The Skylink Nottingham probably ought to get new buses in the not-too-distant future as well, and the Skylink Express probably needs something newer as well: it's strange to think that the two fleets of buses used since the Irizar i4s the route was launched with are all older than the said i4s!
But is there enough profit on those routes, to justify new buses. I keep seeing mention, maybe on here, that certain routes are not making much profit now. So, you get the investment in the most profitable routes, and they get cascaded down. Who even knows what will happen when the fare cap reaches its current end date of 31 March 2027? Ought to get new buses is very different to new buses can be justified. Oh well, it shouldn't be too long before the former Skylink 20 plated Enviro 200MMCs show themselves at Bus and Coach World.
To be fair there isn’t really anything wrong the skylink E200s and Trent Barton’s Volvos are better than the E200s too in my opinion so I’d say they’re fine for now.
There are changes between the earlier batches and the 73, 24 and 25 plate E200's but I don't think they are significant. From the passenger point of view it is really the tinted windows and extra next stop screen pointing forwards. The largest changes for the 25 plate is the camera mirrors for the driver.
I must say that there is one pretty serious flaw with the tinted windows used on MMCs since the 73-plates: the rear and side destination blinds are not separate from the rest of their respective windows and are therefore tinted over as well, which makes the blinds look much dimmer.
Been easier to ditch the sun roof and leave the windows.
It’s been due for withdrawal on quite a number of occasions but the sporadic fires keep delaying it; assume they will probably keep running it until it dies at this rate as its been transferred to derby to fill in the gap created by 737
Well MOT runs until December, followed swiftly (couldn't resist) by TM Travel 662/663. I guess it depends upon what state they are in. If the frame has gone, maybe game over. Scanias were certainly a quality ride. Recall riding home on 654 a while ago. I guess very soon the 16 , 20 plated ex Skylink Enviros at Blackburn will show themselves. Then it will show what might displace 669, directly or indirectly. Example you could have a spare release 735 onto the Swift. I don't think 735 has been painted recently.
Theres already one at Langley Mill
Atleast 2 now, Blackburn seem to turn buses round a lot quicker than they used to
But what colour are they?
I understand that some of the ex-Skylinks are indeed being rebranded for The Two, as is hinted at on bustimes.org. I am unaware of any photographic proof confirming this.
Yellow with an orange-ish front panel
There is a photo going around, hence how its been updated on bustimes
I've seen the picture and it feels like it leans more on The Two's shade of yellow. I suppose nothing's too concrete at the moment.
The orange on the front looks similar to how the B8s did when they were helping out on the threes and branded up for it
Not seen this orange front but assuming thats correct, yes could be a possibility however one would think now they have the option to but citybuses (ADL e200MMC's) or heavyweight (B8RLE's) buses to put on the sixes/two they would choose the heavyweight for sixes due to the terrain the route goes along but who knows
Also worth noting 1405 is in the background.
And two of the ex amber line solos having transferred from TM
Exactly. Cromford Hill does seem to finish a few buses off, luckily most just need attention. The ideal for that route is a bus that goes out at the start of the day, and stays out all day, until close of play.
And from what I remember Belper really didn't want ADLs and I can't imagine that'll have changed so hopefully the B8RLEs go on the sixes.. the Versas are lightweight vehicles and it definitely doesn't show!
Ah you remember that about the Belper and ADLs thing. Maybe they really wanted modern Scanias that just kept going . I mean , look at 669 on the Swift. Even out on Sunday. It just keeps going, despite being 20 years old. Probably gives a better ride than an Enviro 200 MMC. The Versa is a lightweight vehicle, but it seems to ride better. No idea why, unless it is down to how the seats are affixed.
The works that are affecting the comet etc are demolition works on the end of phoenix street (which at the moment we have not been told an end date for) , going out of Derby is unaffected but it's the inbound that is as phoenix street is now one way. All the diversion is we are using St alkmunds way and going straight to the bus ststion(for comets)/ Corporation street( for the nines and H1) from Chester green.
There is information about both of these in the Travel Alerts section of the TrentBarton website, including details of diversions and stops missed (and I assume on their social media, although I haven't looked)
Old style to match the others
David, maybe you need more Solos on the Comet to get through smaller spaces.
. Ah Five Lamps project. Yes it is causing chaos, but bear in mind the schools and the Uni have not gone back yet.. Soon be Freshers time at the Uni (traffic queues back to the Inner Ring Road) . Won't be long before it affects far more bus routes, as traffic diverts . I would have thought the works in Phoenix Street would be the preparatory works for the flood defence works. I guess all those offices on Stuart Street will come down soon. The Five Lamps work is funded by the Bus Service Improvement Plan and the East Midlands Combined Authority. The theory is that buses approaching will change the traffic lights. Not sure what happens if 3 buses arrive at once.The chaos the roadworks caused at 5 lamps was silly last night i think at one point some sixes were 70 plus mins late! When the schools go back its gonna be even worse....David, maybe you need more Solos on the Comet to get through smaller spaces.
