DDs on 144

[DD12]

According to the tracker, there are no less than 6 DDs on the full 144 to Birmingham today.

I imagine this is due to the German Xmas market + Xmas shopping.
I had hoped for DDs to be needed in the last few years, and this is a very welcome development.

The four StreetDecks in use are Euro 6 compliant, but 32066, 67 are not, so how about replacing them with 2 Euro 6 'deckers for next year ! (?)

[ANDREW]

A lack of trains also may have contributed , no complaints fro me though , d/d's a plenty.

[SEVERNLINK]

I thought there might be a few more DD about on the 144 with the rail strike on.Saw 35157 on a 144 earlier plus either 32067/7 coming down Rock Hill and presumed it was on a 144A.

Saw a StreetDeck on a144A last Friday which was a nice surprise been a while since I'd seen one in Bromsgrove.

[DD12]

I cannot see anything on W.News about strike action affecting the trains, -- is the B'ham - Worcester rail service definitely disrupted, or is there a threat of "lightning strikes" ??

[Charliedaffin]

Yes i can confirm this, i saw at least 3 streetdecks on my journey back today and they were all almost all packed

[asb]

I cannot see anything on W.News about strike action affecting the trains, -- is the B'ham - Worcester rail service definitely disrupted, or is there a threat of "lightning strikes" ??

No trains Worcester to Birmingham via either route every Saturday from today to the end of the year. Also no rail replacement planned but apparently some was advertised this morning running between Worcester and Kidderminster.

[Birmingham_Bus]

Must say I was very pleased to wake up and see all these tracking on the 144, especially the two B7TLs. Had 32067 to Worcester and went very well for a bus of its age, quite good condition inside too, but the outside on the other hand

On a Facebook group someone claims that the Tridents can’t be used due to a fire hazard, anyone able to confirm this ?? Was hoping for one to appear next Saturday....

32067 at Bromsgrove with a Worcester bound 144

32066 at Rubery heading for Birmingham

Also managed this shot of 33401/402 passing at Malvern Retail Park on 44s. Was trying to ride all 4 but the timetable was a complete mess with roadworks/lane closures so just did those 2. At one point there was 7! buses instead of the required 5 (2 Streetlites, 4 Tridents, 1 Salt Road B7RLE) all on 44 but I assume they had no drivers for them to all continue as some later disappeared

[Charliedaffin]

I rode 32067 to Birmingham on the 12:00 from crowngate. Gave quite a nice ride!

[DD12]

I cannot see anything on W.News about strike action affecting the trains, -- is the B'ham - Worcester rail service definitely disrupted, or is there a threat of "lightning strikes" ??

No trains Worcester to Birmingham via either route every Saturday from today to the end of the year. Also no rail replacement planned but apparently some was advertised this morning running between Worcester and Kidderminster.

Thanks asb, -- a nice little earner for First, but disappointing to learn the cause !

[bmmoboy]

The company received a special dispensation to run non euro 6 vehicles into Birmingham due to the West Midlands Railway strike. There were some Green Bus and I think it was Vroom double deckers operating from Worcester to Kidderminster for most of the day. If there are to be more strikes, deckers will be operating the 144 again.
A lot of Salt Road vehicles were used on the city instead.
Due to the floods and road closures in and around the City, there were a lot of late running services, but I would like to assure forum readers that the drivers and controllers tried their best to maintain some sort of service. I must admit it was the worst traffic conditions that I have experienced for many years.