Arriva North West and Wales

[childwallblues]

Chester doesn't need the deckers. Most of the trips on the 10/10A can cope with pulsars. Southport 47 needs the higher capacity (Not sure about normally but definitely during the summer).

I was told also that these buses are to Sapphire specification as route 47 is in competition with Stagecoach X2 Preston-Liverpool which uses deckers with high class interiors

 

[prod_pep]

I've had a few rides on Southport's newly-acquired Enviro400s and they're definitely a big step up from the standard-spec stuff they have replaced. They're not without rattles, but those are nothing compared with the shambolic ride quality the Stagecoach X2 Scanias offer. It's good to see they're tarting them up for their new home as there are a few internal 'battle scars' from their previous route. I'll be using the 47 to get to Southport once the old trains are fully withdrawn as these Enviros are much more comfortable.

The fact is the Enviro400s were wasted on Chester's 10/10A: never full even in peak times, and the largely downmarket areas served always seemed an odd choice for the Sapphire specification. It amazes me they were ever ordered, let alone lasting nine years there.

 

[Statto]

I've had a few rides on Southport's newly-acquired Enviro400s and they're definitely a big step up from the standard-spec stuff they have replaced. They're not without rattles, but those are nothing compared with the shambolic ride quality the Stagecoach X2 Scanias offer. It's good to see they're tarting them up for their new home as there are a few internal 'battle scars' from their previous route. I'll be using the 47 to get to Southport once the old trains are fully withdrawn as these Enviros are much more comfortable.

The fact is the Enviro400s were wasted on Chester's 10/10A: never full even in peak times, and the largely downmarket areas served always seemed an odd choice for the Sapphire specification. It amazes me they were ever ordered, let alone lasting nine years there.

The only times the E400s on the 10, 10A were busy was college journey's, definitely an odd choice of route for such vehicles, they would have been better allocated to Rhyl for the Rhyl - Holywell - Chester route, or Rhyl - Denbigh - Wrexham route.

It was quite daft when you saw the older Gemini Coastliner branded buses with standard seating on the long 11 route (the 11 is one of those routes that change numbers at Holywell but buses operate through), but E400 Sapphire standard buses on the much shorter 10, 10A Chester - Connah's Quay / Flint routes.

 

[markymark2000]

The fact is the Enviro400s were wasted on Chester's 10/10A: never full even in peak times, and the largely downmarket areas served always seemed an odd choice for the Sapphire specification. It amazes me they were ever ordered, let alone lasting nine years there.

10/10A was originally made Sapphire Spec as Townlynx started up their T1 service and so Arriva went all out doing the most weird things with the route. I dread to think how much money was wasted with the frequency enhancements, extensions to Chester Train Station (I am sure this used to cost 2 extra buses at the time) plus all of the expense of these vehicles.

I do think it's surprised everyone that these buses kept going in Chester depot. That said, it's a shame for them to be going.

they would have been better allocated to Rhyl for the Rhyl - Holywell - Chester route, or Rhyl - Denbigh - Wrexham route.

These routes have/had deckers anyway so it wouldn't have made much difference. Denbigh-Wrexham is a lost cause and loading there just about justify a solo, let alone a decker.

Rhyl - Chester was always really good with the Geminis. I find the E400s on this route to be sluggish. A good old heavyweight Volvo sees the hills, and powers up them as if it's flat ground.

 

[Snex]

The fact is the Enviro400s were wasted on Chester's 10/10A: never full even in peak times, and the largely downmarket areas served always seemed an odd choice for the Sapphire specification.

Capacity is obviously an important factor but not sure what difference an affluence of an area has for the specification of a vehicle mind.

Surely it's more about the length of the route and the average time someone travels on the vehicle which should be the factor.

If everyone is only on for 10 minutes then it would be a complete waste of time but if a lot are on for 30 minutes plus then it's where you want to higher spec vehicles. Those routes seem to be routes that would fit that bill.

 

[prod_pep]

Arriva's preamble for Sapphire operation mentioned an aim to coax non-bus users into switching in areas of particularly high car ownership. I'm not sure most of the areas served fit that bill. An obvious drawback, as mentioned, of this are the 'battle scars' at the back upstairs on these buses which refurbishment is thankfully addressing.

Most journeys on the 10/10A are short in my experience; I've never seen anyone ride it end-to-end apart from myself whenever I've used it. The 10 isn't a particularly long route compared with others served by Arriva in the area.

I do agree the 11 would have been a much better fit, although the Geminis bought for that route ride better than the Enviro400s and are clearly faster. It is only the spec that could be improved.

 

[507021]

It's hardly a surprise to see those Enviro400s transferred out of Chester, in fact it's perplexing they were here for so long. There's simply no need for double deckers on the 10/10A or the vast majority of routes in and around the city. The Pulsars replacing them will provide the correct level of capacity, are of a similar age and a decent specification, so it's a good move for both depots concerned, in my view.

 

[Statto]

It's hardly a surprise to see those Enviro400s transferred out of Chester, in fact it's perplexing they were here for so long. There's simply no need for double deckers on the 10/10A or the vast majority of routes in and around the city. The Pulsars replacing them will provide the correct level of capacity, are of a similar age and a decent specification, so it's a good move for both depots concerned, in my view.

The biggest head scratcher is they were ordered for Chester in the first place, the Sapphire standard buses are more suited to longer routes

 

[prod_pep]

Volvo B7TL 4127 is now preserved and departed Arriva premises today for MOT and its new home at Kirkby.

 

[Bedford OB]

Good to see that Arriva have produced a 36 page North Wales book, including an overall network map and individual detailed maps and frequency guides for Bangor/Anglesey, Llandudno, Rhyl, Wrexham, Chester plus other information, fares, etc. The revival of paper information continues, at least in some areas.

 

[markymark2000]

Good to see that Arriva have produced a 36 page North Wales book, including an overall network map and individual detailed maps and frequency guides for Bangor/Anglesey, Llandudno, Rhyl, Wrexham, Chester plus other information, fares, etc. The revival of paper information continues, at least in some areas.

Where have you seen this?

 

[Bedford OB]

Where have you seen this?

I obtained copies while in the area this last week. Plenty available at TICs such as Llangollen.

 

[507021]

The batches of Enviro200s being delivered are as follows, with thanks to a friend at Arriva.

2750-65: Birkenhead - YY74 LVH/J/K/L/M/N/O/P/R/S/T/U/V/W/X/Z.
2766-75: Green Lane - YY74 LWA/C/D, OAX/Z, OBA/B/C/D/E.
2776-81: Southport - YY74 OBF/G/H/J/K/L.
2782-87: Speke - YY74 RXS/T/U/V/W/X.
2789-95: Runcorn- YY74 RXZ, RYA/B/C/D/F/G/H.

Updated 08/12/24.

 

[TheSel]

The new Enviro 200s have started to enter service from Birkenhead today.

2751/2/5/9/60-3 all reported out, working services 487 (2755/60) and 423 (others).

 

[507021]

Southport's batch is due to enter service tomorrow, with the remaining batches due to follow in short order. I've also updated the allocation list in my earlier post.

 

[Simon75]

With the planned franchising, it's interesting they are spending money on new buses

 

[JasonL]

Any news on the rumours that St. Helens are going to receive the 17 plate E200MMCs from Luton?

 

[aswilliamsuk]

Any news on the rumours that St. Helens are going to receive the 17 plate E200MMCs from Luton?

There were apparently a large number of Volvo B8RLE/MCV eVoRa due at Luton (I've seen it suggested as 30 due), with them replacing the existing batch (a mix of 10.8m and 12m versions) and the E200 MMCs to head north. Whether that is still the case, I don't know.

 

[CN12 AWU]

There were apparently a large number of Volvo B8RLE/MCV eVoRa due at Luton (I've seen it suggested as 30 due), with them replacing the existing batch (a mix of 10.8m and 12m versions) and the E200 MMCs to head north. Whether that is still the case, I don't know.

Last I heard was Evoras are for Bootle and MMCs are for St Helens, all to be repainted into Mersey Metro livery


Also there a batch of Streetlites from somewhere due to Birkenhead in Mersey Metrolivery sure they were also from Luton with Pulsars going the other way (unless that's changed)

 

[Mollman]

With the planned franchising, it's interesting they are spending money on new buses

I expect that the Combined Authority has already guaranteed a purchase price from Arriva if they are not successful in the relevant franchises.

 

[darloscott]

Last I heard was Evoras are for Bootle and MMCs are for St Helens, all to be repainted into Mersey Metro livery


Also there a batch of Streetlites from somewhere due to Birkenhead in Mersey Metrolivery sure they were also from Luton with Pulsars going the other way (unless that's changed)

10 Streetlites are from North East in return for 10 new Evora's going into Redcar depot that I believe have been diverted from the NW order.

 

[Statto]

Anyone wanting a ride on the new E200MMCs over the few next few days, Southport ones are allocated to the 49 (the 49 does have other types on too), the Birkenhead ones are allocated to 413/487, but you need to check bustimes.org for the others, which is quite easy to i'd from the fleetlist.

Fleet list – Arriva Merseyside – bustimes.org

bustimes.org

 

[M60lad]

The ones at Green Lane seem to be allocated to various Green Lane routes and have been allocated to 10B and 7 routes so far this week

 

[childwallblues]

What is happening to all the Pulsars being replaced by these new buses?

 

[Tim33160]

What is happening to all the Pulsars being replaced by these new buses?

Southport Pulsars 2978/9/84/5 are due for Wakefield. Tempo Replacements? 2978 and 2979 are 09 plates and 2984 and 2985 are 59 plates. 2978 and 2979 are still in Cotswold Stone livery and 2984 is in Journey Mark and 2985 in Interurban. 2978/9/85 arrived at Castleford. 2984 failed on route and was returned to St Helens.

up to 20 VDL /Wright Pulsars are on the move from Merseyside to A-Midlands at Derby. 18 identified so far, released by new E200MMCs on Merseyside. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/arriva-midlands.263963/page-14#post-7069410 All 09/59 plates: A nice mix of current, interurban and Cotswold stone livery's! Being renumbered on arrival.

Previously reported: apparently a large number (30?) Volvo B8RLE/MCV eVoRa due at Luton, replacing the existing batch (a mix of 10.8m and 12m versions) and the 17 plate E200MMCs to head north. Last heard as Evoras for Bootle and MMCs are for St Helens, all to be repainted into Mersey Metro livery. Also reports of 10 Streetlites from North East in return for 10 new Evora's going into Redcar depot (diverted from NW order?)

 

[TheSel]

Anyone wanting a ride on the new E200MMCs over the few next few days, Southport ones are allocated to the 49 (the 49 does have other types on too), the Birkenhead ones are allocated to 413/487, but you need to check bustimes.org for the others, which is quite easy to i'd from the fleetlist.

Fleet list – Arriva Merseyside – bustimes.org

bustimes.org

The Southport ones have strayed today!

2776/7/80 on the 44.
2778/9 on 300.
2781 on 47

 

[RHolmes]

The Southport ones have strayed today!

2776/7/80 on the 44.
2778/9 on 300.
2781 on 47

They’re expected to operate the 300 eventually

 

[childwallblues]

Pulsars 2959 and 2977 MX09JHV/OPH have entered service with Arriva Midlands at Derby and are numbered 3708/09.

 

[joieman]

Pulsars 2959 and 2977 MX09JHV/OPH have entered service with Arriva Midlands at Derby and are numbered 3708/09.

Here goes the horrible renumbering again...

 

[JasonL]

Does anyone know where the buses at Wythenshawe garage going to for when Metroline take over?