Large Rail Contract Oct 2016 - Buses on Loan

[MattW]

I reckon they're a better looker than the StreetDecks too.

[AdamH]

Well, I'm sorry you're going to be disappointed. It has been confirmed today that the three buses are ones that have been on loan from Leicester, not Manchester, and they will be three StreetDecks.

Fleet numbers 35188, 35191 and 35192 have been mentioned but we will have to wait until they turn up at the weekend to be sure of that!

[bringstybeast]

From the Newport-Bristol rail replacement, the third double decker to break down in the whole six weeks was this afternoon (a Gemini not a Streetdeck), ironically just after discussion that there'd been very few problems. No pressure on Worcester engineers to make the Tridents work then...

[AdamH]

35188, 35191 and 35192 arrived at Worcester depot in a convoy at 09:44 this morning.

[AdamH]

Seen tonight, helpfully all parked together!

[MattW]

Well, I'm sorry you're going to be disappointed.

Nothing new!

[ANDREW]

The Real Time Trains website also shows a few replacement bus services starting / finishing at Ashchurch for Tewkesbury. Assuming that this the case , are Midland Red covering these runs also ??

[AdamH]

Doesn't look like it. I think we are going to be stretched with what we've got, and there is talk about loan drivers from Stoke and/or Leicester coming next week.

I did see a Green Bus Company double-deck in Worcester today with what looked to be several members of staff on board, so maybe that have some of the work and were route-learning?

[ANDREW]

Thanks Adam, I have also noticed on RTT that there are a few "buses" running later this evening to/from Droitwich. Busy times ahead.

[AdamH]

The three Leicester StreetDecks entered service at Worcester today on the rail contract. The first one to break down was at approx 9:30 this morning A very poor showing for a vehicle that was brand new in April of this year.

A fourth loan bus is being collected from Potteries tomorrow.