Ex Metrobus Scania on School Working

You will no doubt remember that I reported on 10th September 2018 that BorderBus had been loaned former Metrobus Scania YN53RYB (see BorderBus Loan & Lamberts Update).

Simon Bartram has supplied a photo of it in use on 15:25 Sir John Leman High School SJL3 working back to Carlton Colville during yesterday afternoon.

My thanks to Simon for the information and photo.

Roy 

Something For The Weekend

Regularly at this time of the year, the East Anglia Transport Museum holds its end of season Trolleybus Weekend.

This year's event will see all available vehicles from the fleet in use and, as the nights begin to draw in, there will be running after dark on the Saturday. 

As usual, the free park and ride service will run from the Co-op food store on Ashburnham Way in Lowestoft, with bus services to Beccles and Lowestoft also operating. Timetables are available by clicking HERE

There will also be the BBQ in the park plus trade stands along with static exhibitions and visiting vehicles. This promises to be a busy weekend for vehicle enthusiasts and families alike.

Opening times are 12 noon to 9pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

More information on the Museum can be viewed on their website at www.eatransportmuseum.co.uk

Roy 

Service Alterations Registered ~ 19th September 2018

Little of relevance in today's Notices and Proceedings Report, published by the East of England Traffic Commissioner.

West Norfolk Community Transport have introduced a new 29A Monday to Friday service between Fakenham Oak Street and Easton College from 11th of September 2018 replacing the previous 29A

The full report will be available soon on the Traffic Commissioner's website.

Roy

First Norwich Developments

Former First Great Yarmouth Volvo B7TL/ Plaxton President 32214 LT52WTX is currently in the paint shop at Simon Morris and is due to return to Norwich later in the week with its new lilac front. Its place is expected to be taken by another ex Great Yarmouth President 32205 LT52WTL which is to be similarly treated. Already reported elsewhere is the move to Norwich of 66822 MX05CEO now in m-ticket livery - similar to Lowestoft's 42938 WX05SVD

32214 LT52WTX seen in Norwich's Castle Meadow in January this year

Interestingly the PVR (peak vehicle requirement) at Norwich) is increasing to 107 plus Excel buses. This is the highest it has been since September 2012 when Network Norwich was launched with just 98 buses, reduced from 105.

Loadings in certain situations mean Norwich requires bigger buses - 62 seat ex London Volvo’s and Trident’s will not cope on certain journeys. The 1630 X29 Norwich to Fakenham is a case in point where the colour of the bus appears less important than the number of seats - yellow, purple, blue and red have been seen in the last month alone!

My thanks to my contact at First for the update

Roy

Tridents Traced

You may remember our post of 24th April 2018 (see New Norwich Trainer) concerning the then location of the three former First South West Dennis Tridents which had moved to the Great Yarmouth area on loan over the Christmas period.

First 32809 T809LLC continues as a driver trainer in Norwich whilst the two others were sold privately. Following the report of a sighting of both 32801/49 T801/49 in Lincoln during June on our Facebook page, I am now able to confirm that they have been acquired by Black Cat Travel of Lincoln

Roy

Early Morning Trip

An early morning visit to Great Yarmouth today yielded a few surprises at Beach Coach Station and along Marine Parade.

Whilst driving along the latter I saw a blue coach coming towards me in the distance and immediately pulled over to get a photo and was rewarded with this shot of Shearings Mercedes Benz Tourismo 159 BU18YTO

I passed a a 2014 registered Alfa Travel Tourismo on the way to Beach Coach Station where I found a foursome lurking there. The first photos shows Grayways Van Hool bodied VDL M17GWY alongside another Tourismo; Rambler Coaches CR17RAM

The other group comprised Amport & District's Van Hool TX16 Alicron bodied Scania K360EB4, in the form of WA15BWC, keeping company with P & O Lloyds BG64UZV - yet another Tourismo!!

My thanks to Ashleybus444 for the correction

Roy

BJ12VWX Ends Up At Lowestoft

On Friday a post on the First Eastern Counties Facebook Group stated that ex First Leeds Volvo B9 36215 BJ12VWX was on its way to First Eastern Counties for further use. This resulted in some speculation on social media as to which depot it was to be allocated to.

It subsequently arrived at First Great Yarmouth's Caister Road premises with First Leeds decals leading to rumours that it was to be based there. However, after the removal of all the Leeds branding it was observed in use at Lowestoft yesterday complete with Lowestoft fleet names.

It is seen leaving the bus station at 13:00 on the X2 to Norwich with the decker it's due to replace behind (36271 BG12YKD) having just returned from Norwich on the same route. 36271 should be returning to the city at the weekend for the enhanced University services.

My thanks to regular contributor Simon Bartram for the photo.

Roy