Belle Vue Coaches

[knutstransport]

RE: Belle Vue Coaches

(08/04/2025 19:35)Mayneway Wrote:  Not sure if the route has changed much but MCT had no issues getting MMC 200’s around the 391/392.

I don't think MCT had MMCs. Little Gem had them when the route was relaunched post-COVID. As MCT went into administration just after COVID lockdowns started, the route ended up suspended for a while, with Cheshire East advertising the flexible transport service could be used for essential journeys that weren't covered by alternative public transport.

COVID did seem to have more of a long term impact on the 391 and 130 routes than others. The 130 got in a mess with Arriva reducing the service level, D&G introducing journeys alongside the Arriva ones, D&G withdrawing those journeys, Arriva withdrawing the route altogether, D&G reinstating commercial journeys and then deciding to withdraw them during COVID.

I recall back when Selwyns had the 391/392 they had a baby Solo (I think a 21 seater) that wasn't supposed to be used on the route but it kept creeping on to the route too frequently. It actually caused issues with it being too small and not meeting the contract specification. Fast forward a few years and the designated buses were the Iveco Daily vehicles, despite the frequency being reduced from what it was.

Quote:The 4 Stagecoach have are shocking! Constant issues with Abs, doors, springs and brakes.
Constantly being bashed from Mellor to Mercedes while they decide who is responsible for the repairs.

Which, of course, could be worse for a small operator. At least the Stagecoach Bee Network fleet is big and has a considerable number of Enviro 200s and Solos that could be used as backup for their 4 Stratas. Although, it does appear today 3/4 of the vehicles are tracking in service, so any issues aren't preventing the entire fleet from being used.

I have also observed that Diamond bus aren't using the Stratas or the Orions on the services they were originally intended to be used on. I think some of that is down to capacity issues though - TfGM seemed to forget that when Little Gem used an Orion on the 288 it was leaving passengers behind on some journeys, and even when it wasn't one or two suitcases were causing an issue on an Orion, when they wouldn't with an Enviro. So first few days of the Bee Network a Strata gets used, only for it to be switched to an Enviro in under 1 week.