First Midland Bluebird

[winston270twm]

Rumours eh! However, photo evidence suggests that some are in Norfolk

http://eastnorfolkbus.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/new-arrivals-for-first.html?m=1

The E300's are for Ipswich, First have won the Park & Ride back from Ispwich Buses
http://ipswichbusblog.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[overthewater]

The new network maps are online along with a map for the zone tickets.
https://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/routes-and-maps/network-maps

Also has it been said its normal fares on the 21A to the Airport.

 

[overthewater]

First has just tweeted that its Falkirk Operations Manager is out and about on the Falkirk network , speaking with passengers getting idea's and comments.

Over in West lothian:
https://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/routes-and-maps/21a-edinburgh-airport

hether you're jetting off to golden sun sea and sand or a fun filled adrenaline fuelled adventure you trip begins with the 21A connecting West Lothian to the world.

The 21A is an hourly service that runs throughout West Lothian direct to Edinburgh Airport and onto The Gyle Centre and Edinburgh Park. So avoid expensive taxis or car park charges and start your adventure with the 21A.

Timetable

You can view the 21 and 21A timetable here.

***When viewing the timetable, please remember it is only the 21A that goes to Edinburgh Airport***

Tickets

You can purchase your tickets on the bus or if you wish to purchase a FirstDay, FirstWeek or First4Week pass you can do so direct to your phone on our mTickets app.

 

[overthewater]

The Night buses are returning.

PM0000923/326 Registered
FIRST SCOTLAND EAST LTD
Route: Regend Road Edinburgh to Deans South via Sighthill, East Calder, Mid Calder, Livingston
Service number: N2
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Jul 2017

PM0000923/325 Registered
FIRST SCOTLAND EAST LTD
Route: Regent Road, Edinburgh to South Bridge Street Bathgate via Corstorphine, Broxburn, Uphall, Dechmont
Service number: N1
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 28 Jul 2017

 

[overthewater]

The timetables are now on Traveline:

Both services will leave Edinburgh at: 01:00 and 02:00.

N2 within livingston, will it doesn't really serve anyone..

 

[GusB]

Are they rolling that two-tone blue livery out to the whole Midland Bluebird fleet, or is it just certain routes that have it? I'm also curious to know if the lighter shade is the same one as the original Azure blue from Alexander/Midland Scottish days. It's difficult to tell from photographs when it's placed next to the darker shade.

 

[Observer]

Are they rolling that two-tone blue livery out to the whole Midland Bluebird fleet, or is it just certain routes that have it?

So far only Larbert and Livingston, Bannockburn was supposed to get its Enviros repainted in those colours but somehow that didn't happen.

Any new repaint gets it, regardless of vehicle age.

 

[overthewater]

This was changed a few years back. There all Blue depots. The company wanted to do something but kept the "FIRST" name. This the livery come back for the Central Scotland Deports. Not to worry First livery still around in Glasgow/Lanarkshire and Aberdeen.

The only other places to get new livery were Buses of Somerset and Parts of Cornwall?

 

[GusB]

This was changed a few years back. There all Blue depots. The company wanted to do something but kept the "FIRST" name. This the livery come back for the Central Scotland Deports. Not to worry First livery still around in Glasgow/Lanarkshire and Aberdeen.

The only other places to get new livery were Buses of Somerset and Parts of Cornwall?

Oh, I'm not worried - I'm not a bit fan of national corporate liveries, so if they have plans to bring back local identities, I'm all for it. I'd like to see the Aberdeen fleet back in green, as it should be

 

[overthewater]

Oh, I'm not worried - I'm not a bit fan of national corporate liveries, so if they have plans to bring back local identities, I'm all for it. I'd like to see the Aberdeen fleet back in green, as it should be

No, the local identities are not coming back for most other areas, the Corporate livery is here to stay.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

No, the local identities are not coming back for most other areas, the Corporate livery is here to stay.

Slight correction - Kernow is a full local ID with one green livery for most services and then variants for certain services (e.g. red Tinner etc)

Somerset has the Buses of Somerset green but Wells depot has a separate local ID in Mendip Explorer (though it is confined to two dozen vehicles on two main corridors of routes to be honest).

Bath looked like it was going to get a local ID in two tone blue but after repainting some B7s for one route and one errant Solo, that seems to have stopped in favour of repainting other vehicles in urban2 with suitably coloured fronts for services in Bristol.

It's a veritable First kaleidoscope in the SW

 

[swifty]

Slight correction - Kernow is a full local ID with one green livery for most services and then variants for certain services (e.g. red Tinner etc)

Somerset has the Buses of Somerset green but Wells depot has a separate local ID in Mendip Explorer (though it is confined to two dozen vehicles on two main corridors of routes to be honest).

Bath looked like it was going to get a local ID in two tone blue but after repainting some B7s for one route and one errant Solo, that seems to have stopped in favour of repainting other vehicles in urban2 with suitably coloured fronts for services in Bristol.

It's a veritable First kaleidoscope in the SW

And of course the often forgotten CityRed network branding on a few routes in Southampton, as well as the now lost Beeline branding in Bracknell.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

And of course the often forgotten CityRed network branding on a few routes in Southampton, as well as the now lost Beeline branding in Bracknell.

I had remembered that but it was only the high frequency routes. Shame as it looks distinctive and it even benefited from its own micro website.

 

[overthewater]

There is talk of more service changes coming.

 

[overthewater]

There a few changes due soon:

29:
* 0548 and 0607 journeys are retimed to operate 5-7mins earlier

21a: is revised to operate via the old No20 route between Whitburn and Bathgate ie via Birniehill. This does mean there is 20-40min gap on the Bathgate - Armdale top road section. The 29 will replace this gap eastbound but not westbound

 

[Andyh82]

Is there anywhere in Edinburgh where you can pick up First timetables, as they neither use the bus station nor are likely to be stocked at the Lothian travel centres.

 

[overthewater]

Is there anywhere in Edinburgh where you can pick up First timetables, as they neither use the bus station nor are likely to be stocked at the Lothian travel centres.

Short answer is no: Edinburgh Bus station should have stock of the 21/22 and 27/28 timetables. Im sure there had some back in May when the changes happened. Edinburgh Airport did have some but again there all out.

Best Bet is on the buses or at the Livingston depot. If your after the 38 again on the bus or at Falkirk bus station.

The company is cutting back on its paper copies

 

[route101]

Short answer is no: Edinburgh Bus station should have stock of the 21/22 and 27/28 timetables. Im sure there had some back in May when the changes happened. Edinburgh Airport did have some but again there all out.

Best Bet is on the buses or at the Livingston depot. If your after the 38 again on the bus or at Falkirk bus station.

The company is cutting back on its paper copies

Shame , Edinburgh Bus Station always used to stock them .

 

[Observer]

First have lost a good load of school contracts in the Falkirk area. E & M Horsburgh largely being the new operator winning this year's tendered work but also Hunter's Executive Coaches, Salmond's Coaches and Devon Coaches.

PM0000003/370 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Wallacestone PS Brightons, Braemar Gardens to Reddingmuirhead, Newlands Road via Maddiston Road, Sunnyside Road, Wallacestone Brae
Service number: 627
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/533 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Grangemouth Charlotte Dundas Court to St Mungos High School via Grangemouth
Service number: 683
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/524 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Tamfourhill Lime Road to St Mungos High School via Windsor Road, Westburn Avenue
Service number: 198
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/422 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Polmont Station to Graeme High School via Laurieston
Service number: 622
Service type: Normal Stopping, School or Works
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/421 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Polmont (St Margarets) to Graeme High School via Redding Cross, Laurieston, Westquarter
Service number: 623
Service type: Normal Stopping, School or Works
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/420 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Polmont Main Street @ Polmont Park to Salmon Inn Road @ St margarets Primary School via Polmont and Reading
Service number: 625
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/294 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Graeme High School Turning Circle to Lionthorn Turning Circle via Lochgreen Road
Service number: 695
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

PM0000003/291 Cancelled (Short notice)
MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD
Route: Reddingmuirhead, Newlands Road to St Andrews Primary School, Graeme High School Turning Circle via Westquarter
Service number: 185
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 23 Aug 2017

 

[overthewater]

Who wanted the contract badly? First: Peanuts: E & M Horsburgh pennies..

 

[overthewater]

Well this isn't good news: I know something was up for the past couple of weeks

From Yahoo group. prismascotland

The Scottish bus operations management are currently under consultation on their jobs which looks as if management for all three operations will be centred in Glasgow under the control of former Stagecoach MD Andrew Jarvis. Aberdeen recently closed down its private hire operation and has not had a full time Managing Director since April 2016, most recently it was being managed part time from Essex. The Sir Moir Lockhead HQ in Aberdeen now has its top floor vacated and its car park closed for redevelopment as student homes (though planning permission has been refused). All Head Office leadership has now moved to England and USA with just scaled down admin functions remaining at Aberdeen.

Of course since Aberdeen has't had an MD does that mean it only has a commercial manager?

With First Scotland East( Midland bluebird) It has no marketing manger etc and has been controlled by Glasgow ( Manchester last year) Surely there wouldn't get rid of the commercial managers for Aberdeen and Midland? You couldn't have one just for the whole of Scotland? There could just move to Glasgow?

 

[Robertj21a]

Well this isn't good news: I know something was up for the past couple of weeks

From Yahoo group. prismascotland


Of course since Aberdeen has't had an MD does that mean it only has a commercial manager?

With First Scotland East( Midland bluebird) It has no marketing manger etc and has been controlled by Glasgow ( Manchester last year) Surely there wouldn't get rid of the commercial managers for Aberdeen and Midland? You couldn't have one just for the whole of Scotland? There could just move to Glasgow?

Why wouldn't they get rid of the commercial managers for Aberdeen and Midland ?
First have said that they are looking for cuts in their costs and delayering the management structure is one way of helping to achieve that.

 

[robertclark125]

I think the issue is, it's becoming once again, that all decision for the three firstgroup companies in Scotland, are going to be made in one location. It could be a throwback to the lockhead era, where most decision making was taken out of local management control, and centralised in Aberdeen.

Just at a time when some Firsgroup companies are regaining localised management authority to make their own decisions, and some success is coming of that, this happens.

 

[overthewater]

Why wouldn't they get rid of the commercial managers for Aberdeen and Midland ?
First have said that they are looking for cuts in their costs and delayering the management structure is one way of helping to achieve that.

A; If you have to deal with all of Glasgow and the No2 areas your not going to have time to deal with elsewhere

B: You just throwing the baby out with the bath water, people who sorted out the mess and get no reward.

 

[Robertj21a]

A; If you have to deal with all of Glasgow and the No2 areas your not going to have time to deal with elsewhere

B: You just throwing the baby out with the bath water, people who sorted out the mess and get no reward.

Fair comment but, in practice, it might just be more of a management restructure - the jobs may well still be done, much as at present, but with different people and/or different job titles. In any event, a job title won't readily identify how much workload is placed on any individual, he/she may have a number of assistants for all we know.

 

[overthewater]

Turns out First has been bidding for contracts, and over the weekend was operating the shuttle service from Rosyth Dockyard for cruise ship passengers.

 

[overthewater]

Some good news everybody:

https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/...d-record-passenger-increases-on-key-services/

IT should be notted this has come after A few of the service were cut back, IE no29 is the only bus on that route now, while 62/63 has to deal with all the passengers on the route now since the 60 gone, BUT most of the other have seen overall increase in passengers

• Bus operator sees rise in passenger numbers* on routes across Stirling, Falkirk, West Lothian and Edinburgh

• Investment and customer-focused approach a significant factor, says MD

• Operator recently announced new links and frequencies across network

Local bus operator, First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird, has recorded an increase in passenger numbers across a range of services.

The company, which operates across Central Scotland and on key routes into Edinburgh, has seen a year on year passenger increase in excess of 40% on one service and rises of more than 5% on others

First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird Managing Director, Paul McGowan, said a focus on listening to customers and stakeholders, route extensions and other service improvements have all helped to boost customer numbers.

Service 29, Falkirk to Bathgate has seen an increase of more than 48% in passengers in the past year and the company has now extended the service to Broxburn.

Service 2, Falkirk to Dunipace, has also been attracting significantly more passengers, with a rise of more than 12%, and the service has been now extended into Stirling.

Other route successes include:
• Services 62/63, Stirling Alloa Circular: almost 7.6% increase
• Service 5, Langlees to Bo’ness: a rise of more than 8.2% – and now benefiting from the Falkirk area cut-price zonal fares package announced last year
• Service 38, Stirling to Edinburgh Royal Route: an increase of more than 5.5% – and now with additional peak time journeys
• Service 21, Edinburgh to Fauldhouse: an increase of more than 21% – with the service extended to include Edinburgh Airport, Gyle and Edinburgh Park

There has also been a passenger increase of more than 7% on the high frequency Services 27/28, between Bathgate, Livingston and Edinburgh. Humza Yousaf, Scottish Government Minister for Transport and the Islands, launched a new high-tech/low emissions fleet of First West Lothian buses on the route last year.

Paul McGowan, Managing Director for First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird, said: “We’ve seen encouraging growth in passenger numbers on many routes in the past year and this has been exceptional in some cases.

“We’ve achieved this through significant investment in our fleet and services, by listening to customers and through close partnership with stakeholders.

“We will now be building on this success following the announcement of new links and increased frequencies on many services and our recent freeze on mobile mTicket prices, and simplified fares structure.”

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Some good news everybody:

https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/...d-record-passenger-increases-on-key-services/

IT should be notted this has come after A few of the service were cut back, IE no29 is the only bus on that route now, while 62/63 has to deal with all the passengers on the route now since the 60 gone, BUT most of the other have seen overall increase in passengers

Thanks for posting that and for putting some of those figures in context in terms of them replacing parts of other routes.

Hopefully, it indicates that there is a decent core business now that they've been released from their Scotrail obligations and, perhaps more importantly, can now focus on these rather than the basket cases that they had.

Of course, some of those basket cases weren't so when First was created and has been down to bad management, carving up SMT and picking fights with Lothian but that's in the past. Hopefully, there's now a business that they can invest in and develop.

 

[overthewater]

Thanks for posting that and for putting some of those figures in context in terms of them replacing parts of other routes.

Hopefully, it indicates that there is a decent core business now that they've been released from their Scotrail obligations and, perhaps more importantly, can now focus on these rather than the basket cases that they had.

Of course, some of those basket cases weren't so when First was created and has been down to bad management, carving up SMT and picking fights with Lothian but that's in the past. Hopefully, there's now a business that they can invest in and develop.

If only stoke on trent and Manchester could do the same

It does help that West Lothian has a major new housing, employment etc developments taken place, including two on the No38 route which FYI, some pennies have helped keep the 38 at every 15mins, but village of Winchburgh will be double shortly and then some.

The odd one out is No5-Bo'ness but it seems cheaper fare have worked and lets hope it continues. Now if only Stirling tickets can be cut in price.

Your right the basket cases were in place around 2000/2001, but the Edinburgh bus war destroy First and it was never able to recover, then Scotrail controls happened which just added to the troubles.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

If only stoke on trent and Manchester could do the same

It does help that West Lothian has a major new housing, employment etc developments taken place, including two on the No38 route which FYI, some pennies have helped keep the 38 at every 15mins, but village of Winchburgh will be double shortly and then some.

The odd one out is No5-Bo'ness but it seems cheaper fare have worked and lets hope it continues. Now if only Stirling tickets can be cut in price.

Your right the basket cases were in place around 2000/2001, but the Edinburgh bus war destroy First and it was never able to recover, then Scotrail controls happened which just added to the troubles.

Well, Greater Manchester DID effect fare cuts etc in 2013 IIRC and it did lead to increased patronage. Don't know if the impact of that continued. However, here's a little stat in that if uniformly distributed 10 per cent of local areas in each town or city would be in the 10 per cent most deprived areas in the country. However, in the most deprived areas:

Oldham (65.2 per cent of local areas in the most deprived 20 per cent)
West Bromwich (62.8 per cent)
Liverpool (59.4 per cent)
Walsall (57.5 per cent)
Birmingham (57.5 per cent)
Nottingham (57.3 per cent)
Middlesbrough (55.9 per cent)
Salford (55.6 per cent)
Birkenhead (54.5 per cent)
Rochdale (53.8 per cent)

That's three of First GM's main areas that are on their a*se. That said, NXWM are also similarly impacted and they are impressively turning things around.