Lowestoft MPDs

43358 (V358DVG) on the X22 in Beccles yesterday - © James Race

First's new X22 route between Lowestoft and Beccles via Carlton Coleville is operated exclusively by the recently transferred Mini Pointer bodied Darts from Essex.

The MPDs are used instead of the SLFs as the latter are considered to be too large for the route which operates along narrow roads through Beccles housing estates  prior to entering the town via the sharp turn over the Ingate railway crossing.

Apart from the 18:03 X2 to Beccles, the MPDs are restricted to the X22 route and upon completion of the days workings they usually retire to the depot for the evening.

43358 (V358DVG) on the 101 route yesterday evening - © James Race

However, yesterday evening an ailing SLF was replaced by 43358 (V358DVG) on town route 101 and ran until the end of service. 

The is the first instance of the use of an MPD on a Lowestoft town service.

The photo shows 43458 on its first 101 journey having relieved 43466 (R466CAH) at 19:15 in Gordon Road.

My thanks to Syd Eade for the information and to James Race for the photographs.