Deckers Return

The latest update from First's Caister Road depot reveals the return of two double-decker buses to the town. 

The first is City Clipper branded part open-top Volvo B7 32348 LK53 LKL which has come back after spending the summer in Norwich.

The second update is that Coastlink branded Enviro400 33818 YX63 LKG has returned after undergoing repairs at Full Circle.

My thanks to First for the update and photos.

Roy

Megabus Route To Be Axed

David Slater has confirmed that Megabus will reduce several of its services within England starting early December, leading to the discontinuation of their Norwich service after December 1st. The service, which ran twice daily over the summer, has been operating only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the past few weeks.

A background item on the RouteOne website (which doesn’t specifically mention Norwich) can be seen here



The service has more recently been worked by Prospect Coaches of Lye (in the West Midlands) and Tony Wilson's photo shows their Scania K410 HigerTouring PR73 EMA in Norwich Bus Station in April this year

My thanks to David for the information and to Tony for the use of his photo.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 30th October 2024

Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report features only one entry of local interest. 

Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire Limited has been granted approval to expand their fleet to three vehicles at their Sco Ruston operating centre on Church Street.

The complete Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to be viewed here soon.

Roy

Today's Visitors

Having to provide a lift for an early train at Great Yarmouth Railway Station, it gave me the chance to briefly explore the Beach Coach Station and the seafront area to check for any coaches.



Indeed, there were five coaches spotted, with only one utilizing the Beach Coach Station which was Olympia Travel's Irizar i6 YR18 CME adorned with Just Go! Holidays branding.



Another coach from the Wigan-based Olympia fleet was seen by the Sealife Centre on Marine Parade, Jonckheere SHV-bodied Volvo B11R BU16 UWY sporting a National Holidays livery.



Behind it was Forest Travel Holidays' MCV-bodied Volvo B11R BV19 LMX.



Additionally, parked outside the New Beach Hotel were two Mercedes-Benz Tourismos, BV22 WTR and BV20 HNC belonging to Alfa Travel, both frequent visitors to the town.

Roy

Norwich Yesterday

Regular contributor Dan High reports on his recent sightings in Norwich, starting with a First Coastal Clipper liveried Volvo B9 making its way back to Lowestoft Bus Station on the X2. The bus, 37575 AU58 ECZ, was noted with a poppy displayed on the front as it waited time at Norwich Bus Station.



The next photo captures a former First Norwich Red Line Volvo B9, registration BN12 JYS, returning to the coast on the X22 service.



The last image features Konectbus Volvo B7 529 LX06 EAC awaiting its next duty beside First Eastern Counties excel 36908 YX69 XZM. The former was initially part of Go-Ahead London's fleet as WVL242 and transferred to Go-Ahead subsidiary Thames Travel. It then went to Hedingham where it continued to operate in Thames Travel colours. Approximately a week ago it joined Konectbus.



My thanks to Dan for sharing the photographs.

Roy

New Retail Park Service

Konectbus has announced on social media the proposed introduction of a new 214 route serving the Great Yarmouth area

For some time the East Norfolk Transport Users Association has been lobbying for a bus service linking Market Gates to the Gapton Hall Retail Park. The route will also serve Matalan, Tesco, and Pasteur Road, making it easier for the public to reach those retail destinations. Initially buses will run up-to every 30 minutes on Saturdays only with the start date set for 30th November 2024. (Click here for timetable)



This is not the first time a link has been provided to Gapton Hall Retail Park as Our Bus started a service in September 2015 and the Anglianbus 61 service was rerouted to serve the area in April 2017.

Roy

Ensign Revisited

Earlier today, Mark Doggett revisited the Ensignbus premises in Purfleet and discovered First Eastern Counties Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther 20612 LK07 CDF in the yard. Its reason for being there was unclear, but it was presumed to be awaiting repairs.



Additionally, Mark observed several other former First Eastern Counties vehicles at the site, including 32203 LT52 WTJ, 32651 AU05 MUO, 37000 LK53 AYY, 37025 YJ06 XKO, 37044 YJ06 XLU, and 37154 YN06 URH. Present as well were 32208 HIG 8790 and 32211 TJI 4838, two former Counties double-deckers that had been modified to partial open-tops some time ago for use on the Lands End Coaster service. and had now returned to Ensign.

Also visible were Ex First Eastern Counties 37405 MX58 DXS and 37410 MX58 DXZ, which had been recently converted into open-toppers by Ensign.

My thanks to Mark for the information and photo

Roy

Sunday Spots

A Quick venture into town yesterday lunchtime to see the parents meant i could have a look in on Beach Coach Station to see if we had any visitors. A couple of vehicles were there and it was a case of old and new on site.

We shall begin with the older vehicle, this being Neoplan Starliner W907MDT in use with Platinum Executive Sleeper Ltd from Liverpool. It was new to Parrys of Cheslyn Hay.

The second vehicle was MY74YCH, a Temsa HD12 only a few weeks old with Your Coach Hire Ltd of Wokingham in Surrey.

Finally on the way home i passed Caister Road Depot and noticed 36215 on the forecourt now wearing a Poppy ready for Remembrance week.

Keep well People, Grahame.

Caister Road Latest

The latest update from the First Eastern Counties' Caister Road depot is that Volvo B9 37576 AU58 EDC has returned to Lowestoft after receiving engine maintenance.



In relation to two former London United Alexander Dennis Enviro200s stationed at Lowestoft, 44453 YX09 HKN has been withdrawn pending a decision on its future, while 44451 YX09 HKK is awaiting engine repairs.

As for two coastlink branded Enviro400s, 33805 YX63 LJK is currently out of service due to a gearbox fault and 33818 YX63 LKG continues to undergo repairs at Full Circle.

Roy

Norwich Bus Station on Wednesday

Hot on the heels of Dan High's submission of photos of Sanders' two new eVoRas, David Bell also shared similar images.



During his brief visit to Norwich, he positioned himself at the entrance of Norwich Bus Station and captured these additional departures, starting with BorderBus 114 YT11 LUP. The Scania N230UB OmniCity continues to serve in the distinctive green livery of its former owner, Newport Transport.



His second submission features Coach Services' ADL Enviro400 MMC CS74 BUS on the 90 route from Norwich to Thetford.



A notable sighting on the First Eastern Counties excel direct service D to Dereham was Volvo B9 VW183 BN12 JYF, adorned in the Eastern Counties heritage livery.



The last offering was Coach Services' CS22 BUS on the 90, temporarily reassigned from its usual route for the 84/86 Brandon - Bury St Edmunds service.

My thanks to David for his photos

Roy

eVoRas Enter Service

Sanders Coaches introduced their two new MCV eVoRa-bodied Volvo B8RLEs into service today.



Dan High captured images of both vehicles operating at Norwich's Castle Meadow earlier in the day. As already reported 542 BU74 YVC has been named Stephen Purkiss with 543 BU74 YVD becoming Ken Sanders.



Also observed was ADL Enviro200 MMC SF66 ARV now with Central Connect operating on Simonds 82 route. It was new to Whitelaw of Stonehouse and has also seen service with Red Rose Travel of Aylesbury.



Thanks again to Dan for the photos.

Roy

Ipswich Exile In Chelmsford

Earlier this week it was reported on social media that First Ipswich ADL/TransBus Enviro300 67406 SN13 CKC has moved to First Essex.



After the removal of its Ipswich reds references (though still retaining its 'frequent links to Suffolk's county town' branding) it began working from Chelmsford on Monday. Dale Bell recorded 67406 working the C1 service to Galleywood in the city earlier this morning.

Thanks for the photo Dale.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 23rd October 2024

Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains just the one entry of 'local' interest

BorderBus has amended the timetable of its 521 service between Halesworth Railway Station and Fort Green Car Park in Aldeburgh from 2nd September 2024.

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

Roy

Sanders Fleet Update

As there has been some recent changes to the Sanders Coaches fleet, it’s time we provided an update.



Sanders have announced on social media that two brand new arrivals are about be placed into service. They are Volvo B8RLE MCVs in the form of 542 BU74 YVC and 543 BU74 YVD which will be operating from the Holt depot. The former has been named after local enthusiast Stephen Purkiss. They are both seen hiding away in the shed prior to their entry in service.



Withdrawn since our last update are Volvo B7s 509 HF54 HGX (pictured) and 514 HF54 HGC which were both acquired from Go South Coast during the spring of 2018.



Following withdrawal in February this year Scania N94UD OmniDekka 124 YN07 EYX has also left the fleet.

Plaxton Paragon bodied Volvo B12M 903 YN07 DUU is in the process of being re registered to S70 DUU. It was previously 3990 ME.

My thanks to Liam for the update and photos.

Roy

We Meet Again

We recently reported the arrival of three former First West Yorkshire Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Geminis at First Eastern Counties. The trio is being used by three different depots although two are allocated to Great Yarmouth with one of those on loan to Lowestoft. The third is based at Norwich.



Earlier today two of them turned up at the same time at Norwich's Surrey Street Bus Station. Lowestoft's 37711 YJ09 OBF was waiting time to work the X22 to the coast whilst 37722 YJ09 OBT was due to leave with the D excel service to Dereham,

My thanks to Dan High for the photo.

Roy

Under Repair

Two Volvo B9s from First Eastern Counties are currently under maintenance at the Caister Road workshop in Great Yarmouth.



37576 AU58 EDC is having its engine repaired, while 37579 AU58 EDK is getting new fuel and AdBlue tanks installed.

My thanks to First for providing the information and photos.

Roy

Ipswich Interloper

A First Ipswich Alexander Dennis Enviro200 found itself in the fine city of Norwich at lunchtime today.



Village Links branded 44519 YX09 ADO was observed by Dan High on St Stephen's Street which caught him by surprise as he only managed to get photos of the rear of the bus.



According to Bus Times it was reported to be employed on the 73 route to Felixstowe and Woodbridge early this morning and it is not known why it subsequently appeared in Norwich.

My thanks to Dan for the photo.

Roy

Open Top Out Today

One of First Great Yarmouth's part open top buses was out again today. I know the weather was warmer but it was not on its normal Coastal Clipper route along the town's seafront. That service ceased in late September.



Instead Volvo B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 37067 CRZ 488 wondered into Suffolk and was employed on tree cutting duties accessing routes in the Sizewell area; no doubt in preparation for the later introduction of workers' contract buses

My thanks to First for the information.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 16th October 2024

Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report again contains only one entry of 'local' interest

Under short notice, Simonds of Botesdale have retrospectively registered an 81 service between Beccles, Old Market Place and Diss operating on Mondays to Fridays from 2nd September 2024

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

Roy

First Norwich Decker In Kent

A former First Eastern Counties Plaxton President-bodied Volvo B7 was seen in Kent today by regular contributor Mark Doggett.



Previously branded Network Norwich, 32112 LT02 ZDL is now operated by Brian Jones Coaches of Gravesend. Originally introduced in April 2002, it was acquired by First Eastern Counties from CentreWest of London in February 2010 and last served in Norwich in late March of this year.

My thanks to Mark for the photo.

Roy

Rail Replacement Vehicles

Tony Wilson spent some time in Norwich city centre on Saturday and observed a variety of vehicles on rail replacement duty along St. Stephens Street.



A Volvo B11RT with Plaxton Elite Interdeck bodywork, registered R25 PTS, was provided by Wrights Coaches. It had recently returned to them from Angies Travel and was initially operated by Go-Ahead subsidiary Oxford Bus Company under the registration X90 SVC.



Felixstowe Travel offered an ADL E20D Enviro200 MMC with the select registration mark M10 FXO.

Thanks are extended to Tony for providing the information and photos.

Roy

Norwich On Friday

Dan High took up his regular spot at Norwich's Castle Meadow on Friday and sent this selection of photos.



First's 7 service between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, via Filby and Caister, was operated by Great Yamouth's Volvo B9 36215 BJ12 VWX.



Newly transferred from First South Yorkshire, Wright StreetLites 63141 SN14 DWU and 63144 SN14 DWX were in use after first entering service on Monday.



Unusually Wright GB Kites 63638 BK24 AAO and 63639 BK24 AAU were employed on the 11 to Hethersett and 13 to Spixworth respectively.




Finally, Simonds had East Lancs Olympus bodied Scania N230UD YN08 OBZ on the 82 to Royden. This was new to Burtons for their then Colchester operation with Simonds acquiring if from SBC of Leigh-on-Sea in Essex in August 2023



Once more my thanks to Dan for the reports and photos

Roy

Another Yorkshire Exile In Service

The third recent Volvo B9 transfer from Yorkshire to First Eastern Counties made its appearance at Castle Meadow in Norwich this morning.



Adorned with its City of Bradford livery, 37722 YJ09 OBT was seen on the Yellow Line 28 service from Thorpe Marriott.

Credit to Dan High for the photograph.

Roy

Heritage Liveried Vehicle Returns

Another vehicle returning to its home depot after repair yesterday was First's Great Yarmouth Transport heritage liveried Volvo B9 FJ09 FYN.



It is seen inside Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot shortly after arrival and was employed on the 7 between Great Yarmouth and Norwich this morning.

Thanks to First Great Yarmouth for the use of the photo

Roy

Enviro200 Returns

After its engine replacement at First's Caister Road depot, First Eastern Counties ADL Enviro200 44454 YX09 HKO has now returned to Lowestoft to resume its duties.

My thanks to First Eastern Counties for the report and photo.

Roy

Red Line Electroliner

First Eastern Counties Wright GB Kite Electroliner 63641 BK24 AAX was unusually employed on First Norwich Red Line route 24/24A for most of today.



My thanks again to Dan High for the photo.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 9th October 2024

Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains only one entry of 'local' interest

Sanders Coaches introduced a new 805 service between the Queen's Head on The Street in Earsham and Hobart High School in Kittens Lane, Loddon from 4th September 2024.

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

Roy

Final Journey

After bequeathing its engine to First Eastern Counties ADL Enviro200 44454 YX09 HKO, similar former Ipswich 44516 YX09 ACV made its last journey today.

Bus and coach dismantlers Trevor Wigley & Sons of Barnsley collected 44516 from First’s Caister Road depot in Great Yarmouth for scrapping.

My thanks to First Eastern Counties and to Clive Nixon for the use of his photo of the vehicle when in an earlier First Ipswich livery.

Roy

Ex First West Yorkshire Buses Pressed Into Service

You may remember that we reported the transfer of two First West Yorkshire Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Geminis to Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot. Both 37711 YJ09 OBF and 37725 YJ09 OBW were immediately pressed into service the following day. The former went on loan to Lowestoft whilst the latter began its use in Great Yarmouth on the 8s between Caister and Gorleston’s James Paget Hospital.

It was again in use on the 8s today heading for the James Paget Hospital on Church Lane in Gorleston around lunchtime.

Roy

EATM Surprise Visitor

Great Yarmouth wasn't the only place to have a surprise visitor today as the East Anglia Transport Museum at Carlton Colville also had one!



Tim Major sent a couple of photos of former West Yorkshire Bristol MW5G (registration TWT 123), fleet number EUG71. It was built at Lowestoft's Eastern Coach Works in 1959 and is operated by Cotswold Vintage Bus Hire trading as Troopers Lodge Motor Services of Gloucestershire.



I am grateful to Tim for the photos.

Roy

Sunday Surprise

While traveling north along Marine Parade in Great Yarmouth earlier this afternoon, I was surprised to see a 1950s Duple-bodied Bedford SBG. Named Katie, it was the preserved MJB 481 belonging to Lodge's of High Easter, and it was fully loaded.



After taking a few photos, I proceeded to Beach Coach Station, where I spotted two additional coaches. One was Kearney Group's YT24 BTY, adorned with Grand UK branding, and the other was Maynes Coaches of Buckie's Neoplan Tourliner R80 GSM.



Roy