Xplore Dundee

[overthewater]

Last thread been locked but Changes are coming:

https://nxbus.co.uk/dundee/informat...ryo1BAvTqNZD8a7pJgzEtdSHe7rXoXOwDg2jxHcQ87XQc

General Network Highlights
Changes from 12 April 2020

• Saturday timetables will have daytime frequencies reduced slightly, matching the reduction in patronage compared to weekdays.
• Public Holiday timetables (with daytime frequencies reduced, but with most weekday morning journeys maintained) will be introduced for most services and will operate on the following public holidays:
  • May Day* (first Monday in May);
  • Victoria Day (last Monday in May);
  • Trades Holiday (last Monday in July);
  • Christmas Eve & Hogmanay (with certain evening journeys omitted);
  • Weekdays over the Christmas/New Year period; and
  • Easter Monday and the October public holiday (only when these two coincide with school holidays, otherwise, a full weekday service will operate)
• Some early weekday morning journeys will be strategically retimed to arrive in the City Centre at more suitable times for workers, also making it easier to transfer between buses in the City Centre for onward travel to Ninewells Hospital.
• Run-off journeys on services 5 | 9/10 | 22 | 28/29 (those which terminate in the City Centre in the evening) will be signified by a new numbering convention: a '9' will be added to the beginning of the main service number.
• Check out the new network map here and see details for each service below.

*Note: for 2020, the May Day public holiday will be moved to Friday 8 May to coincide with commemorations of the 75th anniversary of VE Day (the end of WWII).

Services 1a/1b
City Centre - St Marys

• Early weekday morning journeys (pre-7am) will be retimed to arrive in the City Centre at 0545, 0615 and 0645. These journeys will run as service 1a to maximise coverage in St Marys and Ardler. These journeys will also stop at Whitehall Street before terminating as usual at Courthouse Square. This measure will make it easier to transfer for onward travel to Ninewells Hospital on service 5 (which departs at 0548) and service 22 (which departs at 0625 and 0650).
• Combined daytime frequency reduced to every 15 mins on Saturdays, matching the reduction in patronage compared to weekdays.
• Public holiday timetables (with Saturday frequency and most weekday morning journeys maintained) will operate on the dates listed above.
• Full timetables for these services will be published in due course.

Service 4
City Centre - Dryburgh

• Re-routed via Coupar Angus Road (both directions) and Harefield Road (instead of Foggyley Gardens). Some intermediate running times will be adjusted. These measures are intended to save time and improve reliability. Check out the new route map here.
• Service 4a will run directly into the City Centre via Lochee Road after the last journey up to Dryburgh.
• The Saturday timetable will operate on public holidays and other non-school days. There will be no service on Boxing Day or 2 January.
• Full timetables for this service will be published in due course.

Services 5 | 9/10
Ninewells Hospital - Barnhill (& Outer Circle)

• Services 9/10 re-routed via Technology Park (instead of Gowriehill). This is to replace the withdrawal of service 17 (see below).
• Services 9/10 re-routed to resume direct access to Sainsbury's.
• More journeys (morning peak, afternoon peak and evenings) will be re-routed to serve the Tesco Call Centre on Baird Avenue.
• The 'short run' journeys of services 9a/10a (those which terminate at either Barnhill or Ninewells Hospital) will be renumbered as service 5e. This measure is intended to highlight those journeys which do not run as full circulars around the city.
• Outer Circle journeys (evenings and Sundays) will be renumbered as services 9/10 (instead of 9a/10a):
  • These journeys will be re-routed at Mill o' Mains. The full loop around Hebrides Drive will not run; buses will be accessible from the same stops as weekday daytime journeys.
  • These journeys will also no longer go into Dryburgh, due to low patronage; buses will be accessible instead from Liff Road.
• Intermediate running times will be adjusted to improve reliability, particularly on services 9/10.
  • During the day, service 9 will have 2hr 18m to complete a full circle and service 10 will have 2hr 14m (with extra time for each in the peaks).
  • Services 9/10 will be given some short two-minute 'breather breaks' around the route to provide recover time. These will be at the City Centre, The Stack, Kirkton ASDA, Sainsbury's and Inchcape Place. Extra time will also be taken at Ninewells Hospital.
• Early weekday morning journeys (pre-7am) will be retimed to arrive in:
  • Whitehall Street at 0545, 0603, 0610 and 0636
  • High Street at 0549, 0627 and 0644 (for other journeys from the West End, see services 17 | 36c)
• Combined daytime frequency (between Ninewells Hospital and Barnhill) reduced to every 15 mins on Saturdays, matching the reduction in patronage compared to weekdays.
• Run-off journeys will be signified by a new numbering convention: a '9' will be added to the beginning of the main service number, meaning service 905 will terminate in the City Centre. This measure is intended to highlight those journeys which do not run as full cross-city routes in the evening.
• The principal timing point in Barnhill will be relocated from Kintail Place to Inchcape Place. This measure is intended to improve service operation, as there is a layby.
• Schedule retimed for special timetables on Boxing Day and 2 January, taking route changes into account for Outer Circle services 9/10 and ensuring a more regular half-hourly headway between Ninewells Hospital and Barnhill.
• Check out the new route map for services 9/10 here.
• Full timetables for these services will be published in due course.

Services 15/17
Ninewells Hospital - City Centre - Whitfield

• Re-routed in Whitfield so that both services run via Whitfield Drive, Longhaugh Road, Berwick Drive, Ballumbie Road, Drumgeith Road, Summerfield Avenue and terminate at The Crescent.
  • Since implementing the clockwise/anti-clockwise loop system around Whitfield in January 2019, around 20% of passengers have opted to take advantage of quicker journeys into town from from the Hawick Drive end of Whitfield.
  • Operationally, however, this system has proven challenging - particularly with the lack of layover at a terminus. Going back to a linear route (in/out the same way in both directions) will allow us to create layover at The Crescent. Having a common terminus at The Crescent will allow buses to interwork between services 15 and 17. These measures are intended to improve reliability.
  • We will ask Dundee City Council to create a spare stance on Lothian Crescent (facing westbound, just before Ballumbie Primary School) so that buses have a designated waiting place if the stop at The Crescent is already occupied.
  • It has been shown in the past 12 months that there is clear demand to/from The Crescent, which is why it will continue to be used as the terminus. Buses will therefore not be going back into Summerfield Avenue/Kirkconnell Terrace.
  • Buses will also not be going back into Peebles Drive.
• Service 17 re-routed to run directly in/out of Ninewells Hospital (instead of running via Technology Park). This measure is intended to speed up journey times and improve reliability. Alternative access to the Technology Park will be provided by services 9/10 (see above).
• Service 17 re-routed via Union Street (instead of Whitehall Street) and the principal westbound stop relocated to Nethergate stance N1. This measure is intended to improve reliability by reducing congestion in Whitehall Street. The eastbound route to/from the High Street will not change.
• Intermediate running times will be adjusted to improve reliability.
  • During the day, service 15 will have 70 minutes to complete a round-trip and service 17 will have 2hr 10m (with extra time for each in the peaks).
• Early weekday morning journeys (pre-7am) will be retimed to arrive in:
  • Nethergate at 0544, 0614 and 0644
  • High Street at 0606 and 0636 (for other journeys from the West End, see services 5 | 10 | 36c)
• Combined daytime frequency (between City Centre and Whitfield) reduced to every 15 mins on Saturdays, matching the reduction in patronage compared to weekdays. Frequency between City Centre and Ninewells Hospital unchanged.
• Public holiday timetables (with Saturday frequency and most weekday morning journeys maintained) will operate on the dates listed above.
• Run-off journeys (those which terminate in the City Centre in the evening) will be signified by being renumbered as service 15.
• A Sunday service will operate on Boxing Day and 2 January, bringing services 15/17 into line with other services in the network.
• Check out the new route map for services 15/17 here.
• Full timetables for these services will be published in due course.

Service 18
City Centre - Kirkton

• Early weekday morning journeys (pre-7am) will be retimed to arrive in the City Centre at 0540, 0620 and 0645. These journeys will stop at Whitehall Street before terminating as usual at Courthouse Square. This measure will make it easier to transfer for onward travel to Ninewells Hospital on service 5 (which departs at 0548) and service 22 (which departs at 0625 and 0650).
• Daytime frequency reduced to every 12 mins on Saturdays, matching the reduction in patronage compared to weekdays.
• Public holiday timetables (with Saturday frequency and most weekday morning journeys maintained) will operate on the dates listed above.
• The first journey on Saturday mornings will leave the City Centre and arrive in Kirkton five minutes earlier.
• Nethergate (stance N1) replaces King Street as common timing point with services 32/33 in the evening.
• Full timetables for this service will be published in due course.

Service 22
Ninewells Hospital - Craigowl

• Service 22a re-routed to run around the Strathmartine loop clockwise (instead of anti-clockwise). This measure will mean those journeys reach Craigowl more quickly, and the bus stop at Strathmartine Hospital will be accessed from the correct side of Craigmill Road.
• Timetable on Saturdays will be adjusted to improve reliability.
• Public holiday timetables (with Saturday frequency and most weekday morning journeys maintained) will operate on the dates listed above.
• Run-off journeys will be signified by a new numbering convention: a '9' will be added to the beginning of the main service number, meaning service 922 will terminate in the City Centre. This measure is intended to highlight those journeys which do not run as full cross-city routes in the evening.
• Check out the new route map here.
• Full timetables for this service will be published in due course.

Service 23
City Centre - Woodside Circular

• There will be no changes to this service.

Services 28/29
Myrekirk/Ninewells Hospital - Douglas

• Service 28 (eastbound) re-routed away from the terminus at Balgarthno Terrace. A new bus stop has been requested to prove an alternative boaring point near the junction of Charleston Street and Balgarthno Road. This measure is intended to improve safety, save time and improve reliability.
• Some intermediate running times (between Myrekirk, Lochee and the City Centre) will be adjusted to improve reliability.
• Early weekday morning journeys (pre-7am) will be retimed to arrive in:
  • Whitehall Street at 0521, 0545, 0555, 0629, 0645 and 0655
  • Albert Square at 0507, 0609 and 0637
• The first weekday journey of service 29 from Douglas will be retimed to arrive at Ninewells Hospital at 0616, to better coincide with shifts beginning at 0630.
• Combined daytime frequency (between Lochee and Douglas) reduced to every 10 mins on Saturdays, matching the reduction in patronage compared to weekdays.
• Public holiday timetables (with Saturday frequency and most weekday morning journeys maintained) will operate on the dates listed above.
• Run-off journeys will be signified by a new numbering convention: a '9' will be added to the beginning of the main service number, meaning services 928 and 929 will terminate in the City Centre. This measure is intended to highlight those journeys which do not run as full cross-city routes in the evening.
• Check out the new route map here.
• Full timetables for these services will be published in due course.

Services 32/33
City Centre - Fintry/Whitfield

• First weekday morning journey of service 32 will be retimed to arrive in the City Centre at 0545. This measure will make it easier to transfer for onward travel to Ninewells Hospital on service 5 (which departs at 0548). Other journeys in the morning are already timed to connect with service 22.
• Public holiday timetables (with Saturday frequency and most weekday morning journeys maintained) will operate on the dates listed above.
• The King Street timing point will be removed (though the stop will still be served). Journeys will both begin and terminate at Crichton Street.
• Nethergate (stance N1) replaces King Street as common timing point with services 32/33 in the evening.

Services 36/36c
Ninewells Hospital - City Centre - Claverhouse

• Service 36c re-routed via Pitkerro Road (instead of Pitairlie Road and Kingsway East). This measure will make the journey to/from the City Centre quicker and more direct. The route of service 36 will not change.
• Service 36c re-routed via Dickson Avenue and Glamis Road (instead of Tom MacDonald Avenue).
• These journeys will continue to operate as normal on public holidays (except Boxing Day and 2 January).

Service 54
City Centre - Camperdown Park (Easter)

• Service withdrawn.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Post quoted from this thread: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/strangest-bus-destination-screens.200443

Yes I understand that however the route was changed during the pandemic -- the 17 use to drive past The Crescent not go round it, it did in the evening however but thats not the point, the route was changed by the backdoor (nothing was stated on their website that this was happening), most people I spoke to in the area still thought at the time the bus was still going to be quick into town but seemed baffled by the route as it is now. You say the E stands for evening route other people have said otherwise so what is it then? So why not just have the 17 just be 17 than adding a random letter to it?

The pandemic is a fluid situation and things are changing constantly. The 17E route was more sensible to use at the moment to save buses running only one direction in a circular direction. The E definitely stands for "evening" otherwise I imagine they'd have just used 17A.

Why not just keep at as 15/17 or if its just terminating in city centre just have A?, mind you they did this with the 15s not long ago 15a (anticlockwise) 15c (clockwise) but yet St Marys is 1A via one route and 1B the other route...

As above. It's a fluid situation, the commercial team will have adopted the easiest and most efficient routes to operate during the pandemic. 15A/15C makes sense with a circular. 1A/1B defines the routes are different, much like the 9/9A, 22/22A, 32/32A, etc.

So the "reprogram" just reboots (like a PC/phone)? I wouldn't be surprised then that the display needs replaced.

Yes, the display you're on about probably needs replaced if it's been happening for a while.

If you go back to Page 11 of this thread I have been told as an example with NXWM (company that owns Xplore), they use E for Exception and works as Part Route -- E for Evening up here has to be one of the stupidest things I have ever heard (nothing against you), as I thought that too but why have E on the 17 and not on the other services? (so if we went with that theory it was "part route" but it isn't it runs through mostly with no exceptions, I think someone at Xplore needs to look up a manual on when to use letters and what they are for than throwing them on buses, I maybe a bus spotter but far from an expert here either) 9/10s have A's in the evenings (so where is the E for those then?), why not apply it to all their services? As I say I just think my route I use is always used as an experiment as over the years they have altered the route that much its got a history of changes... a la 15A/C (again A isn't anticlockwise is it for St Marys and the B is for what?)

Because the 17 follows a different route in the evening, so it gets its own route number (i.e. the 17E), in the evening.

 

[kez19]

Post quoted from this thread: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/strangest-bus-destination-screens.200443

The pandemic is a fluid situation and things are changing constantly. The 17E route was more sensible to use at the moment to save buses running only one direction in a circular direction. The E definitely stands for "evening" otherwise I imagine they'd have just used 17A.


As above. It's a fluid situation, the commercial team will have adopted the easiest and most efficient routes to operate during the pandemic. 15A/15C makes sense with a circular. 1A/1B defines the routes are different, much like the 9/9A, 22/22A, 32/32A, etc.

Yes, the display you're on about probably needs replaced if it's been happening for a while.


Because the 17 follows a different route in the evening, so it gets its own route number (i.e. the 17E), in the evening.

But the 17 doesn't go a different route in the evening though... up by The Crescent swing round up to Asda Milton to Ninewells what is different about the route? Just that it goes anticlockwise around The Crescent but this route is exactly the same during the day as it is now, previously the 17 daytime went up to The Crescent then went to Asda without turning Anticlockwise at The Crescent then as mentioned Asda, City Centre, Ninewells as I say difference is its turning around at The Crescent. Yet I bet when the route is properly implemented the E will be dropped in the evening?

Just to point out the 17 before the pandemic was running in a circular direction as was the 15 as they used The Crescent as its terminus but now for me its doubling back -- the Whitfield route has always been problematic, the 33 is handier to use to get into the town from The Crescent (about 20 mins plus walk), 15/17 in general still take at least 40 mins to get to town if you are near The Crescent hence before they introduced the anticlockwise/clockwise route (i'm guessing the reason again for the change is with the traffic at the schools that are causing more issues than being resolved -- again I believe the council was made aware of this and as per done bug all to help!)

The 32/33 route is another cracker.... 32 originally went up Fintry Road, 33 Fintry Drive but lets change them around, but it was only changed for punctuality and timing for going up to Jack Martin Way, Mill O Mains (it was mostly 33 that went Jack Martin Way and I believe it was the 32 that covered Mill O Mains in the evenings) but they dumped those routes onto the 32.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

But the 17 doesn't go a different route in the evening though... up by The Crescent swing round up to Asda Milton to Ninewells what is different about the route? Just that it goes anticlockwise around The Crescent but this route is exactly the same during the day as it is now, previously the 17 daytime went up to The Crescent then went to Asda without turning Anticlockwise at The Crescent then as mentioned Asda, City Centre, Ninewells as I say difference is its turning around at The Crescent. Yet I bet when the route is properly implemented the E will be dropped in the evening?

The 17 operates the same route towards Whitfield all day (i.e. Asda Milton - Whitfield Drive - Berwick Drive - The Crescent). However, during the day, after The Crescent, it operates straight along Lothian Crescent to Whitfield Drive, and then operates back down to Asda Milton, operating a circular.

In the evening, it does not continue past The Crescent, instead it goes back towards Ninewells the same way it came in, i.e. via Berwick Drive.

The 32/33 route is another cracker.... 32 originally went up Fintry Road, 33 Fintry Drive but lets change them around, but it was only changed for punctuality and timing for going up to Jack Martin Way, Mill O Mains (it was mostly 33 that went Jack Martin Way and I believe it was the 32 that covered Mill O Mains in the evenings) but they dumped those routes onto the 32.

It wasn't, actually. It was changed to even out the mileage between the 32 and 33. But you're talking a good 8 years ago now, I only vaguely remember the 32 going into Mill o' Mains and I've been paying attention to the Dundee bus network for at least 6 or 7 years now. Bus operators tend to operate routes which are viable in today's society, not conforming to something that worked decades ago.

 

[kez19]

The 17 operates the same route towards Whitfield all day (i.e. Asda Milton - Whitfield Drive - Berwick Drive - The Crescent). However, during the day, after The Crescent, it operates straight along Lothian Crescent to Whitfield Drive, and then operates back down to Asda Milton, operating a circular.

In the evening, it does not continue past The Crescent, instead it goes back towards Ninewells the same way it came in, i.e. via Berwick Drive.

It wasn't, actually. It was changed to even out the mileage between the 32 and 33. But you're talking a good 8 years ago now, I only vaguely remember the 32 going into Mill o' Mains and I've been paying attention to the Dundee bus network for at least 6 or 7 years now. Bus operators tend to operate routes which are viable in today's society, not conforming to something that worked decades ago.

Yet as I say the 17E has been operating as you state - The Crescent, instead it goes back towards Ninewells the same way it came in, i.e. via Berwick Drive - as I rightly state but there was nothing mentioned on their site of this change, as I said they only mentioned this "change" in April but on a technicality was abandoned but it seems its been given the go ahead or as I said "backdoor".

As the 17 was its no longer operating that way since its been the 17E during the day during this time, you also have to remember prior to bringing the 17 back it was 15A/15C they used - people had to get the bus from Whitfield to get the 17 from City Centre (believe timing was off from Whitehall Crescent so was dropped and returned back as 17 to Whitfield), hence why I mentioned the Whitfield route seems to be the most experimental route Xplore Dundee has used.

Just to mention there was even a time in the 2000's where they abandoned people on the Summerfield Avenue route that 15/17s operated a circular via Hebrides Drive (I was cut off and we we're told to get the bus on Drumgeith Road or Aberlady Crescent) that was dropped and up until recently they have dropped Hebrides Drive (not complaining on that part but even when it ran that way it dragged the route out for too long, most of the time as it went round Hebrides Drive it wasn't picking up many passengers)

Regarding 32/33 originally as far as I remember 32 always ran the Fintry Road route and 33 ran the Fintry Drive route and even I can remember going as far back the 90s, whilst I understand your point but why alter the routes for these in general there was nothing wrong with it originally, when Jack Martin Way was done the service ran as a 33A, and for Mill O Mains it was a 32A (to me it was at least both 32/33 at least shared an area outwith during evening/peak times) but its now under the 32A it now covers both Mill O Mains and Jack Martin Way but as far as I know its at different times.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Yet as I say the 17E has been operating as you state - The Crescent, instead it goes back towards Ninewells the same way it came in, i.e. via Berwick Drive - as I rightly state but there was nothing mentioned on their site of this change, as I said they only mentioned this "change" in April but on a technicality was abandoned but it seems its been given the go ahead or as I said "backdoor".

It clearly states on the COVID-19 temporary timetable that it is service 17E that is operating - hardly on the backdoor. The service changes that were proposed to come into effect in April were postponed through the Traffic Commissioner.

Regarding 32/33 originally as far as I remember 32 always ran the Fintry Road route and 33 ran the Fintry Drive route and even I can remember going as far back the 90s, whilst I understand your point but why alter the routes for these in general there was nothing wrong with it originally, when Jack Martin Way was done the service ran as a 33A, and for Mill O Mains it was a 32A (to me it was at least both 32/33 at least shared an area outwith during evening/peak times) but its now under the 32A it now covers both Mill O Mains and Jack Martin Way but as far as I know its at different times.

It was to even out the mileage, as I said previously, to increase reliability. The shorter route (i.e. the 32) was having extensive layover at its terminus where as the 33 was going into Whitfield and back with shorter time, whereas this has now been evened out.

The 32, 33, or any of the variations of those routes, do not serve Mill o' Mains and haven't done for many years.

 

[kez19]

It clearly states on the COVID-19 temporary timetable that it is service 17E that is operating - hardly on the backdoor. The service changes that were proposed to come into effect in April were postponed through the Traffic Commissioner.


It was to even out the mileage, as I said previously, to increase reliability. The shorter route (i.e. the 32) was having extensive layover at its terminus where as the 33 was going into Whitfield and back with shorter time, whereas this has now been evened out.

The 32, 33, or any of the variations of those routes, do not serve Mill o' Mains and haven't done for many years.

Well most people in the area of Whitfield didn't know at the time.... maybe for the sake of it shouldn't timetabled been replaced? (or for the sake put up info in the area?) Well to me it was changed and as mentioned most people in the area we're under the impression initially that the 17 was normal but we're not happy with it being the 17E and going the long way round, as I said Whitfield has to be one of the routes that get experimented time and again and if the public that use the services like the way the route is ran to be changed again its not giving a good impression. I am glad in a way yes I do have the 15/17/33 in my area but I would rather if they had any changes they expand the 33 further as its a quicker bus to the 15/17s to Whitfield.

When did Mill O Mains get dropped from the 32A? As I wasn't aware that happened, I assumed that they we're running the service still, but saying that the 9s still go into Mill O Mains on that point.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Well most people in the area of Whitfield didn't know at the time.... maybe for the sake of it shouldn't timetabled been replaced? (or for the sake put up info in the area?) Well to me it was changed and as mentioned most people in the area we're under the impression initially that the 17 was normal but we're not happy with it being the 17E and going the long way round, as I said Whitfield has to be one of the routes that get experimented time and again and if the public that use the services like the way the route is ran to be changed again its not giving a good impression. I am glad in a way yes I do have the 15/17/33 in my area but I would rather if they had any changes they expand the 33 further as its a quicker bus to the 15/17s to Whitfield.

When did Mill O Mains get dropped from the 32A? As I wasn't aware that happened, I assumed that they we're running the service still, but saying that the 9s still go into Mill O Mains on that point.

I'm not going to keep discussing the 17/17E point, I've explained why it was adopted and if customers were unhappy then they should have raised that with Xplore at the time. With phase 2 of the Scottish roadmap out of lockdown expected to happen in the next few weeks, I'd expect services to change again anyway.

On the subject of timetables at bus stops then these are property of the council and is their responsibility to update them.

I'll dig around in my timetable archive and get back to you re the 32A.

 

[kez19]

I'm not going to keep discussing the 17/17E point, I've explained why it was adopted and if customers were unhappy then they should have raised that with Xplore at the time. With phase 2 of the Scottish roadmap out of lockdown expected to happen in the next few weeks, I'd expect services to change again anyway.

On the subject of timetables at bus stops then these are property of the council and is their responsibility to update them.

I'll dig around in my timetable archive and get back to you re the 32A.

Whats the point in contacting in regards to change in services? There hasn't been much discussion or consultation on route changes, I thought it was mostly done by post within the area? As I said before the route has that many changes and there isn't any consultations on changes happening (maybe once that was it) but with anything more recent... no) but I do see at time Stagecoach East Scotland does (I wonder why?)

Just to bring up something in relation there was roadworks up at The Crescent last year but it wasn't clearly indicated about the bus route and even then it didn't help anyone in the area --- The road at The Crescent was closed due to relaying the road as buses we're having issues over the bumps, at the time I remember on the site they stated it was stopping at The Crescent itself then turning round but that wasn't the case it was basically a circular one way but even then it didn't help if elderly people we're catching the bus as per usual the lack of signs let alone bus stops (which again hasn't even came to fruition on the route from Lothian Crescent to Summerfield Ave (this is in no way direct at Xplore but both council and Xplore need to get their act together plus the lack of shelters to on this part of the route)

Thanks for always responding sorry if it appears I am ranting but for me I am just trying to give opinion thats all

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Xplore Dundee have announced that they will be increasing services to approximately 80% of pre-COVID levels from Sunday 28 June.

Changes from Sunday 28 June 2020
In line with the Scottish Government’s move to Phase 2 of Scotland’s route out of lockdown, we will introduce a new set of timetables from Sunday 28 June 2020. This will mean more buses running on our core services network to support a gradual social/economic recovery in Dundee, whilst helping with physical distancing as well.

As usual, safety advice still applies so that you can look after yourself and others when travelling. Click here to find out more.

And if you have any questions about the impact of COVID-19 on our services, we've prepared answers to some FAQs, too.

*Full timetables for all active services will be published this week*

Details of frequencies (and some route changes) are listed for each service below.

 

[kez19]

Xplore Dundee have announced that they will be increasing services to approximately 80% of pre-COVID levels from Sunday 28 June.

I have noticed that they have been running the Gemini buses on the free ASDA route and they have also had an appearance on the Whitfield route

on the update: common sense prevails ... they drop the E and its back to the 17!

Just to note I see they have changed what was said before lockdown, Xplore had mentioned that on some journeys they be using ie 905 on certain routes (I remember it was highlighted on routes such as Douglas, Downfield and Barnhill but it seems its only affecting the Barnhill/circular route for now)

" Journeys which terminate in the City Centre (evenings and Sundays) will be re-numbered as service 905"

I see that Whitfield/Ninewells in particular for boarding the bus we are no longer at Whitehall we now use Nethergate 1, oddly enough when I get the 15 into town, the 15 use to be the first bus stop on Seagate but we are shunted to a bus stop outside Klozet (without a shelter!)... the council works wonders for the people of Whitfield (sarcasm)

 

[James284]

As of yesterday the services increased ; going past dock street there were no Gemini’s there but lots of eclipse 2s! Quite a few 200mmc out although it was mostly Gemini’s! The 5/9/10 had quite a few gems on it despite having its own branded vehicles

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

There's only 9 branded vehicles for the 5/9/10, but has a vehicle requirement of 17.

 

[James284]

There's only 9 branded vehicles for the 5/9/10, but has a vehicle requirement of 17.

Ah thanks for that

 

[James284]

Do you know any websites/ apps related to bustimes.org now that X.D’s aren’t showing?

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

I'm not sure what you mean by that, but the reason Xplore vehicles aren't showing on bustimes at the moment is because the Ticketer vehicle locations data feed is down at the moment.

 

[James284]

I'm not sure what you mean by that, but the reason Xplore vehicles aren't showing on bustimes at the moment is because the Ticketer vehicle locations data feed is down at the moment.

Ah, I was to under stand it was because ZipTrip is now unsupported? Another time I contacted them a few weeks ago they managed to bring it back online for a wee while but apparently it’s showing as ok for them?

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Ah, I was to under stand it was because ZipTrip is now unsupported? Another time I contacted them a few weeks ago they managed to bring it back online for a wee while but apparently it’s showing as ok for them?

That could be the case - I understand they are in the process of developing a new app ("Kazoot") to replace ZipTrip. They're on a reduced staff team at the moment so not the highest of their priorities.

 

[James284]

Yeah maybe although it’s interesting how when I emailed a few weeks back I asked if there was anything wrong. They said there was no problems but it seems to have came back up but then went down again

 

[kez19]

Maybe I need to be corrected here but I have been on Xplore Dundee website in regards 33 service it seems to be every 30 mins (Mon-Saturday, Sunday 40 mins)? That can't be right I am sure recently they have been at least 20 mins during the day? (I have used the service but confused?)

source for realtime would be the likes of Google Maps (adamant it was on there it was saying 20 mins than 30 mins during the day/week)

I thought the service was returning to at least every 15 mins during the day but I am guessing that this won't be to Phase 4? (I was thinking this change would have been either 2 or 3)

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

The 33 has been every 30 minutes since last Monday, and will continue to be every 30 minutes when the next set of service reductions kick in tomorrow.

The initial timetable posted on the website indicated the 33 was running every 20 minutes, but this was incorrect.

 

[kez19]

The 33 has been every 30 minutes since last Monday, and will continue to be every 30 minutes when the next set of service reductions kick in tomorrow.

The initial timetable posted on the website indicated the 33 was running every 20 minutes, but this was incorrect.

So the change I speak of isn't til phase 4?

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

So the change I speak of isn't til phase 4?

It'll be whenever they decide to increase the frequency, I'd assume when schools go back. Passenger numbers probably don't justify the increase at the moment, as you can get about 19 on a single decker and 32 on a double decker with 1 meter physical distancing.

Whitfield also has the 15/17 into the city centre (yes it takes a bit longer) which are running every 12 minutes (combined) from Monday, instead of every 10 minutes.

 

[317 forever]

Xplore Dundee are currently as many double-decks as possible. This suggests fewer Eclipses and Enviro 200 - MMCs out than usual, if indeed any.

This news about double-decks is about halfway down this page.

Xplore Dundee

Proudly serving as our city's largest public transport provider. We run a comprehensive network and offer a flexible ticket range to suit your travel needs.

nxbus.co.uk

 

[James284]

I much prefer our new 200mmcs vs our old Gemini’s but it’s good to see they are taking the right option and using the Biggest busses first

Xplore Dundee are currently as many double-decks as possible. This suggests fewer Eclipses and Enviro 200 - MMCs out than usual, if indeed any.

This news about double-decks is about halfway down this page.

Xplore Dundee

Proudly serving as our city's largest public transport provider. We run a comprehensive network and offer a flexible ticket range to suit your travel needs.

nxbus.co.uk

 

[kez19]

Xplore Dundee

Proudly serving as our city's largest public transport provider. We run a comprehensive network and offer a flexible ticket range to suit your travel needs.

nxbus.co.uk

In-line with the Scottish Government's lockdown exit strategy (and ahead of the start of the new academic year) we will introduce a new set of timetables from Sunday 9 August.

Frequencies will increase on busier core routes to safely support physical distancing. School buses will also resume for Harris Academy, St Pauls Academy and Madras College. We are keeping a close eye on demand, and things are subject to change as social & economic activity gradually resume. We would recommend that non-essential journeys be done outside of school times (i.e. before 0800 -- between 0900 and 1400 -- after 1630) to avoid the possibility of overcrowding.

Current timetables are available on this website (just type your service number into the search bar), and live journey information is available on Google Maps or the Traveline Scotland app.

Edinburgh Airport Xpress
Due to minimal activity at Edinburgh Airport, service X90 is temporarily suspended until further notice. To request a refund or ticket deferral, click here.

just a minor update: route frequencies remain unchanged ie 15/17 every 12 mins after certain time

 

[overthewater]

I doubt the X90 will be back this year however the Electric coach service between Dundee and Edinburgh starts soon.

 

[kez19]

I doubt the X90 will be back this year however the Electric coach service between Dundee and Edinburgh starts soon.

I have always wondered about that regarding X90, we have the electric coaches starting soon, is Xplore X90 running beside it as well? (when it restarts or throw a theory Xplore drops it) Seems strange to have 2 extra services to Edinburgh/Airport plus having Megabus/Citylink to Edinburgh from Seagate.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Our Plan for Your New Network | Information | Service Changes | National Express Xplore Dundee

nxbus.co.uk

Network Changes from 24 January 2021
Our mission is to run buses to serve the people of Dundee. It's why we're here, and it's what we do. During lockdown, we kept key workers moving - and, as we look to next year and beyond, we want to keep up an active role in supporting our city. But the onset of Covid-19 has impacted every part of our everyday lives.

That's where "Our Plan for Your New Network" comes in. It is the result of us taking a close look at how we should do things differently in a post-pandemic world. We have to reckon with the reality that there won't be as many people travelling as there were before (at least for some time to come). Fewer passengers means less revenue to cover the basic costs of running buses. That's why it is so important for Xplore Dundee to evolve so that our service remains fit for the future.

Although our plan involves some significant changes, we believe it marks a good deal for Dundee:

Simpler routes will make it quicker and more convenient to travel by bus
New technology will make it easier to plan and pay for your journey in advance
Our busiest routes will still run with good-frequency service across the city
More than 95% of households will still be within five minutes of their nearest stop
We are also delighted to announce a fares freeze for 2021, meaning our service will remain affortable and accessible to all
Read on to find out what we are doing and why. You can also pick up a copy of the full report from our Travel Centre (at 92 Commercial Street).

What is happening and when?
Our plan will be introduced in two phases:

Phase 1 (January 2021):
Under the assumption that we may still need to support physical distancing (with the help of Government funding to run more buses on busier routes), route changes will take effect, but full frequencies will remain in place for the time being.

The long-term overhaul of our network is actually designed to soften the impact of frequency changes which will come into play later on, in Phase 2. But we believe that introducing the new network sooner (with full frequencies) will give you more time to get used to how it works.

Phase 2 (later in 2021):
When physical distancing is no longer required, Government funding will stop. This means local bus services will once again have to bring in enough revenue to cover basic costs (such as driver wages, fuel and vehicle maintenance).

The only way we can economise our service is to slightly reduce frequencies. By then, however, our new smartphone app and upgraded website will have already made it far easier for you to plan your journey in advance - including the ability to track your bus on the map in real-time.

ith extra tools and more reliable timetables, frequency changes shouldn't be a barrier. Plus, the idea behind simpler routes is to streamline buses in your area so that they still run as often as possible. And for those who cannot access digital planning platforms, traditional methods remain available (such as printed timetables, bus shelter displays and customer support services).

Additionally, Dundee City Council have issued a tender for the provision of local bus services today, presumably related to this.

 

[overthewater]

Some nasty service cuts coming down the line and phrase 2 would defo see a PVR decreasing, Does Dundee City council have the funds to provide full replacement for axed routes?