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
Saturday, 30 November 2024
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
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
Friday, 29 November 2024
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
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
Thursday, 28 November 2024
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
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
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
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
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
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
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
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
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
Monday, 25 November 2024
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
Our thanks to Dan High for capturing an image of 35290 SL67 VXU on St Stephens Street in the city.
Roy
Saturday, 23 November 2024
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
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
Thursday, 21 November 2024
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
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
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
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
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
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
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
Monday, 18 November 2024
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
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
Sunday, 17 November 2024
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
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
Friday, 15 November 2024
We Meet Again
At lunchtime on a recent Wednesday, Jdraves1 was observing activity at Bury St Edmunds Bus Station when Dan's Coach Travel's Volvo B10BLE/ Wright Renown B21 DCT arrived and parked up.
Shortly after another Volvo B10BLE appeared in the form of Fareline Coach Services' T127 OAH on the 320 service from Eye. The photo shows it on its return journey.
They were both new to Great Yarmouth-based Ambassador Travel in March 1999 as their 522 and 524 for use on Norwich Park & Ride services with B21 DCT originally being registered as T125 OAH.
Many thanks to Jdraves1 for the use of his photos.
Roy
Shortly after another Volvo B10BLE appeared in the form of Fareline Coach Services' T127 OAH on the 320 service from Eye. The photo shows it on its return journey.
They were both new to Great Yarmouth-based Ambassador Travel in March 1999 as their 522 and 524 for use on Norwich Park & Ride services with B21 DCT originally being registered as T125 OAH.
Many thanks to Jdraves1 for the use of his photos.
Roy
Coach Services' Acquisitions ~ Updated
Regular contributor Jdraves1 reports Coach Services' acquisition of Volvo B7RLE BT63 UUR from Simonds of Diss. This is one of a pair that has recently joined the fleet with the other being BT63 UUP.
The other news to report is that the Thetford based operator has recently acquired Scania N94UD YN07 EYX from Sanders Coaches
The other news to report is that the Thetford based operator has recently acquired Scania N94UD YN07 EYX from Sanders Coaches
Many thanks for the photo and report
Roy
Roy
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Caister Road Update
The latest from First's Caister Road depot is that Volvo B9 37579 AU58 EDK has passed its MOT and is now back on the road.
Meanwhile, two ex London United Alexander Dennis Enviro200s stationed at Lowestoft, 44451 YX09 HKK and 44453 YX09 HKN, have been withdrawn pending a decision on their future.
Coastlink liveried Enviro400s 33805 YX63 LJK, 38807 YX63 LJN and 33808 YX63 LJO are still off the road
My thanks to First for the information
Meanwhile, two ex London United Alexander Dennis Enviro200s stationed at Lowestoft, 44451 YX09 HKK and 44453 YX09 HKN, have been withdrawn pending a decision on their future.
Coastlink liveried Enviro400s 33805 YX63 LJK, 38807 YX63 LJN and 33808 YX63 LJO are still off the road
My thanks to First for the information
Roy
Thursford Visitors
Regular contributor David Bell has been in touch and has provided the following report and photos
'The Christmas Spectacular concerts have started at Thursford so it being a mild November day I thought I'd have a trip over there to see if anything interesting turned up for the 2pm concert.
Most of the sixteen coaches which arrived had travelled some distance with the prize for furthest distance travelled going to Midway Coaches of Crymych in Pembrokeshire - about 350 miles.
Although strictly not in the area covered by the blog I thought you'd like to see a selection of photographs. The long distance coaches must be staying in the area so you may well see them in Norwich, Great Yarmouth or Cromer
Details of the photos attached:-
BV18 AYH Volvo B11 of Ham of Flimwell in East Sussex
GK16 KXL Tourismo of Crosskeys of Folkestone in Kent
GRZ 443 (originally SF14 JJY) Volvo 9700 Lochs and Glens (Greenslades)
DH21 DON Tourismo of Dons of Dunmow
DJ65 DJT Van Hool of Thomas of Neath South Wales
MM23 WAY Tourismo of Midway Coaches of Crymych in Pembrokeshire'
I am very grateful to David for sharing his photos and providing the descriptions to go with them.
Roy
'The Christmas Spectacular concerts have started at Thursford so it being a mild November day I thought I'd have a trip over there to see if anything interesting turned up for the 2pm concert.
Most of the sixteen coaches which arrived had travelled some distance with the prize for furthest distance travelled going to Midway Coaches of Crymych in Pembrokeshire - about 350 miles.
Although strictly not in the area covered by the blog I thought you'd like to see a selection of photographs. The long distance coaches must be staying in the area so you may well see them in Norwich, Great Yarmouth or Cromer
Details of the photos attached:-
BV18 AYH Volvo B11 of Ham of Flimwell in East Sussex
GK16 KXL Tourismo of Crosskeys of Folkestone in Kent
GRZ 443 (originally SF14 JJY) Volvo 9700 Lochs and Glens (Greenslades)
DH21 DON Tourismo of Dons of Dunmow
DJ65 DJT Van Hool of Thomas of Neath South Wales
MM23 WAY Tourismo of Midway Coaches of Crymych in Pembrokeshire'
I am very grateful to David for sharing his photos and providing the descriptions to go with them.
Roy
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Service Alterations Registered ~ 13th November 2024
For the second consecutive week there are no 'local' interest entries in the East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report. Nevertheless, the complete report will be available for viewing here soon.
Roy
Sunday, 10 November 2024
StreetDeck Repaint
First Eastern Counties Leeds City Green liveried Wright StreetDeck 35282 SL67 VXK was noted in Norwich yesterday evening sporting First's new corporate livery.
Again my thanks to Dan High for his report and photo
Roy
Again my thanks to Dan High for his report and photo
Roy
Soccer Specials
Yesterday afternoon, Dan High was at Carrow Road in Norwich, showing his support for Norwich City Football Club. While there, he captured several coaches providing transport for football fans.
The main local contributors were the Belle Coaches and Sanders Coaches fleets as the photo shows with the former's Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BC60 BEL at the head of the line.
Also in attendance was SALEC Travel's Setra W939 GAG from Shipdham. Previously part of Coachpoint of Aldershot's fleet it is still adorned in their livery.
One of the coaches transporting the away team's supporters was Turners of Bristol's Irizar i8 BC20 BUS.
My thanks to Dan for sharing the photographs. For the record, the Canaries suffered a loss, falling to 14th place in the Championship.
Roy
The main local contributors were the Belle Coaches and Sanders Coaches fleets as the photo shows with the former's Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BC60 BEL at the head of the line.
Also in attendance was SALEC Travel's Setra W939 GAG from Shipdham. Previously part of Coachpoint of Aldershot's fleet it is still adorned in their livery.
One of the coaches transporting the away team's supporters was Turners of Bristol's Irizar i8 BC20 BUS.
My thanks to Dan for sharing the photographs. For the record, the Canaries suffered a loss, falling to 14th place in the Championship.
Roy
Saturday, 9 November 2024
Remembrance Sunday
With Remembrance weekend upon us I am featuring some local buses adorned with poppies to remember the fallen.
At the beginning of the month outside First Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot wsa Volvo B9 36284 LX59 DBO, acquired from London General in October 2022.
Yesterday regular contributor Dan High provided provided photos of Norwich buses receiving the same treatment. His first photo features First Eastern Counties Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner 36542 BK73 AFU being passed by Konectbus Optare Versa 305 YJ60 KGU which was new to Anglianbus.
Also observed was newly arrived Konectbus Volvo B7 509 LX06 EAC also featuring the poppy
Our final contribution is from Kevan Portas showing LNER’s 91 111 named “For The Fallen”.at Doncaster propelling a Leeds-London service back in June this year.
My thanks to Dan for the Norwich photos and to Kevan for the Doncaster photo.
Roy
My thanks to Dan for the Norwich photos and to Kevan for the Doncaster photo.
Roy
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Gorleston Trio
Despite yesterday's dull grey day, I ventured out to walk to Gorleston Library to return and borrow some books.
Leaving the library, I noticed the time matched the expected arrival of a BorderBus service from Great Yarmouth, which would head to Harleston. With 'lighting up' time approaching and the light fading, I decided to photograph its departure. To check the lighting, I first snapped a shot of First Eastern Counties Pride bus, Volvo B9 36202 BN12 WOC.
Reasonably satisfied with the quality, I noticed the BorderBus decker was immediately behind it in the photo and subsequently got a picture of it about to make the same turn. I was pleased to see that it was one of the AVA registered ones being their Scania OmniCity 213 BB10 AVA with the Alde Valley Academy branding now removed.
Continuing my walk home, I passed East Norfolk Sixth Form College as students dispersed for the day. Among the vehicles present was Sanders Coaches' Volvo B7RLE / MCV 533 SW63 TAV with the patient driver waiting departure time for the 6 to North Walsham.
Roy
Leaving the library, I noticed the time matched the expected arrival of a BorderBus service from Great Yarmouth, which would head to Harleston. With 'lighting up' time approaching and the light fading, I decided to photograph its departure. To check the lighting, I first snapped a shot of First Eastern Counties Pride bus, Volvo B9 36202 BN12 WOC.
Reasonably satisfied with the quality, I noticed the BorderBus decker was immediately behind it in the photo and subsequently got a picture of it about to make the same turn. I was pleased to see that it was one of the AVA registered ones being their Scania OmniCity 213 BB10 AVA with the Alde Valley Academy branding now removed.
Continuing my walk home, I passed East Norfolk Sixth Form College as students dispersed for the day. Among the vehicles present was Sanders Coaches' Volvo B7RLE / MCV 533 SW63 TAV with the patient driver waiting departure time for the 6 to North Walsham.
Roy
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
Norwich Activity Today
Today marked the debut of Sanders Coaches' newly branded X55 MCV Evora bodied Volvo B8RLE 526 BV72 KKA 'Roger Parker'. It was spotted on the route at Norwich Bus Station by Dan High.
Dan also observed Wrights Coaches Volvo B11RT / Plaxton Elite R25 PTS during its layover at Castle Meadow close to the entrance to Castle Mall.
Additionally, he checked what was operating on Simonds' route 82 to Royden and saw their ADL Enviro200 9383 MX was waiting time.
At the Dolphin Autos' depot in the city, he encountered their KAC1. Contrary to its plate's previous association with a Mercedes-Benz it is now an Irizar-bodied Scania, though its former identity remains a mystery. (see comment below)
Once again, my thanks to Dan for the photos.
Roy
Dan also observed Wrights Coaches Volvo B11RT / Plaxton Elite R25 PTS during its layover at Castle Meadow close to the entrance to Castle Mall.
Additionally, he checked what was operating on Simonds' route 82 to Royden and saw their ADL Enviro200 9383 MX was waiting time.
At the Dolphin Autos' depot in the city, he encountered their KAC1. Contrary to its plate's previous association with a Mercedes-Benz it is now an Irizar-bodied Scania, though its former identity remains a mystery. (see comment below)
Once again, my thanks to Dan for the photos.
Roy
Service Alterations Registered ~ 6th November 2024
There are no 'local' interest entries in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report. Nevertheless, the complete report will be available for viewing here soon.
Roy
Roy
Monday, 4 November 2024
Norwich Earlier Today
Regular contributor Dan High was stationed at his usual spot on Castle Meadow earlier today, capturing some activity in Norwich.
His first catch was a photo of the recent transfer from First Essex Volvo B9 37140 SN57 HCZ on its first day of service with First Eastern Counties. Formerly from Colchester, it was seen operating the X29 service from Fakenham.
His first catch was a photo of the recent transfer from First Essex Volvo B9 37140 SN57 HCZ on its first day of service with First Eastern Counties. Formerly from Colchester, it was seen operating the X29 service from Fakenham.
Simmonds' former Lodge Coaches East Lancs-bodied VDL DB250 YJ56 KCK was once more utilised for the 82 service to Roydon.
A few of the First Eastern Counties Wright StreetDecks were spotted on atypical routes, including 35286 SL67 VXP on the 11 to Hethersett and 35150 SN67 OMU on the 14 to Wymondham.
Our thanks to Dan for his continual contributions of photos and updates.
Roy
A few of the First Eastern Counties Wright StreetDecks were spotted on atypical routes, including 35286 SL67 VXP on the 11 to Hethersett and 35150 SN67 OMU on the 14 to Wymondham.
Our thanks to Dan for his continual contributions of photos and updates.
Roy
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