Additional Simonds' Rare Working

Another unusual operation by a Simonds' vehicle took place in Norwich on late Monday afternoon. 

Their Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BN17 JJY was employed on the 16:20 Service 2 from Norwich to Diss, substituting for the regular bus. The coach was new to Suffolk Norse in May 2017 and was acquired by Simonds in late 2021 after the former ceased operations.

My thanks to Omar Atiallah for his photo.

Roy

Another Volvo B9 Heads To Cornwall

Dan High reports that First Eastern Counties Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 36174 BD11 CFY has now moved on to Cornwall.



It is pictured in Dereham Market Place on Friday (26th July 2024) deputising on Excel route D prior to working back to Norwich. Similar 36171 BD11 CFU also appears to have made the same journey to the south-west.

Thanks to Dan for the update and photo.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 31st July 2024

Another couple of items of 'local' interest appear in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.

BorderBus provided a new LAT5 service between Beccles Tesco store and the Latitude Festival site from the 26th to 28th July 2024

KonectBus is to amend the start and finish point, route and timetable of its 5B service between Norwich Bus Station Stand A / Easton College and Stalham from 1st September 2024

The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to view here soon.

Roy

Norwich On Saturday

David Bell was in Norwich on Saturday, unaware that it was Norwich Pride Day. Rampart Horse Street in the city was closed with First Great Yarmouth's Volvo B9 36201 BN12 WOC on display in a special Supporting Pride livery.



There were many diversions in place with two ex-London AEC Routemasters seen on wedding hires. They were RML2588 (JJD 588D) and RM54 (LDS 279A) with the latter previously registered VLT54.




Additionally, the former First Leeds Wrightbus Streetdeck 35290 SL67VXU was operational on the First Norwich 28 route



My thanks to David for the photos

Roy

More Arrivals At Dolphin

Dan High reports on three new additions to the Swanton Road fleet of Norwich-based Dolphin Autos.



Two are BMC 220s formerly operated in West Yorkshire by different companies. YJ56 XSR was initially with CTS Plus of Wakefield in September 2006, while YK55 AUF started with First West Yorkshire in February of the same year.



The third vehicle, a Volvo B12B, previously with McLean's Coaches of Airdrie in Scotland, is thought to be PN04 BNX, although its identity remains unconfirmed.

My thanks to Dan for the photos

Roy

Felbrigg Visitors

Regular contributor Tony Wilson provides us with information and photos of a couple of coaches recently visiting the National Trust's Felbrigg Hall near Cromer.



His first photo is that of Sleafordian Coaches' Mercedes-Benz Tourismo registered FE18 SLE.



The second features a visitor from abroad: a Setra S511 HD from German-based Hoge-Reisen, with the registration AH RK 650.

My thanks to Tony for his contributions.

Roy

Another Simonds' Surprise

Further to Wednesday's post regarding the use of an unexpected vehicle on Simonds' Diss to Norwich 2 service (Simonds' Surprise - 24th July 2024); another of their double-deckers normally used on school contract work was also on the route this morning.



It was Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL X663 VRL which was acquired from Devon-based Country Bus in August last year. It was new to Dublin Bus as their AV115 00-D-70115 in November 2000.

My thanks to Dan High for the photos.

Roy

Duo On North Drive

Since last Sunday (21st July), I've driven along North Drive in Great Yarmouth several times and noticed two coaches parked in the overflow car park of the Burlington/Palm Court Hotel, but never managed to stop and take photos of them.



To my surprise, they were still there earlier this afternoon, so I took the opportunity to photograph them. The first was Bakers Dolphin Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, registration BV19 YMC.



On the opposite side of the site was a VDL Futura 274 FYP from Woods Travels of Bognor Regis. It was originally registered as WA64 CVV when new to Moseley of Wellington in November 2014.

Roy

Ex AnglianBus At Ensign

Mark Doggett, a frequent visitor to Ensign, was once again at their Purfleet premises today to see representatives from Merlin Travel collect their newly acquired vehicles. Contrary to the earlier report, the vehicles were not the anticipated three blue Volvo B7TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini buses but rather four former London Scanias! It seems the blue Geminis are destined for Barway Services of Ely.



Additionally, while he was there, he spotted a former AnglianBus Wright StreetLite, identified as McGill's MX60 BWJ, in the yard. This vehicle, which originated with the Beccles-based operator in November 2010, was photographed making its way into Great Yarmouth's  Market Place from The Conge on the 24th of May, 2011.

My thanks to Mark for the information and the McGill's photo.

Roy

First Norwich Blue Line Deckers

With more First Norwich Blue Line Volvo B9s expected to head to the south west fairly soon, Dan High sends photos of three of them operating in the city today



Here's 36176 BD11 CGE on a diverted Turquoise Line service 13 on Castle Meadow.



Next is 36177 BD11 CGF heading for Wymondham on a Green Line 14 service



Lastly its 36179 BD11 CDY on the Yellow Line 28 route to Thorpe Marriott.

My thanks to Dan for the pictures.

Roy

Simonds' Surprise

Today, an unexpected vehicle was operating on Simonds' Diss to Norwich 2 service; a double-decker usually reserved for school contract work.



Regular contributor Dan High has shared photos of the East Lancs-bodied VDL DB250 YJ56 KCK when seen in the city. Simonds took ownership of the vehicle from Lodge of High Easter in Essex in August of last year and it retains their livery. It first entered service with Courtney of Bracknell in November 2006.



My thanks to Dan for his contribution and photographs.

Roy

Four At The Beach

During yesterday afternoon four coaches were parked at Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station.



The first one noted was a Mercedes-Benz Tourismo PT18 AVA from Leyland-based AVA Coach.COM.



Adjacent to it was Caradoc Coaches' YD18 WXP, a VDL, bearing legal lettering for Lakeside Coaches of Ellesmere in Shropshire.



The last photograph captured two Alfa Travel Mercedes-Benz Tourismos, BV20 HNE and BV22 WTO, both frequent visitors to the town. Another fleet member, BV20 HNJ, was stationed outside the New Beach Hotel on Marine Parade.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 24th July 2024

A couple of items of 'local' interest appear in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.

BorderBus Limited is introducing a new LAT1 hourly bus service from Halesworth Rail Station to the Latitude Festival site from the 23rd to the 29th July 2024.

Vertas (Ipswich) Limited has received approval to use a site at Commercial Road in Lowestoft as an operating centre for 20 vehicles

The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to view here soon.

Roy

Another Acquisition

Our friends at J&M Preservations have acquired another vehicle and for the first time it’s a double decker. Volvo B7TL GIG 9134 was collected from Sleaford earlier today and is now safely located at the group's Suffolk premises.

We earlier reported its previous identity which was incorrect and that's not surprising as the plate was used on a number of other vehicles including an Olympian. Mason Lee from the group says that it still carries fleet number VP108 inside the cab which identifies it as W452 BCW. It was new to London United in May 2005.

 

The group is also preparing its vehicles to attend the forthcoming Big Bus Show 2024 on Sunday the 11th August. It is providing a FREE bus service from Lowestoft's Gordon Road Bus Station to and from the event. If anyone would like to use the service please be there for 07.30 as departure will be at 07.40. The return journey will leave at 16:20

Vehicles employed on these runs include Dennis Dart SLF KP02 PVU, Optare Solo MX06 ABO, a Bristol LH and a Routemaster.

My thanks to Mason Lee for the information and photos.

Roy

More Geminis Head For Cornwall

At least two Wright Eclipse Gemini-bodied Volvo B9TLs are departing Norwich for Cornwall tonight, according to Dan High.



They include Blue Line 36168 BD11 CFN and Turquoise Line 36171 BD11 CFU. (Update: it’s still in Norwich !!)  My thanks go to Dan for the report and photos.



Roy

Ensign Latest Update

Mark Doggett made his latest visit to dealers Ensign earlier today and observed ten former First Eastern Counties buses present.



The buses, identified as 32203*, 32651, 35201, 37024*/5*/6, 37043/4, and 37150*/4*, include at least five ex-First Great Yarmouth vehicles, as indicated by an asterisk (*).



Three Volvo B7TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini buses, numbers 37024/43 and 37150, have been painted blue and sold to Merlin Travel of Dunfermline, Scotland. They will be collected in the coming days.



Update: 

Mark saw the guys from Merlin Travel at Ensign on Thursday (25th July) who picked up three Scanias instead!! On checking his information he found the blue Geminis are really due for Barway Services of Ely. 

My special thanks to Mark for providing the updated information and photos.

Roy

Simonds Sunday

Last Sunday (21st July), coach operator Simonds provided transport from Dunwich on the Suffolk coast to London (Millwall), offering cyclists a return journey to the capital.



The vehicles selected for this trip were Volvo B12 538 ELX, plus Mercedes-Benz Tourismos BF65 HVP and BN17 JJY, which are shown in the photo at the Simonds depot before departure.

My special thanks to Peter Oakes for the information and the photograph.

Roy

Wherry Service Starts

Today marked the inaugural day of the seasonal Wherry 100 bus service in Great Yarmouth, operated by Our Bus. The vehicle used was Optare Solo M920 YJ62 FZV, which is seen here on last year's services.



Photo courtesy of Tim Miller

Roy

City Clipper

The Norwich City Clipper began on Saturday with former First Great Yarmouth Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 32348 LK53 LZL on the new 100 service.



Dan High captured some images of it in action at Castle Meadow this morning. The service runs daily until 31st August.

For the first time on the blog I have also used the video feature showing the service operating. Just click on the playback button to do so and you can also view the video full screen if required.  My thanks to Dan for the pictures and the video.

Roy

Changes To Our X Account

Unfortunately, we've encountered issues accessing our current X (Twitter) account, so we've set up a new site at https://x.com/eastnorfolkbus1. Our previous site's content remains accessible. We ask for your patience as we update the new site to serve you better.

Unusual Visitor

Earlier today at Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station, there was an unusual sighting: an ADL Enviro400 MMC from Leytonstone's Goldline fleet. The bus, registered YY24 GZL, was added to the London-based operator's fleet only last month.



Our thanks to Taylor Jack for providing the information and photograph.

Roy

Wherry 100 Service Returns

Martin Halliday of the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership has communicated that the group is sponsoring this year's seasonal Our Bus 100 service.

From 22nd July to 31st August, the service will operate on a timetable similar to the previous year, starting from Vauxhall Park, then to the Rail Station, Seafront, Britannia Pier, and returning via St Nicholas Road to Vauxhall Park.

The partnership emphasises its commitment to improving connectivity, noting the considerable distance from Great Yarmouth station to the seafront and town centre. It recognizes that families with luggage and day-trippers may find a taxi too expensive or the walk too lengthy. Despite last August's inclement weather, the service transported nearly 10,000 passengers.

My thanks to Martin for the information and to Steve Hewett of the East Norfolk Transport Users Association for successfully campaigning for the service.

Roy

Friday Miscellany

Today's post offers a variety of locations where photos were taken - starting in Great Yarmouth, moving on to Norwich and ending up in Cromer.



The initial location is Great Yarmouth's Beach Coach Station where three vehicles were parked up earlier today, having previously observed another three returning home on the A47. A Crusader Holidays' (Motts Coaches) branded Mercedes-Benz Tourismo UK19 CRU was the first observed.



Nearby was Maynes Coaches' Tourismo T80 GSM which had travelled all the way from Buckie in Scotland



The last was Wigan-based Grayway Holidays' Van Hool TX15 Alicron YT16 EHE on hire to Alfa Holidays.



We now move on to to Norwich where our regular reporter Dan High was photographing loaned Ipswich Reds StreetDecks working trips between Costessey Park & Ride and the University of East Anglia for its graduations. Dan's photo shows First Eastern Counties 35910 BN72 TVA



Meanwhile, I had travelled up to Cromer where I captured Sanders Coaches' MCV eVoRa bodied Volvo B8RLE 525 BV22 HBO heading west on Runton Road on a Coasthopper service.

My thanks to Dan for his photo

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 17th July 2024

There are some alterations to local services provided by BorderBus and Sanders Coaches in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.

BorderBus is amending the timetables of its LAT2 route between Halesworth Rail Station and the Latitude Festival in Henham and its LAT4 Kessingland to Latitude service from 26th July 2024.

Sanders Coaches is altering the timetables of the following services from the 1st September 2024:-
* 46 Bus Shelter, Market Place, Holt to Fakenham.
* 201 Wicken Green - Blenheim Park School to Wells-next-the-Sea Primary School.
* 202 Salthouse Post Office to Wells High School.

The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to be view here soon.

Roy

Sanders Solar Moves On

Stowmarket-based Dan's Coach Travel has announced on Facebook that it has acquired a vehicle from Sanders Coaches.



The vehicle concerned is Wright Solar bodied Scania L94UB YN05 GXX, numbered 316 in the fleet. It has been with Sanders since June 2013 and was new to Reading Buses eight years earlier,

Roy

EATM British Bus Fleets Event

My apologies for the delay in posting the report on the East Anglia Transport Museum's British Bus Fleets Event. Half way through editing photos, my PC stubbornly refused to proceed any further until it updated its operating system, which took blooming ages! Other commitments meant I couldn't do any work on the post until this evening. So here goes.



Fortunately the rain held off and I travelled to the park and ride site late morning to be ferried to the museum by former First Glasgow (now First Eastern Counties) 37532 MXZ 3342 seen dropping off passengers opposite the entrance.



Regular return trips from the museum were carried out by the museum's resident vehicles with former Great Yarmouth AEC Swift WEX 685M and ex Eastern National Bristol KSW5G open top WNO 479 joining in. Lowestoft Corporation AEC Regent V 918 NRT was placed on the naughty step on the Sunday with fuel issues so didn't take part.



A number of vehicles were lined up on Chapel Road including BorderBus Scania OmniCity 212 BB61 BUS, First Great Yarmouth Pride Volvo B9 36202 BN12 WOC and Belle Coaches' Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BF62 JZR.



Opposite the main Trolleybus depot were parked three vehicle with the first being Ipswich Transport Museum's preserved AEC Regent V ADX 63B, number 63 in the Ipswich Corporation Transport fleet.



Next to it was former Eastern National Bristol FLF6G Lodekka/Eastern Coach Works NTW 924C. Now preserved at the Canvey Island Transport Museum.



The third of the trio, I thought, was the star of the show. It was Lodge's Coaches' Bedford VAL70/ Duple Viceroy TFV 475J.



The Fylde Transport Trust’s Blackpool Brush Railcoach Terror Tram 634 was doing a fine trade and is seen here passing the Trolleybus depot



After trips on many vehicles, including the extended East Suffolk Light Railway, it was getting fairly dark and overcast so I decided to leave as the weather looked threatening and I was without a coat! Whilst I was waiting for the return bus to the Park & Ride site, Great Yarmouth Corporation's AEC Reliance AEX 85B departed the museum on a trip to Beccles.

Roy