Stagecoach North West Discussion

[Dallamlad]

There is a very valid reason for the PTE bringing in LF access for Schools and College's, its called acessability and equal oportunities, most are now offering places to age groups who are wheelchair bound, and transport requirements have to be met, not that there are many but is has to be provisioned for all the same, not all operator's will require LF access.

New Vehicles have not yet been ruled out to replace B10M's or Volvo Olympians.

The 2 Tridents at Chorley are for the 125 Preston college service which again is LF access for wheelchair use.

I knew they would have a use just thought I would mention it

I understand why they are going LF, its just frustrating! Also it depends on the Council I think. When I was at school students who needed special access were provided with private transport by the authority.

Anyway all still exiting with a lot moving around!

Also 20876 has donated its gearbox to 20128:

http://gcbp.fotopic.net/p69244133.html

22256 is down at ME for some reason:

http://gcbp.fotopic.net/p69244134.html

Credit to Gregg Collins

 

[cainebj]

I understand why they are going LF, its just frustrating! Also it depends on the Council I think. When I was at school students who needed special access were provided with private transport by the authority.

15 year age limit affects it as well. the P-VPN's turn 15 this coming December. The S reg Oly's still have 2 years and a few months to go. After S reg, the very large majority of Stagecoach buses are accessible, so it was always heading that way.

It's the same up here for students needing special access. In Workington, Stainburn School is the only one that can cater for wheelchairs, but they don't really get any school transport there. Students with learning difficulties and other problems are all provided with wheelchair accessible transport (mostly Merc and LDV mini's with a wheelchair lift at the rear double doors) to Mayfield School in Whitehaven (age 3-18 specialist school).
Other than that, there's a local taxi company who take a few students to St Benedicts Catholic High School in Whitehaven (other side of the road to Mayfield), using Fiat Doblo's with fold out wheelchair ramps on the back, as the students are unable to get on and off the Stagecoach school buses without assistance.


Clitheroe service C1 is passing to Tyrer's on 3rd April 2011. Haven't came across anything of services 5 and C25 yet.
Should see Preston's minibus PVR reduce by 3 apparently, making me wonder if the Marshall's will be going from the midi fleet instead of 3 Solo's.


47024 Moorclose 50.
47006 Moorclose 51.
20910 and 34215 Seaton 47.
47007 and 47062 Harrington Circulars.
34218 short 300.
16124, 16870 and 35247 on 30 and 31. 22597 on too with blank LED's.
16447 on 48's.
14257 flying around.
16184 sat on the annexe.

 

[stagecoachuk]

Whilst sitting in the pub last night at around 21.00 2 ALX200 Darts passed through Carlisle City Centre heading for the depot. Both presumably from Scotland. One in Driver Training livery and one with some sort of green branding on it.

A quick visit to the depot today and they are no where to be seen. Its possible they were both in the body shop being stripped for painting but I have never seen Carlisle get something in that fast. Be interesting to see if they are in there or if they were just passing through the area and heading elsewhere.

20909 is parked up next to 20966 with the dreaded cover over the wheel suggesting withdrawn status again. It had 100 Penrith on the blind. Does anybody know what that service is and where it goes?

16336 blind up for the 75 to Cotehill so was presumably on there last night.

3 Enviros in the depot & 16329 back down at Penrith.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Finally got my arse into gear and got photos of 47722 on the 66 & then the 38 after its been on the 69.

http://stagecoachuk.fpic.co.uk/c1938269.html

Now need to get to Keswick for the one on the 78 before it's too late...

 

[Dallamlad]

Whilst sitting in the pub last night at around 21.00 2 ALX200 Darts passed through Carlisle City Centre heading for the depot. Both presumably from Scotland. One in Driver Training livery and one with some sort of green branding on it.

A quick visit to the depot today and they are no where to be seen. Its possible they were both in the body shop being stripped for painting but I have never seen Carlisle get something in that fast. Be interesting to see if they are in there or if they were just passing through the area and heading elsewhere.

20909 is parked up next to 20966 with the dreaded cover over the wheel suggesting withdrawn status again. It had 100 Penrith on the blind. Does anybody know what that service is and where it goes?

16336 blind up for the 75 to Cotehill so was presumably on there last night.

3 Enviros in the depot & 16329 back down at Penrith.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Finally got my arse into gear and got photos of 47722 on the 66 & then the 38 after its been on the 69.

http://stagecoachuk.fpic.co.uk/c1938269.html

Now need to get to Keswick for the one on the 78 before it's too late...

Could the ALX200's be something to do with a PVR increase at CE? That or as you say they were just passing through!

 

[cainebj]

14234, 14257, 16184, 16331 and 20994 on Whitehaven schools.
14234 was on 22's.
47616 on 1.
35249 on 2.
47061 on 3.
47617 on 4.
16649 and 34616 on 31A.

52635 staff shuttles.
20436 and 52628 were 600. 20436 later on Workington Annexe with Moorclose Circular 50 on the bright tech.

N-LTN deckers gone?

 

[rosswatson]

N-LTN deckers gone?

One does wonder.......

 

[07andrew]

52628 on 22.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

14234, 14257, 16184, 16331 and 20994 on Whitehaven schools.

20994 for some reason was going through Brierydale at 14:20 for some reason. dunno why though displays are broke and had know replacement blind in.

 

[cainebj]

20994 for some reason was going through Brierydale at 14:20 for some reason. dunno why though displays are broke and had know replacement blind in.

Think it was on ASDA Free Bus. The displays were blank when it was on schools this afternoon too.

 

[07andrew]

16714 N714LTN Volvo Olympian Alexander RL North West Reserve Stagecoach Stagecoach January 2011 Depot, for refurb.

16733 N733LTN Volvo Olympian Alexander RL North West Lillyhall Stagecoach Stagecoach January 2011 Depot, following refurb.

16734 N734LTN Volvo Olympian Alexander RL North West Lillyhall Stagecoach Stagecoach January 2010 Depot

Info from http://http://www.uk-buses.co.uk/stagecoach.php
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Think it was on ASDA Free Bus. The displays were blank when it was on schools this afternoon too.

20994 also done Sellafield.
After it finished schools.

I also can't wait till friday when calva Bridge reopens! I'll be going down in the afternoon. Harrington and Seaton PVR to increase by 1.

Current PVR for Harrington = 2.
Current PVR for Seaton = 2.

But on friday the big moment comes when Harrington and Seaton join up again to create a PVR of 3.

 

[andy 37]

Whilst sitting in the pub last night at around 21.00 2 ALX200 Darts passed through Carlisle City Centre heading for the depot. Both presumably from Scotland. One in Driver Training livery and one with some sort of green branding on it.

A quick visit to the depot today and they are no where to be seen. Its possible they were both in the body shop being stripped for painting but I have never seen Carlisle get something in that fast. Be interesting to see if they are in there or if they were just passing through the area and heading elsewhere.

20909 is parked up next to 20966 with the dreaded cover over the wheel suggesting withdrawn status again. It had 100 Penrith on the blind. Does anybody know what that service is and where it goes?

16336 blind up for the 75 to Cotehill so was presumably on there last night.

3 Enviros in the depot & 16329 back down at Penrith.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Finally got my arse into gear and got photos of 47722 on the 66 & then the 38 after its been on the 69.

http://stagecoachuk.fpic.co.uk/c1938269.html

Now need to get to Keswick for the one on the 78 before it's too late...

The service 100 is the old Penrith to Appleby that operated on Tuesdays and Fridays along time ago.

I do not think 16336 would have been on the 75 service as there is a low bridge at Scotby. When the fitters check the blinds they change them up one and the next one up from sorry not in service is 75 service. (they move it fron number 001 to 101)

 

[Chris26584]

Clitheroe service C1 is passing to Tyrer's on 3rd April 2011. Haven't came across anything of services 5 and C25 yet.
Should see Preston's minibus PVR reduce by 3 apparently, making me wonder if the Marshall's will be going from the midi fleet instead of 3 Solo's.

Preston never fully ran the C1, think they did one filler trip in order for the driver of the other company to have they're meal break. Preston only HAD (note past tense) the contract for the 5 and the C25, like you say this has been re-tendered and Holmeswood will be taking them on from April.
Time will tell, although the Marshalls will probably be a lot more useful capacity wise, remember Preston now has 3 more Solos than it did prior to the turn of the year, none of which turn up on the 11 as this is worked usually by the 2 Scania's and Darts, the gaps on the 3 and the 9 need to be filled with something and a Solo would probably be too small, although Darts can fit around the mini bus routes. As I say, depends what is required.
One of the MANs was in the yard yesterday ready for repaint, but having slept since then I can't remember which one it was, 2282?... 3 seems to ring a bell though!

 

[Lilly Hall]

Another one welcomed in; http://gallerynorth.fotopic.net/p69254696.html

 

[stagecoachuk]

Another one welcomed in; http://gallerynorth.fotopic.net/p69254696.html

Has it only just arrived today?

It left with the other 2 last week.

Wonder why 16351/16353 never made it to Lillyhall as planned...

 

[cainebj]

Wonder why 16351/16353 never made it to Lillyhall as planned...

Still time If they're still coming!
Hopefully the 2 Oly's with Bright Tech's (16330 and 16351) get them replaced.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH IN LANCASHIRE, STAGECOACH NORTH WEST, T/A RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES, BROADACRE HOUSE, 16 - 20 LOWTHER STREET, CARLISLE, CA3 8DA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Preston Bus Station and Blackpool, Market Street given service number 68/68C effective from 28-Feb-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH IN LANCASHIRE, STAGECOACH NORTH WEST, T/A RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES, BROADACRE HOUSE, 16 - 20 LOWTHER STREET, CARLISLE, CA3 8DA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Preston and Bolton given service number 125/126 effective from 26-Apr-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH IN LANCASHIRE, STAGECOACH NORTH WEST, T/A RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES, BROADACRE HOUSE, 16 - 20 LOWTHER STREET, CARLISLE, CA3 8DA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Preston and Chorley given service number 109 effective from 26-Apr-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH IN LANCASHIRE, STAGECOACH NORTH WEST, T/A RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES, BROADACRE HOUSE, 16 - 20 LOWTHER STREET, CARLISLE, CA3 8DA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Chorley and Manchester given service number X60 effective from 26-Apr-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH IN LANCASHIRE, STAGECOACH NORTH WEST, T/A RIBBLE MOTOR SERVICES, BROADACRE HOUSE, 16 - 20 LOWTHER STREET, CARLISLE, CA3 8DA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Chorley and Blackpool given service number X61 effective from 26-Apr-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

STAGECOACH (NORTH WEST) LTD T/A CUMBERLAND MOTOR SERVICES, SECOND FLOOR, BROADACRE HOUSE, 16 - 20 LOWTHER STREET, CARLISLE, CA3 8DA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Overton and Ripley St Thomas School given service number 500/501/502/504/935 effective from 22-Apr-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

 

[Dallamlad]

Preston never fully ran the C1, think they did one filler trip in order for the driver of the other company to have they're meal break. Preston only HAD (note past tense) the contract for the 5 and the C25, like you say this has been re-tendered and Holmeswood will be taking them on from April.
Time will tell, although the Marshalls will probably be a lot more useful capacity wise, remember Preston now has 3 more Solos than it did prior to the turn of the year, none of which turn up on the 11 as this is worked usually by the 2 Scania's and Darts, the gaps on the 3 and the 9 need to be filled with something and a Solo would probably be too small, although Darts can fit around the mini bus routes. As I say, depends what is required.
One of the MANs was in the yard yesterday ready for repaint, but having slept since then I can't remember which one it was, 2282?... 3 seems to ring a bell though!

MEs back to painting MANs...interesting. Assume it's one of the ones they are keeping or they are just doing it so it's ready to move on!

 

[Lilly Hall]

Has it only just arrived today?

It left with the other 2 last week.

Wonder why 16351/16353 never made it to Lillyhall as planned...

Dunno, it could've been there for days. I s'pose I should pay more attention but it's too dark at the end of a back-shift to know what the hell's in there.

 

[jonesy3001]

MEs back to painting MANs...interesting. Assume it's one of the ones they are keeping or they are just doing it so it's ready to move on!

Might have been 22825 or 22826 as they need repainting and spotted 17024 at queens square with retrimmed seats and also 25225 at the bus station on 89`s.

 

[cainebj]

THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF CHANGES TAKING PLACE TO OUR SERVICES IN LANCASHIRE, WITH EFFECT FROM 3RD APRIL 2011. DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

59 Preston - Blackburn - Accrington
The 1905 journey from Blackburn to Preston on Monday to Saturday will be withdrawn.

84 Fleetwood - Cleveleys - Poulton - Blackpool
The Monday to Friday daytime timetable will be reduced, with buses operating every 30 minutes, instead of every 20 minutes. There are no changes to bus times on Saturdays or Sundays.

5, C1, C25 Ribble Valley area services
These services are operated under contract to Lancashire County Council. As a result of a recent re-tendering exercise, we are disappointed to report that these services will no longer be provided by Stagecoach. Full details of the new arrangements will be available from Lancashire County Council, or Traveline closer to the change date.

from Stagecoach website

 

[Paul Mcgill]

Look out for 22809 after it comes put from MOT. It's getting a little bit of orange added in the roof space. Leave that for ya to guess at.

 

[Mattdw92]

Not North West, but may be of interest...
SCOTTISH TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER HEARS ALLEGATIONS OF POOR MAINTENANCE BY BUS COMPANY STAGECOACH

Bus company Stagecoach appeared before the Scottish Traffic Commissioner over alleged poor maintenance it is claimed was linked to a number of fires on buses based at the company's Dundee depot. The public inquiry into the Perth-based company was also looking at allegations a number of vehicles from bases across the country lost wheels.

Four Stagecoach buses went on fire over a nine-month period on Tayside's roads, with the last one in July last year. The bus burst into flames just minutes after dropping off a group of children. Less than a week earlier, a suspected electrical fault caused the number 20 service from Kirriemuir to Dundee to catch fire.

In September 2009, another two Stagecoach buses caught fire within a week of each other. Dozens of passengers were on a bus in Monifieth when it caught fire. Three days later, another bus burst into flames near Letham and burned with such intensity the road was damaged.

Stagecoach, founded by Brian Souter, could face a fine or the firm could have its licence withdrawn or limited if reports of maintenance shortcoming are upheld.

More info can be found here

More on 'wheel fell off' part of the inquiry, can be found in the separate article here

Cockermouth Service Disruption
Also, hasn't been mentioned on here yet, there will be disruption to services in Cockermouth, due to the annual Malcolm Wilson Rally on Saturday 5th March 2011. 58, X4 and X5 will all be effected. For travel from Cockermouth to Workington or Maryport direction the event organisers have provided a temporary bus stop outside the Globe Hotel, Cockermouth Main Street. Services to Penrith direction are unaffected.

 

[rosswatson]

More on 'wheel fell off' part of the inquiry, can be found in the separate article here

Thats what happens when you don't torque 'em!

 

[Dallamlad]

Not North West, but may be of interest...
SCOTTISH TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER HEARS ALLEGATIONS OF POOR MAINTENANCE BY BUS COMPANY STAGECOACH

Bus company Stagecoach appeared before the Scottish Traffic Commissioner over alleged poor maintenance it is claimed was linked to a number of fires on buses based at the company's Dundee depot. The public inquiry into the Perth-based company was also looking at allegations a number of vehicles from bases across the country lost wheels.

Four Stagecoach buses went on fire over a nine-month period on Tayside's roads, with the last one in July last year. The bus burst into flames just minutes after dropping off a group of children. Less than a week earlier, a suspected electrical fault caused the number 20 service from Kirriemuir to Dundee to catch fire.

In September 2009, another two Stagecoach buses caught fire within a week of each other. Dozens of passengers were on a bus in Monifieth when it caught fire. Three days later, another bus burst into flames near Letham and burned with such intensity the road was damaged.

Stagecoach, founded by Brian Souter, could face a fine or the firm could have its licence withdrawn or limited if reports of maintenance shortcoming are upheld.

More info can be found here

More on 'wheel fell off' part of the inquiry, can be found in the separate article here

Cockermouth Service Disruption
Also, hasn't been mentioned on here yet, there will be disruption to services in Cockermouth, due to the annual Malcolm Wilson Rally on Saturday 5th March 2011. 58, X4 and X5 will all be effected. For travel from Cockermouth to Workington or Maryport direction the event organisers have provided a temporary bus stop outside the Globe Hotel, Cockermouth Main Street. Services to Penrith direction are unaffected.

Not good at all, be very disappointing if they are to blame. Heads will role!!!

Also is 22809's new bit of orange paint (or branding) or an LED? If it's an LED I hope they do the lot lol.

For those who are interested in SC London:

"Being prepared for service at Plumstead last Sunday were 19747 LX11BCE & 19749 LX11BCK, http://steve-buckley.fotopic.net/p69246427.html
I was told these are to be restricted to the 99, they are to replace Tridents in the 175xx series, which are apparently being returned off lease.

As regards the fleet renumbering, most vehicles now carry the new numbers, including 19000 (ex 18500) which has had its front panel repainted Black below the Windscreen, as per an ALX400, which makes it easily recognisable http://steve-buckley.fotopic.net/p69246436.html

However, West Ham's Tempo 29115 is still in service carrying its previous ELBG 29005 number http://steve-buckley.fotopic.net/p69237651.html"

Credit Steve Buckley

 

[07andrew]

47060 and 47616 on Harrington.
20436 and 34218 on Seaton.
47059 on Moorclose 50.
47023 on Moorclose 51.
34215 on short 300.
16184 and 52635 on annexe.
16733 came down as staff's and then went onto the annexe.

 

[themaster985]

This is sort of Stagecoach North West related. I wonder if any of you have seen it

http://http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00f83h6

 

[mbonwick]

I'm worried about how you found that themaster985!

2 minutes of my life I'd like back, and I can't think of any buses round here that are 15t...an empty Scania is 12.5t IICR and older stuf is lighter generally.

Raises an interesting point about PB's fare vaults though.

 

[Dallamlad]

47730 on 3a
18363 on 3s
28826 came off a 55 at 6.50ish
21004, 22805 sat ayt BS
20128 back in action doing a shuttle to BS.

 

[Gez.SCNW]

Something for DL to look into Underpass is shuttng completely until Septemer

 

[jonesy3001]

Spotted an marshall dennis dart heading towards morecambe at 5:30pm

 

[Dallamlad]

Something for DL to look into Underpass is shuttng completely until Septemer

No surprise there they've made a total mess of it. Massive delays and chaos. Assume they will use the chaplancy centre while it's shut?

 

[Chris26584]

20876 is now in dead corner minus its gearbox, its place by the wash has been taken by 20463 - suggesting the top left hand corner of the yard is scrap dealer corner, while the top right hand one is stuff for re-sale. 14195 after around 2 months of occupying the same spot was moved today to the front of one of the lanes, engine cover still up and no tax or disc, so possibly for onwards sale? 14193 is now minus its front and seating so can't be long until Barnsley come knocking for it.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Spotted an marshall dennis dart heading towards morecambe at 5:30pm

33161, from Frenchwood, passed me on Garstang Road, Preston, heading North around 1625, so would figure. Pass where its going though, unless with the Clitheroe changes, Frenchwood are using there low capacity Darts, thus equaling 33143/71,2
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
And with the 84 lowed in frequency, the Solos that were originally put on it and branded for the frequency increase to every 20 minutes are likely to be no longer needed. Potentially IF Solos do go from Frenchwood, a Solo surplus of 4 or 5.