First West of England (Bristol, Bath & The West)

TheGrandWazoo · 11 Dec 2019

D2007wsm said:
I was told a while ago by management gas buses were due for Marlborough Street to use on the T1 and Y1. That’s why there has been a hiatus in South Glos Lynx repaints, as it hasn’t been decided what will operate the Y2-Y6. Hopefully, there will be enough cascaded B9 Geminis for the Y2/Y3/Y5/Y6, with the Y4 remaining single operated. I’m have also heard a rumour, they are trying to get more E300s to replace the Streetlites. No one knows for definite where the current South Glos Lynx and m3 Scanias will be heading.

The gas bus decision was made just after the South Glos Lynx launch.

Appreciate that is what you were alluding to but obviously couldn't say too much. Thanks for sharing what you can.

The South Glos Lynx publicity looks good and I was hoping (and I guess JF and team were) that they would have more vehicles in the livery by now but then circumstances intervene.... Nonetheless, JF is positive about how the routes are developing which is to be welcomed. The Y4 will remain single decked but also the T2? Hopefully, the Mendip Eclipses can join 69448 on there but we will see.

spw24 said:
The Enviro 300.s from Bath and Hengrove may be moving to replace Streetlites and the M3 Scania,s are to be refurbished and go onto the X39 I was told the other day.

Well, that's good news about the X39. The B9s on there are really showing their age and it's a punishing route. Will the refurb simply be the removal of the metrobus seats cushions (a swap with the m2 as d2007 suggested) and a new livery/image?

When you look at similar routes (like the Cheltenham to Gloucester service), it's been a noticeable difference in quality. I thought that they might take the 48/49 fleet being single doored and use them for the X39 but it's good news at last!

Private Baxter said:
This will all free up a lot of B9s, though I guess more could go to Wells for 173/4, with others moving on to other Yate services as suggested by D2007.

Indeed, they'll be a lot of B9s spare and I thought the same about the Eclipses going from Wells. Clearly, they'll be a lot of movements in Jan/Feb so should be fun.

For all those Streetlite fans (!), best get out on them as they continue to disappear!!

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D2007wsm · 11 Dec 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Appreciate that is what you were alluding to but obviously couldn't say too much. Thanks for sharing what you can.

The South Glos Lynx publicity looks good and I was hoping (and I guess JF and team were) that they would have more vehicles in the livery by now but then circumstances intervene.... Nonetheless, JF is positive about how the routes are developing which is to be welcomed. The Y4 will remain single decked but also the T2? Hopefully, the Mendip Eclipses can join 69448 on there but we will see.

Well, that's good news about the X39. The B9s on there are really showing their age and it's a punishing route. Will the refurb simply be the removal of the metrobus seats cushions (a swap with the m2 as d2007 suggested) and a new livery/image?

When you look at similar routes (like the Cheltenham to Gloucester service), it's been a noticeable difference in quality. I thought that they might take the 48/49 fleet being single doored and use them for the X39 but it's good news at last!

Indeed, they'll be a lot of B9s spare and I thought the same about the Eclipses going from Wells. Clearly, they'll be a lot of movements in Jan/Feb so should be fun.

For all those Streetlite fans (!), best get out on them as they continue to disappear!!

Currently, the T2 is a mix of singles and predominantly deckers. However, on a school day it is guaranteed the 13:15 from Bristol and return is a single as the Scania is nicked for the 37, plus possibly one return journey in the morning. I’m currently sat on a 37 heading into Bristol which is a Scania, by the look of it, it took the Oldfield School kids to school this morning lol

Tommy Walters · 11 Dec 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Well, that's good news about the X39. The B9s on there are really showing their age and it's a punishing route. Will the refurb simply be the removal of the metrobus seats cushions (a swap with the m2 as d2007 suggested) and a new livery/image?

Your theory clearly proven today as 37758 becomes the 2nd vehicle in a week to leave Bath behind a tow truck - hopefully it will work on the X39 again before it transfers!!

TheGrandWazoo · 11 Dec 2019

D2007wsm said:
Currently, the T2 is a mix of singles and predominantly deckers. However, on a school day it is guaranteed the 13:15 from Bristol and return is a single as the Scania is nicked for the 37, plus possibly one return journey in the morning. I’m currently sat on a 37 heading into Bristol which is a Scania, by the look of it, it took the Oldfield School kids to school this morning lol

I tend to see some terribly tired Barbie Eclipses on the T2 but also the odd decker. Probably just the way they fall.

I'm fully expecting the Streetlite Maxes to head off at some point but whether Leicester is still the destination...?

Whiteway215 said:
Has anyone got a clue where 39005/140 are as not seen since October. 39133 was around today.

39005 is a seemingly sickly child that disappears for weeks on end.

As for the e400Hs, I thought they were to be repowered as Euro VI diesels but maybe I've made that up. Certainly, it does seem a bit of a waste for buses that weren't 6 years old to be laid up, and there is no small cost to getting them repowered. Are there any plans for them??

Whiteway215 · 11 Dec 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
I tend to see some terribly tired Barbie Eclipses on the T2 but also the odd decker. Probably just the way they fall.

I'm fully expecting the Streetlite Maxes to head off at some point but whether Leicester is still the destination...?

39005 is a seemingly sickly child that disappears for weeks on end.

As for the e400Hs, I thought they were to be repowered as Euro VI diesels but maybe I've made that up. Certainly, it does seem a bit of a waste for buses that weren't 6 years old to be laid up, and there is no small cost to getting them repowered. Are there any plans for them??

No GW you didn't make it up. I heard from First Bath staff ages ago they were to be repowered Euro6. But I guess that's another change of plan-at least for the time being. 39005/133/140 carried on while all the others died and went to Lawrence Hill Heaven for storage around June 2018. So if they are six years old they've been stored a quarter of their lives! 39005 and 140 now seem to have died as well.

TheGrandWazoo · 11 Dec 2019

Whiteway215 said:
No GW you didn't make it up. I heard from First Bath staff ages ago they were to be repowered Euro6. But I guess that's another change of plan-at least for the time being. 39005/133/140 carried on while all the others died and went to Lawrence Hill Heaven for storage around June 2018. So if they are six years old they've been stored a quarter of their lives! 39005 and 140 now seem to have died as well.

They were new in November 2012 so with many succumbing in May/June 2018, it's 1.5 yrs of 7 as VOR. I remember them on delivery; I'd been working in Scotland and saw them in convoy in South Lanarkshire. No vinyls but recognised the livery.

Perhaps the plan is capital dependent and there's just not the money to do it.

ValleyLines142 · 11 Dec 2019

The last few weeks I must admit I've really struggled to keep up with the constant fleet changes!

I really do not know what to think about the 18/19; if a half-hourly frequency isn't kept between Cribbs Causeway and Kingswood then I do think hell will break loose!

Private Baxter · 11 Dec 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
I tend to see some terribly tired Barbie Eclipses on the T2 but also the odd decker. Probably just the way they fall.

I seem to remember that at one point it was always the plan for the T2 to be single deck operated, but it does tend to be a bit of everything at the moment. Perhaps the Wells batch will transfer to MH for use on T2 and Y4, sending the remaining older 54/55 reg ones out, as you have long suspected.

I have never been on the metrobus m2 (I've only sampled CT's m1), so don't know what those buses are like, though they do look suitable for X39, which, as you say are certainly due something new. The X39 is one of their flagship routes so deserves something a bit better so I look forward to seeing what they have planned with those buses.

Private Baxter · 11 Dec 2019

DanTrainMan185 said:
The last few weeks I must admit I've really struggled to keep up with the constant fleet changes!

I really do not know what to think about the 18/19; if a half-hourly frequency isn't kept between Cribbs Causeway and Kingswood then I do think hell will break loose!

If I understood correctly, a half hourly frequency is being kept, and the 19 will run throughout the day, just not the full route beyond Kingswood to Bath. My understanding is that the 18 and 19 will run in conjuction with each other as a half hourly service between Cribbs and Kingswood, the 18 continuing to Bath via Keynsham, whilst the 19 will terminate at Kingswood in the day time, but is extended to Bath via the traditional route during the peaks.

TheGrandWazoo · 11 Dec 2019

Private Baxter said:
I seem to remember that at one point it was always the plan for the T2 to be single deck operated, but it does tend to be a bit of everything at the moment. Perhaps the Wells batch will transfer to MH for use on T2 and Y4, sending the remaining older 54/55 reg ones out, as you have long suspected.

I have never been on the metrobus m2 (I've only sampled CT's m1), so don't know what those buses are like, though they do look suitable for X39, which, as you say are certainly due something new. The X39 is one of their flagship routes so deserves something a bit better so I look forward to seeing what they have planned with those buses.

Who knows what the plan is with Wells' Eclipses. I saw 66723 and 66728 the other day and they looked dreadful, inside and out and could do with be sorted or shipped!

I think that 36801-24 are all the same spec essentially. For some reason (age/insanity), I thought 36801-7 (with metrobus interior) had different design seats but d2007 said they were the same just with different cushions. They're not bad machines but they really do have some creaks and squeaks. With the grey interior and seats, I find them a bit austere too but that's personal preference.

Private Baxter · 11 Dec 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Who knows what the plan is with Wells' Eclipses. I saw 66723 and 66728 the other day and they looked dreadful, inside and out and could do with be sorted or shipped!

You're not wrong there, although I would say they are probably two of the worst examples. Mechanically they are brilliant buses, and I would opt for them staying, with a new coat of paint, a refurb and overall a new lease of life, rather than being shipped elsewhere for possible further decline.

Whiteway215 · 11 Dec 2019

I was on a Bath service 2 this afternoon with 53806 although it's usually a new Solo.
Did we know 53806 had been refurbished? Quite a smart bus inside and goes well.

spw24 · 11 Dec 2019

The Wells B7s are due to head to Bath for route 5 and the Hybrid Enviro,s have all left Lawrence Hill the 2 in the shed have been replaced by 2 Weston Opentops and the ones on the fence have been replaced by the Training fleet I was told ages ago that they will go back to Bath one day.

freetoview33 · 11 Dec 2019

Private Baxter said:
If I understood correctly, a half hourly frequency is being kept, and the 19 will run throughout the day, just not the full route beyond Kingswood to Bath. My understanding is that the 18 and 19 will run in conjuction with each other as a half hourly service between Cribbs and Kingswood, the 18 continuing to Bath via Keynsham, whilst the 19 will terminate at Kingswood in the day time, but is extended to Bath via the traditional route during the peaks.

No! There are hourly gaps from Cribbs there are 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 departures to Bath on the 18. With 19's leaving at 11:00 (To Kingswood) and 15:05.

TheGrandWazoo · 11 Dec 2019

spw24 said:
The Wells B7s are due to head to Bath for route 5 and the Hybrid Enviro,s have all left Lawrence Hill the 2 in the shed have been replaced by 2 Weston Opentops and the ones on the fence have been replaced by the Training fleet I was told ages ago that they will go back to Bath one day.

Thanks Steve. Guess that gives a home for 6 of the 8 B7RLEs and the ones on the 5 have been a little unreliable recently and it's a busy service.

Do you know where the Hybrid Enviros have headed to? Your comment about the Weston O/T highlights that there is very little uncover storage now at FWoE depots

freetoview33 · 11 Dec 2019

I think it it likely the following will happen as regards to the 18/19. (With the 18/18A/19 worked from Bristol and the 38 from Bath)

18: Cribbs Causeway - Keynsham (Hourly)
18A: Cribbs Causeway - Kingswood (Off Peak Hourly)
19: Cribbs Causeway - Kingswood - Bath (Peak Hourly)
38: Keynsham - Bath (Hourly)

Private Baxter · 11 Dec 2019

spw24 said:
The Wells B7s are due to head to Bath for route 5 and the Hybrid Enviro,s have all left Lawrence Hill the 2 in the shed have been replaced by 2 Weston Opentops and the ones on the fence have been replaced by the Training fleet I was told ages ago that they will go back to Bath one day.

Surprising move, but thanks for sharing. Two staying in Wells perhaps for 126?

Private Baxter · 11 Dec 2019

freetoview33 said:
No! There are hourly gaps from Cribbs there are 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 departures to Bath on the 18. With 19's leaving at 11:00 (To Kingswood) and 15:05.

Oh I see, hadn't noticed that. Guess time will tell whether or not that will work.

spw24 · 11 Dec 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Thanks Steve. Guess that gives a home for 6 of the 8 B7RLEs and the ones on the 5 have been a little unreliable recently and it's a busy service.

Do you know where the Hybrid Enviros have headed to? Your comment about the Weston O/T highlights that there is very little uncover storage now at FWoE depots

No I don't know where they are Id guess Avonmouth somewhere

Class 33 · 11 Dec 2019

Seen two instances in the past week of 2's with Henbury Crow Lane Lay-by on the destination display. Must have been running late and terminating short. Have never seen any instances though of 76 with Southmead on for some time.

With the dual door buses on the T2(or indeed on some other services that they appear on sometimes), I don't know why most drivers don't bother using the middle exit door for departing passengers. Every time I get off one of these buses I stand by the middle exit door, as if to make a point that these are the doors we SHOULD be departing from not the front doors! Like the old dual door Bristol VR's that we used to have in Bristol some years ago! Every time passengers departed those buses, they departed by the middle exit doors! When the driver doesn't bother opening the middle exit doors and instead opens the front exit doors, I then look confused! And some passengers look surprised when I stand by the middle exit doors to depart the bus! Seriously though, just what is the point of the dual doors on these buses if the majority of drivers don't bother using them? Though surprisingly a couple of weeks ago, there were three instances within a week when the drivers used the middle exit doors when I departed!

spw24 · 11 Dec 2019

With the dual door buses on the T2(or indeed on some other services that they appear on sometimes), I don't know why most drivers don't bother using the middle exit door for departing passengers. Every time I get off one of these buses I stand by the middle exit door, as if to make a point that these are the doors we SHOULD be departing from not the front doors! Like the old dual door Bristol VR's that we used to have in Bristol some years ago! Every time passengers departed those buses, they departed by the middle exit doors! When the driver doesn't bother opening the middle exit doors and instead opens the front exit doors, I then look confused! And some passengers look surprised when I stand by the middle exit doors to depart the bus! Seriously though, just what is the point of the dual doors on these buses if the majority of drivers don't bother using them? Though surprisingly a couple of weeks ago, there were three instances within a week when the drivers used the middle exit doors when I departed![/QUOTE]
If I pull up on a Metrobus stop or any long stop Ill use the middle doors but most stops you cant pull up straight on to so then its front doors only.

Class 33 · 11 Dec 2019

Well the three instances a couple of weeks ago when the drivers of those T2 services surprisingly actually used the middle exit doors was the Zetland Road Junction(northbound) and Toronto Road(northbound stops). But as I said, the majority of drivers just don't bother using the middle exit doors atall. Trivial and not really a big deal I know.

Wessexbuses · 12 Dec 2019

Yeovil today
51 53055,53056,53057,53205
53 50466,53209,53403
54 42942,47542
58 42949
77 42954,43906
X10 42953
53402 still VOR in the garage, having a new engine I believe

Also Weymouth 69549 went on an extremely rare outing to Poole on the X54 this morning

D2007wsm · 12 Dec 2019

A rumour I heard from a driver today is that at least one of the exsisting Marlborough Street Scanias has gone to be Lynxed and once the new gas busses are introduced on the T1 and Y1, these will be used on other South Glos Lynx services. I don’t know how true that particular one is.

If the m3 Scanias are indeed heading to Bath for the X39, perhaps a Bristol - Keynsham -Bath brand can be introduced which includes the 18, 19, 37 and 349? Using the ‘Avon Valley’ tagline would be perfect for these. I know the 178 serves Keynsham, but this service already falls under Mendip Explorer.

The current Bath - Bristol branding looks very basic and even though it was, looks like it was stuck on it over standard Urban as an afterthought. The Bath Skyline branding on the Streetlite Maxs looked much better.

I think some investment needs to be made in the Excel network. Some of the E400s, particularly the 334**s (no matter how comfy they are) are beginning to get a bit past it. The heating seldom works on them and they are beginning to suffer from unreliability. Being ragged up and down the M5 on the X1x doesn’t help. These are after all older than the B9s and the interior has not been touched since they were new. The seats even though leather, are very threadbare.The 335**s are not that much better, though they have had their seats recovered.

bristolbuses · 13 Dec 2019

spw24 said:
With the dual door buses on the T2(or indeed on some other services that they appear on sometimes), I don't know why most drivers don't bother using the middle exit door for departing passengers. Every time I get off one of these buses I stand by the middle exit door, as if to make a point that these are the doors we SHOULD be departing from not the front doors! Like the old dual door Bristol VR's that we used to have in Bristol some years ago! Every time passengers departed those buses, they departed by the middle exit doors! When the driver doesn't bother opening the middle exit doors and instead opens the front exit doors, I then look confused! And some passengers look surprised when I stand by the middle exit doors to depart the bus! Seriously though, just what is the point of the dual doors on these buses if the majority of drivers don't bother using them? Though surprisingly a couple of weeks ago, there were three instances within a week when the drivers used the middle exit doors when I departed!

If I pull up on a Metrobus stop or any long stop Ill use the middle doors but most stops you cant pull up straight on to so then its front doors only.[/QUOTE]

If the service is run with single and dual door buses it makes sense to only use the front doors to keep consistency.

All the routes that are run with only dual door buses always use the rear doors.

Bradley · 14 Dec 2019

Does anyone know what is tracking as 63068 as it’s showing up on the 90.

Marcus Fryer · 14 Dec 2019

Bradley said:
Does anyone know what is tracking as 63068 as it’s showing up on the 90.

Is 63068 not working on the 90 today then? Wouldn't seem that unusual a working?

Whiteway215 · 14 Dec 2019

Marcus Fryer said:
Is 63068 not working on the 90 today then? Wouldn't seem that unusual a working?

Steve White website tells us 63068/69 have gone to Leicester.

spw24 · 14 Dec 2019

63068 is also tracking in Leicester on route 12 there was a picture on Facebook showing 63069 parked in Leicester saying it had joined 63068 there.

Wessexbuses · 14 Dec 2019

63076 & 67634 currently on loan to Wells, 32688 & 69444 in Bath, 32688 on 21 & 69444 on D1/D2 today

Also 35163 still working for Wells, on 376 today

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