First Greater Glasgow

[Scott mac]

Weren’t the E400MMCs specifically fitted with luggage racks for the 77? Doubt you’d be able to get luggage racks on a E400EV. I’m not saying you’re wrong because I mean it makes sense for the electric buses to be used on a less lengthy route like the 77 but equally it’s strange that all the routes which have recently had new buses will be getting newer ones and so many of these routes will need to be debranded. If the 77 gets EVs I’d like to see the current buses have their luggage racks removed and used on the 2.

Only a small luggage rack on the 77 buses which will be easy to remove.am really surprised the evs are going on routes that only got the E400MMCs only a few years ago but a suppose the routes that make first glasgow the most money will always get the newer buses

 

[PaulMc7]

Find it quite interesting that the 38 is among the mention for new buses although the frequency drop could easily become permanent from pre Covid levels. The 38s also seem heavily affected on a daily basis by the driver shortage too to be fair.

The 38 branded buses have practically strayed onto other routes since the day they came into service too.

 

[Scotrail314209]

I did pass several short workings yesterday. From memory there was a 57 to Port Eglinton, a 6 to Anniesland and a 1D to Scotstoun.

Are these all because of the driver shortages?

 

[PaulMc7]

I did pass several short workings yesterday. From memory there was a 57 to Port Eglinton, a 6 to Anniesland and a 1D to Scotstoun.

Are these all because of the driver shortages?

Unfortunately yes. As soon as there's no driver to change over it's a short working. Got undone trying to get a 75 from Union St earlier in the week. 2 came but the driver on the one actually going to Castlemilk had no idea the one infront was only going to Union Street then back to the depot so completely skipped the stop despite multiple people sticking their hands out for the bus

 

[singlemalt]

I had the pleasure of driving my first electric double decker bus on the 75 tonight 38406 sadly I had to transfer passengers after
started to run out of juice

 

[Scotrail314209]

I had the pleasure of driving my first electric double decker bus on the 75 tonight 38406 sadly I had to transfer passengers after
started to run out of juice

Does this mean it wasn't fully charged overnight? The 75 isn't a super long route compared to some of the others in Glasgow, but maybe the gradients up Castlemilk might've had something to do with it?

 

[adrock1976]

I did pass several short workings yesterday. From memory there was a 57 to Port Eglinton, a 6 to Anniesland and a 1D to Scotstoun.

Are these all because of the driver shortages?

Could you be kind enough to mention exactly where Port Eglinton is please, as I have never heard of it during the 20-plus years I (used to) reside in Springburn?

I have heard of Eglinton Toll (also alternatively named St Andrew's Cross) which is where the junction of Pollokshaws Rd/Eglinton Street/Vicky Rd is (the Star Bar if it still exists - it was many years since I was over that way).

 

[ScotRail158725]

Could you be kind enough to mention exactly where Port Eglinton is please, as I have never heard of it during the 20-plus years I (used to) reside in Springburn?

I have heard of Eglinton Toll (also alternatively named St Andrew's Cross) which is where the junction of Pollokshaws Rd/Eglinton Street/Vicky Rd is (the Star Bar if it still exists - it was many years since I was over that way)

Port Eglinton is basically Eglinton Toll

 

[Scotrail314209]

Could you be kind enough to mention exactly where Port Eglinton is please, as I have never heard of it during the 20-plus years I (used to) reside in Springburn?

I have heard of Eglinton Toll (also alternatively named St Andrew's Cross) which is where the junction of Pollokshaws Rd/Eglinton Street/Vicky Rd is (the Star Bar if it still exists - it was many years since I was over that way).

Yeah basically that and what @scotrail158713 said.

It’s the change over point for Caledonia for buses like the 38 and 57 I think.

 

[GaryBrown156]

I really hope these new electric vehicles are a success but with this being relatively new technology I do have my concerns. Personally, I think that First Glasgow should've ordered another batch of E400MMC's and just ordered a few E400EV's for the 500 to trial them for a few years before contemplating converting any cross city routes to them. It's fine trialling leccy buses on relatively short, flattish routes or express services such as the 9/9A, X3, X8, X85, X87 or 500 but I'm really not sure how they will cope on routes such as the 75 and 38?

I hope I am proven wrong but I have a vision of them becoming a bit of white elephant and eventually getting transferred on to the the X3, X8, X85, X87 and 500 due to them constantly breaking down or running out charge.

Last time First Glasgow tried something radical like this (the E400 Hybrids on the then service 66) it didn't go that well and the sight of seeing them parked up with hazards on was a common occurrence. Fingers crossed this isn't déjà vu.

Speaking of the E400 Hybrids which used to run on the 66/6, does anyone know where those are now and what the future plans are for them? I vaguely recall someone mentioning a while ago that they where being stored at Scotstoun depot and the plan was to convert to standard diesels but I may have misremembered that?

Thanks

 

[route101]

Could you be kind enough to mention exactly where Port Eglinton is please, as I have never heard of it during the 20-plus years I (used to) reside in Springburn?

I have heard of Eglinton Toll (also alternatively named St Andrew's Cross) which is where the junction of Pollokshaws Rd/Eglinton Street/Vicky Rd is (the Star Bar if it still exists - it was many years since I was over that way).

I think Port Eglinton harks back to when there was a canal basin there. Yes, the star bar is still there.

Yes, I noticed a fair few 38s and 57s terminating at Eglinton Toll. I suppose the E400MMCs will push out the older buses such as Geminis and eclipses.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Dec 2021 ==

I really hope these new electric vehicles are a success but with this being relatively new technology I do have my concerns. Personally, I think that First Glasgow should've ordered another batch of E400MMC's and just ordered a few E400EV's for the 500 to trial them for a few years before contemplating converting any cross city routes to them. It's fine trialling leccy buses on relatively short, flattish routes or express services such as the 9/9A, X3, X8, X85, X87 or 500 but I'm really not sure how they will cope on routes such as the 75 and 38?

I hope I am proven wrong but I have a vision of them becoming a bit of white elephant and eventually getting transferred on to the the X3, X8, X85, X87 and 500 due to them constantly breaking down or running out charge.

Last time First Glasgow tried something radical like this (the E400 Hybrids on the then service 66) it didn't go that well and the sight of seeing them parked up with hazards on was a common occurrence. Fingers crossed this isn't déjà vu.

Speaking of the E400 Hybrids which used to run on the 66/6, does anyone know where those are now and what the future plans are for them? I vaguely recall someone mentioning a while ago that they where being stored at Scotstoun depot and the plan was to convert to standard diesels but I may have misremembered that?

Thanks

I think they are stored at Scotstoun and they were to receive regular diesel engines. I think the technology has come on in ten years. Look at McGills using the electric buses on the 23, 26, 38 and 3. I suppose the M3 route was the trial route for the EVs.

Least we are getting double decker EVs.

 

[Tom Gallacher]

Could you be kind enough to mention exactly where Port Eglinton is please, as I have never heard of it during the 20-plus years I (used to) reside in Springburn?

I have heard of Eglinton Toll (also alternatively named St Andrew's Cross) which is where the junction of Pollokshaws Rd/Eglinton Street/Vicky Rd is (the Star Bar if it still exists - it was many years since I was over that way).

From wikipedia

Glasgow, Paisley and Johnstone Canal - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[smtglasgow]

I was down in London a few weeks ago and the 43 and 134 were all electric. It’s a long grind uphill from Archway to Muswell Hill – with last bit pretty steep – and the bus coped fine. Don’t think Castlemilk will be a problem.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

One thing I have noticed with all the new ADLs that Glasgow have recently gotten is that they don’t have the full rear display.

They seem to be commonplace now for Stagecoach and to lesser extent McGills on their new Yutongs and ADLs.

First going for the cheaper option I presume?

 

[Scotrail314209]

One thing I have noticed with all the new ADLs that Glasgow have recently gotten is that they don’t have the full rear display.

They seem to be commonplace now for Stagecoach and to lesser extent McGills on their new Yutongs and ADLs.

First going for the cheaper option I presume?

I wonder if it's something to do with the fact that First don't operate very many route variations throughout the day, with most running end to end. Stagecoach and McGills tend to have all manner of variations happening throughout the day, so a full rear display is useful in helping passengers know if the bus is going where they want.

I think with First most people know the number so they immediately know it's their bus.

 

[gnolife]

I wonder if it's something to do with the fact that First don't operate very many route variations throughout the day, with most running end to end. Stagecoach and McGills tend to have all manner of variations happening throughout the day, so a full rear display is useful in helping passengers know if the bus is going where they want.

I think with First most people know the number so they immediately know it's their bus.

Although in a lot of cases, all a passenger will get out of seeing a rear display is the knowledge that the bus they want to be on has just left without them!

 

[GusB]

Although in a lot of cases, all a passenger will get out of seeing a rear display is the knowledge that the bus they want to be on has just left without them!

Quite! That was the bus you just wanted to catch

 

[Jarcoed]

I think Port Eglinton harks back to when there was a canal basin there. Yes, the star bar is still there.

Yes, I noticed a fair few 38s and 57s terminating at Eglinton Toll. I suppose the E400MMCs will push out the older buses such as Geminis and eclipses.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Dec 2021 ==


I think they are stored at Scotstoun and they were to receive regular diesel engines. I think the technology has come on in ten years. Look at McGills using the electric buses on the 23, 26, 38 and 3. I suppose the M3 route was the trial route for the EVs.

Least we are getting double decker EVs.

It looks like the Enviro400 MMC's and Enviro400 EV's are going to phase out the B7's at least, I think we'll see the B9's for a while longer but not sure. It could happen that another EV order for 2023-24 will be announced over the next year or so to phase out the B7RLE's (since I don't really like them tbh).

I think the double decker EV's will be deemed popular with First, but just need to wait and see as 38406 only entered service a few days ago.

 

[JumpinTrainz]

It looks like the Enviro400 MMC's and Enviro400 EV's are going to phase out the B7's at least, I think we'll see the B9's for a while longer but not sure. It could happen that another EV order for 2023-24 will be announced over the next year or so to phase out the B7RLE's (since I don't really like them tbh).

I think the double decker EV's will be deemed popular with First, but just need to wait and see as 38406 only entered service a few days ago.

I imagine the new 2021-23 will wipe out the B7Ls and most of the B7RLEs. First also confirmed interest in the Arrival bus which may be included in future orders. Given the B9s and low height E400s have been converted to Euro 6 I doubt they’ll be going anywhere.

Eventually I think they E300s will start being cascaded elsewhere to make way for more electric buses but that won’t be until the fleet is ready for LEZ.

 

[cnjb8]

I imagine the new 2021-23 will wipe out the B7Ls and most of the B7RLEs. First also confirmed interest in the Arrival bus which may be included in future orders. Given the B9s and low height E400s have been converted to Euro 6 I doubt they’ll be going anywhere.

Eventually I think they E300s will start being cascaded elsewhere to make way for more electric buses but that won’t be until the fleet is ready for LEZ.

The B7Ls are long gone. In fact, I don’t think First operate them anywhere anymore

 

[JumpinTrainz]

The B7Ls are long gone. In fact, I don’t think First operate them anywhere anymore

Sorry I meant B7TLs

 

[DC21]

There is a light blue fronted Streetlite in Overtown depot. Does anyone know if it's a loan or new vehicle needing debranded? The colour looks similar to the 240 blue.

 

[ScotRail158725]

There is a light blue fronted Streetlite in Overtown depot. Does anyone know if it's a loan or new vehicle needing debranded? The colour looks similar to the 240 blue.

Maybe one of the First Scotland East 23 branded ones

 

[156478]

Find it quite interesting that the 38 is among the mention for new buses although the frequency drop could easily become permanent from pre Covid levels. The 38s also seem heavily affected on a daily basis by the driver shortage too to be fair.

The 38 branded buses have practically strayed onto other routes since the day they came into service too.

On Boxing Day I passed a broken down 500 branded decker on the hard shoulder of the M8 just before Braehead.

Couple of hours later there was a branded 38 on the 500s, presuming that the broken down 500 was replaced by the 38 branded bus which was spare- plenty of them on a Boxing Day Sunday service I suppose

 

[PaulMc7]

On Boxing Day I passed a broken down 500 branded decker on the hard shoulder of the M8 just before Braehead.

Couple of hours later there was a branded 38 on the 500s, presuming that the broken down 500 was replaced by the 38 branded bus which was spare- plenty of them on a Boxing Day Sunday service I suppose

Yeah that would add up to be fair. The 38 is still down on its Sunday service too with the 38B covering the 38E journey by extending to Baillieston and the normal 38 to the Fort is still reduced.

From what I've experienced of the 38 during the pandemic I'd be surprised if it went to pre Covid capacity. The buses I'd been on were busy compared to other services but not to what the 38s used to be like. It also seems to be a bus regularly affected by the driver shortage too which is unfortunate with how the variants of the route are in terms of frequency at night.

 

[Jarcoed]

38406-38409 are now up on the bus times page. All four out on the 75 today

 

[route101]

I saw a 75 branded E400MMC on the 21 last night and a 18 branded one on the route few days ago. Is Caledonia still doing the 21 or is it shared with Blantyre?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Dec 2021 ==

On Boxing Day I passed a broken down 500 branded decker on the hard shoulder of the M8 just before Braehead.

Couple of hours later there was a branded 38 on the 500s, presuming that the broken down 500 was replaced by the 38 branded bus which was spare- plenty of them on a Boxing Day Sunday service I suppose

Not uncommon to see E400MMC or E400 on the 500. I seen one of the unbranded E400 citys on the 500 yesterday.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Dec 2021 ==

38406-38409 are now up on the bus times page. All four out on the 75 today

What is the bus times page? I was looking at Bustimes.org but no buses tracking on that.

 

[AlexanderPS]

What is the bus times page? I was looking at Bustimes.org but no buses tracking on that.

Fleet list – First Greater Glasgow – bustimes.org

bustimes.org

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I saw a 75 branded E400MMC on the 21 last night and a 18 branded one on the route few days ago. Is Caledonia still doing the 21 or is it shared with Blantyre?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Dec 2021 ==


Not uncommon to see E400MMC or E400 on the 500. I seen one of the unbranded E400 citys on the 500 yesterday.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Dec 2021 ==


What is the bus times page? I was looking at Bustimes.org but no buses tracking on that.

37748	SF09 LEJ	60A	14:47	Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini	First				Flickr	Edit
37749	SF09 LEU	2	14:24	Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini	First new				Flickr	Edit
37750	SF09 LFA	2	14:03	Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini	First new				Flickr	Edit
37751	SF09 LFB	2	08:37	Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini	Greater Glasgow PTE				Flickr	Edit
38406	LC71 ESG	75	13:53	BYD ADL Enviro400EV	75				Flickr	Edit*
38407	LC71 ESN	75	14:29	BYD ADL Enviro400EV	75			USB power	Flickr	Edit
38408	LC71 ESO	75	15:05	BYD ADL Enviro400EV	75			USB power	Flickr	Edit
38409	LC71 ESV	75	14:17	BYD ADL Enviro400EV	75			USB power	Flickr	Edit
39101	SN61 BFK			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
39103	SN61 BFM			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
39105	SN61 BFP			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
39106	SN61 BFU			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
39107	SN61 BFV			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
39108	SN61 BFX			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
39110	SN61 BFZ			ADL Enviro400	First				Flickr	Edit
42885	SF05 KXJ	81	28 Dec 16:05	Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer	First				Flickr	Edit
42887	SF05 KXL	64	29 Dec 15:34	Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer	First new				Flickr	Edit
42957	WX06 OMP	43	28 Dec 16:48	Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer	First				Flickr	Edit
42958	WX06 OMR	81	13:29	Dennis Dart Plaxton Pointer	First				Flickr	Edit

 

[JumpinTrainz]

View attachment 107990

It seems like such a waste to have those E400s sitting out of service when Glasgow needs as much Euro 6 stock as it can. They’ve been out for so long.