MidlandRed.net

As mentioned elsewhere, a number of the Solos that went to Potteries when Hereford depot closed were taken out of services a few weeks ago when the garage received some new E200s. These were initially placed in reserve pending a large event (bonfire night?) at Alton Towers but were officially withdrawn as soon as that contract was completed.

There had been some speculation that two Solos would move back to FMR at Worcester as there is often a shortage on Service 31 which can only use minibuses due to the weight restriction imposed on the bridge by Network Rail.

It now looks like 53064 will transfer to Worcester in exchange for an Enviro300, probably 67643 if the practice of moving them in fleet number order continues.

53064 arrived at Worcester today. I don't think anything has gone north in its place, certainly 67643 is still at Worcester, but I will check to make sure.

I see a fair amount of the ex FMR vehicles at Potteries these days as I regularly pass through Stoke. Their services seem to all stop after about 6pm though.

Any photos?

AdamH wrote: ↑

20:44 Wednesday 16th November 2016

53064 arrived at Worcester today. I don't think anything has gone north in its place, certainly 67643 is still at Worcester, but I will check to make sure.

I hope that 53064 does not replace a bigger single-decker; -

- I again saw (about a week ago) a SOLO on the 16.30 333 from Crowngate -
luckily this time it was on-time, and everyone had a seat,
but I would be concerned if it became a regular feature -
- unless the 16.30 333 and the 16.45 32 were both "guaranteed" to leave Crowngate, on-time.
(The short section of road from the bus station to the Sidbury / Bath Road junction can take 20 mins, and making customers for the Bath Road, Saint Peters, Kempsey, and Upton, STAND, - is another way to lose fare-paying passengers, instead of tapping into the market potential).

AdamH wrote: ↑

08:55 Thursday 17th November 2016

Any photos?

I'm usually driving or these days its dark anyway

I will make the effort, I haven't done much photography lately of any kind.

DD12 wrote: ↑

12:49 Thursday 17th November 2016

(The short section of road from the bus station to the Sidbury / Bath Road junction can take 20 mins, and making customers for the Bath Road, Saint Peters, Kempsey, and Upton, STAND, - is another way to lose fare-paying passengers, instead of tapping into the market potential).

Very true mate. I think that while many people are pragmatic, they do expect a seat. Also if the bus is already full from Crowngate, it's hard lines on those joining by the cathedral.

53064 re-entered service with FMR at Worcester today. Meanwhile, the other ex-Hereford Solos are heading to South Wales.

Well although 53064 went out in service yesterday it was over a pit today... That didn't last long!

As far as I know nothing has been sent to Stoke in its place yet and I'm wondering if the delay (or cancellation?) is because Worcester currently has two Volvos off the road. 66692 has been off the road for a month with electrical problems and 66695 requires an engine rebuild, so until they are fixed there is a shortage of single-deck buses.

And just to clarify, the buses moving to South Wales are from the ones sold to Potteries when Hereford depot closed... 53042 from the batch new to Worcester, and 53058, 53059, 53060 and 53063 new to Hereford. The transfer has already taken place "on paper" but they are still stored in Stoke waiting to be collected.

So if potteries have been given nee e200s does that mean we might be getting some?