|
|
Post by LVF_Admin on Jan 1, 2017 16:41:41 GMT
Years ago it was regarded as the Premier Route but now you'll find what's left of the more long term drivers on the 386! 122 was great when Bexleyheath Garage to Crystal Palace. That must have been a mammoth of a route, definitely would have been the premier route in its Garage! it had 52 Duties back then |
|
|
|
Post by vjaska on Jan 1, 2017 18:03:15 GMT
Years ago it was regarded as the Premier Route but now you'll find what's left of the more long term drivers on the 386! 122 was great when Bexleyheath Garage to Crystal Palace. That must have been a mammoth of a route, definitely would have been the premier route in its Garage! It was the longest route in the 80's until it was cut back to Plumstead in 1988 with the 422 being introduced between Bexleyheath & Woolwich. |
|
|
|
Post by sid on Jan 2, 2017 7:57:30 GMT
Been on the 122's for so long now, its like it is 2 seperate routes. Crystal Palace to Lewisham being almost a route and Lewisham to PD. Running times is a bit tight although the stand time is fantastic. Bearing in mind it seems drivers take out any bus they wish. Two drivers i very well know took out diesels on the 122. I'd understand that but its a lot harder to do that on a 53! Years ago it was regarded as the Premier Route but now you'll find what's left of the more long term drivers on the 386! 122 was great when Bexleyheath Garage to Crystal Palace. I remember a PD driver saying that the 122 was the best route at the garage and the 177 and 472 were the worst but I suppose everybody has different opinions. |
|
|
|
Post by nickfreckle on Jan 2, 2017 21:12:31 GMT
Years ago it was regarded as the Premier Route but now you'll find what's left of the more long term drivers on the 386! 122 was great when Bexleyheath Garage to Crystal Palace. I remember a PD driver saying that the 122 was the best route at the garage and the 177 and 472 were the worst but I suppose everybody has different opinions. I love the 472's. 177 is ok, but the more I drive it, the more I'm liking it. The think I like about the 177 is it's almost a 'proper' London route without actually going in to the city. 53 has never appealed to me, much like the 122 hasn't - so I've made no attempt to learn them. I will in the fullness of time, but there's no rush. 99's and 96's are alright if you want an easy life, but I find them a bit boring truth be told. As for the 51, it's not my cup of tea. Not that much running time, always delays in Sevenoaks Way, a ridiculously small amount of time to get through Orpington High Street, and pain in the arse fiddly duties - like finishing first half at PD Common, service bus back for break at garage, take over for second half in Woolwich. What's the flipping point? |
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Jan 3, 2017 1:25:40 GMT
The 472's "corridor" was identified as a possible "Greenwich Waterfront Transit" route. Thanks Snoggle for clearing that one up – I have to admit, the picture I had in my mind when I was told about it was the standard Citaros ploughing between North Greenwich and Thamesmead, which didn’t take too much imagination as I remember the Stagecoach Citaros on the 453. However imagining the bus type and then placing them going round such places as General Gordon Square, Nathan Way and Crossway took a bit more imagination  Yes, Most went to DT where they are very happy Good. Thanks for answering that and I’m glad things seemed to work out ok. Also thanks for the references to the old 122 route as well. 52 duties? I wonder what that would be on todays frequencies? I may head to the Timetable Graveyard in a bit and see if there’s some old schedules  With the 386 drivers, I only ever used the route a few times so didn’t get to know the faces, but overall PD seemed a friendly garage, I was generally really impressed by the staff there and have fond memories of living in the area – probably why I go on about it so much on here. I remember a PD driver saying that the 122 was the best route at the garage and the 177 and 472 were the worst but I suppose everybody has different opinions. I read something on here years ago that said something similar, I think it described ‘The Thamesmeads’ as the least popular routes. Saying that nickfreckle, about the 177, there were one or two characters who struck me as very senior, the big chap who wore the ‘mentor’ jacket and I’m sure I’ve seen the West Indian guy in the ‘Fares Please’ video wearing the old Stagecoach uniform (very senior driver) out on the route as well......... If anyone hasn't seen it and has an odd 45 mins to spare, here is the link to the video, it's on the Ian Armstrong site (well, he's in it!) so I guess many have seen it but some excellent stories on it and for a school/young people production it's amazingly professional: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyrj_wZor4USorry everyone I haven't answered every point since I last logged on, but playing catch-up I didn't want to clog up the thread too much, some excellent conversation and as always thanks for the posts  |
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Jan 3, 2017 1:39:38 GMT
fiddly duties - like finishing first half at PD Common, service bus back for break at garage, take over for second half in Woolwich. What's the flipping point? Actually (sorry everyone), an afterthought, what's the jist with the 53 duties? Looking at the TfL schedules it seems that odd bits take off at the top of Frances Street. On the face of it this seems a bit odd too....can imagine some work-around with driving hours etc could be at play but I haven't had the time to look at the schedule really, really properly (don't get time for anything these days, young forumers - remember this later when thinking of getting married  ) |
|
|
|
Post by sid on Jan 3, 2017 8:47:01 GMT
What happened with the 469 drivers? Did they all go to Arriva? Was told there were some very senior PD drivers on that one. The reason I ask is because before I left the area I spotted familiar looking characters sporting green uniforms and was hoping the tendering issue wasn't as harsh as I've been led to believe, I know this is a sensitive subject..... Yes, Most went to DT where they are very happy, Don't think I'd know anyone at PD now from my years of riding shotgun in the 80s/90s with a girl friend of mine who was known as the fastest driver in the garage, all pre the controls in place now of course and when they had proper buses such as MDs, Titans and the L's when new. I'm quite surprised, I'd have thought a large garage like PD would be able to absorb the loss of a small route like the 469 and redeploy the drivers on other routes but clearly not. |
|
|
|
Post by sid on Jan 3, 2017 8:54:09 GMT
I remember a PD driver saying that the 122 was the best route at the garage and the 177 and 472 were the worst but I suppose everybody has different opinions. I love the 472's. 177 is ok, but the more I drive it, the more I'm liking it. The think I like about the 177 is it's almost a 'proper' London route without actually going in to the city. 53 has never appealed to me, much like the 122 hasn't - so I've made no attempt to learn them. I will in the fullness of time, but there's no rush. 99's and 96's are alright if you want an easy life, but I find them a bit boring truth be told. As for the 51, it's not my cup of tea. Not that much running time, always delays in Sevenoaks Way, a ridiculously small amount of time to get through Orpington High Street, and pain in the arse fiddly duties - like finishing first half at PD Common, service bus back for break at garage, take over for second half in Woolwich. What's the flipping point? I didn't realise that the 51 had driver changeovers at Plumstead Common, does seem a bit strange. I would have thought the 99 was an easy route although maybe a bit boring after a while but the 96 seems to have a bit everything! I did the 51 years ago when I was at SP and generally found it pleasant enough. |
|
|
|
Post by nickfreckle on Jan 3, 2017 17:37:40 GMT
I love the 472's. 177 is ok, but the more I drive it, the more I'm liking it. The think I like about the 177 is it's almost a 'proper' London route without actually going in to the city. 53 has never appealed to me, much like the 122 hasn't - so I've made no attempt to learn them. I will in the fullness of time, but there's no rush. 99's and 96's are alright if you want an easy life, but I find them a bit boring truth be told. As for the 51, it's not my cup of tea. Not that much running time, always delays in Sevenoaks Way, a ridiculously small amount of time to get through Orpington High Street, and pain in the arse fiddly duties - like finishing first half at PD Common, service bus back for break at garage, take over for second half in Woolwich. What's the flipping point? I didn't realise that the 51 had driver changeovers at Plumstead Common, does seem a bit strange. I would have thought the 99 was an easy route although maybe a bit boring after a while but the 96 seems to have a bit everything! I did the 51 years ago when I was at SP and generally found it pleasant enough. The worst thing about it is when you have duty number one. 0345 start, and you do a rounder and a bit for your last bit, have 25 minute stand time at Woolwich only to go only as far as the common after, when all you want to do is get back to the garage and go home. I hated it. it's also 90 minutes longer than duty number two. When you're on stand at Orpington Station, duty number two bus comes in behind you, sticks not in service up, and trots back to the garage to finish, while you're there all gritty eyed knowing you still have that trip and a bit to do  So glad I no longer do 51's! |
|
|
|
Post by Steve09 on Jan 3, 2017 22:43:30 GMT
The 472's "corridor" was identified as a possible "Greenwich Waterfront Transit" route. Thanks Snoggle for clearing that one up – I have to admit, the picture I had in my mind when I was told about it was the standard Citaros ploughing between North Greenwich and Thamesmead, which didn’t take too much imagination as I remember the Stagecoach Citaros on the 453. However imagining the bus type and then placing them going round such places as General Gordon Square, Nathan Way and Crossway took a bit more imagination Yes, Most went to DT where they are very happy Good. Thanks for answering that and I’m glad things seemed to work out ok. Also thanks for the references to the old 122 route as well. 52 duties? I wonder what that would be on todays frequencies? I may head to the Timetable Graveyard in a bit and see if there’s some old schedules With the 386 drivers, I only ever used the route a few times so didn’t get to know the faces, but overall PD seemed a friendly garage, I was generally really impressed by the staff there and have fond memories of living in the area – probably why I go on about it so much on here. I remember a PD driver saying that the 122 was the best route at the garage and the 177 and 472 were the worst but I suppose everybody has different opinions. I read something on here years ago that said something similar, I think it described ‘The Thamesmeads’ as the least popular routes. Saying that nickfreckle, about the 177, there were one or two characters who struck me as very senior, the big chap who wore the ‘mentor’ jacket and I’m sure I’ve seen the West Indian guy in the ‘Fares Please’ video wearing the old Stagecoach uniform (very senior driver) out on the route as well......... If anyone hasn't seen it and has an odd 45 mins to spare, here is the link to the video, it's on the Ian Armstrong site (well, he's in it!) so I guess many have seen it but some excellent stories on it and for a school/young people production it's amazingly professional: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyrj_wZor4USorry everyone I haven't answered every point since I last logged on, but playing catch-up I didn't want to clog up the thread too much, some excellent conversation and as always thanks for the posts The West Indian driver you are referring to has done 54 years service at PD and the old garage, incredible he has done so long on the buses! He has a few good stories. I never had any trouble on the 177, and its quite nice going through Greenwich town centre on a lovely sunny day and I was born at the old East Greenwich Hospital so its nice to pass that aswell. People always fret about Peckham but its not bad, you're probably more likely to get hassle on the 51 at night time when all the youth of Welling, Blackfen and Sidcup use the route to leap frog between the numerous establishments of Mcdonalds on the route! |
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on Jan 4, 2017 10:14:31 GMT
If anyone hasn't seen it and has an odd 45 mins to spare, here is the link to the video, it's on the Ian Armstrong site (well, he's in it!) so I guess many have seen it but some excellent stories on it and for a school/young people production it's amazingly professional: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyrj_wZor4U I really enjoyed that video. Two former colleagues in it which was a bit of a surprise. I hadn't realised it was made by school children until the end - as you say they did a great job with it. |
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Jan 4, 2017 22:20:22 GMT
The West Indian driver you are referring to has done 54 years service at PD and the old garage, incredible he has done so long on the buses! He has a few good stories. I really enjoyed that video. Two former colleagues in it which was a bit of a surprise. I hadn't realised it was made by school children until the end - as you say they did a great job with it. Yes....just watched that again - 1962  , that is pretty incredible. I can't get my head around that. I enjoyed it too, good mix of characters and stories |
|
|
|
Post by nickfreckle on Jan 31, 2017 19:28:33 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.
|
|
|
|
Post by john on Jan 31, 2017 22:57:11 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. I'm also an Environmental Champion too, just under a year! If you get your feet in then you can progress well enough |
|
PaulH
Conductor
Posts: 61 
|
Post by PaulH on Jan 31, 2017 23:34:36 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. Excuse my ignorance but what does AGS stand for? |
|
)
