(13/01/2015 22:07)SLTRegular Wrote:  I saw a Stagecoach Manchester/Wigan Van Going past Alexander Dennis in Skelmersdale on Monday approx 11am any ideas?

(14/01/2015 10:21)Dentonian Wrote:  Looking at the timetable, there is in built stand time on 168s going towards Ashton, but nothing else. It largely depends on how many people cross Belle Vue, as it could be frustrating sitting on the bus for five minutes when there isn't a crew relief, and you want to get off at Gorton District Centre (as MCC insist it is called), 400 metres after Belle Vue. That said, both have excess stand time at their southern/western termini, with off-peak 168s having 17 minutes at Chorlton, so plenty of oppurtunity to put a couple of minutes in at Belle Vue on 168s westbound, and 169s both ways.

(14/01/2015 14:27)Dentonian Wrote:  You don't mention exactly where on the route - or even more importantly - which way these buses were travelling. It might be a combination of factors needed to address the running time problems. However, it seems that the even more fundamental problem is the ticket machine system. Its absolutely ridiculous that having employed a system allowing drivers to effect crew reliefs in a matter of seconds for probably over a decade, that it now takes 3-5 minutes.

Coincidentally, I have just had a report exemplifying this problem and another habitual issue;
The outbound 203 due at the Bulls Head at 1053 this morning, apparently came at c.1100 - again, a combination of knock on effects of the morning rush hour and inefficient crew relief, no doubt. Also, the 7 had gone just in front and on time. However, no intending passengers wanted this bus even though it is currently the identical route into Stockport. I've noticed this before when a convoy of 7, 317, 374 (pick any two from three) run into Stockport with a 203. Bus passengers on traditional high demand routes do NOT like single-deckers. Doesn't matter if its got a '64 plate on the front and is half empty, they still prefer a middle-aged, nearly full 'decker.

(13/01/2015 22:38)mbonwick Wrote:  E200MMC is replacing Enviro300 (or that's how things appear) given the expansion in max length of an Enviro200 to 11.8m (the same size as an Enviro300).

Enviro300 is believed to be being retained solely as a body for 3rd party chassis.