Service Alterations Registered ~ 30th November 2022

This week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains some retrospective alterations and future changes to services operated by First Eastern Counties.

Retrospective alterations to routes, stopping places and timetables took place on the following services from 19th November 2022:-
* 1/1A, 1B, 1C Martham and Lowestoft Bus Station.
* 6/6B/7 Market Gates Bus Station, Great Yarmouth and Bradwell / Belton.
* 8 Caister and James Paget Hospital, Gorleston.
* X1 Market Gates Bus Station, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Bus Station.
* X1/X11 Norwich Bus Station and Market Gates Bus Station, Great Yarmouth.

Additionally the operator is amending the timetables of the following services to take effect from 2nd January 2023:-
* 2 Market Gates Bus Station, Great Yarmouth and Barrack Estate, Great Yarmouth.
* 64/64 Aldeburgh and Saxmundham.
* 65 Ipswich Rail Station and Aldeburgh Fort Green.
* 75/77 Felixstowe and Ipswich.
* 99 Lowestoft Bus Station and Southwold, Pier Avenue.
* 99A/99H Kings Head, Southwold and St Mary's Street, Bungay.
* 101 Gunton Estate, Lowestoft and Hollow Grove, Lowestoft.
* 102 Lowestoft Bus Station and Oulton Village, Lowestoft.
* 106 Lowestoft Bus Station and Burnt Hill, Lowestoft.
* 122 Lowestoft Bus Station and Oulton Rock Estate.
* 915/917, 918 Rendlesham and Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge.
* 972 Turban Centre, Woodbridge and Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge.
* X7 Old Cattle Market Bus Station, Ipswich and Grange Farm, Felixstowe.
* X2/X21/X22 Lowestoft Bus Station and All Saints Green, Norwich.

From the 3rd January 2023 there are also timetable changes to:-
* 981 Worlingham and East Norfolk Sixth Form College, Gorleston.
* 983 North Cove and East Norfolk Sixth Form College, Gorleston.

Sanders Coaches are making timetable changes on the following routes from 2nd January 2023:-
* 8 Heath Farm Estate, Holt and Kelling Hospital, Holt (Holt Hopper).
* 210 North Walsham and Norwich Bus Station.
* X55/55 North Walsham Post Office and Norwich City Centre.

I hope you got all that but if not you can always view the full Notices and Proceedings Report which can be found here soon.

Roy

Final Journey

Following the recent reports of new arrivals at First Great Yarmouth, this morning there was a final departure in the form of Wright Eclipse Gemini 32345 LK53 LZF.



It joined the local fleet early this year having been new to First Centrewest (London) and later moving down to the South West. It was withdrawn from service in early October and now its final destination is to Trevor Wigley of Barnsley for scrapping.

Early this week saw recently withdrawn Dennis Dart 42921 EU05 AUN also leave Lowestoft’s Gasworks Road depot for its last journey.

Finally those of you familiar with the Bustimes website will have noticed the reappearance of fleet number 32210. This is not the resurrection of Plaxton President LT52 WTR but the transfer of its ticket machine on to Volvo B9 36170 BD11 CFP.

Many thanks to First for the information and to Will Drake for the photo.

Roy

Not Another One!

To quote Brenda from Bristol - ‘not another one!’, and there certainly was a further Volvo B9TL/ Wright Gemini newcomer to First’s Great Yarmouth depot.

Former Go-Ahead London 36284 LX59 DBO is a recent arrival from Ensignbus but the decker was new to London Central in November 2009 as their WVL317.

My thanks to Will Drake for supplying the photo.

Roy.

New Arrival

Another former Go Ahead London Volvo/Wright Gemini, purchased via Ensignbus, has recently arrived at First Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot.

36287 LX59 DBY is the fourth example from the batch to arrive joining 36281, 36283 and 36288 already here.

The decker was new to the then London Central fleet in November 2009 as their WVL320

A total of are eight deckers are due meaning there is still a further four outstanding (New Arrivals Galore - 17th September 2022)

My thanks to Will Drake for the photo.

Roy

Yellow Line Overnighter

News of another unusual overnight stayer at First Great Yarmouth was that of First Norwich yellow line 66980 KX05 MHJ. It was the second night in a row for the Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7RLE at the Caister Road depot



My thanks to First for the information and to Will Drake for the photo

Roy

Ambassador's 72 Plate

After the taking photos of the StreetDeck this morning, I decided to return home via Ambassador Travel's premises at James Watt Close on Gapton Hall Estate.

I had earlier received an email that new 72 plate Levantees had arrived for National Express work as two were observed heading for Great Yarmouth along the A47 'Acle Straight' earlier in the week.

My passing of the depot was not in vain as 305 BV72 XFB was espied opposite the entrance. From the online National Express fleet list the second coach is 304 BV72 XFA

Roy

StreetDeck Chassis Wash

Following the news that a First West of England Wright StreetDeck had arrived at First Caister Road depot on Wednesday, I received a heads up this morning that SN65 OMH was due for a visit to L G Perfects for a chassis wash in preparation for an MOT.

Whilst it was a little short notice for me to photo the outward trip I did get a couple of photos of the the return journey from Harfrey's Industrial Estate.

My thanks to First Great Yarmouth for the information and especially to the considerate driver who slowed to enable me to get some reasonable pictures.

Roy

Driver Trainer At Great Yarmouth

First Essex driver training bus Volvo B7RLE 66863 MX05 CJF made a special guest appearance at First Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot this morning. Currently on loan to First Norwich, the saloon was new to First Manchester in July 2005.

My thanks to Will Drake for the photo.

Roy

First 32214 Revisits

An unusual visitor appeared at First Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot during yesterday evening staying overnight.

It was First Norwich 32214 LT52 WTX and it’s not the first time it’s been in the town as the Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL spent a period at Caister Road on short term loan during April last year.

32214 was permanently based in the area for a number of of years until late 2016 when it moved to Norwich.

It was repainted into the First Norwich generic lilac fronted livery at Simon Morris of Ipswich during September 2018.

My thanks to First Great Yarmouth for the photo.

Roy

Another StreetDeck for Norwich

Another First West of England Wright StreetDeck arrived at a First Eastern Counties depot today destined for First Norwich.

35140 SN65 OMH is pictured at the latter’s Caister Road depot and had previously operated for First Bristol. My thanks to Will Drake for the photo.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 23rd November 2022

This week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains some items of local interest.

Konect Bus is to amend the timetable of its 5B Stalham to Norwich City Centre service from 3rd January 2023.

Sanders Coaches has retrospectively amended the route and timetable of its 35B Swafield to Cromer service from 20th November 2022

First Eastern Counties Buses has decreased the number of vehicles authorised at its Roundtree Way site in Norwich to 101.The operator has also registered a new centre at 1A Vulcan Road South in the city for 66 vehicles replacing the one previously recorded as being located at Vulcan Road.

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

Roy

First 30964 Leaves Too

Hot on the heels of the departure of 30960 YJ51 RDU to Shelton Motors yesterday is similar Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 30964 YJ51 RAU making its final journey to Ramsey in Cambridgeshire today.

It was withdrawn from service in early October and Will Drake provides a photo of it prior to leaving Caister Road. Thanks Will.

Roy

Last Journey for First 30960

Former First York (Rider) and First Manchester ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL 30960 YJ51 RDU left First Great Yarmouth's Caister Road for the last time

It is viewed here inside the depot before being towed to its final resting place at Shelton Motors of Ramsey earlier today. Its last day in service was on 21st October 2022 when I managed to get a photo of it in use (Final 51 Plate Faces Withdrawal - 21st October 2022).

My thanks to Will Drake for the photo

Roy

Latest Coastal Gemini enters service

The second of the ex Go Ahead London Volvo/Wright Gemini purchased via Ensignbus entered service today in the town working the 8 route between Caister and the James Paget Hospital.

36288 LX59DBZ is one of three arrivals so far joing 36281 & 36283 now here, the latter yet to enter service. 36288 was formerly WVL321 with Go Ahead London Central.

Many thanks to Aaron for the photo of her waiting time at Marram Drive, Caister.

Grahame.

Last Dart Withdrawn

The last Alexander Pointer bodied Dennis Dart at First Lowestoft's Gasworks Road depot has been taken out of service.

42921 EU05 AUN was new to in First Essex in March 2005 and moved north to First Eastern Counties eight years later. Among its home depots were Norwich and Great Yarmouth as well as Lowestoft.

Concerning yesterday's post regarding the appearance of a Coast Reds StreetLite on First Norwich Green Line duties (Coastal Red in the City - 17th November 2022), my assumption was right in that it had replaced another as 63319 SK65 PWZ had developed a compressor fault. It has returned to Green Line duties this morning

Roy

Seaside Seven

In between the blustery showers yesterday afternoon the sunshine made brief appearances making photography a little difficult during my run through the holiday area of Great Yarmouth.



Despite that I managed photos of the seven coaches present with the first being former National Holidays Mercedes-Benz Tourismo NH69 GHH now with Caledonia Travel



Parked closely behind was similar Edinburgh Coach Lines YSU 196 in Shearings.com livery. It was new to Landtourer Coaches of Brighton Hill in Hampshire as BF16 XRM which was branded for Globus Tours.



Posed in front of the wheel on Marine Parade was FR Willetts' RHV 462 which is based in Coleford, Gloucestershire. The Jonckhere JHV bodied Volvo B12M was new to Allander Coaches of Milngarve, Scotland in June 2007 as SF07 TKD.

Outside the New Beach Hotel was Tiverton-based Blakes Coaches' Irizar i6 Integral BC17 HJB; new in April of that year.

Another cluster of three coaches was assembled near The Arc Cinema on North Drive headed by another Irizar i6 from the N&K Tours Wiltshire fleet in the form of LT15 NKT.

Behind were Hemmings Holidays, VDL HM18 HEM and Alfa Travel's Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BV19 YFB

Roy

Coastal Red In the City

Dan High has also forwarded a photo of First Great Yarmouth StreetLite in use on First Norwich Green Line service 15A to Wymondham in the rain yesterday

As I had mentioned previously, some Green Line workings are now being operated from the Great Yarmouth depot and I can only surmise that one of the previous night's arrivals failed resulting in the substitution of Coastal Reds branded 47503 SN64 CPX

My thanks to Dan for the photo.

Roy

Coastal Red Branding Still!

Despite my report on 11th November that Volvo B7 37026 YJ06 XKP had transferred to First Norwich (Loan Made Permanent), it was seen in Norwich this morning operating the 36 service to Long Stratton still branded for Coastal Reds!

My thanks to Dan High for the photo

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 16th November 2022

This week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains some retrospective alterations to services operated by Sanders Coaches.

The timetables of four routes have been changed from 30th October 2022 and they are
* 9/9A Fakenham to Sheringham.
* 23 Church Crossroads, Horningcroft to Riverside Retail Park, Norwich.
* 25 Fakenham Oak Street to Dereham Tesco Store.
* 27/28 Green Lane, Pudding Norton to Morrisons Store in Fakenham.

Also cancelled from the same date is two of the operator's school services; the 201 South Creek to Alderman Peel School, Wells-next-the-Sea and the 309 Stibbard Crossroads to Fakenham Sixth Form.

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

Roy

Solos Leave

The movement of two Sanders Optare Solos to Shelton Motors of Ramsey last week marked the disappearance of the type from the fleet.



The twosome concerned were 200 YJ58 CBX and 203 MX09 AOU. No 200 was new to Henderson of Hamilton in September 2008 and didn't join the Sanders' fleet until July 2016 arriving from Holmeswood Coaches of Ormskirk.

The latter began life with Jackson of Silsden, West Yorkshire in March 2009 with Sanders acquiring it from Hughes of Llangefni, North Wales in February 2016

My thanks to Sanders Coaches for the information

Roy

Last Night's Blue Line Stayers

As usual there were two First Norwich Blue Line overnight stayers at Caister Road depot last night with visits from Volvo B7TL/Plaxton 32105 LT02ZCU and Wright Streetdeck 35196 SK16 GVV.



The former had a short loan spell in Great Yarmouth last year assisting with additional vehicle requirements and maintenance cover. However, it has visited the town a number of times previously and the second photo shows it awaiting a Harford Park and Ride duty shortly after joining First Eastern Counties from Centre West in March 2010.

Will Drake has also provided a photo of the Pink Line Streetdeck 35196 SK16 GVV

My thanks to First for the information and to Will for the photo of 35196

Roy

Jubilee's Latest Arrival

Although now in retirement, Kevan Portas will continue to provide information and updates from his previous employer Jubilee Coaches.

Late October saw the Rollesby-based operator acquire Mercedes Benz Tourismo BF16 XRB. The coach was new to Wilfreda-Beehive of Adwick-le-Street, South Yorkshire in April 2016. It has also seen use with Elcock Reisen of Telford.

My thanks to Kevan for the information and to Simon Moore for the photo.

Roy

Another First Wessex Arrives

Simon Taylor collected another First Hants and Dorset Volvo B7RLE from Southampton yesterday for delivery to First Norwich. 69546 BF12 KWL is currently branded for the First Wessex Weymouth to Dorchester service.



My thanks to Simon for the use of his photo.

Roy

First 42911 Enters Preservation

Yesterday First Lowestoft's Dennis Dart / Plaxton Pointer 42911 WX05 RVV left its Gasworks Road depot for the last time destined for preservation in the west of England. There it will join similar 42910 WX05 RVU presently in its Badgerline colour scheme.



42911 moved from First Somerset and Avon to First Eastern Counties in December 2015, in its Barbie livery, working on town services in Lowestoft. It is seen here on Katwjck Way in the town on 15th February 2016.

Meanwhile, the only active Dart in Lowestoft is one time Great Yarmouth stalwart 42921 EU05 AUN which this morning was working 101 and 109 services to Gunton and Carlton Colville respectively.

Roy

Loan Made Permanent

The loan of First Great Yarmouth Volvo B7 37026 YJ06 XKP to First Norwich has been made permanent following its transfer to the latter's fleet.

The Volvo finally made its first appearance at Caister Road in mid-June following an engine replacement and Will Drake's photo shows it on its first day there.

My thanks to First Great Yarmouth for the information and to Will for the use of his photo.

Roy

Two More Sanders Departures

Following the eventual departure of Sanders' Wright Pulsar Gemini bodied DAF 104 LJ53 NHP yesterday, two more deckers have left for Shelton Motors today. They include similar 109 LJ53 NHV and East Lancs Lowlander bodied VDL DB250 106 PM03 EHU.



The former was new to Arriva London South in October 2003 and later transferred to Arriva London North. LJ53 NHV entered service with Sanders in 2016

PM03 EHU was new to Isle of Man Transport as GMN 74E in May 2003 and joined the Sanders fleet in 2014 and later became their 106

My thanks to LiamS for the information.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 9th November 2022

This week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains some items of local interest.

BR Shreeve & Sons of Lowestoft, operating as Belle Coaches, has amended the stopping places of its MILLS1 schools service from 31st October 2022. It operates between Leiston Road in Aldburgh and Thomas Mills High School in Framlington. The company has also amended the timetable of its MILLS2 service from Butchers Arms PH in Knodshall to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham from the same date.

First Eastern Counties has amended the timetable of its 975 schools service between Great Eastern Square in Felixstowe and Kesgrave High School, also from 31st October 2022

However, the full Notices and Proceedings Report can be viewed here soon.

Roy

Sanders' Departure

The latest news from Sanders Coaches is that Wright Pulsar Gemini bodied DAF 104 LJ53NHP is to leave the fleet.

LJ53 NHP on Great Yarmouth Airshow Park & Ride duty in June 2018

It was new to Arriva London South as their DW47 in November 2003 and when it arrived at Sanders in December 2015 it was mainly allocated to its North Walsham depot. Withdrawal came in September 2021 and it was expected to depart the depot today destined for Shelton Motors of Ramsey in Cambridgeshire. However, it was still present this evening!

My thanks to LiamS for the information.

Roy

First Wessex On Purple Line

Yesterday there was the surprise appearance of Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse Urban 69555 BF12 KWR on the First Norwich 36A service to Harleston. The former First Hants and Dorset (First Wessex) bus was snapped in Castle Meadow in the City on the Purple Line route by Dan High.



Thanks Dan

Roy

Chariots For Sale

North Norfolk based AFSC Limited, operating as Marett's Chariots, have advertised a couple of its coaches as being for sale on the UK Bus & Coach Trader Facebook site.



They are Vehixel bodied Irisbus Scholarbus FE52 HFJ and Van Hool bodied Volvo B12M GDZ 8561. The former was photographed at Great Yarmouth Station in February 2020 on rail replacement work. The bus, which attracts adverse comments from the enthusiast fraternity about its alleged ugliness, was acquired from Olympia of Hindley, Greater Manchester in July 2019.

GDZ 8561 was purchased from Bus & Us of Melton Constable in 2021 who in turn had acquired it from Richards Coaches of Guist in November 2018. It was new to Shearings Holidays as MV02 ULU and it still carries the livery of Elcock Reisen of Telford, another previous operator.

Another vehicle is expected to arrive at Marret's Chariots later this week

Roy

Ipswich Pinks

A former Ipswich based Enviro 200 surprisingly popped up back in the Suffolk town this morning covering for another of the type in the current Ipswich fleet.

 

45119 RT09JPT was previously based at Norwich for use on Pink line services in the city, it and sister 44928 EU08FHB are said to be heading for First Cymru shortly according to reports.

45119 began life with FEC at Lowestoft after being purchased via Ensign, it was new to JP Travel. Seen above in 2013 in Gordon Road, Lowestoft.

Many Thanks to Bryan Dickson for the Ipswich photo.

Grahame.

Unusual Visitor Overnight

Last month you may remember that we reported that two First Norwich Blue Line vehicles regularly stay overnight at First Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot (Blue Line Sleepovers - 4th October 2022) but last night it involved an unusual visitor in the form of Pride liveried 35150 SN65 OMU.

I thought it might possibly be the first time that a Wright StreetDeck has turned up at the depot but Grahame tells me that another, 35199, worked the 8s possibly prior to an MOT at Caister Road.

My thanks to First for the information and photo and to Grahame for the pic of 35199

Roy

Seafront Today

Just three coaches were observed on my run along Great Yarmouth seafront earlier this morning and all three were parked up on North Drive opposite The Arc Cinema.



At the front was Klarners Executive Travel's Yutong YF17 LTV with Alfa Travel's Mercedes Benz Tourismos BU15 OEC and BU16 HBD immediately behind.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 2nd November 2022

This week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains no items of local interest. However, the full Notices and Proceedings Report can be viewed here soon.

Roy