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

Electroliner Enters Service

Another of FirstBus Great Yarmouth’s new Wright StreetDeck Electroliners arrived at Caister Road depot this morning.

36698 BF26 ZVL was almost immediately pressed in to service being used on two outward and return journeys on the 8s between Caister's Second Avenue and the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston

While I did see it in service, unfortunately I was unable to get a photo as driving at the time.

Roy

Norwich Today

This morning Dan High was in his usual position observing activity in Norwich's Castle Meadow where he obtained a photo of Coastal Clipper Volvo B9 37565 AU58 ECD in the city centre.



Also seen was Sunbeam Coaches' Mercedes-Benz O814D YN06 CYX. New to Weaver of Newbury in March 2006, Sunbeam acquired it from Wormall of Grantham in April 2023.



The Norwich Sightseer 100 service was running with open topper ADL Enviro400 33427 LK58 KHL in use.



Roy

Gorleston Visitors

There were two orange coloured coaches visiting the Pier Gardens area of Gorleston this morning.

The first was Rollesby-based Jubilee Coaches Setra S415GT-HD TIG 1295 which had recently been acquired from Crosskeys Coaches of Folkestone where it was previously registered BX07 NKG.

The second was Sanders Coaches' Volvo B9R /Plaxton Elite 917 YVJ 677 which had earlier operated the 834 Bacton to Gorleston East Norfolk Sixth Form College working.

Roy

In The Hot Seat

Dan High was enduring the heat in Norwich’s Castle Meadow earlier today while observing bus activity with drivers suffering in the hot seat!

His first contribution is a Yutong GT12 vehicle from the locally-based ICT Coaches in the form of their YH24 MGE.

The subject of the next photo is Eastons’ Mercedes-Benz Tourismo B8 AWE which appears to be on its way to a Take That concert in the London area.

Unusually appearing on the FirstBus 7 service from Great Yarmouth via Caister, Filby and Fleggburgh was Coastal Clipper liveried Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 37572 AU58 ECW.

Also noted was FirstBus Wright StreetLite 63170 SN64 CJX which was working the 37 Hellesdon to Mulbarton service for most of the day.

My thanks to Dan for his photos and to the drivers for enduring such high temperatures while working.

Roy

First Great Yarmouth Update

The first thing to report on this update from First Great Yarmouth is that new Wright StreetDeck Electroliner 36694 BF26 ZVG entered service yesterday

A couple of Coastlink liveried ADL Enviro400s are feeling a little unwell; 33815 YX63 LKD requires a new fuel tank to be fitted while 33814 YX63 LKC is undergoing repair.. Meanwhile, Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 37566 AU58 ECE is at Lowestoft awaiting a decision on repairs following accident damage.

Having their MOT test today are open top 37069 CRZ 622 and 36202 BN12 WOC

My thanks to Steve N for the information

Roy

Today's Activity In Norwich

Regular contributor Dan High reports on some of Konectbus workings in Norwich earlier today



His first photo is Central Connect branded Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Altas/EVM Cityline RX25 TCJ in use on the 50 route between the city centre and Mousehold Heath which operates on a 40 minute frequency.



With today being the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show, Konectbus is running its 400 service to the
Norfolk Showground near Costessey, on the outskirts of Norwich. Dan got this photo of Headingham liveried Konectbus ADL Enviro400 602 SN10 CFF on the service at Castle Meadow.



Also heading to the Showground was their ADL Enviro200 785 YY64 TXP in roughly the same location.



Meanwhile former Go Ahead London Enviro400 SN11 BUJ was employed by Simonds on the PR3 Postwick Park and Ride service.



Also continuing to defy rumours of its demise was First's Coastal Clipper branded Volvo B9TL/ Wright Eclipse Gemini 37565 AU58 ECD

My thanks to Dan for his photos.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 24th June 2026

The latest East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report was published this morning and includes changes to operator licenses held by AFSC and First Eastern Counties.

The former has opened a new operating centre at Marett's Chariots on Buxton Road near Frettenham for 20 vehicles. It coincides with the closing of centres at the Old School in Aylmerton and at Cornish Way Business Park in North Walsham.

First Eastern Counties is decreasing the authorisation at its Vulcan Road South site to 70 vehicles whereas its Sapphire House site on Rountree Way will increase to 20.

Konectbus is operating its limited stop 400 service between Norwich Railway Station and the Norfolk Showground for the Royal Norfolk Show during today and tomorrow

The full Report can be viewed here soon

Roy

Norwich Yesterday

A couple of photos from Dan High's observations in Norwich City Centre yesterday including one of a rarely mentioned local operator. ICT Coaches EVM bodied Mercedes-Benz 516CDI RY19 OUH is pictured on Castle Meadow.

Unusual now is the sighting of Scania N250UD / Alexander Dennis Enviro400 City 36905 YN69 XZJ in the same location. It is passing Konectbus 3&6 route branded ADL Enviro200 SK15 HKC on the 2 service to Eaton.

My thanks to Dan for the photos

Roy

Awaiting Next Journey

Two former First Eastern Counties X1 double-deckers were observed side by side at Lowestoft's Gasworks Road depot earlier today.



They were Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Geminis Coastal Red 37579 AU58 EDK and Coastal Clipper 37576 AU58 EDC. It appears they are awaiting their final journey.

My thanks to Steve N for the information and photo.

Roy

Another B9 Goes

A further withdrawal to report is First Great Yarmouth's Volvo B9TL 37578 AU58 EDJ. The Wright Eclipse Gemini is now parked up at Lowestoft.

My thanks to Steve N for the report and to Grahame for his photo

Roy

City Centre Activity

Following our recently reported demise of First Great Yarmouth's Volvo B9TL 37565 AU58 ECD, it subsequently turned up in Norwich working a number of city services. So its not the complete end of its use just yet! Dan High saw it in Norwich's Castle Meadow this morning.

Grahame recently exclusively reported the application of a special Pride livery for a First Norwich double-decker. Dan also got a photo of the Wright StreetDeck Electroliner, 36574 BK73 AKF, earlier today.

Visiting was Ipswich-based G12 CCC from the Three C's Travel fleet. The Jonckheere bodied Volvo B11B was previously registered RL15 RSL.

My thanks to Dan for his photos.

Roy

Local Coach Visitors

With some time to spare during yesterday afternoon, I decided to tour round the usual haunts in Great Yarmouth to see what touring coaches were lurking about in the holiday area and at the coach station.

A visit to the latter provided three coaches with the first being KM Travel's Yutong TC12 YG18 CWM.

In the middle of the trio was Shrewsbury-based Ministerley Motors' Scania K410EB4 YT19 EBU..

The final vehicle was Llew Jones Coaches' Mercedes-Benz Tourismo LJI 4670 in Shearings.com livery visiting the Norfolk Broads and Sandringham.

Afterwards driving along North Drive and saw a white coach heading towards me in the far distance. Quickly stopping and getting out of the car I caught Caledonian Travel's Mercedes-Benz Tourismo NH18 GGH heading back to its hotel.

Returning home via Jellicoe Road and Caister Road there was a coach at the Londis Petrol Filling Station on the west side of the road which was identified as Dartline's Irizar i6 YT20 ERZ.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 17th June 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

Electroliner Arrivals

Three of First Great Yarmouth’s new Wright StreetDeck Electroliners were at Norwich’s Roundtree Way depot this morning. 

One of them, 36697 BF26 ZVK, has subsequently arrived at Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot but is pictured at the aforementioned site.

The other two present at Norwich were 36693 BF26 ZVE and 36698 BF26 ZVL which will no doubt find their way to the coast in due course!

My thanks to Steve N for the information and photos.

Roy

Lowestoft Look In

I was on my way to Lowestoft this afternoon and looked in at the First Eastern Counties depot at Gasworks Road in the hope of viewing any of the Specialist Transport Solution buses based there for Sizewell C work.

I was rewarded with the view of two ADL Enviro400 MMCs with the first SN75 YWD being 34496 in the First numbering scheme. Unfortunately the one behind could not be identified.

Also present, poking out of the depot, was former First Glasgow Volvo B9TL 37542 MXZ 3342.

Roy

Coach Services' Departures

Regular contributor Jdraves1 reports the withdrawal of BJ60 BYX, a 2010 Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse 2. Unfortunately it was written off on Monday (June 8th) in an accident on the 357 route but what's unlucky is that it had newly painted panels 2 weeks prior.

Also previously unmentioned here is another withdrawal in the form of HF05 HXG, a 2005 Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse Urban back in December. It was new to Wilts & Dorset in May of that year.

Many thanks to Jdraves1 for his report and photos.

Roy

Norwich Pride In Ipswich

Continuing the Pride theme, Colin Sharman tells us that Norwich Pride liveried Volvo B7RLE saloon 69543 BF12 KWG has been operating from Ipswich since Monday of last week.

Last week on the Wednesday to Friday (3rd to 5th June) it ran empty at around 09.00 or so (presumably from Suffolk One) under Ancaster Road railway bridge and then later worked the Stowmarket 87 town service. It is seen here operating a Sprowston service in Norwich.

Many thanks for your report Colin.

Roy

New Pride Bus For Norwich

Details are slowly emerging of another special Pride liveried vehicle for First Norwich. We can exclusively reveal the vehicle being used is Electroliner 36574 BK73AKF.

The full reveal will take place soon, it will join another vehicle in Norwich 69543 BF12KWG which also carries a livery dedicated to Norwich Pride.

Many thanks to Zak at First for the information and photos.

Grahame.