HTL Buses

[CX06 EBK (Administrator)]

RE: HTL Buses
That is what I was lead to believe, though BMV was back in service briefly today it is out of MOT next month while BMY is out in July - I suspect neither will see another but you never know. VDL SB180 AY60BVD has returned to service today too, initially on the 258 for a trip or two and then on the 135/159/144 evening duty.

[NathanR]

RE: HTL Buses
Just observed MX10 DXO on the 102, first day in service?

[CX06 EBK (Administrator)]

RE: HTL Buses
Yes it will be - it is tracking on the spare ticket machine. There is a further Fiat Ducato too this being Bluebird bodied example YX11CWL.

[NathanR]

RE: HTL Buses
Any idea what's happening with DK08 AZO please? Seems like it's return was short lived, I know it had recurring problems in the past.

I did see DK08 AYV this morning so I know that's still about.

[CX06 EBK (Administrator)]

RE: HTL Buses
Despite what the bustimes pending edit says, it is off for engine work which means it ends up in and out of the garage as other buses take priority.

[Raawwwrrr!]

RE: HTL Buses
There’s currently an Classic Optare Solo running the 39 today.
I say the 39 but it’s front destination blind is broken showing some of a number ‘3’ and it’s got a manual destination for the ‘Hightown Circular 206” in the window.

How do HTL keep managing to win merseytravel contracts with buses in such poor overall condition?

[St Helens Rider]

RE: HTL Buses
There was a Solo SR last night on the 17 which could only show the destination part of the front display, thus the number couldn't be seen. The side display was working fine though.

[CX06 EBK (Administrator)]

RE: HTL Buses
That will have been MOA for both occasions, the destination is partly faulty on the nearside so only shows part of the number. The 206 board is because of the duty it was on yesterday, no idea why it was in the window still.

HTL win contracts because they bid the cheapest, that's pretty much the top and bottom of it - the bigger operators just aren't interested in that sort of work.

[Mayneway]

RE: HTL Buses

(09/03/2022 14:58)Raawwwrrr! Wrote:  There’s currently an Classic Optare Solo running the 39 today.
I say the 39 but it’s front destination blind is broken showing some of a number ‘3’ and it’s got a manual destination for the ‘Hightown Circular 206” in the window.

How do HTL keep managing to win merseytravel contracts with buses in such poor overall condition?

Because they put in the cheapest bid. If it’s spotted by Merseytravel supervisors or they receive a complaint they simply fine the company and it potentially effects them bidding for more work but 9 times out of 10 it goes un-noticed.

[CX06 EBK (Administrator)]

RE: HTL Buses
Merseytravel do notice buses with faulty destinations, this can be easily evidenced in the past where buses that had non working front units were rotated out of the 3/3A allocation until they were fixed. As far as I can remember, MOA is the only bus with a partially faulty unit at the moment - they seem to go in bulk for repair rather than on a one for one basis.