Thames Travel Enviro200 on the 61

Regular correspondent Simon Bartam tells me that a Thames Transit liveried Alexander Dennis Enviro200 was employed on the Konectbus (formerly Anglianbus) 61 service between Gorleston's James Paget Hospital and Kessingland yesterday

Short wheelbase SN10CCZ arrived at Konectbus about a month ago, on loan from Hedingham, and has been given fleetnumber 297 although 508 is displayed on the bus and Simon's bus ticket also showed the same number!

My thanks to Simon for the information and photos.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 29th November 2017

There are no changes to local bus services to relate following the publication of today's Notices & Proceedings Report by Eastern of England Transport Commissioner.

However, the full report can be viewed by clicking HERE

Roy

Lathams Layovers

A Couple of Coaches noted at Potter Heigham yesterday whilst driving through. Both were on duty at Lathams Superstore in the broads village, no doubt full of Christmas Shoppers.

First up is VDL bodied WJ17EYS which is operated by Premier Transport of Crawley in West Sussex.

The other visitor was National Holidays Setra NH13BWH which is here on a tour to Yarmouth and taking in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular also.

Grahame.

Real Time Info ~ Updated

The testing of real time bus information has started in the Great Yarmouth area.

My first experience of its use was the recent appearance of an information pillar at the south end of the town's Market Gates Bus Station close to its junction with Regent Road.

The display of real time information was first noted on Tuesday of last week. First Eastern Counties workings were shown along with the BorderBus 580 journeys.

Information on the other sides included a diagrammatic bus map of the area, local attractions with connecting bus services plus a rail timetable.

Whilst this is much needed, particularly during the summer months, I noted at the time that it was already out of date with Anglianbus (Konectbus) 61 no longer operating from Market Gates. However, the information has subsequently been corrected on all three panels - well done to those responsible!

Bus stops at the terminus already use the information plus there are also screens appearing at selected sites throughout the area which I have yet to see in use.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 22nd November 2017

Today's Notices and Proceedings Report, published by the East of England Transport Commissioner, contains a few changes to local bus services.

Anglianbus has cancelled its 7A service between Blofield and Great Yarmouth College to take effect from 5th January 2018. Incidentally Konectbus has registered a successor 85 service between Surlingham and Norwich from 2nd January 2018 - replacing that operated by Anglianbus.

R Hamza Hatukai of Godetia Court in Lowestoft has submitted an application for a new operating centre for one vehicle at Lowestoft Marina, South Elmham Terrace in the town.

The complete Notices and Proceedings Report report can be viewed by clicking HERE

Roy

Seafront Sightings

Just before lunchtime today I drove along the seafront at Great Yarmouth and was surprised to see a National Holidays' Mercedes Benz Tourismo parked up. NH16JEH is on a three day trip taking in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

As I was about to return to the car, a predominantly white Irizar bodied Scania K340EB4 was seen heading towards me in the form of Richards Coaches GDZ405. Already armed with the camera I got this shot.

Surprising what you can sometimes see when driving along Marine Parade!!

Roy

Bury St Edmunds Revisited

A trip to Bury St Edmunds beckoned on Saturday with my wife and sister-in-law embarking on some Christmas shopping. (plus a visit to the cake stall on the market too of course!)

Chambers Volvo B7TL W487WGH passed me on St Andrews Street South whilst I made my way to the bus station

Whilst they were busy spending money, yours truly retired to St Andrews Street and the bus station area for my fix of bus photography. On arrival, the bus station was dominated by the presence of Mulleys decker MUI7949 which was noticeable for its application of fleetnames.

Arriving soon after was Galloway's Optare Solo  279 (4092PP) which was formerly registered MX53FDN. It's next working was the 386 to Stowmarket.

Another decker making an appearance was Coach Services' Volvo B7TL LF52UOV which the operator acquired in March last year from dealer Ensign. It was originally Arriva London's VLW122. Other vehicles appearing from the fleet during my period of observation were ADL Enviro200 SN63NBB, Volvo B7RLE BJ60BYX and Volvo B8RLE BU16OZO.

Stephensons continue to operate their Breeze town services with their ADL Darts although there was a welcome appearance from East Lancs OmniDekka bodied Scania 631 (YN55NHA)

Stagecoach East were noted employing 'Greener Smarter' liveried Wrightbus Eclipse Urban bodied Volvo B7RLE 21226 (AE09GYW) on an early afternoon 11 service from Cambridge. Similar liveried Alexander Dennis Enviro400 bodied Scania N230UD 15465 (AE09GYP) followed on a later 11 working.

A surprise appearance was a Hedingham branded Alexander Dennis Dart 260 (EU56FLR) operating with Chambers legals. Another Chambers decker in use was Scania N94UD 1501 (YN55PZD) - similar to a trio recently operated by Anglianbus.

My final photo is of Mulleys YN04UJT - one of a number of Scania N94UDs recently acquired from Nottingham City Transport.

Roy

Photo Special Norwich 2010

We have not done a Photo Special for a while so I thought its about time we had a look back at the local scene with a few images from my own collection. We go back to August 2010 and a bright day in Norwich. Improvements to Castle Meadow meant the buses were being diverted round the top of the Castle and down on to Market Avenue.

First photo ironically shows the now defunct Anglianbus A47 service that ran between Yarmouth and Gorleston, it was set up to run against First's X1, Former Chester Volvo R85EMB is seen at the top of Castle Meadow.

Next up sees First Coach 20501 AO02RBY about to leave Norwich Bus Station working a short lived service to Banham Zoo, the coach was loaned back to FEC from First Essex to work the service that summer.

Another service no longer in use is the 50 service to Sheringham, a real mixture of vehicles was used by First including Coaches and Single Decks, this particular Saturday saw recent arrival from First London 33245 LT52WUW in use and seen laying over at the Bus Station.

Final picture is Simonds Of Botesdale Volvo B6 224ENG which was originally L91UNG and new to Ambassador Travel for the Norwich Park & Ride services they once operated. It is seen here outside Bonds about to work the 40 service to Fressingfield.

Grahame.

Anglianbus 61 ~ The Last Runs

As you will already be aware, Anglianbus ceases operating services after today although it ran the 61 route connecting Lowestoft with Kessingland for the last time yesterday.

ANG61LAN operates the last 61 service to Lowestoft Bus Station from Kessingland during yesterday afternoon

Photo of SVF510W on the Anglian website

Regular contributor Robert Kelly tells me that the company began in September 1981 in Loddon, Norfolk after moving from London as Jubilee Coaches, trading as Anglian Coaches. The PSV Circle News Sheet for July 1981 refers and at the time the fleet consisted entirely of Ford motor coaches.

In March 1985, Anglian acquired Plaxton Supreme bodied Ford R1114 SVF510W from Norfolk Motor Services. During its time with the company it was re-registered KSU412 before being sold on in 2000

The last service from Kessingland, the 13:25 departure to Lowestoft Bus Station, and the 13:55 return was operated under the Anglianbus name for the last time by the appropriately 61 liveried Scania OmniLink AN61LAN.

The last 61 service to Kessingland operated under the Anglianbus banner 

My appreciation goes to Simon Bartram for recording the last service runs for which I am very grateful and my thanks too to Robert Kelly for the research.

Roy

Anglianbus/Konectbus Loanee

Earlier today Anglianbus was using a Konectbus loanee from Thames Travel on its Suffolk County Council supported 90 service between Southwold and Halesworth via Beccles

Sam Wickham reported  the appearance of Thames Travel's Alexander Dennis Enviro200 508 (SN10CCZ) in use on the route with fellow blogger SteveW supplying a photo of it in Beccles on the same route yesterday

My thanks to Sam for the information and to Steve for the use of his photo

Roy

Heritage Volvo at Caister Road

The latest heritage repaint for First (60915 YG02DLZ) which we reported last week has been at Caister Road Depot since Sunday being prepared for service. It is due to return to Norwich shortly.

Thanks to Will Drake for the Photos.

Grahame.

Lambert's Coaches Latest ~ Updated

The home page of Lambert's Coaches new website

Beccles-based Lambert's Coaches have recently launched their new website. In addition to details about the company, the new site also includes timetables of its six school services.

The original information, sourced from the Ipswich Transport Society Journal about the operator's vehicles movements, has been removed due to it containing a number of errors. My apologies for the incorrect information and the content will be updated as soon as I hear from the company

Coaches at Lambert's Coaches premises in April 2015

I also offer my apologies to the operator for any embarrassment caused.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 15th November 2017

Quite a few changes to local bus services to record following the publication of today's Notices and Proceedings Report by Eastern of England Transport Commissioner. Registrations already reported are included here for the sake of completeness.

Registration of New Services
Thompson's Coaches of Framlingham has registered a schooldays only service between Debenham High Street and Farlingaye High School. Commencing on 4th January 2018, it will also serve Kenton, Earl Soham and Framlingham.

Applications to Vary Existing Services Granted Under Short Notice
First Eastern Counties is amending the stopping places of its 99/99B Lowestoft - Kessingland route from 13th November 2017.

Cancellations of Existing Services
As previously reported, Anglianbus is to cease operating its 61/61A/61B/61C services between Kessingland and the James Paget Hospital from 2nd January 2018. Their 85 Surlingham to Norwich service is also cancelled from the same date.

Variation Applications Granted
Anglianbus has been given approval for a new operating centre for ten vehicles at Goshawk Road, Dereham. The licence is also to be upgraded from Standard National to Standard International level.

The complete Notices and Proceedings Report report can be viewed by clicking HERE

Roy

Anglianbus Are No More!

After months of speculation and rationalisation of services, it has been announced on the Anglianbus website that from next Monday (20th November) it will operate as Konectbus.

Anglianbus services will continue operate as normal, but under the new name, with all information, including timetables and fares, being migrated to the Konectbus website.

Anglian's Ellough site at Beccles just three years ago on 22nd June 2014

It is a sad end to a once prestigious company that, at one time, was giving First Eastern Counties a run for its money on some of its routes.

Roy

Cobholm Scania

With today being the last day of Anglianbus 61 journeys from Great Yarmouth's Market Gates, I thought I would take a couple of photos to record the event.

Anglianbus Scania OmniLink AN61BUS passes the new Tesco store at Jones (GC) Way in Cobholm

As most of my photos of the route have been taken either in Gorleston High Street or at the Great Yarmouth terminus I thought of using alternative locations at Cobholm where I had spent much of my formative years.

The return 14:44 southbound service on Mill Road with the Scania about to turn into Marsh Road

Having lived and attended both junior and infant schools in the area, I knew it quite well and I can remember Caroline Coaches parking some of their coaches (Bedford OB's and Fords especially!) on Coronation Green close to where the owner lived. I also remember the Corporation Blue Bus service number 6 to the old Regal Cinema/Theatre.

From Monday the northern terminus for the 61 will be the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.

Roy

Another Heritage Livery for FEC

A Surprise arrival back at Roundtree Way Norwich today is Volvo B7L 60915 YG02DLZ which has reappeared after repaint at Simon Morris in another Heritage Eastern Counties Livery, it is the reverse Cream Red version of that carried by sister 60916.

I suppose it is similar to the livery below carried by Dart 455 M202VWW seen here at Bury St Edmunds in 2002 although the cream is a shade darker

Thanks to First for use of the new photo.

Grahame.

Anglian Axes 61 Service

A look at the vehicle operator licensing changes on the VOSA website last night revealed that Anglianbus is to cancel its 61 service from the new year.

Scania OmniLink AN61BUS on a southbound working of the 61 in Gorleston High Street last month

The information has been released only days before Anglianbus introduces its winter service on the route. The current half hourly service between Lowestoft and Kessingland is being reduced to hourly with the northern terminus becoming the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. The first journey (07:05 ex Kessingland) has also been removed from the timetable with First Eastern Counties stepping in to provide a replacement 99 journey at 07:00

OmniCity YN05HFH on Gapton Hall Road shortly after the rerouting of the 61 service in April this year

Lately, Anglianbus has had problems in sourcing their buses to run the 61 service with sister company Konectbus providing replacement vehicles. The cessation of the service will mean the complete absence of Anglianbus from the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth urban areas.

Also, from 2nd January 2018, Anglianbus is cancelling its 85 Claxton - Surlingham - Norwich service. Konectbus will be taking over the route.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 8th November 2017

Just the one change to local bus services to record following the publication of today's Notices and Proceedings Report by Eastern of England Transport Commissioner.

St Nicholas House Prep School Limited has had an application granted for the use of premises at Yarmouth Road in North Walsham as an operating centre for one vehicle

The full Notices and Proceedings Report publication can be viewed by clicking HERE

Roy

Shearings Twosome

A drive along Great Yarmouth's Marine Parade during yesterday afternoon provided the sighting of two Shearings Holidays coaches.

They were Setra 518 (BU13ZTK) and Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 854 (BJ16KXL)

Roy

61 Konects

Following on from Wednesday's post about the use of a Konectbus Versa on Anglian's 61 route between Great Yarmouth and Kessingland, Simon Bartram makes contact concerning the continued use of that operator's vehicles on Anglian's 61 service yesterday.

10:57 Lowestoft Tesco to Kessingland at Gordon Road with Konectbus Solo VX51RHZ in charge

During the late morning he saw three of the five services worked by Konectbus Optares - they included Tempos 408 (YJ56WVB) and 409 YJ57EGY plus Solo 900 VX51RHZ.

The same working at Pakefield's Tramway stop

My thanks to Simon for his report and photos

Roy

Southwold Sojurn

A visit to Southwold beckoned today with my main aim of getting a photo of Anglian's new 90 service between Southwold and Halesworth via Beccles.

Optare Solo AU58AKN arrives in Southwold on service 90 and is about to return with the 10:53 to Halesworth

The 90 started on Monday this week and replaces the former 60S and 60H routes and is also financially supported by Suffolk County Council. As part of the Council's 'on-going efficiency savings' the timetable as been slightly reduced. Apart from an early schools working, there are only three departures from Southwold on Mondays to Fridays.

Anglian Scania OmniCity AO57EZM about to turn into Barnaby Green with the X88 to Norwich

Since July 2011, in an attempt to ease congestion in the High Street during the summer months, Suffolk County Council and Southwold Town Council agreed to temporarily move the bus stop to outside the King’s Head Public House in a bid to stop large vehicles clogging up the narrow shopping strip. This appears to now be a permanent move with all buses turning by circling the pub via Barnaby Green and York Road

BorderBus ADL Envir200 BB62BUS exits York Road with a 146 working from Norwich

Some journeys do continue to Southwold Pier to terminate including First's 99, BorderBus' 146 and Anglian's 88/X88 services.

BorderBus ADL Enviro200 BB12BUS and Anglian's Scania Omnilink YN07EZB at the Southwold Pier terminus

Also making an appearance in the early afternoon sunshine was Grebe Coaches of Beccles MIL1417, a Plaxton Cheetah bodied Mercedes.

After paying a visit to the Adnams shop, I then consumed my lunch sitting in the sunshine overlooking the sea and pier. What a pleasant visit!

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 1st November 2017

There are no changes to local bus services to relate following the publication of today's Notices & Proceedings Report by Eastern of England Transport Commissioner.

However, the full report can be viewed by clicking HERE

Roy

Anglian's 61 Rarities

A couple of unusual use of vehicles have appeared on Anglian's 61 service between Great Yarmouth and Kessingland during yesterday afternoon and this morning.

Yesterday saw Anglian employ one of their Optare Solos on the 14:44 departure from Market Gates with 960 (AU58AKK) seen running through Gorleston High Street

This morning a Konectbus Optare Versa appeared on the route with 304 (MX58KYV) working the 10:44 from Great Yarmouth.

Roy

Spate of First Movements!

After a short period with almost nothing to report, there has been a spate of movements locally at First. Dennis Trident 33165 (LR02LYC) and celebrity Volvo B7L 60916 (YG02DKU) have returned to Norwich after their short stay on the coast

Moving to Caister Road are three Dennis Trident/Plaxton Presidents from First South West which were initially transferred to Norwich. (see Grahame's earlier post) They are here following the increase in Bernard Matthews contract work during the period leading up to Christmas.

32801/49 (T801/49LLC) both arrived at the seaside yesterday with 32809 (T809LLC) turning up  today. First Great Yarmouth lost no time in getting both into revenue earning service with them being used on the 8's between the James Paget Hospital and Caister's Marram Drive earlier this morning.

Norwich's Wright Eclipse 66343 (MV02VCW) was noted on Great Yarmouth services yesterday on loan and is also due to return to the city later today. Also off to the 'fine city' are Volvo B7TL/ Plaxton President's 32212/4 (LT52WTV/X).

Roy