North East Buses

(18 Apr 2015, 12:29 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote [ -> ]Didn't last long, mind.

Park's tend to sell things on a 3 year rotation, though the service spec coaches tend to be on 4 years (the first Citylink Gold Elite's lasted 5 years!)

Lothian Buses have as a Result of recent Service Changes Withdrawn Volvo B7RLEs 107(SN04 NGX) and 108(SN04 NGY)

107 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@...267291861/
108 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@...082438659/

They are being Stored at Marine Depot along with a few other similar Examples, seems odd they are Withdrawing Vehicles which are only 11 Years Old.

Oh dear...

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scotti...ve-5585137

Someone is expecting an imminent delivery of ex-Lothian Darts.

I saw four heading south on the A1 at Doncaster (always Donny) a few hours back.

Didn't manage to catch id's, but it looked like all corporate livery had been removed - apart from a couple, that had some 'green', on the bodywork behind the drivers cab.
Not sure if this is the remnants of an advert or promotional stuff.

(28 Apr 2015, 8:59 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Someone is expecting an imminent delivery of ex-Lothian Darts.

I saw four heading south on the A1 at Doncaster (always Donny) a few hours back.

Didn't manage to catch id's, but it looked like all corporate livery had been removed - apart from a couple, that had some 'green', on the bodywork behind the drivers cab.
Not sure if this is the remnants of an advert or promotional stuff.

A few of Lothians Dart carried a "Get there Greener" Branding as they were fitted with Low Emission Exhausts as are some of there Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipses.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...9736806621

(28 Apr 2015, 9:05 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]A few of Lothians Dart carried a "Get there Greener" Branding as they were fitted with Low Emission Exhausts as are some of there Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipses.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...9736806621

Note that it was also branding for service 36.

(28 Apr 2015, 9:05 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]A few of Lothians Dart carried a "Get there Greener" Branding as they were fitted with Low Emission Exhausts as are some of there Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipses.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...9736806621

The same Eminox Euro engine modifications as older Go North East vehicles have, if my memory serves...

Believe Ensign have taken quite a few of Lothian's Darts.

(28 Apr 2015, 9:05 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]A few of Lothians Dart carried a "Get there Greener" Branding as they were fitted with Low Emission Exhausts as are some of there Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipses.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...9736806621

I didn't notice either way to be honest.
It was getting dark, I was getting tired and it was at speed seeing them.

(28 Apr 2015, 9:07 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The same Eminox Euro engine modifications as older Go North East vehicles have, if my memory serves...

Believe Ensign have taken quite a few of Lothian's Darts.

Few have went to Ipswich Bus via Hants & Dorset Trims also. 

I noticed two of Lothian's Presidents seem to have 'hybrid' destination screens. White LED destination and route number, with a traditional blind for the calling points.


Lothian_693_SN04AEG by aureolindn, on Flickr

(30 Apr 2015, 9:16 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]I noticed two of Lothian's Presidents seem to have 'hybrid' destination screens. White LED destination and route number, with a traditional blind for the calling points.


Lothian_693_SN04AEG by aureolindn, on Flickr

A feature which I understand is being rolled ou across the fleet. A lot of presidents are like that now at least. 

(30 Apr 2015, 9:24 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]A feature which I understand is being rolled ou across the fleet. A lot of presidents are like that now at least. 

Correct. They've had a lot of issues with the roller blinds as of late, as they have developed a habit (presumably with age) of "slipping" mid-route.

Possibly related to more frequent service changes, too. Imagine the cost of replacing the blinds regularly outweighs the cost of having to purchase two front LEDs and a rear LED on occasion (as expensive as the LEDs are!)

Not sure if it's being posted... sorry if it has!

Transport Scotland has recently announced a further round of the Scottish Green Bus Fund under the Future Transport Fund 2015/16.

http://lothianbuses.com/news/article/sco...announced1

Having been to Edinburgh overnight I nearly got caught out on bus no change policy!

(26 Apr 2015, 5:41 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]Oh dear...

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scotti...ve-5585137

Daily Record readers voted:

Did Arran need their new bus fleet?


YES
37%
NO
63%

I find that rather ungrateful, the previous fleet of B10Ms wouldn't have been able to carry any luggage as they were step entrance making it difficult for heavy luggage.

The fleet was 15+ years old, breakdowns were likely and I'm sure that 63% of the island population would like to sit on a bus broken down in the middle of nowhere. 

(03 May 2015, 4:05 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote [ -> ]I find that rather ungrateful, the previous fleet of B10Ms wouldn't have been able to carry any luggage as they were step entrance making it difficult for heavy luggage.

The fleet was 15+ years old, breakdowns were likely and I'm sure that 63% of the island population would like to sit on a bus broken down in the middle of nowhere. 

But it's something that worked just fine and what people were used to.

The main problem is the replacements - I cannot understand why Streetlites were chosen as good alternatives to B10Ms; if the buses were decent-sized replacements that had the power the B10Ms had, it wouldn't be such a problem.

What the residents were also annoyed about was the lack of consultation and understanding which is why the Streetlites and Solo SRs were ordered without such luggage space, and why they were ordered in the first place. If you read the article some people say the Streetlites struggle to get up some hills - I don't get why this is being ungrateful.

B10Ms can carry large luggage. The step isn't that much of a problem, as I'd dare say most people visiting would be walking anyway so people would be able to lift a bag onto a step a foot from the ground!

(03 May 2015, 5:41 pm)northern156 wrote [ -> ]But it's something that worked just fine and what people were used to.

The main problem is the replacements - I cannot understand why Streetlites were chosen as good alternatives to B10Ms; if the buses were decent-sized replacements that had the power the B10Ms had, it wouldn't be such a problem.

What the residents were also annoyed about was the lack of consultation and understanding which is why the Streetlites and Solo SRs were ordered without such luggage space, and why they were ordered in the first place. If you read the article some people say the Streetlites struggle to get up some hills - I don't get why this is being ungrateful.

B10Ms can carry large luggage. The step isn't that much of a problem, as I'd dare say most people visiting would be walking anyway so people would be able to lift a bag onto a step a foot from the ground!

A small matter of nothing being DDA compliant might have had something to do with it.............

(03 May 2015, 5:57 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]A small matter of nothing being DDA compliant might have had something to do with it.............

Well yes that's a very valid point but I'd assume there's plenty new DDA-compliant vehicles being built that are more suitable. An example I can give is ADL E300s...

It's still a good year or two until DDA comes into force isn't it? The locals like them so there wouldn't have been much point of getting rid of them quickly (breakdowns yes but I don't think Arran had that many?)

(03 May 2015, 6:20 pm)northern156 wrote [ -> ]Well yes that's a very valid point but I'd assume there's plenty new DDA-compliant vehicles being built that are more suitable. An example I can give is ADL E300s...

It's still a good year or two until DDA comes into force isn't it? The locals like them so there wouldn't have been much point of getting rid of them quickly (breakdowns yes but I don't think Arran had that many?)

1 January 2016 for single decks, and 1 January 2017 for double decks.

Can't help but think Streetlites are one of the least suitable options for Arran given the ride quality and also how low they are

(03 May 2015, 6:24 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]1 January 2016 for single decks, and 1 January 2017 for double decks.

Ah, not too long then. But my point still stands that there are better vehicles out there.

Or they could just keep them running and hope no industry bigwigs come along and notice they're not DDA compliant  

Lothian now have their first Streetdeck:

Lothian Bus Wrightbus StreetDeck by Robin Parkes, on Flickr

(29 May 2015, 6:06 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]Lothian now have their first Streetdeck:

Lothian Bus Wrightbus StreetDeck by Robin Parkes, on Flickr

That is very smart, the colours work so well, any idea what service(s) they will be on?

(29 May 2015, 6:09 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]That is very smart, the colours work so well, any idea what service(s) they will be on?

I can't help you with that one unfortunately. Sorry! I agree, it looks very smart but to be honest, the Lothian livery suits all buses.

(29 May 2015, 6:11 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]I can't help you with that one unfortunately. Sorry! I agree, it looks very smart but to be honest, the Lothian livery suits all buses.

The colours do especially on the Volvo 7900's.


I'll have a look around to see if i can find which service(s) they're going around, Thanks.

(29 May 2015, 6:06 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]Lothian now have their first Streetdeck:

Lothian Bus Wrightbus StreetDeck by Robin Parkes, on Flickr

I dont think that is a StreetDeck, I think this is the New Volvo B5LH with Wrightbus Bodywork.

(29 May 2015, 7:27 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]I dont think that is a StreetDeck, I think this is the New Volvo B5LH with Wrightbus Bodywork.

According to Volvo's B5LH page, they only display the body for the B5LH to be the Wright Gemini bodywork:
http://www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb/b.../b5lh.aspx

Edit: I believe you can also get the B5LH with the E400MMC bodywork although in theory, the specification should say that?

(29 May 2015, 7:33 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]According to Volvo's B5LH page, they only display the body for the B5LH to be the Wright Gemini bodywork:
http://www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb/b.../b5lh.aspx

It just says Wrightbus Bodywork, and the Vehicle above has Wrightbus Bodywork, if you look at the other photos on Robin Parkes Flickr Page you will see that it is a Hybrid, should be noticeable by looking at the rear overhang on the above image alone.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/13073434@N03/

(29 May 2015, 7:39 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]It just says Wrightbus Bodywork, and the Vehicle above has Wrightbus Bodywork, if you look at the other photos on Robin Parkes Flickr Page you will see that it is a Hybrid, should be noticeable by looking at the rear overhang on the above image alone.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/13073434@N03/

I must admit, when you brought up the B5LH, I did notice that the rear end looked slightly different to the Streetdeck on Sapphire 38 in Derby. Volvo's website is a bit mis-leading if you (and most probably) are correct.

(31 Oct 2014, 9:48 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]http://www.route-one.net/industry/financ...een-grant/

Winners of the SGBF5 are:

• First Glasgow – four ADL Enviro 350H ‘virtual electric’ buses and 43 Wrightbus StreetLite Micro Hybrids
  
  
• Wilson’s of Rhu – two Wrightbus StreetLite Micro Hybrids
  
  
• Secure Airparks – two Wrightbus StreetLite Micro Hybrids
  
  
• First Scotland East – five ADL Enviro400 MMC flywheel hybrids
  
  
• Lothian Buses – 20 double-deck hybrids Volvo B5LH/ADL Enviro400
  
  
• Stagecoach North Scotland – five Optare Solo all-electrics
  
  
• Deveron Coaches – one Optare Solo all-electric
  
  
• Orkney Islands Council – one Optare Solo all-electric.
  
  

(29 May 2015, 7:46 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]I must admit, when you brought up the B5LH, I did notice that the rear end looked slightly different to the Streetdeck on Sapphire 38 in Derby. Volvo's website is a bit mis-leading if you (and most probably) are correct.

I think I am spot on Robert, obviously they dont have the Enviro 400MMC Bodywork as Route One stated in there Article a few months back, guessing Lothian changed the Specification/Vehicle Type as they have a strong Business Relationship with Volvo/Wrightbus.