Sanders First

Former First Essex Thamesway liveried Volvo B7RLE 69520 BJ11 ECW has passed to Sanders Coaches.

It was observed in Norwich city centre today by Harry Holmes on the 57 service on its first day in use with the operator.

My thanks to Harry for the photo .

Roy

Central Connect Contract

Observed eastbound on Euston Road in Great Yarmouth this afternoon was this Central Connect ADL Enviro400 MMC YY74 OBV about to be employed on a workers contract. 

It had started the day on the B3 service between Eye and Bury St Edmunds’ West Suffolk College.

Roy

Turquoise Move

Following our recent post regarding a number of FirstBus Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs being moved from Norwich to Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot, one has now arrived at the coast.

It is former First Norwich Turquoise line 36184 BN12 JYG which is seen here prior to leaving its Norwich Roundtree Way depot this morning.

Also present was recently withdrawn Coastal Clipper branded 37565 AU58 ECD.

Roy

EATM Festival of Transport

This weekend saw the East Anglia Transport Museum hold its Festival of Transport and I visited the event at Carlton Colville on Sunday.

I took advantage of the well signposted new park and ride service which was just about full when I arrived just before midday. The ‘ride’ part of the service was provided by First Eastern Counties Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TL 36226 BD12TBO.

On entering the site my attention was drawn to former West Bridgeford UDC Willowbrook Lowbridge bodied AEC Regent III No 21 ORR 140. The undertaking passed to Nottingham City Transport in 1968.

Also in the yard was Pat Burnside’s former Eastern Counties Bristol L5G KNG 711 and ex Eastern National Bristol LDLX6G prototype Lodekka 1541 236 LNO from 1957. Both were bodied at Lowestoft’s Eastern Coach Works.

One of First Great Yarmouth’s ten Wright StreetDeck Electroliners made an appearance. 36098 BF26 ZVL is seen being passed by Danish trolleybus Copenhagen No 5. The Electroliner later completed a number of circuits of the museum with passengers onboard.

Blackpool tram 159 was looking good following its recent repaint and is observed passing the taxi garage and restored telephone box.

Also on display were two BorderBus vehicles - Volvo B8RLE / MCV eVoRa 116 BB75 BUS and Scania CN230UD 205 BB08 PSV.

Our final photo features former Royal Mail Post Bus M736 VSC, a 1995 Iveco Daily with Mellor bodywork.

Roy

Saloon Swap

Two First Lowestoft ADL Enviro200s have moved to First Essex at Colchester with the former receiving two Wright StreetLites in return.

The Enviros are Coastal Reds liveried 44532 SN62 DBO and 44533 SN62 DBV, while the incoming StreetLites are 47643 SN15 AEZ and 47644 SN15 AFA.

My thanks to Steve N for the information.

Roy

Surprise Arrivals

Recently observed in the yard of BorderBus in Beccles are these two double deckers previously operated by Metrobus which is headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex.

The couple are Scania CN270UDs YP09 HWK and YP09 HWG which require some attention prior to entering service.

Roy

Moves Due

It is understood, from various sources, that a small number of FirstBus Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs are expected to move from Norwich to Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot in the next few days. We will not speculate as to which examples they may be as their identity could be subject to change.

Similar 36226 BD12 TBO and 36190 BN12 JYP are now both Lowestoft based vehicles with the former appearing on shuttle duties between Carlton Colville and the Easr Anglian Transport Museum today.

Meanwhile, ADL Enviro400 33822 YX63 LKM and Volvo B9TL 36282 LX59 DAO have successfully passed their MOTs. Scheduled for theirs next week are 36284 LX59 DBO and Wright StreetLite 47504 SN64 CPY

Roy

There’s More!

As comedian Jimmy Cricket used to say ‘there’s more’ meaning additional new FirstBus Wright StreetDeck Electroliners have been observed in Norwich.

 

Luke Champeny saw other examples yesterday with 36706 LX76 ZFW being noted at Postwick Park and Ride ready to work PR1 to Airport Park and Ride yesterday.

At the back of Sapphire House on Roundtree Way 36712 LX76 ZGD was seen parked up.

Finally also in the yard at Roundtree Way was 36704 LX76 ZFU

My thanks to Luke for the photos

Roy

Electroliners Make An Appearance

Dan High’s photos today include the entry into service of three new FirstBus Eastern Counties Wright StreetDeck Electroliners in Norwich.

The three Electroliners are 36700 LX76 ZFO, 36705 LX76 ZFV and 36707 LX76 ZFY and all are pictured on Castle Meadow.

My thanks to Dan for the photos.

Service Alterations Registered ~ 23rd September 2026

Today’s East of England Traffic Commissioner’s Notice and Proceedings Report contains no entries affecting our local bus services. 

However, of specific interest is that Central Connect has amended the route and timetable of its 82/82A/82C services between Roydon and Postwick Park and Ride from 30th of August 2026

The full Report can be viewed here soon

Roy

Norwich Tuesday

A couple of photos showing Dan High’s  observations on Norwich’s Castle Meadow earlier today.

An unusual visitor was ex Lochs & Glens’ Volvo B11RT 9900 SJ21 NDD which was first registered in April 2021. It is now operated by PTS Group (Wrights Coaches)

Next up is Central Connect’s ADL Enviro 200 765 EU10 AOX being employed on the 82C Postwick Park and Ride service

Thanks for the photos again Dan. Our thanks also to many of you who contacted us regarding the new owner of the Volvo  B11RT 9900

Roy

Early Retirement

It is reported in the Eastern Daily Press today that the FirstBus Eastern Counties double decker involved in the crash at Ormesby St Margret late last month is to be ‘retired’ 

The bus, Coastal Reds liveried Volvo B9TL 36286 LX59 DBV, was due for withdrawal at the end of September but the date has now been brought forward says the report.

Roy

Norwich Today

More photos from our Norwich correspondent Dan High with the first featuring Konectbus ADL Enviro200 770 YX61 BXL in Rackheath on the 5 to Norwich City Centre.

Rollesby-based Jubilee Coaches’ Setra S415GT-HD MY63 JCR was observed passing through Castle Meadow.

Another Konectbus single decker 789 YY64 TXM was employed for most of the day on the 9 route to the city centre.

Again thanks to Dan for the photos

Roy

1940s Weekend ~ Saturday

Regularly taking place around this time of the year is the 1940s event at Sheringham. Originally started by the North Norfolk Railway the whole town now gets actively involved.

The main operator in the area is Sanders and our first photo is of their Volvo B8RLE / MCV eVoRa 549 BU26 WTD Norfolk Splendour on a Coasthopper service at Sheringham’s Station Approach Bus Stop on the first day

Royston-based Richmond Coaches provides a regular visitor and this year it was Van Hool 892 LTV which is observed passing ex Stratford Blue Leyland Leopard / Marshall HAC 628D.

Not long after Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire’s Routemaster RML 2401 JJD 401D passed by heading for Holt.

Similar ex-London Transport green liveried RML 2419 JJD 419D was observed at Holt ready to leave for Garson Garage on 330!

Finally, former Eastern Counties Bristol SC4LK/ Eastern Coach Works LC 556 3003AH was apparently off to Stowmarket with the 256 service.

Thanks for the photos Dan

Roy

Norwich Friday

A couple of pictures from Dan High’s sightings in the Norwich area on Friday with the first featuring Scania 250UD / ADL Enviro 400 City 36918 YN69 XZY approaching the city on an excel A service from Kings Lynn.

The second photo shows Completely Coach Travel’s J29 CCT passing through the city centre’s Castle Meadow on an empty working. Originally new as YJ14 LFS in the Oxford Tube fleet, it arrived from Stagecoach West Scotland in June last year and still retains their long distance yellow livery.

My thanks to Dan for the photos 

Roy

Norwich Thursday

Another couple of photos from Dan High from yesterday with the first being of Central Connects' ADL Enviro400 MMC YX24 PLV showing Ipswich Town Football Club as its destination (Dan is a Norwich supporter and was wearing his NCFC top at the time!)



The second is of Konectbus branded Alexander Dennis Enviro200 753 YX62 DKL on St Stephen's Street on its way to Potter Heigham with the 2 service. It is still in its Go North West livery.



My thanks to Dan for the photos.

Roy

Another Final Journey

Almost a month ago we reported FirstBus Eastern Counties HD Connect branded Volvo B9TL 37725 YJ09 OBW had been withdrawn. (See Another B9 Withdrawn - 18th August 2026)



It was observed during yesterday lunch time north of Holbeach on the A17 near Michelle's Snack Bar by Dave Moore. It was being towed to its final resting place by a tow truck suppled by Trevor Wigley and Son.

Many thanks to Dave Moore for his consent to use the photo.

Roy

Norwich Wednesday

Regular contributor Dan High was in his regular spot on Norwich's Castle Meadow yesterday and here's a couple of photos he provided.



Flixbus liveried Prospect Coaches' Irizar i6s YS25 RKE was spotted at Norwich Bus Station having arrived on the 083 from Birmingham.

Observed on Castle Meadow was privately preserved former London Transport AEC Swift 4MP2R/ MCW JGF 753K. Given fleet number SMS 753, it was new to Aldenham depot in September 1971 - a mere 55 years old!

My thanks to Dan for the photos

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 16th September 2026

Today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains just a single entry which may be interest regarding services in our local area.

First Eastern Counties has amended the timetable of its 99/998 services between Lowestoft Bus Station and Pier Avenue in Southwold from 30th August 2026.

The full Report can be viewed here soon

Roy

OmniCity For Sale

Simon Bartram recently noticed on the Chartwell Bus Sales website the availability of a 2011 Scania N230UB owned by Beccles-based BorderBus.

The entry depicts OmniCity YT11 LUH which was one of three former Newport Transport saloons which received refurbishment only six years ago and apparently there's a choice of available vehicles.

My thanks to Simon for the heads up

Roy

Norwich Tuesday

A selection of some photos from Dan High's sightings in Norwich's Castle Meadow during yesterday.

The first shows Central Connect's Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Atlas/ EVM Cityline 228 RX25 TCJ on the 50 to Mousehold.

Next up is Simonds' Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BU16 GZV heading east with an empty working.

Sanders Coaches' Plaxton bodied Volvo B9R 913 259 YYC makes an unusual appearance on the X55 from North Walsham.

Finally a long distance shot of Central Connect's ADL Enviro200 773 YX61 DVR arriving on the 34 from Easton still in its Hedingham colours.

Again thanks to Dan for the supply of photos.

Roy

Ex Lowestoft in Essex

Talking of Lowestoft saloons, here's one that has gone to First Essex. Dale Bell sends this photo of ADL Enviro 200 44538 YX13 AHN in Chelmsford on route C5 to Writtle.

A second ex Lowestoft Enviro200 has also found its way to Essex and this is 44537 YX13 AEF at Chelmsford Market.

My thanks to Dale for the info and photos.

Roy

StreetLites Sneak South

Two FirstBus Eastern Counties Wright StreetLites transferred south from Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft last week where they are now operating services in the Suffolk town.

The twosome comprise 47502 SN64 CPV and 47504 SN64 CPY and the first named is seen operating services in Gorleston during the cooler weather of January this year. The couple were two of six introduced on Great Yarmouth routes when new in November 2014.

My thanks to Cameron Robinson for the information and he suggests more may be on their way soon.

Roy

Kings Lynn Heritage Day

Free vintage bus services were provided in Kings Lynn earlier today supporting Heritage Open Day and Dan High was there to record activity.

The first photo features privately owned ex London AEC Routemaster RML 2306 CUV 305C with Omar Atiallah carrying out conductor duties.

One of the open toppers present was ex Eastern National Bristol KSW5G WNO 479 which began life with Westcliff on Sea in 1953

In addition to the free services provided, scheduled routes continued to operate. FirstBus Eastern Counties ADL Enviro400 City 36915 YN69 XZV was on the A route to Norwich. In the background is another open topper, preserved Bristol Lodekka FLF / Eastern Coach Works JAH 552D.

Lynx bus routes continued to operate. This is Optare Tempo 23 YJ60 KAK on the 48 to Grimston while Coastliner branded ADL Enviro 400 MMC YX22 OLP takes a rest after a stint on the 36

Also observed parked up was Go to Town's Wright StreetLite MX11 CZJ.

I am grateful to Dan for his photos

Roy