Scottish Surprise

The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum held a special 'Low Floor and Late 90s' themed event at their Dunfermline site earlier today

One of the buses present was one which operated services in East Anglia, Volvo B10BLE T125 OAH. It was new in March 1999 to Ambassador Travel where it was employed on Norwich Park & Ride duties. It then moved to Blackburn Transport and later Transdev Lancashire United as their fleet number 205.

In 2017 it was purchased by York Pullman, where it worked local routes and contracts, including the York–Tadcaster corridor. Most recently, it operated with Dan’s Coach Travel in Suffolk and some of the operator's stickers can still be found inside the vehicle.

After over two decades of service across various operators, T125 OAH was acquired for preservation by Suffolk- based J&M Preservations and subsequently sold on to a Scottish preservationist.

My thanks to Joe Wilson for the photos.

Roy

Gorleston Bus Diverts

Following the closure of High Road in Gorleston by UK Power Networks, buses have been unable to serve the High Street since Thursday of last week.

Buses are being diverted via Church Lane and Beccles Road and here is FirstBus Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 36285 LX59 DBU outside the Kevill Arms on the former with an X1 service to Lowestoft earlier today.

Looking in the opposite direction, towards the church, another FirstBus Volvo B9 36197 BN12 WNX and Coastlink ADL Enviro400 33803 YX63 LJF pass each other.

The new Wright StreetDeck Electroliners were also employed on the diverted 8 route for the first time with 36691 BF26 ZVC shown negotiating the roundabout. One electric bus, however, did a complete circuit of the roundabout as the driver forgot about the closure!

Unfortunately the stops next to and opposite the church caused traffic issues when buses picked up passengers there at the same time!

My thanks to 'Reg Vardy' for the photos.

Roy

Maurice Visits The Seaside

Dan's Coach Travel's Plaxton Panther bodied Volvo B12M E23 DCT paid a visit to the east coast this morning.

Affectionately named Maurice, it was observed by 'Reg Vardy' on North Drive in Great Yarmouth and on the Lower Esplanade at Gorleston.

My thanks to 'Reg' for the information and photo.

Roy

Surprise Visitor

A surprise visitor appeared on Great Yarmouth’s seafront this afternoon in the shape of former Eastern National open top Eastern Coach Works bodied Bristol KSW5G WNO 479.

On loan to Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire, it began life with Westcliff On Sea during 1953. It is seen here being passed by a younger First Eastern Counties open topper from 2008 - Volvo B9TL CRZ 166.

My thanks to ‘Reg Vardy’ for his help with this post.

Roy

Open Top Returns

On Wednesday we reported the repaint of FirstBus former Land’s End Coaster 37796 LX59 CXO in its new First Bus explore livery.

Today it returned to First Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot where it is shown in the accompanying photo

Our thanks to Steve N for the information and picture.

Roy

Norwich Today

A couple of photos from Dan High's sightings on Castle Meadow in Norwich earlier today.



The first features Sander Coaches' Caetano Levante bodied Volvo B9R 935 BF63 ZSK providing the 952 service. It wasn't that long ago when it operated National Express services for Great Yarmouth-based Ambassador Travel.



Talking of long distance services, Flixbus liveried Scania Irizar I6s YS25 RKE was observed with its destination showing the 083 service to Birmingham via Cambridge. It is registered to Prospect Coaches of Lye.

Thanks Dan

Roy

Sanders Selection

'Reg Vardy' was out and about in the fine city of Norwich yesterday and provides a selection of photos of some Sanders vehicles.



The first features 526 BV72 KKA, a Volvo B8RLE /MCV eVoRa, exiting Norwich Bus Station on the X55 to North Walsham.



Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 bodied Volvo B5TL 126 SA71 SAN is seen on Castle Meadow with the X44 to Sheringham.



Heading in the opposite direction was Scania K230UB OmniLink 325 YT11 LPN on its way to the bus station.



Also observed in the city was former Semmence Volvo B9R / Plaxton Panther JL09 RSL which now has Sanders fleet number 933.

My thanks to 'Reg' for the photos.

Roy

Open Top Repaint

Zak tells us that the latest repaint to emerge at First Bus Great Yarmouth is former Land’s End Coaster 37796 LX59 CXO in its new First Bus explore livery.

The Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 hasn’t received any local branding allowing it to work as a spare on Norwich’s explore route for the rest of the season and also as back up for Great Yarmouth’s Coastal Clipper Cabriolet service.

It is noticeable that the middle doors have been retained and that First Kernow (First Cornwall) related displays are shown.

We are grateful to Zak for the information and photos.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 15th July 2026

There are a few entries concerning some local bus services listed in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.

Central Connect Transport Limited is introducing two new services from Diss Bus Station from the 19th July 2026. They are the 482 to Bridge Road in Framingham and the 81 to Beccles Old Market which will run Mondays to Saturdays.

First Eastern Counties is cancelling its 931 service between Market Gates Bus Station in Great Yarmouth and Ormiston Venture Academy on Oriel Avenue in Gorleston from 30th August 2026.

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

Roy

Caledonian Duo

A couple of Caledonian Travel branded coaches were observed on Great Yarmouth's Marine Parade this afternoon with the first belonging to Parks of Hamilton.



LSK 615 makes a return visit and is parked in front of the Sealife Centre with the Wheel featuring in the background.



Later on the opposite side of the road was Caledonian Travel's Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BV22 WUL.

Roy

UEA Graduation Shuttles 2026

Another year passes by so quickly and this year's University of East Anglia Graduation shuttles were in place this morning.



Again First Ipswich were helping out with some of their Wright StreetDecks on loan in their distinctive Ipswich reds colour scheme.



My thanks to Dan High for the photos of three of them, 35916-8 BN72 TVK-M, at the Costessey Park and Ride site earlier today.



Roy

Sanders Coaches Update

There have been a few things happening at Sanders Coaches since the takeover of Semmence during May.



Liam has provided photos of some of the former Semmence fleet with Sanders of Norfolk branding, including Volvo B9R / Caetano Levantes 937 EHZ 5362 and 935 BF63 ZSK. Also pictured is Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profile 934 YN06 RVE



Another of the former Semmence fleet in active service is Volvo B10M / Jonckheere 850 Y176 KCS



Joining Sanders last month was DAF SB4000 Van Hool YJ07 JNO, new to Sanders back in 2007, it’s received its 50th anniversary livery and cherished plate W70 SCL plus fleet number 804.



Former Go South Coast Volvo B7RLE 505 HF54 HHA has been given a short reprieve for the busy summer season.



My thanks to Liam for the information and photos.

Roy

From The Dark Side?

Tony Wilson observed Our Bus Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 517CDi Atlas/EVM Cityline which has been named 'Darth'. He thought it might have something to do with its black livery.

Registered YJ23 CWS, it is pictured outside The Old Forge in Southrepps yesterday on the 13:35 departure of route 33 (North Walsham & Cromer).

It appears to have inherited the black livery when new to Hertfordshire-based Universitybus in 2023 with fleet number 40, ostensibly for the HertsLynx DRT initiative. That did not last long so, therefore, it went on to the second-hand market.

My thanks to Tony for the information and photo..

Roy

One Out, One In

A further withdrawal to report is FirstBus Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 37575 AU58 ECZ. The Coastal Clipper liveried bus is seen here at Lowestoft’s Gasworks Road depot were it was based. 

On the positive side, similar 37566 AU58 ECE has been repaired and is now available for service at Lowestoft.

My thanks to Steve N for the information and photo.

Roy

Southwold Sightings

‘Reg Vardy’ saw some sightings at the seaside at Southwold in the sunshine this afternoon and sends in his snaps. (Running out of words beginning with s!!)

The first photos features one of the Beccles-based Grebe Coaches fleet in the form of Unvi Cimo bodied Mercedes-Benz Atego MIL 3520.

A second Mercedes-Benz in the fleet in attendance was MIL1714 which is a Plaxton Cheetah formerly registered as AP09 VXN.

Sanders Coaches Volvo B9R / Plaxton Elite 917 YVJ 677 was also present on a school’s outing from the Great Yarmouth area.

Thanks for the photos ‘Reg’

Roy

Coastal in Leeds

On Monday I reported the loan of a First Great Yarmouth Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 to FirstBus Bramley depot at Leeds to cover their temporary loans to First York.



Ronan Deans has consented to the use of his photo of the Coastal Reds liveried 36283 LX59 DAU which is seen on Boar Lane in Leeds operating the 16 service to Whinmor.

I am grateful to Ronan for the use of his photo.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 8th July 2026

The latest East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contains no entries regarding any relevant changes to local bus services. The full Report can be viewed here soon

Roy 

Norwich Today

A hot but tired Dan High forwards some photos of bus activity on Castle Meadow in Norwich earlier today. The effects of watching the England football match very early this morning was obviously taking its toll!



His first subject is Central Connect ADL Enviro200 YX13 AFN on the Konectbus 30A route heading for Thorpe Marriott.



Next up is the rare appearance of First Bus Great Yarmouth Transport liveried Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 37562 FJ08 FYN on the Great Yarmouth to Norwich 7 service.



Last is Sanders Coaches Volvo B9R / Caetano Levante 908 6542 FN, a registration previously carried by a former Caroline Coaches and East Kent AEC Reliance.

My thanks to Dan for the photos.

Roy

Coastal Red to Leeds

Following the temporary withdrawal of the Optare MetroDecker fleet in the London area after a bus fire, FirstBus have begun a number of vehicle movements across the country. Initially First Hunslet came to the aid of First York but vehicles have since returned.

First Leeds has now stepped in with its Bramley depot helping out. Naturally they, in turn, had to find replacements and one of those is Great Yarmouth’s Coastal Reds liveried Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 36283 LX59 DAU which made the journey yesterday.

Roy

Flixbus Updates

An update report from our regular Flixbus contributor, David Slater, arrived in our inbox during yesterday afternoon.

'On Thursday 18 June the Flixbus Norwich-London service 007 had two additional round trips added to the schedule.

Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Hearns Coaches Neoplan Tourliner OU22 ZXE has been regularly working on the Flixbus service 007 from London to Norwich seen here approaching Fiveways, Barton Mills

Prior to these additions the service had one round trip to Victoria worked by Transport Made Simple / Central Connect / Simonds):

0905 Norwich-Thetford-Stratford-Victoria (arriving 1255)
1600 Victoria-Stratford-Thetford-Norwich (arriving 1955)

The new runs are worked by Hearns Coaches based in the north London area:
0700 Victoria-Stratford-Thetford-Norwich (arriving 1055)
1210 Norwich-Thetford-Stratford (arriving 1500)
1540 Stratford- Thetford-Norwich (arriving 1840)
1955 Norwich-Thetford-Stratford-Victoria (arriving 2320)

Friday 3 July 2026 - Hearns Coaches YD23 FOJ also seen at Fiveways worked the 0700 service from London (Victoria Coach Station) to Norwich. It is a Yutong T12 that was new in July 2023

Still more to come. Commencing Monday 13 July there will further additions to the service:0550 Norwich-Ipswich-Colchester-Chelmsford-Stratford (arriving 1000)
1130 Stratford-Thetford-UEA-Norwich (arriving 1425)
1545 Norwich-UEA-Thetford-Stratford (arriving 1845)
2015 Stratford-Chelmsford-Colchester-Ipswich-Norwich (arriving 0025)

When making journey searches on the Flixbus website I saw that one of the journey options for a London to UEA journey was available by using a London-Thetford timing and changing there for the Thetford-UEA section using the Heathrow-Norwich coach. That’s different!'

Many thanks for the detailed update and photos David which are much appreciated.

Roy

First Day

Dan High reports the sighting of a Central Connect ADL Enviro200 on its first day in service with them at Norwich’s Castle Meadow earlier today.

Former Go Ahead London YX13 AFF retains its two door layout and was observed on the service 5 to Rackheath. In the second photo it is shown passing Eastern Counties liveried Volvo B9TL /Wright Eclipse Gemini 36183 BN12 JYF on the 11A to Sprowston.

My thanks to Dan for the report and photos.

Roy

Beach Coach Station Redevelopment

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has unveiled plans to build some 94 homes on the site of Beach Coach Station and its associated car park.

It has launched an early stage consultation on the scheme which will be run by Broadland Housing Association with the Council stating that any redevelopment would be accompanied by plans to ensure alternative, convenient parking for coaches using the site.

You can view the plans at https://www.ingletonwood.co.uk/beach-coach-station-consultation-2.php and there is also an opportunity to comment.

However, there is no mention of where the alternative coach parking will be provided and neither is there any mention of the location for the displaced car parking spaces used during the holiday season although that is promised to be included as part of the planning process.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 1st July 2026

Yesterday's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report contained information on a new service and the withdrawal of others.

Ambassador Travel is to reintroduce its seasonal Wherry 100 bus service in Great Yarmouth which connects Vauxhall Holiday Park with the seafront via the town centre. The Monday to Friday service recommences on the 6th July 2026 and ends on 31st August 2026.

Simonds of Botesdale is to cancel nineteen of its services from 18th July 2026 including the following:-
CGY1 Great Yarmouth Coach Station / Nelson Road North and KFC Gillingham, Beccles.
GY1A Great Yarmouth, Coach Station / Nelson Road North and KFC Gillingham, Beccles.
PR3 Postwick Park & Ride, Norwich.
3A / 3B Chapel Road, Lingwood and Acle Academy, South Walsham Road, Acle.
6 Old Courthouse, Yarmouth Road, Blofield and St Andrew High School, Thorpe, Norwich.
482 Diss Bus Station to Bridge Street, Framlingham.
It appears that that the routes are to be operated under the Central Connect name.

The full report can be viewed by clicking HERE

Roy

More Electroliners

As mentioned in the previous post, dental appointments awaited my wife and I this morning and I was hopeful of some photos of the new First Bus Wright StreetDeck Electroliners.



With very limited parking times in the High Street, I had to move the car after my appointment which provided some more opportunity for photos.



In the end I took four pictures of the newcomers, three of which I hadn't seen before and were still to appear on the blog!



In order of appearance they are 36697 BF26 ZVK, 36694 BF26 ZVG and 36696 BF26 ZVJ all on the 8s

Roy

Gorleston Trio

Driving down to Gorleston's High Street this morning for a dental appointment, I passed three Sanders Coaches unloading schoolchildren visiting the East Norfolk Sixth Form College on Church Lane.



I later received two photos from 'Reg Vardy' of the aforementioned threesome at rest on Pier Gardens with the first, Volvo B7R / Plaxton Profile 915 E21 APY, parked outside the Pavilion.

The others present were Volvo B9R / Plaxton Elite 915 PVF377 with Volvo B12M / Plaxton Panther 904 SGF 965 parked behind.

My thanks to 'Reg' for the photos.

Roy