Lothian Group discussion (Lothian City, Lothian Country Bus and East Coast Buses)

[Metal Mickey]

I'm a little surprised to see the X19 running on 26 December so I wonder where this leaves the McGill's X38 tender, possibly still required for the Linlithgow to Winchburgh section.

Unless my eyes are seeing things, there is no reference to the X19 running on the column for 26th Dec but there is an hourly timetable from 0800-1800 on P6 of the booklet. Perhaps an admin error.

 

[ScotRail158725]

The BZLs have gained Global stickers under the advert frames like the rest of the fleet have however unlike the rest of the fleet they’re gold instead of blue and it looks a lot nicer

 

[Siemens Trains]

Unless my eyes are seeing things, there is no reference to the X19 running on the column for 26th Dec but there is an hourly timetable from 0800-1800 on P6 of the booklet. Perhaps an admin error.

Yeah, the X19 timetable for 26 December seems a bit unlikely as it has long layovers and doesn't seem to interwork with anything else. An hourly service on this route is perhaps more frequent than necessary too, especially if the X38 operates in parallel.

I'm sure it will become clearer through time. Good to see they rapidly fixed the Surgeons' Hall apostrophe in the video though. My faith is restored!

 

[Bus9120UK]

Yeah, the X19 timetable for 26 December seems a bit unlikely as it has long layovers and doesn't seem to interwork with anything else. An hourly service on this route is perhaps more frequent than necessary too, especially if the X38 operates in parallel.

It looks like its scheduled to interwork with the X18 in Edinburgh - Winchburgh > Edinburgh > Whitburn > Edinburgh > Winchburgh.

 

[percycranky]

The BZLs have gained Global stickers under the advert frames like the rest of the fleet have however unlike the rest of the fleet they’re gold instead of blue and it looks a lot nicer

What exactly is the purpose of the Global sticker? Advertising/sponsorship purposes?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

What exactly is the purpose of the Global sticker? Advertising/sponsorship purposes?

Global supply the adverts, what is advertised and fit/remove them. It must be a contract condition that Global is advertised alongside what I’ve just mentioned.

 

[scosutsut]

What exactly is the purpose of the Global sticker? Advertising/sponsorship purposes?

Global supply the adverts, what is advertised and fit/remove them. It must be a contract condition that Global is advertised alongside what I’ve just mentioned.

I'd imagine it also keeps the Global contractors right when they arrive to apply or replace an advert. If the sticker isn't there, assume it's not yours to work on - a bit like a maintenance company sticker on a hand dryer they maintain on contract in a office toilet, for example.

 

[Graeme Duncan]

I noticed that 715e-717e and 722e are featured on the Lothian bus tracker but still not in service. Are they having issues with these vehicles.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I noticed that 715e-717e and 722e are featured on the Lothian bus tracker but still not in service. Are they having issues with these vehicles.

715 and 722 are still in the prep phase at Seafield, but are probably almost ready. 716 and 717 are (alongside 700) at Ferrymill for reasons currently unknown.

 

[VioletEclipse]

After doing a bit of searching on flickr, it would appear that both 9055 (GSJ 159) and 9056 (GSJ 795) were new as WA61 AKP, which can't be true right? Both are now withdrawn and their plates are on newer Leopards, but I'm curious about the Van Hool Acrons.

 

[cnjb8]

After doing a bit of searching on flickr, it would appear that both 9055 (GSJ 159) and 9056 (GSJ 795) were new as WA61 AKP, which can't be true right? Both are now withdrawn and their plates are on newer Leopards, but I'm curious about the Van Hool Acrons.

If i remember right, GSJ159 was WA61AKU but I could be wrong

 

[VioletEclipse]

If i remember right, GSJ159 was WA61AKU but I could be wrong

thanks!

 

[Highland050261]

715 and 722 are still in the prep phase at Seafield, but are probably almost ready. 716 and 717 are (alongside 700) at Ferrymill for reasons currently unknown.

I would have a guess that 700 being painted to match the rest.

 

[Lothian285]

932 has been renumbered to 251: https://flic.kr/p/2qye9u1

 

[VioletEclipse]

932 has been renumbered to 251: https://flic.kr/p/2qye9u1

The second time that an open topper has duplicated tram number 251. Also surprised to see tartan seats.

 

[CSB0241]

I have on good authority that the remaining 30 BZL’s will arrive by end of December with a further 50 due in May.

A further 50? Exciting stuff, wonder how much better they’ll be than 701-750.

That hopefully means we will see some improvements to West Lothian Network in February or June.

Fingers crossed, the 72/73 could deserately do with some fixing up.

1094 is the first i've seen evidence of. Its been swapped off at Bellevue again

You’d think the turn into Moredunvale Road would be too tight, even 1141-1153 & 701-750 seem to struggle turning in.

Withdrawing all DDs of 57/08/09/10 age would be 37 vehicles.

If reports on here are accurate, the fleet is gaining 100 BZLs.

I can’t see the requirement for double deckers increasing by 63 vehicles, so it is likely some 11s will begin to go next year.

I think we can throw 1000/1141-1153 into that too, so that’s 49, then if the 1 gets converted then that could see some 7900Hs off (as stated by other members, 1-10 are most likely).

After the 2021 B5TL E400 MMC's arrived over 150 vehicles were replaced by only 98, more replaced if you include the remaining 30(?) B7TL's, so anything could happen really.

Did not realise it was that many.

For capacity reasons I see 1141-1153 leaving before any 11 plates. However, I think the delivery of further BZLs should be viewed as an opportunity to maximize improvements to the network. These would not just be for the present network but also looking ahead a few years. The reintroduction of a reserve fleet would be a start.

Very true.

Festive timetables are up

Extremely similar to last years, but they did a fairly solid job of it last year.

The second time that an open topper has duplicated tram number 251. Also surprised to see tartan seats.

I do find it odd that they chose to do 251 instead of keeping it as 932 or even maybe changing it to 300. Then again, I shan’t forget 251-256.

 

[Lothianbus703]

A further 50? Exciting stuff, wonder how much better they’ll be than 701-750.


Fingers crossed, the 72/73 could deserately do with some fixing up.


You’d think the turn into Moredunvale Road would be too tight, even 1141-1153 & 701-750 seem to struggle turning in.


I think we can throw 1000/1141-1153 into that too, so that’s 49, then if the 1 gets converted then that could see some 7900Hs off (as stated by other members, 1-10 are most likely).


Did not realise it was that many.


Very true.


Extremely similar to last years, but they did a fairly solid job of it last year.


I do find it odd that they chose to do 251 instead of keeping it as 932 or even maybe changing it to 300. Then again, I shan’t forget 251-256.

Wouldn't the next 50 be the same
Unless improvements have been made that is.

 

[90019]

You’d think the turn into Moredunvale Road would be too tight, even 1141-1153 & 701-750 seem to struggle turning in.

Moredunvale Road is pretty easy, you just have to swing it out a bit, the issue on the 8 is the left turn from Pilton Drive North onto Boswall Parkway because the single piece of fence on the corner combined with the traffic islands makes it extremely tight for a triaxle.
It is doable, but definitely not recommended.

 

[VioletEclipse]

I have on good authority that the remaining 30 BZL’s will arrive by end of December with a further 50 due in May.

I am still very skeptical on this, but we'll see if it turns out to be correct

 

[Jordan1296]

Was on 1121 & 1122 yesterday, both on the 11. 1121 didn’t have the next stop announcements working, and 1122 had it stuck on Victoria Park for Hyvots Bank, even though it was heading for Western Harbour.

 

[VioletEclipse]

Was on 1121 & 1122 yesterday, both on the 11. 1121 didn’t have the next stop announcements working, and 1122 had it stuck on Victoria Park for Hyvots Bank, even though it was heading for Western Harbour.

I have been noticing recently that next stop announcements not working is becoming much more common, which is really quite annoying espescially on wet winter nights on a route you aren't too familiar with to know when your stop is.

 

[stevenedin]

I have been noticing recently that next stop announcements not working is becoming much more common, which is really quite annoying espescially on wet winter nights on a route you aren't too familiar with to know when your stop is.

I’ve also noticed the bus tracker having issues and being unreliable too (see previous posts). They really need to sort this out as a lot of people are losing faith in the bus service which will end up driving people away from buses. Hopefully the new system comes live soon.

 

[VioletEclipse]

I’ve also noticed the bus tracker having issues and being unreliable too (see previous posts). They really need to sort this out as a lot of people are losing faith in the bus service which will end up driving people away from buses. Hopefully the new system comes live soon.

I actually quite recently had a personal experience where a BZL going out of service unexpectedly late in the evening (likely due to low battery issues) and leaving passengers waiting 20 minutes for an 8 in the almost-freezing cold resulted in an infrequent user being quite scathing of Lothian, not without reason to be honest. I can very much imagine this has driven a number of people away from bus use to at least some extent.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

It's been over a week, how have people found the new service change for LCB?

Upon inspection this last week, I've not seen a busy X19 at all, although I've only seen it outside peak times..

 

[Metal Mickey]

It's been over a week, how have people found the new service change for LCB?

Upon inspection this last week, I've not seen a busy X19 at all, although I've only seen it outside peak times..

That doesn’t surprise me. There will be busy journeys at peak times but outwith that there will be a lot of journeys carrying fresh air.

 

[overthewater]

Ive not seen any busy X19 either, I have heard they are a bit busier to Kirkliston. Has anyone seen them on Saturday morning, that will tell us the direction of travel if people will make the switch.

 

[paul0762]

I’ve noticed a few buses today ( mainly Longstone buses ) with a “ Bus operator of the year “ banner above the destination screens. Wonder if this will be rolled out onto every bus ?

 

[LothianBusesPh]

I’ve noticed a few buses today ( mainly Longstone buses ) with a “ Bus operator of the year “ banner above the destination screens. Wonder if this will be rolled out onto every bus ?

I’ve only seen it on Marine buses with the exception of an Evora and 462. Looks nice on doubles but makes singles look cluttered.

 

[Jonathan Lynch]

One of the regal tour buses inside lothian daf at loanhead yesterday. sorry i didnt get a fleet number. Its 243 just on a test run through roslin.

 

[paul0762]

One of the regal tour buses inside lothian daf at loanhead yesterday. sorry i didnt get a fleet number. Its 243 just on a test run through roslin.

376 also showing there on the tracker, which was involved in the incident at Hannover street