you clarify, it was in service?

74 plate, not in service displaying the Lothian Logo and text on the display screens. I presume it’s been out on a driver familiarisation run.
Registration Plate is SF74 YLX/YLY I believe, I couldn’t see the last letter properly.

 

[Bus9120UK]

74 plate, not in service displaying the Lothian Logo and text on the display screens. I presume it’s been out on a driver familiarisation run.
Registration Plate is SF74 YLX/YLY I believe, I couldn’t see the last letter properly.

Both registrations are registered on the DVLA and show when searched. I'd expect SF74 YLX to be 701 as @FlybeDash8Q400 said.

 

[LKF747R]

If what I have compiled is correct, these should be the registrations for the first 11 BZL’s for those interested:

701 - SF74 YLX
702 - SF74 YLY
703 - SF74 YLZ
704 - SF74 YMA
705 - SF74 YMC
706 - SF74 YMD
707 - SF74 YME
708 - SF74 YMG
709 - SF74 YMH
710 - SF74 YMJ
711 - SF74 YMK

Interestingly this is a very similar sequence to ECB 51-61, with the last two letters of the registration plate matching in all cases. 51 for example is SF17 VLX. If logic is correct 712-715 could have the same idea as 62-65.

Bus lists on the web shows all 11 of the BZLs with these registrations but without fleet numbers and body numbers in entries at present.

 

[Vectron383]

Lothian’s Twitter has teased the BZLs’ impending entry into service…

x.com

x.com

 

[CN04NRJ]

If what I have compiled is correct, these should be the registrations for the first 11 BZL’s for those interested:

701 - SF74 YLX
702 - SF74 YLY
703 - SF74 YLZ
704 - SF74 YMA
705 - SF74 YMC
706 - SF74 YMD
707 - SF74 YME
708 - SF74 YMG
709 - SF74 YMH
710 - SF74 YMJ
711 - SF74 YMK

Interestingly this is a very similar sequence to ECB 51-61, with the last two letters of the registration plate matching in all cases. 51 for example is SF17 VLX. If logic is correct 712-715 could have the same idea as 62-65.

The fleet numbers have an E suffix

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

The fleet numbers have an E suffix (photo showing fleet number 701e)

Reminds me of the old g suffix for buses that had guide wheels for the old Guided Busway. I presume this is there for maintenance so they know it’s electric but begs the question as to why 291-294 and 997 don’t have this.

 

[ScotRail158725]

If what I have compiled is correct, these should be the registrations for the first 11 BZL’s for those interested:

701 - SF74 YLX
702 - SF74 YLY
703 - SF74 YLZ
704 - SF74 YMA
705 - SF74 YMC
706 - SF74 YMD
707 - SF74 YME
708 - SF74 YMG
709 - SF74 YMH
710 - SF74 YMJ
711 - SF74 YMK

Interestingly this is a very similar sequence to ECB 51-61, with the last two letters of the registration plate matching in all cases. 51 for example is SF17 VLX. If logic is correct 712-715 could have the same idea as 62-65.

Considering Volvo bus and truck registeations follow on in order it’s just a coincidence. B never seems to be used on buses and obviously as they’re SF plates F isnt used

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Considering Volvo bus and truck registeations follow on in order it’s just a coincidence. B never seems to be used on buses and obviously as they’re SF plates F isnt used

You’re right that B isn’t used as much. Again, seems random.

 

[LothianBusesPh]

If what I have compiled is correct, these should be the registrations for the first 11 BZL’s for those interested:

701 - SF74 YLX
702 - SF74 YLY
703 - SF74 YLZ
704 - SF74 YMA
705 - SF74 YMC
706 - SF74 YMD
707 - SF74 YME
708 - SF74 YMG
709 - SF74 YMH
710 - SF74 YMJ
711 - SF74 YMK

Interestingly this is a very similar sequence to ECB 51-61, with the last two letters of the registration plate matching in all cases. 51 for example is SF17 VLX. If logic is correct 712-715 could have the same idea as 62-65.

701e and 709e are correct so it must be an accurate list. Those two are inside Central at the moment and the rest will be arriving at Central early on Sunday morning.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

701e and 709e are correct so it must be an accurate list. Those two are inside Central at the moment and the rest will be arriving at Central early on Sunday morning.

Yes, I would be very surprised at this point if it is wrong.

So, just for clarification, is the bus 701 or 701e and does it even really matter? The reason I’m asking as if it’s for the same reason as the G suffix I mentioned a few posts back, it wasn’t perceived to be part of the fleet number. Then again, they did have a massive G sticker inside as well.

The whole e suffix is really confusing to be honest.

 

[LothianBusesPh]

So, just for clarification, is the bus 701 or 701e and does it even really matter? The reason I’m asking as if it’s for the same reason as the G suffix I mentioned a few posts back, which wasn’t perceived to be part of the fleet number. Then again, they did have a massive G sticker inside as well.

It is similar and it’s so they know which buses are electric. You’d think they will have known that with all of the zero emission branding.

I’ll eventually just say 701-750 but at the moment I’ll put the suffix at the end so people are aware about it.

 

[Vectron383]

I can’t see any good reason for the ‘e’ at the end of the fleetnumber, it just looks like a marketing gimmick to me. I would be astounded if it was felt necessary to distinguish between EV and ICE buses, as this fact should be immediately obvious to bus staff.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I can’t see any good reason for the ‘e’ at the end of the fleetnumber, it just looks like a marketing gimmick to me. I would be astounded if it was felt necessary to distinguish between EV and ICE buses, as this fact should be immediately obvious to bus staff.

As @Bus9120UK said to me as well, there’s also the green registration plate and the big ZERO EMISSION electric stickers all over the bus. Just seems totally unnecessary.