mayneway
Member
When they first arrived they were dogged with problems and were constantly breaking down not sure if the issues were ironed out but I know a lot of drivers don’t like them and prefer the native Manchester E400’s.
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TfGM Bee Network - fleet discussion
- Thread starter Leyland Bus
- Start date
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R
RailUK Forums
21241 /2 are the two Fiat Ducatos said to be OK for the bridge height, plus the loaned all white Mellor Merc City 45 21253.
As per today : https://bustimes.org/services/280-altrincham-dunham-massey/vehicles
The other Merc Mellor Stratas were said to be too tall to be legal ?
21248 seems to have worked the afternoon peak 280 / 287 journeys on Tues 25th
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/bnsm-49901?date=2025-11-25
darylyates17
Member
I wonder if a couple more Fiat Ducatos might need to be acquired to ensure enough spares for the 280 in case both are broken at the same time I can’t see 21253 being a permanent addition. 21248 on the 280 on the 25th is exactly what I was talking about, I wonder if it was just tracking as something else.
mattyharding
On Moderation
Why do some 350s swap at Oldham Mumps like for example today 13179 was swapped for a superior 24 plate MMC
MCRTransitYT
Member
darylyates17
Member
TfGM owned so they decide wherever they go, don’t forget Hyde Road running BZLs on the 150 have freed up some MMCs at Wythenshawe.
21248 - LV24 RPY · was Bee Network - Stagecoach Manchester to Bee Network - Diamond Bus North West
fleet number from 44901 to 21248 (one of four buses TfGM owned and recently moved operator)
mattyharding
On Moderation
What will happen to the MMCs at Oldham when the new EVs come, I expect the 24 plates be sent to other manchester depots like Stockport and maybe Sharston or Wigan
toms
Member
Probably keep them, always short on buses
toms
Member
I think the 14th December was mentioned on Facebook but my memory is cloudy
mattyharding
On Moderation
Where will the current buses at Middleton go
toms
Member
Logic tells me the new ones will go to other Bee Network depots and the older fleet will be sold on or go to other Stagecoach depots across England
mattyharding
On Moderation
Hopefully the 24 plates go to Oldham to replace some of the older fleet even if its short-term untill the new EVs come next winter
MCRTransitYT
Member
E400s will probably go to other SC depots in UK, Hybrids will be withdrawn due to reliability issues but the MMCs will move to other SC Bee depots.
Class 466
Established Member
E400s are going into reserve in Merseyside I believe, Most of the MMCs are going to Stockport to displace more Hybrids.
Probably wont be long until we need a spin off rail thread for Yellow Fleet updates...
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darylyates17
Member
Seems to be a thing that Stagecoach are getting rid of all non London Hybrids (apart from Skegness open toppers.)
mattyharding
On Moderation
I think Oldham needs more buses than Stockport at this momemt as there are some buses that are really old
Class 466
Established Member
If they get used again, yes. Doesn’t matter whilst they’re sat in reserve though.
Leyland Bus
Member
Didn't you know? Once a bus is in Bee Network livery, it carries it for life
mattyharding
On Moderation
Well that didn't happen to 11814-15, 17-18Didn't you know? Once a bus is in Bee Network livery, it carries it for life
MCRTransitYT
Member
https://flic.kr/p/2rFUpfs cough cough hahaDidn't you know? Once a bus is in Bee Network livery, it carries it for life
Leyland Bus
Member
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
In the case of First, some of the vehicles were repainted into yellow and the paint barely dry before they got repainted againTheres still yellow on it
It was also very tongue in cheek
I think some did 6 weeks before in service before the Evoras arrived and so got two repaints in about 3 months
Leyland Bus
Member
That doesn't surprise me, way back in 2014, I repainted the same B7 3 times in 9 monthsIn the case of First, some of the vehicles were repainted into yellow and the paint barely dry before they got repainted again
Class 466
Established Member
Not really how it works. Especially with it now confirmed Oldham will be further electrified later next year. Most of the fleet at Stockport is Stagecoach owned still, majority at Oldham is not.
mattyharding
On Moderation
Fair enough but it will be nice to see those new electrics replace the older buses like the B5LHs and the tridenviros and bring the average fleet age up a bit
TheSmiths82
Member
Do operators have to pay rent for the use of TGFM owned buses? Or do get paid less per mile on TGFM owned buses?
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And it will be a few years before the new depot in Stockport is ready. An 8 year old bus that is transferred to Stockport now will probably have another 8 years life left in at Stockport.