BV72 KPF is pictured in the city’s Castle Meadow earlier awaiting time for use on the 42 service to Reepham
Dan also managed to get a photo of the interior of the Volvo prior to its departure.
Grateful to Dan for his photos.
Roy
Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Sanders’ Demo
Sanders’ continues to employ its fully electric Volvo BZL demonstrator which was observed in Norwich earlier today by Dan High.
BV72 KPF is pictured in the city’s Castle Meadow earlier awaiting time for use on the 42 service to Reepham
Dan also managed to get a photo of the interior of the Volvo prior to its departure.
Grateful to Dan for his photos.
Roy
BV72 KPF is pictured in the city’s Castle Meadow earlier awaiting time for use on the 42 service to Reepham
Dan also managed to get a photo of the interior of the Volvo prior to its departure.
Grateful to Dan for his photos.
Roy
Service Alterations Registered ~ 30th April 2025
There is just one entry of 'local' interest in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.
It concerns the timetable amendment to First Eastern Counties 1C service between Hemsby Beach, and the Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth from 3rd May 2025.
The full Report can be viewed here soon.
Roy
It concerns the timetable amendment to First Eastern Counties 1C service between Hemsby Beach, and the Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth from 3rd May 2025.
The full Report can be viewed here soon.
Roy
Monday, 28 April 2025
Monday In Norwich
Dan was observing bus activity in Norwich earlier today and here is a selection from the many photographs he sent in.
The first shows one of First’s recently repowered StreetDecks in Castle Meadow - 71024 XIG 1724 heading to Wroxham and Hoveton on the 12 route.
The scene changes to Norwich Bus Station where Ambassador Travel’s 303 BV22 VSZ is seen returning to Great Yarmouth on the 727 service from London Heathrow.
Departing for Thetford on the 90 service was Coach Services’ Scania OmniDekka YT09 YHN with a Konectbus ADL Environ400 following closely behind on a Dereham Fast service.
Meanwhile, restIng from their excel duties were two First Eastern Counties’ Scania N250UD/ Enviro400 City deckers in the form of 36908 YN69XZM and 36901 YN69 XZD.
My thanks to Dan for the photos.
Roy
Coach Services’ Acquisition
Jdraves1 reports on the recent acquisition of a Plaxton bodied Volvo B9R by Coach Services of Thetford. Registered as MX64 DNO, it was previously with the Ministry of Defence as MV14 BZO.
Also present in the yard during his visit was ex Sanders Coaches’ Scania N94UD OmniDekka YN07 EYX. It is not known what the future holds for the bus.
My thanks to Jdraves1 for the information and photos.
Roy
Also present in the yard during his visit was ex Sanders Coaches’ Scania N94UD OmniDekka YN07 EYX. It is not known what the future holds for the bus.
My thanks to Jdraves1 for the information and photos.
Roy
Sunday, 27 April 2025
Delaine Delights
Dan High travelled on the VR190 Group's Eastern Coach Works bodied Bristol VR VPW 85S to the Delaine Bus Museums's Heritage Running Day held yesterday at Bourne in Lincolnshire. The VR is pictured beside Red House Motor Services' Seddon Pennine FLY 755J owned by Roger Burdett.
As to be expected there were many of Delaine's buses on display and in service. This picture shows three of them at rest - Leyland Titan PD3/1 / Yeates RCT 3, Volvo Olympian / East Lancs M1 OCT and Leyland Titan PD2/20 / Willowbrook KTL 780
A newer pair on display were Volvo B9TL / Wrightbus Gemini AD15 DBL and ADL Enviro200 MMC AD709 DBL
An interesting couple of visitors were 1975 AEC Reliance / Plaxton LYH 148P in Glenton Tours of London livery posed beside Midland Red S22 5905 PHA 505G owned by the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust.
A reminder of previous bus operators in the Peterborough area was provided by the appearance of Eastern Bus Enthusiast Group's L839 FTX, a Mercedes Benz 711D with Plaxton Beaver bodywork, in Morley's of Whittlesey livery. The operator's last service ran in October 2005.
On the road run was Delaine Heritage Trust's Leyland Tiger Cub MTL 750 bodied by Yeates of Loughborough
Our final picture of the road run shows the trust's Leyland Atlantean / Northern Counties ACT 540L
As to be expected there were many of Delaine's buses on display and in service. This picture shows three of them at rest - Leyland Titan PD3/1 / Yeates RCT 3, Volvo Olympian / East Lancs M1 OCT and Leyland Titan PD2/20 / Willowbrook KTL 780
A newer pair on display were Volvo B9TL / Wrightbus Gemini AD15 DBL and ADL Enviro200 MMC AD709 DBL
An interesting couple of visitors were 1975 AEC Reliance / Plaxton LYH 148P in Glenton Tours of London livery posed beside Midland Red S22 5905 PHA 505G owned by the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust.
A reminder of previous bus operators in the Peterborough area was provided by the appearance of Eastern Bus Enthusiast Group's L839 FTX, a Mercedes Benz 711D with Plaxton Beaver bodywork, in Morley's of Whittlesey livery. The operator's last service ran in October 2005.
On the road run was Delaine Heritage Trust's Leyland Tiger Cub MTL 750 bodied by Yeates of Loughborough
Representing First Blue Bus, based in Great Yarmouth on the formation of First Bus in the 1990s, was Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group's Scania L94UB Wright Axcess Floline S574 TPW
Our final picture of the road run shows the trust's Leyland Atlantean / Northern Counties ACT 540L
I am grateful to Dan for the many photos supplied providing me with the difficult decision of what to publish and what not to!
Roy
Roy
Saturday, 26 April 2025
First Lowestoft
Today’s report from First Lowestoft’s Gas Works Road depot features a photo of a line of double deckers - they were Volvo B9s 37274 LK58 EDF, 36197 BN12 WNX and ADL Enviro400 YX63 LKN. Another Volvo B9, 37275 LK58 EDJ, has returned home after receiving a new gearbox at First Great Yarmouth.
Also in the yard were four of the Specialist Passenger Solutions’ Wright StreetLites - SK17 HGU, SK17 HGZ, SK17 HGX and SK17 HGY.
Finally, also present was partial open top Volvo B9 37533 CRZ 166 which was acting as a staff transport vehicle.
My thanks to First for the information and photos.
Also in the yard were four of the Specialist Passenger Solutions’ Wright StreetLites - SK17 HGU, SK17 HGZ, SK17 HGX and SK17 HGY.
Finally, also present was partial open top Volvo B9 37533 CRZ 166 which was acting as a staff transport vehicle.
My thanks to First for the information and photos.
Roy
FEC Repaints
Following yesterday’s report on the repaint of First Eastern Counties Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse 69545 BF12 KWC, Adam Roggerman has been in touch to say that it was carried out at Mardens Commercials in Benfleet. He added that similar 69546 BF12 KWL is now there receiving the same treatment.
Mardens was also responsible for the recent repaint of First Ipswich Wright StreetDeck Ultroliner 35910 BN72 TVA into the corporate colour scheme. I am grateful to Adam for the photo and the additional information.
Roy
Mardens was also responsible for the recent repaint of First Ipswich Wright StreetDeck Ultroliner 35910 BN72 TVA into the corporate colour scheme. I am grateful to Adam for the photo and the additional information.
Roy
Friday, 25 April 2025
BorderBus Order
Volvo Buses announced on X (formerly twitter) earlier today that they had secured an order from Suffolk-based BorderBus for a second Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa bus.
BorderBus’ first Volvo B8RLE BB73 BUS in Norwich in November 2023 - Kevin Smith
The award comes after the proven performance of an identical model purchased by the operator in October 2023. The 10.8 metre vehicle is scheduled to enter service later this year and is expected to be used on the 146 route between Southwold and Norwich.
Roy
First Repaint
A second bus recently receiving a repaint is First Eastern Counties Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse 69545 BF12 KWC. It returned to traffic earlier this week and now wears the new First corporate colour scheme. It was previously in the 'Green Front Urban' livery following its move from First Wessex.
My thanks again to Dan for the photo taken in Norwich earlier today
Roy
Roy
Konectbus Repaint
Another Konectbus double decker has received a repaint into the new livery. ADL Enviro400 622 SN65OAA, previously in Norwich Park and Ride colours, was seen with the new look at Castle Meadow in the city this morning
My thanks to Dan for the photo.
Roy
Thursday, 24 April 2025
Sanders' Recent Developments
There are a couple of arrivals to report with the primary one being Sanders' first venture into operating a fully electric vehicle. The company announced on social media yesterday that they would be employing Volvo BZL BV72 KPF on one of its Coasthopper services today.
The second item to mention is the recent addition to the double deck fleet is the ex Newbury & District Optare (East Lancs) bodied Scania N270UD Omnidekka type W26 SCL. Originally new to Nottingham City Transport as YT59 OZP in September 2009, it is expected to receive fleet number 134.
My thanks to Stephen Purkiss for the Omnidekka information and photo. Also grateful to Sanders for the information and photo of the electric vehicle.
The second item to mention is the recent addition to the double deck fleet is the ex Newbury & District Optare (East Lancs) bodied Scania N270UD Omnidekka type W26 SCL. Originally new to Nottingham City Transport as YT59 OZP in September 2009, it is expected to receive fleet number 134.
My thanks to Stephen Purkiss for the Omnidekka information and photo. Also grateful to Sanders for the information and photo of the electric vehicle.
Roy
Wednesday, 23 April 2025
First Ipswich Transfers
Former First Ipswich Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67763 SN62 AUK entered service in the Chelmsford area for First Essex yesterday following its move from Suffolk. Dale Bell provides a photo of it on the C1 route to the Bloomfield Hospital in the city.
In April 2017, it was one of a group of nine arriving at Great Yarmouth from First Borders following the take over of their services by Borders Buses. The new arrivals were being prepared for service at Caister Road prior to heading to Suffolk for the new Ipswich Park and Ride service. In the interim SN62 AUK appeared in use in Gorleston branded as a First Great Yarmouth bus prior to moving on!
I subsequently found a second email from Dale hiding in the spam which featured another Enviro300 67775 SN62 AXO in the new First Corporate livery. It had also moved from Ipswich in the previous week.
In April 2017, it was one of a group of nine arriving at Great Yarmouth from First Borders following the take over of their services by Borders Buses. The new arrivals were being prepared for service at Caister Road prior to heading to Suffolk for the new Ipswich Park and Ride service. In the interim SN62 AUK appeared in use in Gorleston branded as a First Great Yarmouth bus prior to moving on!
I subsequently found a second email from Dale hiding in the spam which featured another Enviro300 67775 SN62 AXO in the new First Corporate livery. It had also moved from Ipswich in the previous week.
My thanks to Dale for his two photos.
Roy
Roy
Service Alterations Registered ~ 23rd April 2025
There are no entries of 'local' interest in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report. Nevertheless, the full Report can be viewed here.
Roy
Monday, 21 April 2025
Norwich Wedding Hire
Andy Moore was in Norwich on Saturday and observed an ex London Transport routemaster in use on a wedding private hire. It was Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire's RML2401 JJD 401D.
My thanks to Andy for the photo.
Roy
My thanks to Andy for the photo.
Roy
Sunday, 20 April 2025
Borderbus Repaint
Enviro 200 YX09HZH has now been painted in to fleet livery after spending most of its time at Borderbus in allover White.
She is Pictured above in Deneside, Great Yarmouth.
Many Thanks to Alfie Clarkey for the photo.
Grahame.
Thursday, 17 April 2025
New Flixbus Service Begins
Regular contributor David Slater went over to Thetford this morning to see the inaugural Norwich-Stratford Flixbus service. David takes up the story
'This was the day that Flixbus introduced a new service between Norwich (Bus Station) and London (Stratford, City Bus Station). There are two daily departures leaving Norwich at 0700 and 1430 departing UEA (University of East Anglia) 15 minutes later and Thetford (Bus Interchange) 65 minutes after Norwich. The overall journey time is 2 hours 50 minutes. Departures from Stratford are at 1100 and 1820.
Fleet number 418 (YK25 OME), a Yutong GT12 new in April 2025, is seen at Thetford on today's 0700 Norwich-Stratford journey. The coach was in full Flixbus livery operated with Simonds of Botesdale Limited legal lettering (address as Advanced Technology Innovation Centre, Loughborough LE11 3QF) running on a Simonds operator disc.'
My thanks to David for the information and photo. He added 'Quite a few passengers boarded at Thetford'
Roy
'This was the day that Flixbus introduced a new service between Norwich (Bus Station) and London (Stratford, City Bus Station). There are two daily departures leaving Norwich at 0700 and 1430 departing UEA (University of East Anglia) 15 minutes later and Thetford (Bus Interchange) 65 minutes after Norwich. The overall journey time is 2 hours 50 minutes. Departures from Stratford are at 1100 and 1820.
Fleet number 418 (YK25 OME), a Yutong GT12 new in April 2025, is seen at Thetford on today's 0700 Norwich-Stratford journey. The coach was in full Flixbus livery operated with Simonds of Botesdale Limited legal lettering (address as Advanced Technology Innovation Centre, Loughborough LE11 3QF) running on a Simonds operator disc.'
My thanks to David for the information and photo. He added 'Quite a few passengers boarded at Thetford'
Roy
Getting In Gear!
After some time, First Great Yarmouth has finally begun work on replacing the gearbox on its Volvo B9TL 37275 LK58 EDJ. The Coastlink liveried decker is reported on the bustimes website as last working the X1 route back in late November 2024!
Meanwhile, partial open top Volvo B7TL 32348 LK53 LZL is at Norwich receiving attention.
My thanks to First for the update.
Roy
My thanks to First for the update.
Roy
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
Service Alterations Registered ~ 16th April 2025
Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains just one item of 'local' interest.
Jubilee Coaches, from Rollesby near Great Yarmouth, has received approval for a variation in its operator licence. It now has consent for a new operating centre at Drury's Vehicle Services site at Cornish Way Business Park in North Walsham for three vehicles. Its new licence authorisation is now eleven vehicles.
The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to be viewed here soon.
Roy
Jubilee Coaches, from Rollesby near Great Yarmouth, has received approval for a variation in its operator licence. It now has consent for a new operating centre at Drury's Vehicle Services site at Cornish Way Business Park in North Walsham for three vehicles. Its new licence authorisation is now eleven vehicles.
The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to be viewed here soon.
Roy
Monday, 14 April 2025
Ambassador Update
Following our post on the arrival of Ambassador's Neoplan Tourliner OY24 ZWZ (Ambassador Arrival (& Departure) - 4th April 2025) we received some comments on the post which you may not have seen. The Tourliner was one of two arriving from Reays Of Wigton during the spring of last year with the other being 257 OY24 ZWX.
Next the 22 plate National Express motioned departure was apparently on its way to Scania with a clutch issue - our anonymous respondent said it was either fleet number 300 or 301.
Finally, to confirm the 2019 registered coaches purchased from National Express are 217 BV19 XPA and 218 BV19 XOZ which have now had their National Express branding removed.
I am grateful to the anonymous contributor for supplying the information.
Roy
Next the 22 plate National Express motioned departure was apparently on its way to Scania with a clutch issue - our anonymous respondent said it was either fleet number 300 or 301.
BV19 XOZ at Ambassador Travel's Gapton Hall site in January last year
Finally, to confirm the 2019 registered coaches purchased from National Express are 217 BV19 XPA and 218 BV19 XOZ which have now had their National Express branding removed.
I am grateful to the anonymous contributor for supplying the information.
Roy
Saturday, 12 April 2025
More Arrive At Mulleys
Regular contributor jdraves1 has provided a photo of one of three new members joining the Mulleys fleet.
All three are Wright StreetLites and the one pictured shows wheel forward SK19 FAJ at Bury St Edmunds Bus Station having arrived on the Wednesdays only 300 service from Ixworth Thorpe. The saloon was new to Passenger Plus of Tadworth in Surrey during March 2019.
My thanks to jdraves1 for the information and photo
Roy
All three are Wright StreetLites and the one pictured shows wheel forward SK19 FAJ at Bury St Edmunds Bus Station having arrived on the Wednesdays only 300 service from Ixworth Thorpe. The saloon was new to Passenger Plus of Tadworth in Surrey during March 2019.
My thanks to jdraves1 for the information and photo
Roy
Friday, 11 April 2025
Roundtree Way Observations
A few observations from Norwich's Roundtree Way depot today where repowered Wright StreetDeck 71024 XIG 1724 was seen. Repowering means that its diesel engine has been removed and converted to electric traction with battery packs installed.
First Great Yarmouth's partial open top Volvo B9s 37067 CRZ 488 and 37533 CRZ 166 are both at the Norwich site having some work carried out on them. The latter is seen alongside driver trainer Volvo B7RLE 66840 MX05 CGE
A second trainer was also present in the form of similar 66883 MX55 HHP in its yellow and green 'BlockBuster' colour scheme.
The final thing to report is that First Norwich's Volvo B9 36269 BG12 YKB was employed on First Great Yarmouth's service 2 between Market Gates and the James Paget Hospital, via Bradwell, earlier today.
My thanks to First for the information and photos.
Roy
First Great Yarmouth's partial open top Volvo B9s 37067 CRZ 488 and 37533 CRZ 166 are both at the Norwich site having some work carried out on them. The latter is seen alongside driver trainer Volvo B7RLE 66840 MX05 CGE
A second trainer was also present in the form of similar 66883 MX55 HHP in its yellow and green 'BlockBuster' colour scheme.
The final thing to report is that First Norwich's Volvo B9 36269 BG12 YKB was employed on First Great Yarmouth's service 2 between Market Gates and the James Paget Hospital, via Bradwell, earlier today.
My thanks to First for the information and photos.
Roy
Thursday, 10 April 2025
It's back!
Following our post last month (More Withdrawals - 11th March 2025) regarding the accident to Fareline Coach Services' Volvo B10BLE / Wright Renown T127 OAH, we can now report its return to service following repairs.
jdraves1 supplies a photo taken yesterday of the former Norwich Park and Ride vehicle parked in the layover area at Bury St Edmunds bus station. Its absence was covered with the use of Volvo B7RLE CYZ 2303 from Whincop of Peasenhall
My thanks jdraves1 for the information and photo.
Roy
jdraves1 supplies a photo taken yesterday of the former Norwich Park and Ride vehicle parked in the layover area at Bury St Edmunds bus station. Its absence was covered with the use of Volvo B7RLE CYZ 2303 from Whincop of Peasenhall
My thanks jdraves1 for the information and photo.
Roy
Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Service Alterations Registered ~ 9th April 2025
Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report provides details of some changes to services in our local area.
Paul Whincop of Peasenhall near Saxmundham introduced two Monday to Friday schools services from 21st March 2025. They include TM01 Minden Drive Bus Stop in Leiston to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham. The second is TM02 Peasenhall Road in Halesworth to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham.
First Eastern Counties has altered the route, stopping places and timetable of two of its services from 30th March 2025. They are the 11/11A /12 between the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital and Sprowston/ Wroxham and the 15/15A from Millfield Close in Blofield Heath to Nightingale Avenue in Silfield,
The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to be viewed here
Roy
Paul Whincop of Peasenhall near Saxmundham introduced two Monday to Friday schools services from 21st March 2025. They include TM01 Minden Drive Bus Stop in Leiston to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham. The second is TM02 Peasenhall Road in Halesworth to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham.
First Eastern Counties has altered the route, stopping places and timetable of two of its services from 30th March 2025. They are the 11/11A /12 between the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital and Sprowston/ Wroxham and the 15/15A from Millfield Close in Blofield Heath to Nightingale Avenue in Silfield,
The full Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to be viewed here
Roy
Tuesday, 8 April 2025
Konectbus Developments
Beginning on 31st March, Konectbus improved its 30A service to Drayton and Thorpe Marriott including new first and last weekday journeys to and from Lyng (see timetable here). Dan High got a photo of the service worked by ADL Enviro200 MMC 201 YX69 NPF earlier today
Also observed in Norwich Bus Station today was ADL Enviro200 247 YX62 DTY fresh from repaint into the new Konectbus livery.
Also observed in Norwich Bus Station today was ADL Enviro200 247 YX62 DTY fresh from repaint into the new Konectbus livery.
My thanks to Dan for the photos
Roy
Roy
Essex Enviro
Dale Bell has sent some photos of a First ADL/TransBus Enviro300 in a newly adorned livery supporting Essex County Cricket Club. The team are known as the Eagles and the club is primarily based in Chelmsford
The bus is First Essex 67755 SN62 ASO which was recently pictured in Chelmsford. It was new to First Glasgow in February 2013.
The bus is First Essex 67755 SN62 ASO which was recently pictured in Chelmsford. It was new to First Glasgow in February 2013.
My thanks to Dale for the many photos supplied
Roy
Roy
Monday, 7 April 2025
Jubilee On Tour
One of Jubilee Coaches' vehicles was spotted earlier today in Whitby by one of their former drivers Kevan Portas.
He took a photo of the Setra S415GT-HD MY63 JCR which was previously ex National Holidays coach NH63 CYH
I'm grateful to Kevan for the photo
Roy
He took a photo of the Setra S415GT-HD MY63 JCR which was previously ex National Holidays coach NH63 CYH
I'm grateful to Kevan for the photo
Roy
Norwich Workings Today
Dan High provides some photos of workings in Norwich earlier today with the first featuring Simonds' Mercedes-Benz Sprinter EVM Cityline RX25 TFF on the PR3 Postwick Park and Ride.
Also being employed by Simonds on the same route was ADL Enviro200 MMC YX72 OMY seen at Castle Meadow.
Adjourning to the Bus Station he captured First's Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner 36566 BK73 AHX on the PR1 Thickthorn Park and Ride. Also observed there was First's Volvo B9 37711 YJ09 OBF about to head for Lowestoft on the X22 route.
Also being employed by Simonds on the same route was ADL Enviro200 MMC YX72 OMY seen at Castle Meadow.
Adjourning to the Bus Station he captured First's Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner 36566 BK73 AHX on the PR1 Thickthorn Park and Ride. Also observed there was First's Volvo B9 37711 YJ09 OBF about to head for Lowestoft on the X22 route.
My thanks to Dan for the photos.
Roy
Roy
Saturday, 5 April 2025
Quartet On The Move
On East Yorkshire Enthusiasts Facebook Group this morning is the news that four Alexander Dennis Enviro400s had arrived on loan from Konectbus.
The quartet are Konectbus 629 SN65 OAJ, 631 SN65 OAM, 632 SN65 OAO and 633 SN65 OAP. They are still in the Norwich Park & Ride colour scheme with 632 being the first to receive East Yorkshire branding. Apparently whilst they are 'up north' the foursome are be repainted.
The quartet are Konectbus 629 SN65 OAJ, 631 SN65 OAM, 632 SN65 OAO and 633 SN65 OAP. They are still in the Norwich Park & Ride colour scheme with 632 being the first to receive East Yorkshire branding. Apparently whilst they are 'up north' the foursome are be repainted.
I am grateful to jdraves1 for his photos to illustrate this post.
Roy
Roy
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