New Anglianbus Network ~ First Day

Anglianbus new services seen at Market Gates this afternoon

Today was the first day of the new Anglianbus Network and eastnorfolkbus brings you observations from the day

Firstly, the X47 route is now the 7 Norwich/ Great Yarmouth Fasts, which start from Market Gates.With a basic thirty minute frequency, the 7 does not call at Acle enroute.

I saw many customers turn away from the Anglianbus vehicles to use First's X1 service at Market Gates.

As the 7 no longer serves Acle, I also witnessed a queue of about 25 forming at the Kings Head Public House waiting for a Great Yarmouth bound service at around 9:50. This was easily mopped up by First's X1

Anglianbus 453 was also on the 61 service to Great Yarmouth this morning
She is seen here turning into Gorleston High Street from Church Lane

The 601 Southwold/ Kessingland to Great Yarmouth service has also been renumbered 61; with destination displays showing 'Yarmouth via Lowestoft for Norwich Fast'. The 61 serves Kessingland at twenty minute intervals which are extended hourly to Southwold

The 781 Beccles to Great Yarmouth service is now 81 and the two workings I saw on the route this afternoon employed former Konect Optare Excels. One was 218 W218PRB, still in Konect colours, but wearing Anglianbus branding. Thanks to its driver, I am able to bring the photo of the 81 and 7 services working side by side at Market Gates this afternoon

It is probably too early to say how Anglian's new network performed today. If today's loadings on the Norwich Fasts are anything to go by, I feel that the service doesn't appear to be as successful as Konect's Dereham Fasts. But, as I say, it's early days yet!

One thing I should mention is that all the bus stop flags and information maps at Market Gates were all updated to reflect the new Anglianbus network. Well done to those concerned!