TfGM Bee Network - fleet discussion

[TheSmiths82]

The newest TEHs are 63 registrations, so presumably based on the 15 year limit we can expect them to be replaced in 2028. That means at the very least they will need the auto announcer screens and speakers installed and working, as that becomes legally required from October 2026.

Is that a legal requirement in the UK or just apart of the Bee Network contract? I assume it is Bee Network only otherwise I would have read more about it as bus companies will be panicking.

 

[Class 466]

The newest TEHs are 63 registrations, so presumably based on the 15 year limit we can expect them to be replaced in 2028. That means at the very least they will need the auto announcer screens and speakers installed and working, as that becomes legally required from October 2026.

There's a small newer batch of hybrids, E400 bodies on a Volvo B5LH chassis. Those are 15 registrations so could stay in service even longer, unless there is a desire to replace them for being nonstandard.

The 15 plate Hybrids are only here initially as 'Paint Float' vehicles to allow E400Hs off for repaint - however the delay in enough EVs and general Metroline farces hasn't seen the repainting start until last month.

 

[MCRTransitYT]

Is that a legal requirement in the UK or just apart of the Bee Network contract? I assume it is Bee Network only otherwise I would have read more about it as bus companies will be panicking.

Legal UK requirement. That's why all of diamonds and gnws streetdecks have announcements, aswell as some of the ex Diamond e200s, its something like buses from 2017 and younger, dont know the exact year, and it'll go in stages, so next could be 2013 and younger for example

 

[py_megapixel]

Is that a legal requirement in the UK or just apart of the Bee Network contract? I assume it is Bee Network only otherwise I would have read more about it as bus companies will be panicking.

Legal UK requirement. That's why all of diamonds and gnws streetdecks have announcements, aswell as some of the ex Diamond e200s, its something like buses from 2017 and younger, dont know the exact year, and it'll go in stages, so next could be 2013 and younger for example

Since October 2024 it's required on all buses introduced since 2019. From October 2025 it will be all buses introduced since 2014. Then finally from October 2026 it will be all buses introduced since 1973, so essentially every bus currently in service. The full name of the legislation is the "Public Service Vehicle Accessible Information Regulations", if you want to look up more information.

As for you not having heard of it - from travelling on the buses you'd think a lot of the operators hadn't either. Even in the current state where it only applies to a relatively small number of buses, non-compliance is very common across the industry. Certainly for the first few months of the requirements applying last year, the majority of buses I got on that it applied to were non-compliant, though things have improved a bit lately.

TfGM aren't compliant but they do seem to be visibly making a fairly concerted effort to get everything working, which doesn't seem to be the case everywhere in the country unfortunately.

 

[mayneway]

i thought the 15 plate hybrids were bought by TFGM? What’s the plan long term for them then?

With regards to the TEH’s, pretty sure I’ve seen comments online suggesting the plan long term is to have them as a schools fleet as Metroline want a complete ‘new’ vehicle fleet.

I note one of the 17 plate MMCs (10851 I think) has gone to Middleton as well

They’re all back at Queens now. 10851 was at Middleton on Saturday as it tracked on 171/172 but is back on freebus today.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Oh. They’ve painted a Enviro400 Hybrid into the Bee Network livery - much smarter - but left the hideous grubby Green interior... Surely it will eventually get an interior refurbishment? It’ll need passenger information screens at the very least - but ideally new seats too. Definitely grey covers at least.

Images show En400 Hybrid in Yellow.

 

[M60lad]

Went past Stonegravels (Stagecoach's Chesterfield) Depot on Saturday afternoon and noted an ex First E300 parked up and also I'm pretty sure a Bee Network Wright Urban B7, thought Stonegravels were only doing work for Stagecoach Manchester obviously they seem to be doing work for other Bee Network subsidies as well.

 

[Class 466]

36779 is also at Middleton - 3 Solos are out in use from Queens Road today alongside the Mellor Strata’s dispelling the idea that they’re covering for them.

 

[TheSmiths82]

Oh. They’ve painted a Enviro400 Hybrid into the Bee Network livery - much smarter - but left the hideous grubby Green interior... Surely it will eventually get an interior refurbishment? It’ll need passenger information screens at the very least - but ideally new seats too. Definitely grey covers at least.

Images show En400 Hybrid in Yellow.

As mentioned before by a few people different companies carry the repaint and the interior refurbs but they don't often get done at the same time. I am not sure how far they would go with an interior refresh on an old bus like this, but new seat covers, passenger information screens and a general tidyup/clean will probably be enough. Maybe the green can be resprayed?

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

As mentioned before by a few people different companies carry the repaint and the interior refurbs but they don't often get done at the same time. I am not sure how far they would go with an interior refresh on an old bus like this, but new seat covers, passenger information screens and a general tidyup/clean will probably be enough. Maybe the green can be resprayed?

The green moquette and the floor are just ghastly. A thorough clean will go a long way.

 

[Leyland Bus]

As mentioned before by a few people different companies carry the repaint and the interior refurbs but they don't often get done at the same time. I am not sure how far they would go with an interior refresh on an old bus like this, but new seat covers, passenger information screens and a general tidyup/clean will probably be enough. Maybe the green can be resprayed?

I have heard through the grape vine at work that Metroline have purchased their own spray booth and had it installed at Hyde Road (HE), so they may end up abit like Stagecoach, repaints done inhouse and the interior work outsourced and done at a different time.

 

[TheSmiths82]

I have heard through the grape vine at work that Metroline have purchased their own spray booth and had it installed at Hyde Road (HE), so they may end up abit like Stagecoach, repaints done inhouse and the interior work outsourced and done at a different time.

It would make sense if there is room, Metrolink can then do work for other operators too like Stagecoach did.

 

[mayneway]

I have heard through the grape vine at work that Metroline have purchased their own spray booth and had it installed at Hyde Road (HE), so they may end up abit like Stagecoach, repaints done inhouse and the interior work outsourced and done at a different time.

It was on the cards as the paint shop at Hyde road was previously badly damaged by fire last year when a golf buggy on charge set on fire.

 

[Bungle965]

golf buggy on charge set on fire.

Dare I ask why a Golf Buggy was on charge!?

 

[Leedsbusman]

Dare I ask why a Golf Buggy was on charge!?

Its battery may have been flat.

 

[Leyland Bus]

Dare I ask why a Golf Buggy was on charge!?

It was used by the cleaners from memory, to save them walking all the way round the depot for bin collections etc and happened to be charged in the paintshop. Perhaps not one of Stagecoach’s finest ideas!

Its battery may have been flat.

Top marks for effort!

 

[darylyates17]

Does anyone know whats happened to 11831? not been out since February according to bus times and its now the only one I still require of the Bee Network spec batch thats still in Manchester.

 

[Along the bay]

I saw one of the MMC hybrids working a number 85 (Chortlon - Piccadilly) service this morning at All Saints Park.

 

[Class 466]

I saw one of the MMC hybrids working a number 85 (Chortlon - Piccadilly) service this morning at All Saints Park.

A couple have moved to Sharston to cover for E400H repaints

48111/12s transfer to Queens is permanent (primarily for the 487) with 36779/80 moving to Middleton in return.

11514 appears to be doing a tour of the depots having gone from Queens to Oldham and now Middleton.

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

Someone at Metroline has a sense of humour!
(Photo shows a Volvo B9TL diesel at Piccadilly Gardens with "I'm electric" on the blind)

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Someone at Metroline has a sense of humour!
(Photo shows a Volvo B9TL diesel at Piccadilly Gardens with "I'm electric" on the blind)

Horrible buses, those.

 

[Andyh82]

Someone at Metroline has a sense of humour!
(Photo shows a Volvo B9TL diesel at Piccadilly Gardens with "I'm electric" on the blind)

Must be a standard display as I’ve seen that on exStagecoach old style enviros as well

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

Diamond North West operating Mellor Strata minibus 21229 (LN19 TYF) on route 87, tracking as e200 31435. 21229 was apparently used in Wolverhampton on Tuesday.
Photo shows it in Portland Street returning to garage after the 1853 arrival in Manchester City Centre, complete with paper route number blind in the window and Bee Network stickers

 

[mayneway]

Horrible buses, those.

What do you base that theory on?

Diamond North West operating Mellor Strata minibus 21229 (LN19 TYF) on route 87, tracking as e200 31435. 21229 was apparently used in Wolverhampton on Tuesday.
Photo shows it in Portland Street returning to garage after the 1853 arrival in Manchester City Centre, complete with paper route number blind in the window and Bee Network stickers

They were supposedly waiting for more mellors off TFGM (potentially the 4 from Stagecoach), interesting they have shipped their own in.

 

[darylyates17]

What do you base that theory on?


They were supposedly waiting for more mellors off TFGM (potentially the 4 from Stagecoach), interesting they have shipped their own in.

Bit short with the 2 white MMCs going to Preston.

 

[G760XRE]

Two withdrawn Stgaecoach Bee Network Scania Omincities have turned up at Potteries Adderley Green depot. Unsure if these are going to be sent to Ensign eventually?

First Potteries Depot

Right to left. 33700 SN12AHF. First Leicester E400. Here for repaint 15396 YT59RYK Scania OmniCity Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown. 33695 SN12AGZ First Leicester E400. Here for repaint. 15389 YT59DYX Scania Omnicity Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown 35950 BN72TUY Potteries...

www.flickr.com

First Potteries Depot

Non Potteries vehicles on site 26.4.25. 44607 YX14RUU First Worcester for repaint. 15396 YT59RYK Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown. 33695 SN12AGZ First Leicester E400. For repaint. 15389 YT59DYX Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown Plus Potteries native 35950 BN72TUY.

www.flickr.com

 

[MCRTransitYT]

Two withdrawn Stgaecoach Bee Network Scania Omincities have turned up at Potteries Adderley Green depot. Unsure if these are going to be sent to Ensign eventually?

First Potteries Depot

Right to left. 33700 SN12AHF. First Leicester E400. Here for repaint 15396 YT59RYK Scania OmniCity Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown. 33695 SN12AGZ First Leicester E400. Here for repaint. 15389 YT59DYX Scania Omnicity Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown 35950 BN72TUY Potteries...

www.flickr.com

First Potteries Depot

Non Potteries vehicles on site 26.4.25. 44607 YX14RUU First Worcester for repaint. 15396 YT59RYK Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown. 33695 SN12AGZ First Leicester E400. For repaint. 15389 YT59DYX Ex Stagecoach Bee Network. Reason unknown Plus Potteries native 35950 BN72TUY.

www.flickr.com

Yes, there was a post quite recently on ensigns fb page, advertising 20 yellow omnicities being available soon

 

[Class 466]

What do you base that theory on?


They were supposedly waiting for more mellors off TFGM (potentially the 4 from Stagecoach), interesting they have shipped their own in.

I mean from a passenger perspective the B9s are dreadful because of the lack of upkeep or any kind of refurb, and the engine chugging is particularly unpleasant and annoyingly loud.

 

[mayneway]

I mean from a passenger perspective the B9s are dreadful because of the lack of upkeep or any kind of refurb, and the engine chugging is particularly unpleasant and annoyingly loud.

They don’t look the best but from a drivers point of view they are one of the nicest buses I’ve driven.
Ironically when they moved over to Hyde road I believe everyone was dreading them but a lot of drivers prefer them over the newer stuff.

 

[Leyland Bus]

I mean from a passenger perspective the B9s are dreadful because of the lack of upkeep or any kind of refurb, and the engine chugging is particularly unpleasant and annoyingly loud.

Whilst I'd agree the ones with stuck fans are quite noisy, the actual engine noise isn't any louder than any other diesel buses and from seeing them every day in the city centre, they're well laden when operating, so folk can't be that bothered about them...

Fine if you don't personally like them but I very much doubt the average traveller is bothered aslong as it turns up and is reasonably to time...

Whilst on the subject of stuck fans, I find it quite comical how many of the fairly new Metroline StreetDecks have the same issue!!