Caister Road News

Ryan has updated me further regarding the situation at First's Caister Road depot

As you are aware from the previous report, one of the Leicester ALX400's is now in service and the other, 32063, should hopefully make an appearance tomorrow

With Volvo Olympians 34109 - 34114 all currently out of use, there are discussions ongoing leading to both 34108 and 34109 in service. Both 34186 and 34187 are still going strong

As regards the Lowestoft saloons 45112 has had its engine fixed and is undergoing tests so should return to Suffolk soon. Sister 45116 has completed its MOT

Many thanks for the report Ryan 

Great Yarmouth Update

First Chelmsford ADL Dart AY08EKT at Caister Road

Regular correspondent Grahame Bessey has supplied me with a few items of news to pass on to you

The first to report is the arrival at Caister Road of two First Essex buses from Chelmsford.

Both Optare Solo 53134 EO02NFT and ADL Dart 44900 AY08EKT have arrived for MOT work

Meanwhile ex Leicester ALX400 32062 W422SRP is now in

Reynolds AW02ASU in her new livery

use and has been seen working on Bernard Matthews contracts. (See Steve W's blog for the latest photo)

Finally he has managed to catch up with Reynolds of Caister's recent arrival earlier this morning.

Dennis Javelin/ Plaxton Premier AW02ASU has now been repainted and named Lady Lynn Ruth

My thanks to Grahame Bessey for the news and photos

Leger Holidays Promotion

Leger Holidays Setra BG58OLP in the Market Place earlier today

Regular correspondent Tim Miller was in Great Yarmouth today and came across a promotion by Leger Holidays in the Market Place

As part of the promotion, Leger used Setra S416GTHD BG58OLP complete with its Silver Service luxury coach branding

The Setra was previously owned by Clarksons of South Elmsall and was acquired when the business closed in February 2011

With the name Delilah displayed in the front screen, Tim thought the driver's name might be Tom! 'Why, why, why Delilah?......'

My thanks to Tim for the information, photo and awful joke!

Brighton Marina

Brighton Scania OmniDekka YN56FFL at Rottingdean

With the sun out we decided on a trip to Rottingdean and Brighton Marina during yesterday afternoon

After an energetic walk along the cliff tops at the former, I got a photo of Brighton & Hove OmniDekka 910 YN56FFL heading back to Brighton on the 12A

We then travelled on to the Marina where the female half of the group headed off for shopping

Compass Travel's GX62COA passes West Quay at the Marina

therapy at ASDA whilst the males did a tour of the Marina development admiring the yachts

Before meeting up with the rest of the group, we endured the cold wind to enable some photos to be taken of some of the buses serving the area

As to be expected, Brighton & Hove provided the majority of the services to the development although

Big Lemon's Dart X551FBB

other operators appeared too

Compass Travel's ADL Enviro200 GX62COA was seen leaving the Marina for East Saltdean on the 4

A surprising sight was that of Big Lemon's Dennis Dart Mini Plaxton 551 X551FBB on the Old Stein service 52. She was acquired from Ensignbus (dealer) earlier in the month

Quite an interesting variety of liveries

Anglian Demonstrator

Demonstrator YT13YUK in Lowestoft this morning

Although I am staying in the Worthing area for the next few days, I am still able to bring you the latest news from  our local area

Grahame Bessey was in Lowestoft this morning and reports 'Caught sight of this on my way in to work this morning, An Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 bodied Scania gas demonstrator working the 61 route with Anglian.'

Another view of the Alexander Dennis Enviro300 gas powered bus

Many thanks for the report and photos Grahame

Compass In Worthing

Enviro200 MX58VGP in Stagecoach livery

A trip down to Worthing today, a large seaside town in West Sussex situated some 10 miles west of Brighton

After arrival in early afternoon we made a quick visit to the town centre and, whilst the better half was shopping, I took some photos of buses entering and leaving South Street

The major operator in the town is 

Dart SN56AXC in South Street

Stagecoach South but I decided to get some photos of independent Compass Travel which operates more than fifty routes in the Sussex and Brighton areas

You would think that the first photo shows a Stagecoach vehicle but it doesn't!. It's a Compass ADL Enviro 200 MX58VGP operating on behalf of Stagecoach South on Route Seven to High Salvington

Wright StreetLite MX62AWZ

The second member of the fleet to be observed was Alexander Dennis Dart SN56AXC on service 16 to Lancing Broadway. The 29 seater was new to Coakley Bus of Motherwell, Scotland

The final photo is of Wright StreetLite MX62AWZ on the 11 to Worthing College

A quick look at the latest Compass fleet list shows a total of more than seventy bus and coaches operated and contains a wide variety of vehicles too

Caister Road Lunchtime

Three different vehicle types at the front of Caister Road at lunchtime

Contributor Rob Collins paid a visit to First's Caister Road this lunchtime

The following photos show the variety of vehicles seen

Parked outside the front of the depot was Volvo B7/Plaxton President 32213 LT52WTW and Volvo B10BLE/ Wright Renown 60813 S664RNA

Also present was Volvo B12M 20514 WV02EUP in between

Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown 60813 S664RNA

her X1 shorts to Norwich

Lurking just inside one of the entrances was Volvo Olympian 34186 S686AAE

Another six withdrawn Volvo Olympians were also observed at the rear of the depot viewed from Harley Road

Many thanks for the report and photos Rob

Coach to Showbus 2014

The Eastern Transport Collection's ECW bodied Bristol RESL6G KVF658E was 

entered in the 2012 Showbus event. She was formerly Eastern Counties RS658

The annual SHOWBUS event is back at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford this year. It is being held on Sunday September 21st and this year will celebrate 60 years of the Routemaster

So mark the date in your diary and, if you are thinking of attending this year, blog contributor Rob Collins is hoping to run a coach there with pick up points in Beccles, Lowestoft, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and Norwich

As regards the cost he is unsure at the moment until he gets an idea of how many are interested. However, he anticipates it would be around the £20 mark which includes travel and entrance fee

Rob is hoping to get enough interest to enable him to book the 30 seater executive coach from Grebe Coaches

If any readers would like book their place or require any further details please contact Rob via email at bertiecollins123@sky.com

It should be a great day out

Scania OmniDekka 61 PJ54YZU

The Many Colours Of Ipswich Buses

Following Grahame Bessey's photos illustrating the variations in liveries at Norwich Bus Station yesterday, I have received an email from Jim Long saying that Ipswich Buses also have many of their vehicles with different colour schemes too

Freshly painted  OmniDekka 62 PJ54YZV

Jim's first photo is of Scania OmniDekka 61 PJ54YZU in green and white and is pictured in Greenfinch Avenue 

The second is of sister Scania 62 PJ54YZV newly repainted in the Park and Ride livery also shown in Greenfinch Avenue

The next photo shows a Scania CN230UD with an Optare

Scania / Optare Olympus 68 YJ60KGX

Olympus body. Number 68 YJ60KGX is pictured on Norwich Road earlier this month

The penultimate photo is of a Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident. Red and blue 22 LR02BBJ is seen at Ipswich Buses Constantine Road depot in November last year, shortly after arrival

The final photo is of gold liveried DAF

Red and blue 22 LR02BBJ Constantine Road depot

DB250/East Lancs Lowlander 100 PN52XBM. The colour scheme celebrates 100 years of Ipswich Buses in 2003

Jim tells me that all the buses shown in these photos are still in their respective liveries today.

Many thanks for the information and photos Jim.

All five photos are copyrighted to Jim Long








Pictured left: 
DAF DB250/East Lancs Lowlander 100 PN52XBM 
in Hawthorne Drive, Ipswich

Norfolk Green Spectra is now 13986 in the Stagecoach fleet

Sun In The City!

A beautiful sunny day in Norwich yesterday meant a good day for photography

Regular contributor Grahame Bessey took advantage of the good weather to obtain some pictures of happenings at Norwich Bus Station

First up is Norfolk Green Optare Spectra

Lowestoft Gemini AU58ECD devoid of front screen header

YE52FHF laying over between duties. The former Reading Transport bus is shown carrying its new Stagecoach fleet number 13986

Next is a picture of First Lowestoft Gemini 37565 AU58ECD. Its appearance is unusual in that she is now minus her pink header on the front windscreen

A rare sighting was that of  Smith's Coaches

Toyota YAH434 with the Ormiston sign clearly displayed

minibus YAH434. The Toyota carried a sign in the front windscreen  for Ormiston Visitor Bus Service!!

Finally a nice shot of  Sanders recently repainted Scania YR10BBO. Compare her appearance now to that of when she was first obtained from Ensign. She has subsequently acquired the name Orion

Grahame comments it was 'Nice day with nice

Scania YR10BBO freshly repainted in Sanders livery

variations!'

My thanks to Grahame for the report and great pictures from his time at Norwich Bus Station

Earlier in the Day Grahame managed to get a photo of newly transferred First Leicester 32063 W223XBD inside Caister Road depot, which can be viewed here

Last Day of the 607

MX54KYA having completed the third of five trips on the 607
She is pictured out of service in Baker Street, Gorleston 

Today was the last day of service on the Suffolk County Council supported 607 route between Gorleston's Morrison store and Lowestoft Bus Station.

Operated by Ambassador Travel, the route runs via the Suffolk villages of Lound and Blundeston and is usually operated by one of their four Optare Solo M850s

At around 13:30 today I observed Solo 601 MX54KYA nearing the end of her journey to the Gorleston store with the 12:30 from Lowestoft

I was then fortunate enough to be able to take a photo of 601 running out of service along Baker Street with the destination screen unchanged

From Monday (24th)  Anglian will divert five of its 60 services to maintain bus links with the two villages.

Great Yarmouth Bound

Volvo B7/ALX 400 W224XBD in service in Leicester yesterday

Reporter Neil Beasley tells me that one of the Great Yarmouth bound Volvo B7s was seen in service in Leicester yesterday

He managed to get a photo of  32064 W224XBD in Humberstone Gate clearly showing the destination issue which Neil referred to in yesterday's post

Many thanks for the information and photo Neil

First Leicester Update

32062 W422SRP being worked on at Caister Road
this afternoon. Photo taken from the public
footway in front of the depot forecourt

Following the previous post, our First Leicester reporter Neil Beasley has contacted me regarding the state of play with the remaining five ALX400s due to transfer to Great Yarmouth soon:-

• 32061 is off service and parked up at Leicester's Abbey Lane depot.
• 32058, 32059, 32064 and 32065 were still on service on Wednesday

He says '32062 has an interesting bit of history. It was the bus used in the "Vicky Pollard" sketch of TV comedy show "Little Britain", for which I took the bus to London for the filming work. The sketch was actually filmed whilst driving around the north circular road! '

He adds 'I hope Yarmouth does something with the front destination equipment in buses 32064 and 32065. A section of dots do not flip over, meaning that the message doesn't display properly. Leicester were never bothered to remedy the problem. The kit is the original from new though. Here's a photo of 32065 to show what I mean'

Many thanks to Neil Beasley for the above information

Leicester Arrivals + Pic Update

32063 W223XBD in Caister Road depot

I can exclusively report the the arrival at Caister Road of the first two of the W registered Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL double-deckers from First Leicester

Both 32062 W422SRP and 32063 W223XBD arrived during yesterday evening and a picture of the latter was shown in my post of 15th February

Great Yarmouth is expected to receive seven of the type and Ryan reports both are currently being worked on

My thanks to Ryan and to Grahame Bessey for the info and also to Grahame for latest photo of 32063

Lowestoft ADL Enviro200 Update

45117 has developed similar problems to other fleet members

A number of Lowestoft ADL Enviro200s have been receiving attention at Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot recently

Ryan reports that he returned two of them to their home depot yesterday. Number 45118 VT09JPT has completed her MOT whilst 44513 DK57SXG returns following repair

It appears that 45117 ST58JPT has developed a similar fault to 44513 and a expert is being called in to look at the problem

My thanks to Ryan for the information

Trident Leaves

The nearside of Trident X386NNO showing the removal of the centre doors

In mid January I reported the arrival of Anglianbus Trident X386NNO at Car & Commercial of Beccles

C&C have subsequently removed the centre doors, rearranged seating and raised the floor ramp to the front of the bus

Regular reporter Tim Miller says the work is now complete and she duly returned to Anglian's Beccles site yesterday

Her future is currently unclear; will she remain in the area or will she transfer elsewhere within the Go Ahead group?

Another Joins the Five

This morning another Volvo Olympian joined the withdrawn five in the rear yard at First's Caister Road depot

Regular reporter Ryan had to drive recently withdrawn 43108 W435CWX into the rear yard and couldn't back her in as there was no reverse gear!

Ryan's photo shows 34108 between sister 34110 W437CWX and Lowestoft Dart 45118 VT09JPT. The latter is at Great Yarmouth for her MOT

My thanks to Ryan for the report and photo

34187 Again!

Regular correspondent Jamie Skinner was fortunate to travel on First Olympian 34187 on his way home to Gorleston during yesterday evening

He writes that he 'grabbed the 4:55 number 8 from Market Gates today and it was S687AAE again. I snapped an internal shot as I guess most pictures taken are external. '







However, having said that, Jamie did also take a picture of  the front of  34187 S687AAE

My thanks to Jamie for his report and continuous supply of updates and photos

Service Alterations Registered ~ 19th February 2014

The latest Eastern Area Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report was published earlier today on the Gov.UK website.

Publication No 2173 includes the new service to be operated by Border Bus, variations to the 115 route provided by Suffolk Norse and the withdrawal of five services by Great Yarmouth based Swift Taxis and Ambassador Travel. 

The situation regarding North Quay Services (Eurosun) and Angie's Tours also appears to have been finally determined

New Applications Granted

Approval has been given to Philip John Overy, trading as Angie's Tours, with the authorisation of twelve vehicles at its operating centre of Norwich Road Industrial Estate in Lowestoft. The approval is subject to a number of conditions attached to the licence

Coaches at Eurosun's Norwich Road premises in November 2013

Licences Revoked Without a Public Enquiry

North Quay Services Limited, trading as Eurosun Coaches, of Regent Road in Lowestoft has had their licence revoked regarding registered bus services with immediate effect. The company directors are Philip John Overy, Jack Henry Overy and Timothy Paul Overy

Registration of New Services

As previously reported, Border Bus of Beccles has registered service 521 between Halesworth and Aldeburgh. The four round trips daily operate Monday to Saturday commencing on the 1st April 2014. The normal stopping and hail and ride service runs via Darsham, Yoxford, Saxmundham and Leiston

Applications to Vary Existing Services

Suffolk Norse Limited of Goddard Road, Ipswich is to vary the 115/115A between Green Drive and Lowestoft Bus Station. The changes will mean that the route no longer serves the Morrisons store. The new 115 will operate between Lowestoft Bus Station - ASDA - Green Drive. The new 115A service will operate one journey between Bus Station - Apple Tree Close - ASDA - Bus Station. Changes.are effective from 21st April 2014

Iveco minibus P840NKK and Mercedes AE07NZC at Swift's
Southtown yard in mid December 2013

Cancellations of Existing Services

Swift Taxis & Private Hire of Morton Peto Road, Great Yarmouth is to cancel two of its services effective from 31st March. They are the 907 between Halvergate and Thorpe St Andrew School and the 303 linking Southtown and Martham

Cancellations of Existing Services Granted Under Short Notice

Ambassador Travel (Anglia) Limited of James Watt Close, Great Yarmouth has cancelled three services ending on the 29th January 2014. They are the Norwich circular service 32A, the 911 between Hopton and Norwich and the 705 between Brundall and Acle High School

Decisions Taken at Public Inquiries

At the Public Inquiry held at The Court Room, Eastern Traffic Area offices in Cambridge on 31st January, the licence of North Quay Services, trading as Eurosun Coaches, is to be revoked with effect from 23.59hrs on 28th February 2014. The company directors are Philip John Overy, Jack Henry Overy and Timothy Paul Overy..

Also at Inquiry Philip John Overy, trading as Angie's Tours at Dorley Dale, Lowestoft, has had his application granted for six undertakings

Decisions Taken at Transport Manager Public Inquiries

On 31st January 2014 no action was taken against Philip John Overy although a warning was issued in respect of Article 6 of EC regulation 1071/2009

Information source: Traffic Commissioner for the Eastern Traffic Area - Notices & Proceedings Report 2173 - published on 19th February 2014.

Olympian Withdrawal

W435CWX seen at The Conge running back empty to the depot on 5th February

The last post on the blog highlighted the breakdown of Volvo Olympian 34108 W435CWX at St Olaves whilst returning empty from Bernard Matthews during yesterday evening

It appears that the gearbox was the problem and, as a result, she has now been withdrawn from service

My thanks to Ryan at First's Caister Road depot for the update

Today's Outings

First driver trainer Volvo B10M/ Plaxton Premier P732NVG on North Drive

Two trips out today - this morning in Great Yarmouth and this afternoon to Beccles

The morning jaunt began with a visit to the town's Marine Parade and North Drive

Parked up near the Britannia Pier was Alfa Travel's Volvo B12B/ Plaxton Paragon PN08KXJ

Continuing north along North Drive I was pleasantly surprised in being passed by First Plaxton Premier driver trainer 20122 P732NVG heading south. She is normally based in Norwich but I believe both Caister Road and Norwich are sharing her at the moment!

First Norwich Trident 33146 LR02LXB enters the depot under threatening skies

After grabbing a quick photo, I continued to First's Caister Road depot to find Olympian 34186 S686AAE standing in one of the depot entrances whilst Gemini's 37562 FJ08FYN and 37572 AU58ECW were on the front apron awaiting their next duties

I also observed the arrival of two First Norwich deckers; Blue Line Gemini 36169 BD11CFO and Red Line Trident 33146 LR02LXB - presumably for MOTs

The afternoon trip to Beccles yielding nothing out of the ordinary, other than both active Alexander Royale bodied Olympians 34108/9 W435/6CWX heading south for Bernard Matthews along the A143 near Haddiscoe

Tim Miller later tweeted me to say that 34108 had failed at St Olaves on its empty return trip and the fleet van was in attendance. Thanks Tim

Anglian Decker Activity

Anglianbus Trident 721 W821NNJ in Lowestoft on 2nd January 2014

Anglianbus' Enthusiast page reports that East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 721 W821NNJ has been transferred to sister company Hedingham Buses at Clacton

Also mentioned on the website is the renumbering of the withdrawn Alexander ALX400 Dennis Tridents 701-3 X251NNO, X384NNO and X386NNO to 741-3; suggesting a possible move in the same direction?

When I met Tim Miller in Beccles this afternoon he confirmed that 743 is still in the Car & Commercials yard. Good to meet you at last Tim!

Eurosun Coach Scrapped

Duple bodied DAF C253HJX at Eurosun's Norwich Road yard

One of the coaches I noted on my visit to Eurosun's Norwich Road premises in Lowestoft during October last year, has now gone for scrap

Chris Walker has commented on my photo of Duple bodied DAF C253HJX which I posted on my Flickr site and which has been reproduced here.

He says that the 53 seater is now residing in the Metfield yard of breakers and dismantlers J Spindler & Sons in Suffolk

New in 1985, Eurosun acquired her from Moore, Thompson & Reader of Nuneaton in August 2010. She had previously worn registrations 498FYB and 9984FG

My thanks to Chris for the information

Olympian on the 8

Another Volvo Olympian appeared on the 8 between the James Paget Hospital and Caister yesterday morning

Jamie Skinner travelled on 34186 S686AAE from Gorleston to Great Yarmouth.

It was working the 10:33 from the James Paget Hospital and he quickly took a photo of her just after getting off the bus on Southtown Road

Thanks for the report and pic Jamie

This post was really a test in trying to upload a photo to the blog without using the PC and it seems to have worked well (after a little head scratching!)

The Cascade Begins

One of the deckers destined for Great Yarmouth is W223XBD
It currently resides at First Leicester's Abbey Lane depot
Photo: Daniel Mears

With twelve of the thirty-five ex First London Enviro400s now in service with First Leicester, the cascade of buses has now begun. As exclusively revealed on this blog back in early December, some of the deposed First Leicester deckers will be heading our way

My contact Neil Beasley tells me that 'Geminis 32628, 32631, 32640, 32641 & 32642 are now in service in Essex. They are currently working from Basildon but unsure if they're still ultimately destined for Hadleigh. Sadly they've entered service without getting repaints which perpetuates a rather low grade image in my view, particularly 32628 with its tired "Buses are the future" body wrap.'

The W registered Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL double-deckers, of which Great Yarmouth expects to receive seven, have also started to transfer to other depots

Neil continues '32053 and 32054 are now in service at Newcastle under Lyme (Potteries). At least one of the buses for Yarmouth, 32063 W223XBD, is parked up at Leicester's Abbey Lane depot, so I wouldn't imagine it being too much longer until something moves east.'

Twenty one of the former London Enviro400s have so far been delivered to First Leicester

My thanks to Neil for the update from First Leicester and to Daniel Mears for the photo

Caister Road Update

Regular correspondent Ryan reports the latest from First's Caister Road which involves work on many Lowestoft based buses

One of the two ex Townlynx Enviro200s at the rear of Caister Road in January

Both former Townlynx ADL Enviro200s 45112/3 DK57SXF/G are under repair awaiting spare parts

A third Lowestoft Enviro200 (44928 EU58FHB) received her MOT yesterday and was seen returning home along Great Yarmouth's western bypass just after lunchtime. Sister 45118 VT09JPT has arrived for her MOT

Repairs on former Jersey Caetano Slimbus 43862 EG52FGK are turning into a major job with parts also awaited

Three Great Yarmouth vehicles are currently out on loan, including both X1 branded Plaxton Paragons - 20514 WV02EUP at Norwich and 20515 WV02EUR at Lowestoft. Also on loan at Lowestoft is Gemini 37578 AU58EDJ

Meanwhile, all five withdrawn Volvo Olympians (34110-4 W437/1-4CWX) are still in residence in the rear yard of the depot when I passed by late yesterday afternoon. Keeping them company was withdrawn driver trainer 20109 N609APU

My thanks to Ryan for his regular depot activity reports

Geminis On 101s

First Gemini 37570 AU58ECT awaits her time for departure at Gordon Road

Regular correspondent Grahame Bessey reports that at least two Geminis were in use on the Lowestoft town 101 route yesterday

This is a far cry from when all services on the route were operated by single deckers; an appearance of a decker is becoming common place now

The two Geminis noted were 37568 AU58ECJ and 37570 AU58ECT with Grahame capturing a pic of the latter

My thanks to Grahame for the report and photo

Brundall Buses (& Trains!)

Unbranded First Volvo B7L 66329 MV02VBD stops in Brundall
before continuing to Norwich and its final destination of Wymondham

In response to an email today from Brian Moore of Brundall, I decided to visit the village which is located just east of Norwich just off the A47 trunk road

Before visiting I thought I would suss out what operators served village. First Eastern Counties provide a basic half hourly service from Wymondham via the village to either Blofield Heath or Lingwood as Green Line routes 15 and 15A respectively

Konectbus Optare Versa 303 AU08DKN on its way to Eaton

Brian tells me he is 'amused to see the list of First Volvo B7Rs allocated to Green Line services.  These vehicles are decidedly unreliable so that we see unbranded B7Rs almost as much as branded ones.'

He adds 'that the fitters have obviously put a lot of effort into these vehicles as the gearboxes now work reasonably smoothly for the most part.'

So, as to prove his point, this afternoon  an unbranded Volvo B7L in the shape of 66329 MV02VBD arrived at the Budgens stop in the village just after 2pm on its way to Wymondham!

Additionally Konectbus runs an hourly service runs through the village from Blofield Heath to Eaton and return and I was pleased to get a photo of ex Anglian AU08DKN heading west now in Konect colours

Other Brundall bus services include a daily out and back 7a service provided by Anglian and the infrequent 292 route provided by Our Bus

A class 156 unit enters Brundall station on a Great Yarmouth to Norwich service

Brundall is also catered for by a rail service and I paid a quick visit to the station to get a photo of a Great Yarmouth to  Norwich Class 156 unit passing Brundall Junction signal box. I understand the box is to close during 2016 under the East Anglia Signal Box Closure Programme

Brian also comments on my Acle Adventure post, and the photo of the Brush Class 47 in particular. Blog readers 'may like to know that these are to be replaced by a set of two English Electric Class 37s and three Mark 2 coaches, formed Class 37+BSO+TSO+TSO+Class 37 and it is said the Mark 2s are through wired.  Abellio Greater Anglia drivers are being trained'

Thanks for the email and update Brian and I hope that First's bus reliability improves very soon. A response has subsequently been received from First and brief summary appears under the Comments section below

Long Serving Managers Promoted

Business Manager Chris Speed

First Eastern Counties has seen the promotion of two of its long-serving existing managers.

Chris Speed has worked for First Bus for 15 years, starting as a bus driver for the Company following in his father’s footsteps. Chris quickly moved in to operations, and more recently was employed by First as Norwich Depot Operations Manager.

His new role as Business Manager will see him working closely with local management at depot level, providing support and encouragement on developing new ideas and progressing the existing operation.
Speaking about his new appointment, Chris said: "I am thrilled to be given this opportunity in Norfolk and Suffolk. This new role has been created within our structure to ensure the local management team are given enough support when we look to grow our Company.
“I will be working closely with our team in Ipswich at first, and I am excited to get started."

Fleet Engineer Mark Reynolds

Mark Reynolds has been appointed as Fleet Engineer for Eastern Counties. Mark started working as an apprentice for Great Yarmouth Transport in 1990.

Following First Bus' acquisition, he has been employed as Depot Manager for Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, managing both operation and engineering functions.

Mark said: "My new role means I am responsible for all First Eastern Counties sites being engineering compliant, while delivering our Better Journeys for Life commitment and delivering our engineering efficiencies."

David Squire, Interim Managing Director for First Bus in Eastern Counties said: "Both Chris and Mark have a fantastic track record with our Company, and a great working relationship with our operational and engineering teams. The new Business Manager and Fleet Engineer roles will ensure First Eastern Counties always delivers on their commitment to customers, and shows we are forever looking at ways to grow and develop our business."

Chris will report to Eastern Counties General Manager Hugo Forster, and Mark will report directly to Interim Managing Director David Squire.

Blue Bus to Return?

Chris Speed, Business Manager for First Eastern Counties, tweeted this morning that First is considering the painting of one of the local buses in the old Great Yarmouth 'blue bus' livery

Let's hope that the colour is closer to the original blue - unlike that which adorned a previous Routemaster!

My suggestion that it will probably be applied to one of the two Routemasters appears not to be the case as Chris has contacted me direct to say that it will be one of the more modern vehicles!

My thanks to Chris Speed for the update

Borderbus First Contract

Border Bus has four ex Metroline Volvo B7TL / Plaxton Presidents
Photo courtesy Tim Miller

The Suffolk On Board website has recently announced details of changes to passenger transport services in the county during March

One of the changes affects the 521 route currently operated by Nightingales. 

Borderbus, recently established by former Anglianbus managing director Andrew Pursey, is to take over the service from the 31st March

The operator will be introducing a low floor bus as opposed to using a double decker on the 521 route between Halesworth and Aldeburgh via Saxmundham and Leiston

I am grateful to Andrew Pursey for the additional information