Go North West

[darloscott]

With Go North West using Firsts' fleetnumbers, does anyone think this could be the start of a National numbering scheme. It would make sense especially if Go Ahead were thinking of expanding. It would need tidying up though to become more logical.

I don't think so, if you look at the font the fleet number is applied with it looks temporary - more than likely the Manchester fleet will be renumbered at some point into their own scheme I would expect.

 

[JetBlast]

True. It's not unusual for Transdev to run PotN liveried buses into Manchester though, so there probably is a chance they'll cross paths at some point.

Rosso are getting some Enviro 400 busses pained in the Pride Of The North livery. Not only will it be the same livery it will also be on the same type of bus. https://twitter.com/alextransdev/status/1146484636962476032

 

[Jordan Adam]

Rosso are getting some Enviro 400 busses pained in the Pride Of The North livery. Not only will it be the same livery it will also be on the same type of bus. https://twitter.com/alextransdev/status/1146484636962476032

Some interesting replies here... - https://twitter.com/charliebean85/status/1146527761118502913

 

[Alexbus12]

Rosso are getting some Enviro 400 busses pained in the Pride Of The North livery. Not only will it be the same livery it will also be on the same type of bus. https://twitter.com/alextransdev/status/1146484636962476032

Can't wait for Lord Hornby to start saying it's #Amazing.
In reality though, I really can't understand why transdev continue to pay the ridiculous prices for the same generic, boring livery. *Waits to get criticised of his minions.

 

[Andyh82]

Can't wait for Lord Hornby to start saying it's #Amazing.
In reality though, I really can't understand why transdev continue to pay the ridiculous prices for the same generic, boring livery. *Waits to get criticised of his minions.

It’s not a new livery, Transdev have used it for a few years.

 

[tbtc]

Can't wait for Lord Hornby to start saying it's #Amazing.
In reality though, I really can't understand why transdev continue to pay the ridiculous prices for the same generic, boring livery. *Waits to get criticised of his minions.

How do you know how much they pay the marketing people for the work that they do? And against what benchmark is it "ridiculous"?

As usual, any bus operator that invest in PR to try to "sell" their product get a lot of criticism from enthusiasts - how dare they have a slogan that suggests they are a great company?

Same with rail enthusiasts hating companies like Virgin who promote their services - I think some people find any form of marketing tacky.

Tall Poppy Syndrome

 

[Alexbus12]

It’s not a new livery, Transdev have used it for a few years.

Never said it was a new livery, just pointing out that I dislike the continuing boring style of livery that Ray and his team creates.

How do you know how much they pay the marketing people for the work that they do? And against what benchmark is it "ridiculous"?

As usual, any bus operator that invest in PR to try to "sell" their product get a lot of criticism from enthusiasts - how dare they have a slogan that suggests they are a great company?

Same with rail enthusiasts hating companies like Virgin who promote their services - I think some people find any form of marketing tacky.

Tall Poppy Syndrome

Touched a nerve I see..

 

[jp4712]

Go North West had an official launch ceremony today in the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester. On display in just-applied GNW livery were Wright Streetlite 63154 (SN14DXU) and Volvo B5LH/Wright 39219 (BN61MWX). Photo on the Museum's Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/MoTGM/status/1148541493344395265

 

[Andyh82]

Never said it was a new livery, just pointing out that I dislike the continuing boring style of livery that Ray and his team creates.

Ray didn’t create the Go North West livery

 

[Alexbus12]

Ray didn’t create the Go North West livery

Wasn't taking about the GNW livery

 

[Wirewiper]

Rosso are getting some Enviro 400 busses pained in the Pride Of The North livery. Not only will it be the same livery it will also be on the same type of bus. https://twitter.com/alextransdev/status/1146484636962476032

Pride of the North is a generic livery, surely? Enabling a vehicle to be used across routes as cover when a route-branded bus is not available.

 

[Lynford1976]

It's also different colours - GNW uses a very dark shade of blue.

 

[RustySpoons]

Pride of the North is a generic livery, surely? Enabling a vehicle to be used across routes as cover when a route-branded bus is not available.

That's the idea for PotN. But now there are variations to that, advertising the app, although still using the same, dare I say, uninspiring base colours.

GNW are using dark blue, granted, but their livery is hardly inspiring either. I think even solid dark blue with orange branding would look better, keep it simple and still keeping GNW corporate colours.

 

[cnjb8]

That's the idea for PotN. But now there are variations to that, advertising the app, although still using the same, dare I say, uninspiring base colours.

GNW are using dark blue, granted, but their livery is hardly inspiring either. I think even solid dark blue with orange branding would look better, keep it simple and still keeping GNW corporate colours.

I think GNW livery can be easily adapted for route branding. As I live in Trentbartonland and NCT area, lots of buses are branded and it makes it easier for passengers. I don't understand why other companies don't do it

 

[Bletchleyite]

I think GNW livery can be easily adapted for route branding. As I live in Trentbartonland and NCT area, lots of buses are branded and it makes it easier for passengers. I don't understand why other companies don't do it

Go are one of the companies big into route branding - I am similarly surprised they aren't going that way. Maybe the plan is to let the network stabilise (I'm sure they will make changes to it, both big and small) before they start doing so?

 

[Alexbus12]

That's the idea for PotN. But now there are variations to that, advertising the app, although still using the same, dare I say, uninspiring base colours.

Risky saying that when Hornbys minions patrol this forum, they'll hunt you down like a pack of wolves

 

[Bletchleyite]

Risky saying that when Hornbys minions patrol this forum, they'll hunt you down like a pack of wolves

Hornby doesn't work for Go-Ahead, he works for Transdev.

 

[158756]

Go are one of the companies big into route branding - I am similarly surprised they aren't going that way. Maybe the plan is to let the network stabilise (I'm sure they will make changes to it, both big and small) before they start doing so?

No point if franchising is coming soon. How much have Transdev wasted on new branding for Rosso that won't be around much longer? If Burnham gets his skates on (he needs to now First has been carved up) they could just run round in First colours for the remainder of the deregulated market.

 

[Lynford1976]

No point if franchising is coming soon. How much have Transdev wasted on new branding for Rosso that won't be around much longer? If Burnham gets his skates on (he needs to now First has been carved up) they could just run round in First colours for the remainder of the deregulated market.

https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/exclusive-go-ahead-north-west-reveals-plans-and-strategies/

 

[Alexbus12]

Hornby doesn't work for Go-Ahead, he works for Transdev.

Yes I'm well aware, I was replying to a comment regarding the PoTN livery, which is a Transdev idea..

 

[Rod Harrison]

https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/exclusive-go-ahead-north-west-reveals-plans-and-strategies/

It is interesting the difference between Go Ahead and Stagecoach. When Stagecoach have taken over large operations they have stamped their brand on it immediately and usually diverted new stock to them. Then they update the fleets as quickly as possible (First Wigan, Chester &Wirral for example). From what I read about GANW they are going to refurb and repaint existing stock and transfer some old stock from elsewhere. This means it could be an operation without new buses and take ages for their brand to be seen as at current rates it will take about 18 months to get the fleet repainted. I thought they would make a statement quickly.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

It is interesting the difference between Go Ahead and Stagecoach. When Stagecoach have taken over large operations they have stamped their brand on it immediately and usually diverted new stock to them. Then they update the fleets as quickly as possible (First Wigan, Chester &Wirral for example). From what I read about GANW they are going to refurb and repaint existing stock and transfer some old stock from elsewhere. This means it could be an operation without new buses and take ages for their brand to be seen as at current rates it will take about 18 months to get the fleet repainted. I thought they would make a statement quickly.

Go Ahead have less of a group ethos than Stagecoach, especially in terms of new vehicles. Think this is more about stabilisation than anything but you're right, it's an interesting comparison. I'd imagine they'll crack on with the repaints sharpish as well as disposing of the old with middle aged. Also, wouldn't be surprised if new fleet will be on the agenda but it's early days.

 

[carlberry]

It is interesting the difference between Go Ahead and Stagecoach. When Stagecoach have taken over large operations they have stamped their brand on it immediately and usually diverted new stock to them. Then they update the fleets as quickly as possible (First Wigan, Chester &Wirral for example). From what I read about GANW they are going to refurb and repaint existing stock and transfer some old stock from elsewhere. This means it could be an operation without new buses and take ages for their brand to be seen as at current rates it will take about 18 months to get the fleet repainted. I thought they would make a statement quickly.

Manchester is under the threat of franchising. One thing that's already been mentioned is a standard livery and beyond that who knows what wonderful ideas some committee will think up (bendi buses, dual doors, stand seating types etc, etc). Not a great encouragement to getting lots of new kit or liveries just yet.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Manchester is under the threat of franchising. One thing that's already been mentioned is a standard livery and beyond that who knows what wonderful ideas some committee will think up (bendi buses, dual doors, stand seating types etc, etc). Not a great encouragement to getting lots of new kit or liveries just yet.

Interesting how perspectives vary on this stuff. Those, in the right place, all seem very good ideas to me.

But yes, they are a good reason for the bus company not to try to innovate until it's all set in stone as it would be rather a waste of money to do so.

 

[Alexbus12]

Manchester is under the threat of franchising. One thing that's already been mentioned is a standard livery and beyond that who knows what wonderful ideas some committee will think up (bendi buses, dual doors, stand seating types etc, etc). Not a great encouragement to getting lots of new kit or liveries just yet.

Can't see dual doors happening here any time soon. Most bus stations in GM are now DIRO stands, and with the ramp at the dual door, problems are likely to occur..

 

[Bletchleyite]

Can't see dual doors happening here any time soon. Most bus stations in GM are now DIRO stands, and with the ramp at the dual door, problems are likely to occur..

You can have dual door with a front ramp.

 

[Alexbus12]

You can have dual door with a front ramp.

Have any operators got this currently? Not something I've seen, or heard of, yet.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Have any operators got this currently? Not something I've seen, or heard of, yet.

I've not seen it, but as the front step of a dual door bus is exactly the same as the front step of a single door bus there is absolutely no reason why it could not be ordered.

Indeed, it's very common for ex-London buses to move to the provinces, have their rear door blocked up and a ramp installed at the front, so that's evidence enough.

 

[mic]

39214 now back from Thortons who are doing them up

 

[cainebj]

Have any operators got this currently? Not something I've seen, or heard of, yet.

I've not seen it, but as the front step of a dual door bus is exactly the same as the front step of a single door bus there is absolutely no reason why it could not be ordered.

Without taking the thread off topic too much, Brighton & Hove ordered Wright Streetdecks since 2016 that are dual door with a wheelchair ramp at the front. The first were low height versions in 2016 for their service 1, with full height versions later bought in for services 7 and 49.
You then also have the Enviro 400XLBs at Lothian, also dual door with a manual wheelchair ramp at the front.