Buses to get wi-fi in £7.4m scheme (From Daily Echo)

What is the point of Wi-fi on buses? The people most likely to NEED this are business people travelling to and from work - they would be pleased just to get a seat on a bus... or are bigger buses planned with more seats and room to use a lap-top?

what a wast of money money should be spent on drivers on how to smile more as they allways look unhappy

So that gang members can communicate?

Money better spent on a bus turning up on time,instead of late or not at all,was in Portswood yesterday afternoon 2 no 3's came together and another 3 came as they pulled away Hows that for bus service.

Additional irrelevant generic whinge.

A smartphone app is a good idea.

Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend.

http://www.dailyecho
.co.uk/news/9637710.
500_buses_to_get_fre
e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re
vamp/

and this was my comment...

I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why:

1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all.

2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that.

But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus.

Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them.

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

Great idea, anything which encourages people to get out of cars and using public transport to help cut congestion in the mornings cant be bad.

I think the wi-fi service offers additional benefit other than "gang communication" travelling into chandlers ford/eastliegh on the blue line service I see many young professionals who would find a use for this service.

This will keep the old fogeys entertained as they go the standard two stops!

Why-Fi? Waste of money, unnecessary. Would me more useful if they got them to run on time or to stop them crashing.

Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend.

http://www.dailyecho

.co.uk/news/9637710.

500_buses_to_get_fre

e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re

vamp

Please spend £7.4m on putting one or two more buses on the roads so that I can get home from Winchester city centre later than 8.20pm on a Friday night.

the money would have been better spent outfitting them with seatbelts so we dont get flung all over the place all the time!!, or maybe training their drivers so that if they see a disabled person trying to get on the bus they actually lower the stupid thing instead of watching you try and struggle, wifi ha!!!

Mikedav1 wrote:
A smartphone app is a good idea.

Yep it's about time! and as for the Wi-Fi it will only increase the fares, which are expensive enough!!

AndyVD wrote:
Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend.

http://www.dailyecho

.co.uk/news/9637710.

500_buses_to_get_fre

e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re

vamp/

and this was my comment...

I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why:

1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all.

2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that.

But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus.

Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them.

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar? I'm afraid you are mistaken.

There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it. Yes, some of the First fleet is ageing, but there have been some additions recently to help bring down the average fleet age and withdraw non-low floor buses (all sourced from within First group nationally - '52' plate Volvo double decks, and '05', '55' and '07; plate Volvo single decks). Rumour has it that First Southampton is also due to receive a batch of brand new buses after the Olympics have finished (many of First's new bus purchases are being used for Olympic duties before being sent on to their intended depot).

As for First refusing to buy new buses - First Hampshire has just bought 14 brand new low-floor Volvo single decks for the Fareham-Gosport bus rapid transit, equipped with live stop information, leather seats and interior ambient lighting. Making an educated guess, I reckon that is an investment by First of at least £1.5million in these new buses alone.

This will not encourage me on to a bus - cleanliness, arriving on time, cheaper fares (it is cheaper for the family to go to town in the car and park for several hours than pay the return bus fare), courteous service is the answer.

chapelsaint wrote:
This will keep the old fogeys entertained as they go the standard two stops!

Keep your fingers crossed.
One day if you are lucky, you will
become an old fogey.

An excellent investment. The package covers the refurbishment of 141 buses, the installation of 500 display screens showing the next stop, new LED lighting (brilliant!), free WiFi internet and it will reduce carbon emissions by 4,205.
Plus in the age of smartphones, an App giving timetable information will be amazing!
Plus 16 new Apprenticeships!

Seems like a very good forward move to me, and one to be applauded.

I blame Thatcher.

distilled wrote:

AndyVD wrote: Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend. http://www.dailyecho .co.uk/news/9637710. 500_buses_to_get_fre e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re vamp/ and this was my comment... I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why: 1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all. 2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that. But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus. Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them. Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar? I'm afraid you are mistaken. There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it. Yes, some of the First fleet is ageing, but there have been some additions recently to help bring down the average fleet age and withdraw non-low floor buses (all sourced from within First group nationally - '52' plate Volvo double decks, and '05', '55' and '07; plate Volvo single decks). Rumour has it that First Southampton is also due to receive a batch of brand new buses after the Olympics have finished (many of First's new bus purchases are being used for Olympic duties before being sent on to their intended depot). As for First refusing to buy new buses - First Hampshire has just bought 14 brand new low-floor Volvo single decks for the Fareham-Gosport bus rapid transit, equipped with live stop information, leather seats and interior ambient lighting. Making an educated guess, I reckon that is an investment by First of at least £1.5million in these new buses alone.

All bus operators sell used vehicles, if they are surplus to requirements. Similar to private car dealerships, they will be re-sold to willing buyers. It is quite possible that First will have purchased an ex Blue Star vehicle, but may not even know it. They may not have purchased it from Blue Star directly.

Its good to know that First are finally catching up, and getting rid of their non low floor vehicles. Blue Star have only one non low floor bus on their fleet, which has been the case for a very long time. It is only ever used on a school contract.

First are a typical example of a company which got too big too quickly IMHO. They have absolutely no local identity, and their attempt to rectify this, by putting the word "Southampton" on their repaints, is far too little too late. They remind me of the old National Bus Company, and we all remember what happened to them! I love the thought of going back to leather seats. Always too hot in summer, and freezing in winter. Do they never learn? You can spend all the money you like, but if the initial model for the company is flawed, it will never be any good. I totally agree with the posters who have said that they want this money spent on reliability, cleanliness, training, and extra capacity, not on wi-fi. Think of all the subsidies that have been cut, meaning that places like Marchwood and Calshot have had to suffer. Try telling the residents of those areas, that councils will be spending money on bus wi-fi, and wait for the reaction!!!

distilled wrote:

AndyVD wrote:
Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend.

http://www.dailyecho


.co.uk/news/9637710.


500_buses_to_get_fre


e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re


vamp/

and this was my comment...

I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why:

1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all.

2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that.

But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus.

Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them.

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar? I'm afraid you are mistaken.

There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it. Yes, some of the First fleet is ageing, but there have been some additions recently to help bring down the average fleet age and withdraw non-low floor buses (all sourced from within First group nationally - '52' plate Volvo double decks, and '05', '55' and '07; plate Volvo single decks). Rumour has it that First Southampton is also due to receive a batch of brand new buses after the Olympics have finished (many of First's new bus purchases are being used for Olympic duties before being sent on to their intended depot).

As for First refusing to buy new buses - First Hampshire has just bought 14 brand new low-floor Volvo single decks for the Fareham-Gosport bus rapid transit, equipped with live stop information, leather seats and interior ambient lighting. Making an educated guess, I reckon that is an investment by First of at least £1.5million in these new buses alone.

"There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it"

Since when did you have the right to tell me what I did and didn't see? I clearly saw it with my own eyes otherwise I wouldn't have made the point.

The bus is an S reg Wright Cadet as it happens, and was on the 17 route.

If they didn't buy it, one or the other has loaned it to the other at some point.

IanRRR wrote:

distilled wrote:

AndyVD wrote: Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend. http://www.dailyecho .co.uk/news/9637710. 500_buses_to_get_fre e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re vamp/ and this was my comment... I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why: 1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all. 2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that. But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus. Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them. Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar? I'm afraid you are mistaken. There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it. Yes, some of the First fleet is ageing, but there have been some additions recently to help bring down the average fleet age and withdraw non-low floor buses (all sourced from within First group nationally - '52' plate Volvo double decks, and '05', '55' and '07; plate Volvo single decks). Rumour has it that First Southampton is also due to receive a batch of brand new buses after the Olympics have finished (many of First's new bus purchases are being used for Olympic duties before being sent on to their intended depot). As for First refusing to buy new buses - First Hampshire has just bought 14 brand new low-floor Volvo single decks for the Fareham-Gosport bus rapid transit, equipped with live stop information, leather seats and interior ambient lighting. Making an educated guess, I reckon that is an investment by First of at least £1.5million in these new buses alone.

All bus operators sell used vehicles, if they are surplus to requirements. Similar to private car dealerships, they will be re-sold to willing buyers. It is quite possible that First will have purchased an ex Blue Star vehicle, but may not even know it. They may not have purchased it from Blue Star directly.

Its good to know that First are finally catching up, and getting rid of their non low floor vehicles. Blue Star have only one non low floor bus on their fleet, which has been the case for a very long time. It is only ever used on a school contract.

First are a typical example of a company which got too big too quickly IMHO. They have absolutely no local identity, and their attempt to rectify this, by putting the word "Southampton" on their repaints, is far too little too late. They remind me of the old National Bus Company, and we all remember what happened to them! I love the thought of going back to leather seats. Always too hot in summer, and freezing in winter. Do they never learn? You can spend all the money you like, but if the initial model for the company is flawed, it will never be any good. I totally agree with the posters who have said that they want this money spent on reliability, cleanliness, training, and extra capacity, not on wi-fi. Think of all the subsidies that have been cut, meaning that places like Marchwood and Calshot have had to suffer. Try telling the residents of those areas, that councils will be spending money on bus wi-fi, and wait for the reaction!!!

"Try telling the residents of those areas, that councils will be spending money on bus wi-fi"


Why do you and others focus on WiFi internet which is a very tiny portion of the total cost? Focus on ALL the benefits of a £7.4 million package - "the refurbishment of 141 buses, the installation of 500 display screens showing the next stop, new LED lighting (brilliant!), free WiFi internet and it will reduce carbon emissions by 4,205 tonnes.
Plus in the age of smartphones, an App giving timetable information will be amazing!
Plus 16 new Apprenticeships!"

AndyVD wrote:

distilled wrote:

AndyVD wrote:
Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend.

http://www.dailyecho



.co.uk/news/9637710.



500_buses_to_get_fre



e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re



vamp/

and this was my comment...

I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why:

1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all.

2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that.

But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus.

Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them.

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar? I'm afraid you are mistaken.

There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it. Yes, some of the First fleet is ageing, but there have been some additions recently to help bring down the average fleet age and withdraw non-low floor buses (all sourced from within First group nationally - '52' plate Volvo double decks, and '05', '55' and '07; plate Volvo single decks). Rumour has it that First Southampton is also due to receive a batch of brand new buses after the Olympics have finished (many of First's new bus purchases are being used for Olympic duties before being sent on to their intended depot).

As for First refusing to buy new buses - First Hampshire has just bought 14 brand new low-floor Volvo single decks for the Fareham-Gosport bus rapid transit, equipped with live stop information, leather seats and interior ambient lighting. Making an educated guess, I reckon that is an investment by First of at least £1.5million in these new buses alone.

"There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it"

Since when did you have the right to tell me what I did and didn't see? I clearly saw it with my own eyes otherwise I wouldn't have made the point.

The bus is an S reg Wright Cadet as it happens, and was on the 17 route.

If they didn't buy it, one or the other has loaned it to the other at some point.

Bluestar do not have any S reg Wright Cadets, nor have they ever done, on loan or otherwise.

First also do not have any Wright Cadets - they have some S reg Wright Renowns. They look similar, but are completely different buses, in length and under the bodywork. First's Wright Renowns are full-size Volvo engined buses, unlike Bluestar's Cadets which are DAF/VDL and are shorter in length, referred to as a midi-size rather than full-size. First's Renowns have been part of First group since new, and have certainly not been 'loaned' to Bluestar and treated to their vinyl 'stars' at any point! Some searching on the internet will reward you with both company's fleet lists and I think you'll agree that there are no vehicles that either Bluestar or First operate that have previously operated with the other, on loan or otherwise...

May I suggest that the vinyl starring you might have seen left on the First bus could have been from left over from an advert for First's Superstars staff recognition scheme??

I apologise if you believe you saw differently, but I'm merely pointing out that what you saw cannot be what you claim it to be.