First Midlands

[anthony263]

I dont really know mostly I think some thi may have said on facebook although I dont think I really said anything about First.

 

[overthewater]

A telling off for what?

Not like you have disclosed any private information.

I have to agree, unless its the fact other changes are on the way, but that could mean anything, and unless someone is in the know or Mystic meg

Also you can suggest any good idea just like the members of the public.

 

[dvboy]

Confirmation on this I did get the two mixed up. N-bus is the one we do not accept. N-Network is supposed to still be accepted.

Any problems please make a note and contact First's customer service department.

The problem has been caused by us struggling to get reinbursed by Centro each time we accepted an N-bus ticket.

Surely you'd have the same problems with n-Network tickets?

I used to use the 144 on the odd occasion that it arrive first among the 61s, 63s and X64s along Bristol Road and never had a problem with my n-Network but now I have an n-Bus I've not tried yet.

 

[anthony263]

The mobile tickets do seem to becoming more popular as time is going along. I had at least 3 people yesterday get on using them.

I do wonder if I get any tommorow afternoon when I believe I am driving the 1300 service 144 from Worcester to Birmingham followed by the 1447 back to Worcester.

 

[sonic2009]

The mobile tickets do seem to becoming more popular as time is going along. I had at least 3 people yesterday get on using them.

I do wonder if I get any tommorow afternoon when I believe I am driving the 1300 service 144 from Worcester to Birmingham followed by the 1447 back to Worcester.

Must of missed you yesterday then, I caught the 1313 from Bromsgrove Bus Station to Northfield & 1608 return from Northfield

 

[anthony263]

Shame I had a dennis trident which was a fun experience.

I should be doing one catshill service tommorow and some WOrcester - Birmingham services on sunday

 

[sonic2009]

Shame I had a dennis trident which was a fun experience.

I should be doing one catshill service tommorow and some WOrcester - Birmingham services on sunday

is that the VX54 reg trident?

 

[anthony263]

Yes.

Anyway I had that Wrightbus geminni bodied Volvo decker on the my 1144 Worcester - Catshil and 1245 Catshill - Worcester service. Certainly was an experience to drive compared to the other deckers in the fleet especially with the extra headroom. I got some looks while I drove it around Dines Green at around 1415 while working service 30 after coming back from Catshill.

Some photos taken today while I was parked up awaiting a return the return trips.

Evesham is still a nightmare even with the new bridge being open with the temporary lights.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Here is a question for some of you who regulary use the route but what do yous guys think of the suggestion that the 144's to Birmingham should be diverted back onto their original route along Birmingham road missing out Catshill with the 144a's continuing to serve Catshill as they do now.

This idea was suggested to me today by a local who remebers the old service and whom I suggested writes to First suggesting the idea especially with Sainsburys looking to build that new store in Bromsgrove

 

[Jeni]

Here is a question for some of you who regulary use the route but what do yous guys think of the suggestion that the 144's to Birmingham should be diverted back onto their original route along Birmingham road missing out Catshill with the 144a's continuing to serve Catshill as they do now.

This idea was suggested to me today by a local who remebers the old service and whom I suggested writes to First suggesting the idea especially with Sainsburys looking to build that new store in Bromsgrove

Very very bad idea, very few passengers got on or off along the Birmingham Road, compared to the number that get on or off along the Stourbridge Road and through Catshill. There are also fairly high numbers of people that travel between Catshill and destinations to Birmingham (and vice versa), particularly on the evening services. I've noticed on the evening departures from Birmingham, a fairly full bus can be empty by the time it's cleared Catshill.

The failure that was the 143 diversion along the Birmingham Road proved that it's no longer a viable route.

 

[overthewater]

How about trying a X144? Ie an express service between Brum and Worcester?

 

[sonic2009]

I'd at least like to see something like a 144x that upon leaving Bromsgrove runs via Catshill - M5 - A456 or via A38 without stopping like an express service, only during the peak hours.

 

[Jeni]

I'd at least like to see something like a 144x that upon leaving Bromsgrove runs via Catshill - M5 - A456 or via A38 without stopping like an express service, only during the peak hours.

The only problem that I'd see with that is that I doubt it would actually be faster these days, the Hagley Road gets just as snarled up as the Bristol Road. It's not like the good old days where you could zoom in!

The best option would be better bus priority down the Bristol Road, but I think Birmingham City Council has lost its appetite for things like that.

I think a re-route would help avoid peak hour congestion.

• Bristol Road as far as Selly Oak
• Turn left and take the first part of the Bypass
• Vincent Drive (QE Hospital)
• Farquhar Road
• Somerset Road
• Edgebaston Park Road
• Arthur Road
• Wheeleys Road
• Middleway - U turn at Five Ways
• Bath Row
• Smallbrook Queensway

The U turn at Five Ways could be avoided if a contraflow bus lane was added to Wheeleys Lane to enable buses to travel straight onto Bath Row.

The above is roughly the old TWM 44 route which always used to make good consistent time into the City Centre (and a route which I adopted when I started driving to avoid Bristol Road/Hagley Road traffic)

The above would have the added benefit of adding the QE hospital to the route.

Whatever happens, Holloway Circus needs quite a lot of work done on it to solve it's congestion issues, it descends into gridlock far too easily. It should be turned into a high volume signalised junction, like Belgrave Interchange to the south - there is space for it.

 

[anthony263]

Certainly Birmingham last night was a bloody nightmare some buses ended up really late. I myself doing the 1615 Worcester - Birmingham and 1818 Birmingham - Worcester service got caught up in it all and just about manage to get back to Worcester on time
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
A R-reg Plaxton Pointer Dennis Dart slf has turned up @ Worcester

I did get a picture although low lighting means quality is very good so hopefully I will be able to get a picture tommorow

 

[Robertj21a]

Could Andrew confirm that they have a decker from Leicester still on loan ?

Any idea when it might be returned to Leicester ?

Robert

 

[anthony263]

The decker from Leicester is still at Worcester Garage. Not sure how long it is staying most likely until the trident in the garage is repaired.

Still got the plaxton bodied dart from Hereford although this is due to head back soon.

Had a bit of a shock today when my boss informed me I had a VP on my bus this week. Quiet shocked when I learned the passenger was the managing director undercover.(Seems I passed though lol)

 

[Professor 1036]

I wonder if First have looked at other options for the 144? i.e a peak hours non stop journey from Catshill to Birmingham? via the M5 & A456?

I always thought the X41-44 were great services. I would love to see those motorway routes back as an alternative to the Worcester-Birmingham trains (or even Hereford and Great Malvern)...even if it was just peak periods only running limited stop.

 

[anthony263]

I always thought the X41-44 were great services. I would love to see those motorway routes back as an alternative to the Worcester-Birmingham trains (or even Hereford and Great Malvern)...even if it was just peak periods only running limited stop.

I wont say too much however I would say watch this space especially if th rumours in work of late do turn out to be true
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Speaking to colleagues today I have heard we can expect a good few changes this coming september.

Some new routes and existing routes extended perhaps? : )

 

[winston270twm]

I wont say too much however I would say watch this space especially if th rumours in work of late do turn out to be true
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Speaking to colleagues today I have heard we can expect a good few changes this coming september.

Some new routes and existing routes extended perhaps? : )

Anthony,

Does September happen to coincide with the date that the WCC cuts are to be implemented?

Off Topic
Are you able to confirm what is being suggested regarding Rotala giving up on RH & KR?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Anthony,

Does September happen to coincide with the date that the WCC cuts are to be implemented?

Off Topic
Are you able to confirm what is being suggested regarding Rotala giving up on RH & KR?

I'm always a bit wary of canteen rumours. I'd expect that Worcester is one of those areas of "untapped potential" - a provincial centre of the type that Stagecoach have done so well to develop.

 

[winston270twm]

I'm always a bit wary of canteen rumours. I'd expect that Worcester is one of those areas of "untapped potential" - a provincial centre of the type that Stagecoach have done so well to develop.

Worcester should be a good earner for First, it's a small City with large student population, First also don't really have any competition of any of their commercial service. The smaller operators tend to stick to tendered routes.

Looking at the latest new bus allocations WR's allocation appears to have doubled since the allocations were published in BBP Handbook and now appear to be due 12 x Streetlites

 

[anthony263]

At the moment us staff are awaiting news on what Rotala are doing about Kidderminster and Redditch although bets are that they will be getting sold. Whittles we think will go for Kidderminster and as for Redditch well there are a few names flying around.

As for the allocations at Worcester the garage and bus park are full to bursting now so we are going to strugle for space if we get a sudden increase in the number of vehicles.

The WCC cuts were postponed supposidly although I suspect some routes will be culled with others reduced in frequency. Some routes could be replaced by commercial operations with perhaps extensions as I have stated above.

As I said First seem to have plans for this area so watch things could be getting interesting

 

[winston270twm]

At the moment us staff are awaiting news on what Rotala are doing about Kidderminster and Redditch although bets are that they will be getting sold. Whittles we think will go for Kidderminster and as for Redditch well there are a few names flying around.

As for the allocations at Worcester the garage and bus park are full to bursting now so we are going to strugle for space if we get a sudden increase in the number of vehicles.

The WCC cuts were postponed supposidly although I suspect some routes will be culled with others reduced in frequency. Some routes could be replaced by commercial operations with perhaps extensions as I have stated above.

As I said First seem to have plans for this area so watch things could be getting interesting

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for your reply.

Why should Rotala be planning to do anything with KR & RH? has something changed / happened? Rotala aren't normally know for disposals.

Simon Dunn Rotala CEO is a member of another forum I use and will openly respond to any questions you throw at him.Particularly with KR he has commented that Rotala were pleasantly surprised with what they had acquired and that operation does seem to be showing signs increased passenger numbers. Diamond are also starting competing service on Whittle's KR route 1 from June and are slowly implementing changes as a result of their network reviews at both KR & RH.

I'd agree that the operation RH still seems to be plagued by problems and appears to result in numerous complaints on the Diamond FB page.

 

[anthony263]

Perhaps then there is more going on behind the scenes.

Only a few more weeks before the summer saturday 44B starts from Worcester to Ledbury via Great Malvern starts.

 

[winston270twm]

Perhaps then there is more going on behind the scenes.

Only a few more weeks before the summer saturday 44B starts from Worcester to Ledbury via Great Malvern starts.

I take it you're not going to Elaborate then?

 

[sonic2009]

Ive heard that Stagecoach are sniffing around Redditch. Information is a rumour from a diamond driver i know.

 

[winston270twm]

Ive heard that Stagecoach are sniffing around Redditch. Information is a rumour from a diamond driver i know.

Hi Sonic,

Stagecoach are sniffing around with a view to acquiring Redditch from Rotala or set-up competing services?

 

[sonic2009]

All i got told that it was a depot rumour that Stagecoach are looking to introduce services into Redditch.

 

[winston270twm]

All i got told that it was a depot rumour that Stagecoach are looking to introduce services into Redditch.

Thanks Sonic,

I think Rotala/Diamond would have more of a battle on their hands if Stagecoach started competing on Redditch town service than when they were up against First.

 

[Robertj21a]

Thanks Sonic,

I think Rotala/Diamond would have more of a battle on their hands if Stagecoach starting competing on Redditch town service than when they were up against First.

If that was to happen I think that Rotala should 'Do a First' and just give up and leave town - perhaps not a bad idea anyway !

Robert

 

[winston270twm]

If that was to happen I think that Rotala should 'Do a First' and just give up and leave town - perhaps not a bad idea anyway !

Robert

There still seems a lot of complaints on their FB page about their Redditch operation i.e. bunching of buses, capacity issues, grumpy drivers/poor driving standards etc, Kidderminster seems to be doing better, but they are currently re-activating elderly longer Darts due to capacity issues there. There doesn't seem to be any new buses for their Worcestershire or West Midlands businesses on the horizon. Changes as a result of their network reviews conducted Autumn 2013 also seem to be very slow to be implemented/bare any enhancements for passengers.

Based on the above, they are inviting the likes of Stagecoach to set-up shop in Redditch