TrawsCambria / TrawsCymru

[WelshBuses93]

Optare Tempo X1260 YJ06YRZ is now in full TrawsCymru livery with route branding.

 

[Bwsbro]

Optare Tempo X1260 YJ06YRZ is now in full TrawsCymru livery with route branding.

As seen in my photograph on Fllickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128181123@N05/16404919399/

 

[WelshBuses93]

Indeed.
Not long till the new vehicles arrive on both the T3 and T5.

 

[Rhydgaled]

Optare Tempo X1260 YJ06YRZ is now in full TrawsCymru livery with route branding.

As is YJ06YRO I think (YJ55BKE and YJ55BKF have had it almost from the start of the T5). Interestingly since the application of route branding I have not noticed WiFi stickers on YJ55BKF and YJ06YRZ, which previously had them.

The timetable is on first's website under service updates and starts 22nd Feb

Thanks, I found it with that additional information. Still haven't got round to taking a detailed look at it, but the timetable from Lampeter to Aberystwyth seems to be unchanged.

 

[trawscymru27]

the timetable from Lampeter to Aberystwyth seems to be unchanged.

I think the only change is the addition of 5 minutes of running time between Lampeter and Carmarthen. Northbound, this means buses leave Carmarthen five minutes earlier than previously. Departure times from Aberystwyth and Lampeter in both directions are unchanged.

 

[Welshman]

I recently rode on Express Motors' Scania [sorry - don't know details or number], on the T2 service from Porthmadog to Bangor.

I was impressed by the heating and the power, but, oh - the seats - so small, hard and uncomfortable.

Who decided coaches with such seats should be used on long distances such as Aberystwyth -North Wales?

I was glad to get off!

 

[Rhydgaled]

I recently rode on Express Motors' Scania [sorry - don't know details or number], on the T2 service from Porthmadog to Bangor.

I was impressed by the heating and the power, but, oh - the seats - so small, hard and uncomfortable.

Who decided coaches with such seats should be used on long distances such as Aberystwyth -North Wales?

I was glad to get off!

Vehicles on the T1, T2 and T3 are, I believe, chossen by the operators, whereas the T4 and T9 use vehicles provided by the Welsh Government (T5 is a mixture at the moment).

 

[Bwsbro]

I recently rode on Express Motors' Scania [sorry - don't know details or number], on the T2 service from Porthmadog to Bangor.

I was impressed by the heating and the power, but, oh - the seats - so small, hard and uncomfortable.

Who decided coaches with such seats should be used on long distances such as Aberystwyth -North Wales?

I was glad to get off!

That would be CX64EMS, as a frequent traveller on this service unfortunately you get used to the seating.

This is also a problem on YR14HLU on the T3

I must admit though the worst seating is on the Lloyds Diagram, YJ14BCZ & YJ14BCV

Regarding who choses what bus, apart from the T4 & T9. It is the operator who choses what type of bus is used. Richards are only using the 55/06plate Tempo on a temporary basis

 

[Rhydgaled]

Richards are only using the 55/06plate Tempo on a temporary basis

Where are they going next then? YJ55BKE/BKF have TrawsCymru on the seats... And YJ55BKN/BJK are in Richards Bros colours (the former in full fleet livery the latter Richards version of TrawsCambria livery). Also, aren't the new vehicles on order for T5 choosen (poorly, in my view) by the Welsh Government?

 

[WelshBuses93]

YR14HLU was allocated to the X50/2 service today, quite strange not to be on the T3. I don't mind the OmniLink's either but you're right about the seats, would be nice to replace them with more comfier seats for example the Esteban Civic V3 seats or Lazzerini Transito seats with high backs . Was uncomfortable one day I went to Aberystwyth from Wrexham and I was allocated 2 OmniLink's for my trip and to be fair it wasn't quite good with the seats.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Where are they going next then? YJ55BKE/BKF have TrawsCymru on the seats... And YJ55BKN/BJK are in Richards Bros colours (the former in full fleet livery the latter Richards version of TrawsCambria livery). Also, aren't the new vehicles on order for T5 choosen (poorly, in my view) by the Welsh Government?

No, just the standard tender stuff

Vehicle Requirement and Specification

Requirement:

Operators are required to operate only approved TrawsCymru branded vehicles on T5 journeys.

Age: Vehicles aged no older than 3 years (maximum from manufacture date) from start of Contract.

Capacity: 40 seats minimum (see below for seat requirements);
1 additional space (minimum) for passenger using a wheelchair;
additional standing capacity with appropriate hand rails; and a
luggage compartment providing sufficient and safe space for stowing luggage, which is appropriate for a longer distance service.

Access: Low floor “easy access” single deck vehicle.

Livery: Initially to be supplied in base white; Welsh Government to arrange and fund provision and application of suitable external livery (therefore other external advertising will not be possible).

Engine: To meet Euro 5 environmental standards.


On-board Systems and Other Requirements:

• CCTV to be provided (Internal and external)
• Electronic destination displays in accordance with DDA standards; displays to alternate between English and Welsh.
• On-board Hanover (or equivalent) visual and audio announcement system;
• TrawsCymru green grab rails;
• Comfortable, high back seats at reasonable spacing allowing a comfortable passenger journey appropriate to a longer distance service (suggested minimum seat pitch 699mm). Seats should be fitted with grey fabric or leather effect material with TrawsCymru logo on the headrests;
• Free Wi-Fi reception for passengers within the vehicle.
• Actia telematics (or equivalent) system to be fitted, T5 management group to arrange and fund provision and fitting of suitable system.
• Recharging electrical sockets (optional but desired).
• All general specifications to meet with DPTAC (Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee) and the Equality Act 2010 (UK) guidance; www.gov.uk for details.


As regards the current Tempos, I guess that Richards can perhaps keep one or more as spares or for other work, or simply dispose of them to East Anglia

 

[Rhydgaled]

No, just the standard tender stuff [snip]

As regards the current Tempos, I guess that Richards can perhaps keep one or more as spares or for other work, or simply dispose of them to East Anglia

None of that answered my questions. The ITT also said:

Option 1: Timetable and specification as provided – operator to provide vehicles as per specification

Option 2: Timetables as provided – Welsh Government to provide vehicles

Option 3: Operator to provide alternative timetable and service specification to meet broad specification of contract.

My assumption is that option 2 has been selected given the refurbishment of YJ55BKE/BKF, which are provided by WAG, therefore I assume the new vehicles are also provided by WAG and are intended to be operated alongside the Tempos*. Either that or WAG have plans to move YJ55BKE/BKF onto another TrawsCymru route once the new vehicles arrive, otherwise why stitch 'TrawsCymru' into the new seat covers?

* I believe the same three vehicles (two Pulsars and an Optare Excel) are still operating out of Newport depot on the Haverfordwest-Cardigan leg of the T5 in standard Richards Bros livery, which will need replacing to meet the 'all buses in TrawsCymru livery' requirement in the ITT.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

None of that answered my questions. The ITT also said:

My assumption is that option 2 has been selected given the refurbishment of YJ55BKE/BKF, which are provided by WAG, therefore I assume the new vehicles are also provided by WAG and are intended to be operated alongside the Tempos*. Either that or WAG have plans to move YJ55BKE/BKF onto another TrawsCymru route once the new vehicles arrive, otherwise why stitch 'TrawsCymru' into the new seat covers?

* I believe the same three vehicles (two Pulsars and an Optare Excel) are still operating out of Newport depot on the Haverfordwest-Cardigan leg of the T5 in standard Richards Bros livery, which will need replacing to meet the 'all buses in TrawsCymru livery' requirement in the ITT.

Given the age stipulation within the tender, and the content on the website, it would seem that new vehicles all round are due for the T5. It may be that these Tempos will act as backup spares.

Remember, these are now 10 years old nearly and despite how well they've been looked after, they are becoming more than middle aged. Also, they won't meet the Euro V requirement either so whoever is supplying them (and I don't think it's WG), new fleet is seemingly assured. As I say, RB might be keeping some for back up or spares, but they may join their brethren poodling around Norfolk

 

[Bwsbro]

YJ14CCV has now received full TrawsCymru T5 livery


First Seems to be having some issues with their TrawsCymru vehicles

Once again today a standard livery e200 was brought to operate one vehicle working. Whilst today a 55plate eclipse were also operating a diagram

 

[Teflon Lettuce]

YJ14CCV has now received full TrawsCymru T5 livery


First Seems to be having some issues with their TrawsCymru vehicles

Once again today a standard livery e200 was brought to operate one vehicle working. Whilst today a 55plate eclipse were also operating a diagram

the problem is First have only got 5 vehicles in livery for 5 workings... forgetting of course that they need to take the vehicles off for routine maintenance... and that's before breakdowns. Of course this isn't just limited to the TrawsCymru vehicles.. it seems that First never paint enough vehicles in to route branded liveries...

Also First don't seem able to put the right vehicles out on the right workings... I'm for ever seeing "Cymru Clipper" vehicles on normal services and vice versa

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

the problem is First have only got 5 vehicles in livery for 5 workings... forgetting of course that they need to take the vehicles off for routine maintenance... and that's before breakdowns. Of course this isn't just limited to the TrawsCymru vehicles.. it seems that First never paint enough vehicles in to route branded liveries...

Also First don't seem able to put the right vehicles out on the right workings... I'm for ever seeing "Cymru Clipper" vehicles on normal services and vice versa

To be fair, First aren't supposed to use TC liveried kit on non TC routes so having a 6th vehicle would mean a 20% spare ratio. I'm sure the contract has a tolerance for the use of non liveried kit.

As for the general comment, I've not noticed it so much but I'm an infrequent visitor

 

[Teflon Lettuce]

To be fair, First aren't supposed to use TC liveried kit on non TC routes so having a 6th vehicle would mean a 20% spare ratio. I'm sure the contract has a tolerance for the use of non liveried kit.

As for the general comment, I've not noticed it so much but I'm an infrequent visitor

I don't know what the current ratio is generally... but 10 years ago most large companies worked on the basis of 17% engineering spares... so perhaps if First wished to show a professional face it would tolerate an extra 3% margin on spares to ensure that there is always a spare available.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I don't know what the current ratio is generally... but 10 years ago most large companies worked on the basis of 17% engineering spares... so perhaps if First wished to show a professional face it would tolerate an extra 3% margin on spares to ensure that there is always a spare available.

Been longer than 10 years since that was an industry average. Nearer 12-15% these days.

 

[Teflon Lettuce]

Been longer than 10 years since that was an industry average. Nearer 12-15% these days.

that would explain why First have been having so many problems with the Greyhound service over the last few weeks lol.

On a serious note I have noticed that adding extra recovery time into the T1 timetable doesn't seem to be working... buses are still running late AND early. Perhaps management should've sent some inspectors out first (excuse pun) to find out what is REALLY going on. Certainly I have noticed at the Aber end of the route drivers sit and do nothing on the stand... pull away on time and then stop in Park Ave for 5 minutes while they go and use the loo....

 

[Bwsbro]

Mid Wales Travel YX62FCA is just seen leaving Llanybydder whilst operating the 09:40 service from Aberystwyth. This could be deputising for a broken down vehicle. But if the bus had a full day on this diagram then the vehicle would have been in TyCroes overnight

 

[WelshBuses93]

The 4 new vehicles for the T3 service are due to be delivered within a week or 2, I'll keep you posted on any info about them.

 

[quarella]

Of course this isn't just limited to the TrawsCymru vehicles.. it seems that First never paint enough vehicles in to route branded liveries...

Also First don't seem able to put the right vehicles out on the right workings... I'm for ever seeing "Cymru Clipper" vehicles on normal services and vice versa

Is it branding or is it advertising?

 

[Teflon Lettuce]

Is it branding or is it advertising?

well I would say that as the Cymru Clipper livery is totally different to the standard First livery it is branding not advertising.

Also the Clipper vehicles have free wifi whereas normal vehicles don't so if a Clipper vehicle is on a normal working and a normal vehicle on a Clipper working then the Clipper service isn't providing what is being advertised!

 

[burns20]

Travelled today on the T3 and only saw and rode on one of the new Scanias, guessing there is a reliability problem, with a Line 9 branded Dart SLF, a Line 9 branded Cadet and a former X94 Wright Eclipse/Pulsar.

 

[trawscymru27]

That is the only one of the new buses which has entered service, the others have yet to be delivered.

 

[Rhydgaled]

That is the only one of the new buses which has entered service, the others have yet to be delivered.

I think there are four other vehicles with a small TrawsCymru logo applied on the GHA livery intended for use on the T3 until the new vehicles are delivered though. The post you replied to suggested two "Line 9 branded" vehicles were in use, which doesn't sound to me like the intended interim ones.

 

[WelshBuses93]

The Eclipse was also a former Line 9 vehicle. New ones should arrive with a week or two.

 

[Rhydgaled]

Any sign of the new vehicles on T3 yet? The four MetroCities for T5 have arrived now.

 

[Bwsbro]

Any sign of the new vehicles on T3 yet? The four MetroCities for T5 have arrived now.

Is the T5 only getting 4 new buses. as it would be a major different between Brand Bew MetroCities operating alongside 10 year old tempos

 

[Bletchleyite]

On a serious note I have noticed that adding extra recovery time into the T1 timetable doesn't seem to be working... buses are still running late AND early.

Departing early? Do they have GPS tracking?