MidlandRed.net

Caught the 08:55 149 from Worcester to Redditch on Diamond's first day. Streetdeck 40725 in Diamond Northwest livery. It was running late so the driver and his route learner let us on in Crowngate before heading up to Brabourne for the schools. Then returned via bus station to start back working. So I got some bonus mileage!

Talking to the Diamond staff member who is doing the route training.... Diamond are not serving the Worcester Royal Hospital on their 149 as they say it is too narrow and tight after doing a risk assessment. They are advising to board and alight at County Hall and walk along the alleyway.

Adam V wrote: ↑

09:18 Monday 9th May 2022

Talking to the Diamond staff member who is doing the route training.... Diamond are not serving the Worcester Royal Hospital on their 149 as they say it is too narrow and tight after doing a risk assessment. They are advising to board and alight at County Hall and walk along the alleyway.

I wonder if that was just for the college run or on all of Diamond journeys? Johnsons used Newtown Road on the way in to Worcester.

Adam V wrote: ↑

08:56 Monday 9th May 2022

Caught the 08:55 149 from Worcester to Redditch on Diamond's first day. Streetdeck 40725 in Diamond Northwest livery. It was running late so the driver and his route learner let us on in Crowngate before heading up to Brabourne for the schools. Then returned via bus station to start back working. So I got some bonus mileage!

Not my best photograph; probably pressed the button too soon before camera had chance to focus, but it is a record of the Diamond Streetdeck in Angel Street this morning!

Adam V wrote: ↑

08:56 Monday 9th May 2022

Caught the 08:55 149 from Worcester to Redditch on Diamond's first day. Streetdeck 40725 in Diamond Northwest livery. It was running late so the driver and his route learner let us on in Crowngate before heading up to Brabourne for the schools. Then returned via bus station to start back working. So I got some bonus mileage!

.... and I am jealous Adam !! ---- you must have ridden behind the Grammar school that I used to go to in the sixties ( - by DD12).
- The last time I boarded a bus there (Little London) it was an almost new BMMO S21 on a private hire !!

TimBrown wrote: ↑

11:41 Monday 9th May 2022

Adam V wrote: ↑

08:56 Monday 9th May 2022

Caught the 08:55 149 from Worcester to Redditch on Diamond's first day. Streetdeck 40725 in Diamond Northwest livery. It was running late so the driver and his route learner let us on in Crowngate before heading up to Brabourne for the schools. Then returned via bus station to start back working. So I got some bonus mileage!

Not my best photograph; probably pressed the button too soon before camera had chance to focus, but it is a record of the Diamond Streetdeck in Angel Street this morning!
9 May 2022 Crowngate 207.JPG

A bit of bus tennis now…

40725 back at Redditch Bus Station, parking up and then departing on the return trip at 14:15 to Worcester, from the stand around the corner.

Adam V wrote: ↑

09:18 Monday 9th May 2022

Talking to the Diamond staff member who is doing the route training.... Diamond are not serving the Worcester Royal Hospital on their 149 as they say it is too narrow and tight after doing a risk assessment. They are advising to board and alight at County Hall and walk along the alleyway.

Two things ....
Firstly, I had assumed that the Hospital link had been specified by Worcestershire CC (??)
in which case they might reduce the subsidy ??

I agree that the route around the hospital grounds is too narrow and congested and unsuitable for buses, -- I recently saw the afternoon Johnsons DD stuck in a queue all the way back to the A4440 !!

Secondly, I had no idea there is a footpath link from County Hall, -- I shall try it and see how long it takes me !!

Thanks Adam.

I walk between County Hall / Countryside Centre and the hospital a lot. It takes about 5 minutes.

Johnson's stopped running on the Newtown Road as soon as the 150A became the 149.

The other main difference between the 150A and the 149 is that the 149 doesn't go via Greenlands and Lodge Park in Redditch. Just runs direct via Woodrow instead.

We must of just missed each other Tim. I was going to catch the 149 direct back to Worcester but got tempted by my favourite Optare Solo on the 52A to Bromsgrove instead.