Now I might be wrong here but aren't some of the ALX400s getting too old to be used on tenders, if so First Manchester have got one hell of a job sourcing replacements for these and the older Solos shortly, so should be interesting to see what replacements First Manchester get or whether they go for a brand new fleet to replace them although I suppose depends on what happens with the new bus bill and what the new Mayor decides.
(09/05/2017 14:36)Solo40336 Wrote: [ -> ]It got repainted quite a while ago now when they moved to Queens for the 94. Also related, 40335 was repainted last week into Olympia. While 40336 is rumoured to have been withdrawn
40336 on service in Ashton yesterday 9th. 40335 looking very smart in its new livery on the 425 in Oldham along with a motley selection of old livery and new livery Citaros.
Thought solos were getting replaced by the streetlamps?
60405 has had some new unpainted side panels (drivers side)
37415 looks to have ad a fresh paint
(10/05/2017 14:35)Alexw12 Wrote: [ -> ]60405 has had some new unpainted side panels (drivers side)
Quite a few out like that atm including 66848 and 69155
First have very quietly increased the flat fares from £1 to £1.50 from Sunday just gone. My pal who along with many others has been using First over Stagecoach since they increased there's a few months ago. According to the driver on Sunday morning because there classed as 'special fares' they don't have to give any notice of increase. There were no notices on the bus apart from a small sign near the ticket machine reading 'some fares at revised from today'.
First did give notice on their website prior to the increase.
(10/05/2017 18:01)WWH44L Wrote: [ -> ]Quite a few out like that atm including 66848 and 69155
66848 is in the paint shop this week having a full repaint
All of First's Rusholme buses have had an A4 paper notifying of the fare changes in their window since Sunday and the fleet had it's "Quids in £1" fare window stickers removed up to a week prior. Although the increase was deemed 'quiet' compared to previous increases, all the signs were there (or wasn't in the case of the 'quids in' advertising).
Also of note, several Enviro 400's have been route branded (again) for service 41 promoting their 10 minute service following changes to the 143 route, which now serves Manchester to West Didsbury only.