Complimentary Christmas Vintage Bus Tours

Yesterday marked the start of the traditional complimentary vintage Christmas bus rides around Norwich by Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire.



Due to the unavailability of their usual double-decker, green Routemaster RMC1513 513 CLT is being used for the free half-hour circular around the city. This bus was new to London Transport's Aldenham Garage in December 1962. Santa's Elves will be on board to collect donations for charity.



The event is being supported by the privately preserved Eastern Coach Works bodied Bristol VRT VPW 85S. Initially ordered by Waveney District Council, it was first registered for use by Eastern Counties in September 1977.

Buses are running today as well as on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December, all starting from the Coach Bay outside Castle Quarter.

My thanks to Stephen Tyrrell for the photos

Roy

Ex Sanders Deckers In Aylesbury

Regular contributor Mark Doggett tells me that two ex Sanders Coaches double deckers are currently with Redline Line Buses of Aylesbury. Both Volvo B9TL/East Lancs PL08 YLZ and PL08 YMA are pictured in the operator's overflow yard.



Many thanks to Mark for the information and photo.

Roy

New Logos Bus

With Dan High advising that one of First Norwich's Deckers has received First 's new logo design, Stephen Tyrrell has provided photos of the new look.



The vehicle concerned is former Leicester Wright StreetDeck 35180 SK16 GUX with Stephen taking photos of it on Castle Meadow earlier today.



Thanks for the photos Stephen.

Roy

Back On The Road

First Eastern Counties Coastlink liveried Enviro400 33807 YX63 LJN has been repaired at Caister Road and is now back in service on its regular X1/X11 duties



My thanks to First for the update

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 18th December 2024

Firstly, please accept my apologies for not posting here in recent days due to being out of commission! This is the first of many backdated posts which should remedy the situation.

There are no 'local' interest entries in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report. Nevertheless, the complete report is available for viewing here.

Roy

Sanders Sunday Soccer Specials

With Norwich City Football Club playing their home match yesterday, Sanders Coaches ran their football services on a Sunday. Dan High attended the match but took these photos before and after the match.



His first photo shows Scania N94UD OmniDekka 116 YN53 CFZ on NC11 route which originated in North Walsham.



The next one features Volvo B8L/ MCV EvoSeti 129 EC23 SHA which arrived on the NC2 from Fakenham.



Volvo B8R/ Plaxton Panther coach CE24 SAN was employed on the NC5 route from Larling via Thetford.

The final photo is of Volvo B8L/ MCV EvoSeti 128 PC23 SAN preparing to return to Holt on the NC1 service.

My thanks to Dan for sharing his photos and, as for the match result, City lost!

Roy

In For Repair

Coastlink liveried Enviro400 33807 YX63 LJN has been moved over the pits at First's Caister Road premises in readiness for work to begin on its repairs tomorrow. The picture was taken yesterday prior to the transfer inside.

My thanks to First for the information and photo.

Roy

Recent Repaint

A recent First Eastern Counties repaint is former First Leicester Wright StreetDeck 35179 SK16 GUW. It was seen in Norwich yesterday by Dan High in the new First corporate livery.



Thanks Dan

Roy

Lowestoft Interlude

I spent just over half an hour at Lowestoft's Gordon Road bus station earlier this afternoon while the better half continued with the Christmas shopping.



In a previous post I mentioned that Lowestoft's Alexander Dennis Enviro200s 44451 YK09 HKK and 44453 YX09 HKN were languishing in the rear yard at First Great Yarmouth. They have been replaced by another twosome 44599 YX08 HJF and 47485 SN64 CNX and both were in action this afternoon.



Also sighted was Coastal Clipper liveried 37575 AU58 ECZ which was arriving at the bus station on the 99 service from Southwold. It had worked the route all day.



Arriving from Norwich on the X2 from Norwich was coastlink 33808 YX63 LJO which had returned to active service earlier in the month.



Although the afternoon was dull and gloomy I appeared to get some reasonable photos.

Roy

Acquired For Spares

Earlier today, Dan High noted an unexpected appearance at Dolphin Autos' premises on Swanton Road, Norwich.



The vehicle in question was former Norse Volvo B10M / Plaxton Premiere 7175 - LKZ 4453 acquired for spare parts. Previously registered as P193 HNT and 6280 RU, it was obtained by Norse from Abbey Coaches of Neilston in Scotland in September 2011.

Thanks Dan for the photo.

Roy

First Great Yarmouth Update

The latest from First's Caister Road depot is that ex First South Yorkshire Wright StreetLite 47484 SN64 CNV and partial open topper 37068 CRZ 599 have passed their MOTs for another year. Norwich's Wright StreetDeck 35114 SO15 CUX was also undergoing its test yesterday.



Volvo B9TL/ Wright Eclipse 36288 LX59 DBZ continues to have its engine rebuilt while similar 37563 AU58 ECA has gearbox issues

Meanwhile, in the rear yard are Coastlink branded Alexander Dennis Enviro400s 33805 YX63 LJK and 33807 YX63 LJN plus Volvo B9TL 37275 LKD58 EDJ. Lowestoft's Alexander Dennis Enviro200s 44451 YK09 HKK and 44453 YX09 HKN also remain in the yard having not moved for a while.

My thanks to First for the updates

Roy

Norwich This Morning

Dan High was stationed in his usual spot at Castle Meadow in Norwich this morning and reports the following.



Central Connect's ADL Enviro200 MMC YY24 HBJ was seen ready to depart on Simonds' service 82 to Royden.



Not long after, First Eastern Counties' Coastal Red Volvo B9 36215 BJ12 VWX arrived on the number 7 service from Great Yarmouth's Market Gates.



Subsequently, Completely Coaches Travel's Plaxton-bodied Volvo B12 R28 CCT was observed passing through Castle Meadow. This vehicle was formerly registered as KX59 CYE and served with Avacab of Leyland.



Lastly, Smiths Coaches' Toyota BB50R/Caetano Optimo FJ09 DWW, was recorded. The Blofield-based operator acquired the 31-seater from Haines Minicoaches of Leatherhead in October 2017.

Thanks for the photos Dan.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 11th December 2024

Simonds of Bottesdale has two entries in this week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report published earlier today.

The operator registered a new Monday to Saturday GY1A factory service commencing on 11th November 2024. It starts at Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station and picks up enroute to KFC Gillingham and comprises one am and one pm journey.


Simonds' Scania WVE 284 on a factory service from Beach Coach Station in August this year

From 25th November 2024, Simonds also began a limited stop GY2 service from KFC Gillingham to the Cranswick factory at Eye. There are eight journeys a day from Monday to Saturday.

The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available for viewing here soon.

Roy

Megabus Continues

David Slater writes 'Despite the recent press releases that Megabus was to withdraw a number of services that operate wholly within England and Wales after December 4, it looks like the Birmingham-Norwich service may continue for a little while longer although with revised timings.

The Megabus website is different now and also shows National Express journeys achieved by changing coaches at London. From what I can make out the direct Birmingham-Norwich service will operate on December 6,7,8,13,14,15 and 21. After that nothing is shown.


Thandi Executive Coaches were operating the Stagecoach M87 to Norwich on 3rd November 2024

Departure times from Birmingham are 0840 and 1310 arriving in Norwich at 1245 and 1715. Departure times from Norwich Bus Station are 1335 and 1825 arriving in Birmingham at 1740 and 2230. Intermediate points are still Coventry, Cambridge and UEA'.

I am grateful to David for the update.

Roy

Coastlink on Coastal Route

For the past three days or so, First Eastern Counties Alexander Dennis Enviro400 33813 YX63 LKA has been employed away from its normal route and has been operating on the 8s between Gorleston's James Paget Hospital and Caister's Marram Drive.



The attached photo, supplied by an anonymous contributor, shows the coastlink branded decker on the Coastal Reds service at the James Paget Hospital terminus earlier today.

Roy

Eastons' Thursford Excursion.

Today, Norfolk's Eastons Coaches are operating a vintage excursion to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, featuring travel on their classic Bedford SB3/Duple WLO 685, which was new in March 1959.

Thankfully, my sister-in-law was aboard and she captured these photographs prior to this morning's departure from Thickthorn.



Roy

First Great Yarmouth Update

The latest update from First Great Yarmouth is that Coastlink branded Alexander Dennis Enviro400 33808 YX63 LJO has returned to active service.



Two Volvo B9 open toppers have become due for their MOTs - 37533 CRZ166 has passed its test whilst 37068 CRZ 599 is currently over this pits having its annual inspection.

The other item to report is that ex Go Ahead London Volvo/Wright Gemini 36288 LX59 DBZ is having an engine rebuild.

My thanks to First for the update.

Roy

StreetDeck Repaint

Earlier today Dan High observed First Eastern Counties 35288 SL67 VXS on its first day back in service following its repaint into First's new corporate livery.



The former First West Yorkshire Wright StreetDeck transferred to Norwich in June this year retaining its Leeds City Green branding.

My thanks to Dan for the info and photo.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 4th December 2024

Some entries to report from this week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report published earlier today

Beccles-based BorderBus amended the timetable of its 580 service between Bungay and Great Yarmouth from 18 September 2024

Ambassador Travel of Great Yarmouth has revised the route, stopping places and timetable of its 68 service between Church Road, Upton in Norfolk and Great Yarmouth Colleges from 25th November 2024.

Lowestoft operator Philip John Overy, trading as Angies Tours, has received approval for a new operating centre at Great Tey Business Park in Essex for 4 vehicles.

The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available for viewing here soon.

Roy

New Retail Park Service Begins

Today marked the commencement of the new Saturdays only bus service to Gapton Retail Park provided by Konectbus.

The 214 service operates at 30-minute intervals departing on the hour and half-hour from Market Gates Bus Station with the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 201 YX69 NPF running today's schedule.



Roy

Another Dolphin Arrival

Dan High looked in at Norwich-based Dolphin Autos earlier in the week and discovered another arrival at their Swanton Road site.



It was Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 SN08 AEL, which began life with Stuarts of Carluke in Lanarkshire during August 2008. It later became part of the Stagecoach West Scotland fleet as their 27626 and later moved to South Staffs where it gained its current livery. It also recently operated for Dan's Coach Travel where it took on the identity of B24 DCT.

My thanks to Dan for the information and photo.

Roy

Caister Road Update

The latest news from First Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot includes the requirement of a new gearbox for Volvo B9TL/ Wright Eclipse Gemini 37275 LK58 EDJ



Similar 37568 AU58 ECJ is having a new axle fitted whilst Alexander Dennis Enviro400 33810 YX63 LJV has fuel issues. StreetLite 47503 SN64 CPX needs a new compressor

My thanks to First Great Yarmouth for the update.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 27th November 2024

A few changes to report from this week's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report published yesterday.

Firstly Sanders Coaches has amended its operator licence. This includes an increase at its Bessemer Way, Norwich operating centre to 20 vehicles and at its Hempstead Road Business Centre in Holt to 23 vehicles. Its new licence authorisation will be125 vehicles

Two new services have been registered by Simonds of Botesdale and Dereham-based Konectbus. The former relates to a CGY1 workers service between Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station and KFC in Gillingham via various pick up points. The Monday to Sunday service began on 11th November 2024 with six journeys daily.

Konectbus is introducing a hail and ride Saturday only 214 service between Great Yarmouth's Market Gates Bus Station and Gapton Hall Retail Park from 30th November 2024. It will run at half hourly intervals

BorderBus cancelled its 581 service between Beccles Market Place and Hillside East, Bungay from 31st August 2024

The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available for viewing here soon.

Roy

Sanders Refurb

North Norfolk operator Sanders Coaches has returned East Lancs OmniDekka bodied Scania 123 YN07 EYY to service after a full refurbishment.



It was observed today on its first day back sporting new number plate X40 BUS by David Harrison who has given consent to use his photos.




Another change of identity has occurred with long serving Volvo B12M 905 YN05 VSG being re registered to W14 SCL

My thanks to David for the use of his photos and to Liam for the update.

Roy

Felixstowe Travel To Be Acquired

Suffolk independent Felixstowe Travel is to be acquired by REL Capitol which has taken a majority shareholding in the business. A statement says that it will work closely with other operators in the group  - REL Davian and Tendring Travel.



The existing management team at Felixstowe Travel, led by Alan Braybrooke, is to remain in place. The coach operator was previously owned by Alan and his wife and he was a driver for the company for three years before he bought the business. He has more than 25 year's experience in the coach travel industry.

Felixstowe Travel owns a fleet of around 15 vehicles with some of them often turning up at Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station. The photo shows their Volvo B8R M40 FXO appearing there in May this year.

Roy

Another StreetDeck Repaint

Another First Eastern Counties Wright StreetDeck, previously in Leeds City Green livery, was spotted in Norwich on Friday wearing First's latest corporate livery.



Our thanks to Dan High for capturing an image of 35290 SL67 VXU on St Stephens Street in the city.

Roy

Ex BorderBus In Yorkshire

Paul Copley reports that another bus, previously connected to East Anglia, has appeared in Yorkshire.



It is former BorderBus ADL Enviro200 MMC YX71 OJB, which operated as their BB71 BUS. It was on loan from ADL for use at Transdev Harrogate during the wait for the delivery of new Mercedes-Benz eCitaros. Paul provides a photo of it crossing the River Nidd in Knaresborough.

Now that some of the eCitaros have been delivered, YX71 OJB has moved on to Transdev Blackburn.

Many thanks to Paul for the update and the photograph.

Roy

Norwich Yesterday

Despite the bad weather yesterday, with snow/sleet falling in Norwich, Dan High was observing activity in Castle Meadow.



His first photo shows First Eastern Counties' electroliners coping with the situation. Wright GB Kite 63637 BK24 AAJ passes Wright StreetDeck 36547 BK73 AGO during the shower.



Simonds/ Central Connect ADL Enviro200 MMC YY24 HBJ is also seen arriving in Norwich with the 82 service from Reydon



With the sleet abating, Konectbus ADL Enviro200 9272 LX09 AZC was noted on Driver Training duties.



Central Connect's similar YX12 FPY was also on the 82 route. It started life with M.W.Nicoll of Laurencekirk in Scotland in July 2012 and has later seen employment with a number of operators including Tyrers Coaches and Galleon Travel among others.



Eastons Coaches' VDL FHD2-129YK16 SUA also put in an appearance - new to them in June 2016.



The final photo was supplied by Dan Pretty which depicts BorderBus ADL Enviro 103 YX12 AEY in a snow shower on St Stephen's Street.

My thanks to the two Dans for supplying the photos.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 20th November 2024

For the third consecutive week there are no 'local interest' entries in the latest East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report. Nevertheless, the complete report will be available for viewing here soon.

Roy

Sanders' Update

Another update from Sanders Coaches which includes new purchase, Volvo B11R/Plaxton MW17 DEV, now re-registered as W30 SCL. It wears fleet number 930.



Completed last week was the repaint of Scania L94 Wright Solar 324 WX06 JYA, now named Tornado, the original name it carried when at Thamesdown.



Finally a pair of Volvo B7s have been laid up for now with one being 515 FJ57 CZN

My thanks to Liam for the update and photos

Roy

Ex Norwich Decker To Become Burger Bar

A former First Eastern Counties Plaxton President-bodied Volvo B7TL is embarking on its latest journey to Hampshire. The bus, formerly known as First Norwich 32203 LT52 WTJ, is set to be transformed into Speedys Burger Bar, located on an industrial estate in Eastleigh.



Originally introduced in October 2002 to CentreWest of London as VTL 1023, it was transferred to First Eastern Counties in March 2010. After new timetables were introduced in March of the subsequent year, 32203 was among ten buses relocated to Great Yarmouth. It later returned to Norwich, where it received the Purple Line livery. Its service ended earlier this year leading to its acquisition by Ensign at Purfleet.

My thanks Liam for the heads up

Roy

Sunny Sightings

Today's welcome sunshine, following a week of grey skies, inspired a drive along the Great Yarmouth seafront. Three coaches were spotted, all Mercedes Benz Tourismos, with two using the town as a base for a trip to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.



The first sighting was of two vehicles opposite the Wellington Pier with Welsh's Tours W6 HOL captured first.



Close by was Caledonian Travel's NH18 BGH, previously part of the National Holidays' fleet.



The last visitor was Crawley Luxury Coaches' CLC 789 from West Sussex, formerly known as BD18 TNK.

Roy