Lothian Buses and ECB Discussion

[Darklord8899]

It's possible although I doubt any of the 26 fleet would get moved. Several buses were involved with the 'Driver of the year' event at Ingliston so I suspect Central borrowed the 26's just for today. Surprised they went out on the 37 as opposed to the 8 though.

I had forgotten about the Driver of the year comp. That would make for a better explanation!

 

[OmniCity999]

The marine deckers on central routes are on loan due to some central B7's being at Marine used on the shuttle bus for the gold open.

 

[Darklord8899]

The marine deckers on central routes are on loan due to some central B7's being at Marine used on the shuttle bus for the gold open.

This makes sense

 

[Lothian_Bus]

The marine deckers on central routes are on loan due to some central B7's being at Marine used on the shuttle bus for the gold open.

Thanks. Was a surprise seeing those buses on the 37 today.

I also noticed 551 from Longstone operating on the ECB X5.

 

[sam120]

I also noticed 551 from Longstone operating on the ECB X5.

Buses will be on loan to ECB until Sunday because the X5 is running every 30 minutes due to the Golf in Gullane. Maybe 551 has been loaned over because it’s in full white?

 

[DunsBus]

Scania 20992 has now returned to service after disgracing itself last week.

 

[MrHopefull]

Buses will be on loan to ECB until Sunday because the X5 is running every 30 minutes due to the Golf in Gullane. Maybe 551 has been loaned over because it’s in full white?

they are on loan to us due to delays in our new double deckers for the 124/x5/x24's

 

[Lothian_Bus]

I see. I noticed 'Hamish' (856) on the X5 as well.

 

[Darklord8899]

Scania 20992 has now returned to service after disgracing itself last week.

Did it "need to go" then embarrassingly discharge it's fluids all over the road in full public view?

 

[backontrack]

I see. I noticed 'Hamish' (856) on the X5 as well.

He'll have had his tea...

 

[TheEastCoaster]

Hopefully the new doubles for ECB will be enough to have the 124 become a double decker route permanently. nearly 2 years since ECB ran its operations and all everyones been saying is make the X24 a double decker bus! then again it took 3 years for the 113 to be a full time double decker and the 104 only 1 year, maybe i'm starting to sense a pattern here.

 

[overthewater]

But there not making a profit....

 

[OmniCity999]

But there not making a profit....

Ironic then that the 124 corridor is going double deck when the new B5's are delivered.

 

[darloscott]

Given the figures I saw from Lothian's MD a few months ago I'd be amazed if ECB is not making a profit, and if not then they will be shortly. Certainly has been a lot of growth from when they took over.

 

[overthewater]

There has been cuts elsewhere within the Lothian network that pushed passengers on to the ECB network.

 

[MrHopefull]

There has been cuts elsewhere within the Lothian network that pushed passengers on to the ECB network.

that sounds a bit cheeky haha
from the day i started people state they prefer our buses as we talk to people etc

I don't think cuts to Lothian have made us get more passengers
providing good customer service and being reliable have gotten us more customers and also new housing estates

 

[Darklord8899]

....well there was no point Lothian competing with themselves now was there?

 

[overthewater]

Doesn't change the fact Lothian did cut two routes back and forced the passengers on to ECB routes.

 

[oldman]

But there not making a profit....

... yet. But they are providing a better service with a better fleet. The strategy is to attract more business by providing a quality service. It may succeed.

They do absolutely rely on the LB connection with shared ticketing and LB cuts. A route like the 113 could not exist just on the Ormiston/Pencaitland passengers. If the Midlothian routes are profitable, that's another helping hand.

 

[MrHopefull]

Doesn't change the fact Lothian did cut two routes back and forced the passengers on to ECB routes.

what routes where these exactly

 

[oldman]

44 from Tranent, X15 from Prestonpans.

 

[Darklord8899]

44 from Tranent, X15 from Prestonpans.

Which were sensible imo given the ECB routes

 

[Bungle965]

A couple (not sure how many) of them ex Lothian Solo's have been bought by Bay Travel in Cowdenbeath.
Sam

 

[MrHopefull]

Which were sensible imo given the ECB routes

As far as I was aware they cut the 44 due to 26 route needing changed, due to low passenger numbers in tranent up haddington road

 

[Darklord8899]

As far as I was aware they cut the 44 due to 26 route needing changed, due to low passenger numbers in tranent up haddington road

Last time I was out that way (some years ago now) there was new housing being built around the old 26 Terminus at Haddington Rd. Guessing that didn't generate the passengers they were hoping for...

 

[MrHopefull]

Last time I was out that way (some years ago now) there was new housing being built around the old 26 Terminus at Haddington Rd. Guessing that didn't generate the passengers they were hoping for...

exactly even today it doesn't generate the passengers

 

[MrHopefull]

Why people should avoid ECB
2 star company

https://www.indeed.co.uk/cmp/Eastcoast-Buses/reviews

 

[MrHopefull]

I do reckon that ECB is going to get busier
over 1000 new home to be built in haddington.
wallyfords also getting a considerable amount of new homes, although I am not sure how they plan to change the route to serve the new area.
26 and 113 will see a boost if company's get the go ahead for new housing at the top of tranent.

also talks that next service change they will be taking the 26 away from port seton and introducing the 129 from port seton to silverknowes, no word if x26 will still run.

 

[backontrack]

also talks that next service change they will be taking the 26 away from port seton and introducing the 129 from port seton to silverknowes

Via Lochend and Ocean Terminal, like First used to do? Seems a bit rum if so...Cockenzie & Port Seton would lose the direct service to Edinburgh city centre!

 

[overthewater]

I do reckon that ECB is going to get busier
over 1000 new home to be built in haddington.
wallyfords also getting a considerable amount of new homes, although I am not sure how they plan to change the route to serve the new area.
26 and 113 will see a boost if company's get the go ahead for new housing at the top of tranent.

also talks that next service change they will be taking the 26 away from port seton and introducing the 129 from port seton to silverknowes, no word if x26 will still run.

Lothian has all those housing down at Wallygoul which only get a 26 which take far to long to get to Edinburgh out side the peaks. 26 needs completely revised.

Via Lochend and Ocean Terminal, like First used to do? Seems a bit rum if so...Cockenzie & Port Seton would lose the direct service to Edinburgh city centre!

No the the original 129 via Princess street.