A Right Royal Event

A CONVOY of iconic Royal Blue coaches – once de-luxe travel for long-haul destinations – is coming west this weekend when up to 15 of these vintage vehicles will revisit former routes through Devon and Cornwall. The annual run, organised by the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust, aims to faithfully follow one of the original routes – using original timetables and drivers' instructions issued by the company. Saturday the convoy leaves Exeter Coach Station at 10am. The route will be via Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay (noon to 1pm) to Paignton and then via Totnes to Dartmouth arriving at approximately 2.30pm

On Sunday the run starts from Plymouth's Bretonside Bus Station at 10am. The vintage coaches then drive, via Liskeard, to Bodmin (11.30am) where they will stop briefly near the railway station.

"A highlight will be to travel over Bodmin Moor to Launceston where the coaches will pass through the Town Square and squeeze through Southgate Arch," said Colin.

This is Plymouth

Full details can be found here

Hopefully the weather will hold out for some photos of a great event. I am hoping to be at Bretonside to see them off if possible.

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Related Links

• Welcome... Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust

In the News

• Woops! Manchester Evening News

Bloggers

• It's a mark of either great ambition or sheer stupidity that 270 KTA's 452 mile Birthday tour was something of a 'proving' run.. 270KTA
• Looking surprised when "the man" at Largs retained their tickets, they were told, "ye dinnie need tickets to come back." So why not buy a single, thought fbb, mischievously. Public Transport Experience
• Expect franchising in provincial England to become a reality today, as the West Yorkshire integrated transport authority considers its future bus strategy. Omnibuses
• The X38 Exeter to Plymouth over the decades. TGP

First for Sale

FirstGroup is seeking buyers for seven different operations in England, according to a list obtained by Passenger Transport.

In the North West, the group is inviting bids for its operations in Wigan, Chester and Birkenhead, while in the Midlands the group’s bases in Northampton, Redditch and Kidderminster are for sale.

Also being lined up for disposal is an as yet unspecified part of its 163-vehicle operation in Somerset.

Full article on Passenger Transport

What’s for sale:

• Wigan (116 buses)
• Birkenhead (64 buses)
• Chester (66 buses)
• Kidderminster (20 buses)
• Redditch (31 buses)
• Northampton (35 buses)
• Somerset – as yet unspecified (163 buses)

Note that Plymouth isnt on the list which will surprise quite a few people, however…

“We are developing opportunities for a number of disposals within our UK Bus division and the unsubstantiated information given to Passenger Transport does not comprise the entire sum of those disposals”

Where have I seen that before?

©Chris Elsby: April 2012 Chester

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Bloggers

• I’m no expert on non-emergency health transport. I’m not much of an expert on Arriva, really. But the two are increasingly converging. Omnibuses
• The selection of watercraft used over the years has been a lot more stable than that of the bus scene over the past 7 years, although that is most certainly not to say that standards haven't been improved. PTOTPA
• Before motoring became the norm and before roads became universally navigable, the various steamer services were the only public transport to the dozens of small lochside villages. Public Transport Experience

Related Links

• Chris Elsby Flickr

The last few

Jason Beverley provides us with an update on former Plymouth City Transport stock:

• TCO batch only known survivor 137-preserved

• VDR batch only known survivors are 140 and 144 both down under-semi preserved
• WJY batch only known survivor 158/458 –preserved

 

• YCO batch no known survivors
• BDR/B batch no known survivors
• DDR/C/D batch only known survivor 201-preserved

• FJY/E batch only known survivor 214 –preserved

More to follow...

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Related Links

• Atlantean Line up aecregent - Flickr
• Atlantean 214 ZD703 - Flickr

Found on the Net

• This is a collection of 3D maps of London Underground/DLR stations - at the moment, only ones I know well, but hopefully expanding to cover more if I get help or detailed station plans. 3D Station Maps

In the News

• Transport group Stagecoach has posted a small drop in underlying profits after seeing revenue growth at its rail division slip behind schedule. BBC News Scotland

Bloggers

• Service reliability is not as good as that provided by the older "real" ships with trips cancelled when the weather is rough. "Disgusted of Dunoon" is a regular correspondent spitting venom via the local press. Public Transport Experience
• Certainly the operations left are not where First likes to play, being predominately rural. I rather fear that the First East Scotland saga is not over yet Omnibuses

Summer is coming Citybus hope

The latest Citybus posting on VOSA brings us a little reminder of what used to be:

PH0000135/144 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA

• Registration Accepted by SN
• Starting Point: Plymouth, Royal Parade
• Finish Point: Bovisand
• Via: Laira Bridge, Plymstock, Jennycliff
• Service Number: 54
• Service Type: Normal Stopping
• Effective Date: 21-JUL-2012
• Other Details: Operates daily from 21 July 2012 to 2 September 2012.

Citybus are back on the Bovisand route after a good few years when the service has been with Target Travel.

Sadly the service is most likely to be operated by standard Dennis Darts rather than a return to open top double deckers. The overgrowing trees along the route mean such a service is no longer possible even if the will was there.

©Syd Eade June 1975 - with permission.

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Related Links

• Topless Homecoming Plymothian Transit September 2009

Bloggers

• Most traveline regions allow you to search by locality and, if this were possible in Scotland, fbb might have been able to check what services were available and download their timetables. Public Transport Experience
• Here is our delayed (due to photo upload problems!) photo extravaganza from the Eastern Coach Works (ECW) Bus Event at the East Anglia Transport Museum (EATM) in Carlton Colville on Sunday 17th June 2012.. Andys Bus Blog
• 2007 saw the arrival of the first Optare Solos since 2004. Fylde Bus Blog
• But perhaps they have good reason to miss the entrance. It was back in 1995 that a whole train left the station, not on the rails but by way of two shops. This was the first and only time that a train was parked in the High Street but it did take much of the station building with it. Public Transport Experience
• On Saturday 16th June, I visited Brighton to grab some photos of the bus operations. In conjunction with the university open day, three former London Mercedes-Benz Citaro artics were out in service. This allowed me to grab my first shots of the buses in service. Southern England Bus Scene
• So, my days as a pupil of Devonport High School for Boys have finally come to and end, so I thought Id post a quick look back at all the vehicles that have transported me each morning and afternoon from Cawsand to Cremyll PTOTPA

Found on Flickr

• Plymouth open toppers August 1989 Richie B - Flickr
• Poorly Trident Exeboy - Flickr

Armed Forces Day

PLYMOUTH is just days away from hosting Armed Forces Day 2012 with events across the city watched by the eyes of Britain.

The city has been chosen as host for this year's celebration of the work and dedication of our armed services.

A packed day of family friendly activities will be taking place on The Hoe including military displays on land, sea and air.

The day starts at 9.30am on Plymouth Hoe with the opening of the tri-service and veterans villages and the interactive and static displays.

From 9.30am there will be arena displays starting with Plymouth Beginners orchestra , the Sea Cadet Corps field gunners at 9.45am, an ATC drill display at 10am and the RM Volunteer Cadet Corps Band at 10.15am.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Michael Wright added: “Plymouth has a rich and proud maritime heritage going back centuries so it is a great honour for us to be hosting the Armed Forces Day National Event.

“We’ve got a packed programme of activity lined up to mark the occasion, which will give the public a chance to meet both serving members of the forces and military veterans, find out more about what they do and get up close to and perhaps into some of the most impressive military equipment around.”

Full story with more events on This is Plymouth

There is a much better timetable of events on the Plymouth City Council site HERE

One nice touch is the free travel available with Plymouth Citybus and First for military personnel in uniform on the day of the main event:

 

There is a large listing of the discounts arranged for the armed forces over the events available HERE

Lets just hope that the weather is better this coming weekend as it does give Plymouth a chance to show our thanks to the armed forces.

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Elsewhere on the net

• Most traveline regions allow you to search by locality and, if this were possible in Scotland, fbb might have been able to check what services were available and download their timetables. Public Transport Experience

Chatter bus

Plymouth Citybus hope its 'chatter bus' – converted by a team of engineers based at the Milehouse depot – will act as a mobile information centre which will allow staff to meet with passengers and share thoughts on future route changes.
Richard Stevens, managing director of Plymouth Citybus said: "The newly branded 'chatter bus' is part of our agenda going forward to be more proactive in hearing what our customers want form their local bus company, Plymouth Citybus.

"I am sure the 'chatter bus' will be a success, with the public being able to book the bus to visit their community and discuss the community's public transport needs with Citybus staff."

The 'chatter bus' will make its first public consultation appearance on the June 28 outside the Guildhall, just off Royal Parade, which is the main bus stop area in the city centre. The event is being organised by Bus Uses UK and allows the people of Plymouth to voice their opinions on bus services in the local area directly to the people who run the services. Alongside Plymouth Citybus, the event will also be attended by First Devon & Cornwall, Western Greyhound, Stagecoach South West, Target Travel and representatives from Plymouth City Council

This is Plymouth

©Brian George (Taken with Blackberry)

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Related Links

• Chatter Bus Plymouth Citybus

Elsewhere on the net

• fbb and Mrs fbb are travelling by ferry, train and bus today. If all goes well, fbb will be adding any memorable snippets (and numerous unmemorable ones!) live and in real time to the planned schedule. Public Transport Experience
• Recognising that this myriad of regulation is not necessarily in the public interest, the Law Commission is consulting on a national standard for taxis. Omnibuses
• When we are considering which bus design could be called "the strangest ever built in history", then this hyperfuturistic double-decker bus certainly comes right on top. Dark Roasted Blend (You have to see this!)
• I received quite a few waves and smiles while photographing the local scene yesterday, which although simple, really does make a difference to the whole feel you get when undertaking the hobby PTOTPA
• But, generally, information was available locally or by post in advance; allowing the vehicle-less visitor to plan their excursions. Of course, none of that sort of nonsense is available today but we can go "on-line" and have all we need at our fingertips "just a couple pf clicks away". Oh yes, sirree! Public Transport Experience
• Last year, Plymouth Citybus, now owned by Go Ahead, removed the last of their Mercedes-Benz 709Ds from front line service. Now there are no more in the fleet. Southern England Bus Scene

Saving a bus or three

First are altering a few of their timetables on the 22 July.

We have had an in depth look at the 2 already so lets have a quick look at the 3 which is one of the main routes for First with strong competition from Plymouth Citybus 26.

First 3

The new timetables are here on the forthcoming timetables page (If you are viewing this page after the 22nd July then the timetable is available on my archives here on Plymothian Transit Extra.)

The main change is the reduction in the early morning service which until 08:00 is new every 15 mins  down from the previous 10 min frequency. The day time service is still listed as “at frequent intervals”

 

First 7

Things are a little bit different here as the early morning frequency remains at every 20 mins. The bad news – the day time service is reduced from 3 and hour to 2 at half hour frequency:

 

First 15

Significant in that its the last surviving new route introduced during the last bus wars when First had a major push against Citybus. To be fair its probably only survived because it ended up replacing the old 7 route to Glenholt as a useful link between the City Centre and Derriford Hospital.

You can probably guess that the service is being reduced in a similar fashion to the 7 from 3 an hour to 2 during the day time. At least both will be serving Mainstone rather than being turned at Asda…

Its quite a sad sight compared to the timetable introduced way back in October 2009 when it has a 15 minute frequency and even a Sunday service every 30 minutes.

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Elsewhere on the net

• Four days, 452 miles, one snapped spring and countless little chats and smiles: here is the story of 270 KTA’s 50th Birthday Tour… 270KTA
• Just north of Cheltenham town centre there is a car park, an unremarkable feature of a remarkable spa town. To generations of bus and coach enthusiasts though it was once a place of delight, St. Margaret's Coach Station, the busiest in the country outside London and the hub of the Associated Motorways network. Transport Illustrated
• News has finally broken that First West Yorkshire is to redeploy its Wright Streetcars on the long standing route 72. Historically this offered a modest 30 minute frequency, but it has now been developed to run every 8 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime Public Transport Experience
• Today we bring you the first photograph of one of Norfolk Green's stunning new Alexander Dennis Enviro400's - SN12EHM. Andys Bus Blog
• Totnes depot memories. TGP

Slow decline

We are starting to see more detail on forthcoming timetable changes that have been announced on VOSA. First now have their new forthcoming timetables available for routes 2,3,7 and 15 as from 22 July 2012. Lets start by looking this one:

2 City – Mountbatten

Early morning sees a reduction from every 10 minutes to 15 minutes before 9am when it continues every 12 minutes. There are also reductions in the evening frequency. It does seem a bit odd that the peak service is actually less frequent than the normal day time service.

Compare the above with this excerpt from February 2011:

We saw the Saturday service reduced to every 15 mins back in December 2011.

If we look back even further

6 April 2008 the current route was introduced as Buses up to every 10 minutes daytime, 30 minute evening and Sundays between City Centre. Then in August 2009 the Monday to Saturday daytime frequency changed to operate every 10 minutes during the peak periods and every 12 minutes off peak. Certain evening journeys operating Monday to Saturday and certain late afternoon Sunday journeys have also been withdrawn.

https://sites.google.com/a/plymothiantransit.com/extra/Home/plymouth-bus-routes-1/002-first-devon-and-cornwall

Of course its a bit unfair to single out First for service reductions when it has been happening across the board, not just here in Plymouth but pretty much everywhere else too. Sadly is pretty clear that the reductions will continue for many routes across the city.

Sadly we dont see buses like this on the 2 anymore either.

We will look at the other First timetable changes over the weekend.

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Elsewhere on the net

• You're never alone with an old coach. Today, like days one and two, has been made complete by the many wonderful people we've met along the way. 270KTA
• Stagecoach's new vehicles for use on the expanded The Busway network in Cambridgeshire from 22th July have begun delivery. Andys Bus Blog
• Well adoring grandson of mine, it's like this. Nice Mr Cameron and nice Mr Clegg, who are playing at being Prime Minister this week, have run out of money. And they need lots of pennies to run hospitals and schools and Diamond Jubilees and Olympic Games and all that sort of stuff. Public Transport Experience
• Now here is the big question. After largely failing in York, being less than successful in Leeds and being removed from the evening and Sunday service in Swansea, what are the chances of success on the 72? Public Transport Experience

Happy Birthday

Precisely 50 years ago today, on Wednesday 20th June 1962, a brand new coach was delivered to Western National's Kingsbridge depot.

You can follow 270KTA on her own blog which is well recommended as it details the many ups and downs of owning such an old coach.  

I like Citycoach and Citycoach likes me

Facebook is now one of the main tools that bus companies can use to help them communicate with their passengers. Used properly it can be a great way of both giving out information about their services and also getting feedback and questions from their passengers. Go Ahead Group are particularly keen on using Facebook to communicate this way (and also use Twitter to great effect).

They have recently set up their own corporate page which gives occasional news items across the whole group. Its early days but the page looks smart and there is some interaction with people who have asked questions.

Then we have the individual operators:

Wilts & Dorset

Southern Vectis

 

Bluestar

Metrobus

 

Oxford

 

Then we come to our local operations starting with Plymouth Citybus

finally for now we have the latest Go Ahead Group Facebook page Plymouth Citycoach

As I said this is a very recent addition to Facebook, so Citybus clearly wanted to start getting people interested in the new page with a promotion. Over the first week or so they offered the very generous prize of a trip to the British Grand Prix with Citycoach for 2 with all who ‘liked’ their page going into a free random draw. I have to say that this is a great way to get interest in their page but then maybe I am every so slightly biased – as I was the lucky winner of the Grand Prix trip! I will of course file full report on the trip at a later date – when I come back down off cloud nine! As yesterday was our 13th wedding anniversary it makes a well timed break for me and my wife – first time away on our own for over ten years!

It just goes to show that its worth keeping an eye out for these promotions. Many operators are running them with various prizes on offer, often just for simply clicking a link and entering a draw. So go on, check out your local operator on facebook and ‘like’ them – you never know they just might like you back! (and you may just see me on there as I will be popping in for publicity photos this week)

Once again thanks Citycoach!

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Elsewhere on the net

• Does anyone at Northampton County or Borough Council possess a brain? Apparently not Public Transport Experience
• It seems that when First suggested that it had found another home for its York £300,000-a-piece Streetcar FTRs, it wasn’t joking. Omnibuses

Schools back–official

 

SCHOOL bus services due to be axed next month have been saved in an eleventh-hour 'common-sense gesture'.

Council and Citybus work together to reinstate school bus services

Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Citybus have been working together to reinstate a number of school bus services from September.

The Cabinet Member for Transport, Mark Coker, the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Nicky Williams and the new managing director for Plymouth Citybus, Richard Stevens met to discuss concerns about the services and are now working in partnership to meet the needs of the city.

Councillor Coker said:”After receiving many calls from worried parents we raised the concerns with Plymouth Citybus and I’m very pleased we have reached an agreement and the buses will be reinstated. This is great news and we look forward to more talks with Citybus to improve community travel over the coming months.”

Councillor Williams said:“I’m delighted that Citybus have decided to reverse their decision. I’m hopeful that this signals a closer working partnership between the Council and Citybus to meet the needs of young people who rely on the bus network to travel around the city. This is one of our priorities and we will call a Young Persons’ Travel Summit with bus companies that will explore ways of supporting young people to get around the city.”

Richard Stevens Managing Director said, “working with the City Council I am delighted that we have managed to secure these school services.”

The buses which will be reinstated are with a minor timing change is 101, 102, 104, 109, 115, with the following services 112, 118, 142 generally unchanged. Services 103, 110, 116, 29S and 61S will not be reinstated but are largely covered by other services. There will be an on-going review to ensure the services remain viable.

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Elsewhere on the net

• Following-on from my Saturday wander through Devon recording the buses scene from Barnstaple to Torbay, as reported last time, I followed-up with a look at south Devon's two heritage railways, both run at times by and as the Dart Valley Railway. Transport Illustrated
• So, upon arrival from afar, the hopeful passenger has no source of infromation for onward travel except a couple of posters, often obscured by happy passengers enjoying the experience of waiting to prise the product (a ticket) out of the under-staffed sales windows Public Transport Experience
• The local Liverpool press reported it as “Iconic red London buses will take to the city streets to transport commuters while Liverpool Central station is closed”. And, guess what. The stock image they chose was none other than that of a Routemaster. Omnibuses

PCTPG Update

Just a small June update from PCTPG.
The group are currently trying to save Open top converted Roe Leyland Atlantean 125 STK 125T from the scrap merchants having being sold by owner Paul Paske due to other commitments.

September 2005
Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by Pete Edgeler

Group member Ian Byrne has advertised his Mercedes Benz 276 N276 PDV for sale due to his other commitments.
Leyland Atlantean Roe 131 STK 131T has just had some major work completed and is now ready for MOT.
Volvo Citybus 176 B176 VDV which developed a problem with the cab floor in early June has been inspected and it turns out be just a corroded bracket which is easily replaced.
Work continues apace on the conversion of 52 M52HOD into the group sales bus and returning 133 STK 133T to original condition.
Work is about to start on East Lancs Atlantean 170 TTT 170X and 171 TTT 171X needs rear break linings/drums replaced.
168 /117 /53/ 137/ 201 ARE ALL READY FOR THE HOE RALLY as is 276. 283 is due to be MOT'd shortly hopefully before 22nd July.

There will also be a star attraction on the Hoe more details soon....first time back in Plymouth for 25 years!

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Elsewhere on the net

Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group

• A while back, fbb was enthusing about the Isle of Man bus, rail and tram timetable. A chum suggested that the booklet produced by Mike Cheeseman at Brighton must be one of the best. Public Transport Experience
• Our friend's big 50th Birthday adventure begins in an hour. And for the first time in 72 hours, it's not raining. 270KTA
• Now that almost all transport operators (and most domestic electronic stuff) use the 24 hour system, can B&H really justify being one of the very few still "in step"? Public Transport Experience

VOSA strikes again

We are seeing more action on VOSA at the moment than we have seen for a while as summer timetable amendments slowly drop through. Friday saw a few more:

First

PH0004983/396 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth City Centre and Mainstone given service number 15 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/434 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Elburton Village given service number 7 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.

Target

PH0006742/51 - Registration Accepted by SN   Starting Point: Milehouse  Finish Point: Coypool  Via: The Citadel, Plymouth Hoe  Service Number: PR4  Service Type: Limited Stop Effective Date: 16-JUL-2012  Other Details: Monday to Friday To operate 5 evenings only for a music festival.

The Target Travel registration is a one-off for a festival. It remains to be seen what the timetable changes are for the 7 and 15. Both of these were reduced to every 30 mins on Saturday afternoons back in December. It would be nice to think they are reverting to 20 mins for the Summer? (or will the 30 mins timetable be applied all week?)

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Elsewhere on the net

• Love is blind 270KTA
• In November 2011, the UK youth parliament chose as its principal campaign cheaper, better and more accessible public transport. Omnibuses
• ... not so much red brick halls of academe but more plastic and string! Likewise there are a few Sunday evening trips, no doubt taking students back to their studies after a clothes-washing weekend at mummy's. Public Transport Experience

Citybus Future Citybus Past

Future

Another new service registration for Plymouth Citybus:

PH0000135/127 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA

• Registration Accepted
• Starting Point: Plymouth University
• Finish Point: Tamar Science Park
• Via: Mutley Plain
• Service Number: 51X
• Service Type: Limited Stop
• Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012
• Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth schooldays only.

This is clearly to replace the current MX1 service. What is more interesting to me is the route number 51X?

Could we be looking at a new service 51 coming sometime soon? possibly linking in with the current 50 service? Lets wait and see!

Past

Update from PCTPG:

To all, investigation into poor running by 116 revealed extensive attention needed to the diff and transmission. A regrettable but sensible decision has been to sell it for spares/repair. As of 12 today (14 June) it was taken to target travel to keep one of their vehicles operational.

Pre Stax

The latest repaint into the new Citybus livery is 34 T134EFJ.

It has lost the rather dark and dull Stax wrap which it has carried since 2006. It wont be missed!

Before that it did carry a rather smart wrap for just a few months:

Now hopefully I can get a decent shot of 34 in her new garb shortly. It was sat at Milehouse yesterday afternoon so not sure if it is in service yet?

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Elsewhere on the net

• The London and North Western Railway arrived in Northampton in May 1845 via a junction with the main line at Blisworth. The station, later known as Bridge Street ... Public Transport Experience

Students stay linked

After a lot of work behind the scenes it seems that Plymouth Citybus are still very much in the school bus sector for the new school year in September. Yesterday we saw a flurry of registrations on VOSA setting out the new services as from 3rd September 2012:

 

• PH0000135/20 Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tamerton Folilot and DHS Boys School given service number 101 effective from 02-Sep-2012.
• PH0000135/58 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and City College Plymouth given service number 36 effective from 02-Sep-2012. To amend Timetable.
• PH0000135/128 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Tamerton Foliot, Cunningham Road  Finish Point: DHS Boys  Via: Crownhill, DHS Girls  Service Number: 101  Service Type: Normal Stopping  Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012  Other Details: Monday to Friday schooldays only.
• PH0000135/129 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Glenholt, George Park & Ride Finish Point: DHS Boys Plymouth Via: Southway Service Number: 102 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth school days only.
• PH0000135/130 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Crownhill Finish Point: DHS Boys Via: Devonport, St Budeaux Service Number: 104 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth schooldays only.
• PH0000135/131 Registration Accepted Starting Point: Plympton, Steer Park Finish Point: DHS Boys Plymouth Via: Derriford, Peverell Service Number: 109 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth school days only.
• PH0000135/132 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Milehouse Finish Point: Notre Dame School Via: Devonport, Keyham Service Number: 112 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth schooldays only.
• PH0000135/133 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Plympton, Steer Park Finish Point: DHS Girls, Outland Road Via: Marsh Mills, Lipson Service Number: 115 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth schooldays only.
• PH0000135/134 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Milehouse Finish Point: Notre Dame School Via: Crownhill, St Budeaux Service Number: 118 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth schooldays only.
• PH0000135/135 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Tamerton Foliot Finish Point: Whitleigh Via: Southway, Widewell Service Number: 142 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-SEP-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday Plymouth school days only.

Target Travel (Robert Risk) have a registration amendment form the same date:

• PH0006742/40 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitleigh and Efford given service number 46/46S/47/47S effective from 03-Sep-2012. To amend Timetable.

We will wait for the dust to settle and more details to emerge before commenting on these changes but it does seem that most if not all school runs have been saved which has to be good news.

 

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Elsewhere on the net

• The problem, so it seems, is that all those jolly visitors rushing to Stratford etc. to watch the pickled egg pushing might, just might, need to catch trains or buses Public Transport Experience
• A passenger boards your bus. She’s in her early 20s. She’s 20p short of her £5 fare. What do you do? Omnibuses
• Seaton Depot.1970's TGP

Plymothian Olympic Dreams

Local involvement in the Olympics is very much in the news at the moment.

Not going

A SHOCK decision to deny Plymouth diver Tonia Couch a chance to dive for individual gold in the Olympics has been condemned as a slap in the face.

One school has 4 pupils taking part

Yet for one Plymouth school, four students will be taking part in the ultimate test for any sportsperson.

Shuttles

We know that the new Enviros First are running on the Park & Ride service are intended to be used at the Olympics. As far as I know Plymouth is the only places where these buses have been placed into service ahead of the games. Everyone else has to wait for theirs after the games. What many people have questioned was if the buses were then coming back to Plymouth after the games. It seems that up to a point this question has been answered…

A spokeswoman said yesterday: "First replaced the vehicles operating on the Plymouth Park and Ride in April this year.

"The brand new vehicles were always intended to be used during the Olympics in the summer. However, the intention is to bring these vehicles back to Plymouth once the Games are over.

"For the duration of the Olympics, First will use different vehicles on the Plymouth Park and Ride but the service will operate as normal with no impact on timetable or the capacity of the service.Customers should not notice any significant differences."

This is Plymouth

I must admit I have always thought that the buses would return to Plymouth. If we were going to be fobbed off with older buses we would have had them in the first place. It is good to see that it is still the intention to bring them back. Of course plans can change…

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Elsewhere on the net

• With one slight exception, every approach to Ventnor involves steep downhill routes; try, for example, the aptly named Zigzag Road! But public transport facilities have definitely gone down hill. Public Transport Experience
• The event has become infamous in the past for marking the death for quite a number of interesting or rare buses, including various Leylands, AECs etc PTOTPA
• England’s most significant partners seem to have fallen out a little in Brighton, over space for buses outside Brighton railway station. Omnibuses

Weymouth next weekend

Although not really local, the Weymouth running day event is one which will feature many westcountry buses and is very popular…

Just a reminder that next Sunday, the 17th June, sees this year’s Weymouth Vintage Bus Running Day at Lodmoor Coach and Car Park.
Very many thanks to all the vehicle owners who have entered, either as static exhibits or for use on the free services. We hope to be able to offer the usual varied selection of vehicles from Regents to VRs, REs to B6s not forgetting Leopards, S23s, Nationals, Olympians, Ks, B10Ms, Mercs, Guys, Bedfords....  (well maybe not all in the plural but you get the idea!).  We'll have the usual mix of routes old and new around the local area and out as far as Portland Bill - a route that simply has to be done just for the spectacular views!
It all starts from 10am at Lodmoor Car and Coach Park, which is near the Sea Life Centre on the eastern end of the seafront.  Once again, the event is supported by South West Coaches - many thanks to them for all their help and assistance.
If you're coming by train or parking in the town centre, the shuttle bus will be running again and we’re pleased to say that after all of last year’s roadworks it will be back stopping on the station forecourt. Buses will be timed to meet the trains and will depart at 0945, 1020, 1050, 1150, 1243 and 1343.

We look forward to seeing you there.
For more information visit the website at www.weymouthvbrd.co.uk
If you can't make Weymouth, how about Torquay on Sun 2nd September? We do that one as well!  www.torbayvbrd.co.uk

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Elsewhere on the net

• Seeking refuge from Mrs. McCaffery's continued stalking of Barry Manilow (I know, you think you've got problems...)I decided to get about as far from the bedlam as I could manage. and headed-off for a quiet weekend in Devon. Transport Illustrated
• In simple terms the leaflet tells you how, by walking, you can avoid Euston, but in order to do this, you must first ... travel to Euston. You couldn't make it up. Public Transport Experience
• 270 KTA sailed through her second MOT yesterday, quite literally. Yesterday was the wettest day since biblical times, and now we know why Noah chose not to fit an opening windscreen to his ark. SUs were always known to leak in severe weather, and I’m happy to confirm that mine still upholds the tradition very well. 270KTA
• In a strange twist of fate, public transport was to provide an unusual link with the Botanic Gardens when a former Wiltax Coach was controversially buried to provide a stable structure for a new rock garden. Public Transport Experience
• Particularly inventive was the umbrella symbol which denoted "a service likely to be withdrawn in inclement weather". Of course operators are not allowed to do that now, which results in the commercial disaster of OT vehicles running empty in rain or fog. Silly! Public Transport Experience

Still going strong

I do like these buses…

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Elsewhere on the net

• What this all tells us is that these tables have been created by an unthinking idiot; aka a computer system! With a little thought and an intelligent human "brain", much of the above obfuscation could be edited out. But, why bother? It's on the database; it must be right! Public Transport Experience
• With many thanks to Tom Pearce I am able to bring you these exclusive photos of two of Target Travel's latest additions to their fleet PTOTPA
• Much to the disgust of primary school dino-fans everywhere, scientists have had to scale down the weight of the once particular goliath, by a factor of four. Omnibuses
• Perhaps because they represent a mysterious unseen underworld, disused Underground stations seem to fascinate a lot of people – including those who aren’t generally interested in trains. You could be forgiven for thinking that Underground sidings would carry the same cachet, but they seem to be a subject that is often overlooked. London Reconnections

Optare Takeover

I had a pleasant surprise on the 15 home from Derriford yesterday in the shape of this rather tidy Optare Solo. Much better than the usual Volvo B6BLEs. The other 15s I observed on the way home were both Optare Excels which I have not seen on the 15 before. One of them causing issues broken down at Asda. It had been fixed by the time I came out of Asda though. Asda does seem to be a favourite location for broken First buses! It is school holidays so you do tend to get a different mix of buses to the norm but hopefully we will be seeing more of these on the 15...

Just out of interest, I have only just noticed that this bus carries the name Thomas Newcomen, who I believe created the first  practical steam engine for pumping water. Presumably this is from its time down in Cornwall, this bus originating with Truronian.

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Elsewhere on the net

• All transport on the Isle is state run, none of this privatisation nonsense there; which would explain why information is, unusually, comprehensive and comprehensible. Public Transport Experience
• I know that the Go Ahead board knows what it’s doing. I know that the potential purchase of H C Chambers of Bures nr Colchester would be a strategic move to consolidate Go Ahead’s position in England’s east. Omnibuses

Citybus Repaints

Plymouth Citybus have slightly speeded up repaints into the new livery with 39 being the latest having lost the horrible advert wrap.

A short while ago Enviro 142 was repainted into the new livery. Like 39 above I finally caught it on camera 1st June...

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Related Links

• Slightly Sinister Purse Plymothian Transit September 2008
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available Plymothian Transit February 2010

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Elsewhere on the net

• An interesting opportunity to find out “what if?” occurred yesterday when NBfL ran in public service well outside London Travelcard Zone 6, indeed most of the route was well away from public roads! Omnibuses
• The roof has to be brought down on a low loader. This was cheaper than paying for crane hire at Portswood and replacing the roof onto the body. Then there was the sourcing of six tyres as tyres are an extra £1000 ! TGP

Go Ahead News: Another purchase soon

Bures-based H.C. Chambers & Sons Ltd, which runs regular services in west Suffolk and Essex and also specialises in transport for people with disabilities, could be purchased by one of Britain’s largest bus operators, Go-Ahead. The national company has a fleet of around 3,900 vehicles

Martin Dean, managing director of Go-Ahead, confirmed that the company was in consultation with Chambers over the proposed deal and that current drivers had been informed by letter about the possibility of the takeover, as part of the consultation. He did not want to comment officially, as the deal has not yet been agreed.

Full story: EADT 5 June

There have been plenty of stories going around that this was on the cards with many reporting it as a done deal. Clearly not quite there yet.

Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by Steven Hughes

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

We have been used to buses apologising for not being in service

but it seems they are not all sorry...

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Elsewhere on the net

• Durlston Country Park lies south of Swanage and was once a private estate with its "castle" as the centrepiece. Over the past few years the rather "tired" facility has been improved and upgraded into a splendid visitor attraction Public Transport Experience
• Complaints and petitions suggesting that the council supported 267 rural ramble between Hawkhurst and Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge is overloaded. It’s a dedicated school journey but a registered local bus service. Omnibuses
• With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee festivities over the weekend, I thought I would post a couple of shots of buses in the special Jubilee liveries around the south. Southern England Bus Scene
• Seeing as my days at DHSB have come to an end I think this week it's appropriate to post a few photos of the stalwart Volvo B10Ms (and a rouge B7 sneaking in too!). PTOTPA
• As per usual, the bus industry seems to be able to turn even a simple route into a complicated comprehension conundrum. Public Transport Experience

Incoming: T736JGB

We saw on yesterdays post one of the buses on First Devon & Cornwall route 5 was the red Dennis Dart Marshall with a temporary blind. Not a particular smart image to present. The other bus on the route was the same age but much smarter:

Its like Deja Vu all over again, again

August 2007

June 2012

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Elsewhere on the net

• As I was sheltering from the rain in Gorleston High Street this afternoon one of the recent arrivals in the Anglianbus fleet stopped on the opposite side of the road. East Norfolk Bus Blog
• Apparently folks whose of idea of tram driving is trundling along about a mile of nice level track at Crich get a suprise when they do the Isle of Man. You are let loose on the real system between Laxey and Ramsey with gradients, dodgy track joints and bends, crossing roads and trying not to run over the local sheep and goats who have decided to take a walk along the track. Great fun. Public Transport Experience

Its like Deja Vu all over again

Having simplified its fare structure earlier this year by having just the two main fares Citybus have a new promotion on for the summer which introduces a new fare – always welcome when its a lower one…

From Sunday 3rd June until Sunday 2nd September we will be running a Summer Fare promotion, called 'The Great British Summer Fare'.

During this period you will be able to purchase a single ticket for £1 from Milehouse, Astor Field, Union Street Brewery Tap, Millbay Road Caroline Place, Mutley Plain and Ebrington Street into the City Centre and vice versa.

The service 25 Mayflower Street loop will also be £1.

Its always good to see a fares promotion like this but I cant help feeling it would have been nice just to reduce the £1.50 short hop to £1 for the period that way more people would benefit, but still, its a welcome move.

With all the uncertainty surrounding First at the moment Citybus remind us that they are still in competition with First and twist the knife a bit with a couple of special fares on the 26:

From the 3rd June there will also be changes to Service 26 fares between the following points.
Barne Barton and St Budeaux Square £1.
Barne Barton and city centre £1.50.
Union Street Brewery Tap and city centre £1.

It doesn't seem that long ago that Citybus were openly for sale and First were introducing new routes and fares across Plymouth on the more popular Citybus routes. That was a worrying time for Citybus staff, just as it is now for First staff.

Business as usual

VOSA 29 May 2012

• PH0004983/336 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Barne Barton given service number 3 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.
• PH0004983/337 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Mount Batten given service number 2 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.

After the massive list from Citybus, First have just these two entries on VOSA for what look like simple timetable changes rather than anything else.

While I am here... Rumours of First selling part or all of the Devon & Cornwall operation have been around for years. This year First have already sold the North Devon operations and First Group have gone on record as saying they are looking to make more sales across the country.

The last couple of days have seen new rumours of a sale with news being announced that Go Ahead Plymouth City have purchased the Plymouth operation. This is not the case.

I am not saying it wont happen (although I cant see them being allowed to) and First Group would certainly look at any offers to buy the company or parts of it if there are any on the table. I am just saying to be fair to all the staff its better to wait for any official announcement of any sale or otherwise.

If and when that happens it will of course appear here…

 

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Elsewhere on the net

• There are moments when the various particles of one’s life collide in the most unlikely yet thoroughly rewarding ways. Last weekend, 270 KTA and I had two 270KTA
• So, in York at least, ftr is dead and buried; but whoever looks after stops doesn't seem to have grasped the purple monsters' demise as the ghostly remains are evident throughout the city, as here at the station ... Public Transport Experience
• The driver of a Stagecoach Manchester Enviro 400 probably had no idea he was being videoed as he overtook a cyclist while approaching a pedestrian refuse. Omnibuses
• In my final Wilts & Dorset instalment for the week, this blog entry covers the entry to service of the brand new Wilts & Dorset Volvo B7RLEs. Southern England Bus Scene