Transdev Blazefield

[Delenn]

For the first time I've seen (although I haven't been checking every day), the duplicate 840 from Whitby at 17:45 is running. Interestingly, they are both down as destination York (even though the timetable says 1 York and 1 Malton).

 

[Leedsbusman]

For the first time I've seen (although I haven't been checking every day), the duplicate 840 from Whitby at 17:45 is running. Interestingly, they are both down as destination York (even though the timetable says 1 York and 1 Malton).

Is that the actual destination or what it says on Bustimes?

 

[Delenn]

Transdev app. Looks like the duplicate has disappeared at Malton.

 

[SCH117X]

The current fleet of existing deckers is old but it doesn't need to be that modern as they're not used on frontline services. They do negligible mileage, working schools for 30 odd weeks a year.

Not sure on the quantum of vehicles referenced either. The current fleetlist provided by the West Yorkshire Information Service which can be found at www.wyis.org.uk shows currently active are 43 double deckers that were new 2001-2005. A further 16 dating back to 1999 are currently withdrawn as is the sole 2006 double decker.
A notable withdrawal in the last week has been the sole surving original 36 Gemini 3607 but that fleet list is suggesting it may be reused rather than being disposed of.

 

[Ashly_Jethro]

X41 is likely a marginal route. Profitable enough for Transdev to run it, but not profitable enough to justify further attention or investment.

It’s probably a difficult one, peak journeys will undoubtably see some profit on those journeys but off peak will likely be making a loss. They don’t seem so ardent to axe it at the moment. Since the list of services and actions was published, not a thing has been mentioned about it. Equally routes like the Wizz that were listed as keep have since been lost.

I can understand if people have differing views about what should have been done with the route, but Transdev have showed many times that if they don't want to run a route, they simply won't run it.

My personal opinion is that RedExpress/X41 is too far gone in the sense after re-routing it it’s just been non-stop bad press. I say axe it BUT bring back The Lancashire Way in its old Black and Red colours, number it X42 (so both brand/livery and number pair more seamlessly with WW) and have it running its old route from Blackburn-Manchester during the week and at first trial every other hour on weekends to the Ribble valley like it used to, see what patronage is like and go from there.

 

[Bayum]

One of the X99 turns run by Harrogate branded single decker today. Noticed a couple ‘SkyClass’ double decker in the opposite direction. We seem to be stopping at and picking up at every step too. Wonder if it’s time to drop the ‘X’ prefix.

 

[Ken H]

One of the X99 turns run by Harrogate branded single decker today. Noticed a couple ‘SkyClass’ double decker in the opposite direction. We seem to be stopping at and picking up at every step too. Wonder if it’s time to drop the ‘X’ prefix.

Doesnt it have an X because it does not stop all stops through Harehills. For instance the X98/99 doesnt call at Spencer Place while 12/13/13A First Leeds buses do

 

[SCH117X]

One of the X99 turns run by Harrogate branded single decker today. Noticed a couple ‘SkyClass’ double decker in the opposite direction. We seem to be stopping at and picking up at every step too. Wonder if it’s time to drop the ‘X’ prefix.

Doesnt it have an X because it does not stop all stops through Harehills. For instance the X98/99 doesnt call at Spencer Place while 12/13/13A First Leeds buses do

They stop at more stops than they did under First. They have been using a B7RLE single decker fora couple of weeks on one turn. Comments elsewhere imply the double deckers are to be transferred to Burnley to ease overcrowding on Mainline services; one (2018) has not tracked since 26 July.

 

[pm2304877]

Needs 100 double deckers for what?

I’m not sure what this panic is that you are suggesting

100 new or USEDto replace them. Although off topic Wellglade have three 72 plate ADL E400s and a dozen ex Lothian Volvo B5LHs. Transdev have bought 20 ADL E400s recently. Fleet lists are 90pc accurate and have to rely on the goodwill of volunteers updating.

 

[Bayum]

Doesnt it have an X because it does not stop all stops through Harehills. For instance the X98/99 doesnt call at Spencer Place while 12/13/13A First Leeds buses do

That’s what it used to be. First time I’ve travelled by bus since Transdev took over like.

 

[SCH117X]

If you look at the on-line timetable https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/harrogate/services/HDT/X98 it defaults to major stops but there is an option to show all stops served

 

[LucyP]

It has served every stop since Transdev took over. That is one of the reasons why it is so annoyingly slow now. Plenty of First buses serve that part of the route, but I suppose they are desperate to take every penny.

It's so slow now, it's actually quicker into Leeds to change to a First bus at Oakwood Clock. They have tap on, Transdev don't, so it's quicker to board as there is no waiting for destination to be entered, and the machine to process, and tickets to be issued. They also travel the whole length of Roundhay Road, and then North Street into Leeds, and then down Vicar Lane to the Corn Exchange.

The X98/9 use Roseville Road, which is slower, because the lane at the Roundhay Road junction is always blocked with cars; there are more traffic lights; the roundabout at Regent Street is always busy/blocked. There is a long wait at the lights to turn right into Byron Street, and that is also narrow and slow going. The bus stops at the bottom of The Headrow, and then at top of The Headrow, before turning into Park Row, and then ending up at Boar Lane. That is a very slow loop around Leeds centre, as there are so many other buses stopping, and then pulling out, or to squeeze past. It's quicker on a First Bus to go to The Corn Exchange, and then walk to the railway station.

The Sky Class buses are gradually returning, probably having been fixed after yet more break downs. There were three out today, that I saw. The old double decker that has been used recently was on the 36, and then later on the 7. I'm not sure where the old "Harrogate Heroes" single decker was. The one with the quilted red leather seats that are so shiny, they are hard to stay on. The bus is also a bit embarrassing now that the so-called "heroes" keep striking!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

100 new or USEDto replace them. Although off topic Wellglade have three 72 plate ADL E400s and a dozen ex Lothian Volvo B5LHs. Transdev have bought 20 ADL E400s recently. Fleet lists are 90pc accurate and have to rely on the goodwill of volunteers updating.

As I mentioned before, Wellglade has just received those three vehicles - the first new deckers (IIRC) since 1989's Volvo Citybuses.

If you look at the actual usage on bustimes, you'll see that most of the deckers that concern you haven't turned a wheel since 21st July - the day the schools broke up. They don't need 10 year old deckers to sit around for 6 weeks in the summer plus other times of the year

 

[SCH117X]

It has served every stop since Transdev took over. That is one of the reasons why it is so annoyingly slow now. Plenty of First buses serve that part of the route, but I suppose they are desperate to take every penny.

It's so slow now, it's actually quicker into Leeds to change to a First bus at Oakwood Clock. They have tap on, Transdev don't, so it's quicker to board as there is no waiting for destination to be entered, and the machine to process, and tickets to be issued. They also travel the whole length of Roundhay Road, and then North Street into Leeds, and then down Vicar Lane to the Corn Exchange.

The X98/9 use Roseville Road, which is slower, because the lane at the Roundhay Road junction is always blocked with cars; there are more traffic lights; the roundabout at Regent Street is always busy/blocked. There is a long wait at the lights to turn right into Byron Street, and that is also narrow and slow going. The bus stops at the bottom of The Headrow, and then at top of The Headrow, before turning into Park Row, and then ending up at Boar Lane. That is a very slow loop around Leeds centre, as there are so many other buses stopping, and then pulling out, or to squeeze past. It's quicker on a First Bus to go to The Corn Exchange, and then walk to the railway station.

The Sky Class buses are gradually returning, probably having been fixed after yet more break downs. There were three out today, that I saw. The old double decker that has been used recently was on the 36, and then later on the 7. I'm not sure where the old "Harrogate Heroes" single decker was. The one with the quilted red leather seats that are so shiny, they are hard to stay on. The bus is also a bit embarrassing now that the so-called "heroes" keep striking!

There has also been reports of vandalism on the X98/99 Sky Class buses which was predicted by a number of people given the problems First had with schoolchildren on the route and which no doubt has lead to a number of the absences rather than being vehicles being broken down. First had a better ability to swop vehicles for the duties likely to get hammered by the schoolchildren.

The "old 36" doiuble decker had a major rebuild in 2011 including a new engine and transmssion and too a large extent consequently is more a 11 or 61 reg than a 55

The "old Harrogate Heroes" single decker dates from 2009 and consequently is one of the newest B7RLEs at Harrogate which otherwise date back ti 2004. The leather seats date at least from its use on the shortlived Cityzap between Manchester and Leeds.

 

[NorthernSpirit]

One of the X99 turns run by Harrogate branded single decker today. Noticed a couple ‘SkyClass’ double decker in the opposite direction. We seem to be stopping at and picking up at every step too. Wonder if it’s time to drop the ‘X’ prefix.

I think the X98 and X99 should run fast between Leeds Vicar Lane and Oakwood Clock just to speed up the journey, then all stops thereafter with the Wetherby to Deighton Bar section hived off on to the Harrogate 8 instead which could be worked by one vehicle. Leaving the X98 and X99 being a proper Leeds to Wetherby service that would actually have some layover at either end, thus reducing any lateness.

 

[Andyh82]

I think the X98 and X99 should run fast between Leeds Vicar Lane and Oakwood Clock just to speed up the journey, then all stops thereafter with the Wetherby to Deighton Bar section hived off on to the Harrogate 8 instead which could be worked by one vehicle. Leaving the X98 and X99 being a proper Leeds to Wetherby service that would actually have some layover at either end, thus reducing any lateness.

Would that make financial sense?

Keep the resources the same but cut out loads of the passengers?

Best thing for a marginal route is to make it so less people will travel on the service

 

[Delenn]

If you wanted to speed up the X98 and X99, another way would be to start and finish at the Bus Station and not spend way too long driving round central Leeds.

 

[Bayum]

Don’t think it matters really. Just don’t think they should keep it as the ‘X’ service if it isn’t going to be an express service.

 

[SCH117X]

Don’t think it matters really. Just don’t think they should keep it as the ‘X’ service if it isn’t going to be an express service.

And would look less like an equally non express Connexions service. They also made the 36 all stops into Leeds, generally most are not stopped at but it does mean an overload of next stop announcements.
Cannot see how the Deighton Bar section can be fitted into the 8 given the latters limited service unless a major service reduction is proposed.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Cannot see how the Deighton Bar section can be fitted into the 8 given the latters limited service unless a major service reduction is proposed.

Also, the X98/99 gets a surprising number of passengers from north of the centre of Wetherby. Sounds like people looking just at the timetable rather than their own experience?

If anything, I'd suggest a shorter, simpler route in Leeds

 

[61653 HTAFC]

One of the X99 turns run by Harrogate branded single decker today. Noticed a couple ‘SkyClass’ double decker in the opposite direction. We seem to be stopping at and picking up at every step too. Wonder if it’s time to drop the ‘X’ prefix.

Don’t think it matters really. Just don’t think they should keep it as the ‘X’ service if it isn’t going to be an express service.

An X prefix hasn't automatically meant Express for years in West Yorkshire. There was the old peak-only Holmfirth to Leeds service which took a very circuitous route around the outer suburbs of Wakefield, and only had the X prefix because it briefly ran on the M621... then there's Transdev's current X1 which although more consistent than the 435/436 it replaced (no irregular deviations or diversions) certainly isn't an express.

 

[Bayum]

An X prefix hasn't automatically meant Express for years in West Yorkshire. There was the old peak-only Holmfirth to Leeds service which took a very circuitous route around the outer suburbs of Wakefield, and only had the X prefix because it briefly ran on the M621... then there's Transdev's current X1 which although more consistent than the 435/436 it replaced (no irregular deviations or diversions) certainly isn't an express.

No, but for the X98/99, that’s what it represented.

 

[Leedsbusman]

No, but for the X98/99, that’s what it represented.

presumably because it was (and is still) the fastest link between the Leeds and Wetherby. It was only within the last ten years that the 99 turned into the X99. I couldn’t recall if that had picking up restriction when it was the 99. On timetable world there is a 2006 leaflet which shows it had the same running time in and out of Leeds as the X98 despite the bizarre pick up/sat down rules on the latter. That perhaps proves that stopping to set down but not pick up doesn’t save anytime v stopping for both.

 

[SCH117X]

With the seemingly dropped rebrand the former MD was planning "Racing to Wetherby" it might have included renumbering - R1, R2 for example

 

[theblackwatch]

According to the story at https://thestrayferret.co.uk/harrogate-bus-company-places-21m-order-for-39-electric-buses/ on the Stray Ferret website, Transdev has placed an order for 39 vehicles, comprising:

• 20 new Mercedes-Benz E-Citaro all-electric single deck buses, to be used on the urban route 1 between Harrogate and Knaresborough, route 7 linking Harrogate, Wetherby and Leeds, and rural route 24 between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge.
• 19 new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EV fully electric double deck buses, to relaunch flagship route, The 36 linking Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds. These will be among the first of this new British-built design to enter service.

There are going to be quite a lot of vehicles going spare in Spring 2024.

 

[90sWereBetter]

Assuming the current B5s on the 36 are owned, I wonder if these will cascade over to the Aireline and Dalesway, with those B9s going to clear out superannuated B7s with Keighley and Burnley.

Guess I should make sure I get one more trip booked for the old Plaxton Presidents at Keighley!

 

[MasterSpenny]

According to the story at https://thestrayferret.co.uk/harrogate-bus-company-places-21m-order-for-39-electric-buses/ on the Stray Ferret website, Transdev has placed an order for 39 vehicles, comprising:



There are going to be quite a lot of vehicles going spare in Spring 2024.

Was wondering when the eCitaro would be ordered

 

[Delenn]

Given the interior finish of the existing ADLs, I'm quite disappointed that they haven't gone back to Wrightbus. But, I think the ADLs have been a shoo-in for a while.

In a way, I'm surprised they've gone for the eCitaro, but from what I've seen, it is a nice bus. They are certainly amongst the best in class.

Now, as to the existing 36 vehicles, I hope about 5 of them make it to Coastliner (in proper Coastliner livery), so all the generic ones (including 2019, which is pretty hated in Malton) can go back (2019 to Burnley for the Mainline), and yes, I would agree with the idea of putting the rest of them on the Aireline and Dalesway, probably amongst other routes in the area.

Personally, as I hate the Versas, I'd put the vehicles currently on Aireline and Dalesway to replace any Versa anywhere I can. Horrible buses that roll at every turn. I think TfGM like them, so see if Transdev can sell them on to them.

 

[Mollman]

Given the interior finish of the existing ADLs, I'm quite disappointed that they haven't gone back to Wrightbus. But, I think the ADLs have been a shoo-in for a while.

Do you mean the build quality or just what the interior looks like? If the latter I am sure they can specify something different. If the former, don't forget Wrightbus aren't exactly the bastion of high quality given how badly early Streetlites rattled and some of the Streetdecks / Gemini 3s leaked.

It is interesting that they didn't go for more Volvos to avoid having a microfleet, given that the likes of Stagecoach seem to be ordering more Volvo electrics than ADLs.

 

[Bwsbro]

Any updates on the electric buses that Keighley and Flyer are meant to receive for the Bradford clean air zone (CAZ)?