TfGM Bee Network - fleet discussion

[MSO69]

Thanks for that! I just looked on Bus Times and Googled "Stagecoach Queen's Road Depot" and both came up with nothing. Could it be known as something else on there or do you know another vehicle that's allocated to Queen's Road and I might be able to find it that way. I'm presuming Queen's Road is in Manchester?

Bee Network - Stagecoach Manchester will only show up on bustimes a few days or hours before tranche 2 begins

 

[WWH44L]

Yeah I did, god knows where I got that number from! although I think I did a corner on it the same week which is probably why it was embedded in the front of my brain! Lol!

It was 3473 that's gone away, the other two on your list are at WN for mechanical rectification (overhaul) work.

I’ll forgive ya!
Have you had anything for repaint this week or did 6167 take longer with it having a retrim?

 

[Ron H]

Bee Network - Stagecoach Manchester will only show up on bustimes a few days or hours before tranche 2 begins

So they will appear on this one? https://bustimes.org/operators/bee-network-bnsm/vehicles

 

[Class 466]

Thanks for that! I just looked on Bus Times and Googled "Stagecoach Queen's Road Depot" and both came up with nothing. Could it be known as something else on there or do you know another vehicle that's allocated to Queen's Road and I might be able to find it that way. I'm presuming Queen's Road is in Manchester?

Queens Road is currently used by Go North West, From 24 March it’ll be used by Stagecoach and this is when the Scanias will come back into service - yep it’s right next to the Museum of Transport in Manchester!

 

[Ron H]

Queens Road is currently used by Go North West, From 24 March it’ll be used by Stagecoach and this is when the Scanias will come back into service - yep it’s right next to the Museum of Transport in Manchester!

Brilliant!! Thanks!! No wonder I couldn't find it under Stagecoach!!

 

[Class 466]

So they will appear on this one? https://bustimes.org/operators/bee-network-bnsm/vehicles

Yes, more vehicles will be added to this (Probably just overnight on 23 into 24 March)

 

[MSO69]

So they will appear on this one? https://bustimes.org/operators/bee-network-bnsm/vehicles

possibly either that or they make a duplicate, probably will run under that tho

 

[Leyland Bus]

I’ll forgive ya!
Have you had anything for repaint this week or did 6167 take longer with it having a retrim?

6168 is in for its front end painting grey only, due to shortages (will be brought back to be finished in the holidays) but we'll have a full paint/trim in sometime next week...

 

[Dallamlad]

The GMCA have had an update today on the next stage of the Bee Network rollout. Interesting part about vehicles below:

"The delivery of the 50 zero emission buses (ZEBs) which will operate out of the Oldham depot have been impacted by Industrial Action at the Alexander Dennis (ADL) Falkirk Factory. All 50 ZEBs were expected to be delivered by 26th January, however only 2 have so far left the factory. If there is no further strike action, we expect to receive between 26 and 32 ZEBs ahead of 24th March 24.

However, we have secured 30 Bee Network specification Euro VI diesel vehicles which will cover any shortfall in the ZEBs to ensure we still have enough vehicles of Bee Network standard from Day 1.

Small Franchises have also been impacted by production delays of new vehicles, but an interim fleet has been secured to deliver services until all new vehicles arrive between March and June 2024.

At the point of operational commencement date 60% of vehicles will have, as a minimum, external Bee Network Livery."

Link to report is here - https://democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/documents/s31200/13 Delivering the Bee Network - Bus Franchising Implementation Update.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2_DL0k-stEKAV1M1JxjLT-VNapcgU2ETd04nxMU2yPkHKHMEHc4zbUn08_aem_AVFh84YzS7S61kfl6p6IYKgxq8EK1gO09jnmB0jR-k8fI-GAeePqGgpl8bhn5B5g5-I

 

[GCH100]

The GMCA have had an update today on the next stage of the Bee Network rollout. Interesting part about vehicles below:

"The delivery of the 50 zero emission buses (ZEBs) which will operate out of the Oldham depot have been impacted by Industrial Action at the Alexander Dennis (ADL) Falkirk Factory. All 50 ZEBs were expected to be delivered by 26th January, however only 2 have so far left the factory. If there is no further strike action, we expect to receive between 26 and 32 ZEBs ahead of 24th March 24.

However, we have secured 30 Bee Network specification Euro VI diesel vehicles which will cover any shortfall in the ZEBs to ensure we still have enough vehicles of Bee Network standard from Day 1.

Small Franchises have also been impacted by production delays of new vehicles, but an interim fleet has been secured to deliver services until all new vehicles arrive between March and June 2024.

At the point of operational commencement date 60% of vehicles will have, as a minimum, external Bee Network Livery."

Link to report is here - https://democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/documents/s31200/13 Delivering the Bee Network - Bus Franchising Implementation Update.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2_DL0k-stEKAV1M1JxjLT-VNapcgU2ETd04nxMU2yPkHKHMEHc4zbUn08_aem_AVFh84YzS7S61kfl6p6IYKgxq8EK1gO09jnmB0jR-k8fI-GAeePqGgpl8bhn5B5g5-I

Will be interesting to see what these vehicles are, are they something we already knew about and ordered as part of Stagecoach orders, or are these something additional and obtained by TfGM at short notice, and are these ADL or purchased from another manufacturer who does not have the issues with delivery dates, and if so who?

 

[mangad]

Will be interesting to see what these vehicles are, are they something we already knew about and ordered as part of Stagecoach orders, or are these something additional and obtained by TfGM at short notice, and are these ADL or purchased from another manufacturer who does not have the issues with delivery dates, and if so who?

Doesn't say they are new vehicles. Only that they met the required standard.

 

[Geeves]

There's a random selection of different coloured Volvo B5LH/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2s (ex Oxford Motor services Buses) currently making their way north to Wigan so presumably those will fill in for the missing electric buses of which there are now 4 at Wigan so far.

Edit - Class 466 mentioned Oxford last week too

 

[507021]

Will be interesting to see what these vehicles are, are they something we already knew about and ordered as part of Stagecoach orders, or are these something additional and obtained by TfGM at short notice, and are these ADL or purchased from another manufacturer who does not have the issues with delivery dates, and if so who?

It'll be the hybrid Enviro400s purchased from Stagecoach, plus whatever else TfGM have acquired on top of those.

 

[xitz2012@gmail]

Just seen on Flickr that Stagecoach Hyde Road based Enviro400MMC 10608 (SN16OWJ) has had Bee Network stickers applied, Link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_...aTrfd-2n9JEQz-2m7wrud-2mFtcUf-2m8UGEw-2kSCi3Z

 

[aswilliamsuk]

Doesn't say they are new vehicles. Only that they met the required standard.

TfGM have taken several ADL E40H (hybrids) from Stagecoach NE that are gradually appearing in Bee Network colours - I suspect these are some of them at least.

 

[darylyates17]

How long is is expected that the Go Ahead loans at Queens Road will stay for? I would presume other than the Gemini 2s they'll all be scrapped once all the new vehicles are delivered.

 

[Kianlewis48]

Just seen on Flickr that Stagecoach Hyde Road based Enviro400MMC 10608 (SN16OWJ) has had Bee Network stickers applied, Link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_...aTrfd-2n9JEQz-2m7wrud-2mFtcUf-2m8UGEw-2kSCi3Z

10614 has also gained these stickers.

 

[Class 466]

10614 has also gained these stickers.

Think we can assume that a number of the MMCs in that SN16 Oxx range will be heading over to a Bee Network Depot temporarily whilst they await new vehicles.

I notice that whilst Stagecoach and First are preparing their vehicles for Transfer etc none of the GNW B9s that are staying at Queens Road have been branded up yet - I wonder if it’ll get done in advance or if it’ll be an overnight scramble…

 

[xitz2012@gmail]

Think we can assume that a number of the MMCs in that SN16 Oxx range will be heading over to a Bee Network Depot temporarily whilst they await new vehicles.

I notice that whilst Stagecoach and First are preparing their vehicles for Transfer etc none of the GNW B9s that are staying at Queens Road have been branded up yet - I wonder if it’ll get done in advance or if it’ll be an overnight scramble…

Is it possible that the SN16s will move to Bee Network permanently and be repainted in due course?

 

[LAIRA]

There is a bit of an update on the Go North West Enthusiasts page:

MX58 B9TLs, BN61 B5LHs, Free Buses and the 36xx Scanias to Stagecoach on loan.

E400s, B7RLEs 6167-70 plus two BG reg ones plus 8 Evosetis to Heywood.

Remaining 9 Evosetis to Bolton but not confirmed.

07 reg B9TLs to North East but not confirmed

6101-4 to training school

3355 to Bolton training, 3353/7 for scrap

Question over remaining Citaros, B7RLEs, Solos, Streetlites and E200s so still a big chunk there to be reallocated etc.

Some E200,s are expected in Plymouth after 24th March.

 

[MasterSpenny]

New Stagecoach Manchester BYD Enviro 400 EVs and Diamond Bus North West registrations, according to buslistsontheweb.co.uk are as follows (to the best of my knowledge all of the below were ordered for Bee Network services so I am posting this here).

Fleet Number	Registration Plate	Operator	Type of bus
84201	LG73FMC	Stagecoach Manchester	BYD E400EV
84202	LF24YZA	Stagecoach Manchester	BYD E400EV
84203	LG73FMD	Stagecoach Manchester	BYD E400EV
84205	LF24YZC	Stagecoach Manchester	BYD E400EV
84207	LF24YZE	Stagecoach Manchester	BYD E400EV
84209	LF24YZH	Stagecoach Manchester	BYD E400EV
30650	YX24EJG	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30651	YX24EJJ	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30652	YX24EJK	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30653	YX24EJL	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30654	YX24EJN	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30655	YX24EJO	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30656	YX24EJU	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30657	YX24PNZ	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30658	YX24POA	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30659	YX24EJV	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30660	YX24EJX	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30661	YX24POF	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30662	YX24POH	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30663	YX24EJZ	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30664	YX24EKA	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30665	YX24EKB	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30666	YX24EKC	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30667	YX24EKD	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30668	YX24EKE	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30669	YX24EKF	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30670	YX24EKG	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30671	YX24EKH	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30672	YX24EKJ	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30673	YX24POJ	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30674	YX24EKK	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30675	YX24POU	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30676	YX24EKL	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30677	YX24EKM	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30678	YX24EKN	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30679	YX24EKO	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30680	YX24EKP	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30681	YX24EKR	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30682	YX24EKT	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30683	YX24EKU	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30684	YX24POV	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30685	YX24OWW	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30686	YX24OWY	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30687	YX24OWZ	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30688	YX24OXA	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30689	YX24OXB	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30690	YX24OXC	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC
30691	YX24OXD	Diamond Bus North West	ADL E200 MMC

 

[Mollman]

TfGM press release here about Diamond's new E200s
https://news.tfgm.com/press-release...-passengers-as-new-fleet-takes-to-the-streets

Fleet breakdown:



25 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Midi Buses have been delivered and are in service in tranche one areas.
12 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Single Decks have been delivered and are due to go into service in early March, in tranche one areas with 23 more due to arrive over the coming weeks (35 in total).
7 Alexander Dennis Enviro200 Single Decks are due to arrive later in the year for use in the tranche two Small Oldham Franchise.


The specific areas/communities that are being served are the following:



151 - Ashton Interchange to North Manchester General Hospital

597 - Leigh Infirmary to Leigh Sports Village

557 – Ringley Fold to Royal Bolton Hospital

126 – Leigh Bus Station to the Trafford Centre

132 – Wigan Bus Station to the Trafford Centre

 

[Andyh82]

Is this fleet expected to replace all the current Diamond North West fleet, except for presumably the small number of Streetdecks they retained, and also a small fleet for Non Franchised services in the Tranche 3 area?

 

[Citibus]

TfGM press release here about Diamond's new E200s
https://news.tfgm.com/press-release...-passengers-as-new-fleet-takes-to-the-streets

I think it's a backward step in that the press release suggests the 126 & 132 serving the Trafford Centre routes are going from double decker to single decker operation.

 

[aswilliamsuk]

Is this fleet expected to replace all the current Diamond North West fleet, except for presumably the small number of Streetdecks they retained, and also a small fleet for Non Franchised services in the Tranche 3 area?

It would appear so - certainly most of the short StreetLites and Solos have now left the fleet (Preston have gained quite a number of the former) with all of the 25 shorter E200 MMC now in service.

 

[GCH100]

I think it's a backward step in that the press release suggests the 126 & 132 serving the Trafford Centre routes are going from double decker to single decker operation.

The 132 certainly only needs double-deck capacity over the School Holiday, Weekends and Christmas periods the rest of the time it runs quite empty, so single-deckers will be fine.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

The 132 certainly only needs double-deck capacity over the School Holiday, Weekends and Christmas periods the rest of the time it runs quite empty, so single-deckers will be fine.

Weekends are a very common occurrence, and I see it quite busy, especially around school/college start/end times

 

[GusB]

Having removed a couple of off-topic posts from the thread, I would like to remind everyone that this thread is for discussing fleet movements, repaints, etc. If you have a query related to timetabling, routes, or anything else related to Bee Network services, please start a new thread.

 

[Leyland Bus]

Quick update from Bolton (BN).

6170 is currently in for front end painting, potential full GNW repaint next week if vehicle availability improves.

Citaro 6250, recently partially refurbished, has passed its MoT and has been released back into traffic.

I've attached a photo of its interior for reference.

 

[WWH44L]

Quick update from Bolton (BN).

6170 is currently in for front end painting, potential full GNW repaint next week if vehicle availability improves.

Citaro 6250, recently partially refurbished, has passed its MoT and has been released back into traffic.

I've attached a photo of its interior for reference.

As always, thanks for the update.
6250 looks pretty smart to be honest. Just hope it stays on the road