West Coast Motors & Borders Buses

[roadierway77]

Does today's launch in Ayr of the first pair of a 25 Bolvo BZL order (and 2 additional Enviro200EVs) for Stagecoach West Scotland seem a bit contradictory to sale rumours?

Stagecoach definitely seem more invested in some areas than others so in my opinion a complete sale seems unlikely, however it's possible that if WCM are interested in expanding they could go for the depots Stagecoach seem less interested in such as Ardrossan and Cumbernauld. But even then I'd say it's more likely that McGill’s would go for these than WCM.

Anyway, it's of course interesting to speculate, but at the moment WCM seem to be pretty happy as they are.

 

[AndrewTaylor95]

Stagecoach definitely seem more invested in some areas than others so in my opinion a complete sale seems unlikely, however it's possible that if WCM are interested in expanding they could go for the depots Stagecoach seem less interested in such as Ardrossan and Cumbernauld. But even then I'd say it's more likely that McGill’s would go for these than WCM.

Anyway, it's of course interesting to speculate, but at the moment WCM seem to be pretty happy as they are.

I wouldn't say Cumbernauld considering they have the Citylink work for Aberdeen and Inverness there and the X19 and X25 seem profitable routes too plus they now have an SPT tender 343 service that basically replaces the X28 for connecting to the X25 at the Town Centre in Cumbernauld

 

[GusB]

We're getting off-topic now. As I said in my previous post, until we have any actual evidence that West Coast Motors have interest in Stagecoach's western operations, let's stop the speculation here.

 

[Surreyman]

And YX72OMK.

Just seen a photo, they look longer than the standard 10.9m, assume they are the 11.5m spec?

 

[WestieBus]

WCM just released a post in new art style, although it is for Women's Day, could this possibly hint a new livery? https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=922257332434129&set=a.500107001315833&locale=en_GB

 

[KGGXXXY]

WCM just released a post in new art style, although it is for Women's Day, could this possibly hint a new livery? https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=922257332434129&set=a.500107001315833&locale=en_GB View attachment 130509

Doubt it seen a few posts online using the same style see below, after a quick google. taken from https://noc.ac.uk/news/celebrating-international-womens-day

 

[WestieBus]

https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/west-coast-motors-makes-it-seven-with-new-cityline/

West Coast Motors has ordered 10 EVM Citylines. It's already on it's 7th one. Three of them are already in service.

West Coast Motors has received its seventh new EVM Cityline based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VS30. The veihcle was delivered before the operator was due to receive another three Citylines, taking its total to ten.

The minicoach is fitted with a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission, as well as Masats double-leaf, rapid-sliding passenger doors and a Masats fold-out ramp for wheelchair access. There is additional full-length tracking on low floor areas, a luggage dropcage is built in the ticket machine mount, a Hanover front destination board, an Auto Clima RT120 12kW Saloon air-conditioning system, Vehtec Convector heaters, wood-effect Tarabus non-slip flooring and 16 Sege Narrow 3040 seats trimmed in E-Leather with additional padding and full plastic backs. Each aisle has USB’s fitted for each passenger. A Mercedes-Benz Pro with comms module takes care of entertainment onboard, where there are also saloon speakers integrated into roof. The vehicle’s reversing camera has a seven-inch display.

 

[Scotrail314209]

Spent a day on Borders Buses today. I liked how they have a relatively young fleet. The tables on the MMCs are pretty good and the wireless charging is also reliable (unlike Citylink where it never seems to work)

We were consistently early on the X62 and 253, and the vehicles were immaculate.

 

[scosutsut]

Spent a day on Borders Buses today. I liked how they have a relatively young fleet. The tables on the MMCs are pretty good and the wireless charging is also reliable (unlike Citylink where it never seems to work)

We were consistently early on the X62 and 253, and the vehicles were immaculate.

I must say the only real negative thing I can say against the E200 MMCs on the 253 is the racket they make at full pelt on the A1. They sound like they are screaming for their lives compared to East Coast's B8RLEs which sound much less stressed at full speed.

 

[Scotrail314209]

I must say the only real negative thing I can say against the E200 MMCs on the 253 is the racket they make at full pelt on the A1. They sound like they are screaming for their lives compared to East Coast's B8RLEs which sound much less stressed at full speed.

That’s true. The MMCs can certainly shift though!

 

[scosutsut]

That’s true. The MMCs can certainly shift though!

That's is also true!

 

[route101]

Spent a day on Borders Buses today. I liked how they have a relatively young fleet. The tables on the MMCs are pretty good and the wireless charging is also reliable (unlike Citylink where it never seems to work)

We were consistently early on the X62 and 253, and the vehicles were immaculate.

Some good routes down that way. As for wireless charging, do you need a certain type of phone to charge? I couldn't get mine to work.

 

[WestieBus]

Borders Buses is commencing a new 777 Galashiels-Melrose route, was expecting it to be an airport route at first when I saw "shuttle" but looks like its not and for rugby games. https://www.bordersbuses.co.uk/melrose-7s

Melrose 7s​

3 weeks ago Fri 10th Mar 2023

Service 777 will operate on Friday 07 April and Saturday 08 April 2023 with regular shuttles throughout the day and night!
It's a flat fare of £2 and tickets are available on the day from your driver with cash or contactless.
Concession cards welcome!
Under 22s with valid free travel product on Young Scot/NEC card welcome!




Use our journey planner or download the Borders Buses app.

 

[AndrewTaylor95]

Borders Buses is commencing a new 777 Galashiels-Melrose route, was expecting it to be an airport route at first when I saw "shuttle" but looks like its not and for rugby games. https://www.bordersbuses.co.uk/melrose-7s

They've run this before. It's not new.

 

[JKP]

They've ran this before it's not new

And First ran a similar service before Borders Buses.

 

[WestieBus]

A lot of ex-City Sightseeing vehicles are now operating in Argyll according to bustimes.org. I'm guessing this means the electric Streetdecks have arrived. Does anyone know if the older City Sightseeing vehicles have been reroofed/repainted?

 

[Volvodart]

They were not expected until July 2023 according to the article below:-

https://www.route-one.net/news/open-top-streetdeck-electroliner-fleet-for-glasgow/

West Coast Motors has ordered 10 open-top Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner battery-electric double-deckers for the City Sightseeing Glasgow tour.

With entry into service of the StreetDeck Electroliner open-top fleet – expected in July 2023 – the City Sightseeing Glasgow service will be converted to zero-emission in its entirety. The deal is among the first globally for zero-emission buses for use on City Sightseeing duties.

Currently in build at the Wrightbus plant in Ballymena, the buses will be 78-seaters with USB charging points and multilingual audio commentary. Each will have 454kW/h of energy storage to deliver a range of up to 200 miles.

 

[Strathclyder]

A lot of ex-City Sightseeing vehicles are now operating in Argyll according to bustimes.org. I'm guessing this means the electric Streetdecks have arrived. Does anyone know if the older City Sightseeing vehicles have been reroofed/repainted?

Vehicles from the City Sightseeing fleet have found themselves working in other parts of the network more than once, same with the former Glasgow Citybus fleet (it was a lot more noticeable when the latter still had it's own distinct livery). I suspect - though I may be completely wrong - that a few of those vehicles will head back to Glasgow to operate the increased services until the Electroliners arrive in July and even after that, I would be surprised if a few didn't get retained as spares/backups until the 'Liners fully bed in. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how things pan out as opposed to idle speculation like mine lol

 

[scosutsut]

Borders Buses have put up fares on average by 10% as of yesterday, also simultaneously removing a lot of the good value mobile tickets (like the £2.53 single between Dunbar and Edinburgh which I will personally miss as it was outrageous value compared to ECB charging up to £5 for the same journey!)

Fares review - 01 May

In light of increased operating costs, we have been left with no alternative than to introduce a fares increase of circa 10%.

www.bordersbuses.co.uk

In light of increased operating costs, we have been left with no alternative than to introduce a fares increase of circa 10%. The new ticket prices will be introduced from Monday 01 May 2023.

Our mobile app ticket, which offers travel across our full network, will continue to represent excellent value for money. New prices include:

Borderless Single £5.80

Borderless 24 Hr £10.15

Borderless 24 Hr two people £20.30

Borderless 3-Day Bundle £27.25

Borderless 5-Day Bundle £44

Borderless Weekly £50.80

This 10% increase also includes our Pingo service operating in the Berwickshire area.

To buy your mobile tickets download the Borders Buses app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

For all customers, living in Scotland, under the age of 22 and over the age of 60, bus travel is free on all our buses

Click to access free bus travel.

Please note that under 22 free travel does not apply to our routes in England and concessionary free travel will apply when you reach state pension age in England.

 

[JKP]

Borders Buses 51 to return to Edinburgh Bus Station from 15th May. There is also a new app ticket for East Lothian.

 

[DunsBus]

Borders Buses 51 to return to Edinburgh Bus Station from 15th May. There is also a new app ticket for East Lothian.

Also, as of this week the Berwickshire Pingo DRT service has been extended to cover Berwick railway station.

 

[JKP]

Also, as of this week the Berwickshire Pingo DRT service has been extended to cover Berwick railway station.

At last, somebody has seen sense. The only worrying aspect of this development is that one has to assume that later evening cross Border bus services on the 60 etc, are unlikely to resume anytime soon, if ever.

 

[DunsBus]

At last, somebody has seen sense. The only worrying aspect of this development is that one has to assume that later evening cross Border bus services on the 60 etc, are unlikely to resume anytime soon, if ever.

If the later evening buses had been restored, it would have been long before now. I very much suspect these journeys are gone for good and that this is their replacement.

 

[158715]

I've noticed an Optare MetroCity in use in Glasgow this week. I think it was a 17 reg with Borders Buses lettering removed.

 

[DunsBus]

I've noticed an Optare MetroCity in use in Glasgow this week. I think it was a 17 reg with Borders Buses lettering removed.

One of the 11725-8 batch, if I'm correct.

 

[scosutsut]

There is also a new app ticket for East Lothian.

Sadly it only offers a 25p, rather than £1.47 saving for the shorter journeys.

Better value for the longer ones admittedly.

 

[DunsBus]

I see that the Transport Minister, Kevin Stewart, was in the Borders on Monday to launch a campaign to encourage more people to take the bus. That would be a bit difficult in an area where (the X62 apart) there are no buses after teatime.
The local MP down here, John Lamont, has mentioned that Borders Buses are to make substantial improvements to a number of services during the summer. It's to be hoped that these are real improvements and not the timetable tweaks which Borders Buses are so fond of doing.

 

[DunsBus]

Scania Omnicity decker 11108 (YT11LSE) appeared on Borders Buses service 60 this past Tuesday, working the 1435 Galashiels-Tweedmouth and 1705 Tweedmouth-Galashiels. I managed to get a photo of it passing through Duns on the westbound journey, the first time that a decker has worked through to Berwick and back since August 2013.

 

[WestieBus]

https://bustimes.org/services/471-tighnabruaich-royal-hotel-at-boat-yard https://bustimes.org/services/473-largiemore-tighnabruaich Two of Mark Critchley's contracts have been transferred over to WCM. Their 478 school service is not listed on WCM bustimes. Could Mark Critchley possibly be withdrawing from these bus services or has Argyll and Bute Council changed the contract?

Looked at the timetable, which seems extremely suspicious, timings being quite close off from Critchley's, just a little later on some. WCM isn't known for starting bus wars with smaller companies and potentially creating a worser service.

Update to the situation: Route 471 and 473 are now on VOLS as Craig of Campbeltown Ltd. All of Critchley's services are now listed as cancelled, which ends their 20+ years of bus services as they withdraw from running buses, so not a bus war. Don't know what is happening with 478A. https://www.vehicle-operator-licens...registered-local-bus-services/details/610808/ https://www.vehicle-operator-licens...registered-local-bus-services/details/610809/

Bus registration details​

• Registration numberPM0000019/132
• Licence NumberPM0000019
• Variation number0
• StatusRegistered
• Service number.471
• Service typeNormal Stopping
• Hail & Ride
• Start pointTighnabruaich Boat Yard
• Finish pointTighnabruaich Boat Yard
• ViaKames. Portavadie
• Date received31 May 2023
• Effective date12 Jun 2023
• End date
• Supported by subsidies?Yes
• Local authorities covered by routeArgyll & Bute Council
• TAOs covered by routeScotland

Registration history

Reg No.	Var No.	Status	Application type	Date received	Date effective	End date	Action
PM0000019/132	0	Registered	Manual	31 May 2023	12 Jun 2023

Bus registration details​

• Registration numberPM0000019/133
• Licence NumberPM0000019
• Variation number0
• StatusRegistered
• Service number.473
• Service typeNormal Stopping
• Hail & Ride
• Start pointTighnabruaich Royal Hotel or Post Office
• Finish pointOtter Ferry, Largiemore
• ViaKames, Millhouse. Portavadie, Kilfinan
• Date received31 May 2023
• Effective date12 Jun 2023
• End date
• Supported by subsidies?Yes
• Local authorities covered by routeArgyll & Bute Council
• TAOs covered by routeScotland

Registration history

Reg No.	Var No.	Status	Application type	Date received	Date effective	End date	Action
PM0000019/133	0	Registered	Manual	31 May 2023	12 Jun 2023

 

[route101]

I have noticed a Merc Sprinter type of Bus on the 398 in Glasgow.