It is indeed 8 left. 3 of these had already been delivered - 735, 741 and 746. I would assume these 3 have been getting mods at Ferrymill Motors and/or Volvo Cardonald.
I've found most 4xx country buses have this, and if i remember correctly some of the 5xx screen ones too - more interestingly some City buses seem to show the actual bus route on the downstairs screens now.
Yes to all questions, I think. I'm not sure what the situation is with the oldest buses in the fleet and screens, depends on how long they've got.
It makes sense for all of these white buses to have allover advertisements.
Commercial?
Didn't know Murdo was that unreliable! (name comes from the wrap it used to carry for the mammoth exhibit at the museum in 2014). I know 930 had (or still has) a well-earned reputation of breaking down constantly, but I suppose some of the batch are now 16 years old, and likely quite worn out.
It’s been in and out of service a lot. Often off for several weeks at a time.
If it becomes too much of a problem swap it with 905/6 as they are more reliable.
Only need 3 buses… that’s almost £750k per year!
There will be enhancements to Lothian Country announced in coming weeks, however this will be to improve reliability rather than a significant change.
mudfas???
Sorry—- spare buses which sit at locations ready to assist late running
YET Lothian wasting double on the X19 for lot less passengers
I do hope we get simple enough solutions like Livingston Village and Blackridge, especially the former. Certainly the amount of vehicles needed to improve the service isn’t actually that high, maybe 10-15 to really make a dent? It’s the resources that will and has been the challenge.
With Winchburgh housing estates still under construction I imagine the X19 will stay in place for a bit longer. Admittedly some journeys run shortly after an X18 or X38 along the same route, making the X19 seem more lightly-used than its full potential. But of course every service should wash its own face.
I think if and when Winchburgh Station is ever built (which is planned near the new houses) then its purpose is all but gone. I could just see a local bus to Gyle Centre running after that.
As long they don't divert the 72 from Eliburn to Livingston Village, that will just shift the problem. A service similar to the old First 21 Fauldhouse to the Livingston Centre via Whitburn, Armadale, Bathgate, Blackburn and St Johns would please a lot of people.
Surely the 73 needs to be left as the Blackridge option? The only way for the 73 to pick it up would be to make it a circular route or move the direct Deans to The Centre bus onto the 74? Then again you’d still want this to carry on to Bathgate. I was told previously this was a no no due to the fare structure as it would serve the same zones multiple times. I can’t see them touching the X40.
I don’t think they’ll split the 72. In any case I think you’ve missed Eliburn.