Wellglade Group

[m79900]

Will we see some refurbished for the sixes in a few months.

Has this been confirmed? There's not that many availible anymore, and I'd heard ex Skylink MMCs as a possibility.

 

[Dwarfer1979]

For those who complain about the age of the buses, remember that in the days of high floor, vehicles stayed in service for often nearly 30 years. When many high floor buses were forced into an early retirement, operators got it in their heads that all vehicles should be replaced after 10-15 years and it seems like they are now realising again that there's no reason to replace perfectly sound vehicles just because of their reg. B7s are solid. They're built to last, so why would they be withdrawn?

Only after privatisation, it was that era that was the anomaly in terms of vehicle age not what followed or what went before. Pre-privatisation it was very unusual for any major operator to run vehicles older than about 12-years old on frontline services, the testing regime was different which drove this to some way (rather than an annual MOT you had periodic testing every set number of years, which was much more intensive than a modern MOT, with the interval between tests getting shorter as the bus got older so by 15 years old it wasn't worth it for the big operators) but that wasn't the only reason. Buses were generally considered to have a 15 year design life, though smaller operators could get more out with focussed TLC, but after privatisation where owners had spent their money on buying the businesses so they didn't have the cash to buy new buses for several years (& the state run businesses had slowed investment in the years before so replacement hadn't been keeping up) and so pushed buses to run longer and found that they could run longer than the manufacturers had designed them for. Now you tend to find operators are looking at 20 years as reasonable, lighter weight models may come off slightly earlier and heavier weight ones may go longer, though each model and vehicle is taken on their own merits rather than the hard and fast rules you had in the past though the risk is that vehicles tend to drop off a cliff quickly when it happens so pushing too far may run you into issues if you aren't ready. We had a big batch of Scanias, they were bullet proof up to about 18 years old, working our most intensive service, and suddenly the reliability dived and replacements had to be sourced. The other issue is that the interiors age in a manner the mechanicals don't, so you need a major refurb regularly (which Wellglade do but few others will spend on 15 year old vehicles) to keep up with what else is on the road otherwise the vehicles stand out as old even if they remain reliable which produces issues around customer attractiveness.

 

[derbybusdepot]

Has this been confirmed? There's not that many availible anymore, and I'd heard ex Skylink MMCs as a possibility.

No, and with not many available it seems unlikely. Would Volvos be better than e200s for sixes? One thing for sure is that the Versas need replacing on there, as they are quite unreliable and are a drain on resources at Meadow Rd, as well as damaging the brands reputation with the unreliability of the services.

Re x38, to compare fares see the attached. Note the arriva fares are valid on all services in Derby, Trent tickets are only valid on x38, villager and V3.

 

[Trainman40083]

No, and with not many available it seems unlikely. Would Volvos be better than e200s for sixes? One thing for sure is that the Versas need replacing on there, as they are quite unreliable and are a drain on resources at Meadow Rd, as well as damaging the brands reputation with the unreliability of the services.

Re x38, to compare fares see the attached. Note the arriva fares are valid on all services in Derby, Trent tickets are only valid on x38, villager and V3.

Hmm. Nice idea, Volvos on the Sixes. Today, I saw this Volvo 735, an Enviro 200MMC and the usual Solos 491/492.

 

[m79900]

Certainly the 6.1 needs heavyweight vehicles really, the others less so. Maybe they could just do the 4 Volvos for this and keep Versas on the 2,3,4, and X, or separate the .1 from the brand entirely.

 

[Trainman40083]

Certainly the 6.1 needs heavyweight vehicles really, the others less so. Maybe they could just do the 4 Volvos for this and keep Versas on the 2,3,4, and X, or separate the .1 from the brand entirely.

At the moment, the 6.1 runs onto the 6.4 then 6X.

 

[busspotter1]

Most new buses are now registered by the manufacturer. So ADLs are usually Sx (if built at Falkirk) or Yx (if Scarborough).It is still possible to register locally but very difficult.

Thanks - Is that a fact or theory?
E200 MMC's for TFL all pretty much have London registrations, and nearly all in Plymouth have the local WA/WX registration.

 

[Darcy685]

At the moment, the 6.1 runs onto the 6.4 then 6X.

At 1635 it then goes onto the 6.3 then the 6E

 

[m79900]

At the moment, the 6.1 runs onto the 6.4 then 6X.

But that could be amended with a timetable change fairly easily.

 

[YX73OUB]

Clocks are now beginning to return to the info screens onboard.

 

[overthewater]

I see from Social Media they had a launch display for the new X38 with Cakes and balloons. However there one thing that will make sure the customers keep coming back, that making sure the bus actually turns up.

 

[43055]

I see from Social Media they had a launch display for the new X38 with Cakes and balloons. However there one thing that will make sure the customers keep coming back, that making sure the bus actually turns up.

To be fair they have not been to bad of late. I have only noticed one missing journey on the villager in the last couple of months and that was because the bus was was used on the sixes the previous night so had to stay in Matlock and by 0730 is was back on the right route.

Noticed on the way home that the X38 stops in Derby have orange coming soon posters up.

 

[Trainman40083]

I see from Social Media they had a launch display for the new X38 with Cakes and balloons. However there one thing that will make sure the customers keep coming back, that making sure the bus actually turns up.

And there was I thinking they came for the doughnuts.

 

[Davidsb3]

721 all painted and vinyaled up at Meadow road this evening

 

[Deerfold]

I see from Social Media they had a launch display for the new X38 with Cakes and balloons. However there one thing that will make sure the customers keep coming back, that making sure the bus actually turns up.

You could have seen about that from earlier in this thread...

 

[38291018]

Noticed on the way home that the X38 stops in Derby have orange coming soon posters up.

I wonder if this will effect passenger numbers as some people (probably older generation) may be familiar with the green blue colour so may stick to what they know and wait for the arriva x38 instead of the new Trent orange Xprss38 although to be fair if they have posters everywhere most people should know.
Talking about posters and bus stops I found some guy selling some old trent bus stops (link below) and found it interesting how they always marketed there routes from very early on so they must saw it helped from a marketing perspective. Interesting to see how they used to look to how they are now and how they don't use the standard derbyshire bus stops instead of using there own to show there routes at each stop which i know they done for a long time and even had stickers on the old standard derbyshire ones. Then again i know other places have it aswell not just trent but I guess the way it's branded is just different ain't just a stop with a number as it's very vibrant.

Trent Barton Bus Stop for sale | eBay

Find great deals on eBay for Trent Barton Bus Stop. Shop with confidence.

www.ebay.co.uk

Edit: what's the plan with 732/33/34/42/45 when the buses are replaced and 727 will they all go to the new red or is there plans for them

 

[Trainman40083]

Has there been some form of incident on Uttoxeter New Road involving Mickleover Enviro 200MMC bus 315. It didn't seem to have moved for some time when I went past.

Has there been some form of incident on Uttoxeter New Road involving Mickleover Enviro 200MMC bus 315. It didn't seem to have moved for some time when I went past.

Turns out two cars crashed, trapping the bus on a section of road.

 

[YX73OUB]

216 is now painted and branded for indigo.

 

[trentbartonfan]

I’m guessing this will mean that 669 will be withdrawn soon?

 

[YX73OUB]

I’m guessing this will mean that 669 will be withdrawn soon?

Not sure about that following 125's untimely death.

 

[adrianjohnson]

Not sure about that following 125's untimely death.

There'll be some Volvos released when the X38 goes orange won't there? Could one of those replace 669?

 

[Omnidekkalover]

Seems that Notts and Derby e200 no.53 has made it to Alfreton 31 minutes late

 

[Trainman40083]

Seems that Notts and Derby e200 no.53 has made it to Alfreton 31 minutes late

Not surprised given the traffic on the route sometimes

 

[Teapot42]

Seems that Notts and Derby e200 no.53 has made it to Alfreton 31 minutes late

Station Road in Pilsley is closed - looks like they are going in to Pilsley to serve as much as they can, then turning round and using an alternative.

Same sort of issue that caused problems for Hulleys...

 

[YX73OUB]

regarding replacing 669 with a displaced
X38 Volvo

I believe this will be the case, but as we know with plans, they change!

 

[Omnidekkalover]

Refurbished X38 spec Volvos seemed to be tracking on X38 today

 

[YX73OUB]

Refurbished X38 spec Volvos seemed to be tracking on X38 today

Yes they also used one on the xprss38 night bus on the Saturday night, too.

 

[38291018]

What happening on the H1 at the moment all 6 buses are in heanor

Anyway was curious when is the kinch electrics due? Is there any due dates such as around August September times or is it still unknown except later this year?
And other than the MMC's which may go trentbarton or stay as kinch spares, will Nottsderby/TM travel get some more versas/solos/srs mabey even a few volvos?

 

[Edvid]

Anyway was curious when is the kinch electrics due? Is there any due dates such as around August September times or is it still unknown except later this year?

First 11 due in October, remaining 10 early next year. Confirmed as Yutongs (some of them E12s) according to the Leicester Mercury.

Rolling out green travel revolution

3 Mar 2025
By STAFF REPORTER

KINCHBUS has ordered 21 zero emission electric buses giving its passengers “front seat experience of the green transport revolution”.

The first 11 buses in the £8 million order will be plugged into the network in October, providing 100 per cent clean and green public transport on Kinchbus 2, 5, 9, 11 and 12 plus sprint.

The remaining 10 buses will arrive early 2026 with all existing diesel buses retired except those on the long distance skylink Derby service, which itself will see investment this year in 16 new ultra-low emission vehicles.

Tom Morgan, managing director at Kinchbus, said: “The order is a huge moment for Kinchbus and for the people of Loughborough.

“This really is a green new dawn for the town and its public transport.

“Loughborough – and the villages served by Kinchbus 2 and 9 – will enjoy one of the most electrified bus services of any town or city.

“The electric buses are quieter, smoother, more reliable and an all-round improvement for customers and their journeys.

“And our drivers are also looking forward to a great driving experience.”

Two electric models are arriving, the largest of which is 12 metres long and is powered by a 435kWh battery.

All are being built by Yutong and Kinchbus is working closely with the manufacturer and its UK importer Pelican Bus & Coach to set a new standard for customer comfort and convenience.

Features include the first cantilevered seats on a Yutong, USB C charging, air conditioning and extra leg room.

There will be low-floor entry and exit, and specially designed facilities for wheelchair users and buggies.

Bell pushes will be illuminated, and more screens will give next stop information, backed by audio announcements. For safety, the buses will have camera mirrors to boost blind spot and low light visibility.

At the same time, Kinchbus will be investing heavily in new infrastructure at its Swingbridge Road depot to support the new electric fleet.

Part of the funding for the new buses has come thanks to a successful joint bid with Leicestershire County Council for a government grant.

Kinchbus itself is investing £5 million in the project.

Electric buses were successfully trialled on sprint last year and received an enthusiastic welcome from customer and drivers alike.

Customers loved the quietness of the electric bus and drivers liked the smoothness of the vehicle.

Tom added: “We are resolutely committed to providing sustainable public transport of the highest quality and have always invested in the cleanest and greenest vehicles as they have emerged.

“Bringing 21 new electric buses to Kinchbus is a huge step forward and will give our customers and drivers – and our technicians who will support them – front seat experience of the green transport revolution.”

 

[Trainman40083]

What happening on the H1 at the moment all 6 buses are in heanor

Anyway was curious when is the kinch electrics due? Is there any due dates such as around August September times or is it still unknown except later this year?
And other than the MMC's which may go trentbarton or stay as kinch spares, will Nottsderby/TM travel get some more versas/solos/srs mabey even a few volvos?

Yesterday, former H1 Volvo 733 was on the jacks in A garage at Derby. So, if it went to Langley Mill, it has come back quickly. I could see some with Notts and Derby. With regards to buses leaving Kinchbus, I'd point out that only buses that are compliant in Sheffield would be likely to transfer to TM Travel. I guess Notts and Derby could use some to upgrade their fleet.