Yesterday morning saw the public revealing of the new Yellow Flash buses as a bus users event in the City Centre. Stagecoach were also there to introduce themselves to the public but these were the stars of the show!
As the new vehicles come the old ones go. Walked around the depot this morning and noted the following. The stripped shell of Dart 215 was in the lower yard together with withdrawn buses 2, 59, 216 and 438. Looked like 413 might also be withdrawn as this was parked between the latter two vehicles behind the tramshed. Also 76 was parked between 59 and 438. Be a surprise if this one was withdrawn.
Got a bit of a soft spot for 215 as I passed my bus driving test in it. Always thought it was the best of the 3 Wright Darts. 482 will be the next Trident out of the paint shop.
So, what do we think the next route to be "Flashed" will be. How about a Saltash to Plymstock "Green Flash" route - as a tribute to the former Western National?
The Blue Flash route is a trunk 'main line' City Centre - Derriford which then branches; the other two are main cross-city services. If there are to be more, then Saltash - Plymstock, as a long, cross-city service is an obvious candidate. However, beyond that it is hard to see any which could either be joined to make a cross-city service or which serve a heavy-traffic core-route.
Could See Number 14 Being One as it is cross city but would be best to use the Enviro 200 on this route though or MPD Darts But yet again the times would be Half hourly unlike 10 minutes
I did see a double-decker on the 14 the other evening, empty and threading its way through Clowance Street - unusual? But no, it will be right off the end of the Flash queue.
They look good - and will make a distinctive contribution to the city bus scene. As Plymouth Citybus seem very good at keeping route-branded buses where they belong, they should be a good help to the 50 route without confusing anybody.
It is a pity the original Flash was red as those do not stand out well from the swoop-liveried ordinary buses. It is a pity, too, that most of the blue flash buses are now single-deckers as the Flash livery seems to have less impact when worn by a smaller vehicle.
Now for Green Flash - Saltash, perhaps, or even Saltash + Liskeard + Callington.
Is the big 'flash' word reflective? Surprised the place names aren't reflective TBH - it seems a shame they have been left so small and hard to read.... or perhaps (hopefully) it's just an effect of the photographs.
How long does it take for the VOSA database to be updated? Still nothing showing yet for additional operating centres or extra discs for Stagecoach Devon, nor the change of name for First South West.
As the reply above rightly indicates Leeds will work at their pace with no regard to reality. The biggest problem is the lack of staff, especially experienced staff in processing the paperwork. From an operator's or Local Authority perspective dealing with Leeds can be a very frustrating experience at times.
Cheap & tacky scrap metal, won't last long as they'll suffer from poor maintenance at PCB as well as chssis rot/corrosion just lik the rest of the Dennis buses in the fleet
If PCB maintenance was that awful their old darts wouldn't only just have come off service and wouldn't still be running around with other companies. Also is you call these buses cheap you clearly have no concept of money. If you don't like PCB then walk and leave others to enjoy these new buses...lets face it only PCB and Stagecoach have bought any new buses recently certainly not First. Given these are not that different from Gold are you saying Stagecoach's buses are cheap and tacky too?
How are PCB maintenance poor? They still have very old darts doing long distance routes into Cornwall. I might add that these have also been modified to dda compliance unlike a lot of other operators who wouldn't bother with that
PCB maintenance has never been poor, but don't forget that during its council owned days it was very underfunded, if it had been privatised before 2009, we would have seen darts like 29 being the oldest in the fleet.
Graham, just an update on the Yellow Flash. It is hoped that all ten will be ready for the streets next Tuesday (1st September). AMEY have finally got round to cutting the trees in Longbridge Road which is scheduled for that Tuesday morning. So until the Parks department finish cutting back the trees and foliage service 50 will not serve Longbridge Road. It is hoped that the work will be completed by lunch time. The rest of the less urgent tree cutting on the 50 route will take place over the next two weeks. Forecast for Tuesday looks like good picture taking weather. Hoping to see some of the usual excellent pictures from Mr Smith and co.
A rather immature comment.... Bus 59 might be a lovely runner but obviously can't be used with a corroded chassis, so is withdrawn. Bus 37 obviously can get up hills otherwise it would not be possible to use it in service.
I must admit I thought the yellow would be a bit darker - the route information in white does not give a very good contrast and might have been better in grey - but they are certainly eye-catching just the same. When the Tavistock service goes, will there be any double deckers in Blue Flash livery? As I think I have said before, to me the Flash livery is to me much more imposing and noticeable on a double-decker.
Unfortunately, it would appear not; all of the blue double deckers are destined for use on the enhanced 21. 503 and 504 are both still out in blue, 501 in service in plain red, with what has to be 502 in the paint shop this afternoon.
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As the new vehicles come the old ones go. Walked around the depot this morning and noted the following. The stripped shell of Dart 215 was in the lower yard together with withdrawn buses 2, 59, 216 and 438. Looked like 413 might also be withdrawn as this was parked between the latter two vehicles behind the tramshed. Also 76 was parked between 59 and 438. Be a surprise if this one was withdrawn.
ReplyDeleteGot a bit of a soft spot for 215 as I passed my bus driving test in it. Always thought it was the best of the 3 Wright Darts. 482 will be the next Trident out of the paint shop.
Delete216 has now been stripped to a bare shell as well. Was in the raised depot on Monday 31st.
DeleteAte these schools buses? if they are, what a waste brand new buses just for schools.
ReplyDeleteno!
DeleteSo, what do we think the next route to be "Flashed" will be. How about a Saltash to Plymstock "Green Flash" route - as a tribute to the former Western National?
ReplyDeleteThe Blue Flash route is a trunk 'main line' City Centre - Derriford which then branches; the other two are main cross-city services. If there are to be more, then Saltash - Plymstock, as a long, cross-city service is an obvious candidate. However, beyond that it is hard to see any which could either be joined to make a cross-city service or which serve a heavy-traffic core-route.
DeleteCould See Number 14 Being One as it is cross city but would be best to use the Enviro 200 on this route though or MPD Darts But yet again the times would be Half hourly unlike 10 minutes
DeleteIt wont be the 14! its only a tendered service. would be the last to be flashed!
DeleteI did see a double-decker on the 14 the other evening, empty and threading its way through Clowance Street - unusual? But no, it will be right off the end of the Flash queue.
DeleteGood grief!
ReplyDeleteIs the route branding not a clue?
They look good - and will make a distinctive contribution to the city bus scene. As Plymouth Citybus seem very good at keeping route-branded buses where they belong, they should be a good help to the 50 route without confusing anybody.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pity the original Flash was red as those do not stand out well from the swoop-liveried ordinary buses. It is a pity, too, that most of the blue flash buses are now single-deckers as the Flash livery seems to have less impact when worn by a smaller vehicle.
Now for Green Flash - Saltash, perhaps, or even Saltash + Liskeard + Callington.
Can anonymous 16:38 look at the pictures properly, especially the bottom one that clearly shows the route branding ! School buses my backside!
ReplyDeleteIs the big 'flash' word reflective? Surprised the place names aren't reflective TBH - it seems a shame they have been left so small and hard to read.... or perhaps (hopefully) it's just an effect of the photographs.
ReplyDeleteHow long does it take for the VOSA database to be updated? Still nothing showing yet for additional operating centres or extra discs for Stagecoach Devon, nor the change of name for First South West.
ReplyDeleteLeeds work at their own - very slow - speed. New OCs and legal names will be up and running before they even get round to opening the post....
DeleteAs the reply above rightly indicates Leeds will work at their pace with no regard to reality. The biggest problem is the lack of staff, especially experienced staff in processing the paperwork. From an operator's or Local Authority perspective dealing with Leeds can be a very frustrating experience at times.
Delete76 & 413 awaiting parts. Just parked where they are due to space
ReplyDeleteI understand from September the saltash buses and plymstock buses are being run individually
ReplyDeleteCheap & tacky scrap metal, won't last long as they'll suffer from poor maintenance at PCB as well as chssis rot/corrosion just lik the rest of the Dennis buses in the fleet
ReplyDeleteIf PCB maintenance was that awful their old darts wouldn't only just have come off service and wouldn't still be running around with other companies. Also is you call these buses cheap you clearly have no concept of money. If you don't like PCB then walk and leave others to enjoy these new buses...lets face it only PCB and Stagecoach have bought any new buses recently certainly not First. Given these are not that different from Gold are you saying Stagecoach's buses are cheap and tacky too?
DeleteHow are PCB maintenance poor? They still have very old darts doing long distance routes into Cornwall.
DeleteI might add that these have also been modified to dda compliance unlike a lot of other operators who wouldn't bother with that
PCB maintenance has never been poor, but don't forget that during its council owned days it was very underfunded, if it had been privatised before 2009, we would have seen darts like 29 being the oldest in the fleet.
DeleteGraham, just an update on the Yellow Flash. It is hoped that all ten will be ready for the streets next Tuesday (1st September). AMEY have finally got round to cutting the trees in Longbridge Road which is scheduled for that Tuesday morning. So until the Parks department finish cutting back the trees and foliage service 50 will not serve Longbridge Road. It is hoped that the work will be completed by lunch time. The rest of the less urgent tree cutting on the 50 route will take place over the next two weeks. Forecast for Tuesday looks like good picture taking weather. Hoping to see some of the usual excellent pictures from Mr Smith and co.
ReplyDeleteBus 59 is a lovely runner, better not be withdrawn, what a waste that would be, what about 37 that cant even get up a hill!!!
ReplyDeletebus 59 withdrawn due to chassis rot
Delete37 has dereated engine of 160bhp not the normal 180bhp hence its pedestrian performance
A rather immature comment....
DeleteBus 59 might be a lovely runner but obviously can't be used with a corroded chassis, so is withdrawn.
Bus 37 obviously can get up hills otherwise it would not be possible to use it in service.
Absolutely great to see investment in new good quality vehicles for Plymouth. However, what a rotten choice of colour (just a personal opinion!).
ReplyDeletei fully agree with you with the colour but i really do love these buses and cant wait to see these out on there first day!
DeleteI must admit I thought the yellow would be a bit darker - the route information in white does not give a very good contrast and might have been better in grey - but they are certainly eye-catching just the same. When the Tavistock service goes, will there be any double deckers in Blue Flash livery? As I think I have said before, to me the Flash livery is to me much more imposing and noticeable on a double-decker.
DeleteGreen Flash should look good when it comes!
Unfortunately, it would appear not; all of the blue double deckers are destined for use on the enhanced 21. 503 and 504 are both still out in blue, 501 in service in plain red, with what has to be 502 in the paint shop this afternoon.
Delete