Breaking News: Another sister for Citybus!

Well, probably not so much a new sister rather a sister getting a bit bigger!

Go Ahead expands again:

On 29th February, First Group informed staff that they were intending to sell First London's Northumberland Park Depot operation, together with its route contracts, vehicles and staff to the Go-Ahead Group. Subject to successful negotiations, conclusion of the transfer is expected on or around 28th March.
Just thought you’d like to know!

Atlantean Sunday

The last few posts have been discussing what will be running on the streets on Plymouth so today lets have a reminder of what used to run on our streets. This Sunday the PCTPG will be running Atlantean 168 on a tour of some of routes that it used to run.

For more details you can contact Mike Hudson via his Facebook page HERE

You can view a detailed history of 168 here

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Recommended Links

This is the new pre-production timetable for A-Line's new batch of services starting in April PTOTPA

As the network in London reaches capacity it quickly becomes clear that choices will need to be made between providing paths for freight vs passenger, and that might actually require reductions in passenger services. London Reconnections

Now, it’s not unusual for an infrequently used vehicle to have flat batteries, especially in the Winter, but our friend has history. Since I’ve had it, we’ve had no fewer than four battery disasters 270KTA

The House of Commons transport select committee begins taking oral evidence today as part of its inquiry into the Competition Commission’s report into the bus industry. The industry has already been invited to present written evidence, the deadline for which was 17 February. Omnibuses

But a really brave adventurer might, just might, look around and away from the sign's direction; might, just might, find the aforementioned steps and might, just might, be macho enough to find his way to the bus station in half the time. Public Transport Experience

Bendy Stagecoaches

With all this talk of bendy bus operation in Plymouth its easy to forget that we have had proper bendy bus operation in Plymouth before. Stagecoach operated these two bendy coaches on the X38 Plymouth - Exeter service for a year or so. Can anyone supply us with the date range that these coaches were down here? I know it wasn't that long before they want back North and the service reverted back to hourly with standard Volvo Plaxton coaches.

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Recommended Links

Another sign directs the cross-legged traveller to "The Wharf", a painful and frustratingly complicated 10 minute walk! Public Transport Experience

The same customer services adviser is quoted in Buses as stating that photography is “recommended and acceptable” from “public places”. Presumably, she means the highway. To me, though, you can’t get much more of a public place than Victoria bus station. The world’s gone nuts. Omnibuses

And, yes, Dorset council has put out a number of formerly Damory commercial services to tender including the Dorchester town service, and First is definitely invited to the party. This is a change of view from the previous council position. Dorset Bus Blog

Accord Southern took over from First Hampshire on the Unilink contract in 2001, and in turn were replaced by Solent Blue Line in 2008. Southern England Bus Scene

First time round the bendy

It does seem from comments left on this site, and elsewhere on 'the net', that First are indeed planning to run bendy buses in Plymouth on the Park & Ride services. There will be 9 coming down from Scotland to replace the current double decker's. It is not known where the Enviros will be going but it has been suggested they are heading out of the area, possibly to Weston-Super-Mare but none of this has been confirmed.
This is not the first time that bendy buses have hit the streets of Plymouth. In fact there have been quite a few over the years but up until now none of them have stayed.
In 2001 First Manchester 2201 (10071 in new money) visited Plymouth and was used for free rides at the Western National Rally, which was held at Seaton Barracks. I don't think it was used in service at anytime.
This bus was brand new at the time. Ironically it looks like it is still newer than the examples which are rumoured to be heading towards Plymouth as we are getting W reg buses.
Having said that, if they are refurbished properly and given non dating registrations most passengers wouldn't know quite how old they are as the Wright body design has aged really well and still looks more modern that most buses we have in Plymouth, although Citybus hope to get their new Volvo Wright buses on the road in April which might just highlight the contrast of Citybus giving us new and First replacing their newest buses with much older second-hand ones.
As always plans can change...

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Which do we want; substantially higher subsidies and thus cheaper fares (as in most of Europe) or lower taxes and thus lower subsidies? We cannot have both. Public Transport Experience

Eclipse is the biggest public transport news for Gosport & Fareham since the opening (and subsequent closure) of the peninsular railway line south of Fareham to Gosport. Omnibuses

It is clear that implementing an Integrated Transport policy is beyond the political will and ability of any minister. Public Transport Experience

It promised much. How does the 1998 White Paper compare with delivery of its aims a further 14 years later in 2012? Public Transport Experience

I suppose that the thing that concerns me most about the 2012 blog survey, in spite of the rise in the percentage of respondents who felt the blog was “Excellent”, was the reduction in those who felt the blog was “Always impartial and balanced”. Omnibuses

More details are becoming clear about Eclipse - the new Fareham-Gosport bus way. Southern England Bus Scene

Last year, we revealed that plans were afoot to try and bring steam back to the Underground to help celebrate the Metropolitan Line’s 150th Birthday. London Reconnections

Going Ahead Strong

Revenue at the Go-Ahead Group in the first half of it 2012 financial year was up, at £1,199.5million (2011: £1,132.2). However operating profit dropped to £51.7million (2011: £59.0million).

Bus & Coach

David Brown, Group Chief Executive, commented:
“I am pleased to report a good set of results for the first half of the financial year. Growth has continued across all of our businesses as the public seek high quality, convenient and value for money alternatives to the private car.

“In bus, our strategic focus of operating in more vibrant urban areas, predominantly in the South East, combined with innovative local marketing and the promotion of smart ticketing has continued to deliver passenger growth. We recently announced the acquisition of Carousel, a small bus business in High Wycombe, which fits perfectly with our strategy of acquiring bolt-on businesses which provide a solid basis for increasing passenger numbers.

“As London’s largest bus and rail operator we will play a significant role in providing transport services for the Olympic Games. We look forward to demonstrating the quality of our services and staff. In particular our high speed ‘Javelin’ rail services will transport spectators in an impressive seven minutes from St Pancras International to the Olympic Park.

“We have a very strong position in the UK rail market with our long term partner Keolis, with whom we have recently submitted initial bid documents for Thameslink and Essex Thameside. Together, we have been operating trains in the UK for 15 years, running around 5,500 services a day on our three franchises and carrying more passengers each year than on most European countries’ rail networks.

“The Group remains in a good financial position with strong cash generation and a robust balance sheet.

“Looking ahead, whilst we remain suitably cautious about the wider economic outlook, in rail we expect first half revenue growth trends to continue in the second half and in bus we expect a solid performance despite an impact from the implementation of a new contract.

“Overall, we continue to anticipate the Group will deliver full year results in line with management expectations.”

Go Ahead Group

[The planned posting has been postponed as it seems Flickr has gone offline for the evening…]

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The majority of people in Great Britain have a higher than average number of legs. Public Transport Experience

As the Social Market Foundation recommends scrapping free travel for all people over 60, so Conservative London mayoral candidate Boris Johnson pledges to give 400,000 Londoners their bus passes early, at 60. Quite a dichotomy Omnibuses

First Devon & Cornwall have won 12 contracts from Western Greyhound in Cornwall. This blog entry just details the routes won. It marks an exciting time for First Devon & Cornwall and a sad time for Western Greyhound Southern England Bus Scene

Olympians

Its nice to see the Olympian still serving Plymouth. The latest Volvo Olympian for Plymouth is 34068 P568EFL...
This is a nice design which has stood the test of time and still looks good today. Sadly the original bacth of Volvo Olympians are now down to just the one - 34003

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Living in Gloucester I frequently find myself using the A40, mainly eastwards, but seven years ago I thought I'd see where it ended-up in the westward direction so I set off to explore Pembrokeshire, a part of Wales that I hadn't seen since childhood. Transport Illustrated

High Wycombe’s Carousel Buses. There’s an interesting name. Sounds to me as if their services simply spin around and around getting nowhere fast. Yet, Go Ahead seems impressed enough to buy the 50-vehicle operator Omnibuses

The leaflet is, however, less than helpful in matters of detail. Travel South Yorkshire obediently copies the Stagecoach words without really understanding what they mean. Public Transport Experience

As reported on last week, Western Greyhound have been getting VR LFJ 858W out and about on the roads of Cornwall in public service so last Monday I grasped the opportunity to sample the beast PTOTPA

Bendy to Coypool?

First Devon & Cornwall are already one of the select few operators of bendy buses within First Group as they operate them on the Eden Project contract. They have now added another one to the fleet with 10133 currently in Plymouth in what appears to be a fresh repaint in standard barbie livery.

I had heard it had been reported as being at The Ride but assumed it was here for repainting for the Eden contract, which I guess is still a possibility but I observed it coming out of the Coypool Park & Ride site on Monday although no passengers were being carried. Could it be a test to see if they would be suitable for the Park & Ride PR2? The only problem I can see is the congestion on the Royal Parade bus stops.

It did look like Citybus were likely to take on some of Go Aheads Mercedes Citaro bendys as it seemed to work on the 21 route but this seems to have been put on hold. Maybe the forthcoming change to the 21 with it no longer going up into Steer Park will make it a more bendy – friendly route?

Sadly I was unable to get a photo as I was sat in McDonalds stuffing my face at the time but thanks to ‘awsnews’ I can bring you a photo of the same bus taken back in July still in Glasgow.

©awsnews. 1st July 2011

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Related Links

AWSNews Flickr

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BUT, is it really more efficient and less costly than sending out a copy of the form by post for the Company Secretary to sign and post back? Technology for the sake of it, again. Public Transport Experience

He had an interesting career path. Though grounded in the bus industry, few grandees can claim to rise to the top from a consultancy and, before that, local government. But Peter Huntley did all that before his 2006 appointment as managing director of Go North East. And, after a tragic accident on Sunday, he is now dead. Omnibuses

The line between Lymington Town and Lymington Pier is being redeveloped at the moment, which means the usual weekday Class 158 or weekend Class 450 is curtailed at Lymington Town. Southern England Bus Scene

A new sister for Citybus

Go-Ahead Group is pleased to announce the forthcoming acquisition of Carousel Buses Limited, based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The acquisition will take place on Saturday 3 March 2012.
Carousel currently operates around 50 buses in the Wycombe area and runs services to Heathrow Airport, Uxbridge, Chesham and Watford. The company mainly operates a mix of commercial bus services and schools bus contracts.

David Brown, Group Chief Executive said: "Carousel fits perfectly with our strategy of acquiring innovative, well-managed businesses which have a strong commercial core and can provide a solid basis for increasing passenger numbers. We are pleased to be taking on a bus company which prides itself on running a safe, reliable, affordable and customer focused service.
"In 2011 we acquired Thames Travel which was a similar size business and has been highly successful since joining the group, with significant tender wins. It has also successfully converted several services which were subsidised by local authorities into commercial services. Thames Travel has retained its own identity and prospers under our devolved business model. I am confident that we can repeat this success with the purchase of Carousel."
The current owners of Carousel, Steve Burns and John Robinson, will step back from day-to-day operation on acquisition, and will act as advisers to the new owners. Carousel will be run by the Oxford Bus Company director team under the leadership of Managing Director Philip Kirk.The company will retain its existing brand identity.

Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by EastleighBusMan

Now what does that livery remind me of?

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Border towns give fbb the opportunity to compare information provision from bus operator, South Yorkshire PTE and Nottinghamshire County Council; because, oddly in this electronic bits and bytes world, they all present timetables differently Public Transport Experience

In the light of yesterday’s Solus Coaches’ coach crash in France, I found myself thinking of the number of crashes I’ve experienced directly while actually on board—not those reported after the event. I can recall just three, which indicates (unscientifically) to me that most journeys, most of the time, are perfectly safe. Omnibuses

Time to put the Great back in to Great Western?

The current contract to operate the Great Western rail franchise is about to enter its last year. First Group are not taking up the option to extend the franchise will will now come to an end in March 2013. First are almost certainly among those operators who will have registered their interest in taking the new 15 year franchise. The deadline to register an interest has now expired so I am sure it wont be too long before we hear exactly who wants to run our trains for the next 15 years.

There was what first appeared to be an interesting development when the BBC claimed that “Passenger levels on railway branch lines are being grossly underestimated in documents given to firms bidding for a franchise” Reading into the story it appears to be one station (Lelant Saltings) on one branch line (St Ives) so isn't quite the scandal that the headline promises.

 

Another railway news headline that caught my eye recently was equally disingenuous:

Plymouth MP almost missed launch of £100million train campaign - because there was no train

She didn't almost miss the meeting because there was no train. She checked the timetables and realised there was no suitable train available so she made alternative arrangements to get there. This is no different to checking your local bus timetable and discovering there is no direct bus to where you are going. You look to see what other options are available and then make plans accordingly. That's life.

Many will agree that “It is ridiculous that I am unable to travel to Plymouth in time for a meeting starting at 10:30am.” Sadly her government when it was in power did little to make such a journey possible. The current government are spending a lot less on transport so are unlikely to achieve that much. This is not me trying to make a political point as neither party seems to have a clue when it comes to public transport. Transport is one of the very few areas that Labour have actually agreed with most of the current government spending cuts.

Apart from the sensational headline the rest of the story is straightforward enough explaining that "Leading rail industry consultants Steer Davis Gleave were jointly commissioned by the Chamber and the Council to look into the economic case for better rail connectivity and found that for an additional operating cost of £10 million a year, the economy stands to gain £94 million” This may well be the case but someone has to find that additional £10 million and Plymouth wont be the only area that will try and make such claims.

I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about the Great Western franchise over the coming months. The start of the new franchise in April 2013 is indeed a great opportunity to do something different and actually gain an improved railway service. I just wish I had the confidence in those in charge to actually take the opportunity…

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Remember: an innocent fbb has asked the Metrolpolitan Transportation Authority's journey planner for a trip from Central Park Zoo to The Statue of Liberty Public Transport Experience

I read every single comment that comes through the Blogger comments system. The odd bit of spam creeps in (and I delete it as soon as possible) but generally Blogger is good at trapping spam Omnibuses

At least we now know one thing for certain. The UK is not alone in providing enquirers with duff electronic information. Good Ole' U S of A can be just as daft! ? Public Transport Experience

So this Sunday Lost Scenes - of a Plymouth B6 in Bude - will very soon be repeated. Many thanks to a commenter on this post which tipped me off - this has now been confirmed. Interesting times ahead from April 1st. Southern England Bus Scene

Simply, once a zonal fares structure is introduced, it is a nightmare to remove - I'd go so far as to say commercial suicide. I don't envy any operator who has introduced one - usually during the Times of Plenty. A Transport of Delight

Plymouth Bus Routes No7: Target Travel 39

Due to a combination of loss of internet last weekend, and a power failure in my computer room, and the length and complexity of this route, it has taken me two weeks to get this one ready. I chose Target Travel 39 for number 7 in the series because I found myself waiting for a bus home from the City Centre and noticed a ‘new’ Dennis Dart on Royal Parade. I went to investigate and it was Target Travel and the Dart was newly acquired and still running in red and grey. The photo will follow in the week ahead. Seeing as I had plenty of time I decided to catch the 39 to Asda as I had never been on that route before. The driver warned me it took a long time to get there – which just made it all the more fun for me.
The route video below is the longest of the series so far as it really does go around all the houses. It is a real test for the driver as you can see on the video there are a few places where there is very little room. All it takes is one badly parked car and the bus would be stuck. The section by Austin Farm was great fun and we did have to wait for one van driver to move his van up a bit so we could get passed.
So if you find yourself with a lot of spare time on your hands I would recommend a ride on the 39…

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Related Links

• Timetable 39 Target Travel
• Target 39 page Plymothian Transit Extra

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Go-Ahead Group aims to further improve the passenger experience on its buses by becoming the first major UK bus operator to carry out an annual independent customer satisfaction survey. Andys Bus Blog

fbb has never been to New York (although all three sons have) but this blog-reader interest prompted the old codger to have an on-line look at public transport in that spectacular and challenging City. Public Transport Experience

Who was it who speculated that during the restructure programme one of the areas New First might cut lose during was Cornwall. OK, I did. I may have been wrong. Omnibuses

Still going strong down under

©Peter Kane
2180AC PRV LEYLAND ATLANTEAN LOCAL CHARTER BUS seen on a charter in the cbd in advert livery 14th feb 2012
Clearly one of the Plymouth Atlanteans - JJY-G Batch. I am sure someone will let us know which one!

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K102 certainly looks like she has been well kept, but was one of the last things I expected to see while trundling through Cornish countryside PTOTPA

Timing points are the foundation of the entire bus service. Without them, chaos would reign, for drivers and for passengers. Omnibuses

The Dart SLFs allocated to Hoeford, which were previously used on the Gosport-Fareham connection routes, have now been freed to operate across the network. Southern England Bus Scene

First Group's UK bus division has been having a rum old time of it lately. A Transport of Delight

A few weeks ago, the Leyland National scored top in a Route One magazine survey that aimed to identify the best bus of the 1970s. Omnibuses

Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility. Public Transport Experience

The third book is 'Devonport Through Time' which shows the changes to the area over the last 100 years or so. Plymouth Local History Blog

50 years ago, on 15th February 1962, chassis number 190033 left the Bristol Commercial Vehicles factory in Brislington and embarked on the 250-plus mile journey to Eastern Coach Works in Lowestoft, where it would become a coach. 270KTA

There is a way of providing this grouping of services, clearly showing different routes after the split, and minor evening and Sunday variants. It's called a "timetable". Public Transport Experience

First states that the withdrawn FTRs will be refurbished before finding their way on to another service somewhere in the north. First is tight-lipped about exactly where and it’s little wonder. Omnibuses

Vintage Running in Penzance

A message which I think many readers will be interested in…

Dear Fellow Enthusiast

The Cornwall Bus Preservation Society in association with the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust invites you to come to sunny, warm West Cornwall for our event on 15 April 2012. This will be the 5^th vintage bus running day in Penzance following the original Final VR Running Day on 9 December 2006 – yes it’s more than 5 years since VRs were withdrawn from service.

The Running Day will be based at Penzance Bus Station with vintage bus services running from 10.00 until 17.00. Routes will include Penzance to St Ives, Hayle, Marazion/Perranuthnoe, Paul/Sheffield and out to Sennen Cove and Land’s End. In addition to CBPG’s VRs and other vehicles, visitors already promised include FLF 2019, LWL 1613 and VRs 1056, 1157 and 1203. It is hoped to be able to run small vehicles into Mousehole, a highlight of the2008 & 2011 events.

If you would like to bring a vehicle an entry form is attached. Programmes will be available in advance from 2 weeks before the event from the undersigned for £5 inc P&P. All are welcome (even if not Tilling green!)

We look forward to seeing you there.

Colin

Colin Billington

Ledger Farm

Forest Green Road

Fifield

Maidenhead

SL6 2NR

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K102 certainly looks like she has been well kept, but was one of the last things I expected to see while trundling through Cornish countryside PTOTPA

Timing points are the foundation of the entire bus service. Without them, chaos would reign, for drivers and for passengers. Omnibuses

The Dart SLFs allocated to Hoeford, which were previously used on the Gosport-Fareham connection routes, have now been freed to operate across the network. Southern England Bus Scene

April 1st

As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by a broadband failure, A few of the recent VOSA notices will have an imp[act in and around Plymouth:

On the 7th February we have the following for First Devon & Cornwall

PH0004983/278 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between THE GEORGE PARK AND RIDE SITE and PLYMOUTH (Royal Parade) given service number PR1 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/333 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Mount Gould given service number 5 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/335 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Saltash given service number 1/1A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

Presumable more fine tuning of these services to meet demand.

On the same day Western Greyhound have these:

PH0006741/41 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between LOOE and PLYMOUTH given service number 572 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/45 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Liskard, Parade and Plymouth, Exeter Street given service number 592 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/75 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Callington and Plymouth given service number 576 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/77 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Bude, Strand and Callington given service number 576 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/78 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Liskeard Station and Toorpoint Ferry given service number 581 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

It will be interesting to see who, if anyone takes on the 581.

On the 9th we had a few more for First:

PH0004983/35 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between TORPOINT FERRY and PLYMOUTH Bus Station given service number 81/81A/81C effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/186 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Bretonside Bus Station and LAUNCESTON Westgate Street given service number 76/76A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/365 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro and St Agnes given service number 85/85A/85B effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/439 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Launceston Finish Point: Bude Via: Red Post Service Number: 76 Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride

Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Monday to Saturday except public holidays.

It seems that the Launceston – Bude runs are replacing the Western Greyhound runs on the 576.

Will we be seeing a little less of these fine buses on the 576 come April 1st?

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Plymothian Transit recently highlighted the unbelievable story of locals from the somewhat unfortunately named village of Crapstone, twixt Plymouth & Tavistock Omnibuses

Devonian Motor Services have now added their A reg Leyland Olympian to Ebay for onward aquisition following the sale of the Leyland Atlantean on Ebay a few months ago PTOTPA

Branded as "Eclipse - Above and Beyond" this new bus priority corridor is far more impressive and expensive than the last corridor on the A3 Southern England Bus Scene

A Dennis Trident caught fire on its return to Norwich following an MOT at Great Yarmouth's Caister Road depot on Tuesday. East Norfolk Bus Blog

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Which begs the question, why are we taxpayers shelling out our millions for two bits of expensive electronic gubbins? Answers, please to Justine Greening, who is Minister of Transport for this week Public Transport Experience

No white smoke from Dorset council yet as to the future of the deregistered Damory services initially cancelled but are now extended, commercially, till Easter. Dorset Bus Blog

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Blog readers were invited to comment on which option they would choose. The response was underwhelming, so fbb will offer some further guidance. Public Transport Experience

Sorry I am not in service

It seems there is a fault on my broadband line which they will attempt to fix - on monday!

Hopefully normal service will commence then. I might be able to get another mobile post over the weekend.

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April Foolishness in Cornwall

Having been very quiet so far this year VOSA has seen a lot of activity this last few days. On the site on the 6th February we have the following notifications. I know this is very much a Plymouth based blog but today I will just show the Cornish notifications as it highlights the impact on public transport of the Cornwall County Council cuts. It is to be hoped that there are a few more new service registrations to appear to replace some at least of the cancellations listed below. Otherwise things will be really grim!

 

 

PH0004983/171 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between PENZANCE, Bus Station/ FALMOUTH, Moor and HELSTON, Tesco given service number 2/2A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

On the 7th we get all of these:

PH0004983/170 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PENZANCE Bus Station and LANDS END given service number 1/1A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/171 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PENZANCE, Bus Station/ FALMOUTH, Moor and HELSTON, Tesco given service number 2/2A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/172 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PENZANCE Bus Station and GWAVAS/MOUSEHOLE given service number 5/5A/6/6A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/187 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between FALMOUTH Moor and TRURO Treliske Hospital/NEWQUAY Bus Station given service number 68/68A/88/88B/89/90/988/989 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/213 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST AUSTELL Bus Station and Megavissey given service number 26 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0004983/437 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Penzance Finish Point: Manor Way Via: Service Number: 11 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Hourly, Monday to Saturday, except public holidays.

PH0004983/438 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Penzance Finish Point: St Ives Via: Gulval Service Number: 16 Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Hourly Monday to Saturday except public holidays.

Western Greyhound has a lot more notifications. Again I start with the Cornish ones to give you an idea of the scale of changes due on the 1st April:

PH0006741/1 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between TRURO and NEWQUAY BUS STATION given service number 592/594/595/597 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/4 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY Bus Station and PADSTOW Old Rail Station given service number 556 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/7 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between TRURO,Victoria Square and NEWQUAY, Bus Station given service number 585/583/587 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/9 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell and Bodmin Morrisons given service number 529 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/11 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Bodmin and PADSTOW Old Railway Station given service number 555 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/17 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell and Gorran Haven given service number 526 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/33 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between BUDE Strand and MARHAM Church given service number 518 effective from 02-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/34 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between BUDE, THE STRAND and Holsworthy given service number 530 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/35 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Newquay Bus Station and Eden Project given service number 527 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/37 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Agnes and St Ives Malakoff given service number 547 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/40 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY and ST AUSTELL given service number 521 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/42 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between LISKEARD and CALLINGTON given service number 574 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/48 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Columb Major and Boscastle given service number 594 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/54 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and St Just, Bus Station given service number 516 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/56 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and St Just Bus Station given service number 504 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/57 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and Panzance Manor Way given service number 511 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/61 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between NEOT and MENHENIOT given service number 575 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/63 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell Trinity Street and Fowey Safe Harbour given service number 524/525 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/70 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro BHS Boscawen St and Truro BHS Boscawen St given service number 596 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/72 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell Trinity Street and Truro (Boscawen Street) given service number 522 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/73 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Truro Bus Station and Helford Passage given service number 500 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/76 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro, Boscawen Street and St Mawes Car Park given service number 550/551 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/80 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between St Austell, Bus Station and Lostwithiel given service number 523 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/81 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between St Austell, Trinity Street and Stenalees given service number 528 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/82 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and Lands End given service number 501 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/83 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Helston Tescos and Lizard Green given service number 537 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/84 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Helston and St Keverne/Coverack given service number 538 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/85 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Truro Victoria Square and Camborne Bus Station given service number 540/542/543 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/88 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro, Boscawen Street and St. Austell, Kings Avenue given service number 520 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/89 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Helston Coinagehall Street and Falmouth Moor given service number 535 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/91 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Camborne Bus Station and Truro Bus Station given service number 543 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/92 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Redruth Railway Station and Helston given service number 534 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/93 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Truro Railway Station and Helston given service number 582 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

A couple of others:

PH1080163/4 - D A C COACHES LTD, RYLANDS GARAGE, ST. ANNS CHAPEL, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9HW

Variation Accepted: Operating between Callington New Road and St Neot Car Park given service number 283 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.

PH1080163/8 - D A C COACHES LTD, RYLANDS GARAGE, ST. ANNS CHAPEL, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9HW

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Launceston, Westgate Street Finish Point: Liskeard Station Via: Upton Cross Service Number: 236 Service Type: ail & Ride Effective Date: 02-APR-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday except bank holidays.

OUCH!

There are a few notifications closer to home – these will appear here tomorrow – as its now 1am and I want to go to bed!

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Recommended Links

I can bring you a couple of lovely shots of the first of the newly painted Dennis Darts that Target Travel have recently acquired PTOTPA

Railway routes in and through Barnsley are immensely complicated and well beyond blogging brevity. Public Transport Experience

Of all the TCs, the northern of the two Bells is known for her no-nonsense attitude. Operators should rightly respect their traffic commissioner when “invited” to a public inquiry but Mrs Bell is particularly known for her straight talking. Omnibuses

Ageless?

It seems the next repaint to hit the road for the new look Citycoach fleet will be 315 which should be out and about in the next day or two. It seems a good time for a reminder of how she looked when brand new:

Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by Steven Hughes

I know some think this livery is quite dated but it still looks quite fresh to me. Its nice and simple yet bold and I am not aware of anyone else using the same style. I have never been a fan of the grey though and I do like the new blue livery even more. Its hard to believe that the above photo was taken in 2003, almost 9 years ago. When this coach is in the new livery she wont look out of place next to the brand new ones, only the registration giving away how old she is. I have never been a fan of this style of Plaxton bodywork, seems quite bland compared with other designs out there, but perhaps that has helped it to remain ‘ageless – and not to age quite as much as some designs have done.

Plymouth Bus Routes No 6: The 22

I hope that when this post goes live it will show the next route video, this time Plymouth Citybus 22 from the City Centre - Lipson Vale - Plympton St Maurice - Chaddlewood.
Vimeo have changed their embeded codes, and Live Writer refuses to recognize the new code so I am having to do this the hard way through Googles own editor!

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Related Links

• Citybus 22 Page Plymothian Transit Extra

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Recommended Links

You can't tell from this shot, but there are patches that are starting to show her original identity of the very vivid green/indigo Trevithick Link livery she used to carry while at work at Truronian. PTOTPA

So before the snow arrived gritting was underway and this includes bus routes and access to garages. It did come down in London quite quickly but in general we kept services moving. Leon Daniels

O.K., its only four bus shelters and a myterious blue totem pole thingey, but South Yorkshire PTE thinks it's an "interchange", their euphemism for a bus station. Public Transport Experience

“Can you please enlighten us as to what this second fare rise in a few months is paying for? " Dorset Bus Blog

It’s arguable whether First could claim that its buses now have a true “local identity” simply by applying a city’s name on the side. Omnibuses

Indications were that 1995 would be the final year for the open-toppers so a running day was arranged in late summer to mark this. For once I can state that every bus that you see in a report will be roofless. Transport Illustrated

Citaro

Finally managed to catch 85 in the new livery:

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Related Links

• More buses coming to Plymouth - July 2005 Plymothian Transit

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fbb thought the problem was with TSY's very expensive software system. It's officially called "Data Adjustment For Timetables" but is better known by its four letter acronym. Public Transport Experience

The first thing I was keen to tick off was Torpoint's latest addition, this being Volvo Olympian P568 EFL. PTOTPA

So it's nothing to do with the fact that it never really worked, and York City didn't like it after all, and many of the promised bus priority measures never materialised? Nothing to do with that at all! Public Transport Experience

It doesn’t happen often but it does happen: local councils proposing to buy their own fleets in order to compete against what they perceive to be a poorly performing incumbent commercial operation Omnibuses

For a few years, Thompson's Coaches operated a Tuesday and Saturday only route 238 between Salisbury and Bournemouth, via Christchurch, Ringwood and Fordingbridge. Southern England Bus Scene

Life after Plymouth: R309STA

It hasn't taken Southern Vectis long to repaint former Citycoach R309STA into its smart Moss livery. Of course if it had stayed in Plymouth it would eventually end up looking not too dissimilar - and equally smart.

©Nigel Harris
"Looking very smart in full Go South Coast, Moss livery, 7009 (R309STA) now with all transfers added and most parts refitted (except Wipers) inside the paint shop at Nelson Road, Newport on 1 February 2012."
Thanks to Nigel for permission to use his photos. Pop across to his Flickr site to see a lot more Southern Vectis including a nice shot  of R309STA reunited with sister N307UTT

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Related Links

• SN2730 (Nigel Harris) Flickr
• Life after Plymouth - January 2011 Plymothian Transit
• Plymouth Citycoach web site
• Southern Vectis Web site

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Recommended Links

And then it occurred to me. How successful we’d been at banishing the groupie girl from the platform. Omnibuses

And, as is the way with modern marketing, every brand needs a rebrand to keep the graphics designers in gainful employment. Does any one know whether all this "stuff" actually gets more bums on seats? Public Transport Experience

And not only is fuel duty effectively going up. So is the cost of fuel, which means the gap between the price paid now and from April will widen further Omnibuses

Then, just a glimpse of the alpha males of the mid 50s alighting and setting off following the bus across the "weak bridge" ... a pointless exercise as passengers and bus crossed together, so the weight was unchanged in total! Public Transport Experience

People have to pay to catch the bus–shock horror!

Poor Plymouth Citybus. This week sees yet another ‘non story’ being blown up in the local press:

A GROUP of angry parents have formed a pressure group after Citybus charged their children £6 each to get to school for forgetting their pre-paid bus passes – and then refused to refund the money. Jane Scott, from Crapstone, and a number of other parents in the village are busy getting people to sign a petition in a bid to get Citybus to change its policy on refunding charges incurred when school children forget their pre-paid bus passes.

“I wasn’t annoyed that she had to pay – I understand their no pass, no travel policy completely, but what I fail to see is why they have refused me a refund when in effect I have already paid for the trip.

She is now questioning the legalities behind being made to pay twice for the same journey and has contacted Trading Standards. She said: “I can’t believe how awful Citybus are being – I’m not sure it’s even legal. “I have formed this pressure group to tackle the problem head-on. We need to get this sorted – it’s not fair.

Peter Oliver, commercial manager at the bus company, said: “We carry a large number of customers every day and we have never had to even address this issue in the past because it has never been a problem.

“It’s a simple policy – if you forget your pre-paid pass, then you have to pay – people accept that and it’s the same on every mode of transport.

Full story This is Plymouth

I have a bus pass myself which means I have pre paid my bus fares. However, if I loose or forget my pass I have to pay on the bus. Its annoying to myself but its just the way it is. Its never occurred to me to try and get the fares back. I am not sure it would even be possible to administer even if the company were happy to oblige. Even if i can prove I had a valid pass for a journey which I had to pay for, how to I prove that I actually made that journey?

The “I’m not sure its even legal” comment is my favourite!

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However, although the buses themselves were light enough to traverse the bridge, they were only allowed to do so if the vehicle was empty, thus, passengers had to alight and proceed across the bridge on foot, re-joining the bus the other side! Public Transport Experience

Enviro refreshed

All the original batch of Enviros are now in the new livery. I managed to catch 134 and 135 on camera yesterday. It does seem that repaints have speeded up a bit now. These do look good in this livery...

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Let us now praise famous buses and the builders that begat them. The roads hath wrought great glory by them through their great power from the beginning. Public Transport Experience
• I doubt very much, however, that passengers will believe this good fares information. I doubt they will see their fares as increasing below inflation, whether they live in an area (or with an operator) prone to larger increases or not. Omnibuses