cnjb8
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It was bound to happen to be honest.
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TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
To be fair, most companies tend not to answer such queries on twitter or FB. PR people would generally advise against it.
Yeah, nothing big since that strangely ill-advised Manchester CityZap excursion. Perhaps they are better off sorting out the issues that they have with the existing operations.
That said, there's not many operators who aren't cutting services at the moment, not least the wave of measures now hitting First West Yorkshire having already pared back their remaining Greater Manchester operations. Still, we've an election on and every party will spend on bus services so all's ok....
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
I carried out my threat and decided to have a day out on Transdev's Lancashire operations (though I'd put it here rather than the Rosso thread) on Saturday and thought I'd share my observations/opinions FWIW on them, and some wider observations. Hopefully, it's of interest and provides a balanced view.
I'd had a night socialising so it wasn't an early start, arriving in Bury and parking the car at about 10:15. It was a short stroll to the Bury Interchange, which feels like it's caught in a timewarp. TfGM have spent some time building new bus stations in Wigan and Bolton plus the new Rochdale Interchange so this looks decidedly 1980s. Still, I was able to get a very nice array of Transdev leaflets and made my way to catch the soon to disappear Red4. The vehicle was 1868, one of the ex CityZap machines. It was impressive (and the internal marketing was good) but I wasn't impressed. I wasn't keen on the seats, and it was too opulent, confirming my thoughts in that all the good stuff is just wasted on service where the average journey time is c.10-15 mins. There were other gripes like the timetable booklet. Whilst the Red4 times hadn't changed, the connecting journeys showing the Red Express obviously have with the halving of the frequency. Given that they show links to Manchester that would be more sensible by heading to Bury and getting the tram, you question why do it? However, the worst aspect of the journey was the ride quality. The road surface isn't good but it was the worst trip on a Wright Eclipse I have ever had. Rattles and bodywork flexing - really bad. I was checking out the services into Bury and whilst Diamond's ex First Eclipses were half full, it was a handful on the Red4. It's overbussed, and the Red4 offers something different but it feels like "feature dumping" for vehicles that needed a home.
Into a cold drizzly Rammy and then onto the X41 to Accrington. The Red Express duly arrived with B7TL 3604. Loadings weren't exactly great but I was heading North so they wouldn't be. These machines have been worked hard but this seemed to handle things ok. It was fine but I did begin to wonder if the Red Express branding was any improvement on the old Lancashire Way; it just seems a bit vanilla and a rare false step from Mr Stenning. We arrived at Accy bus station and this is another thing that gets me. I think passengers should have decent places to wait for buses, not just a few bus shelters located at a train station on the periphery of the town because they do that in Holland. However, this just seemed massive and over-specced, tucked away down some back alley. Lancashire CC seem obsessed with them - see the new Rawtenstall facility).
I wandered off to grab a sandwich and then got back for the M1 Mainline to Burnley. It was 245, one of the Versas allocated to it; I'm not a fan of Versas and thought this might be a bit underpowered. However, I have to say it was fine. The heating certainly worked, it was comfortable, and it was superbly appointed internally. Really couldn't complain. We arrived into Burnley and had time for lunch and a lurk. Saw one of the old B10BLEs (1072) and I know it's a criticism often brought up about their age. Can't say about the ride quality but the internal and external presentation for such an old machine was exceptional. That said, another criticism is the number of vehicles in old liveries and yes, that was evident. It may be a work in progress but whilst the WitchWay and Mainline looks good, the consistency elsewhere is a bit lacking.
It was time to head south so it was a WitchWay B9 in 2779, and one of my favourite trips as we belted up out of Burnley and past Clowbridge Reservoir. Always a good thrash. Mind you, not all good. We were running in tandem with another X43 so leapfrogging each other and that it was a B7TL.... You'd hope that perhaps a full new fleet for the WW is now due? I got off at Rawtenstall bus station and the B9 stood time to let the B7 get away so some common sense there. This is still being fitted out and finished off but had recently opened. That the enquiry kiosk is manned at all, let alone a Saturday, is impressive though the lady there was not exactly overburdened with enquiries. Now, the old bus station was horrendous and needed replacement but this just seems OTT. Also, it was noticeable that aside from the constant Witchways and the 464.... it's all a bit quiet now. I got the 464 (running late) with Versa 290 and again, very impressed. Service reliability seemed a bit iffy but, in fairness to Transdev, it was really bad with traffic through Waterfoot. I exited at Bacup and saw the Christmas fayre - what a depressed and depressing place Bacup is. There's some good shops and cafes and people but it looks very down at heel otherwise.
Next bus was the 7 to Todmorden and I was glad to get this one as I'd never done it before. What a great little trip over the top it is - glad I did it. It was 2784, one of the Rosso ex Arriva London B7TLs. I'd heard one earlier sounding like a jet taking off but this was a bit better. However, you see the interior (yes, a light refurb) but it shows how Rosso were working to a tight budget in later years. However, the journey was lovely as the light faded and we left Lancashire for Gods Own County, and dropped into Tod. Noticeably, it's a lot more vibrant than in Bacup despite them being similarly sized. We arrived in the bus station at Tod (functional but not bad) and I decided that I'd pay my way next and got a single to Littleborough on First's 590 operated by B9 37124. What I did notice was the hotch potch of First vehicles - some B9s, some B7RLEs 05, 09 or 13 plate and the odd one branded as Calder Connect. It's a mess and you wonder why First West Yorkshire can't allocate a consistent set of decent branded vehicles onto the routes and perhaps that might help stave off the cuts that are coming. 37124 was competent but with frayed, faded seats - it infuriates me when you see First not focus on developing routes that they could really foster!
Into Littleborough and then a short wait for the Transdev's Lakeline and Streetlite 613 to do the 458. I could've caught the quicker 457 but I fancied a longer ride. This was one of the last new Rosso vehicles and whilst the moquette was a bit naff....it was actually a decent ride. None of the tell tale transmission jerks from badly set up vehicles, much nicer than my Red4 Eclipse. The external and internal marketing is superb. Into Rochdale Interchange though I'm surprised that the interchange is across the road from the tram stop.... couldn't it have been integrated? However, a minor gripe as it's much better than the old place and good to see investment going into the town on a wider basis. Last bus was Transdev's Trax 467, again with a Streetlite in 606. Again, a decent machine and not bad loadings for 5pm on a Saturday and again, the internal presentation was excellent.
All in all, a good day. Transdev, when they get it right, do a good job. I don't agree with the posters personal (or not) issues with Alex Hornby but I can see some of the issues in areas such as fleet replacement, vehicles in numerous old liveries (e.g. Coastliner) and some of the promo stuff is perhaps at the expense of product (and one doesn't work without the other). However, it's good to see Transdev trying to market their services actively, in marked comparison with First and Diamond, and much of the criticism that comes from people seems odd - jeez, we only have to see First, Arriva or Diamond are. Hope this is of interest, representing my last big trip out of the year.
I'd had a night socialising so it wasn't an early start, arriving in Bury and parking the car at about 10:15. It was a short stroll to the Bury Interchange, which feels like it's caught in a timewarp. TfGM have spent some time building new bus stations in Wigan and Bolton plus the new Rochdale Interchange so this looks decidedly 1980s. Still, I was able to get a very nice array of Transdev leaflets and made my way to catch the soon to disappear Red4. The vehicle was 1868, one of the ex CityZap machines. It was impressive (and the internal marketing was good) but I wasn't impressed. I wasn't keen on the seats, and it was too opulent, confirming my thoughts in that all the good stuff is just wasted on service where the average journey time is c.10-15 mins. There were other gripes like the timetable booklet. Whilst the Red4 times hadn't changed, the connecting journeys showing the Red Express obviously have with the halving of the frequency. Given that they show links to Manchester that would be more sensible by heading to Bury and getting the tram, you question why do it? However, the worst aspect of the journey was the ride quality. The road surface isn't good but it was the worst trip on a Wright Eclipse I have ever had. Rattles and bodywork flexing - really bad. I was checking out the services into Bury and whilst Diamond's ex First Eclipses were half full, it was a handful on the Red4. It's overbussed, and the Red4 offers something different but it feels like "feature dumping" for vehicles that needed a home.
Into a cold drizzly Rammy and then onto the X41 to Accrington. The Red Express duly arrived with B7TL 3604. Loadings weren't exactly great but I was heading North so they wouldn't be. These machines have been worked hard but this seemed to handle things ok. It was fine but I did begin to wonder if the Red Express branding was any improvement on the old Lancashire Way; it just seems a bit vanilla and a rare false step from Mr Stenning. We arrived at Accy bus station and this is another thing that gets me. I think passengers should have decent places to wait for buses, not just a few bus shelters located at a train station on the periphery of the town because they do that in Holland. However, this just seemed massive and over-specced, tucked away down some back alley. Lancashire CC seem obsessed with them - see the new Rawtenstall facility).
I wandered off to grab a sandwich and then got back for the M1 Mainline to Burnley. It was 245, one of the Versas allocated to it; I'm not a fan of Versas and thought this might be a bit underpowered. However, I have to say it was fine. The heating certainly worked, it was comfortable, and it was superbly appointed internally. Really couldn't complain. We arrived into Burnley and had time for lunch and a lurk. Saw one of the old B10BLEs (1072) and I know it's a criticism often brought up about their age. Can't say about the ride quality but the internal and external presentation for such an old machine was exceptional. That said, another criticism is the number of vehicles in old liveries and yes, that was evident. It may be a work in progress but whilst the WitchWay and Mainline looks good, the consistency elsewhere is a bit lacking.
It was time to head south so it was a WitchWay B9 in 2779, and one of my favourite trips as we belted up out of Burnley and past Clowbridge Reservoir. Always a good thrash. Mind you, not all good. We were running in tandem with another X43 so leapfrogging each other and that it was a B7TL.... You'd hope that perhaps a full new fleet for the WW is now due? I got off at Rawtenstall bus station and the B9 stood time to let the B7 get away so some common sense there. This is still being fitted out and finished off but had recently opened. That the enquiry kiosk is manned at all, let alone a Saturday, is impressive though the lady there was not exactly overburdened with enquiries. Now, the old bus station was horrendous and needed replacement but this just seems OTT. Also, it was noticeable that aside from the constant Witchways and the 464.... it's all a bit quiet now. I got the 464 (running late) with Versa 290 and again, very impressed. Service reliability seemed a bit iffy but, in fairness to Transdev, it was really bad with traffic through Waterfoot. I exited at Bacup and saw the Christmas fayre - what a depressed and depressing place Bacup is. There's some good shops and cafes and people but it looks very down at heel otherwise.
Next bus was the 7 to Todmorden and I was glad to get this one as I'd never done it before. What a great little trip over the top it is - glad I did it. It was 2784, one of the Rosso ex Arriva London B7TLs. I'd heard one earlier sounding like a jet taking off but this was a bit better. However, you see the interior (yes, a light refurb) but it shows how Rosso were working to a tight budget in later years. However, the journey was lovely as the light faded and we left Lancashire for Gods Own County, and dropped into Tod. Noticeably, it's a lot more vibrant than in Bacup despite them being similarly sized. We arrived in the bus station at Tod (functional but not bad) and I decided that I'd pay my way next and got a single to Littleborough on First's 590 operated by B9 37124. What I did notice was the hotch potch of First vehicles - some B9s, some B7RLEs 05, 09 or 13 plate and the odd one branded as Calder Connect. It's a mess and you wonder why First West Yorkshire can't allocate a consistent set of decent branded vehicles onto the routes and perhaps that might help stave off the cuts that are coming. 37124 was competent but with frayed, faded seats - it infuriates me when you see First not focus on developing routes that they could really foster!
Into Littleborough and then a short wait for the Transdev's Lakeline and Streetlite 613 to do the 458. I could've caught the quicker 457 but I fancied a longer ride. This was one of the last new Rosso vehicles and whilst the moquette was a bit naff....it was actually a decent ride. None of the tell tale transmission jerks from badly set up vehicles, much nicer than my Red4 Eclipse. The external and internal marketing is superb. Into Rochdale Interchange though I'm surprised that the interchange is across the road from the tram stop.... couldn't it have been integrated? However, a minor gripe as it's much better than the old place and good to see investment going into the town on a wider basis. Last bus was Transdev's Trax 467, again with a Streetlite in 606. Again, a decent machine and not bad loadings for 5pm on a Saturday and again, the internal presentation was excellent.
All in all, a good day. Transdev, when they get it right, do a good job. I don't agree with the posters personal (or not) issues with Alex Hornby but I can see some of the issues in areas such as fleet replacement, vehicles in numerous old liveries (e.g. Coastliner) and some of the promo stuff is perhaps at the expense of product (and one doesn't work without the other). However, it's good to see Transdev trying to market their services actively, in marked comparison with First and Diamond, and much of the criticism that comes from people seems odd - jeez, we only have to see First, Arriva or Diamond are. Hope this is of interest, representing my last big trip out of the year.
Another good balanced review, which I think paints a fair picture of Transdev operations.
overthewater
Established Member
- Joined
- 16 Apr 2012
- Messages
- 8,176
The grass isn't greener on the other side.
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/18082774.letter-disappointed-diamond-buses/
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/18082774.letter-disappointed-diamond-buses/
Transdev are replacing the buses on the Bolton to Blackburn route. Notably, they have double glazing.
https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/blackburn/upgrade-your-ride
"no more misted-up mornings"
Obviously double-glazing is a welcome development. They admit that having misted-up windows is undesirable, despite a lot of people (on here at least) who don't seem to think that it is important. But the vast majority of their other passengers still have to have their windows fogged up, so what about them?
https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/blackburn/upgrade-your-ride
"no more misted-up mornings"
Obviously double-glazing is a welcome development. They admit that having misted-up windows is undesirable, despite a lot of people (on here at least) who don't seem to think that it is important. But the vast majority of their other passengers still have to have their windows fogged up, so what about them?
Alexbus12
Member
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- 387
Does anyone know if there is much of a capacity difference between these and the current B7s which run the service?
cnjb8
Established Member
No, I think it will be the same. ADL have produced MMCs with 45 seats for NatEx West Midlands.
Stan Drews
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- 5 Jun 2013
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- 1,578
Double glazed windows have been a Transdev standard on new buses for a number of years, so there are many of their other passengers already benefiting from ‘fog free’ windows.
RustySpoons
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The Y-HRN B10BLEs that were new back in 2001 are all double glazed too...
According to the teasers from AH these new buses for 'The 1' are game changers with some 'never seen before in the industry' kit on them... I can only assume that whatever it is will be a surprise as so far they seem to be standard Transdev spec - don't get me wrong though, this is no bad thing, but it will be disappointing considering the hype that he's been building up around them.
Stan Drews
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I think most depots have received batches of new buses over the last few years, albeit in varying quantities, so the proportions will differ.
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
The stuff bought on spec (stuff like the StreetLites) doesn’t but otherwise, the Transdev have bought a higher spec.
Of course, some people aren’t happy unless it absolutely has 2 or 3 doors, is left hand drive, is heavyweight, and is in another country.
They have announced the free Sunday Electric services in Harrogate are to continue through January despite not having a sponsor- they are expecting to have a sponsor lined up from February https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/harrogate/its-gift-sundayfreeway-continues-2020
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RustySpoons
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I wonder if passenger numbers have increased significantly on Monday - Saturday journeys too?
aswilliamsuk
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- 10 Jul 2016
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- 173
Relevant Twitter feeds have trumpeted an 11% increase in passenger numbers on the Harrogate town network, so clearly something is working.
Photos emerging show them to have blue LED lights along their sides above window level; I assume their is more than just that gimmick to them.
317 forever
Established Member
As indicated in post 93, the new Rawtenstall bus station opened recently, on November 24th.
Dallamlad
Established Member
I don't suppose anyone has any idea what's going to happen to the Red Express/Red4 fleets?
Not sure if the B7RLE's are leased or not and I assume they'll get rid of the deckers as they are old and tired.
Not sure if the B7RLE's are leased or not and I assume they'll get rid of the deckers as they are old and tired.
RustySpoons
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The RedEx fleet is pretty knackered so I was expecting them to be retired from service but there are apparently future plans for some of them. Not sure what this is yet, as nothing else has been said. I can't see anywhere within Transdev where they'd be considered an upgrade or worthwhile addition though.
The Red4's were bought when the lease ended, along with the rest of the ex-Mainline batch. They'll more than likely see service elsewhere.
There's also another article in the local paper regarding the RedEx withdrawal.
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co....etition-urging-transdev-save-x41-bus-service/
Think this is the third time the Lancashire Telegraph have reported it. Apparently Alex Hornby is having meetings with councillors and MPs, but going off his replies on Twitter to [rightly] angry commuters it's pretty obvious it won't be coming back.
The Red4's were bought when the lease ended, along with the rest of the ex-Mainline batch. They'll more than likely see service elsewhere.
There's also another article in the local paper regarding the RedEx withdrawal.
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co....etition-urging-transdev-save-x41-bus-service/
Think this is the third time the Lancashire Telegraph have reported it. Apparently Alex Hornby is having meetings with councillors and MPs, but going off his replies on Twitter to [rightly] angry commuters it's pretty obvious it won't be coming back.
Dallamlad
Established Member
Great thank you.
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Given the age of some other deckers, I’d have been surprised to see these go. As for the Eclipses, plenty of homes for those.
RustySpoons
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One of the new buses for Blackburn's '1' was on public display today, ahead of the whole batch entering service tomorrow.
https://flic.kr/p/2igBkXg
Decent looking bus, standard Transdev spec. Not game changing though, and nothing that hasn't been seen elsewhere in the industry. Disappointingly over-hyped.
https://flic.kr/p/2igBkXg
Decent looking bus, standard Transdev spec. Not game changing though, and nothing that hasn't been seen elsewhere in the industry. Disappointingly over-hyped.
Looks like the same spec as the 'flying tiger' examples delivered to yorkshire tiger.
Nothing new with transdev over hyping
RustySpoons
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Not at all. But if you're making claims that something is game changing and it features things that have never been seen before in the industry, then when it's launched it turns out it's pretty much the same spec as every other new bus in the fleet and brings nothing new to the industry at all, would you not find that annoying?
Just want to point out that for me there's absolutely nothing wrong with the bus, or the way it's specced, but it is very disappointing that it doesn't live up to the expectation that was created for it.
White dealer stock may be more reliable! Might not get as many cancellations on the 7 due to a 'bus issue'
Perhaps the average punter in Blackburn and Darwen don't follow every bus launch as closely as you and the bus company just wants to advertise its new vehicles. If it gets a few more cars off the road and a few more people on to the buses is it such a bad thing to try and promote an improved service?