RIP Sir Kenneth

I have never been much of a train spotter but I have always loved the old HSTs so was saddened to see this tweet from @GWRHelp

We are saddened to hear that Sir Kenneth Grange has passed away. A design legend, Sir Kenneth created the look of the iconic High Speed Train. We were honoured to name HST locomotive 43002 after him in 2016. He also joined us in 2019 as the last HST train left Paddington. RIP and thank you Sir Kenneth.

I dont take many train photos – but I have managed a few of these iconic trains.  As GWR say – RIP Sir Kenneth – and thank you.

Timetables changing this week

Unusually there have been no new notices published this last week. So we just recap of new timetables coming into operation this week

Hopleys Coaches

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH1050300.008	304	Porthtowan	Truro Bus Station	24-Jul-2024	Timetable variation - no details published
PH1050300.009	315	Goonbell	Barncoose Hospital	24-Jul-2024	Timetable variation - no details published

Operator	Route Description	Start	End	Library	Comments
Hopleys Coaches	304 Porthtowan - Mount Hawke - Blackwater - Truro	24/07/2024		T003127
Hopleys Coaches	315 St Agnes - Mount Hawke - Porthtowan -  Redruth	24/07/2024		T003128

First South West Ltd

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH0004983.625	29	St Austell	Mevagissey	21-Jul-2024	Route and timetable variation
PH0004983.626	ATLA	Padstow	Quimtrell Downs	21-Jul-2024	Route and timetable variation. Summer uplift

Operator	Route Description	Start	End	Library	Comments
First Kernow	29 Mevagissey - St Austell	21/07/2024		T003106
First Kernow	ATL Quintrell Downs - Newquay - Padstow	21/07/2024		T003116

Plymouth Citybus Ltd

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH0000135.166	11	Plymouth	Padstow	24-Jul-2024	Revision to evening times to better connect with trains at Bodmin Parkway 2015 from Plymouth retimed to 2050. Evening journeys withdrawn from Trago Mills (site closed and gated)
PH0000135.095	20 20A 20B	Royal Parade	Ivybridge	21-Jul-2024	In consultation with Devon County Council, we have agreed a timetable revision to Services 20, 20A and 20B commencing Sunday 21st July 2024 This service is partially funded by Devon County Council. The funding has now been reduced, and as such, revised timetables will be implemented to match a sustainable level of financial support. Service 20 /  20A Hourly service to/from City Centre and Ivybridge / Langham Levels has been maintained. In addition there will be a two-hourly direct Service 20 via Marsh Mills; targeted on the busiest journeys. We will continue to operate the 06.00 and 07.00 journeys from Royal Parade are retained Monday to Friday. These will continue to serve Sandy Road, but no longer Langage Industrial Estate. Saturday timetable is revised and will start later than the Monday to Friday timetable and finish earlier. Services withdrawn from Langage Industrial Estate and Sandy Road; and instead, most journeys operate via Langham Levels, Fairway Avenue and St Peters Way in Ivybridge. Service 20B Sunday and Bank Holiday morning journey revised to run ten minutes earlier, with additional running time throughout to improve timekeeping.
PH0000135.317	20	Plymouth	Ivybridge	22-Jul-2024	Revise timetable following cessation of section 106 funding see PH0000135.095 above
PH0000135.227	21	St Austell	Newquay	24-Jul-2024	Revised timetable to provide additional time in and out of Newquay due to peak holiday traffic
PH0000135.086	25	City Centre	City Centre	21-Jul-2024	Our Ocean City Sights open topper bus is back for this summer! Pulsating Plymouth is a city that masterfully blends historical richness with contemporary charm. Known as “Britain’s Ocean City,” Plymouth offers a plethora of experiences for residents and visitors alike, from its captivating maritime heritage to its vibrant cultural scene. Better still, there’s a fabulous bus company Plymouth City Bus that provides fast, frequent and convenient services across the city, including the number 25 which is a brilliant circular tour around the City Centre, through the vibrant Barbican to the Hoe with stunning views over the majestic sea below.
PH0000135.230	25	Fowey	Newquay	24-Jul-2024	Additional running time in and out of Newquay due to peak holiday traffic. Route in Par will now serve Tehidy Road instead of Woodlands Ave due to parked cars
PH0000135.351	25	Fowey	Newquay	24-Jul-2024	Additional running time in and out of Newquay due to peak holiday traffic. Route in Par will now serve Tehidy Road instead of Woodlands Ave due to parked cars
PH0000135.246	56	Padstow	Newquay	24-Jul-2024	Increase running time in Newquay for summer traffic  Revised Saturday timetable to run all journeys to/from Padstow
PH0000135.218	71	Saltash	Derriford	24-Jul-2024	Revised afternoon timetable to improve reliability

Operator	Route Description	Start	End	Library	Comments
Go Cornwall	11 Plymouth - Saltash - Liskeard - Bodmin - Wadebridge - Padstow	24/07/2024		T003133
Go Cornwall	11A Saltash - Truerulefoot	24/07/2024		T003134
Go Cornwall	11S Wadebridge School - Padstow	24/07/2024		T003135
Plymouth Citybus	20 Plymouth - Marsh Mills - A38 - Ivybridge 20A Plymouth - Lipson - Plympton - Ivybridge	21/07/2024		T003090
Plymouth Citybus	20B Milehouse - Plymouth - Lipson - Plympton - Chaddlewood - Sherford	21/07/2024		T003091
Go Cornwall	21 Newquay - Fraddon - St Austell	24/07/2024		T003104
Plymouth Citybus	25 Plymouth City Centre - Barbican -The Hoe - Plymouth City Centre	21/07/2024		T003140
Go Cornwall	25 Fowey - Par - St Austell - Newquay	24/07/2024		T003141
Go Cornwall	56 Newquay - St Eval - Padstow	24/07/2024		T003120
Go Cornwall	71 Derriford - Saltash	24/07/2024		T003109

More to follow?

I must admit I am surprised there have been no new notices this week as I July is often the busiest month for new notices. Over the last two years July 2023 was the busiest month with July 2024 looking like it might even beat it. July 2023 saw nearly 50 notices for Devon & Cornwall while we are on just 12 so far this year.  So I would expect to see local notices coming through shortly.

Having said all that, August last year was by far the busiest for Devon & Cornwall with over 150 published so I am expecting another busy summer!

Service changes to shout about (or maybe not)

This week has seen a small batch of notices:

Plymouth Citybus:

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH0000135.086	25	City Centre	City Centre	21-Jul-2024	Our Ocean City Sights open topper bus is back for this summer! Pulsating Plymouth is a city that masterfully blends historical richness with contemporary charm. Known as “Britain’s Ocean City,” Plymouth offers a plethora of experiences for residents and visitors alike, from its captivating maritime heritage to its vibrant cultural scene. Better still, there’s a fabulous bus company Plymouth City Bus that provides fast, frequent and convenient services across the city, including the number 25 which is a brilliant circular tour around the City Centre, through the vibrant Barbican to the Hoe with stunning views over the majestic sea below.
PH0000135.230	25	Fowey	Newquay	24-Jul-2024	Revise route in Tywardreath to avoid risk of accident damage
PH0000135.340	PA2	Home Park	Plympton	17-Aug-2024	Timetable Change. The service is specifically for home matches for Plymouth Argyle FC, and times will vary in relation to match kick off times.
PH0000135.341	PA3	George P&R	Home Park	17-Aug-2024	Timetable Change. The service is specifically for home matches for Plymouth Argyle FC, and times will vary in relation to match kick off times.
PH0000135.342	PA4	Coypool P&R	Home Park	17-Aug-2024	Timetable Change. The service is specifically for home matches for Plymouth Argyle FC, and times will vary in relation to match kick off times.
PH0000135.343	PA5	Home Park	Elburton	17-Aug-2024	Timetable Change. The service is specifically for home matches for Plymouth Argyle FC, and times will vary in relation to match kick off times.

Operator	Route Description	Start	End	Library	Comments
Plymouth Citybus	25 Plymouth City Centre - Barbican -The Hoe - Plymouth City Centre	21/07/2024		T003140
Go Cornwall	25 Fowey - Par - St Austell - Newquay	24/07/2024		T003141
Plymouth Citybus	PA2 Plymputh Argyle Home Park - Plympton	17/08/2024		T003142	Match days only
Plymouth Citybus	PA3 The George P&R - Plymouth Argyle Home Park	17/08/2024		T003143	Match days only
Plymouth Citybus	PA4 Coypool P&R - Plymouth Argyle Home Park	17/08/2024		T003144	Match days only
Plymouth Citybus	PA5 Elburton - Plymouth Argyle Home Park	17/08/2024		T003145	Match days only

Upcoming new timetables starting this week:

Plymouth Citybus Ltd  (Go Cornwall)

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH0000135.255	93	Truro	Newquay	20-Jul-2024	Increase running time in Newquay for summer traffic. Add journeys to serve Newquay Park & Ride The service returns for 2024 and is aimed at reducing the number of vehicles travelling into the centre of Newquay during the busy summer months. The service is running over the summer holidays, from Saturday 20th July until Sunday 1st September. Visitors can park for free and catch the bus from the site opposite Hendra Holiday Park on the A392 and then catch the 93 bus, which will run via Newquay Zoo, Newquay Railway Station and Newquay Bus Station. This service is also part of the larger 93 timetable that operates between Truro and Newquay.

First South West Ltd

Licence	Route	Start Point	End Point	Effective	Notes
PH0004983.625	29	St Austell	Mevagissey	21-Jul-2024	Route and timetable variation
PH0004983.635	895	Padstow, Main Rd Car Park	Padstow, Harbour	20-Jul-2024	Monday - Sunday
PH0004983.626	ATLA	Padstow	Quintrell Downs	21-Jul-2024	Route and timetable variation

Operator	Route Description	Start	End	Library	Comments
First Kernow	29 Mevagissey - St Austell	21/07/2024		T003106
First Kernow	895 Padstow Park and Ride	20/07/2024	01/09/2024	T003138	Seasonal P&R
First Kernow	ATL Quintrell Downs - Newquay - Padstow	21/07/2024		T003116

Its hard to find any information on these changes from First as they dont seem worthy of any mention on their own web site which seems more keen to tell you about its Reading coach service than anything to do with Cornwall. There are no planned timetable changes apparently. There has been a Facebook post saying

Starting from July 14th, our bus timetables in Cornwall will have a summer uplift to help you enjoy the season more efficiently.Check out the updated schedules here and plan your summer trips with ease: https://www.firstbus.co.uk/.../TFC%20July%2024%20Web%202.pdf

The link goes to the new Transport for Cornwall Bus Times which starts from 24th July and also makes no mention of service 895.

They really dont seem that interested in Cornwall anymore which is a shame.