Training

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©Jason Beverley

Plymouth has recently added additional double decker capacity to its bus service fleet in the form of 10 ex London General Volvo B7TL with Plaxton President bodywork Ex PVL 227 the last of the 10 aquired will NOT enter passenger however being converted instead into a permanent driver trainer for which it will eventually get a special version of current fleet livery its just been labelled up on 29th July 2011 as seen in this Milehouse view after she was completed.

Thanks to Jason for this first of 429 the dedicated training bus. Cant wait to see what the dedicated training livery will be!

Click the photo to go to more of Jasons photos.

Woops!

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Hi,

This was the scene on Royal Parade today at 1800. I believe the bus had Barne Barton as destination. Only glad I was not a passenger on top deck front when it happened!

Regards,

©Phil Pullen

Via Flickr:

Thanks to Phil for the photo - No idea what that was but it could have been nasty.

176 MOT PASSED!!

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While still waiting to get decent internet access to my new laptop I am having to try out a few different ways of keeping at least some blog posts going.
Not sure how this will look but...

One of the most recent additions to the Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group fleet B176VDV has now got a full MOT. Great news.

Well done to all those who work so hard and put a lot of money into projects like this that keep these fine vehicles on the road.

Pedants Corner at Omnibuses

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Or Pedants' Corner. If anyone from Plymouth City Bus is reading this, may I ask what is wrong with the following news announcement of 18 February 2011,

"Service 20—the section of route between Mudge Way and the Merafield Plympton is to be withdrawn"

Read more...

Omnibuses
--
Graham
www.plymothiantransit.com
because Plymouth needs an anorak or two


Twitter
@didbygraham
@PlymTransit

VOSA Updates

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OK. another posting by Email so some of the formatting might not look quite right but...

A look back at the last few weeks activity on VOSA with comments added where necessary.

 

4 July 2011

PH0000135/83 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bretonside Bus Station Plymouth and Bretonside Bus Station given service number 58/59 effective from 18-Sep-2011.

This route being taken on by Target Travel.

 

11 July 2011

PH0000135/8 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between TAMERTON FOLIOT, C'ham Road and ROYAL PARADE/MILEHOSE Central Park given service number 42/42A/42B/42D effective from 13-Jul-2011. To amend Timetable.

These changes are already in operation. They were minor improvements to a couple of journeys.

 

13 July 2011

PH0004983/31 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Bus Station and Paignton Bus Station given service number X80/X81 effective from 04-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/38 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kingsbridge Quay and Dartmouth Pontoon given service number 93 effective from 04-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/316 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Dartmouth Pontoon and Dartmouth Academy given service number 890 effective from 04-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/414 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Paignton and Torquay given service number X80/X81 effective from 04-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

Probably timetable changes for the new school term?

14 July 2011
 
PH0006742/29 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between George Interchange Park & Ride and Derriford Hospital given service number 60 effective from 05-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

PH0006742/40 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitleigh and Efford given service number 46/46S/47/47S effective from 05-Sep-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.
New timetable for school term

 

PH0006742/42 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Hooe and Royal Parade given service number 7D effective from 05-Sep-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006742/45 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Elburton and Royal Parade given service number 18 effective from 05-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

PH0006742/46 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Plymouth, Asda given service number 39 effective from 05-Sep-2011. To amend Route and Timetable.

Interesting - the 39 doesnt serve Asda at the moment so not quite sure what is goiong to happen here!

PH0006742/48 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Ridgefield Shopping Centre given service number 19/19A/19B effective from 05-Sep-2011. To amend Route and Timetable

PH0006742/50 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Plymouth, Royal Parade
Finish Point: George Interchange Park & Ride
Via: Plympton, lutton, Lee Moor
Service Number: 59
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 19-SEP-2011
Other Details: Monday to Friday, hourly.

Taken over from Plymouth Citybus

 

22 July 2011

PH0006742/24 - ROBERT JOHN RISK, 4 ARCADIA, ELBURTON, PLYMOUTH, PL9 8EF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Haybrook Bay and Plymstock School given service number 148 effective from 06-Sep-2011. To amend Route and Timetable. 
 
PH1016164/15 - HOLSWORTHY LTD T/A BEACON GARAGE, DOLTON BEACON, DOLTON, WINKLEIGH, EX19 8PS
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Tavistock Bus Station and Barnstaple Bus Station given service number 118 effective from 25-Jul-2011. To amend Timetable

 

PH0004983/389 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Kingsbridge Quay and Bretonside Bus Station given service number 93 effective from 19-Sep-2011. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/431 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Bretonside Bus Station and Princetown, Fox Tor Cafe given service number 82 effective from 19-Sep-2011.

PH0004983/432 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Princetown, Fox Tor Cafe and Exeter Bus Station given service number 82 effective from 19-Sep-2011.

PH0004983/433 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Gunnislake Station and Okehampton Station given service number 187 effective from 19-Sep-2011. 
 
End of the summer seasonal services 

 

Hopefully some of the formatting will survive the email posting and this will be readable!

 

 

 
--
Graham
www.plymothiantransit.com
because Plymouth needs an anorak or two


Twitter
@didbygraham
@PlymTransit

A good day out

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A big thank you to all the organisers of the bus rally on The Hoe today.
It must be said it wasnt a big turnout and many of the buses that were there are regulars. That didnt spoil the day though and it was good to catch up with freinds and to put faces to a few names at last!
I also managed to get a trip up to Milehouse to take a load of photos of the older buses before the big clear out over the coming weeks.
Hopefully I will be able to get some of these photos uploaded later in the week as they are currently on the laptop with no internet access.

Its one big step...

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©Jason Beverley
With the end of the school term comes the end of step entrance Dart operation with Plymouth Citybus. The last day was 22nd July.
Much better news for these two buses though as they both join the PCTPG 'fleet' this weekend. I am really pleased to see 176 being saved as it is a fine bus. Never was a fan of the Volvo B6s but they lasted a lot longer than many of us expected! Sadly its not looking likely that 176 will be on The Hoe today.

Thanks to Jason Beverley for the news and photos.

Isle be on my way then…

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A few more Plymouth Citycoach members are due to head off to the Isle of Wight to join the Southern Vectis fleet 'fairly soon'.
305 M305KOD
307 JSK261 ex N307UTT
308 JSK262 ex P308CTT
It remains to be seen if the the JSK registrations stay with Plymouth.

Its that time again

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A quick reminder of this weekends big event.

26th Plymouth Bus & Vehicle Rally Plymouth Hoe Sunday 24th July 2011

Dear Fellow enthusiast,
The Western National Preservation Group extend a cordial invite for you to join us to the above event
We hope that it will be as enjoyable previous years. This is a chance to show your bus to the public by offering free rides around the Hoe sea front or if you wish just come and be a static display.
This year again the Local family owned bus company “Target Travel” have offered to sponsor the event. It is taking place once more on what must be the best rally site in UK, Plymouth Hoe courtesy of Plymouth City Council. Do come and join us again
Paul Derrick Chairman Western National Preservation Group

Oh dear

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I am sorry for the lack of posting but my internet access is limited at the moment. The good news is that I now have a new laptop so once I can sort out the broadband connection / password issue sorted things should get back to normal!
In the meantime I can bring a quick shot of a brand new ambulance of South Western Ambulance sitting outside Derriford Station. I am not sure if the reg is clear in this shot taken on my mobile..

Gifts for Heather

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Due to the various technical issues I am a bit slow on this but the mammoth trip from Lands End to John O'Groats and back is well under way. As I type this they have reached Dudley. You can actually see where they are right this minute on the live tracker page here
From 15 – 30 July, two hardy souls will undertake a mammoth bus trip from Land's End to John O'Groats (and back!) to raise money for Oxfam, using just registered bus services. Richard Stedall, who is 39-years-old and from Devon (originally from Kent) will be joined by fellow bus enthusiast 54-year-old Alan Moore from London on the 1,500 mile return trip.
Both men will be raising money for educational projects funded by Oxfam including two ‘Unwrapped Gifts’ of a newly built (or rebuilt) school classroom and enough stock for a school library. Once this ‘unwrapped’ target has been reached additional donations will then be put towards a project Oxfam is running in Mali, helping to improve levels of education and reduce child illness in remote communities. Through this project Oxfam will aim to upgrade school and sanitation facilities, improve teachers’ skills and encourage more parents to send their children to school. The project will also give communities the skills to lobby authorities to continue to improve education standards.
Please use the links below to follow the trip and support the team.

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Related Links

• Live Blog Gifts For Heather
• Donations Welcome Here... Gifts For Heather
• Live Tracker Gifts For Heather

Getting ready for action

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Plymouth Citybus 424 has been repainted into the smart new livery. Cant be long before it hits the road! ©John Kowalski

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Test 2

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Trying a different setting on this one now I have found an options page.

My journey home was even better as it was Citybus 178. Looking well past her best she is still very comfortable.

Testing

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This is really just a test of the Android app posting to Blogger direct from my mobile. If it looks rubbish it will probably be deleted.
If this works you should see 34614 which was my steed to work yesterday. Second DD in 2 days.

Calling all Stakeholders

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Its only announced via a short link on their excellent web site, but First have placed their First South West & Wales Stakeholder Newsletter on line for all the view. Its a shame they couldn't call it something a bit more imaginative - Stakeholder is just such a business buzz word that doesn't really mean much to anyone. What's wrong with passenger or even customer? Anyway, that minor gripe aside...

There have been rumours of a new livery for First for ages so its nice to see the comment "I expect us to launch a new livery and brand name in the next 6 - 12 months". The group seem to be heading towards the return of local identities but it remains to be seen how radical they are. Will we be seeing a small local fleet name stuck on the side of an otherwise national livery, or will we get something more interesting.
The full newsletter is available HERE as a PDF on their web site.

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Elsewhere on the net

• fbb goes to School ... ... but only as far as the School Gates. Public Transport Experience
• It seems sad seeing Jack Cohen's Joke Shop lying empty at the bottom of Frankfort Gate. Plymouth Local History Blog
• It would seem that strategic moves by others now mean Yellow Buses has now given up any hopes of westward contract expansion, in and around Dorchester. And Shamrock is no longer with us but mercifully all its work was covered. What is emerging is a string of tactical moves that would not be out of place in the early days of motor omnibus expansion of the 1920s. Dorset Bus Blog

From the ridiculous to the sublime

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After yesterdays disappointing morning commute to work on an ailing 48270 today I had a real treat:

That’s right, Volvo Olympian 34004 on the 15. We do get a few double deckers on the 15 from time to time, but this is the first one I have had on my morning run for a couple of months at least. These buses have always been special. Very comfortable seats and no problem getting up the hills!
Was it a coincidence that I should get this the day after I posted how poorly 48270 was?
Probably - but Thank you First!

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I was asked (via Twitter) to pass on a link to a survey about Plymouth Citybus. Its a simple one to answer and will only take a minute or two. Once completed you do get a nice summary of the answers so far. Like any of these type of surveys the more completed the more useful it may be.
Citybus Survey
The survey comes from @DevelopPlymouth. I don't know much more about it or what it is expected to achieve but I am happy to pass the link on.

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Elsewhere on the net

• It's to our shame that virtually everywhere in the 1960s & 1970s the industry did away with the practice of displaying rear destinations. Omnibuses
• Lynn West Likes Weetabix ...Loves Wagon Wheels and Loathes Whisky and shops in Tesco, Kings Lynn. Public Transport Experience
• Today, David Brown officially takes over from Keith Ludeman as chief executive of Go Ahead. Omnibuses
• Indeed, there’s almost too much happening at Go South Coast these days. It makes it very difficult to keep up. Dorset Bus Blog

Plus Bus?

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Meet 48270, my steed to work this morning. You can tell it apart from the others in the batch as it has great big "PlusBus" stickers all over the windows.
Apart from the window stickers there is one big feature that sets this bus apart from the others. It does not like hills. In fact, I would go further than that - it hates hills! There are three up hill sections on the 15 on my morning commute, the last section is actually done twice. The run out of Derriford Hospital up to traffic lights for Marjons is particularly painful for this bus.
Now I know how it feels. I hate hills too. I struggle to get up the hill from my house to the bus stop. I need a rest half way up. I'm getting on a bit. I don't though have to carry anyone else up the hill. If anyone else wants to get up the same hill they can usually walk past me. They don't have to follow me up the hill. 48270 does not have this advantage. The poor driver just has to put his foot down and wait, and eventually the bus will get to the top. Some passengers will mutter to themselves about the lack of speed. Some will joke about it and occasionally suggest to the driver that they might get out and push. And then we look out the window and read the writing - "PlusBus"
These Volvos do seem to be the bus of choice on the 15 these days, (the company's choice, not the passengers). None of them really enjoy hills. There are a couple of the W-PAF and W-PFBs which are almost as slow as 48270, but its the PlusBus which stands proud.
Now if I am really lucky tomorrow I will get an old Dart.

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Elsewhere on the net

• Leyland PSUC1/13 East Lancs bodies new 1966 or 1967. To Malta 1981 or 1982 TGP Photos Unlimited
• As is very apparent in Plymouth at the moment that First have been concentrating their resources on the routes into Barne Barton, and Plymstock/Elburton PTOTPA
• Depressing Doncaster Discoveries [2] Loopy Hassle at Lordens Hill. Public Transport Experience
• Leicester Dominator 100 has returned to the workshop and a pause in its restoration whilst other projects progressed. Busworks Blog
• Depressing Doncaster Discoveries [3] Muddle at Maltby. Public Transport Experience

Jacketts Jolly jaunt to Cornwall

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A while back I posted an interesting notification on VOSA by Jacketts Coaches. Well they have now gone and posted more details starting with their Facebook page on Friday:
We are pleased to announce that we will be introducing our new X5 service between Plymouth and Truro with effect from Monday 25th July 2011
This service will run Monday - Saturday leaving Plymouth at 9:30am and run to Truro via Saltash, Looe, Polperro, The Eden Project, & St Austell
Use the bus to visit the Eden Project and save, Present your bus ticket at the Eden Project ticketing booth to get £4.00 off per adult and any children can get in for free.

Well thats one good day out planned for the Summer then! This is a brave venture for such a new company so I hope it goes well. I just hope they can get enough marketing done to let passengers know its there.

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Related Links

• Home Page Jacketts Coaches

Elsewhere on the net

• We all laughed at 'On the Buses' when Eunice Black - playing the world's most over zealous traffic warden - slapped a parking ticket on the front of Stan Butler's bus. 270KTA
• Fair play to Shamrock’s web consultants, Mangopear, for keeping the public up to date as to the situation at Shamrock Buses. This at the very time that information is vital. Omnibuses
• Is the bus industry really managing decline? There are obvious and glorious exceptions but, yes, managing decline is the best way of describing the way in which the bus industry *generally* conducts itself. Unless you feel differently. Omnibuses
• I know you don't get out much, on the buses, because you have lots of expensive toys to play with, and lots of friends to help you, in your big, big house on Broad Lane right in the middle of the big, big city Public Transport Experience
• After a while, photography in Plymouth can get somewhat tedious! So I've been trying to spice things up a bit while taking photos, PTOTPA
• Referring to school buses including those on normal service diverted specifically for the purpose, she wanted reassurance that operators made no profit out of such ventures Omnibuses
• Well there can only be one blog today and it is about the events of six years ago. Leon Daniels
• At an Extraordinary meeting of Exeter City Council held on Tuesday 12th October 2010, a resolution was passed that extended the Freedom of the City to the Coldstream Guards due to the historic links that they have had with the City. TGP Photos Unlimited
• The Original Tour, or previously The Original London Sightseeing Tour, is an open-top tour run by Arriva in London, England. They also hold the franchise to run City Sightseeing's London tour. It is based in Wandsworth, South West London. TGP Photos Unlimited
• Dinnington was little more than a farming community with later quarrying additions until 1905 ... Public Transport Experience
• We all laughed at 'On the Buses' when Eunice Black - playing the world's most over zealous traffic warden - slapped a parking ticket on the front of Stan Butler's bus. 270KTA
• Fair play to Shamrock’s web consultants, Mangopear, for keeping the public up to date as to the situation at Shamrock Buses. This at the very time that information is vital. Omnibuses
• Is the bus industry really managing decline? There are obvious and glorious exceptions but, yes, managing decline is the best way of describing the way in which the bus industry *generally* conducts itself. Unless you feel differently. Omnibuses
• I know you don't get out much, on the buses, because you have lots of expensive toys to play with, and lots of friends to help you, in your big, big house on Broad Lane right in the middle of the big, big city Public Transport Experience
• After a while, photography in Plymouth can get somewhat tedious! So I've been trying to spice things up a bit while taking photos, PTOTPA
• Referring to school buses including those on normal service diverted specifically for the purpose, she wanted reassurance that operators made no profit out of such ventures Omnibuses
• Well there can only be one blog today and it is about the events of six years ago. Leon Daniels
• At an Extraordinary meeting of Exeter City Council held on Tuesday 12th October 2010, a resolution was passed that extended the Freedom of the City to the Coldstream Guards due to the historic links that they have had with the City. TGP Photos Unlimited
• The Original Tour, or previously The Original London Sightseeing Tour, is an open-top tour run by Arriva in London, England. They also hold the franchise to run City Sightseeing's London tour. It is based in Wandsworth, South West London. TGP Photos Unlimited
• Dinnington was little more than a farming community with later quarrying additions until 1905 ... Public Transport Experience

Keeping Busy

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Once again I am having computer issues, which will probably only be solved when I get the new laptop, hopefully next week if I can get to PC World after work!


In the mean time here is the text at least of the post I had hoped to go this morning...

ENGINEERS at Plymouth's Citybus Milehouse depot have completed their 30th refurbishment for the Go Ahead in London contract.

Engineering Director, Karl Duncan, said his team had been working 'flat out' on the refurbishment jobs and are now awaiting the arrival of a further 18 buses in a new contract.

Each of the buses are almost completely refurbished by the team and most are given new paint jobs.

The upholstery is usually replaced along with many of the windows and all the lighting is checked.

Full story This is Plymouth

I have seen one of the Dennis Darts ED class buses from Go Ahead London on the road, presumably for test, and it looked brand new. Citybus repaints are very good quality. It would be nice if Citybus can squeeze in a few more if its own buses but I can well understand them concentrating on outside work as it generates much needed cash!

Numb Bums on 420

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I had a pleasant surprise on Monday when the 'new' 420 arrived at Derriford Hospital as my ride home on the 50. This is an extra run which is nearly always a double decker as it comes off a school run and then runs as a 50 into the City. 420 has been on this duty on both Monday and Tuesday this week so that's two chances to try her out and see how she goes.
As far as the ride is concerned she is a nice bus. Plenty of power to get up Keswick Crescent too which is a bonus as some of the Darts struggle up that hill. Inside, its not quite such a good story. The main seats are comfortable enough. The real problem is the back seats upstairs. These are rock hard seats and very uncomfortable. I believe it was an anti vandalism feature of these buses in London. I guess as these buses will be used on school runs it was decided to keep them. It probably saved a few quid too.
The photos below were taken on my new smart phone and I am quite happy with how well them came out. Its a lot easier to take quick photos like this with a phone than to get my much bulkier camera out!

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Elsewhere on the net

• Just a tenth of the money they are spending on High Speed Rail could totally reinvigorate transport in the South West.' Peoples Republic South Devon
• Now anyone who says that First don't go down narrow roads anymore only has to look at this photo to be proven wrong. PTOTPA
• After my trip to the Peak Park Rally I headed through Matlock to Crich, a place where I spent most of my bank holidays in my teens in the seventies but it had been three years since I'd last visited. Nonetheless it is very much 'home territory' for me. Transport Illustrated
• As afore mentioned, 420, the first of the newly painted Volvo B7s is now out and about earning her keep on the streets of Plymouth PTOTPA
• Help! Where the Heck is Hackenthorpe? A Travel South Yorkshire Identity Crisis Public Transport Experience

Demonstrating

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Another Mercedes Citaro demonstrator is currently on loan to Plymouth Citybus. BF60OEZ will be used on the 21.
©Brian George

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Elsewhere on the net

• Oh! Oh! Optio Orange ... ... with the usual SYT mistakes! To be scrupulously fair, not as many as usual. Public Transport Experience
• City Sightseeing–Oxford TGP Photos Unlimited
• Bad news on the High Street last week. Several chain retailers have announced cutbacks, or gone into administration Omnibuses
• Photography–camera or darkroom TGP Photos Unlimited
• Our regular correspondant David Bell spent a few hours in Wisbech last Wednesday and sent in some photographs of the numerous independant operators who run in and out of the fenland town.. Andys Bus Blog

Superb

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A nice simple post today, with my first proper photo of Citybus 420 in service in her new livery. It really does look much better on double deckers! 9 more to go!

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Elsewhere on the net

• It seems a little quieter these days(!) and with reduced interest but Plymouth's Bretonside Bus Station has during the season attracted coaches from far and wide, Busworld Photography
• Now the former Ugobus fleet operate from every Hampshire depot - Volvo B7RLEs in Southampton, Solos from Hoeford, and Darts from Hoeford and Hilsea Southern England Bus Scene
• Higher petrol prices that encourage motorists to use the bus (and train) have manifested themselves in Stagecoach’s profits up by a third. Revenues at its UK Bus businesses grew by 2.1 per cent (and train by double that figure) Omnibuses
• Following a brief and triumphant hiatus, we must regroup in time to say... Happy Birthday to 270 KTA, which turns 49 on 1 July! 270KTA
• Old Sarum, Sorbiodunum in Latin, probably looked like this ... Public Transport Experience
• The Magic of Winkleigh–the Hangar. TGP Photos Unlimited
• The first "modern" public transport to serve the Otter Vale as such was the railway branch to Sidmouth. The railway was not greatly welcomed by the local big cheeses, who wanted to discourage day trippers. Public Transport Experience
• Darts may not be everybody's cup of tea, but with First Hants & Dorset, enthusiasts have to get used to them. Southern England Bus Scene
• Having had the best part of a week to consider my position I will be resuming posting to TI from next week with reports on visits to Crich and Sandtoft. Transport Illustrated
• A paraphrased past politicial point; pathetically promoting these paragraphs. Public Transport Experience
• The arrival of the 15 new Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TL's at First in Norwich is now in full swing with 13 examples sighted so far. Andys Bus Blog
• From 3rd July, Arriva will operate 264 buses and employ around 920 people in Malta and Gozo. The new fleet of buses will replace a fleet of owner operated buses. Most will not see further use. A random selection today of locally built bodies TGP Photos Unlimited
• First Devon & Cornwall are making some changes to a couple of their core Cornish routes for the summer holidays, from 27th July. Southern England Bus Scene
• Look, Smart Trams! Kool! [4] Seaton, Supreme and Superb. This series of blogs concludes .. Public Transport Experience
• CitySightseeing–Malta TGP Photos Unlimited

The battle for Barne Barton

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I have had to resort to an email posting as I have technical difficulties at the moment so am back on the wife's laptop. Should have a new laptop of my own within the next week or so, then hopefully I can get back to normal!

Its been a few weeks since First increased the competition for Barne Barton against Citybus. Since the 3 was increased First have reduced the top fares which made them cheaper than Citybus, especially coming straight after Citybus put their fares up. So how are things going?

I spent a very pleasant evening this week at the Union Rooms with an excellent curry and a pint or few of Cider. With a window seat it was a great place to view the 3s and 26's going past. I was surprised to see that the 26 was still quite busy. Certainly there were plenty of people on the top deck of most buses that went past. The 3s which went by also seemed to be busy enough. 

There was of course one big problem with my very unscientific viewing. Citybus 26s were very visible with their smart Volvo double deckers. First were less so with their usual collection of Volvos and Dennis Darts. Many of the Citybus Volvo's also carry advertised proclaiming a special 7 day ticket for the 26 which I think was about £10, with the advert saying it made Citybus the cheapest option. There is nothing on this on the Citybus web site so I guess you can only buy it from the driver. Is it really cheaper than First though? I am sure someone will be able to confirm!

It has to be said that Citybus have the smartest presence on the route and their bus side marketing is especially impressive compared with the fairly anonymous First buses. With the effort they have been putting into the service recently its a shame they are not shouting it on the side of their buses. 

Go Ahead as a group seem to understand the idea of using their buses to sell their services rather then promoting other business. Brighton and Hove are great examples of what can be done, if you are prepared to take the risk of loosing external advertising income. 

I dont expect First to give up on the advertising income, but you would hope they could use their own buses a bit more to tell people how good they are. 

There are plenty of passengers about - you just need to make them wait for your bus, and let the competition go by. That applies to both companies. So far, in my view at least, Citybus seem to be doing a slightly better job at this.

This is still a battle worth watching!

      

--
Graham
www.plymothiantransit.com
because Plymouth needs an anorak or two


Twitter
@didbygraham
@PlymTransit