This screen has been available for a while, although the code isn’t well known. This would generally be used for photoshoot purposes, just like the “Lothian” screen which is often used.
841-850 don't seem to feel 18 years old. They appear very reliable. I've noticed 443 I think it was not sounding too healthy on the X27 or X28 the other day. I doubt that 441-465 will last as long as 841-850.
They were heavily refurbished in 2018, which helps quite a lot. I don't think they'd feel that young if they still had their harlequin interiors.
Engine wise they tend to be coping fine though especially with long distance work.
Have had a few of the 841-850 series on 72's and X19's recently and they are still perfectly up for the job imo. The main problem with the B5TL's is the ride quality: the rattles and shakes are something else - areas like the grey panelling directly at the top of the stairs on the upper deck and the roof panelling. Was surprised 444 was still in service last month, it was rattling so badly (since seems a bit better), and 441 is another bone-shaker.
They would be silly to get rid of them before their time if they are still reliable. They will do well as school vehicles as well move sold on.
First week of April, should be aligned with the tour buses.
Been told Spring - and also just largely timetable updates and not to expect anything majorly exciting just a few tweaks.
They don’t currently have the spare vehicles or staff to make any substantial changes. Recruitment is currently frozen except the bare minimum requirements as driver levels are at their full quotas.
Not sure I totally follow.
@overthewater is meaning that it seems odd that Lothian are unwilling to take a risk in providing a better network for West Lothian, (as reality is, the current one is pathetic whether it makes money or not) but they were happy to launch a new service to compete against an existing one especially considering a previous attempt failed.
I have noticed more people using it recently but barely enough to even fill a small single decker. Hopefully it picks up more in time. If they extended the £2 fare there then I think it may pick up more.
West Lothian used to have a great service before Lothian pushed their way in to take over the services. Where once it was a 15/30 minute frequency with busy buses. it is now an hourly frequency with a lot of places not covered and connections between towns and villages lost. Only good service is the X27/X28. They may have won the battle for West Lothian, but the public has lost. Traffic is now horrendous especially around Livingston. You also hear of full buses and leaving passengers behind to wait another hour for the next bus.
West Lothian is a classic case of "be careful what you wish for." The passengers wanted First and then McGills out - or so the media would have had you believe - and got their wish. However, what's now on offer from Lothian Country is nowhere near as extensive as previously and it's obvious that they've learned nothing from the EX1, EX2 and X38 debacles with the X19.
Exactly, the service with First was much better than what there is now. Too many people jump to conclusions with First and sometimes it's warranted but they generally operated a decent service overall.
How many re powers are now completed?
2 with another 3 in progress.
I saw this today and it seems very smart. The announcements are good too but only thing I'll say is that it doesn't announce the stops until the bus is just about at the stop so it's not very good for those who don't know the area well.
Immediately prior to Covid when Lothian Country were promoting their X38, the plan was to run N43 journeys back into the city centre via Kirkliston and the A8. However if few people in Kirkliston and Winchburgh are now using the daytime X19 there's little point in running the N43 beyond Queensferry. I imagine it would revert to terminating at Borrowman Square at weekends and run light back to the depot like any other 43.
