Arriva (Beds, Bucks, Herts)

[Penfold@658]

7105 was in teaser video

 

[Edvid]

Thanks for the update - looks like it and another one (7100) have been off-road for a long time. I guess that means only one of the Safaris on X6 duty needs to be transferred to Milton Keynes, thankfully!

 

[espicer]

The eagle-eyed will have spotted that Arriva has posted a teaser video of the X1 service this afternoon, featuring one (of three) Temsa Safari coaches that we'll be employing from 21 July. Currently being prepped for service, these tidy vehicles will be branded for the time of launch; a simple and clean design across the stretch panel at this initial stage. These aren't usable on the busway, so to confirm, coaches will run directly along Hatters Way to/from Luton Interchange.

Coaches will be operated by Milton Keynes depot using a dedicated team of specially-trained drivers.

Funny enough, just saw that post exactly as I got the notification you posted this! This is definitely interesting to see coaches being used, never even heard of Temsa Safari coaches to be honest! I was expecting double-deckers but hopefully these coaches will have enough capacity for the high demand between Luton and MK!

 

[SteveHFC]

I have to say I like the look of the new X1. It's of no use to me now as I stopped working in MK a year ago - but had I still been working there, I would be favouring this over the MK1 (or 99 as it was) if I needed to travel by bus, not least because I could pick it up closer to home. The fact it'll be operated by coaches rather than double deckers is a positive too. Good luck to Arriva with this - I hope it is a success, and maybe so successful it needs a frequency increase in the future.

 

[markymark2000]

Only thing I'd say is, what is the situation with accessibility? The coaches may be PSVAR but the stops at Milton Keynes Rail Stn aren't the best for wheelchair lifts. I know this from watching lifts in action during recent rail replacement.

Good idea though and interesting development as the F70/F77 do seem busy. I do think it's a shame thst it doesn't fully compete with the MK1 on the motorway but I guess Arriva don't fancy a bus war right now.

As others have said, Good luck and I hope it has a long future ahead.

 

[Haywain]

Particularly if strike action by Stagecoach East drivers (Bedford garage) goes ahead this month

The strikes have been called off while a new offer is subject to a ballot.

 

[Edvid]

Additional points of interest included in the website's X1 publicity:

* Route is included in the £2 singles cap
* Acceptance of Orbit Zone (and presumably All Zone) tickets is implied
* Through tickets can be issued to Luton Airport for transfers on the 100, A, and F70/77

On the associated Facebook post I see Ray Ramsey and others have left comments (some of them on the Luton-MK corridor's history).

 

[westcoaster]

Back to the days of the X66, except it doesn't serve Bletchley. It's almost a carbon copy of that service.
I wonder how they will try and stop people just using it between Luton and Dunstable, as that may stifle capacity to Milton Keynes.

 

[espicer]

Back to the days of the X66, except it doesn't serve Bletchley. It's almost a carbon copy of that service.
I wonder how they will try and stop people just using it between Luton and Dunstable, as that may stifle capacity to Milton Keynes.

That's an interesting point. I guess the fact that so many buses go on the Busway down to Dunstable would mean that people won't use the X1 to get from Luton to Dunstable. I think the only reason this could happen is for people that need to go to the Liscombe Road bus stop, as the only other bus that stops there is the 31, which takes an age to get to Dunstable as there is always traffic in Bury Park. But, I doubt that the demand is that high for people going from Luton to the Liscombe Road bus stop, so I don't think this will be a problem unless people want to ditch the regular buses for a coach!

 

[Haywain]

I guess the fact that so many buses go on the Busway down to Dunstable would mean that people won't use the X1 to get from Luton to Dunstable.

Sending the X1 by a slower route should take care of that. However, the stop at Chalk Hill will counter that as it seems to be fairly popular for the Amazon depot nearby.

 

[espicer]

Sending the X1 by a slower route should take care of that. However, the stop at Chalk Hill will counter that as it seems to be fairly popular for the Amazon depot nearby.

That's also a good point. This will also increase journey times there as opposed to the Hi, as that has to go around Dunstable and then through Houghton Regis before serving the housing estate there, whereas with the X1 the workers can get there quicker.

I presumed this to be the case because its last journey on bustimes was in Leicester in April, I'm not sure why both got transferred down here to get withdrawn though. I haven't seen any official confirmation of this being the case though, I've only seen confirmation of 4771 being withdrawn so it looks like we will have to wait and see until we get official confirmation.

It seems that 4772 may not be getting withdrawn even though it still hasn't entered service. Someone told me earlier that they spoke with a driver at Aylesbury depot and they said that it 'may be going on the road', so I can only assume it is suffering from a few mechanical issues preventing it from going out on the road. They also said that it is likely that 4772 will go to Hemel when the Aylesbury depot closes as apparently, Hemel is in dire need of double-deckers. But, who knows, hopefully 4772 gets another chance at life down in the south.

 

[Edvid]

Ironically, the Luton busway is closed between New Bedford Road and Chaul End Lane for maintenance work until 29 July (service updates link) so the applicable routes will have to use a portion of Hatters Way for now.

The Orbit / All Zone map has been changed to account both for the X1 starting today and the Aylesbury/High Wycombe routes changing operators after this week (contracted evening / Sunday Wycombe work to 31 August aside).

-----[automerge on 26 July 2024]-----

Changes aplenty for the Luton / Milton Keynes networks in September. Too many to list here (links below) but they include various changes to town centre stops in Luton (including the Interchange), a major rerouteing of the X4,* and big changes to the Cardinal Newman school network; there will be more double deckers on the 321 as well.

Luton (Cardinal Newman) / Milton Keynes September changes

[* This route is receiving a radical makeover from September. In response to customer feedback, we're speeding up journeys and better connecting key destinations in Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury.

Leaving Milton Keynes, buses will call at Milton Keynes Hospital, no longer serving Coffee Hall which will help speed up journeys. Following customer feedback, buses will now call at Stadium MK/MK One, IKEA , Rushmere Retail Park, and Bletchley interchange. The route continues through Fenny Stratford, close to the rail station, running directly to Heath and Reach.

In Leighton Buzzard, buses will leave the High Street and will travel along Billington Road to Sandhills, before heading to Aylesbury, doubling the number of buses per hour in this area of the town.

In Aylesbury, buses will now serve the Kingsbrook housing development, entering the town along Tring Road. We'll continue to offer journeys focused around the school days of Aylesbury Grammar Schools, and Sir Henry Floyd/Aylesbury College. Bierton continues to be served by other bus operators.]

 

[LUYMun]

4110 had been deroofed yesterday following a bridge strike at along Hitchin Road near Luton station.

 

[espicer]

4110 had been deroofed yesterday following a bridge strike at along Hitchin Road near Luton station.

It's good to see the Olympuses are lasting long! The driver took a shortcut on a dead run apparently. It's sad to see as it will most likely be withdrawn, who knows what will replace it if it does, but hopefully, they get it fixed, if possible.

 

[Penfold@658]

4201 Vovlo B9TL as left Thurmaston for Milton Keynes confirmed on Bustimes any buses heading for Leicester

 

[SSmith2009]

4201 Vovlo B9TL as left Thurmaston for Milton Keynes confirmed on Bustimes any buses heading for Leicester

Only being sent down to replace de-roofed 4110 (YJ08 EEP) nothing to Thurmaston.

 

[espicer]

Only being sent down to replace de-roofed 4110 (YJ08 EEP) nothing to Thurmaston.

4201 is replacing 4106, which is going to Luton to replace 4110.

Regarding Thurmaston, nothing has been confirmed yet whether buses are going there or not.

It is also rumoured that the new MCV Evora's are going to Bootle due to them not having enough capacity. Also, PVR increases at Luton tomorrow so could see a couple of transfers unless Luton has enough already.

 

[sturfc]

4201 is replacing 4106, which is going to Luton to replace 4110.

Regarding Thurmaston, nothing has been confirmed yet whether buses are going there or not.

It is also rumoured that the new MCV Evora's are going to Bootle due to them not having enough capacity. Also, PVR increases at Luton tomorrow so could see a couple of transfers unless Luton has enough already.

It is a case of the MCV's going because they need newer buses in Liverpool?

 

[espicer]

It is a case of the MCV's going because they need newer buses in Liverpool?

I have seen that Liverpool has been rolling out Evora's lately, so it could be due to that, possibly fleet standardisation. However, the reason for the shorter Evora's being sent to Bootle is due to them not having enough capacity. I believe the very few longer Evoras we have are staying, however. 3978 probably will stay as well as it has had its Busway wheels removed and has been on the 321, 721, 32, 12, etc lately. The shorter Evoras will get replaced by longer Evoras I believe. Arriva seems to like them so lots of depots have ordered them around the country, so Luton will probably either get brand-new ones or some from other depots.

Of course, this is all speculation as nothing has happened yet.

 

[sturfc]

Makes sense, thanks for the added insight

 

[espicer]

No problem! I mean, like I say, all speculation so something completely different could happen. Just like how the Olympuses we received were supposed to be B9TL Gemini's, then the Olympuses appeared!

 

[Voyager 2953]

No problem! I mean, like I say, all speculation so something completely different could happen. Just like how the Olympuses we received were supposed to be B9TL Gemini's, then the Olympuses appeared

They were always going to be Olympus bodied B9s they were originally earmarked for Wycombe but that plan was changed. It was never going to be the Geminis coming down

 

[espicer]

They were always going to be Olympus bodied B9s they were originally earmarked for Wycombe but that plan was changed. It was never going to be the Geminis coming down

Ah ok, thanks for letting me know. I thought I read a post somewhere about Olympuses and the B9 Geminis, but I must have misread it.

 

[Edvid]

Given the Tourismos appear on the 12 on rare occasions, I suppose one was bound to deputise for a Safari HD12 on the X1 eventually...

Greenline X1

Arriva Beds & Bucks Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 7212 - BV20 HRP Seen here at CMK Rail Station making a very rare appearance on not a Greenline route This bus is on loan to Arriva Milton Keynes due to the breakdown of 7105 (YJ69AAZ)

www.flickr.com

 

[arrivamatt]

Given the Tourismos appear on the 12 on rare occasions, I suppose one was bound to deputise for a Safari HD12 on the X1 eventually...

We run a healthy spare contingency of vehicles for Greenline, and as the X1 usually utilises coaches which our customers say they love, it made sense for a temporary loan from Luton to Milton Keynes. This coach is deputising for 7105, which was involved in a non-fault collision and needs significant repairs.

7212 will be allocated to Milton Keynes until just before Christmas.

---

We've announced our service changes from 5 January 2025, with timetables to follow soon:

Arriva | Luton Service Changes from 5 January
Arriva | Milton Keynes Service Changes from 5 January

 

[Edvid]

There are changes to Harlow services as part of the bus station redevelopment there.

Harlow Bus Station Development​

Harlow Bus Station will be closing for redevelopment work (approx 18 months) during this time all services will serve a temporary Bus Station.

Full details can be found here: https://www.travelessex.co.uk/news/harlow_interchange
Alongside this closure, we will be making changes to our Services 2/3, 4 and 10 timetables.

Service 2/3 - https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service/2-3-staple-tye-to-harlow
Service 4 - https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service/4-latton-bush-to-harlow
Service 10 - https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/find-a-service/10-harlow-to-church-langley
With the addition of a new Service 7 shuttle bus which will operate every 20 minutes between Harlow Bus Station and Harlow Train Station (Monday to Saturday) - Full timetable can be seen here

Singles to/from Harlow Town station include use of the route 7 shuttle, as mentioned by Arriva in a Facebook comment thread:

Our commercial officer has replied that we will be doing transfer tickets so customers will not have to pay twice. I believe Central Connect will run their normal in the evenings.

 

[Edvid]

Details of bus services over the festive break are now up.

Last buses on Christmas / New Year's Eve
Luton / Milton Keynes / Herts & Essex

Festive bank holiday services

​

Special Christmas Day service 757* / A [Sunday service on Boxing / New Year's Day]​

Special service (all three bank holidays) 133 / 309 / 510​

Special Boxing / New Year's Day service 724^ [no Christmas Day service]​

[* Special single fares apply - Christmas Day £20, Boxing / New Year's Day £15]
[^ Part-operated by Carousel]

-----

Meanwhile, it's disappointing to see drivers' awareness of X1 tickets sold to Luton Airport (and the onward 100, A, F70/77 connection at Luton Interchange included) has fallen in recent weeks.

In the early weeks they were easily issued with advice to change at Luton, where they were accepted for onward travel, no problem (except on the 100, where a bit of persuasion was required*). Nowadays the general message is simply "we don't go to the airport" and most recently my single was issued to the wrong destination** so it lacked the special Valid through to Luton Airport status. Despite having an Arriva X1 leaflet with the transfer clearly explained that day's 100 driver would not budge, eventually informing me they had no instruction on X1 transfers (as I already suspected*). I also struggled with an A driver but they eventually let me on.

I sent a complaint to customer services making it clear a failure to properly brief drivers appears to be the cause; they've asked me for time of incident(s) and driver descriptions, giving the impression - right or wrong - they're interpreting my complaint as being with a particular driver only. Much as I enjoy using the X1 coach service to return home from Milton Keynes, I may switch back to the Stagecoach MK1 at this rate.

Don't know how often arrivamatt checks this forum but I've sent him a DM.

Also worth mentioning the X1 will be rerouted through Bletchley bus station and Fenny Stratford from 6 January. Stops outside the Challney Travelodge and on H10 Bletcham Way will be dropped.

[* Possibly because the 100 is Southern Counties, the others - X1 included - are (legally) Midlands, and notice of the latter's initiative wasn't properly passed on]
[** Usually not an issue for £2 (to be £3, presumably) interurban singles as long as it's on the route, but in this particular circumstance it is]

 

[Voyager 2953]

.

 

[Haywain]

I’m not sure how a driver will safely load a wheelchair at Bletchley Bus Station on one of them coaches and again the X4 changes, for what the third time in a year. It’s no wonder the 100 is getting busier and busier.

How does a wheelchair on the X1, or anything about the X4, affect loadings on the 100?

 

[Voyager 2953]

How does a wheelchair on the X1, or anything about the X4, affect loadings on the 100?

Maybe you’ve read what I said incorrectly but nonetheless I’ll rewrite it.