New Owner for former First Ipswich B7RLE

Former First Ipswich Volvo B7RLE 69425 AU58FFM has appeared with a new owner in South Yorkshire. It was was withdrawn earlier this year and passed for a brief spell to First Midlands.

 She is pictured above when used in Ipswich on Park & Ride services back in 2011.

 

Now in a special remembrance livery for her new owner SMT Bus and Coach in Sheffield who also now own former Great Yarmouth 36283 LX59DAU. Now numbered 125 with SMT.

It is also joined by former First Essex Volvo B7RLE 69518 BJ11ECT which did have a loan spell in Norwich prior to heading North.

Many thanks to SMT Bus and Coach for use of their photos.

Grahame. 

Service Alterations Registered ~ 11th November 2026

There are a couple of retrospective entries in today’s East of England Traffic Commissioner’s Notices and Proceedings Report.

Both concern the variation of two existing Whincop Coach school services which commenced on 3rd September 2026. The first involves the amendment of the timetable of the TM01 Red House Lane, Leiston to the Thomas Mills High School in Framingham. The second comprises the altering of the route and timetable of the TM02 Chapel Road, Blythburgh to the same school.

The complete report can be viewed here soon

Roy 

First Day Out

Following transfer from Essex, Transport Made Simple’s ADL Enviro400 588 LJ59 LYX was employed on Norwich area services for the first time today. Dan High observed the bus on Konectbus 34 Easton to Norwich route.

Thanks Dan.

Roy

Caister Road Latest

The latest news from FirstBus Eastern Counties depot at Caister Road in Great Yarmouth is that Coastlink 33818 YX63 LKG is currently having its gearbox replaced.

Volvo B9 36265 BG12 YJX is off the road requiring a new rear axle and Wright StreetDeck Electroliner 36693 BF26 ZVE has developed an electrical fault.

Roy

Meanwhile In Norwich…

Monday’s selection from Dan High’s sightings in Norwich today includes this view of a Flixbus Scania K410CB6 coach at Norwich Bus Station. Prospect Coaches YN76 VTD has arrived on a 083 service from Birmingham.

A surprise appearance there was FirstBus StreetLite 47501 SN64 CPU ready to work the X2 to Lowestoft. The Coastal Reds saloon had recently been allocated to the Suffolk town after have being based at Great Yarmouth since it was new in 2014.

Our third photo features Plaxton Panther bodied Irisbus Eurorider KV05 YRO which appears to have been on a school’s service. Norwich-based Dolphin Autos acquired it from Our Bus earlier this year.

Our final contribution is that of Sanders Coaches’ Volvo B8RLE / MCV eVoRa 544 SC25 NCH at rest in the mist and gloom today

My thanks to Dan for his photos. Conscious that the blog appears to be becoming Dan’s own blog (!!) we are always keen to receive reports and photos from other enthusiasts for publication either under your own name or otherwise. See contact details in the left hand column.

Roy

Remembrance Sunday

With Remembrance Sunday with us once more we share a photo of a bus highlighting this event remembering the fallen.

This year’s photo is of First South Yorkshire Wright StreetLite 63052 SK63 KJJ promoting the British Legion Poppy Appeal. It was taken by former Jubilee Coaches driver Kevan Portas on Arundel Gate in Sheffield with the Crucible Theatre providing the backdrop. Thanks Kevan.

‘We will remember them’

Roy

Norwich Friday

A couple of photos from Dan High of his Norwich observations yesterday with the first showing Sanders Coaches’ DAF SB4000 / Van Hool Alizee 805 W20 SCL turning into their yard on Bessemer Way.

The last one features Flixbus Yutong GT14 YG26 VMO from the Central Connect ready to work the 950 service to London Heathrow from Norwich Bus Station.

Thanks for the pics Dan.

Roy