Or more specifically, who's going to be interested in working for Diamond over some of the better paying operators? Besides, most companies are short on drivers at the moment anyway.
In other news, a number of ex-Yourbus vehicles have entered service, with some even sporting Diamond fleetnames and programmed destination displays. At least one had a paper 471 in the window and Yourbus fleetnames on show, adding another livery to go along with the Preston Bus and Hallmark vehicles already in service.
Being fair Diamond have increased their pay a lot since taking over from First
(08/10/2019 14:22)gilesbus1 Wrote: [ -> ]Although of course on Wrightbus vehicles if more than a certain amount of windows are smashed the frame has to be realigned as the structural integrity is effected.
It's recommended by wrights that more than 3 bay windows are smashed that bus bus be supported front and rear to stop any sagging. Although most places practically never do this, with no real issues as a result. PSV glass and Carlyle generally hold a decent stock of windows and can be on site within a few hours, but Diamond are famous for not paying, hence a lot of company's either wont touch them, or will wait for full payment first. Realistically your looking an hour per window with 2 hours drying time.
According to one of the engineers at Bolton 8 buses have had a large amount of glass smashed but contained to those 8 buses. Considering how many buses short they are on a daily basis anyway it's hardly a sharp rise.
PC0004417 Standard National
DIAMOND BUS (NORTH WEST) LIMITED
Public Inquiry (80276) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room (Warrington), WA3 2SH, Suite 4, Stone Cross Place, Stone Cross Lane North, Golborne, Warrington, on 13 November 2019 commencing at 14:00 PC0004417 SN DIAMOND BUS (NORTH WEST) LIMITED Director(s): ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN, SIMON LEE DUNN, KIM TAYLOR, MATTHEW PAUL RAWLINSON WESTON STREET, BOLTON, BL3 2AW
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985) Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
Publication: N&P North West of England(2884), Notice of PI to be held
Date: 09 Oct 2019
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/...h-17062845
More very unfortunate bad press for Diamond. A pensioner who was making his way to a seat on the bus just after boarding has died after falling when the bus was in a collision with a car. Diamond have launched there own investigation while working with the GMP serious collisions unit.
(10/10/2019 12:31)Winston Wrote: [ -> ]PC0004417 Standard National
DIAMOND BUS (NORTH WEST) LIMITED
Public Inquiry (80276) to be held at The Public Inquiry Room (Warrington), WA3 2SH, Suite 4, Stone Cross Place, Stone Cross Lane North, Golborne, Warrington, on 13 November 2019 commencing at 14:00 PC0004417 SN DIAMOND BUS (NORTH WEST) LIMITED Director(s): ROBERT ANTHONY DUNN, SIMON LEE DUNN, KIM TAYLOR, MATTHEW PAUL RAWLINSON WESTON STREET, BOLTON, BL3 2AW
S17 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 17 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
S26 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 26 (The Transport Act 1985)
S28 - Consideration of disciplinary action under Section 28 (The Transport Act 1985) Sch.3 - Consideration of Transport Managers Repute under Schedule 3 (The Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981)
Publication: N&P North West of England(2884), Notice of PI to be held
Date: 09 Oct 2019
Presume this is in relation to failure to operate services, rather than anything maintenance related?
Still say a major recruitment drive could relieve staffing issues. Suggest a concerted effort to resolve the issue before 13/11/2019 might go someway towards a more positive outcome. Lets not forget the pay issue was resolved when Diamond took over Bolton pay went up there and for there own existing staff, some of which had around a 24% pay rise from minimum wage levels. Presume other things are the reason such as Atherton drivers not being able to get used to the systems of a proper large depot system for example? Also maybe First drivers can't get used to systems that Diamond have, lets not forget its been a big change for all.
As we aim into recession staff shortages surely should ease, as some people will are willing to work rather than earn nothing? Incidentally on the subject of former Yourbus vehicles 33028 BF62 JYU is operating on the 582 in Yourbus livery and is out now on service.
I know at the moment it may be teething problems for diamond bus but working around bolton I saw many buses in a filthy state especially the ex first vehicles deckers and singles
Was there any issues today, as again there were strange allocations of vehicles, including an Optare Solo on the 582 following the Streetlite MAX which has never before been used on that service and a decker at Wigan on the 635?
(14/10/2019 21:26)gilesbus1 Wrote: [ -> ]Was there any issues today, as again there were strange allocations of vehicles, including an Optare Solo on the 582 following the Streetlite MAX which has never before been used on that service and a decker at Wigan on the 635?
I did see an Optare Solo with the Not In Service (as if it has come off an inbound route) about 16:20 today in Piccadilly Gardens
It might have been this one, although tracking seems a bit sketchy on this one
https://bustimes.org/vehicles/16437
(14/10/2019 21:26)gilesbus1 Wrote: [ -> ]Was there any issues today, as again there were strange allocations of vehicles, including an Optare Solo on the 582 following the Streetlite MAX which has never before been used on that service and a decker at Wigan on the 635?
Believe they where short on buses today.. A solo ended up on the 501 too