(08/04/2025 19:35)Mayneway Wrote: [ -> ]Not sure if the route has changed much but MCT had no issues getting MMC 200’s around the 391/392.
I don't think MCT had MMCs. Little Gem had them when the route was relaunched post-COVID. As MCT went into administration just after COVID lockdowns started, the route ended up suspended for a while, with Cheshire East advertising the flexible transport service could be used for essential journeys that weren't covered by alternative public transport.
COVID did seem to have more of a long term impact on the 391 and 130 routes than others. The 130 got in a mess with Arriva reducing the service level, D&G introducing journeys alongside the Arriva ones, D&G withdrawing those journeys, Arriva withdrawing the route altogether, D&G reinstating commercial journeys and then deciding to withdraw them during COVID.
I recall back when Selwyns had the 391/392 they had a baby Solo (I think a 21 seater) that wasn't supposed to be used on the route but it kept creeping on to the route too frequently. It actually caused issues with it being too small and not meeting the contract specification. Fast forward a few years and the designated buses were the Iveco Daily vehicles, despite the frequency being reduced from what it was.
Quote:The 4 Stagecoach have are shocking! Constant issues with Abs, doors, springs and brakes.
Constantly being bashed from Mellor to Mercedes while they decide who is responsible for the repairs.
Which, of course, could be worse for a small operator. At least the Stagecoach Bee Network fleet is big and has a considerable number of Enviro 200s and Solos that could be used as backup for their 4 Stratas. Although, it does appear today 3/4 of the vehicles are tracking in service, so any issues aren't preventing the entire fleet from being used.
I have also observed that Diamond bus aren't using the Stratas or the Orions on the services they were originally intended to be used on. I think some of that is down to capacity issues though - TfGM seemed to forget that when Little Gem used an Orion on the 288 it was leaving passengers behind on some journeys, and even when it wasn't one or two suitcases were causing an issue on an Orion, when they wouldn't with an Enviro. So first few days of the Bee Network a Strata gets used, only for it to be switched to an Enviro in under 1 week.
(09/04/2025 09:39)knutstransport Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think MCT had MMCs. Little Gem had them when the route was relaunched post-COVID. As MCT went into administration just after COVID lockdowns started, the route ended up suspended for a while, with Cheshire East advertising the flexible transport service could be used for essential journeys that weren't covered by alternative public transport.
MCT acquired 3 Enviro200 MMC’s for the newly gained 391/392 contract. YX19ONP/ONR/ONS.
Little gem did also receive 3 similar Enviro200 MMC’s which initially had 391/392 branding but as the buses spent most of their time on other routes it was subsequently removed.
(09/04/2025 10:14)Mayneway Wrote: [ -> ]MCT acquired 3 Enviro200 MMC’s for the newly gained 391/392 contract. YX19ONP/ONR/ONS.
Ah OK. As MCT didn't have the route that long and their allocations were sometimes a bit random, I missed that
Quote:Little gem did also receive 3 similar Enviro200 MMC’s which initially had 391/392 branding but as the buses spent most of their time on other routes it was subsequently removed.
They were designated vehicles for the 391/392 until TfGM did their retendering. I seem to recall it was the same time Manchester Airport-Altrincham-East Didsbury ended as a through route, and the 44 got extended to Altrincham.
Strangely at one point Little Gem used Metrocities (previously with APH) on the 391/392 - which meant their had airport layout with limited seating and additional luggage racks.
(09/04/2025 13:28)knutstransport Wrote: [ -> ]Ah OK. As MCT didn't have the route that long and their allocations were sometimes a bit random, I missed that.
MCT were pretty strict on the vehicles allocated to the 391/2 and if one of the MMC’s was unavailable YY67HBK/HBL were used which were in the same livery and as good if not better than the MMC’s.
Obviously towards the end allocators did vary slightly but it was more difficult as TFGM had stated non of their hybrid vehicles used by MCT were to be used on the Macc’s.
I can’t say that we have had any issues when it comes to the bodywork side of Mellor vehicles. Unfortunately the Fiats were a lesson learnt. We have ran Mercedes Sprinters for years so can vouch for their reliability.
Like I say, the MMC’s are only leased vehicles in basic dealer spec so the option upon the renewal of the 391 contract was to either carry on leasing these vehicles or look more into the future and compare costs of running each vehicle. The Mellor Stratas were a more favourable option given the fuel economy and manoeuvrability.The MMC’s have done us well and have dug us out of trouble when it came to reliability issues with the 2nd hand vehicles we obtained to cover for the Islesbuses.
WU24 ZMZ is a 27 seater so only 3 seats less than the enviros
The 2 new ones will be 28 seater Mellor Strata Generation 2 models in similar specification to WU24 ZMZ
YJ14 BPK being converted comes in handy for us. It’s ’Versa-tile’ (pardon the pun) so will be able to cover the 391 a few days a month for the inspections and then also carry on with the private school runs and swimming bath runs. Whilst it’s 12 metres long, it’s been thoroughly assessed and it will be fine for the few days a month it needs to go out and cover. Where possible it will work the short Stockport to Middlewood journeys.