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Post by Paul on Jan 31, 2017 23:38:33 GMT
Well here's a little tale for anyone reading this that actually is thinking of working for Stagecoach. After just a shade under ten months since the first day in training school, I found out today I was successful in my application for promotion - subject to me signing my letter of acceptance, which I will do, I will be one of the new AGS at Bromley (TB). VERY excited for the new challenge ahead. Congratulations and welcome to the mad house  |
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Post by Alex on Feb 1, 2017 2:01:29 GMT
Well here's a little tale for anyone reading this that actually is thinking of working for Stagecoach. After just a shade under ten months since the first day in training school, I found out today I was successful in my application for promotion - subject to me signing my letter of acceptance, which I will do, I will be one of the new AGS at Bromley (TB). VERY excited for the new challenge ahead. Wow.....yes - well pleased for you and it's good to know Stagecoach London are behind their staff with promotion. Wishing you well with the new challenge. Hope you'll use the new found knowledge to do positive things for the transport network  While we are here - I have read of rosters and duties that aren't that good - can I ask what the process is on the buses? On LU, when we get a timetable change we do get the option of seeing the draft duties/rosters and suggesting changes (when I say 'we', I mean the union reps and drivers that are interested) - for example I have compiled the roster for the last two timetables myself and also altered about 40% of the duties for our current one (timetable) at my depot (with the rota changes afterwards due to hours on duties changing etc).....so, on the buses, can staff suggest alterations and get these things implemented, or is very much "we've done the rota, that's what it is"......? Also, do you have spare duties on the buses? I've heard of 'standby' duties, but these sound like above and beyond coverage. Again on LU, the spares have their own duty numbers, using a made up depot duties 1-20 will be earlies (actual duty 'running turns'), 21-41 will be lates (again, running turns), and 42-46 being early spares, and 47 - 50 being late spares (as an example)......seems a silly question but seemingly there isn't much outside of the railways that has dedicated spare coverage..... But don't let me detract - well done on promotion and I'm sure you'll do well - just posting here proves you have the interest (many would see as 'turn up for job, do it, go home') so wishing you the best |
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Post by john on Feb 1, 2017 6:48:55 GMT
Well here's a little tale for anyone reading this that actually is thinking of working for Stagecoach. After just a shade under ten months since the first day in training school, I found out today I was successful in my application for promotion - subject to me signing my letter of acceptance, which I will do, I will be one of the new AGS at Bromley (TB). VERY excited for the new challenge ahead. Wow.....yes - well pleased for you and it's good to know Stagecoach London are behind their staff with promotion. Wishing you well with the new challenge. Hope you'll use the new found knowledge to do positive things for the transport network While we are here - I have read of rosters and duties that aren't that good - can I ask what the process is on the buses? On LU, when we get a timetable change we do get the option of seeing the draft duties/rosters and suggesting changes (when I say 'we', I mean the union reps and drivers that are interested) - for example I have compiled the roster for the last two timetables myself and also altered about 40% of the duties for our current one (timetable) at my depot (with the rota changes afterwards due to hours on duties changing etc).....so, on the buses, can staff suggest alterations and get these things implemented, or is very much "we've done the rota, that's what it is"......? Also, do you have spare duties on the buses? I've heard of 'standby' duties, but these sound like above and beyond coverage. Again on LU, the spares have their own duty numbers, using a made up depot duties 1-20 will be earlies (actual duty 'running turns'), 21-41 will be lates (again, running turns), and 42-46 being early spares, and 47 - 50 being late spares (as an example)......seems a silly question but seemingly there isn't much outside of the railways that has dedicated spare coverage..... But don't let me detract - well done on promotion and I'm sure you'll do well - just posting here proves you have the interest (many would see as 'turn up for job, do it, go home') so wishing you the best Can't speak for other operators but our spares are very much that. Theyre allocated duties on a daily basis based on what's available, with short notice alterations up to 12pm the day before. Normally this is a sick driver or someone on leave. Then they get allocated standby duties where they are the spare man. This duties are literally sit there and wait or help the GS out with bits like lost property if needed. You can also end up being the buy to do a sub run or cover part of or a full duty for a blow out. You normally get a 0400, 0600, 0700, 1100 and 1600 standby. That's generally how our spares list works anyway. Again, can't comment for other operators. |
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Post by Alex on Feb 1, 2017 16:23:24 GMT
Can't speak for other operators but our spares are very much that. Theyre allocated duties on a daily basis based on what's available, with short notice alterations up to 12pm the day before. Normally this is a sick driver or someone on leave. Then they get allocated standby duties where they are the spare man. This duties are literally sit there and wait or help the GS out with bits like lost property if needed. You can also end up being the buy to do a sub run or cover part of or a full duty for a blow out. You normally get a 0400, 0600, 0700, 1100 and 1600 standby. That's generally how our spares list works anyway. Again, can't comment for other operators. Thanks John, makes perfect sense, cheers again |
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Post by nickfreckle on Feb 1, 2017 19:06:31 GMT
Well here's a little tale for anyone reading this that actually is thinking of working for Stagecoach. After just a shade under ten months since the first day in training school, I found out today I was successful in my application for promotion - subject to me signing my letter of acceptance, which I will do, I will be one of the new AGS at Bromley (TB). VERY excited for the new challenge ahead. Congratulations and welcome to the mad house Presuming you're a TB driver  If so, I am really looking forward to getting over there. It seems a lovely little garage to get my first taste and experience of Garage Operations management. |
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Post by Paul on Feb 2, 2017 10:58:48 GMT
Congratulations and welcome to the mad house Presuming you're a TB driver If so, I am really looking forward to getting over there. It seems a lovely little garage to get my first taste and experience of Garage Operations management. I am indeed one of the four TB drivers around here  |
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Post by capitalomnibus on Feb 3, 2017 10:50:55 GMT
Well here's a little tale for anyone reading this that actually is thinking of working for Stagecoach. After just a shade under ten months since the first day in training school, I found out today I was successful in my application for promotion - subject to me signing my letter of acceptance, which I will do, I will be one of the new AGS at Bromley (TB). VERY excited for the new challenge ahead. Wow.....yes - well pleased for you and it's good to know Stagecoach London are behind their staff with promotion. Wishing you well with the new challenge. Hope you'll use the new found knowledge to do positive things for the transport network While we are here - I have read of rosters and duties that aren't that good - can I ask what the process is on the buses? On LU, when we get a timetable change we do get the option of seeing the draft duties/rosters and suggesting changes (when I say 'we', I mean the union reps and drivers that are interested) - for example I have compiled the roster for the last two timetables myself and also altered about 40% of the duties for our current one (timetable) at my depot (with the rota changes afterwards due to hours on duties changing etc).....so, on the buses, can staff suggest alterations and get these things implemented, or is very much "we've done the rota, that's what it is"......? Also, do you have spare duties on the buses? I've heard of 'standby' duties, but these sound like above and beyond coverage. Again on LU, the spares have their own duty numbers, using a made up depot duties 1-20 will be earlies (actual duty 'running turns'), 21-41 will be lates (again, running turns), and 42-46 being early spares, and 47 - 50 being late spares (as an example)......seems a silly question but seemingly there isn't much outside of the railways that has dedicated spare coverage..... But don't let me detract - well done on promotion and I'm sure you'll do well - just posting here proves you have the interest (many would see as 'turn up for job, do it, go home') so wishing you the best Standby driver duties are now a thing of the past. Reason being down to cost. They would rather get someone in to cover a blow out as overtime or a rest day if possible. There were times years ago it was done at Stagecoach, Arriva etc. Up until a few years ago, First had 2 standby drivers at [LI]. However when Tower Transit took over they were on a staff cull, as First was over staffed. So don't think they may have standby drivers anymore. |
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Post by nickfreckle on Feb 3, 2017 18:10:03 GMT
Presuming you're a TB driver If so, I am really looking forward to getting over there. It seems a lovely little garage to get my first taste and experience of Garage Operations management. I am indeed one of the four TB drivers around here In which case, I will look forward to meeting you and working with you |
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Post by londonbusboy on Feb 4, 2017 10:27:37 GMT
I am indeed one of the four TB drivers around here In which case, I will look forward to meeting you and working with you Do we have to work with you |
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Post by nickfreckle on Feb 28, 2017 19:22:33 GMT
I'm wondering if I've actually spoken to any of you TB lot yet. Started there on Monday. |
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Post by snoggle on Feb 28, 2017 19:38:38 GMT
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Post by nickfreckle on Feb 28, 2017 21:14:06 GMT
I'm wondering if I've actually spoken to any of you TB lot yet. Started there on Monday. I understand they've all been in hiding since you arrived.    And who could blame them... |
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Post by Paul on Feb 28, 2017 22:58:10 GMT
I'm wondering if I've actually spoken to any of you TB lot yet. Started there on Monday. This Monday? I didn't see anyone new behind the counter so not me! |
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Post by VPL630 on Apr 3, 2017 10:29:43 GMT
So, I finally got to drive a Citaro in service in the form of 23107 which I had for 8 hours on the 227's last night. To start with, the bad things:
I don't know if it is just this particular bus but the brake pedal was at a really awkward angle and combined with the steering column casing it was quite annoying and was making my foot ache after a while.
When the bus is in auto kneel mode it can take a while for the bus to raise back up to ride height and the stop brake won't release until it's happy it's at "Ride Height"
The mirrors have to be adjusted manually, which isn't really a problem but the O/S mirror you have to get out of the cab to adjust because of the position of the cab window (Which if you look at the 358 batch you'll notice they've moved the window to a much better position) and it's quite hard to gauge how you are setting it, even more so if it's the first time you've driven one in service and very annoying when a Pigeon flys straight into it after you've finally got it in a position that you are happy with.
Again don't know if it was this particular bus but the turbo lag was diabolical, I take it everyone wants a smooth pull away but there is very little get up and go until the turbo finally spools up most notably on pull away from a standing start and accelerating in 6th/5th where even after kicking down to 4th/3rd it was still struggling to pick up boost
Anyway, the good points:
The doors are quick and the door buttons are great
When the turbo finally kicks in it shoots off like a rocket and my bus at least sounded like a rocket when it was at full power
The brakes are lovely and smooth, they are quite weighted but half the time it doesn't feel like you are going to stop in time but somehow the bus just stops and smoothly, it's really odd and you have to try and tell yourself it will stop without having to press the brakes harder
The ride is silky smooth, it's a lot better in the cab than in the bus itself
The climate control features are pretty good and powerful, you have to option to open roof hatches in the passenger compartment and roof fans to really move some fresh air into the bus, as far as I'm aware these buses also have passenger air con
The driving position is good, nice and low with great visibility, it is a bit hard to tell where the kerb is at first but you get used to it after a while
There are times where the gearbox will refuse to Kickdown and instead hold the current gear which I guess is another passenger comfort setting but there are sometimes when it will try and do this and then give up and Kickdown quite harshly
Other than that, can't really fault the bus, wish I could drive them more
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Post by VPL630 on Apr 3, 2017 10:38:30 GMT
The 227 itself is nice and short, quite a bit of running time, very little traffic and very simple route. I can now see why these buses have such a big buggy wheelchair area as you seem to pick up loads of them, I like how free flowing and hilly this route is, just wish it terminated somewhere more enjoyable than Bromley north. Due to its short nature unless you are held up for some time this route should essentially run perfectly yet I still saw 2 buses depart together yesterday... all day I had a perfect headway
The 269 can be a lovely route, there just happens to be quite a bit of traffic during the day, still again it's got quite a few hilly bits, lots of open wide roads, and quite a bit of running time during the day, not so much at night, it's mainly straight driving after leaving bexley which is something I like The
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