TfGM Bee Network - fleet discussion

[Class 466]

What's going to happen to the B5LHs that are currently based at Oldham and QR now that Middleton is electric

Nothing. Although the 3 left at Queens Road may yet go to Oldham

 

[mayneway]

It was actually an E100 EV

I stand corrected. I was passing on a 219 going the other way so only got a quick look at it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Dec 2025 ==

I'm not having a go here but have all of Oldham's drivers been route learned recently on 129/415s? Especially 129 as while some of Oldham's drivers are well acquainted with 415 having operated it in the past Oldham drivers will never have been the other side of Middleton before, it will be interesting to see how both services (129/415) stand up tomorrow considering the new drivers that will be operating them.

Looking at what's been done recently I'm guessing spare drivers will be sent out with normal drivers to route learn them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Dec 2025 ==

Out of interest does compliance also relate to bus destinations when running Bee Network services only yesterday morning I spotted a one of Diamond's Strata's on 356 in Diggle running without blinds working and the usual Hymn number 356 on a piece of paper in the windscreen, I wish now I reported it on X (Twitter) but would have anything have been done about it?

I’d imagine the 129/415 have gone on one specific rosta so some drivers have learnt them. Some drivers will know them both but I’m sure it will be fine.

As for the Diamond Mellor with the destination issues. It’s been like that for ages but as it’s owned by TFGM it’s technically down to them to sort so can’t really fine the company for non compliance.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Dec 2025 ==

Anyone know if Middleton have had any kind of re-write for the launch of the depot going electric? Diesel buses would have stayed out all day in most cases such as on the 469 etc but now will only be able to do half a day on electric

 

[Class 466]

Anyone know if Middleton have had any kind of re-write for the launch of the depot going electric? Diesel buses would have stayed out all day in most cases such as on the 469 etc but now will only be able to do half a day on electric

I’ve noticed the 469s allocation today seems to be cycling as the drivers change rather than vehicles staying put for most of the day

 

[mayneway]

I’ve noticed the 469s allocation today seems to be cycling as the drivers change rather than vehicles staying put for most of the day

Yeah I thought so same as Ashton. Breaks used to get taken in the town centre then when it went electric everything had to go back to depot to go on charge etc.

 

[M60lad]

Does anybody know where Middleton's E300s have gone 27624, 27625, 27826 & 27827? I'm guessing they've either gone to Queens Road Depot or even to Oldham Depot to join the E300s there

 

[toms]

Does anybody know where Middleton's E300s have gone 27624, 27625, 27826 & 27827? I'm guessing they've either gone to Queens Road Depot or even to Oldham Depot to join the E300s there

I thought they were leaving Manchester

 

[mattyharding]

Nothing. Although the 3 left at Queens Road may yet go to Oldham

There wouldn't be any point of that as they'll probably be getting replaced next year anyway

 

[Class 466]

Does anybody know where Middleton's E300s have gone 27624, 27625, 27826 & 27827? I'm guessing they've either gone to Queens Road Depot or even to Oldham Depot to join the E300s there

They’ll be leaving Manchester.

 

[M60lad]

Considering their leaving Manchester any idea where they'll be off to? Also why aren't they staying in Manchester surely it would have been an idea for them to stay as backups for the current E300s in Stagecoach's fleet?

 

[mayneway]

Considering their leaving Manchester any idea where they'll be off to? Also why aren't they staying in Manchester surely it would have been an idea for them to stay as backups for the current E300s in Stagecoach's fleet?

Without sounding rude we seem to be going over the same ground.
It’s no longer down to stagecoach to keep buses in reserve incase they are needed in Manchester.
TFGM will not pay for additional buses to be kept as ‘backups’, and stagecoach won’t keep buses they are not being paid for.

 

[toms]

I mean the Oxford and GNW B5s what will happen to them

Nothing is happening to them as of now

 

[M60lad]

Maybe answering mine and other peoples questions regarding Middleton's former fleet it does seem Stagecoach are keeping hold of Chadderton Depot for the time being as most of the fleet that hasn't moved yet is still being stored there from what I saw when I was on my way to work this afternoon.

It does make me wonder are Stagecoach still leasing the land and if so how long for and depending how long for is there anyway it could be used as a local School Bus Depot

 

[mayneway]

Maybe answering mine and other peoples questions regarding Middleton's former fleet it does seem Stagecoach are keeping hold of Chadderton Depot for the time being as most of the fleet that hasn't moved yet is still being stored there from what I saw when I was on my way to work this afternoon.

It does make me wonder are Stagecoach still leasing the land and if so how long for and depending how long for is there anyway it could be used as a local School Bus Depot

Stagecoach are not leasing the land - TFGM are. The majority of the 24 plate MMC’s have moved over to Stockport. I believe the majority of the Stagecoach buses there will be moved at weekend. The TFGM ones may stay till after Christmas.

 

[Class 466]

Queen Road now seem to have a 6th Solo - finally time for shed 44904 to go to Diamond?

 

[TheSmiths82]

Nice to see newer buses at Stockport, hopefully the next time I get a 23 or 25 it will have working heating and windows you can see out out of.

 

[mayneway]

Nice to see newer buses at Stockport, hopefully the next time I get a 23 or 25 it will have working heating and windows you can see out out of.

That’s nothing to do with age though. The heating on most modern buses is automatic and is only set to come on in the saloon when it’s extremely cold.
Dirty windows is down to the bus wash - which are now ironically maintained by TFGM!

 

[toms]

That’s nothing to do with age though. The heating on most modern buses is automatic and is only set to come on in the saloon when it’s extremely cold.
Dirty windows is down to the bus wash - which are now ironically maintained by TFGM!

Some of the Electroliners are a nightmare for heating in the cold, can see my breath sometimes

 

[mayneway]

Some of the Electroliners are a nightmare for heating in the cold, can see my breath sometimes

Same on the BZL’s. Lovely and warm In the cab but the saloon heating is automatic and only comes on if it drops below 7 degrees.

 

[gka472l]

Considering their leaving Manchester any idea where they'll be off to? Also why aren't they staying in Manchester surely it would have been an idea for them to stay as backups for the current E300s in Stagecoach's fleet?

27826 noted in the yard at Rock Ferry this afternoon.....

 

[mattyharding]

HR means Hyde Road

 

[M60lad]

Is 27826 staying at Rock Ferry Only Bus Times is now showing it as part of the Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire fleet?

 

[gka472l]

Is 27826 staying at Rock Ferry Only Bus Times is now showing it as part of the Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire fleet?

No idea, it could be there only for repaint before moving on.....

 

[mayneway]

Is 27826 staying at Rock Ferry Only Bus Times is now showing it as part of the Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire fleet?

I was told all 4 E300’s are being converted to training buses, 2 returning to Manchester two going elsewhere.

 

[gka472l]

27625 noted in the yard at Rock Ferry today.....

 

[Dallamlad]

A quick query for anyone who might be in the know.

Is there an ambition for depots to have standardised fleets?

Obviously there are BYDs, Electroliners, E400EVs and BZLs with more orders on the way and I was just wondering if it would make sense to have a move around and try and put all types together in one place.

I know this has happened with Middleton for example when it comes to electric but wondered if it would make sense elsewhere or not?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mattyharding]

A quick query for anyone who might be in the know.

Is there an ambition for depots to have standardised fleets?

Obviously there are BYDs, Electroliners, E400EVs and BZLs with more orders on the way and I was just wondering if it would make sense to have a move around and try and put all types together in one place.

I know this has happened with Middleton for example when it comes to electric but wondered if it would make sense elsewhere or not?

Thanks in advance.

Ashton also has a full fleet of BZLs and Oldham is mostly ADL but with a few "wheelie bins" (B5LHs) as well

 

[toms]

A quick query for anyone who might be in the know.

Is there an ambition for depots to have standardised fleets?

Obviously there are BYDs, Electroliners, E400EVs and BZLs with more orders on the way and I was just wondering if it would make sense to have a move around and try and put all types together in one place.

I know this has happened with Middleton for example when it comes to electric but wondered if it would make sense elsewhere or not?

Thanks in advance.

Some routes have specifications from TfGM on what vehicles are to be used

 

[Leyland Bus]

For those who were asking way up thread about missing B5LHs, 13165/71 currently reside at Thomas Hardie Volvo on Trafford Park. Pics taken today.

 

[mayneway]

A quick query for anyone who might be in the know.

Is there an ambition for depots to have standardised fleets?

Obviously there are BYDs, Electroliners, E400EVs and BZLs with more orders on the way and I was just wondering if it would make sense to have a move around and try and put all types together in one place.

I know this has happened with Middleton for example when it comes to electric but wondered if it would make sense elsewhere or not?

Thanks in advance.

I don’t think so no although it does seem that TFGM are slightly leaning more towards Volvo at the movement.

 

[Class 466]

For those who were asking way up thread about missing B5LHs, 13165/71 currently reside at Thomas Hardie Volvo on Trafford Park. Pics taken today.

Probably trying to kick some more life into these.