Plymothian Transit: 01/03/2012

31 March 2012

today I am seven

Well, here it is, My first attempt at a blog.

At this point I dont really have a clue what is going to appear here or how it is going to end up looking, but I will concentrate on what is happening with the transportation in and around Plymouth, England. I will try and post something every day if I can. This will either be something that has caught my attention that day or maybe just something of interest from my files.

So sit back and relax, and wait - something interesting might just appear at some stage - you never know!

Well that was the very first post on Plymothian Transit way back on the 31st March 2005 which with my analysts hat on, I can tell you was 7 years ago today. yep, SEVEN YEARS! I gave up the idea of trying to post every day a long time ago. I think I am probably on about 5 a week which seems to be manageable and keeps things moving along nicely.

As for the first proper post:

First Devon and Cornwall still operate this ancient Mercedes 'bread van' which is registered J143SJT. Seen here just leaving the main Plymouth bus depot this week it has just been treated to a new repaint into the latest barbie livery. This is a real suprise as most of the rest of this batch have been sold along with many other newer minibuses. Normally this would mean that its likely that this bus will be around for some time yet, but this is First Group - so anything could happen

We do have a thriving bus enthusiast scene here in Plymouth which has certainly helped keep the blog going for all of this time. There have been many times when I didnt have anything to post myself that someone else has come up trumps and sent me something, or made a suggestion. The use of Flickr has also grown over the years which has given access to an amazing treasure trove of photos, the owners of which have nearly always been happy for me to use on the blog. Like many others I was with Fotopic before but I jumped ship quite early, well before they hit problems taking all their members photos with them. Flickr has so many options to make sharing photos easier that its an essential blogging tool!

The other thing which has helped this blog so much over the years is the involvement of quite a few people within the industry. Senior staff within both Citybus and First have popped in occasionally and either sent photos or given me information or just answered questions I posted. (Special thanks to my friend Brian George at Citybus who has supplied many photos over the years with permission from the company).

One of the biggest changes I have seen has been in the number of other bus blogs which have sprung up (and have actually lasted!). The excellent Omnibuses Blog is slightly older than me with a few occasional postings from back in 2004 but it was the end of August 2005 when he started posting daily. This is still required viewing and still pretty much every day – dont know how he does it! I now have quite a few on my daily lists, most of which appear below my blog posts. This is a totally manual process and all done in html the old fashioned way so occasionally I get behind but hopefully its still worth it. I know I have helped many people discover new blogs which has helped the new blogs get new readers. If you know people are reading your blog and let you know, it does make it easier to post.

Thanks again to all who have contributed over the seven years, and to those who have just popped along and read a few postings. This time last year I was running at aprox 6000 views a month. My views for March 2012 have just gone over the 10,000 views for the first time. Wow!

So, stick around, there might just be something interesting along…

Dont Forget

Plymouth Hoe 10am – the launch of the new Volvo Wright buses for Plymouth Citybus.

Once the official launch and pictures are taken then the buses will be rolled out onto our service 43, enabling enthusiasts to get pictures of at least seven of the ten in service on the same day. I will be happy to give enthusiasts a ride around the City on one of the buses before it enters service.

Sadly I am still officially off sick so I wont be there (gutted!) but I will be bringing you pictures later. Enjoy yourselves!!

Elsewhere on the net

With many thanks to David Morgan, I can bring you this brilliant photo of (quite obviously!) Ex-Plymouth Enviro 400, WA56 FUD back at work in her new home of Bristol. PTOTPA
An answer was found in the form of the 'Floating Railway' ferry system devised by Thomas Bouch, then a youthful and successful engineer untainted by the later Tay Bridge disaster Public Transport Experience

30 March 2012

Bus Companies Battle for our Trains

“A total of 13 firms are in the running to become the next operators of the Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside rail franchises and introduce better train services, safer stations and more convenient ways to buy tickets.”

“The Government is engaged in the biggest programme of refranchising since the privatisation of the railways. Our reformed approach to franchising will give more flexibility to train operators on how they configure services and run their business, within a framework set by the franchise agreement which will protect key outcomes for the passenger, the taxpayer and the economy. We welcome the strong interest shown in these three competitions by the rail industry. A vibrant and competitive market for franchises is an important part of our strategy for improving services for passengers and reducing the cost of running the railway.

“The new Great Western franchise operator will be closely involved in improving rail services following the completion of the electrification and Intercity Express projects.

Department for Transport

Bidders for Great Western franchise:

First Great Western Trains Limited (FirstGroup plc)
GW Trains Limited (Arriva UK Trains Limited - DB (UK) Investments Limited)
NXGW Trains Limited (National Express Group PLC)
Stagecoach Great Western Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)

Bidders for Essex Thameside franchise:

Abellio Essex Thameside Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
First Essex Thameside Limited (FirstGroup plc)
MTR Corporation (Essex Thameside) Limited (MTR Corporation Limited)
NXET Trains Limited (National Express Group PLC)

Bidders for Thameslink franchise:

Abellio Thameslink Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
First Thameslink Limited (FirstGroup plc)
Govia Thameslink Railway Limited (Go-Ahead Group plc and Keolis SA)
MTR Corporation (Thameslink) Limited (MTR Corporation Limited)
Stagecoach Thameslink Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)

I do think its a bit of a cheek to describe it as being 13 bidders when the reality is the main bidders are First Group, Arriva, National Express, Stagecoach, Abellio, MTR and Go-Ahead which I count as 7!

So lets concentrate on the Great Western franchise…

Invitations to tender are expected to be issued in May, with the successful bidder being announced in December and the 15-year contract commencing in April 2013. So thats one year from now which isnt that long. We have a straight fight between 4 national bus companies First, Stagecoach, Arriva and National Express. (Its probably being a bit unfair to still call them bus companies but thats how they all started)

First Group states:

“We are delighted to have pre-qualified for all three franchises demonstrating our strength and experience in the rail market. As the current operator of two of the franchises - First Great Western and First Capital Connect – we have a strong track record of delivery and investment in our rail operations. We look forward to building on our position as the UK’s largest rail operator and submitting competitive proposals which meet the needs of customers and taxpayers for these three exciting franchise competitions.”

You could also follow the links below so you can see what the other bidders think, but you will find they are all delighted to have pre-qualified….”

You can see the process which will now be followed in a very dull document HERE (PDF)

I am sure there will be a lot of discussion over the coming year which I will be keeping an eye on as it is kind of important that we get a decent service. We know its the main London – Bristol section which will get the most attention especially as the contracts for the electrification project have just recently be signed so it really is going to happen. It will take years and cost billions but wont help us that much, but at least its a start!

Great Western photo by Matt Thorpe

Elsewhere on the net

Last March the North West Museum of Road Transport in St.Helens commemorated the Leyland Lynx's quarter century with a running day. They must have enjoyed themselves because a follow-up event was staged recently Transport Illustrated
Bouch Builds Boats for Bembridge Public Transport Experience
In a month’s time, there’ll be a prime example of First local management trying to turn its fortunes around—in Southampton. Omnibuses
here, in all her glory, stands Leyland Olympian C412 HJN, photographed highly likely for the first time since my final photo of her taken in the summer of 2009, taken approaching 3 years ago! PTOTPA
The Night Ferry was a sleeping car train that ran daily (nightly?) between London Victoria and Paris Nord, using the freight ferry boats. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the shunting manoeuvres on and off the boats ensured only sporadic sleep! Public Transport Experience
Whatever you think of the way the authorities have handled (or induced) the petrol crisis (2012 style) it brings home one important and simple fact: fuel is important. Omnibuses

29 March 2012

Outgoing: First Swap Shop Continues

These last few days has seen a big swap around of buses within First Group. We had the new Enviros in. The old Enviros have gone to Bristol. We have also lost at least 4 of the Volvo B7RLEs 69249-52, which have to to Cymru. These in turn have displaced the baby Enviro Darts 44914-9 which have gone to Bristol! These were of course former Plymouth buses which we lost as the Ugobus network started to contract.

For once it has to be said that in Plymouth we have so far done rather well out of this.

There are a few other movements within First Group as there are a lot of extra buses needed for Cornwall next week. This probably explains why 20408 has been on the Park & Ride as its covering for an Enviro having accident repairs. I don't suppose there is a lot of spare stock sitting around the depot at the moment!
So the following decent buses are no longer on the streets of Plymouth:

A few of you will be aware that I was rushed into hospital by ambulance yesterday with a suspected heart attack. The good news is it wasn't although clearly something is going on so I need to rest for now and then go for further tests. Thanks to those of you who have sent messages of support. Always appreciated!

Elsewhere on the net

The destination screens are useless. On-line maps are unhelpful. There are no bus stop signs. The journey planner can't find the church. There is no timetable... Public Transport Experience
With sales agreed in North Devon and now London Northumberland Park, First has begun its restructure. There are reports that next up will be Edinburgh, Scotland, in a possible sale to Lothian Buses, subject to the competition authorities’ approvals. Omnibuses
Steam on shed (81E) TGP

28 March 2012

From the sublime to the ridiculous

Finally managed to get a few decent shots of the new Park & Ride fleet yesterday. For today we have a few shots of 33658 which I have managed to capture from all sides.

It is nice to see that the PR2 now gets smart new double deckers to bring it up to par with the PR1, but it wasn't all good news as there was one imposter on the route yesterday:

That's right - I couldn't believe it either!

Elsewhere on the net

The big question is, "Where do we get off?" Public Transport Experience
There will be those who in disbelief read yesterday’s news that some (and in certain cases, all) BSOG will in future go to local authorities, not operators. Omnibuses
On Saturday, I spent a few hours in the sun at Horsham where I was able to capture the brand new Enviro200 single deckers, which were introduced by Metrobus to improve the town services. Southern England Bus Scene
A-Line Coaches' first ever double decker has this afternoon arrived at the depot gleaming in the spring sun. PTOTPA

27 March 2012

An invitation from Plymouth Citybus

Well it hasnt been easy especially as one or two of the new buses have been out and about around the city bus the official launch is to happen next Monday – and enthusiasts are invited:

We have the Hoe promenade booked from 1000 next Monday 2^nd April for the launch of the new Plymouth Citybus Wright Volvo Eclipse vehicles.

All enthusiasts are welcome to attend to get their pictures of the “virgin” buses so to speak.

I will be happy to give enthusiasts a ride around the City on one of the buses before it enters service.

I am extremely grateful to all of the local enthusiasts who have honoured our request not to publish pictures of the buses before the official launch and would ask that this request continues to be honoured until next Monday.

Brian George Plymouth Citybus.

Assuming my boss is in a good mood and lets me have the morning off on one of the busiest days of the month at the start of the new financial year(!) then I for one shall be there.

Tanker Strike

PLYMOUTH’S petrol supplies could dry-up within hours if a tanker drivers’ strike goes ahead, said a city union boss. Scores of petrol stations across Plymouth could be closed and army military personnel might be called upon to supply gas as fuel tanker drivers voted overwhelmingly for strike action. It follows a dispute over terms and conditions and safety standards. Unite drivers supply fuel to 90 per cent of the UK’s forecourts and the union said a strike could close up to 7,900 petrol stations. Workers in seven major distribution companies were balloted for industrial action – Wincanton, DHL, Hoyer, BP, J W Suckling, Norbert Dentressangle and Turners. Unison said that more than 61.1 per cent of those voting across the seven companies voted for strike action.

This is Plymouth

So lets have a reminder of what we will be missing if they do strike

Elsewhere on the net

Nottingham’s infamous bus war between Trent Barton and Premiere makes its way to East Midlands airport from today. Omnibuses
Clifton and Westbury : Confused and Wondering. Public Transport Experience
Curiouser and curiouser! Does it or doesn't it? Public Transport Experience
this year sees the sixtieth anniversary of the closure of London's tramway system on July 5th 1952 and the fiftieth of the closure of its successor trolleybus network on May 8th 1962. Transport Illustrated
Crossrail’s Canary Wharf station :As – in construction terms – a milestone has been achieved, it was a chance to go back inside and have a look at what has changed since I last saw the bottom of the station, which at the time looked a bit like this Ian Visits
He told me there was no such thing as a Weekend First upgrade and, despite seeing my receipt from the previous week, retorted that I had never bought it because no such ticket was available. Public Transport Experience
There’s a certain delicious irony, don’t you think, in the fact that the first bus to display a patriotic all-over queen’s diamond jubilee livery is operated by a subsidiary of a French State. Omnibuses
In summary, you, the customer, have rights; but the Train Companies can take them away from you whenever they choose. Public Transport Experience
Why doesn't the British Transport Police take a leaf from the aviation industry's book and enlist transport enthusiasts visiting railway stations as additional eyes and ears on the ground? A Transport of Delight
Having lived in London for over two decades the city holds few attractions for me and a trip to Acton or Croydon is quite far enough now but a fascination for its transport history will always be strong. If only we could get into The Depot more often. Transport Illustrated
Paul Bunting, blog reader and London resident, had a personal problem. He and the choir were singing at a special service in a Church at Hampstead Garden Suburb. Public Transport Experience
Well, after the established industry had slapped itself on its collective back on Friday when the results of the bidding for the third round of the Green Bus Fund had been announced, everybody looked at the list of winners to see what their competitors had got. Omnibuses

Sorry for the gap in posting – far too much on at the moment!

24 March 2012

Good Bye and thank you

Well it seems that the old Park & Ride Enviro's have all but disappeared from Plymouth. The new 12 reg buses are now in charge in their new First Group livery so the clouds livery is no more.
At least 33412/13/14/15 are already at Weston Super Mare. There may be one or two left in Plymouth but these will soon be gone. 33416 turned up on school service 809, still in the blue and white sky based livery, but without the park and ride lettering. If you do see one out and about - wave good bye!

These buses have served Plymouth very well and are still very comfortable well appointed buses. Initial reports state the new ones, although decent buses, are not as well appointed. I shall be having a go shortly!

Elsewhere on the net

We all know of people in their 60s who’ve returned to the bus, care of free travel. Some of them haven’t been on board for 40 years or more. A lot’s changed since this golden age, but do the myths remain? Omnibuses
Romanian Trolleys TGP
The standard of the leather seats fitted to these are also far inferior to their predecessors luxurious leather seats PTOTPA

22 March 2012

First are first

Well who would have put money on First Devon & Cornwall putting new 12 registered buses out in service before Citybus?

There were just two of the new buses in service today with this one on the PR1 and another on the PR2. I am sure the rest will enter service over the next few days. I have to say I do like this livery. I hope that the SHUTTLE fleetname is just for the Olympics and that once that is out of the way they will get something more appropriate, but for now well done First.

Elsewhere on the net

If no one bids then she will follow a similar fate to the rest of the aforementioned stock, and be sent to the scrapheap! PTOTPA
Stagecoach gets it nearly right, so we had better start there. Public Transport Experience
Nearly 20 years after the name Royal Blue disappeared from the sides of the deregulated industry’s coaches in Devon & Cornwall comes news of an application in N&P under the trading name Royal Blue Motorcoach Dorset Bus
In the Summer of 1991 we visited Romania. The country was slowly becoming a Democracy. For our excursions we used these Egyptian Ghabbour Bodied Scanias. TGP
First Devon and Cornwall have released the first two of the brand new Dennis Enviro 400s onto the Plymouth Park and Ride services today PTOTPA

21 March 2012

Moaning

It seems that once again Plymouth Citybus is under attack in the press…

A group of students from Plymouth University have launched a campaign to tackle Citybus on their fares policy which states that only those in full-time education and up to the age of 23 are eligible for discounted bus tickets. Words such as "ageist", "discriminatory" and "unfair" have been used by the students to describe the bus company's policy. Emma Wilson, vice president of the Plymouth University Student Union education and welfare, said: "At the beginning of the academic year we had a number of students coming to the union to tell us that they had been refused student fares to which we contacted Citybus and received a less than satisfactory reply, with the policy remaining unchanged.

Peter Oliver, commercial manager at Citybus, said the policy was in place to prevent fraudulent activity. He said: "At the moment, because the concessionary fares are done on smart card and key, there is no database that we can access that tells us who is in full time education.

"But people need to remember that we are one of the few travel company's that offers student discount.

"It's only recently that we opened child fares from 16 years of age to include those up to 19 years of age and students to those under 23, and I feel like we're being condemned."

This is Plymouth

It does seem really unfair to Citybus. None of the other bus companies in Plymouth offer a student discount to students as old as that. I don't think there are that many bus operators anywhere that go quite that old. The use of words like “ageist” and “discriminatory” is particularly unhelpful. If you use that argument then free travel for pensioners is ageist and discriminatory against younger people. I would like to have some of the various student discounts on cinema tickets and various other venues. The fact that such discounts are only for students is discriminatory too but I dont see students complaining about that!

Elsewhere on the net

Note the excellent non-provision for "Health and Safety"; you were actually allowed to fall off (or even drive off!!) the slipway unprotected by huge barriers or warned by death-threatening signs. How we all long for a rturn to those un-healthy and dangerous days! Public Transport Experience
the overwhelming consensus about First’s new branding & livery was that it was a missed opportunity. Even so, when seen in the flesh, the new scheme certainly looks better than in a photograph, writes Omnibuses’ Northern Correspondent Omnibuses
To me, and to many others I suspect, it is remarkable how they've managed to come up with something even blander than the previous 'willow leaf' livery, known mischievously by most as 'Barbie' in honour of the fine colour tastes of the famous doll. Transport Illustrated
It seems a number of local transport authorities are warning Google users about the new public transport option within Google Transit [last reviewed here in 2007] and Google Maps. Omnibuses
But on 8th September 1966, HM The Queen opened the second Severn Bridge and the Ferry between Aust and Beachley ceased to ply the treacherous tidal waters Public Transport Experience
Today's post is a selection of different interior shots I've gathered over the years. Interior shots are usually rarer (and harder to get) than exterior shots Southern England Bus Scene

19 March 2012

Four more on their way

While we wait for the official launch of Plymouth Citybus' new buses before we get the first photos in full livery, the buses continue to arrive in this country.

©Gez.SCNW
Yesterday there were another four waiting to be sent down to Plymouth: WA12ACU, ADW, ACZ and ACJ (This last one Gez was not too sure on as was awkardly parked. WA12ACU is seen above in base livery. Like the others it will be finnished off properly at Milehouse shortly. Still cant wait to see them!

Elsewhere on the net

but, considering its relatively minor role in the railway hall of infamy, Shanklin Station is not at all bad. Public Transport Experience
Just like Tony Hancock and “go to work on an egg”, the bus was also a very significant part of working life. It was not so much a choice but an expectation, especially for what used to be called blue-collar workers. Omnibuses
NB4L–The New London Icon Or an expensive white elephant ? TGP
Today there is little evidence of the bridge itself at ground level but aerial photographs still show the line of the trackbed curving from both river banks Public Transport Experience
Bridgemary's bus services will soon change massively. With BRT now just over a month away from being introduced, the Dart's days are numbered. Southern England Bus Scene
No time has been lost in re-starting work on London Metropolitan MD60 for Ensignbus. Busworks Blog
I simply cannot decide between them yet again this week, so it shall be another multi photo post, but all of the same bus. PTOTPA

17 March 2012

Enviro Swap Shop

It is now confirmed that we will be seeing the back of the current Park & Ride Enviros...

In fact it could be very soon as their replacements have already started to arrive in Plymouth. Two brand new Enviros with fleet numbers 33661 and 33665 have already arrived in Plymouth with the rest due next week. The old Enviros are heading up to First Bristol for use on their X1 service. It seems that the new ones are in the brand new First Group livery and the ones noted so far carry Shuttle fleetnames. This is for the Olympic shuttle contract. These new buses will be heading back to London for the Olympics. Presumably coming back once the games have finnished.
After a few barren years it does seem that this year is going to be a good one for new investment in Plymouth!

Elsewhere on the net

BSOG woes and subsidy cuts haven’t put off the launched at the end of February 2012 of a new pattern of service south of Aberystwyth & Cardiff Omnibuses
a brilliant scheme that has brought mobility and self-sufficiency to millions of older and disabled people may actually be so badly governed it ends up endangering those buses most relied on by the very same groups of people it is supposed to help Campaign for Better Transport
Queens Road, in Shanklin, is, like, Hotelsville, man! It lies on top of Shanklin Cliff, linked to the beach by the Cliff Lift. Public Transport Experience
That’s not to say that First could do without the fine. But it equates to about 0.25p per passenger journey per annum or, discounting those travelling free, less than a penny per paying passenger journey Omnibuses

15 March 2012

Memorial

For such an important transport link its easy to take the Tamar Bridge for granted. These days its only mentioned when its the cause of traffic tailbacks or when the tolls go up. So its nice to see a story that remembers the lives of the people who died during its construction.

A CEREMONY has been held to dedicate a memorial to the seven lives lost during the construction of the Tamar Bridge. As wreaths were laid and prayers were said, the lives lost during the building of the bridge were remembered.

Arthur Coleman, aged 44, Christopher Pender, aged 29, Robert Risk, aged 60, Stanwood Snowden, aged 30 and Brian Steele, aged 21, all died on April 24, 1960. Then on May 17, 1961, Donald Moore, aged 40, lost his life and on January 24, 1962, John Graham, aged 56, also died.

The Mayor of Saltash, Cllr Colin Oates, said: "It's a wonderful memorial for the people who gave their lives, it will always do them proud and be a good way to remember."

The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Peter Brookshaw, added: "It's a time in our lives we will never forget. We will dedicate this memorial to the men who died."

The memorial plaque is mounted in a stainless steel frame in the form of Tamar Bridge towers and is situated adjacent to the car park and offices at the east end of the bridge.

General manager, David List, said: "A review of the Bridge's first 50 years highlighted the lack of any visible recognition of these lives so tragically lost so the Joint Committee was keen to fund a memorial."

The Tamar Bridge cost over £1.5million and was opened to traffic in October 1961. It was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother on April 26, 1962.

This is Plymouth

1965 postcard view from Richard Ellis collection

Plymouth Citybus new Volvo B7RLE Photos

I know many people are wanting to get the first photos of the new buses in full livery. Plymouth Citybus are wanting to make the most of them and have a full proper launch of the buses. The intention is to invite snappers to the launch of the vehicles where they can have some time with the buses to get pictures.
That's if we don't get any one sneaking into the depot.

Citybus are friendly towards enthusiasts so please lets not have anyone spoiling it for everyone else.

Elsewhere on the net

They all looked the same, they were either red or green and, well, they were just ... not interesting. Certainly many enthusiasts then and now were decidedly underwhelmed by what was the UK's last "mass production" bus. Public Transport Experience
Electronic information is not free. There’s a cost to it, just as there is for printed matter, but perhaps because there is no physical product, some perceive it should be free. Omnibuses
Since the demise of Mayne's and Bullock's in the city centre, plus the departure of Dennis's of Dukinfield, Stuart's of Hyde and UK North the highly colourful nature of the Manchester City Centre has been diminished, for the good of all many would say in the case of one of those operators Transport Illustrated

14 March 2012

Repainted Enviro

Managed to get a reasonable shot of 33415 in its new plain (bluish) white base livery for what I assume will be the full new First Group livery.

We are still waiting to see what is happening with the PR1 as the bendy bus 10133 which was here was last reported as being in Bristol with rumours that the bendy buses had been rejected as unsuitable for the route. Several people suggest that these Enviros are on their way to Bristol, but again, until anything is confirmed I state that these are just rumours.

Elsewhere on the net

On Monday 12th March, news was released confirming the takeover of First's North Devon operation by Stagecoach South West. The depot will be taken over along with 10 routes, 30 buses and the employees. Southern England Bus Scene
It was exactly 40 years ago TODAY (published on 13th March 2012) that the first Leyland National was delivered to the neighbouring Cumberland Motor Services depot from the factory at Lillyhall near Workington ... Public Transport Experience
“It was the right thing to do”. And he added, “What we did was take on a very innovative contract”. Omnibuses

13 March 2012

Much ado about something

Photo Supplied by Gez.SCNWThanks to Gez I can bring you another photo of Citybus WA12ADO newly arrived in this country and seen here at Heysham waiting to be delivered to Plymouth. At least 4 of these buses are now in Plymouth having arrived yesterday.

Elsewhere on the net

K616 LAE crossing the river in Totnes operating on the X80 to Torquay PTOTPA
Equally, Mrs fbb did not spring from a huge cake in the shape of a Volvo Neopolitan, dressed alluringly in a skimpy conductress' costume Public Transport Experience
Happy Mothering Sunday from Wilts & Dorset! W&D joins Yellow Buses in putting up fares. In this case, it’s on Sunday but you’d think a 10p single or 30p return “revision” was the end of the world. Dorset Bus Blog
increases in fuel duty and a near freeze in free travel reimbursements have resulted in the biggest fares shake up at Plymouth Citybus since, well, Plymouth Citybus. Omnibuses
On the day I took so many pictures in Bury and Manchester that I'm breaking the report into three parts, all of which I hope to post this week, work commitments permitting. Transport Illustrated

12 March 2012

First sell North Devon to Stagecoach

Rumours of First selling the Devon & Cornwall operation to Stagecoach have appeared many times over the last few years, but this time its more than a rumour with the North Devon operation changing hands later this year:

First has signed an agreement with Stagecoach Group plc to sell its North Devon bus operations to them, pending approval from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
If the sale is approved by the OFT then the transfer of our operations would take place during the summer. Included in the sale would be current bus routes, the depot site in Barnstaple and a number of vehicles. All affected staff would be transferred with the services.
First staff employed in North Devon will transfer in their existing roles to their new employer under normal Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 - TUPE. These are legal arrangements that will protect specified existing employment rights for staff.
The decision to pursue a transfer of our North Devon operations to Stagecoach reflects our plan to keep the shape and size of our operations under review. Although these are difficult decisions to make, the actions we are taking now will help us to better position the UK Bus business for the future.
Our decision is therefore a business driven one and does not reflect on the effort, commitment or individual performance of the staff in North Devon. We will be fully supporting them as they transfer to their new employer.

First

Stagecoach Group has signed an agreement with First Devon and Cornwall to acquire its bus operations in North Devon and Torridge for a gross consideration of £2.8m. The transaction which is being undertaken by its subsidiary, Stagecoach Devon, is subject to regulatory approval. This is being sought from the Office of Fair Trading. The North Devon business, which is part of FirstGroup, has around 100 employees and a fleet of more than 30 buses and includes a small depot at Barnstaple.
It operates commercial and tendered bus services in Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Braunton, Combe Martin, South Molton, Bideford and Great Torrington. The annual turnover of the business for the year ended 31 March 2011 was around £3m.
Stagecoach has run services from a depot in Barnstaple since 2006, currently operating 48 vehicles and employing 120 staff.
It anticipates that the combined business will deliver a more sustainable combined bus network, allowing future investment in improved vehicles, more frequent services and good value fares.
The North Devon operations will become part of Stagecoach South West, which employs around 900 people and operates more than 320 buses on around 120 routes across Devon and Somerset. In the past three years, Stagecoach South West has invested more than £13m million in new buses for the region.

Vosa very busy

With the changes due at the beginning of April VOSA as been very busy of late. Many of these have been covered here already but here are the latest for completeness for future records as much as anything else!

VOSA 22 February

PH0004983/210 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between STRATTON TREE Car Park and POUGHILL Trelawney Avenue given service number 128 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0005044/3 - JAMES WILLIAM GRAHAM GODDARD & DANIEL RICHARD TWEEDIE T/A ALINE COACHES, CHAPEL COTTAGE, ST. JOHN, TORPOINT, PL11 3AW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between St Germans and Liskeard, Trago Mills given service number 80B effective from 02-Apr-2012.

PH0005044/5 - JAMES WILLIAM GRAHAM GODDARD & DANIEL RICHARD TWEEDIE T/A ALINE COACHES, CHAPEL COTTAGE, ST. JOHN, TORPOINT, PL11 3AW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Torpoint Ferry Finish Point: Torpoint Ferry Via: Service Number: 80A Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-APR-2012
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.
PH0005044/7 - JAMES WILLIAM GRAHAM GODDARD & DANIEL RICHARD TWEEDIE T/A ALINE COACHES, CHAPEL COTTAGE, ST. JOHN, TORPOINT, PL11 3AW
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Liskeard Parade Finish Point: Liskeard Rail Station Via: Service Number: 80B Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 02-APR-2012 Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays.

VOSA 24 February 2012

PH1038599/4 - ROSELYN COACHES LTD, MIDDLEWAY GARAGE, ST. BLAZEY ROAD, PAR, PL24 2JA
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST AUSTELL + FOWEY and PLYMOUTH given service number 33 effective from 17-Apr-2012.

PH1101608/4 - TREVELLYAN JACKETT T/A JACKETT'S COACHES, KINGSETT HOUSE,, ALBASTON, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9AL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bude, The Strand Finish Point: Hartland Via: Stratton, Kilkhampton Service Number: 219 Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Monday to Saturday 5 trips schooldays 4 trips Saturday and school holidays
PH1101608/5 - TREVELLYAN JACKETT T/A JACKETT'S COACHES, KINGSETT HOUSE,, ALBASTON, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9AL
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Bude, The Strand Finish Point: Bude, The Strand Via: Marhamchurch, Widemouth Bay Service Number: 218 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Monday to Saturday 5 journeys

PH1011427/4 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newquay Bus Station and Truro Health Park given service number 403 effective from 26-May-2012. To amend Timetable.

VOSA 27 February 2012

PH0004983/440 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Helston Finish Point: Falmouth Via: Service Number: 35 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012
Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays except public holidays.

PH0004983/441 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted Starting Point: Helston Finish Point: Coverack Via: Service Number: 36 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays except bank holidays.

PH0004983/443 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted by SN Starting Point: Camborne Finish Point: Redruth Via: Service Number: 40 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays except bank holidays.

PH0004983/444 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted by SN Starting Point: Truro Finish Point: Camborne Via: Service Number: 43 Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details:

PH0004983/445 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Truro Finish Point: Meanporth Via: Service Number: 500 Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride Effective Date: 01-APR-2012
Other Details:

PH0004983/446 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Camborne Finish Point: Helston Via: Service Number: 45 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012
Other Details: Mondays to saturdays except bank holidays.

PH0004983/326 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and Lands End given service number 300 effective from 06-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0004983/357 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Ives, Malakoff and Lands End given service number 300 effective from 06-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0004983/358 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Ives, Malakoff and Penzanze Bus Station given service number 300 effective from 06-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0004983/366 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted: Operating between Lemon Quay and Malpas Village given service number 83/84 effective from 15-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

VOSA 28 February 2012

PH0005044/2 - JAMES WILLIAM GRAHAM GODDARD & DANIEL RICHARD TWEEDIE T/A ALINE COACHES, CHAPEL COTTAGE, ST. JOHN, TORPOINT, PL11 3AW
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Cawsand and St Germans given service number 80A effective from 02-Apr-2012.

PH1011427/2 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between ROCHE and BODMIN Trago Mills given service number 405 effective from 01-Apr-2012.
PH1011427/53 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Helston Tesco and Treleigh Industrial Est given service number 445 effective from 01-Apr-2012.
PH1011427/58 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Camborne Bus Station and Falmouth Moor given service number 442 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH1011427/60 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: St Austell Bus Station
Finish Point: Luxulyan/Stenalees
Via:
Service Number: 423
Service Type: Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-APR-2012
Other Details: Mondays to Fridays except bank holidays.

PH1011427/61 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Polruan
Finish Point: Looe/Bodmin
Via:
Service Number: 481
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 01-APR-2012
Other Details: Mondays to Fridays except bank holidays.

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 22-Apr-2012. 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 16-Apr-2012. To amend Route and 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 16-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

VOSA 1 March 2012

PH0004983/437 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Penzance and Manor Way given service number 11 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH1038599/3 - ROSELYN COACHES LTD, MIDDLEWAY GARAGE, ST. BLAZEY ROAD, PAR, PL24 2JA
Variation Accepted: Operating between FOWEY and TRURO given service number 293 effective from 17-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

VOSA 2 March 2012

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

Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between FALMOUTH Moor and TRURO Treliske Hospital/NEWQUAY Bus Station given service number 68/68A/88/88B/89/90/988/989 effective from 11-Mar-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH1038599/3 - ROSELYN COACHES LTD, MIDDLEWAY GARAGE, ST. BLAZEY ROAD, PAR, PL24 2JA

Variation Accepted: Operating between FOWEY and TRURO given service number 293 effective from 17-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

VOSA 4 March 2012

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

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

PH1053866/1 - ST. IVES BUS CO. LTD, 4 ROSEWALL TERRACE, ST. IVES, TR26 1QJ

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Ives, Porthia Road and St Ives, Porthia Road given service number PENBEAGLE effective from 23-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

VOSA 5 March 2012

PH0004983/35 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between TORPOINT FERRY and PLYMOUTH Bus Station given service number 81/81A/81C effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH1053866/1 - ST. IVES BUS CO. LTD, 4 ROSEWALL TERRACE, ST. IVES, TR26 1QJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Ives, Porthia Road and St Ives, Porthia Road given service number PENBEAGLE effective from 23-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

VOSA 6 March 2012

PH0004983/186 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between PLYMOUTH Bretonside Bus Station and LAUNCESTON Westgate Street given service number 76/76A effective from 08-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/376 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Helston and Redruth given service number 34 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

VOSA 8 March 2012

PH1033087/5 - MOON & BENNEY LTD T/A GROUP TRAVEL, DUNMERE ROAD GARAGE, DUNMERE RD, BODMIN, PL31 2QN Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between BOLVENTOR and LAUNCESTON given service number 236 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH1011427/59 - SUMMERCOURT TRAVEL LTD T/A TRAVEL CORNWELL, THE OLD COACH GARAGE, ST. AUSTELL ST, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between Truro and Richard Lander School given service number 420 effective from 31-Mar-2012.

PH0004983/447 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT Registration Accepted by SN Starting Point: Helston Finish Point: The Lizard Via: Poldu, Mullion Service Number: 37 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Hourly Monday to Saturday except public holidays. 2 hourly Sundays and public holidays.

Most of these are Cornwall related but there are few Plymouth ones which we will look at in more detail shortly.

Elsewhere on the net

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By way of a thank you, we begin an infrequent series on some of the blogs that send traffic Omnibuses’ way. To start, we profile the Southern England Bus Scene, from Fareham (I think), positioned at no. 6 in importance last year) Omnibuses
Bamboozled by Bucklebury: Can the Infinite Improbability Drive Help? Public Transport Experience

10 March 2012

1st April–is it fare?

We already knew that the 1st of April was going to be a significant date this year as it turns Cornwall's bus services on their head with First winning significant workloads from Western Greyhound reversing a good few years of routes turning green. Well the 1st April will also be a significant date for the buses in Plymouth too:

“From Sunday 1st April we will be revising our fares. The fare revision will affect both on-bus (from the driver) and off-bus (on the key) fares.

The biggest change for tickets on-bus will be the introduction of our new ‘flat fare’ structure. This is used across many operators nationwide and it is being introduced to make it as simple as possible for the frequent and infrequent passenger, knowing what the fare will be long before boarding the bus.

The simple fare structure will be £2 for a single and £3 for a return journey for adults

This will mean that people travelling longer distances on the bus will see a reduction in the fare they are currently paying. For instance passengers travelling to the city centre from Saltash, Plympton, Plymstock, Southway, Tamerton Foliot and Derriford to name a few will see a 30p reduction for a single journey and a 20p reduction for a return.

We appreciate that people travelling short distances, the introduction of a ‘flat fare’ system would mean a significant increase in cost of travel, so we will be introducing an adult ‘short hop’ fare. This will be automatically calculated from each stop, but in simple terms any journey which used to be charged at the lowest rate will now be classed as ‘short hop’ and be charged at £1.50 single and £2 return. As an example a journey to the city centre from Milehouse, Mutley Plain and Astor Fields will be classed as a ‘short hop

Young persons / student tickets will stay as a ‘flat fare’ of £1.50 single and £2.50 return. The big difference is that the pre 09.30am curfew has been lifted, so young person / student fares are available all day! There will be no short hop fares for young person / students.
Concessionary customers will also be able to purchase young persons / student tickets before 09.30am.

There are more details on the Citybus page HERE

They do offer an explanation for what many will see as a major fares increase:

In the coming months we will be experiencing truly horrific increases in the price of fuel. One which takes effect from the 1st April is a 9p per litre increase in fuel duty tax due to the reduction in the Bus Operators Grant, which is on top of the fuel duty increases taking effect being widely reported in the media for all forms of transport (bar rail and plane). We have also seen the payment we receive for those travelling on the ENCTS (English National Concessionary Travel Scheme) almost frozen in Plymouth and it will be substantially cut in Cornwall. This means all the above cost increases can only be contributed to by those that pay a fare or buy a period pass.

We have done our very best to minimise the effect of the huge cost increases we are being faced with. By revising and making our fare structure to make it much easier to understand we aim to attract a number of new customers to our services and so reduce down this huge cost increase burden for those that pay customer base.

I am sure once the penny drops for passengers there will be a lot of fuss and a lot of angry passengers. I have a pass so wont have to face these increase each day (although I am still waiting to see how much my annual pass will go up, gulp!) but I know the current fare is £1.70 return to Derriford. Assuming this will now be a short hop fare that’s still a 30p increase to £2. My son will miss out as we often catch the bus back from his school in the evenings if I pick him up. Currently I pay £1. This will go up to £1.50 that’s for 4 stops! I guess we will be walking more often now.

We will though benefit from cheaper runs into town and back, although we rarely make these trips I am sure many will be pleased to see their fares reduce.

Citybus will have their work cut out to convince passengers this is fair. I can well understand why fares are going up so much as I know the pressures all bus companies are under this year, and how much worse it is going to get, but most passengers wont understand and probably dont care as they will point to the national transport groups announcing profits. It always seems odd to me that people can accept supermarkets like Tesco making massive profits from selling essentials (like food!), and the utility companies selling water and electricity etc (essentials) at a healthy profit, and even accept that private companies can make money by selling essential healthcare to the public (via the NHS) yet when it comes to buses “they are a public service and no one should make a profit from them”. Anyone care to explain that one?

I certainly wouldn't want to be a bus driver on the 1st April!

Elsewhere on the net

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09 March 2012

Two Titans and a Bridge

See where this picture was taken. [?]

Thanks to John Evans for allowing me to use this shot from his collection. It shows Plymouth City Transport OCO512 Leyland Titan PD2/40 MCCW H30/26R new May 1958.

So much has changed in this view but it is still recognisable exactly where this photo was taken and buses still stop there today. The buildings on either side of the road are still there. Its behind the bus that has changed almost beyond belief. The most obvious change is the bridge in the background has gone. There is a bridge there, its just a plain pedestrian footbridge between Toys R Us on the right and Plymouth Pavilions on the left. The bridge in this shot is a much grander rail bridge which carried the main line into Millbay Station just up to the left of this shot.

I am not sure of the date of this photo but I guess its very late 1960’s or very early 1970’s,

Union Street Bridge from the other side date unknown from the Cyber Heritage collection.

There is a great shot of the bridge being removed on Derek Taits Flickr Stream HERE

Elsewhere on the net

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08 March 2012

Bus Lanes

Some very welcome news from Plymouth City Council:

Motorists are being warned to stay out of Plymouth’s bus lanes as the Council prepares to introduce new measures to keep the city’s roads safe and traffic moving. From Saturday 31 March enforcement cameras will be in operation on bus lanes and bus gates and, after a period of monitoring, fixed penalties will be introduced for drivers caught breaking the law.

Councillor Kevin Wigens, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Blocking bus lanes and squeezing through bus gates is not only against the law, it is potentially dangerous. It also holds up buses, delaying services for passengers, and is extremely frustrating for other motorists who stay in the right lanes.

"We are working with local bus companies to improve the city’s public transport network and ensure that services are reliable and on time. Keeping bus lanes free and traffic flowing is crucial to this. We hope that these cameras will deter selfish motorists from blocking bus lanes, holding up traffic and putting other road users at risk.”

The cameras, which will be clearly signed, will initially be placed at five problem ‘hotspots’ in the city where bus lanes and gates are most frequently misused. However, they can be moved to any bus lane or gate in the city at any time if needed. All of the city’s bus companies are supporting the new measures and the Council has been working with local taxi firms to ensure their drivers are reminded about the restrictions in place.

Plymouth’s bus lane restrictions apply 24 hours a day. Most can be used by buses, taxis, cycles and motorcycles but there are some exceptions and some lanes are reserved solely for the use of buses. The sign at the beginning of each bus lane shows clearly which vehicles can use it.

Peter Oliver, Acting General Manager of Plymouth Citybus, said: "Plymouth Citybus wholeheartedly supports the use of these cameras. Double parking and the misuse of bus gates cause considerable problems to the operation of our services. There is also the serious issue of the high number of near miss accidents where cars race up bus lanes in an attempt to jump queues. We are happy to support Plymouth City Council in ensuring bus lanes are kept clear as much as possible.

"The introduction of the camera car a couple of years ago has made a huge difference to our ability to access bus stops across the city and we have high hopes that these new additional cameras will have a similar effect on our ability to keep to time, through improved access to the bus lanes.”

The Council will be running an awareness raising campaign to warn motorists about the new penalty charges, using adverts on the backs of buses and posters in key city centre car parks.

As a bus passenger this is long overdue. I just await the backlash when the council actually start sending out fines to motorists. In some parts of the country I am sure they use the cameras on buses to record cars obstructing bus lanes and bus stops. This maybe an idea for Plymouth as I feel it would then mainly penalise drivers who do cause hold ups rather than those who use the bus lanes but dont get in the way! Either way its good to see bus lane abuse getting monitored properly.

Elsewhere on the net

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07 March 2012

Take the bus

Not really anything to do with Plymouth, but these adverts are brilliant. This is the way to advertise bus travel!

05 March 2012

Yet another sister for Citybus!

This is getting a habit!

The Go-Ahead Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Essex-based company Hedingham Omnibuses.

Founded in 1960, the company is based in Colchester and operates 86 buses in North Essex and Suffolk. The business has five depots at Clacton, Hedingham, Kelvedon, Sudbury and Tollesbury. It principally operates a mix of school and local bus contracts and commercial routes.

David Brown, Group Chief Executive said: "I am delighted that we have acquired Hedingham Omnibuses. Go-Ahead is committed to operating high quality bus businesses in areas of growth, so this acquisition fits extremely well with that approach.

"The MacGregor family and their staff have done an excellent job building Hedingham into what it is today. We look forward to working with them and to continuing to deliver an excellent service to our customers."

The existing management team led by Managing Director Robert MacGregor will continue to run the business. The company name and brand will remain in place.

Go Ahead News Release

Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by Steven Hughes

Just two little minutes

New timetables from April are now starting to appear on the various web sites so lets start with First Devon & Cornwall Park and Ride PR1.

At first glance it all looks very similar but then you see the phrase “at every 10 mins”

Excerpt from current Monday to Friday PR1

has been replaced with “at every 12 mins” which saves one bus an hour.

Excerpt from Monday to Friday PR1 as from 1st April

I suppose on one hand waiting an extra two minutes isnt that big a deal, but it is still a decline in service. No word at all from the company yet about the use of bendy buses on the Park & Ride, with a recent comment suggesting that the bendy buses have been returned to Glasgow. Who knows!!

04 March 2012

Sneak Preview!

Very special thanks to Brian George and Plymouth Citybus for permission to bring you this sneak preview of the new buses which will shortly be arriving with Plymouth Citybus. The buses will of course receive a full set of fleet names etc. before they get placed into service so they will look even better. The first few are expected at Milehouse by the end of next week.

03 March 2012

Gdynia Way

May 2010

August 2010 Closed

November 2011

01 March 2012

One month to go

First have started to put up details for the service changes due in April. Most of these changes are down to retendering by Cornwall County Council but there will also be a few timetables altered within Plymouth, details though have yet to be put up by First.

I wont put the whole list for Cornwall here as it is a bit outside of this blogs remit and it is quite a big announcement. See the link below for the full list.

Cornwall Service Changes from 1st April 2012

Following the successful award of a number of tenders to First by Cornwall Council we are pleased to announce a number of improvements to the network operated by First in Cornwall. There are also a number of other changes to First services in Cornwall which have been made as a result of changes to funding arrangements in the County.

76 (Plymouth to Bude via Callington and Launceston):

Plymouth to Callington continues to run every hour on a revised timetable. Journeys from Callington retimed to 5 minutes past each hour and most journeys from Plymouth retimed to 25 minutes past each hour.
Journeys extended to/from Bude approximately every 2 hours.
Section of route between Launceston " Bude is operated on behalf of Cornwall Council and was previously operated as service 576

81/81A/81C (Plymouth to Insworke via Torpoint):

The timetable for this service has been revised in order to take into account the changes to the ferry timetable on Fridays and the outcome of the Cornwall Council tendering process.
Service 81C will now only operate as far as Insworke Quay with 4 journeys operating via Crafhole and Sheviock to provide links to Plymouth. Most journeys from Insworke will operate as a through service to Plymouth using the same vehicle.
The section of route between Plymouth City Centre, Peverell and Derriford is withdrawn. Passengers using this section of route will need to changes buses and use service 15 or 83 (Peverell)/84/86.
The timetable on Sundays has been revised to offer better reliability and capacity at busy times.
First will continue to provide the journey from Insworke to Torpoint School, all other school journeys will be provided by alternative operators.
Section of route between Torpoint and Insworke, Monday to Saturdays, is operated under contract to Cornwall Council

Western Greyhound announced their changes a short while ago (see the link below and see the notice dated 01/04/2012)

The 572 - Timetable unchanged but will no longer run into Bretonside, and buses will start and finish above it in Exeter Street
The 576 - Cornwall Council has terminated this contract. However, we will now run a regular Monday to Saturday hourly service between Launceston and Plymouth during the day, with one journey a day extended to/from Bude. The Sunday service will continue at similar times except no longer running into St Dominick or Ashton. This service will no longer run into Bretonside, and buses will start and finish above it in Exeter Street

The 581, 582 – Cornwall Council has terminated these contracts. A big thank you to all our passengers who have used these services whilst we have been running them.

The 593 - Timetable unchanged but will no longer run into Bretonside, and buses will start and finish above it in Exeter Street.

Its sad to see the Derriford extension of the 81C finally come to an end but I cant say I am surprised. Actually I am surprised it has lasted as long as it has. It is also interesting that First and Western Greyhound continue to compete on the Plymouth – Launceston route.

Seems so long ago (2008)- an Olympian on the 81C.

Pages

31 March 2012

Well, here it is, My first attempt at a blog.

So sit back and relax, and wait - something interesting might just appear at some stage - you never know!

Dont Forget

Related Links

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30 March 2012

Bidders for Great Western franchise:

Bidders for Essex Thameside franchise:

Bidders for Thameslink franchise:

Related Links

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29 March 2012

Related Links

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28 March 2012

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27 March 2012

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24 March 2012

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22 March 2012

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21 March 2012

"But people need to remember that we are one of the few travel company's that offers student discount.

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19 March 2012

Related Links

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17 March 2012

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15 March 2012

Plymouth Citybus new Volvo B7RLE Photos

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14 March 2012

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13 March 2012

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12 March 2012

VOSA 22 February

VOSA 24 February 2012

VOSA 27 February 2012

VOSA 28 February 2012

VOSA 1 March 2012

VOSA 2 March 2012

VOSA 4 March 2012

VOSA 5 March 2012

VOSA 6 March 2012

VOSA 8 March 2012

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10 March 2012

The simple fare structure will be £2 for a single and £3 for a return journey for adults

Related Links

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09 March 2012

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08 March 2012

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07 March 2012

Recommended Links

05 March 2012

Recommended Links

04 March 2012

Recommended Links

03 March 2012

Recommended Links

01 March 2012

Cornwall Service Changes from 1st April 2012

76 (Plymouth to Bude via Callington and Launceston):

81/81A/81C (Plymouth to Insworke via Torpoint):

Western Greyhound announced their changes a short while ago (see the link below and see the notice dated 01/04/2012)

Related Links

Recommended Links

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