Arriva Midlands

[Trainman40083]

Arriva was born of the purchase of British Bus Group by Cowie Group. When Cowie did that, in 1998, they inherited a set of firms that had been underinvested in for years as BB was a hand to mouth existence, buying firms with the profits of others and having to service debt without having a stock market floatation.

So Arriva spent 10 years sorting out its UK fleet replacement though, it must be said, that it also was overly focussed on route by route profitability and so it also contracted in size in that time with its UK ops. DB bought it in 2010 and they did invest especially as PSVAR was looming. However, after 2014, DB was strapped for cash and so fleet replacement took a back seat. I remember commenting about how posters on this board were obsessed with First Group (who were actually turning the supertanker) and ignoring the impending issues of Arriva.

There was then the hokey-cokey as DB weighed up what to do (sell, keep, float), and they were naturally impacted by Covid too. The challenge is that Arriva now has too few decent operations. That backlog hasn't really eased even with some investment. Therefore, you have fleets like Arriva NE that are dominated by 2009-2014 era fleet, and have also been treated to receiving ex Murkeyside Pulsars like Midlands. And of course, they are likely to lose their best performing operations to franchising in Merseyside and West Yorkshire.

At least there has been some investment into new buses at Leicester, Derby expected, Yorkshire, North East and Merseyside. Years ago, I remember an Arriva driver saying "Arriva run where no-one else wants to".

 

[Mikw]

For some reason, the electric buses seem to be doing a switcheroo today, with most 73-plate Electroliners on the 127 and 74/25-plates on the 47, 48, 50 and 51!

Yes, i noticed that too, the 127 is today, mostly, the 73 plate Eletroliners, instead of the new batch.

 

[joieman]

Spotted an Electroliner on the Golden Mile outside B&M, parked out of service as it has brought down some low-hanging Christmas decorations!

 

[Trainman40083]

A recent transfer from Leicester to Derby is (drum roll), VDL /Wright 3744. It is the bus tracking as 3745 on the 4/26 circuit. 3745 is on the 2.

 

[busfan308]

Presume this is replacing the MAX E400 which went for scrap at Derby recently?

 

[Fin447]

Does anyone know what the plan is for Coalville when Thurmaston goes fully electric?

 

[BusLink61]

Presume this is replacing the MAX E400 which went for scrap at Derby recently?

I think it’s also covering for a few streetlites which are off currently.

 

[Dwarfer1979]

Does anyone know what the plan is for Coalville when Thurmaston goes fully electric?

Is there a plan for that to happen anytime soon? That said, since they are based in the Roberts yard whose depot is already equipped for electric charging it can probably be accommodated easier than dealing with Hinckley. Not sure how much swapping there is between Hinckley & Thurmaston these days, there used to be quite a bit, but it is difficult to see how that can have electric infrastructure installed easily (you do wonder how much this played into the recent loss of the Warwickshire contracts into Coventry).

 

[Zakaria Fadel]

MK are rumoured to be getting 66 plate StreetLites apparently and possibly some deckers from Leicester when their electrics arrive.

 

[derbyveg]

I think it’s also covering for a few streetlites which are off currently.

Only 3 streetlites are off... out of 18.

Derbys only vehicles struggling at the moment are the 58 plate E400s

 

[derbybusdepot]

Only 3 streetlites are off... out of 18.

Derbys only vehicles struggling at the moment are the 58 plate E400s

To be fair, the 3 58 plate e400s that are in use have been out all day today, they seem to be more reliable than they were at least.

Looks as though the 15.30 route 20 did not run today, the 16.30 ran so late it only went as far as Chaddesden. A 21 ran back empty via pride park, so lots of long gaps in the service - and the live trackers struggle when buses deviate from the route. No doubt when the funding runs out in April they will say no one used it - why would anyone use it when it is so unpredictable/unreliable? Just a waste of funding.

 

[Trainman40083]

Only 3 streetlites are off... out of 18.

Derbys only vehicles struggling at the moment are the 58 plate E400s

I think what does jump out when you look at the Arriva Derby fleet, is how few are off the road. Maybe 9.... Considering the age of the fleet, it seems impressive.

 

[BusLink61]

Only 3 streetlites are off... out of 18.

Derbys only vehicles struggling at the moment are the 58 plate E400s

Yes that is a fair point, 3/18 off is still very good, however a single as a replacement for a decker doesn’t make sense to me. Can decker routes such as the 1A/1B/1C and the 38 cope with single decks on it?

And not sure what’s happened with B9TL 4221? It hasn’t been used much this year.

 

[busfan308]

3 of the YJ58 e400’s other than FHH have been working daily for over a week now.

 

[43055]

Yes that is a fair point, 3/18 off is still very good, however a single as a replacement for a decker doesn’t make sense to me. Can decker routes such as the 1A/1B/1C and the 38 cope with single decks on it?

And not sure what’s happened with B9TL 4221? It hasn’t been used much this year.

The 1s off peak can but at peak times at least they use to be quite full.

 

[derbyveg]

Looks as though the 15.30 route 20 did not run today, the 16.30 ran so late it only went as far as Chaddesden. A 21 ran back empty via pride park, so lots of long gaps in the service - and the live trackers struggle when buses deviate from the route. No doubt when the funding runs out in April they will say no one used it - why would anyone use it when it is so unpredictable/unreliable? Just a waste of funding.

The big mistake has been interworking it with the X38, I believe on the next service changes tbat is due to change, along with the 4s & 26s interworking, the idea wasn't bad but practically the issues could be seen months away.

I think what does jump out when you look at the Arriva Derby fleet, is how few are off the road. Maybe 9.... Considering the age of the fleet, it seems impressive.

Yes the VDLs seemed to have settle down now, the main vehicles that seem to be struggling now are the deckers.

Yes that is a fair point, 3/18 off is still very good, however a single as a replacement for a decker doesn’t make sense to me. Can decker routes such as the 1A/1B/1C and the 38 cope with single decks on it?

And not sure what’s happened with B9TL 4221? It hasn’t been used much this year.

Derby recently had an influx of deckers so they have enough, 38s struggle with singles but the Alvastons can cope.

 

[derbybusdepot]

Yes that is a fair point, 3/18 off is still very good, however a single as a replacement for a decker doesn’t make sense to me. Can decker routes such as the 1A/1B/1C and the 38 cope with single decks on it?

And not sure what’s happened with B9TL 4221? It hasn’t been used much this year.

Believe 4221 has been off for some time, since around March, and has now gone for scrap along with another Gemini 4216. An e400 tracked as it (4221) on bustimes, so some of the data in there for it is incorrect. Taking that into account they only have 2 spare deckers.

Believe the lane closures on the A38 should be removed after Monday next week. Hurray.

 

[Trainman40083]

Believe 4221 has been off for some time, since around March, and has now gone for scrap along with another Gemini 4216. An e400 tracked as it (4221) on bustimes, so some of the data in there for it is incorrect. Taking that into account they only have 2 spare deckers.

Believe the lane closures on the A38 should be removed after Monday next week. Hurray.

Yes, I thought 4221 had tracked as a different bus. Just think.. It will soon be time for the bridge works on the A38 at Willington!!

 

[43055]

Yes, I thought 4221 had tracked as a different bus. Just think.. It will soon be time for the bridge works on the A38 at Willington!!

More roadworks on the 38? Great

 

[busfan308]

Is there a liklihood of new vehicles in Derby in 2026? I’ve noticed that several of the Pulsars have not been repainted as of late?

 

[Trainman40083]

Is there a liklihood of new vehicles in Derby in 2026? I’ve noticed that several of the Pulsars have not been repainted as of late?

There is a suggestion that there will be new buses in Derby. Indeed, talk of some newer ones as well. People will faint when they see 26 plates.. Only joking, they might be 75 plated.

 

[bringiton]

Some changes on the chad routes

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-...RUsJ3Y7ivm1dUkEmbI_aem_yB_tEIVRL5hrJgp_TT1wBw

Following the announcement of the closure of Oakwood Surgery on Wayfaring Road, we’re making a small improvement to the network in Chaddesden to offer residents a link from Oakwood to Chaddesden Surgery on Maine Drive. Additionally, we’ll be making some further revisions to reflect customer usage.

Details of the revisions are below, and updated timetables will soon appear on the links:

20/21 Derby to Spondon
We’re improving the routing for service 20. Buses will now run via Chaddesden Park Road, Max Road and Wood Road instead of Reginald Road South.

Additionally, to match growing customer demand, all trips will now run as Service 20, up to every 30 minutes. We’ve seen significant uptake on Sandringham Drive and Sandcroft Road loop on service 20. The Arnham Terrace area on route 21 is less well used and has ample coverage by other operators.

26 Derby to Oakwood
We’re improving the routing for service 26. Service 26 will now run via Reginald Road South and Chaddesden Lane, instead of Chaddesden Park Road & Max Road.
This revision allows route 26 to provide a link from Oakwood to Chaddesden Surgery.

 

[derbybusdepot]

Some changes on the chad routes

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-...RUsJ3Y7ivm1dUkEmbI_aem_yB_tEIVRL5hrJgp_TT1wBw

Never expected the 21 to be a success around Arnhem Terrace, not helped by the fact no stops had timetables or info on the flags to suggest they stop around there.

Personally think the 20 should run up Willowcroft Rd on it way to Spondon so that it serves smartparc, missed opportunity to serve what it an ever growing employment area.

 

[BusLink61]

There is a suggestion that there will be new buses in Derby. Indeed, talk of some newer ones as well. People will faint when they see 26 plates.. Only joking, they might be 75 plated.

I had read that Shrewsbury will be having a batch of Volvo B8 Evoras delivered at some stage. It’s probably too early to start working out which vehicles, but I wouldn’t rule out a batch of Evoras being on order for Derby. They’d be handy on the X38 personally (if the X38 competition with Trent is continuing!)

I do hope Tamworth will also receive some newer buses, ideally they need some sooner rather than later.

 

[43055]

Never expected the 21 to be a success around Arnhem Terrace, not helped by the fact no stops had timetables or info on the flags to suggest they stop around there.

Along with the i4 being a more frequent and with the A38 problems reliable alternative.

 

[SSmith2009]

There is a suggestion that there will be new buses in Derby. Indeed, talk of some newer ones as well. People will faint when they see 26 plates.. Only joking, they might be 75 plated.

Leicester are due a large number of single decker electrics soon believed to be GB Kites so will release most of the single deckers.

 

[derbybusdepot]

Along with the i4 being a more frequent and with the A38 problems reliable alternative.

I think the theory behind the 21 was to link Arnhem Terrace area with Spondon village. The notts and derby 19 did a similar thing after serving Albert road estate a few years ago.

The current route 19 seems a bit pointless. Would make sense to send that round Arnhem Terrace, and extend the route to Derby via pride park and reduce it to an hourly service.

 

[Trainman40083]

I think the theory behind the 21 was to link Arnhem Terrace area with Spondon village. The notts and derby 19 did a similar thing after serving Albert road estate a few years ago.

The current route 19 seems a bit pointless. Would make sense to send that round Arnhem Terrace, and extend the route to Derby via pride park and reduce it to an hourly service.

Had a vision of it using the bus gate down to West Meadows allowing a driver change over at the new depot. But it wouldn't serve Pride Park. But when you look at all the big retail parks, they aren't well served by buses. Maybe Osmaston Park Road. Maybe even Meteor Centre if you don't want Morrisons (can't even walk to it from Alfreton Road. Then we have Ascot Drive (I have been to Dunelm using the bus) .

 

[Scotrail88]

Leicester are due a large number of single decker electrics soon believed to be GB Kites so will release most of the single deckers.

How many are due?

 

[busfan308]

I had read that Shrewsbury will be having a batch of Volvo B8 Evoras delivered at some stage. It’s probably too early to start working out which vehicles, but I wouldn’t rule out a batch of Evoras being on order for Derby. They’d be handy on the X38 personally (if the X38 competition with Trent is continuing!)

I do hope Tamworth will also receive some newer buses, ideally they need some sooner rather than later.

Evora’s would definitely make sense for the X38. Would certainly give the arriva service more appeal.

I imagine the Gemini’s are likely on borrowed time too.