Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird and Highland)

[mbonwick]

The Optare Solo in question (47574) is currently withdrawn and stored at Thurso.

If we're honest, unlikely it will see futher service - it's owned by Orkney Council, and was replaced by 48906.

 

[Jordan Adam]

If we're honest, unlikely it will see futher service - it's owned by Orkney Council, and was replaced by 48906.

48906 has been on fleet for about 5 years. It was more the transfer of 48900-5 which has seen it withdrawn, although in reality only 48904/5 have been seeing use as the others are all off needing work with talk of them being sent back south.

 

[Azzy49]

Replied here since this is the appropriate thread.

The Optare Solo in question (47574) is currently withdrawn and stored at Thurso. There won't be any branded vehicles, the JET services will be getting the specialist livery.

I think it was donated... No one is wanting to buy them so i'm not surprised. I'd imagine it'll be towed around the site rather than driven, Atlantean 154 which is inside the museum is a non-runner for example.

Ahh I see, would be useful to habe had Branded Vehicles... add's more Colour.

 

[mbonwick]

48906 has been on fleet for about 5 years. It was more the transfer of 48900-5 which has seen it withdrawn, although in reality only 48904/5 have been seeing use as the others are all off needing work with talk of them being sent back south.

You've got to remember Orkney Council see it as an asset, not a bus. To them it was replaced by 48906, but they left it with Stagecoach as it is depreciated over (presumably) 15 years.

 

[PG]

Noticed on Twitter that apparently last night the 61 was pulled from Cruden Bay due to vandalism - I'm assuming that this is a response to an incident in Cruden Bay itself rather than buses being vandalised at the depot in Pet erhead.
Twitter link

Stagecoach Bluebird
@StagecoachBBird
#NScotServiceUpdate
Due to vandalism to our vehicles, we will be unable to serve #Cruden Bay tonight.
Apologise for any inconvenience this may caused.
11:17 pm · 6 Jan 2021·Hootsuite Inc.
2 Retweets 1 Like

 

[mbonwick]

Looks like all the electric Solos (with the exception of Orkney 48906) have headed south to Kilmarnock...

 

[cnjb8]

Looks like all the electric Solos (with the exception of Orkney 48906) have headed south to Kilmarnock...

From what I've read, these are having major reliability issues, with just two in service until now. Possibly on their way to Optare, sorry SwitchMobility?

 

[Jordan Adam]

Looks like all the electric Solos (with the exception of Orkney 48906) have headed south to Kilmarnock...

They're still on Orkney at the point of typing. Its interesting that the fleetcard listed the move "due" to happen rather than after it happened. 48904/5 still remain in use.

From what I've read, these are having major reliability issues, with just two in service until now. Possibly on their way to Optare, sorry SwitchMobility?

They've always had battery issues with them. They only seem to last about 4 hours in service before being pulled off presumably for charging.

 

[upasalmon]

Going back to disposing of Stagecoach depots the only buyers would be like Comhairle na Eilean Siar, a municipal operator as there are no private firms willing to run commercial bus services in remote or rural regions. Rapsons sold out to Stagecoach, but then smaller firms sold out to Rapsons initially. The 1985 Transport Act is an irrelevant failure in all areas especially remote ones.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Going back to disposing of Stagecoach depots the only buyers would be like Comhairle na Eilean Siar, a municipal operator as there are no private firms willing to run commercial bus services in remote or rural regions. Rapsons sold out to Stagecoach, but then smaller firms sold out to Rapsons initially. The 1985 Transport Act is an irrelevant failure in all areas especially remote ones.

Not sure i'd agree, most services on the Western Isles are operated by independents under tender rather than the council, Shiel Coaches are already successfully operating Stagecoach's former Fort William services while D&E coaches dabbled with service work in the past. West Coast Motors are also looking to expand provided the selling price is right and had bided for another operator recently but were outpriced.

 

[Caleb2010]

Does anyone know the outcome of the public enquiry that highland buses were called to?

I’ve had a quick look at the last few Notices and Proceedings but haven’t noticed anything!

Just wondering!

 

[Jordan Adam]

Does anyone know the outcome of the public enquiry that highland buses were called to?

I’ve had a quick look at the last few Notices and Proceedings but haven’t noticed anything!

Just wondering!

I've not heard much either, i had thought the proposed service changes next month may have been to allow for PVR cuts in the event of their operating discs being reduced, however it appears the changes may actually be a increase with two new services in the Inverness area.

 

[mbonwick]

They're still on Orkney at the point of typing. Its interesting that the fleetcard listed the move "due" to happen rather than after it happened. 48904/5 still remain in use.

At least 2 are already at Kilmarnock, they were seen heading down the A9 on low loaders earlier this week.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Stagecoach Bluebird have some short notice service changes from Monday (18th January 2021). Timetables are yet to be made public on the website but can be viewed on Bustimes.org.

Full list of changes is as follows.

NEW Service 4: Aberdeen - Kingswells P&R - Counteswells
Operating Every 30 Minutes Monday - Saturday daytime with no evening/Sunday service.

Service 7/7A/7B: Aberdeen - Portlethen - Newtonhill - Chapelton(7B only) - Stonehaven
Operates hourly (Aberdeen to Stonehaven, Spurryhillock) Monday to Sunday.
On most journeys only the 7/7A serve Portlethen Academy and Bourtree Avenue. While only the 7B serves Chapleton.
There's only 3 buses in the evening all operating to Stonehaven. 7 at 19:05 and 7Bs at 18:00 and 22:35.
Bluebird X7 and 7S journeys withdrawn.

Service 8/8A/8C: Stonehaven Area Services
Service Withdrawn, links covered by revised 7/7B.

Service 10/10C: Aberdeen - Inverurie - Huntly - Elgin - Inverness
Operates hourly Monday - Saturday between Aberdeen - Huntly and Elgin - Inverness, 2 hourly between Huntly and Elgin.
Sundays operates 2 hourly Aberdeen to Inverness.
10A/10B journeys withdrawn, all buses now operate via the A96 direct to Inverurie.
10C operates Insch to Huntly on a limited timetable.

Service 14: Aberdeen - Kingswells
Reduced to 70 minute frequency Monday - Saturday only, hourly evening service.

Service 15A: Aberdeen - Airyhall
Service withdrawn, no alternative.

Service X17: Aberdeen - Kingswells P&R - Westhill
Reduced to Every 30 Minutes.

Service 22: Inverurie Town Service
Unchanged.

Service 26: Stonehaven - Laurencekirk - Luthermuir
Minor changes.

Service 31: Elgin - Findhorn - Forres
Extended from Findhorn to Elgin, frequency reduced to 2 hourly.
31A Withdrawn, journeys covered by extended 31.

Service 32: Elgin - Burghead
Minor changes.

Service 33A/33C/133: Elgin - Lossiemouth
Reduced to 2 hourly each, hourly combined
Service 133 unchanged.

Service 34: Elgin, Bishopmill Circular
Reduced to roughly every 90 minutes.

Service 35: Aberdeen - Oldmeldrum - Banff - Buckie - Elgin
Service heavily reduced, roughly 2 hourly Aberdeen - Elgin with short workings to Oldmeldrum.

Service 36: Elgin - Dufftown
Minor changes.

Service 37: Aberdeen - Blackburn - Kintore - Inverurie
Minor changes. Hourly Aberdeen to Inverurie.

Service 38: Elgin - Buckie
Minor changes.

Service 41: Inverurie - Insch
Service withdrawn, no alternative.

Service 44: Kingswells P&R - Countesswells
Service withdrawn, replaced entirely by new 4.

Service 49: Ellon - Inverurie
Minor changes.

Service 50/50B: Aberdeen - Balmedie - Newburgh - Ellon
Reduced to 4 runs per day, revised to operate via Esslemont circle
Sunday 50B between Newburgh and Ellon withdrawn.

Service 51: Ellon - New Pitsligo
Minor changes.

Service 52: Ellon Town Service
Service withdrawn, service covered by revised 50.

Service 53: Aberdeen - Balmedie - Foveran - Ellon
Reduced to 4 runs per day.

Service 54/54B: Ellon Town Service
Reduced to 3 runs per day.
Sunday 54B withdrawn.

Service 55/56: Ellon Town Service
Service withdrawn,

Service 59: Northfield - Balnagask
Revised to operate every 15 minutes daily.

Service X60/61: Aberdeen - Ellon - Peterhead
Service X60 reduced to just two short workings between Ellon and Peterhead.
Service 61 will operate hourly daily.
61A & X63 withdrawn.

Service 64: Aberdeen - Blackdog
Service withdrawn, no alternative.

Service 66/66A: Peterhead - Maud
Minor changes.

Service 68: Aberdeen - Ellon - Fraserburgh
X67 withdrawn.
X68 is rerouted via New Leeds and will operate hourly as the 68, no stopping restrictions in Aberdeen.

Service 69: Fraserburgh - St Combs
Frequency unchanged. St Combs - Peterhead section and 69B withdrawn and replaced by new X69.

Service X69: Peterhead - Fraserburgh
New service replacing the 69B, operates hourly daily.

Service 74/7A: Fraserburgh - Rosehearty
All journeys now operate as the 74, 74A variation withdrawn.

Service 76/77: Fraserburgh Town Service
Reduced to 2 hourly each, hourly combined.

Service 78A/78C: Fraserburgh Town Service
No change.

Service 81: Peterhead - Boddam
Reduced to 95 minute frequency. No evening Service

Service 82/82A: Peterhead Meethill Circular
Reduced to inconsistent 45/60 minute frequency. No evening Service
82A Sunday service replaced by 81/82.

Service 83: Peterhead Waterside Circular
Reduced to inconsistent 45/60 minute frequency. No evening Service

Service 84A/84C: Peterhead Inverugie Circular
Reduced to 2 hourly

Service 107: Stonehaven - Montrose
Minor timetable reductions,

Service 201: Aberdeen - Banchory - Ballater - Braemar
Frequency halved, hourly to Banchory, 2 hourly to Braemar. Certain Braemar journeys operate via Torphins, no service to Lumphanan.

Service 205: Banchory Town Service
Reduced to 2 hourly.

Service 218: Aberdeen - Westhill - Alford
Minor changes.

Service 219: Alford - Strathdon
Service withdrawn

Service 220: Aberdeen - Kemnay - Alford
Reduced to 2 hourly.

Service 230: Insch - Strathdon
Service withdrawn

Service 231: Alford - Huntly
Service withdrawn

Service 240: Inverurie - Oldmeldrum (Saturdays Only)
Service withdrawn

Service 248: Inverurie - New Blyth
Service withdrawn

Service 270: Fraserburgh - New Pitsligo
Reduced to 3 journeys per day.

Service 271/271A/272: Fraserburgh - Banff
271/271A unchanged, 272 reduced to 2 runs per day.

Service 290/291: Aberdeen - Methlick
Reduced to 2 hourly, all journeys operate as 291.

Service 292: Methlick - Ellon
Service withdrawn, no alternative.

Service 301: Macuduff - Aberchirder - Huntly
Increased from 1 bus per day to 3 buses per day extended from Aberchirder to Huntly replacing some 303 journeys.

Service 303: Turriff - Aberchirder - Huntly
Some journeys replaced be improved 301 and 308.

Service 308: Inverurie - Turriff - Aberchirder
Service increased to 5 journeys per day.

Service 416: Inverurie - Insch - Rhynie
Unchanged

Service 421: Inverurie - Kemnay - Alford (Saturdays Only)
12:48 from Inverurie and 13:08 from Alford withdrawn.

Service 422: Alford - Insch
Timetable changed to accommodate revised 218/220.

Service 452: Inverurie - Methlick - Fraserburgh
Service withdrawn, no alternative.

Service 727: Aberdeen - Aberdeen Airport
Reduced to Every 20 Minutes.

Service 747: Aberdeen Airport - Ellon - Peterhead
Service extended to Peterhead.

No visible changes for Highland as of yet.

 

[jamieintercity]

Stagecoach Bluebird have some short notice service changes from Monday (18th January 2021). Timetables are yet to be made public on the website but can be viewed on Bustimes.org.



No visible changes for Highland as of yet.

An awaful lot of cuts to most routes. Wonder what the PVR loss will be overall?

 

[Scotrail88]

Stagecoach Bluebird have some short notice service changes from Monday (18th January 2021). Timetables are yet to be made public on the website but can be viewed on Bustimes.org.



No visible changes for Highland as of yet.

Do you have a link to the above on stagecoaches website? TIA

 

[Caleb2010]

Stagecoaches website just mentions service changes but the link refers to the August 2020 temp timetable at the moment! No doubt it’ll be changed soon!

According to bus times the 36 is going 1/2 hourly from Monday, I have a feeling that won’t happen and that both the new timetable and old one is being displayed at the same time!

The 10 (A,B,C,X) is similarly showing two journeys within 5 minutes of each other for the entire route!

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

Stagecoaches website just mentions service changes but the link refers to the August 2020 temp timetable at the moment! No doubt it’ll be changed soon!

According to bus times the 36 is going 1/2 hourly from Monday, I have a feeling that won’t happen and that both the new timetable and old one is being displayed at the same time!

The 10 (A,B,C,X) is similarly showing two journeys within 5 minutes of each other for the entire route!

I can't find any mention of the service changes on Stagecoach's website apart from via their journey planner.

It looks like they've forgotten to specify an "end date" on the old timetable data and so both versions show at once. Not the best.

 

[Jordan Adam]

An awaful lot of cuts to most routes. Wonder what the PVR loss will be overall?

The changes are just temporary due to the lockdown.

Do you have a link to the above on stagecoaches website? TIA

Stagecoaches website just mentions service changes but the link refers to the August 2020 temp timetable at the moment! No doubt it’ll be changed soon!

According to bus times the 36 is going 1/2 hourly from Monday, I have a feeling that won’t happen and that both the new timetable and old one is being displayed at the same time!

The 10 (A,B,C,X) is similarly showing two journeys within 5 minutes of each other for the entire route!

The changes had yet to be made available on the website publicly when i posted last, however as @RomeoCharlie71 has mentioned above you can now view them through the journey planner. Although the start dates are wrong as they look to be getting pushed back to the 25th rather than the 18th.

 

[PG]

I can't find any mention of the service changes on Stagecoach's website apart from via their journey planner.

Not even mentioned on their Twitter, very poor show for any key workers or people attending medical appointments next week who may find they have no suitable service.

EDIT *** further post below ****

The changes are just temporary due to the lockdown

Interestingly I've taken a look at N&P and all I can find is short notice changes to services 44, 66, 69, 81 and 84 in N&P 2313 (published 28th Dec) all meant to have taken effect from 5th Jan.
No mention of any of the other changes, odd! Maybe they'll be retrospectively published in the next edition which might also explain why no details have been released (yet) publicly?

 

[Azzy49]

The Bluebird X7 and Strathtay X7, I know about Strathtay X7 from PRI to Aberdeen but is the Bluebird X7 a different Route entirely? As that's the first time I've heard of that.

 

[RomeoCharlie71]

The Bluebird X7 and Strathtay X7, I know about Strathtay X7 from PRI to Aberdeen but is the Bluebird X7 a different Route entirely? As that's the first time I've heard of that.

Stonehaven to Aberdeen. Same route just operated by a different OpCo.

 

[PG]

The Bluebird X7 and Strathtay X7, I know about Strathtay X7 from PRI to Aberdeen but is the Bluebird X7 a different Route entirely?

No, its follows the same route but only runs as far south as Stonehaven.

Technically it is a different route as (I believe) the two X7's are registered separately by different operators with the traffic commissioner.​

 

[Jordan Adam]

No, its follows the same route but only runs as far south as Stonehaven.

Technically it is a different route as (I believe) the two X7's are registered separately by different operators with the traffic commissioner.​

Correct, also within Stonehaven most runs on the Bluebird X7 go to Forest Park and/or Spurryhillock Industrial Estate which aren't served at all by the East Scotland X7. The Bluebird X7 is effectively just the old X6 renumbered, however it does cause confusing, X8 would've been a better number considering the 8A/8C are the Stonehaven Town Services and the long term plan is for the X17 to become the 5/6.

Both X7 variations are timed to provide a 20 minute frequency between Aberdeen and Barclay Street in Stonehaven.

Interestingly I've taken a look at N&P and all I can find is short notice changes to services 44, 66, 69, 81 and 84 in N&P 2313 (published 28th Dec) all meant to have taken effect from 5th Jan.
No mention of any of the other changes, odd! Maybe they'll be retrospectively published in the next edition which might also explain why no details have been released (yet) publicly?

As alluded to above it looks like the timetables were submitted to the TransXChange database early by accident and the changes have been pushed back to the 25th so that could explain the lack of any update. As of the time of writing Bustimes is now finally showing the correct timetables for the 18th-24th. They're also now available if you use the journey planner on the website.

It was on the 32 Burghead route. It's a pity that it's not a permanent resident; it's a decent enough motor.

Thanks for clearing up that little mystery for me!

Just to come back to this i've since been informed that FM47 is covering for 11168 which was involved in a RTC late last year.

 

[Azzy49]

No, its follows the same route but only runs as far south as Stonehaven.

Technically it is a different route as (I believe) the two X7's are registered separately by different operators with the traffic commissioner.​

Thank you for that Clarification. Would it be appropriate to say basically it's like a Codeshare Routes as although they are both operated by Stagecoach they are two different Operators.

 

[PG]

Correct, also within Stonehaven most runs on the Bluebird X7 go to Forest Park and/or Spurryhillock Industrial Estate which aren't served at all by the East Scotland X7. The Bluebird X7 is effectively just the old X6 renumbered

If you go back a bit further it was the 106 before the decision to reduce most 3 digit route numbers down to 2 digits.

As alluded to above it looks like the timetables were submitted to the TransXChange database early by accident and the changes have been pushed back to the 25th so that could explain the lack of any update

Maybe they're not short notice changes so are further back in an older Notices & Proceedings (N&P)? I'd, perhaps wrongly, assumed that these were short notice changes in light of the announcement of the boxing day lockdown.

Thank you for that Clarification. Would it be appropriate to say basically it's like a Codeshare Routes as although they are both operated by Stagecoach they are two different Operators.

I guess you could say that if you want to.

*Mod note* Remember to definite acronyms and abbreviations the first time they're used in a post.

 

[GusB]

N&P

?

 

[Scotrail88]

Still no news?
Cutting it fine to tell people if there are changes.
If there are changes, given that will be East and North - do we think there will be the same for West Scotland

 

[Jordan Adam]

Still no news?
Cutting it fine to tell people if there are changes.
If there are changes, given that will be East and North - do we think there will be the same for West Scotland

Still nothing, not that it's a surprise. Bluebird have in the past posted about changes on the Friday before quite a few times...

 

[PG]

?

My apologies , it's Notices & Proceedings (N&P)
Anyone wishing to learn more may find the link below of use.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notices-and-proceedings-for-scotland