First Aberdeen

[cnjb8]

Acquired from Ensign is former East Yorkshire Volvo B9R/Caetano Levante YY63OJD. Reported sat at Caledonia

 

[Jordan Adam]

Has 38223 officially been withdrawn now? I know it's been off the road for over two years awaiting a new axle, but the most recent photos on Flickr seem to suggest a few bits and pieces have been stripped.

It's not withdrawn per se, just on long term repair. They do intend to have it back eventually. It's still intact; all they've removed is the drive axle and a few panels.

The issue is that the drive axles on the Aberdeen E500s are unique to them and not made anymore, as such when one fails it has go to a specialist to be stripped down and rebuilt. As the E500s are triaxles with a rigid tag axle it means they're under far more pressure and more prone to failing than a two axle bus.

The problem 38223 has had is that each time a refurbished axle comes back from repair another E500 picks up the same issue. For example right now 38212 is being used as little as possible as its axle is on its way out. If you look at its tracking on bustimes recently you'll note that most weekdays it was only being used on school duties.

 

[Deltic1961]

Don't think I've ever seen 38223 out and about in Aberdeen.

Do the bus companies have any recompense from the manufacturer for these long term faults? Must be an expensive repair not to mention the amount of time they are out of service.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Don't think I've ever seen 38223 out and about in Aberdeen.

Do the bus companies have any recompense from the manufacturer for these long term faults? Must be an expensive repair not to mention the amount of time they are out of service.

It's been off the road since February 2019, however prior to then was in regular use. It has sat outside the workshops on the Mounthooly Way side of the depot for about two years. It's pretty easy to spot now as it's the only Enviro500 still carrying the old "The Bridges" branding.

I don't think they do, the E500s are well out of warranty now. The issue they have is that there is 25 drive axles for 25 buses and with one pretty much away for repair constantly it means one E500 is always off the road. You'd have thought they'd just order a new axle but apparently they can't source any new or additional axles as they're unique to this particular batch of buses. It can take quite some time for each axle to be repaired and it just so happens that each time a refurbished axle has returned another E500 needs it, obviously it makes more sense to put the returned axle on a E500 that's only been off the road for a few days/weeks over one that's been off for two years.

 

[Tom Gallacher]

Is there something unique about the Aberdeen 500's? Can they not just retrofit the driveline to that fitted to any of the other batches of 500's? Would be more cost efficient than having a bus constantly off the road.

 

[Deltic1961]

The terrible state of the roads and the amount of speed bumps won't be helping either.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Is there something unique about the Aberdeen 500's? Can they not just retrofit the driveline to that fitted to any of the other batches of 500's? Would be more cost efficient than having a bus constantly off the road.

I would have thought they would share the same drive axle as the Enviro500s in Asia too, but seemingly not, or at least if they do it's a part that's impossible to source in the UK. The whole situation seems a bit of a farce given that the axle was the only issue with 38223 and even at this stage it really doesn't need much to get going again.

 

[Blackpudding]

Deleted

Source required please - mod

 

[Jordan Adam]

Some updates...

Volvo B7RLE 69124 has now been withdrawn from frontline service and is currently undergoing conversion in to a driver trainer at King Street Depot, this leaves just 69123 as the only Euro3 bus left in frontline service in the fleet, however it doesn't have long either with it also earmarked for conversion.

Enviro500 repaints have stopped for now with all bar 38206/7/12/23 being done. 38206/7 were off the road receiving engine work with 38206 now back in service while 38212 is awaiting a new axle. I don't think much needs to be said about 38223... Focus has now moved back to the Streetlites with 63217 being repainted at the start of the month, 63216 this past week and 63211 being sent away yesterday.

First have lost the contract for the Balnagask & Cove Lochside Academy runs (Services 21 and 22) to Stagecoach Bluebird, they will still operate the Kincorth and Wellington Road runs (Services 31, 181, 182 & 183). Due to this the X27 has had a number of peak time journeys withdrawn, these would've formally interworked with a Lochside Academy run.

The Enviro200MMCs have been removed from the Service 13 as they cannot fit round the new temporary terminus at the Haudagain By-Pass development (Scatterburn end), as such the 13 is now being primarily operated by B7RLEs, E300s and E500s.

Citaro reliability has improved although they're still having suspension issues and 11110/14 consistently run about 5-10 minutes whenever they're allocated on the 1. 11106 returned to service in mid July for the first time since February, however it's return was short-lived as it failed in service on it's second trip and hasn't seen the road again since.

First Aberdeen Coach Hire are undergoing radical changes with plans to replace every vehicle in the fleet except the three Volvo B9Rs (20806/7/12). Coaches confirmed to be joining the fleet so far are as follows:
SG13 RYD - Volvo B9R Plaxton Elite
YY63 OJD - Volvo B9R Caetano Levante
BX65 WCY/WDF/WDG - Volvo B8R Caetano Levante II
NH63 DYH/FYH & NH14 BBH/FBH - Setra S415GT-HD (There are 3 more Setra's currently unidentified)

 

[JumpinTrainz]

Some updates...

Volvo B7RLE 69124 has now been withdrawn from frontline service and is currently undergoing conversion in to a driver trainer at King Street Depot, this leaves just 69123 as the only Euro3 bus left in frontline service in the fleet, however it doesn't have long either with it also earmarked for conversion.

Enviro500 repaints have stopped for now with all bar 38206/7/12/23 being done. 38206/7 were off the road receiving engine work with 38206 now back in service while 38212 is awaiting a new axle. I don't think much needs to be said about 38223... Focus has now moved back to the Streetlites with 63217 being repainted at the start of the month, 63216 this past week and 63211 being sent away yesterday.

First have lost the contract for the Balnagask & Cove Lochside Academy runs (Services 21 and 22) to Stagecoach Bluebird, they will still operate the Kincorth and Wellington Road runs (Services 31, 181, 182 & 183). Due to this the X27 has had a number of peak time journeys withdrawn, these would've formally interworked with a Lochside Academy run.

The Enviro200MMCs have been removed from the Service 13 as they cannot fit round the new temporary terminus at the Haudagain By-Pass development (Scatterburn end), as such the 13 is now being primarily operated by B7RLEs, E300s and E500s.

Citaro reliability has improved although they're still having suspension issues and 11110/14 consistently run about 5-10 minutes whenever they're allocated on the 1. 11106 returned to service in mid July for the first time since February, however it's return was short-lived as it failed in service on it's second trip and hasn't seen the road again since.

First Aberdeen Coach Hire are undergoing radical changes with plans to replace every vehicle in the fleet except the three Volvo B9Rs (20806/7/12). Coaches confirmed to be joining the fleet so far are as follows:
SG13 RYD - Volvo B9R Plaxton Elite
YY63 OJD - Volvo B9R Caetano Levante
BX65 WCY/WDF/WDG - Volvo B8R Caetano Levante II
NH63 DYH/FYH & NH14 BBH/FBH - Setra S415GT-HD (There are 3 more Setra's currently unidentified)

Has there been any talk of the E200MMCs leaving Aberdeen what with their unsuitability to the 13 or are they being redeployed on to other routes permanently do you know?

Also is the focus to just get the fleet into the standard livery or are they going to start branding the E300s and Streetlites?

 

[Volvodart]

With the low emissions zone coming, it would be unlikely that they would be leaving, unless swapped for Euro 6 Streetlites.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Has there been any talk of the E200MMCs leaving Aberdeen what with their unsuitability to the 13 or are they being redeployed on to other routes permanently do you know?

Also is the focus to just get the fleet into the standard livery or are they going to start branding the E300s and Streetlites?

No word on the E200MMCs yet however keep in mind 10 more Streetdeck-FCEVs are due, as Volvo Dart notes if they go they'd have to be replaced by similar vehicles. The terminus at Scatterburn is just a temporary one so the E200MMCs should go back on the 13 once the works are finished, however they're still having issues on other parts of the route and on the network more generally. Despite all this 67085 did actually make it on the 13 today.

There's still plans to brand some E300s for the 17/18 and Streetlites for the 23. The buses that are being branded have likely already been picked, it's just the nature of the way things work means that the bus that gets sent for repaint is often picked at short notice based on what isn't on the road that day, hence why prior to focus being put on the Enviro500s the repaints tended to be of a sporadic nature.

 

[83G/84D]

It's been off the road since February 2019, however prior to then was in regular use. It has sat outside the workshops on the Mounthooly Way side of the depot for about two years. It's pretty easy to spot now as it's the only Enviro500 still carrying the old "The Bridges" branding.

I don't think they do, the E500s are well out of warranty now. The issue they have is that there is 25 drive axles for 25 buses and with one pretty much away for repair constantly it means one E500 is always off the road. You'd have thought they'd just order a new axle but apparently they can't source any new or additional axles as they're unique to this particular batch of buses. It can take quite some time for each axle to be repaired and it just so happens that each time a refurbished axle has returned another E500 needs it, obviously it makes more sense to put the returned axle on a E500 that's only been off the road for a few days/weeks over one that's been off for two years.

I would have thought they would share the same drive axle as the Enviro500s in Asia too, but seemingly not, or at least if they do it's a part that's impossible to source in the UK. The whole situation seems a bit of a farce given that the axle was the only issue with 38223 and even at this stage it really doesn't need much to get going again.

If the rumours are correct a small number of these could be moving to another part of First Bus - hope the recipients know what they are getting!

 

[JumpinTrainz]

If the rumours are correct a small number of these could be moving to another part of First Bus - hope the recipients know what they are getting!

I doubt the E500s would be going anywhere. They’ve all just been painted and plus they are required for the 1/2 routes.

 

[Bazer]

I doubt the E500s would be going anywhere. They’ve all just been painted and plus they are required for the 1/2 routes.

Five are due to be transferred down Cornwall.

 

[Volvodart]

They have just lost 4 double deckers and one single decker's work to Stagecoach as they could not provide the belted buses now required by Aberdeen City Council for these school contracts.

 

[Jordan Adam]

If the rumours are correct a small number of these could be moving to another part of First Bus - hope the recipients know what they are getting!

Five are due to be transferred down Cornwall.

Happy to be proven wrong but i find that unlikely given they've almost all just been repainted. The four remaining Geminis 37635/36/43/44 moving to Cornwall would seem far more likely, especially given that at this end there's been rumours of them departing for quite a while, hence 37643/44 not being repainted out of Platinum livery.

 

[83G/84D]

Happy to be proven wrong but i find that unlikely given they've almost all just been repainted. The four remaining Geminis 37635/36/43/44 moving to Cornwall would seem far more likely, especially given that at this end there's been rumours of them departing for quite a while, hence 37643/44 not being repainted out of Platinum livery.

Wait and see I guess!

 

[cnjb8]

The fleet numbers for the new coaches are (according to First Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) )
20831
20851
24051
24052
24053
24054
24055
24056
24057
26001
26002
26003
Any idea to the identity of these coaches?

 

[Jordan Adam]

The fleet numbers for the new coaches are (according to First Fleet changes (wmbusphotos.com) )
20831
20851
24051
24052
24053
24054
24055
24056
24057
26001
26002
26003
Any idea to the identity of these coaches?

Here's a full list of the coaches that have joined the fleet thus far. They're to gain a new green/gold livery with at least one example already done, rumour is that the new operating name for the coach hire business will be "King's Coaches".

Volvo B9R Plaxton Elite
20831 | SG13 RYD

Volvo B9R Caetano Levante
20851 | YY63 OJD

Setra S415GT-HD
24051 | NH63 BYH
24052 | NH63 DYH
24053 | NH63 FYH
24054 | NH63 JYH
24055 | NH14 BBH
24056 | NH14 CBH
24057 | NH14 FBH

Volvo B8R Caetano Levante
26001 | BX65 WCY
26002 | BX65 WDF
26003 | BX65 WDG

 

[cnjb8]

Here's a full list of the coaches that have joined the fleet thus far. They're to gain a new green/gold livery with at least one example already done, rumour is that the new operating name for the coach hire business will be "King's Coaches".

Volvo B9R Plaxton Elite
20831 | SG13 RYD

Volvo B9R Caetano Levante
20851 | YY63 OJD

Setra S415GT-HD
24051 | NH63 BYH
24052 | NH63 DYH
24053 | NH63 FYH
24054 | NH63 JYH
24055 | NH14 BBH
24056 | NH14 CBH
24057 | NH14 FBH

Volvo B8R Caetano Levante
26001 | BX65 WCY
26002 | BX65 WDF
26003 | BX65 WDG

Thank you for this list

 

[Deltic1961]

It was total gridlock in the City Centre at lunchtme today. There were 10 buses on Market Street and another 6 behind them on Union Street going nowhere.

Seriously, why aren't First and Stagecoach threatening to pull services until the matter is resolved?

It must be costing a fortune in fuel, creating worse pollution and it puts people off using the buses as they're taking over 20 minutes to navigate the Union Street closure.

(Image shows a view of Market Street, Aberdeen and buses queueing)

 

[alphabravo43]

Here's a full list of the coaches that have joined the fleet thus far. They're to gain a new green/gold livery with at least one example already done, rumour is that the new operating name for the coach hire business will be "King's Coaches".

Volvo B9R Plaxton Elite
20831 | SG13 RYD

Volvo B9R Caetano Levante
20851 | YY63 OJD

Setra S415GT-HD
24051 | NH63 BYH
24052 | NH63 DYH
24053 | NH63 FYH
24054 | NH63 JYH
24055 | NH14 BBH
24056 | NH14 CBH
24057 | NH14 FBH

Volvo B8R Caetano Levante
26001 | BX65 WCY
26002 | BX65 WDF
26003 | BX65 WDG

I imagine this will be from the King's of Dunblane name that they'll still have control of from when GRT bought them out?

 

[Jordan Adam]

I imagine this will be from the King's of Dunblane name that they'll still have control of from when GRT bought them out?

Or also in reference to King Street Depot in Aberdeen?

It was total gridlock in the City Centre at lunchtme today. There were 10 buses on Market Street and another 6 behind them on Union Street going nowhere.

Seriously, why aren't First and Stagecoach threatening to pull services until the matter is resolved?

It must be costing a fortune in fuel, creating worse pollution and it puts people off using the buses as they're taking over 20 minutes to navigate the Union Street closure.

(Image shows a view of Market Street, Aberdeen and buses queueing)
View attachment 102057

It's a complete an utter joke, the council are now saying that the centre section of Union Street will be closed until they decide what they want to do with it long term, how long that'll be is not known but First/Stagecoach have been informed that it'll be at least until next March at the earliest.

The other week i just missed a 2 at the Music Hall that i was wanting to photo as it was being worked by a 19 branded Streetdeck, i waited at the stop for a few minutes to see if the 1 behind was coming (it was due) as i could get that to North Donside Road and photo the 2 on it's return trip, i then decided to walk down Union Street towards Castle Street as it hadn't turned up, as i did the 1 appeared however as i was not near the stop anymore i missed it. I continued walking towards Castle Street at a normal pace and actually made it to the 1/2 stop outside the town house well before the 2 i had originally missed! It actually worked fairly well as it meant i got a photo of the bus i was after without having to trail all the way out to Bridge Of Don, however it does also show just how bad the journey times have become.

It's somewhat irrelevant but just for the sake of it below is a photo of said 2...

First Aberdeen 39706 SV70BWP (14th August 2021)

First Aberdeen Wright Streetdeck-FCEV Hydroliner 39706 is seen here outside The Tolbooth Museum turning from Castle Street on to King Street while operating off route on a Red Line 2 from Auchinyell to Ashwood. Photo Date: 14/08/2021 ©Jordan Adam.

www.flickr.com

It's not just Union Street either. The council have been closing multiple major roads at the same time causing severe congestion. In the last month alone stretches of Auchinyell Road, Westburn Road, Westburn Drive, Rosemount Place, Provost Fraser Drive, Hilton Drive, Beach Esplanade and Anderson Drive have all been closed simultaneously, combine that with the fact North Anderson Drive is one lane only at the Haudagain, Auchmill Road is closed westbound and down to one lane eastbound due to emergency gas works and it really has made getting around Aberdeen a nightmare with buses consistently running late. Two days in a row last month Great Northern Road was shut due to two police incidents, on one of the days the congestion was so bad that it was taking buses an hour alone just to get from Guild Street / Bus Station to Union Street. Relatives of mine caught a 23 from Adelphi towards Hilton and it took over two hours, a journey which usually only takes about 10-15 minutes.

I can see why you'd say First/Stagecoach should pull services, but i'd fear it'll probably do more damage than it's worth. Both operators have been very vocal in the evening express about the need to reopen Union Street.

Aberdeen bus firm bosses press for immediate return to Union Street

Executives from Aberdeen's major bus operators have united to pile pressure on the city council to give their vehicles access to Union Street once more.

www.eveningexpress.co.uk

Bosses at Stagecoach Bluebird and First Aberdeen have revealed their buses have been sat stationary in traffic four times as much since they were diverted around the pedestrianised zone on the Granite Mile.

Their interjection came only hours before a summit with council chiefs to discuss long term plans for the pedestrianisation of Union Street – though Town House sources claimed the firms’ on-board tracking data only told “part of the story”.

This week, the local authority published proposals for the future of the city centre – including a “prioritised” push to have part of Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare permanently closed off to traffic.

It would cover the same section, between Market Street and Bridge Street, which is already blocked off as part of the Covid physical distancing measures.

Currently, only buses and taxis are allowed to turn in and out of Market Street from Union Street, with a bus gate set up at the Adelphi.

However, Aberdeen Journals recently uncovered that the camera had not in operation since the turn of the year.

Bosses of Aberdeen bus firms pen joint letter calling for access to be reinstated​

Speaking exclusively to Aberdeen Journals, Stagecoach Bluebird managing director, Peter Knight, and First Aberdeen operations director, David Phillips, said: “The closure of Union Street has caused frustrating delays for people using buses to visit the city centre.

“From our on board vehicle tracking we can see that the time our vehicles are at a standstill in city centre traffic has increased by 300% when compared to that of when Union Street was open.

“We are fully in support of developments to make the city centre a more vibrant place to visit, live and work but any such development should not be at the detriment of sustainable travel choices – such as bus.

“We only have to look round the corner to Broad Street to see our very own shining example of how shared spaces can truly transform city centres.

“To support the recovery of the city centre we ask that there is no further delay in reinstating bus access to the section of Union Street which has been closed.”

In June 2020, the two firms accused the local authority of “misleading” them on plans for the temporary closure of Union Street – alleging they had been told they would retain access.


A spokesman for the ruling Conservative, Aberdeen Labour and independent coalition said: “I’m delighted that both Stagecoach and First Aberdeen fully support developments to make the city centre a more vibrant place to visit live and work.

“The bus companies will be aware the top 10 responses from the public included support for Union Street being at the heart of the city and for a pedestrianised central section of Union Street, from Market Street to Bridge Street.

“The report next Wednesday at committee is for councillors to consider all options, including the removal of current temporary spaces for people measures, and decide which options to bring back in November with detailed proposals.

“I would urge them to work with us to ensure that whatever the committee determines in November, it does so in full knowledge of the business case in front of us, rather than on board vehicle tracking that only tells part of a story.”

It's interesting to note the council response, which i can only sum up from personal experience of actually living in Aberdeen as being highly delusional.

“I would urge them to work with us to ensure that whatever the committee determines in November, it does so in full knowledge of the business case in front of us, rather than on board vehicle tracking that only tells part of a story.”

I'd like to know this other part of the story they reference... You don't need tracking data to show you how bad congestion is, just try getting any bus from Broad Street to Music Hall!

 

[Deltic1961]

Yep. Sadly only direct action will evoke a response.

 

[Jordan Adam]

It seems the drive axle issues with the Enviro500s may at long last finally be sorted. First have switched to a different contractor who is sourcing new drive axles from Hong Kong. In the last week four new axles have arrived from Hong Kong, 38205 has already had one fitted while 38212 is in the workshops today. Although the overall situation isn't ideal at least with there now being 29 axles whenever one fails there should always be a refurbished one ready to be swapped out rather than the bus having to sit off the road for weeks.

 

[Volvodart]

The Aberdeen coaching division is now called King Coaches:-

Travel like a King with King Coaches. Let us take care of all your transport needs with luxury coach hire available across Scotland. Travel in style wherever you want to go.

Our great value prices along with our clean and comfortable coaches means we can fulfill all your coach hire needs and is the reason why many of our customers have continued to use us for over 25 years.

Our friendly and professional drivers have hundreds of years’ experience between them and with their vast knowledge they will make sure your journey with King Coaches is one to remember. If there is anything we can do to make your journey more than just a journey, please let us know.

We've got a coach for every occasion!

• Business Conferences / Events & Exhibitions
• Social Events - corporate away days, concerts, sporting events
• Weddings
• School Contracts, Trips and Recreational Activities
• Private Coach Hire
• Sports Club’s

For a competitive, flexible quotation and further information on our full range of services contact our helpful staff by emailing info@kingcoaches.co.uk or call us now on 01224-219-225.

 

[Deltic1961]

The Aberdeen coaching division is now called King Coaches:-

What was wrong with FACH?

Or is it better to pretend not to be First

 

[Volvodart]

It was supposed to be a brand name for the whole of First Scotland.

 

[scosutsut]

What was wrong with FACH?

Or is it better to pretend not to be First

I think they've seen good results when they've distanced themselves from their own corporate image elsewhere as First as a brand might be recognised widely by the public but not necessarily in a good way so makes sense I reckon.