Wednesday 31 January 2024
Service Alterations Registered ~ 31st January 2024
One in, One Out
Leaving the fleet for Semmence of Wymondham is Irisbus Eurorider / Marcopolo Viaggio PN06 TVP, formerly with Norse.
My thanks to Kevan for the information and to Simon for the photo
Tuesday 30 January 2024
Another Dolphin Arrival
Sanders Activity
Plaxton bodied Volvo B12 904 SGF 965 has had a partial repaint and received refreshed branding. The photo shows it before work had taken place.
Volvo B7R 915 FN09 APY has also been refurbished and given a revised registration of E21 APY - see photo. Similar 914 has been reregistered from FN09 AMX to E23 AMX. (Photo: LiamS)
One of the former Morebus Volvo B7RLE's has been retired with 508 HF54 HGN being the latest to go. It is pictured in its early days with the operator on the Station Approach in Sheringham on 26th May 2018
There are two newcomers with the first being Volvo B7RLE / MCV SW63 TAV. It was formerly with Regency Coaches of Lewes and has received Sanders fleet number 533 although not in active service at present (Photo Kieran Smith). The other acquisition is Mercedes-Benz Sprinter / EVM Grand Tourer E19 SCL which has fleet number 005. There is not a new decker due soon.
My thanks to my contacts at Sanders for the information and photos
Roy
Friday 26 January 2024
First Musical Chairs
The two former First Essex Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs 32551 SF54 OSO and 32641 KP54 AZC, which moved to the town in early September from Chelmsford, are soon to return to the county at Colchester. Both were in use today on the 8s between the James Paget Hospital and Caister.
The other decker is Volvo B9TL 36177 BD11 CGF which has gone back to Norwich still with its First Norwich Blue Line branding.
In return First Great Yarmouth have received three Volvo B9s in the form of 36199 BN12 WNZ, 36200 BN12 WOA and 36202 BN12 WOC The first named was observed on Southtown Road at lunchtime returning from Lowestoft with the 1A service. The other two are pictured at Caister Road depot by Roger Bellward. Thanks for the use of the photos Roger.
Roy
From Ipswich To Gorleston
This morning the former Ipswich Reds decker was employed on the 07:45 981 Beccles to Gorleston's East Norfolk Sixth Form College. Thankfully 32651 arrived around five minutes late to enable me to be in position to get a photo - not helped by the low sun!
My thanks to Cameron for the tip off regarding 32651
Roy
Wednesday 24 January 2024
First Eastern Counties Update
Meanwhile at Lowestoft recently transferred ALX400 32651 AU05 MUO has also been withdrawn (since repaired and back in service). Coastal Reds' Wright Eclipse Gemini 37061 YJ06 XMO and ADL Enviro200 44531 SN62AZW have met the same fate.
At Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot ADL Enviro500 38201 SN09ACU remains out of use since before Christmas awaiting parts. Two Coastlink liveried Enviro400s are side-lined with 33803 YX63 LJF requiring major engine work plus 33824 YX63 LKO is off the road too.
My thanks to Toby for the photo and to First for the informative update.
Roy
Service Alterations Registered ~ 24th January 2024
However, Norwich-based Sunbeam Luxury Coaches has received approval for a new operating centre for 12 vehicles at Unit 6 Dunkirk in Aylsham, Norfolk.
The full Notices and Proceedings Report can be viewed here soon.
Roy
Thursday 18 January 2024
J & M Preservations Latest
The group is looking at the acquisition of another Dennis Dart which previously operated with Metroline. KU52 YKG has recently been stood down from service with Newport Bus.
My thanks to Mason Lee for the updates and photo.
Wednesday 17 January 2024
Service Alterations Registered ~ 17th January 2024
BorderBus has registered a new 581 Monday to Saturday service between Old Market Place in Beccles and Hillside Road East in Bungay. Granted under short notice, it commenced on 2nd January 2024.
The full Report is available to view here
Roy
Tuesday 16 January 2024
Dolphin Acquisition
Monday 15 January 2024
Ipswich ALX400s On The Move
Roy
Saturday 13 January 2024
More Streetdecks For Ipswich
The new arrivals are as follows,
35927 MF72WBE
35928 MF72WBG
35929 MF72WBJ
35930 MF72WBK
35931 MF72WBL
All are in a special livery for York University at present so you wont miss them if you are on the hunt with the camera!
35931 is pictured above at its new home alongside one of the Ipswich Reds versions.
35928 was soon put into use yesterday and is pictured above at Martlesham.
Former Wessex Volvo B7RLE 69548 BF12KWJ has also moved over to Ipswich from Norwich.
These moves should spell the end for the remaining Volvo B7TL/ALX400 fleet at the suffolk town.
Thanks to Toby and Gareth for the photos.
Grahame.
Friday 12 January 2024
First Norwich Update
The first shows 36553 BK73 AHA in Castle Meadow complete with fleet numbers attached, whilst the second shows 36530 BK23 LUP. My apologies for the quality of the latter photo which was quickly taken directly towards the sun.
Dan also reported that Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 32107 LT02 ZCX had been withdrawn with fleet numbers painted over. It is seen here in better times exiting Dip Farm in Lowestoft on Airshow Park and Ride duties in August 2011.
Roy
Thursday 11 January 2024
Angies Arrival
Wednesday 10 January 2024
Service Alterations Registered ~ 10th January 2024
Roy
Monday 8 January 2024
Megabus ~ M37 Norwich to Birmingham Further Updated
It is a Higer bodied Scania Touring K410 which was new in October 2023 and wears full Megabus livery. Many of the coaches working for Megabus carry a name, sometimes humorous sometimes not, sometimes travel related sometimes not. This coach carries the name ‘King Toot-ankhamun’.
He reports that 'The Birmingham-Norwich Megabus service M37 will run every day from 10 January 2024 with revised timings. Through running to Bristol and Cardiff would appear to cease prior to that date. The Megabus website shows these timings current until Sunday 24 March 2024.
A later visit to the website now shows the 2000 Norwich to Birmingham running every day. In addition the 1405 service from Norwich and the 1450 from Birmingham are shown as through journeys to/from Liverpool via Manchester and Manchester Airport
Daily Daily
Liverpool 1105
Manchester 1210
Manchester Airport 1255
Birmingham 0830 1450
Coventry 0920 1535
Cambridge 1055 1710
Norwich UEA 1225 1840
Norwich Bus Station 1235 1850
Daily Daily
Norwich Bus Station 1405 2000
Norwich UEA 1415 2010
Cambridge 1545 2140
Coventry 1720 2315
Birmingham 1810 0000
Manchester Airport 2000
Manchester 2040
Liverpool 2150
Many thanks David for the photo and updates
Saturday 6 January 2024
Ex First Great Yarmouth Decker Arrives at Ensign
The Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL was new to First CentreWest in London in October 2002 and registered as LT52 WTU. It moved to First Eastern Counties in May 2010 and was noted on the streets of Great Yarmouth later that year. The photo shows an empty looking 32211 on Marine Parade in July 2010 presumably on contract work.
It left for First South West in July 2016 having been stood down from regular duties the previous month. Soon after transfer it was converted to open top for Land's End Coaster duties and registered TJI 4838. It was recently offered for sale on the Ensign website.
My thanks to Mark for the use of his photo.
Roy
Friday 5 January 2024
A Busman's Day In 1947
Passengers catch a bus at a suburban stop (by a public house) and there are shots taken through the window as they drive towards the bus station at Surrey Street. We see the bus arrive here with other buses in view. One bus is started using a starter handle. Another is a self-starter. Mechanics work in the garage and a selection of destination boards are shown.
The next sequence shows the buses and busmen at Thorpe Station, which was a major terminal at the time. There are scenes from Orford Place, showing the busmen outside their social club and buses passing through.
The film ends by showing the large crowds of people waiting to catch a bus at the Surrey Street Bus Station on August Bank Holiday Monday.
A fascinating film to say the least
Roy
Wednesday 3 January 2024
Service Alterations Registered ~ 3rd January 2024
It contains two backdated entries by First Eastern Counties concerning Monday to Friday schools services. The 903 California Road/ Scratby Road in Ormesby to Flegg High School in Martham and the 983 Repps Road in Martham to East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston. Both services began on 5th December 2023
The full Report is available to be viewed here.
Roy