West Lothian buses

[SpeedbirdA350]

They probably will be repainted in LCB colours once an official route is announced. Hopefully they will tackle the M8 to Livingston, bringing a direct link to Corstorphine for LCB

The new coaches look nice! Maybe ECB will get a share of the action with a new non stop Dunbar peak time express? The XX7? Dunbar and on the A1 to Edinburgh??

As long as they don't call it the Extra Express Express 7 as that maybe taken as the wrong type of bus haha.

If they do repaint then it would be a waste of money in the first place to do them the livery they have.

The livery however does remind me of Eastern Scottish from the 90s http://www.bus-and-coach-photos.com/picture/number2639.asp

 

[Edirim]

Clearly confusion when folk talk about m8 services... I believe that is in reference to the old first bus express routes that ran from various corners of wl along the m8 into Edinburgh rather than lothian actually along the m8 to Glasgow etc...

 

[SpeedbirdA350]

Clearly confusion when folk talk about m8 services... I believe that is in reference to the old first bus express routes that ran from various corners of wl along the m8 into Edinburgh rather than lothian actually along the m8 to Glasgow etc...

I forgot that even happened as when I hear M8 I link both cities together, My mistake. Thanks for reminding me lol.
Now it sort of makes sense but I still can't get my head aroudn the non Lothian/LCB/ECB branding. Lothian Express might have been a better name, IMO of course.

 

[GusB]

As long as they don't call it the Extra Express Express 7 as that maybe taken as the wrong type of bus haha.

If they do repaint then it would be a waste of money in the first place to do them the livery they have.

The livery however does remind me of Eastern Scottish from the 90s http://www.bus-and-coach-photos.com/picture/number2639.asp

It did strike me as being reminiscent of the "Green triangle" variant of the Eastern livery. It doesn't look quite right to me - I think the green saltire would look better further forward, but I understand there's a destination display in the side. Perhaps if they extended the green right to the front door? Nevertheless, that's just me nitpicking - it does look quite good.

CBW has an article: https://cbwmagazine.com/eight-new-interurban-leopards-for-lothian-country/

The first of the new coaches will handed over to Lothian on Thursday 4 April, and will make its public debut at the UK Coach Rally two days later

Uniquely, the batch of vehicles have been built to a newly-developed interurban specification, tailored specifically to Lothian’s needs. Developed in close collaboration with the operator, the new

Leopard variant will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the UK Coach Rally in Blackpool, held on 6 and 7 April.

The basis for the Lothian-spec Leopard is the 12.8m model. A double-door in the centre of the vehicle should reduce dwell times at stops, and has an integrated full wheelchair lift.

Once onboard, wheelchair users can enjoy travelling in a designated bay opposite the centre doors, secured in a forward-facing position using a restraint system.

Ensuring compliance with PSV accessibility regulations is a full set of destination displays.

Underpinning the Leopard is Volvo’s B8R 4×2 chassis, which houses an eight-litre D8K Euro VI engine and a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.

To complete the specification, ADL has fitted the Leopards with a suite of safety features, including an Advanced Emergency Braking System and Lane Departure Warning. Richard Hall, Managing Director of Lothian, said: “Public Transport is changing rapidly and as operators we need to adapt to our customers’ demands and expectations.

“Creating modal shift from the car ensures we will reduce congestion and environmental impacts across our society. To give commuters a credible alternative coupled with high levels of customer service means that our investment in these new 49-seat coaches with improved accessibility features has been designed with the customer’s comfort and convenience in mind.

“We look forward to seeing these vehicles on service across our networks soon.”

Philip Owen, Bus Sales Director at Volvo Bus UK, commented: “Volvo Bus is very pleased to have supplied the B8R coach chassis to Lothian for the new Leopard interurban coach which represents another forward thinking and innovative design approach from Lothian that is totally focused on meeting its customers’ needs and exceeding expectations.”

Colin Robertson, Alexander Dennis Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to once again work in partnership with Lothian to develop another new and exciting product. The new Plaxton Leopard interurban coach has been tailored to meet Lothian’s exacting specification and the demands of a busy interurban operation.”

Mark Ballam, Coach Commercial Manager at Alexander Dennis Limited, added: “Interurban services are a growth market across the country when provided with the right vehicles for this type of operation. In addition to Alexander Dennis’s wide range of specification options for our Enviro buses, the Plaxton range offers purpose-designed models including the new 49-seat Leopard interurban coach.”

 

[Gingerbus1991]

Now this is how ambitious I want First Glasgow to be, but no, corporate money makers and thats it.

 

[Edirim]

Difficult to see the "Green" in "Green Arrow"
In addition to the colours scheme and what not, I be honest it half reminded me of the Green Line London stuff with the name

 

[overthewater]

The coaches appear this week, or the start of them yet nothing has been submitted for new routes? ie Phrase 5..

 

[Gingerbus1991]

The coaches appear this week, or the start of them yet nothing has been submitted for new routes? ie Phrase 5..

I reckon the x18?

 

[overthewater]

I reckon the x18?

That is complete and utter waste...

 

[Jordan Adam]

That is complete and utter waste...

Not to mention the passengers who are used to low entry buses will probably moan about having to climb a staircase!

 

[oldman]

All very retro, but I would say the narrow stepped entrance is the wrong sort of retro. A higher spec may encourage some new business into town, but you need the local journeys as well

 

[Jordan Adam]

On another note, the coaches look really smart. I'm not convinced by the rear door however it will be interesting to see what occurs.

To note the Air-Con modules has lettering for the website www.greenarrowexpress.co.uk , Although the site is still in development it's perhaps something to keep an eye on.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I think it will be a Livi-M8-Edinburgh express and the fares will be set at 'premium' rates, even though the product you get is rubbish and not premium worthy at all, no different to First throwing out FM36 (MX14 FUP) with no hopper when the X2 was finally killed off a good 4 or 5 years ago now

 

[TheEastCoaster]

I think it will be a Livi-M8-Edinburgh express and the fares will be set at 'premium' rates, even though the product you get is rubbish and not premium worthy at all, no different to First throwing out FM36 (MX14 FUP) with no hopper when the X2 was finally killed off a good 4 or 5 years ago now

I doubt Lothian country would steep to Premuim rates on top of the whole fare zone! If ECB can keep the fares reasonable between Edinburgh and Haddington on the A1 then I’m sure LCB can do the same here. Even if it’s non stop from Ratho Station to Livingston Fastlink? then terminates at the bus terminal!

It’s like when someone mentioned if LCB would try to replicate the 600 Route, how would that work in terms of fare zones? it’s already £4.50 for a single to/from the airport from even just outside in Ingilston, if it ran just from Livingston to Ingilston that would be £3.70 covering 3 zones and then if it entering into the Airport Zone which is premium rates, I have no idea how it works with the 600 as it is!!

 

[Jordan Adam]

Perhaps throwing a random idea out, but could they be planning to take on the 38 at some point?

 

[Gingerbus1991]

That LB interior though, you can keep your bland colour pallet FSE!

 

[Gingerbus1991]

Perhaps throwing a random idea out, but could they be planning to take on the 38 at some point?

Between where though, Stirling/Falkirk for Edinburgh?

Either way I still can’t blame them for being, as I keep using the word now, ambitious!!

 

[In Focus]

Between where though, Stirling/Falkirk for Edinburgh?

Either way I still can’t blame them for being, as I keep using the word now, ambitious!!

Sone say "ambitious " other will say Foolish .
Time alone shall tell .

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

The reason I think its an M8 Livi route is purely because of the word 'Express' in the name, when I think of the word express with a coach I naturally think of it serving a motorway or major A road. Again just my thoughts

 

[winston270twm]

The coaches appear this week, or the start of them yet nothing has been submitted for new routes? ie Phrase 5..

You'll probably find this is an advanced one from the order to allow it to be shown at UK Coach Rally, Blackpool.

On another note, the coaches look really smart. I'm not convinced by the rear door however it will be interesting to see what occurs.

To note the Air-Con modules has lettering for the website www.greenarrowexpress.co.uk , Although the site is still in development it's perhaps something to keep an eye on.

The centre doors are where the wheelchair lift is located. ​

 

[Jordan Adam]

The centre doors are where the wheelchair lift is located. ​

Indeed, however they're saying they'll also be used to speed up passengers boarding/alighting. Have looked at the photos a number of times the steps look too steep with the ledges being too short. The lift just folds in to the step.

 

[smtglasgow]

Off-peak and weekends an express bus from Edinburgh to Livi might work with people going to McArthur Glen – decent journey time and not a journey you can do easily by train. But a peak time service is at the mercy of the M8 and traffic through Corstorphine/Gorgie. On a good day you might get into Edinburgh under an hour, but on a bad day – and there’s lots of bad days on the M8 – it can take a lot longer. I’ve done the Citylink 900 a few times recently in the evening peak and it’s taken an hour to get onto the M8. But if they price it right and offer links that you can’t do easily by train, it might work.

 

[Darklord8899]

It has an exact change hopper box... So, if this IS for the M8 express, then they need to wake up as 900 gives change, so does train and it looks very strange. Rear doors too? I understand on the B8L but on a long distance coach? I wonder if someone was drunk when they came up with this suggestion.

The rear doors house wheelchair ♿ lift

 

[winston270twm]

Indeed, however they're saying they'll also be used to speed up passengers boarding/alighting. Have looked at the photos a number of times the steps look too steep with the ledges being too short. The lift just folds in to the step.

Couldn't see it working myself, then what happens if there's a wheelchair waiting to alight. The only way of truely speeding up boarding/alighting is having a flat floor at the entrance doors & omitting the need for a wheelchair lift.

 

[In Focus]

Off-peak and weekends an express bus from Edinburgh to Livi might work with people going to McArthur Glen – decent journey time and not a journey you can do easily by train. But a peak time service is at the mercy of the M8 and traffic through Corstorphine/Gorgie. On a good day you might get into Edinburgh under an hour, but on a bad day – and there’s lots of bad days on the M8 – it can take a lot longer. I’ve done the Citylink 900 a few times recently in the evening peak and it’s taken an hour to get onto the M8. But if they price it right and offer links that you can’t do easily by train, it might work.

All these avenues have been tried and it was pre train days in West Lothian, never took off ,granted livi is getting bigger as Edinburgh shrinks but for the investment in these it will never be recouped by weekend pensioners day tripping along the M8.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Couldn't see it working myself, then what happens if there's a wheelchair waiting to alight. The only way of truely speeding up boarding/alighting is having a flat floor at the entrance doors & omitting the need for a wheelchair lift.

It is an odd move. Most drivers up here say it takes at least 5 minutes to get a wheelchair on a coach, so you'd very quickly loose the "benefits" of the rear door. You can see in this photo here what i was meaning about the steps looking far too steep with the ledges being too small. The Interdecks are bad enough as it is!

 

[VioletEclipse]

Lothian are now suddenly very insistent on having rear doors on all new vehicles... hmmm...

Also I'm rather curious as to what routes they'll operate, they're apparently for Lothian Country so most likely the X18/X27/X28 but I think they'd be better suited to services X5 and X7, or even the X24 at ECB.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Lothian are now suddenly very insistent on having rear doors on all new vehicles... hmmm...

Also I'm rather curious as to what routes they'll operate, they're apparently for Lothian Country so most likely the X18/X27/X28 but I think they'd be better suited to services X5 and X7, or even the X24 at ECB.

The X27/X28 would be a daft move, putting these on there would kill off the concession pass market.

 

[winston270twm]

It is an odd move. Most drivers up here say it takes at least 5 minutes to get a wheelchair on a coach, so you'd very quickly loose the "benefits" of the rear door. You can see in this photo here what i was meaning about the steps looking far too steep with the ledges being too small. The Interdecks are bad enough as it is!

I hadn't seen those pictures in the Lothian thread previously. The lift looks very similar to the type NX coaches use.

I'd have expected an interdeck version of the Leopard more than this option with dual doors and a lift. I like the livery & interior though, certainly looks as though Lothian are sticking around for the longterm.

 

[Big Ralphie]

The X27/X28 would be a daft move, putting these on there would kill off the concession pass market.

You would be amazed by the amount of older people that use stagecoach from fife to Edinburgh who's buses have high steps so usually oap with passes will take the first bus