First Day Training Duty

Recently transferred First driver trainer Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse 66883 MX55 HHP began its driver trainer duties earlier this morning.

It is pictured here at Wroxham on route to Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot. My thanks to Simon Taylor for the use of his photo.

Roy

Electric Versa On Test

First York Optare Versa EV 44912 YJ15 AYO has been testing in the Norwich area for a bout a week now and paid a brief visit to First Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot last Sunday. The vehicle is being tested by Snetterton based Equipmake who are developing an electric drivetrain for Versa conversions.



It was out again today on test and was seen on Red Lion Street by Liam S operating on trade plates. My thanks to Liam for the photo.

Roy

Simmonds New Arrival

Peter Oakes tells me that a new addition to the Simonds of Botesdale fleet is an Alexander Dennis Enviro 200MMC; their first brand new service bus in ten years.

It carries the registration YX72 OMY and Peter provides some interior and exterior photos of it being used on a recent Saturday Only 37A service Diss to Norwich via East Harling.

My thanks to Peter for his help with this post

Roy

Sixth Form Services

It's been some nine months now since I first observed comings and goings at East Norfolk Sixth Form College on Church Lane (ENSFC Bus Activity - 23rd April 2022) so I monitored activity there during yesterday afternoon.



It started at around 15:40 when one of First Lowestoft's buses arrived to work the 982 15:50 to Oulton Broad for students only. On this occasion ADL Enviro200 44453 YX09 HKN graced us with its presence.



Shortly after, Coastlink branded Wright Eclipse Gemini 37275 LK58 EDJ arrived to work the 981 15:50 to Worlingham.



A couple of minutes later and Sanders' former Go South Coast Wright Eclipse Urban 506 HF54 HHB turned up with the extended 6 service to North Walsham starting at the college at 16:04.

Ambassador Travel's Optare Solo M780 YK04 KVU came along shortly after to provide the 68 16:00 service to Blofield Heath.



A second Sanders' Wright Eclipse Urban appeared in the form of 504 HF54 HFP for the 834 16:08 to Stalham closely tailed by Ambassador Travel's Wright Eclipse Urban GN07 AVF on the 878 to Alpington.



So after just over half an hour's activity everything returned to normal!

Roy

Costessey P & R Today

Recently acquired from Yellow Buses of Bournemouth, First Eastern Counties ADL Enviro400 MMC 34425 SN17 MTY began regularly operating the Costessey Park & Ride service this week.



It is seen earlier today on the route by Dan High who has provide photos of it operating on the 510 service this morning between the park & ride site and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.



I am grateful to Dan for the photos

Roy

Konectbus Update

It's been sometime since we've looked at recent changes at Konnectbus' Dereham and Rackheath depots.

Kieran Smith's photo of the repaint of Alexander Dennis Enviro 200MMC 201 YX69NPF.provides a timely reminder. It has now gained Konectbus blue replacing its green park and ride livery. Similar 202 YX69 NPG is currently having the same treatment.

In other changes, Alexander Dennis Tridents 603 SN10 CFG and 605 SN61 CZV have recently returned off loan. Driver trainer Scania N94UB 9019 YR52 VFK has left the fleet to be replaced by Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 9029 LX54 GZO

Many thanks to Kieran for the photo and the fleet update. The current fleet list can be viewed HERE

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 25th January 2023

There are some entries of local interest in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.

Anthony Marett Consultants has submitted an application for the authorisation of an operating centre for two vehicles at Metton Road, Roughton near Cromer.

First Eastern Counties is to provide a 'new' daily 109 service between Lowestoft Bus Station and Crestview Drive in Gunton from 27th January 2023. It is also amending the route and stopping places of its 101 Crestview Drive, Gunton to Cowslip Crescent, Hollow Grove service from the same date.

The complete Notices and Proceedings Report can be viewed here soon.

Roy