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Post by G-JZBS | Jet2.com 737 on Jul 4, 2024 15:22:10 GMT
I'm new to this conversation so hi! Just a quick question... I'm just wondering what vehicles Metroline will have by the time Tranche 3 has kicked off. I'm guessing some DE E200 from LDN, new E200MMCs, new E400MMCs, new BYDs and then some E400H from LDN again. What do you think? Just pure speculation here tbh. Also, why aren't any operators buying any other electric buses apart from those BYDs. Why not some GB Kites or Streetdeck Elecroliner or BZLs? There's so many other manufactures than ADL/BYD. There doesn't seen to be much variation in the Bee Network fleet, especially Stagecoach. I know its early days for the BN but they should have already planned out what vehicles they want to lease/buy.
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Post by ADH45258 on Jul 4, 2024 16:12:22 GMT
I'm new to this conversation so hi! Just a quick question... I'm just wondering what vehicles Metroline will have by the time Tranche 3 has kicked off. I'm guessing some DE E200 from LDN, new E200MMCs, new E400MMCs, new BYDs and then some E400H from LDN again. What do you think? Just pure speculation here tbh. Also, why aren't any operators buying any other electric buses apart from those BYDs. Why not some GB Kites or Streetdeck Elecroliner or BZLs? There's so many other manufactures than ADL/BYD. There doesn't seen to be much variation in the Bee Network fleet, especially Stagecoach. I know its early days for the BN but they should have already planned out what vehicles they want to lease/buy. I think some new batches of electrics are ordered by TfGM rather than the operators. Stagecoach are getting a large batch of BYD/E400EVs, but they haven't ordered that type elsewhere for several years now. While there hasn't been much variety within the Bee Network so far in terms of EVs, First have recently ordered some MCV Evoras for example. Regarding Metroline, some of the types you mention could well be used initially, but I expect TfGM would specify that newer buses should be used in time. With several London routes like the 4, 90, 98 etc getting new electrics, I could see some B5LHs move up to Manchester. |
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Post by edvid on Jul 10, 2024 14:10:18 GMT
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Post by G-JZBS | Jet2.com 737 on Jul 23, 2024 11:24:39 GMT
I'm new to this conversation so hi! Just a quick question... I'm just wondering what vehicles Metroline will have by the time Tranche 3 has kicked off. I'm guessing some DE E200 from LDN, new E200MMCs, new E400MMCs, new BYDs and then some E400H from LDN again. What do you think? Just pure speculation here tbh. Also, why aren't any operators buying any other electric buses apart from those BYDs. Why not some GB Kites or Streetdeck Elecroliner or BZLs? There's so many other manufactures than ADL/BYD. There doesn't seen to be much variation in the Bee Network fleet, especially Stagecoach. I know its early days for the BN but they should have already planned out what vehicles they want to lease/buy. I think some new batches of electrics are ordered by TfGM rather than the operators. Stagecoach are getting a large batch of BYD/E400EVs, but they haven't ordered that type elsewhere for several years now. While there hasn't been much variety within the Bee Network so far in terms of EVs, First have recently ordered some MCV Evoras for example. Regarding Metroline, some of the types you mention could well be used initially, but I expect TfGM would specify that newer buses should be used in time. With several London routes like the 4, 90, 98 etc getting new electrics, I could see some B5LHs move up to Manchester. I have no idea why TFGM are allowing First and Stagecoach to buy those MCV Evora's if they want GM to be a area with "clean air". Those buses are not even micro-hybrids, please correct me if I am wrong. There are so many other options like E200/MMCs, BYD E200 EVs, BZLs and Streetlite HEV DFs etc... As I said in the other thread there is just not that much variation with all the operators. I think shambles is definitely not the correct word to describe the current state of the BN but some routes like the 41 and 36 are using singles which is not very ideal, as they are going through/to the city centre! Maybe by T3/2025 it could be all sorted out. |
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 23, 2024 11:45:56 GMT
I think some new batches of electrics are ordered by TfGM rather than the operators. Stagecoach are getting a large batch of BYD/E400EVs, but they haven't ordered that type elsewhere for several years now. While there hasn't been much variety within the Bee Network so far in terms of EVs, First have recently ordered some MCV Evoras for example. Regarding Metroline, some of the types you mention could well be used initially, but I expect TfGM would specify that newer buses should be used in time. With several London routes like the 4, 90, 98 etc getting new electrics, I could see some B5LHs move up to Manchester. Those buses are not even micro-hybrids, please correct me if I am wrong. There are so many other options like E200/MMCs, BYD E200 EVs, BZLs and Streetlite HEV DFs etc... As I said in the other thread there is just not that much variation with all the operators. I think shambles is definitely not the correct word to describe the current state of the BN but some routes like the 41 and 36 are using singles which is not very ideal, as they are going through/to the city centre! Maybe by T3/2025 it could be all sorted out. Funding. |
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Post by G-JZBS | Jet2.com 737 on Jul 23, 2024 15:41:35 GMT
I have no idea why TFGM are allowing First and Stagecoach to buy those MCV Evora's if they want GM to be a area with "clean air". Those buses are not even micro-hybrids, please correct me if I am wrong. There are so many other options like E200/MMCs, BYD E200 EVs, BZLs and Streetlite HEV DFs etc... As I said in the other thread there is just not that much variation with all the operators. I think shambles is definitely not the correct word to describe the current state of the BN but some routes like the 41 and 36 are using singles which is not very ideal, as they are going through/to the city centre! Maybe by T3/2025 it could be all sorted out. Funding. What do you mean by funding? Also I heard somewhere that First's Mercedes Benz Minibuses were temporary and the Eclipses are going as well. Is it true? I also heard that Go Ahead's B9s are temporary, but I don't think they have any orders to replace those vehicles. I also have a suspicion that Go Ahead's Eclipses and Citaro's aren't staying aswell because most of them don't have the livery or even the branding/stickers. Is it true that Stagecoach's Scania's and B9TLs are temporary and waiting until the BZLs? I'll stop asking questions now lol! Thanks |
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 23, 2024 15:56:31 GMT
What do you mean by funding? Also I heard somewhere that First's Mercedes Benz Minibuses were temporary and the Eclipses are going as well. Is it true? I also heard that Go Ahead's B9s are temporary, but I don't think they have any orders to replace those vehicles. I also have a suspicion that Go Ahead's Eclipses and Citaro's aren't staying aswell because most of them don't have the livery or even the branding/stickers. Is it true that Stagecoach's Scania's and B9TLs are temporary and waiting until the BZLs? I'll stop asking questions now lol! Thanks By funding, I mean that either TfGM or the Department of Transport have to contribute to the extra cost of procuring electric buses and the associated costs of electrifying depots. These require extra investment costs over and above standard fleet replacement on a like-for-like basis. Stagecoach is due 170 Volvo BZLs to electrify its Stockport operations, these will allow existing diesel buses to be cascaded to other depots and replace the oldest vehicles. I don't know what Go-Ahead's fleet replacement policy will be going forward, perhaps they are waiting until they get more certainty about the future of Bee Network - will it remain a franchised operation or be taken in-house? There are also questions of funding, Labour has not yet committed to a third round of ZEBRA funding (although it is likely to) and is looking at simplyfying how bus services are supported financially going forward. |
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Post by G-JZBS | Jet2.com 737 on Jul 23, 2024 16:09:59 GMT
What do you mean by funding? Also I heard somewhere that First's Mercedes Benz Minibuses were temporary and the Eclipses are going as well. Is it true? I also heard that Go Ahead's B9s are temporary, but I don't think they have any orders to replace those vehicles. I also have a suspicion that Go Ahead's Eclipses and Citaro's aren't staying aswell because most of them don't have the livery or even the branding/stickers. Is it true that Stagecoach's Scania's and B9TLs are temporary and waiting until the BZLs? I'll stop asking questions now lol! Thanks By funding, I mean that either TfGM or the Department of Transport have to contribute to the extra cost of procuring electric buses and the associated costs of electrifying depots. These require extra investment costs over and above standard fleet replacement on a like-for-like basis. Stagecoach is due 170 Volvo BZLs to electrify its Stockport operations, these will allow existing diesel buses to be cascaded to other depots and replace the oldest vehicles. I don't know what Go-Ahead's fleet replacement policy will be going forward, perhaps they are waiting until they get more certainty about the future of Bee Network - will it remain a franchised operation or be taken in-house? There are also questions of funding, Labour has not yet committed to a third round of ZEBRA funding (although it is likely to) and is looking at simplyfying how bus services are supported financially going forward. Right, that makes sense, thank you! When are the BZLs due, do you know? Also what do you mean by taken in house and franchised operations? Will this mean that the operators logos will appear on the sides and the front of vehicles like London. Also why aren't TFGM putting the operators logos on the front of the buses? Is there a reason? |
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Post by YY13VKP on Jul 23, 2024 22:44:28 GMT
Seen a picture of a new Streetdeck Ultroliner for Metroline Manchester on tow from the Wrightbus factory. Interesting to see the face lifted front end is also being used on diesel Streetdecks too.
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Post by G-JZBS | Jet2.com 737 on Jul 23, 2024 23:01:41 GMT
Seen a picture of a new Streetdeck Ultroliner for Metroline Manchester on tow from the Wrightbus factory. Interesting to see the face lifted front end is also being used on diesel Streetdecks too. Have you got a picture of this. That will be really helpful! Does it have a registration yet, I quess it will have an M_24 reg. |
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Post by VMH2452 on Jul 24, 2024 13:25:29 GMT
I think some new batches of electrics are ordered by TfGM rather than the operators. Stagecoach are getting a large batch of BYD/E400EVs, but they haven't ordered that type elsewhere for several years now. While there hasn't been much variety within the Bee Network so far in terms of EVs, First have recently ordered some MCV Evoras for example. Regarding Metroline, some of the types you mention could well be used initially, but I expect TfGM would specify that newer buses should be used in time. With several London routes like the 4, 90, 98 etc getting new electrics, I could see some B5LHs move up to Manchester. I have no idea why TFGM are allowing First and Stagecoach to buy those MCV Evora's if they want GM to be a area with "clean air". Those buses are not even micro-hybrids, please correct me if I am wrong. There are so many other options like E200/MMCs, BYD E200 EVs, BZLs and Streetlite HEV DFs etc... As I said in the other thread there is just not that much variation with all the operators. I think shambles is definitely not the correct word to describe the current state of the BN but some routes like the 41 and 36 are using singles which is not very ideal, as they are going through/to the city centre! Maybe by T3/2025 it could be all sorted out. Full diesels are fairly clean and are low emission. Electrics are far more expensive and operators don’t want to pay for these. TfGM buy a limited number but it’s not possible to only buy electrics. As far as I know, there are not any micro hybrid SDs on the market. AFAIK hybrids aren’t really sold anymore. ADL don’t sell the E40H and the B5LH is no longer in production. |
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jul 27, 2024 6:43:45 GMT
By funding, I mean that either TfGM or the Department of Transport have to contribute to the extra cost of procuring electric buses and the associated costs of electrifying depots. These require extra investment costs over and above standard fleet replacement on a like-for-like basis. Stagecoach is due 170 Volvo BZLs to electrify its Stockport operations, these will allow existing diesel buses to be cascaded to other depots and replace the oldest vehicles. I don't know what Go-Ahead's fleet replacement policy will be going forward, perhaps they are waiting until they get more certainty about the future of Bee Network - will it remain a franchised operation or be taken in-house? There are also questions of funding, Labour has not yet committed to a third round of ZEBRA funding (although it is likely to) and is looking at simplyfying how bus services are supported financially going forward. Right, that makes sense, thank you! When are the BZLs due, do you know? Also what do you mean by taken in house and franchised operations? Will this mean that the operators logos will appear on the sides and the front of vehicles like London. Also why aren't TFGM putting the operators logos on the front of the buses? Is there a reason? The Volvo BZLs for Stagecoach at Stockport had been due this summer, but looks to have been postponed, due to a backlog of Volvo electrics for other operators and a new base apparently required for those electric buses. I doubt they will in practice enter service much before franchising next January now. |
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Post by G-JZBS | Jet2.com 737 on Jul 27, 2024 11:21:21 GMT
Right, that makes sense, thank you! When are the BZLs due, do you know? Also what do you mean by taken in house and franchised operations? Will this mean that the operators logos will appear on the sides and the front of vehicles like London. Also why aren't TFGM putting the operators logos on the front of the buses? Is there a reason? The Volvo BZLs for Stagecoach at Stockport had been due this summer, but looks to have been postponed, due to a backlog of Volvo electrics for other operators and a new base apparently required for those electric buses. I doubt they will in practice enter service much before franchising next January now. Say they did enter service before 5th Jan 25 would they all be in the Bee Network livery with the radios, engine type stickers etc. or would they be in standard Stagecoach spec then later be repainted into yellow? |
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 27, 2024 16:41:46 GMT
Transport for Greater Manchester is to commence a programme of Strategic Network Reviews of Bee Network services. The first review will commence in early 2025 and will cover Bolton and Wigan, the first areas to be franchised. A separate prgramme of "Thematic Reviews" will cover topics such as night routes, orbital services (BeeLoop, anyone?) and priority routes. Smaller changes such as individual route and timetable changes will continue to take place alongside the bigger changes, which may need to go to formal consultation. Some changes have already occured, such as better connectivity with other modes, later evening journeys, and planned night services on two routes which were part of the first Tranche. Completion of the third and final Tranche of bus franchising in January 2025 should enable Greater Manchester to introduce tap-and-go ticketless travel across Bee Network buses and Metrolink trams shortly after. www.route-one.net/news/bee-network-bus-services-to-embark-on-strategic-reviews-process/ |
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 27, 2024 16:44:08 GMT
The Volvo BZLs for Stagecoach at Stockport had been due this summer, but looks to have been postponed, due to a backlog of Volvo electrics for other operators and a new base apparently required for those electric buses. I doubt they will in practice enter service much before franchising next January now. Say they did enter service before 5th Jan 25 would they all be in the Bee Network livery with the radios, engine type stickers etc. or would they be in standard Stagecoach spec then later be repainted into yellow? I would expect them to be delivered in Bee Network yellow, the Tranche 3 awards have been known since March. |
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