Yes You Scan

The idea of the ‘Easter Egg’ in DVDs is well known, where they include a hidden bonus for you to find. Well the boffins at The University of Plymouth Centre of Excellence have included their own Easter Egg in the form of a hidden message in the roof panels of their new bus which hit the road this weekend.

Sadly it might not work on older phones, but certainly those with Android 6 (Marshmallow) and above and also newer iPhones have the necessary scanning software which automatically recognises several forms of barcode and QR codes. Simply turn your camera on and hold it about 18 inches from the coded panels as shown below. If you have the correct app then your camera should recognise and automatically read the hidden message contained within the dots.

The message itself is actually a hidden url within the main Brain Tumour Research web site where you can enter your email address into a special prize draw, the prize of which is not being revealed until Midday on Easter Sunday

Working with the University, Plymouth Citybus are leading the field with this form of promotional material. If this works as well as hoped then the next version of the Plymouth Citybus App will also include the ability to read hidden messages on these panels so it will work on older phones as well. This opens up lots of promotional opportunities for Plymouth Citybus and  Go Ahead that other bus companies have yet to take advantage of.

It also gives Richard Stevens bragging rights within Go Ahead as not even Andrew Wickham at Go South Coast has introduced this yet, and they normally get everything first!

The awakening?

Is the giant starting to wake up?

When Stagecoach came in and took over the ailing First operation in Plymouth there were many people here to commented that it would quickly see off competition from Plymouth Citybus and put them back in their place. The reality was very different with SC seemingly happy to stick to their main key routes and leave the rest to Citybus. Citybus for their part scaled back their incursions into Devon and have put their efforts into the Cornish side of the Tamar.

The timetables changes just announced by Stagecoach for September hint at a change in policy though…

From 3 September we are making changes to our Plymouth bus services, the first significant revamp of our services since we took over a number of routes from First Devon & Cornwall in September 2015.

Key benefits of the changes are:

• Improved frequencies and links to Derriford Hospital
• More buses between Elburton, Plymstock and City Centre
• New service between Royal Parade and Mount Batten
• Buses to Tavistock every 15 minutes
• New service 36 for City College Plymouth

Many of the changes are possible because of the new bus priority infrastructure in and around Derriford Hospital. This means we can run all of our 1, 100 and 101 bus services via the Hospital. There will be buses up to every 7-8 minutes between the Hospital and city centre and buses up to every 15 minutes between Hospital and The George and Milehouse Park & Ride sites. There will also be a direct all day service between Plymouth Station and Derriford Hospital. 

DOWNLOAD AND VIEW 1

DOWNLOAD AND VIEW 2/2A/2B

DOWNLOAD AND VIEW PARK & RIDE

All 1 service buses will now run every 15 minutes on the same route from Tavistock through Marjons, Derriford Hospital and Mutley to the city centre. Anyone travelling from Tavistock to the railway station can change at the Hospital and board either the 100 or 101 which will go from the same stop. Alternatively, they can continue their journey on the 1 and walk the short distance from Mayflower Street.
In Plymstock, there will be buses up to every 5 minutes to the city centre. Mount Batten will have a new service – the 2B – which will run up to every 20 minutes between Royal Parade and Mount Batten. Both the 2 and 2A will run to Elburton which doubles the frequency to this part of the City and gives more cross-city connections to Plymouth Station, St Budeaux and Saltash.
In partnership with City College Plymouth, we are also taking over operation of route 36 between the College’s Kings Road Campus and the City Centre. The timetable will include more journeys into the evening for students taking part in activities, study and training after the core teaching hours and the general public are also welcome to use this service. 

This will bring competition on the Derriford corridor back to pretty much what it was back in Firsts day with the 7s along with some of the Tavistock runs. Stagecoach have always been cheapest but the infrequent buses may have put people off committing to season tickets. It will be interesting to watch when all this kicks off. I am sure there is enough custom for both companies along this section - but I would not be surprised to see some additional marketing by Citybus prior to these changes in September!

Citybus were never that bothered by the competition from First at the time, but Stagecoach run a very different approach to their Plymouth fleet than First ever did…

First South Western Rail Franchise Update

 

First are getting ready for the new South Western rail franchise…

FirstGroup and MTR announce that Andy Mellors has been appointed as Managing Director of the new South Western rail franchise, which launches on 20 August.

Andy Mellors has 25 years of experience in the industry. He has held a number of senior leadership roles since joining FirstGroup in 2002 and is currently Engineering Director and Deputy Managing Director at Great Western Railway, having previously held a similar role at First ScotRail. Most recently, he has been responsible for leading the transformation of the GWR rolling stock fleet both through the introduction of new electric trains in the Thames Valley, and the imminent entry into service of the Intercity Express Trains – the first major intercity fleet to be introduced on the UK rail network for many years. This experience will be vital given the exciting plans for a brand new fleet of 90 trains, consisting of 750 carriages on the franchise, plus a refurbishment of existing rolling stock. Andy is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Commenting, Steve Montgomery, Managing Director First Rail said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Andy as Managing Director of the new South Western franchise. Andy has an exceptional track record of improving rail services for passengers. He will head up an experienced team that will introduce our exciting plans for better customer journeys, and keep people moving and communities prospering across the South Western network.”

Commenting, Jeremy Long, CEO – European Business, MTR said: "We're delighted that Andy has agreed to come on board. His track record speaks for itself and will help us deliver the excellent services passengers want to see."

Commenting, Andy Mellors said: “I look forward to leading the team at the new FirstGroup and MTR South Western franchise, and to build on the respected foundations established by the current South West Trains employees. We will offer the tangible benefits that customers and stakeholders have told us they want, on a key part of the country’s railway network which connects London to key towns and cities across the region. Passengers on our franchise can look forward to new and better trains, more seats and services, quicker journey times, enhanced stations and more flexible fare options.”

 

However its not all plain sailing so far…

First Group has been asked by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to address concerns over reduced competition on services between London and Exeter following its successful bid for the new South Western franchise. The new franchise was awarded to First MTR South Western, a consortium of FirstGroup and Hong Kong's MTR, earlier this year. It will initially run for seven years from 20 August 2017 to 18 August 2024. A fleet of 90 new trains will be used on routes between London Waterloo, Reading, Bristol, Exeter, Weymouth, and Portsmouth.

First Group also currently operates the Great Western Railway (GWR) franchise, which runs the only other train service between London and Exeter. The CMA has investigated the award of the South Western franchise and has found no competition concerns on the majority of routes. However, it said first having control of both London to Exeter services could "reduce competition on the route, leading to higher fares or worse service for passengers".

Andrea Coscelli, acting chief executive and decision maker at the CMA, said: "This is a crucial rail route to the South West, used by around half a million passengers a year. It's therefore vital that passengers do not suffer as a result of reduced competition.

"The CMA believes that without its intervention, FirstGroup may be able to increase fares for passengers between London and Exeter, as it will be the only rail operator running all services on this route. We look forward to hearing from the companies involved about how they think they can overcome this."

A FirstGroup spokesperson said: "We have been discussing our plans for the new South Western franchise with the CMA for several months. Now that this update gives more clarity, we look forward to submitting our proposals on this issue which we envisage will satisfy their concerns."

The CMA has given First and MTR the opportunity to put forward proposals to address its concern.

The regulator previously raised concerns over the decision on the award of the Northern franchise to Arriva. These were addressed by the implementation of price caps for the affected lines.

11 July 2017: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns. The full text of the decision will be available shortly.

Numbers, lots of new numbers,

Big Changes Ahead for Citybus

If you were expecting Cornwall Transit 004, I am afraid it has been postponed until tomorrow. There have been a whole batch of notifications on VOSA yesterday for Plymouth Citybus, some of which are very interesting indeed...
Asd usual with notices on VOSA, the very brief detail given often leaves more questions than answers

VOSA

• PH0000135/1 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Royal Parade and KINGS TAMERTON Steph.Way
  given service number 16 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.


• PH0000135/9 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Cancellation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Royal Parade and PLYMOUTH Royal Parade
  given service number 43 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  The end of the 43 which merges into the 50, widely reported as being the new Yellow Flash route
  It will take some getting used to not having a 43!


• PH0000135/13 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Royal Parade and DERRIFORD Hospital
  given service number 50 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.
  Interesting that the 50 still shows up as being from Royal Parade to Derriford and not as Ernesettle. It wont be the first time that VOSA is wrong on start and end points though


• PH0000135/76 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between ROYAL PARADE and DERRIFORD HOSPITAL
  given service number 51/51A effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Timetable.
  Quite a few routes changing numbers this time around. This was previously the 29 29A. Not quite sure why the number has been changed though
  
  Another route number set to dissappear


• PH0000135/94 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Saltash, Oaklands Green and Eldburton, Blackstone Close
  given service number 5/5A effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.


• PH0000135/100 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between St Budeaux, Square and St Budeaux, Square
  given service number 21/21A effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Timetable.


• PH0000135/148 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Plymouth, Royal Parade
  given service number 33/33A effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.


• PH0000135/154 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH ROYAL PARADE and TAVISTOCK BUS STATION
  given service number 46/46A/46B effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Timetable.
  Formerly the 11 11A and 11B!


• PH0000135/155 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between TAVISTOCK BUS STATION and WEST ST, OKEHAMPTON
  given service number 46 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Timetable.
  Formerly the 11 11A and 11B!


• PH0000135/160 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Callington, New Road and Tavistock Bus Station
  given service number 79/79A effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.


• PH0000135/161 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Launceston, Westgate Street and Bude, The Strand
  given service number 12 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Timetable.
  The opportunity has been taken to renumber the former Western Greyhound routes from their 500 series. This was the 576, but of course someone else already has the number 76 in use!


• PH0000135/162 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Launceston, Westgate Street
  given service number 12 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.


• PH0000135/163 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Liskeard, Barras Street and Polperro, Crumplehorn
  given service number 73 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.
  No such problems changing this from the 573


• PH0000135/164 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and West Looe given service number 72
  effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.
  And this one back to the 72 from WG 572


• PH0000135/165 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Liskeard, Barras Street and Callington, New Road
  given service number 74 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Timetable.
  And this one back to the 74 from WG 574


• PH0000135/166 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Liskeard, Ballas Street
  given service number 11 effective from 12-Apr-2015.
  To amend Route and Timetable.
  Formerly the 593. In an ideal world I am sure this would have become the 93 but that number is already taken.

As if all of the above changes were not interesting enough, there are a few more new services starting...

• PH0000135/168 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: PLYMOUTH, ROYAL PARADE
  Finish Point: MOUNT BATTEN
  Via:
  Service Number: 4
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 12-APR-2015
  Other Details: DAILY (EXCEPT XMAS DAY, BOXING DAY AND NEW YEARS DAY)
  Well thats one of my 2015 predictions out of the window! It will be interesting to see how First respond to this one. If you watch their Facebook page you will see quite a few complaints about missing buses on the 2 as being one of the more frequent routes its easier to take buses out than from other routes. Expect to see some quite generous fare deals coming up from First fairly soon!
  Ugo Mount Batten? There was a time when First were on the up and they were clearly proud to run to Mount Batten.
  


• PH0000135/169 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: PLYMOUTH, ROYAL PARADE
  Finish Point: PLYMOUTH, ROYAL PARADE
  Via:
  Service Number: 10
  Service Type: Normal Stopping
  Effective Date: 12-APR-2015
  Other Details: DAILY (EXCEPT CHRISTMAS, BOXING AND NEW YEARS DAY)
  This is a typical example of VOSA registrations telling you nothing at all! I guess we will have to wait a little longer before we find out where this one is going.


• PH0000135/170 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
  Registration Accepted
  Starting Point: ST DOMINICK SCHOOL
  Finish Point: STOKE, CLIMSLAND
  Via:
  Service Number: 78
  Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
  Effective Date: 12-APR-2015
  Other Details: MONDAYS TO SUNDAYS EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS
  At first I assumed this was just a new school run, but then its down as Monday to Sunday?

I am sure I don't need to ask for comments this time...

Recommended Reading

• Great Yarmouth Bus Page: 37573 enters service!
• Public Transport Experience: We Really Need a Pub. But first, a bit of History (?)
• Focus Transport: Rail Network to go Metric
• Dennis Basfords Rails Roads and Runways: ‘Scene’ in Leicester
• Norwich Buses: Sunday odds and ends
• Norwich Buses: First full pictures of Anglianbus Omnidekka revealed

Torpoint and Beyond

First Devon Facebook

There have been some rumors that First will shortly no longer be running buses between Plymouth and Torpoint. We can confirm that this is not the case and continue to run up to 4 service 81 buses an hour between Plymouth City Centre, Devonport, Torpoint and HMS Raleigh, 7 days a week (including evenings). However as we have recently lost the Cornwall Council tender to run the service 81 buses beyond HMS Raleigh to Insworke and Rame (from 1 June) we are currently looking at whether this section of the 81 will continue after this date as we will receive no financial support to run them. We will keep you posted. But for now please be assured the service 81 is still and will still be running between Plymouth and Torpoint (CJ)

We have already noted that Plymouth Citybus have won the Cornwall County Council tenders in this area...

22 April 2014

PH0000135/159 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA Registration

• Starting Point: Royal Parade Plymouth
• Finish Point: Liskeard Railway Station
• Via: Torpoint, Downderry
• Service Number: 32A
• Service Type: Normal stopping
• Effective Date: 1 June 2014

22 April 2014

PH0000135/150 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Royal Parade and Torpoint HMS Raleigh given service number 32/22B effective from 01-Jun-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

We now have the full timetables up on Traveline SW

1 June 2014

Service 32 New Timetable

TIMETABLE PDF

Service 32A New Route!

TIMETABLE PDF

Service 32B New Route!

TIMETABLE PDF

It will be very interesting to see if First Devon do decide to run at least some of these services on a commercial basis. It would certainly upset Plymouth Citybus especially as the Council might then have to reconsider the original tender. It could then also upset the council who might wonder why First can suddenly run a service on a commercial basis when it has needed a subsidy for years! If however First give in and cut back their routes to just Plymouth - Torpoint then it should free up a few buses and drivers for use elsewhere in Plymouth where their earning potential should be quite a bit higher. I guess the ball is now firmly in First's court and we all wait to see what First do next... They certainly seem much more up for the fight these days than they have been in recent years.
Full route history on Plymothian Bus Services

First Three

First are making major changes to their 3 service which is currently City Centre to Barne Barton.

This is what we have at the moment

Service 3 (City Centre - St Budeaux): The frequency of buses on this route is being reduced slightly. From the end of October buses will run every 10 minutes Monday - Saturday.

Ok – this makes sense as it is up against the 21 21A which is every 10 mins too so the route is over bussed as it is. Most people wont notice any real difference,

In addition to this the route is being adjusted with all Service 3 buses set to terminate at St Budeaux from this date.

The “adjustment” is the removal of the red section seen below!

As First state: The changes to Service 3 mean that people wishing to travel to and from Barne Barton by bus will need to make alternative arrangements.

Although anyone with a First season ticket might be annoyed most passengers will be able to find an alternative as Plymouth Citybus 21 runs the same route every ten minutes. 

So what extra are First giving us to make up for this loss?

Every other Service 3 bus will, however, continue on from St Budeaux as a Service 3A bus, This new service will provide links between the city centre, Peverell, Honicknowle, West Park and St Budeaux while also giving people the opportunity to connect with Service 3 for onward journeys to Devonport and the City Centre. Buses will operate every 20 minutes during the daytime (Monday - Saturday)

The full route 3 3A is shown below…the 3A is in purple

Now this does look like a good route which should be popular as it opens up new links and with decent marketing might be a good move by First. It seems a shame then that its not being set up a as straight forward circular service with all buses doing the whole route.  If you catch a 3 at Devonport towards St Budeaux how do you know if it continues on towards Honicknowle or just turns at St Budeaux? Hopefully this will be shown on the bus somehow and not just all show St Budeaux as the destination.

The 3A is up against Plymouth Citybus 61 62 from Honicknowle into the City Centre. We see the 3A below (purple) with the 61 (red) and the 62 (orange) which bother operate every half hour. I am sure there will be a few passengers along the common sections who will be grateful for First for the extra service.

Additionally, most journeys on Service 2 will continue from Royal Parade as Service 3, thus providing links from Plymstock to Devonport and St Budeaux.

This is yet another example of the current fad for cross city services being introduced half heartedly. If you agree that cross city services are the way forward (and many argue that it isnt!) then at least try to make it clear to passengers that this is the case. Plymouth Citybus have finally taken the bull by the horns with the 21 21A and also the new 5 5A in that the services are being marketed as one through service rather than vague promises that most buses go through. It should be easy to work out as both the 2 and the 3 are every 10 minutes so all buses will just go through?

Looking at the 2 onto Royal Parade:

We can see that the Oreston runs take an extra couple of mins so the buses do not arrive on Royal Parade on a nice 10 minute frequency. So what times do they then leave on the 3?

Well that’s useless! if its every ten minutes then say so! Either way, it looks like every other bus arrives on a 2 two minutes after the 3 departs – so maybe its not so straight forward. This timetable from First also highlights the issue of the 3A being marketed properly. The 3A potentially opens up new links between Devonport and Honicknowle etc – but how would you know this looking at the 3 timetable shown above? There is no mention whatsoever that alternate buses continue as the 3A. It appears that the buses leaving RP at 10 30 and 50 mins are the ones which continue through after a 3 min break at St Budeaux.

I have never been a fan of First’s online timetables as they are not the clearest or easiest to use. The PDF option is better but often the page layout is poor with timetables not formatted to the printed page. Their printed material is often better and their bus stop timetables are a lot better than used by Citybus.

Indeed the printed timetable leaflet for the new service does indeed have a full timetable showing the full circle. Sadly I cant show it here properly as it comes out sideways in the PDF! Its a real shame that First cant put these timetables online instead of the current ones. They look a lot better, are a lot clearer and in this case show all the connections a lot better.

Unlike the new 6 which I fail to see the point of, this new service has a lot of potential and opens up new travel opportunities. I really hope it works out and is given enough time to work. If they could just get a few more routes like this and some decent buses in Plymouth then the future would look a lot less uncertain than it has done for some time.

The next stage?

Notices 8 October

PH0000135/94 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA Variation Accepted: Operating between Saltash, Oaklands Green and Eldburton, Blackstone Close given service number 5/5A effective from 01-Dec-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

 
PH0000135/77 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA Cancellation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH ROYAL PARADE and PLYMOUTH ROYAL PARADE given service number 43A effective from 01-Dec-2013.

We were wondering what the next batch of double deckers currently arriving for Plymouth Citybus were for. Its clear that they have more planned and yesterday we saw a hint of the next stage in the battle for Plymouth passengers. Of course we cant tell much from VOSA, this could be as simple as joining the current 43A Saltash – City with the current 5 5A City – Elburton to create another cross city service with service levels remaining pretty much the same. I dont know, but I suspect there will be more activity on the VOSA site over the coming days…

Meanwhile we have this from Plymouth Citybus…

Great News on Student Fares with Plymouth Citybus

From Monday the 7^th October there are to be the following changes to Student fares. From this date the current age restriction for student tickets will be lifted, so providing you can show you are a full time student at a recognised education establishment then Student fares are available to you.

What does this mean for Students?

M Ticketing

You can download the App from our web site then simply; buy, show and go.

The key

If you have a student key then nothing changes. If you need a key then as a student you will need to go to our Travel Centre please bring with you your student enrolment card. Once you have your key, then you can buy from our Travel Centre or keep your chosen product topped up online. Should you wish to change products i.e. go from a 1 week product to a 4 week product, then you will need to go back to the Travel Centre and have the new product added to your card.

Buying fares on the bus **

Students can buy reduced bus fares from the driver, however if you look older than 18 then you will be asked to prove that you are either a student, or under 19. For proof of age we accept the Citizen card (click here), the photo card of a driving licence or a Passport. If you are a student then the following forms of ID is acceptable: City College Plymouth, Plymouth University, Peninsula Medical School, College of Mark and St John’s, NUS Card. If you go to an education centre that is not on our list and you would like them to be, please ask them to send us a sample ID card. (ID card will need to have the following information: Photo of the holder, Name of the education establishment, expiry date of the card.

** Fast boarding helps keeps our buses running to time.

When using any student product please carry your education centre ID Card. If you not a student and you think you could be challenged on your age, then please have with you your proof of age card.

[Archived copy pdf]

Meanwhile First Devon & Cornwall are running the usual Goose Fair Park & Ride:

Working with Tavistock Town Council we are pleased to be running Park & Ride schemes for Tavistock Goose Fair on 9 October.
There will be the usual 3 sites: Yelverton Aerodrome - £2.50 per adult/ 50p per child (under 16 years old)
Lumburn Rise on Callington Road - £5 per car Harford Bridge Holiday Park, Peter Tavy Road - £5 per car
The Tavistock Lions and the Plymouth-Tamar Lions will be manning and operating this Park and Ride Scheme. The Park and Ride locations will be identified on the main routes into Tavistock by temporary AA type yellow road signs. Attempts will be made to park vehicles with disabled badges in designated areas as close to bus boarding points as possible. There will be limited disabled facilities on buses available from the Yelverton site. To avoid crowding at bus stops in Tavistock, the Yelverton buses will drop off and pick up outside the DCC Highways yard on Pixon Lane. Frequent shuttle services to strategic points in the Town Centre, from the above sites will run between 9am and 10.30 pm depending upon demand.
As this is a privately operated facility and therefore Blue disabled badges and concessionary travel bus passes are not valid for these services (the fares stated above apply). Tavistock Town Council are advising all those wishing to travel into Tavistock for the Goose Fair events not to drive and to use the Park & Ride services. This is due to the sheer number of people they expect to attend. Please click on the link below to view the Tavistock Town Council Goose Fair page and also a map of Park and Ride drop off points around Tavistock
http://www.tavistock.gov.uk/index.php?page=goose-fair-park-and-ride

[Archived copy pdf]

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Bus World Photography:  For many years Berlin tried to forget the dark days of what is still in living memory fairly recent past

Andys Bus Blog: Today we conclude our Looking back... at Cambridge in 1990

Public Transport Experience: being lost, looking for Musbury and driving along a steeply-banked Devon lane following a panicking pig that could not escape. The more the pig squealed, the more mother sank into one of her nervous "turns

Coming for Gold

©Ben Beaver
Noted on delivery a couple of days ago Stagecoach Gold Scania 15924 will soon be on the new Plymouth - Torbay service which has seen off the X80 without a fight. We are still waiting on official information from First who promised details on Monday but nothing has been forthcoming yet although the X80 is definitely cancelled

For more of Bens excellent photos see his Flickr account 

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PT RECOMMENDS

• the buses were bought for use elsewhere but diverted to Devon for some unexplained "commercial" reason. The internal politics of bus operators is often hard to fathom Public Transport Experience 10th September

• Why are Barne Barton and Plympton being so blessed? Because Citybus is a kind, considerate, public-spirited local bus company?
  Or because those are routes also served by First Bus? Public Transport Experience 9th September

• In spite of a number of joint services and the fact that each of them shows journeys operated by the other, there are two leaflets per joint corridor. The alarming thing was that the dates of some of the timetable dates didn’t coincide. Omnibuses 9th September
• Connex Jersey 1184 J57156, new as an ADL demonstrator and now with First Eastern Counties after a spell in Jersey Andys Bus Blog 8th September
• This week's SoS is a few more photos taken up at the idyllic bus photography spot in Barne Barton PTOTPA 8 September

First Fight back ?

It seems we should know all on Monday when First announce their route changes but from what I have gathered talking to a couple of drivers, and some of the comments left on the site we could well see the following:

Service 6 we know is withdrawn and looks like its to be replaced by changes to the 2 in some way. Service 7 also withdrawn somehow replaced in part by changes to the 93.

Service 3 is an interesting one. It does indeed seem that they are withdrawing from Barne Barton. There has been a lot of suggestions that the route instead will be extended up through Higher St Budeaux to West Park and Honicknowle.

Service 4 believed to be just a timetable change – nothing major

Service 5 we know is being withdrawn with no replacement.

Service 15 – clearly being extended up to Roborough and possibly into Woolwell. Will no longer serve Mainstone / Asda.

Service 83 etc Tavistock. Rumours suggest that First are going to concentrate on the direct service in much the same way at Citybus. It has been suggested that this will mean no more direct buses to Derriford Hospital apart from a few peak runs. This is probably the reason behind the 15 extension as it could then serve as a connecting service to Derriford. Either that or they could offer through tickets on the Park & Ride service run by Target?

Service X80 X81 are withdrawn.

New service 6 to serve Laira / Efford. Still seems an odd choice to me though.

Pleasantly Puzzled by Purple

Its all to easy to jump to conclusions based on the very basic details provided by VOSA especially as sometimes it takes a day or two for all the notifications to appear. However first Devon & Cornwall have just posted these changes and bearing in mind the heightened competition in the air these changes will be watched very closely to see if First are going to come out fighting or not. On this first batch the opinion is going to be split right down the middle!

PH0004983/278 Variation Accepted: Operating between THE GEORGE PARK AND RIDE SITE and PLYMOUTH (Royal Parade) given service number PR1 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/294 Variation Accepted: Operating between Coypool Park & Ride Site and Royal Parade given service number PR2 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Timetable.

Park & Ride timetable changes so probably nothing major.

PH0004983/31 Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Bus Station and Paignton Bus Station given service number X80/X81 effective from 27-Oct-2013.

PH0004983/414 Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Paignton and Torquay given service number X80/X81 effective from 27-Oct-2013.

Well, unless there are some new registrations to come it does appear that First are throwing in the towel to Stagecoach?

PH0004983/32 Variation Accepted: Operating between Tavistock Bus Station and Plymouth Royal Parade given service number 83/83A/84/86/86A effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Timetable.

This is no surprise as its the other main area of new competition this time against Plymouth Citybus. A recent comment suggested First would not bother serving Derriford Hospital so they could concentrate on the main Plymouth – Tavistock route against Citybus. I hope thats wrong as I feel that serving Derriford Hospital will keep a lot of passengers loyal to First. Of course its always a balancing act as it does add a lot of time to the journey.

PH0004983/328 Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Keyham given service number 4 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Timetable.

There has also been an increased presence from Citybus on at least part of this service in the St Levans Valley.

PH0004983/333 Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Mount Gould given service number 5 effective from 27-Oct-2013

I have always been amazed that this service has lasted as long as it has!

PH0004983/336 Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and St Budeaux Square given service number 3 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

This could be interesting as its up against the main 21 21A service. At first I wondered if the St Budeaux loop was being cut out and the bus was just turning at The Square but that could just be down to the terminus being after the loop. Possibly reading too much into that.

PH0004983/337 Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Mount Batten given service number 2 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

Will have to wait and see if this is anything significant

PH0004983/389 -Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Kingsbridge Quay given service number 93 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

I would expect to see changes to the Kingsbridge – Dartmouth section too, which is why I think there is more to come over the next day or two?

PH0004983/396 Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth City Centre and Roborough given service number 15 effective from 27-Oct-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

Now this is a change as currently the 15 does not serve Roborough. It could just be an extension of the current half of the runs which turn at Derriford. It just means extending up through past Marjons to The George Park & Ride site. I hope it is just that and not a re-routing away from Asda / Mainstone. Or it could be extended from Mainstone up to The George? I catch this service a lot so will be watching out for the new timetables!

PH0004983/330 Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Blackstone Close given service number 6 effective from 27-Oct-2013.

PH0004983/434 Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Elburton Village given service number 7 effective from 27-Oct-2013

I can only assume that there is another new route planned to take on some of this work as I cant see them just pulling out of these routes in their operating heartland?

PH0004983/463 Registration Accepted Starting Point: Plymouth, Royal Parade Finish Point: Laira Via: Lipson Vale, Efford Service Number: 6/Purple Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 27-OCT-2013 Other Details: Monday to Saturday except public holidays

This appears to be a copy of the current Citybus 8/9 service which is busy but an odd choice to start competing with? I also note the route number is described as Purple which suggests we will be seeing a revival of route branding again.

Is this just the first of a batch of new routes? Certainly from the notices posted so far they will have a fair few drivers and buses available as there are more cancellations than additional duties. The new Purple route strongly suggests that there will be other colours available and that some effort will be put into marketing them. I for one hope that this is indeed the case. As long as these notices are indeed just the first batch of changes and there are some more new registrations to follow on VOSA over the next few days then the fun will soon begin!

As always your comments will be very welcome. What do you suspect is coming up?

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PT RECOMMENDS

• One of the enduring mysteries of Bristol is the question "Where is The Centre?" Not, please note, "Where is the centre?"; the capital letters are important. Public Transport Experience 5 September
• Meanwhile, here’s another retro image that accompanies a very up-to-date webnews report from a regional newspaper site. Either it was designed to accompany news of changes in the 1970s or people (car drivers?) still see buses in this way Omnibuses 4 September
• Yesterday, we learnt (officially) that Yellow Buses will soon “swoop” in on the Bournemouth to Bournemouth (Hurn) airport service. It gave the headline writers an opportunity to “soar”. Dorset Bus Blog 4 September
• Today I am able to bring you the first images of one of the new Enviro400s for use on First's X1 route between Peterborough and Lowestoft via Norwich and Great Yarmouth East Norfolk Bus Blog 4 September
• Long established operator Delaine Buses kept up with their recent tradition of being one of the first operators in the UK to place a new registration bus in service - Andys Bus Blog 4 September

GOLD in detail

Stagecoach have now published full details of their GOLD service between Torquay and Plymouth / Dartmouth:

The full timetable is also up online as a PDF. It is certainly a pretty comprehensive service and should do very well although they will have missed the full summer service, but this in itself may be a blessing in disguise as it gives them chance to get the service up and running properly before the really busy loads next summer. 

I am surprised that they do not appear to be using any route numbers for the service – just GOLD. What happens if and when they want to go Gold with any other of their routes? Also, the GOLD service is actually two distinct routes as it separates at Totnes to go on to either Plymouth or Dartmouth. Surely the best way to inform passengers is with proper route numbers? We all know that passengers never actually read destination displays – they just look at the number.

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PT RECOMMENDS

• Being British, stupid and on holiday, fbb and some twenty others enjoyed an open-sided coach. There was about a six inch strip down the centre of the bench seats which was not dampened by the ingress of rain, mist and general wetness. Public Transport Experience 22 August
• On the August Bank Holiday, 50 years ago, a massive operation was undertaken to open a giant umbrella over what was to become Oxford Circus tube station. Ian Visits 22 August
• First have begun using recently acquired ex Connex Jersey Alexander Dennis Enviro400 33423 SN60 CAA on the longhaul X1 route between Peterborough and Lowestoft... Andys Bus Blog 21 August
• Electronic destination displays offer bus companies the world over the advantage of updating their electronic displays with current destinations without having to reorder old-fashioned destination blinds, it's much faster but more importantly it's much cheaper too. North West Bus Blog 21 August
• but now it is an unstaffed halt with the main building demoted (promoted?) to a Spiritualist church. fbb wonders whether "the other side" can tell the congregation when the trains are due? Public Transport Experience 21 August

Its like deja vue all over again

As part of a side project going back through the Plymothian Transit archives I was looking back at February 2007 and came across these photos:

Both Photographs ©Terry Stapley (used with permission back in 2007 so I am sure he wont mind them being repeated!)
Both photos were taken by Terry Stapley on the 19th July 1988 when Plymouth Citybus  and Western National were having a bit of a ding dong. I am guessing that the X84 version was an express version of the standard 84. This time round it seems Citybus are operating the express against First. Back then I only used the Western National service as a VR beat an Atlantean any day. It seems this time round Citybus will clearly have the edge in terms of vehicles used.

Photos originally posted on Blast from the past 21 February 2007

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PT RECOMMENDS

• Pretty strong stuff. It’s also classic, of course, in that the newspaper blames the operator and patently hasn’t done its homework Omnibuses 7 August
• Regular blog readers will understand the explanation for the utterly loopy evening oddity, but perhaps the 12th Doctor may need to sort out the Horse and Tiger rift in time and space? Public Transport Experience 7 August
• Lymington depot of Wilts & Dorset is a hive of activity at present - more so than any in previous summer Southern England 7 August

32 to Torpoint

The VOSA registrations continuePH0000135/150 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA

• Registration Accepted
• Starting Point: Royal Parade
• Finish Point: Torpoint HMS Raleigh
• Via:
• Service Number: 32
• Service Type: Normal Stopping
• Effective Date: 06-OCT-2013
• Other Details: Mon-Sat except bank hols

Yesterday saw a small flurry of activity for First Devon & Cornwall, but they were all for Cornwall services.

As was pointed out in the comments to my post yesterday the Stagecoach Gold registrations have already been posted on VOSA back on the 1st August. I must have been half asleep when I posted yesterday as I did know this as I had already added the details to my sister site Plymothian Bus Services where I try to keep all the historical changes for each route (very much a work in progress)

PH1020951/197 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB

• Registration Accepted
• Starting Point: Torquay Strand
• Finish Point: Totnes Royal Seven Stars
• Service Number: GOLD
• Service Type: Normal Stopping
• Effective Date: 30-SEP-2013
• Other Details: Daily service, Half hourly Mon-Sat and 2 hourly Sundays & Bank Holidays
  

PH1020951/198 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB

• Registration Accepted
• Starting Point: Totnes Royal Seven Stars
• Finish Point: Plymouth
• Service Number: GOLD
• Service Type: Normal Stopping
• Effective Date: 30-SEP-2013
• Other Details: Daily service - hourly Mon to Sats & 2 hourly Sundays & Bank Holidays
  

PH1020951/199 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB

• Registration Accepted
• Starting Point: Totnes Royal Seven Stars
• Finish Point: Dartmouth
• Service Number: GOLD
• Service Type: Normal Stopping
• Effective Date: 30-SEP-2013
• Other Details: Mondays to Saturdays except Bank Holidays - hourly service

Thanks for the the comments over the last week or so. Its been very entertaining reading what everyone has to say. I should say though that I have a feeling that not all comments have managed to find their way to the blog. I read a few at work and then publish them via my mobile – but when I get home I am sure not all of them have made it. If you have left a comment and it has not appeared, then I am sorry – its not been censored or anything like that! I will revert back to publishing them from my PC at home as this seems to work better

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PT RECOMMENDS

• So, after 92 years of use, suddenly it becomes unsafe? Really? What exactly is "a bit dubious"? Politicians protecting their posterior perhaps? It's only cost an extra £300,000 for the bus service. Public Transport Experience 6 August
• In the past, fbb has not been backward in coming forward about the poor quality of leaflets produced by Travel South Yorkshire [TSY] the identity chosen by the Passenger Transport Executive Public Transport Experience 6 August
• Deliveries of the New Bus for London continue and as previously announced the next batch will enter service on route 11 on 21st September. Leon Daniels 5 August

No let up at all

MEDIA RELEASE – 1st August 2013 Plymouth Citybus company expands into Torpoint 

Exciting new bus service to launch between Plymouth City Centre and Torpoint 

Up to every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday 

Linking Torpoint to Plymouth via Stoke and Plymouth Railway Station

Plymouth Citybus announced today that it will launch a new service between Plymouth and Torpoint from October 7. Plymouth Citybus, a Go-Ahead Group company, has further invested in its operation to now serve further afield into South East Cornwall. The service will run up to every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday between Torpoint and Plymouth City Centre, via Stoke and Plymouth Railway Station. Bus travel will be made easy with the availability of both smart card and mobile ticketing solutions, incorporating a wide range of tickets. This will be in addition to the driver available tickets. Season tickets will allow passengers to enjoy the wider Citybus network, including services to Derriford, Saltash, Ivybridge and Tavistock. Passengers will also benefit from the centrally located Travel Centre opened earlier this year. Citybus has just seen its customer satisfaction rating from independent group Passenger Focus rise six percent since last summer, alongside being awarded Investor in People status earlier in the year. Plymouth Citybus’ Managing Director Richard Stevens said: “We have had requests from the residents of Torpoint for a Citybus provided service into Plymouth. One of the main points, which have come from our passenger consultations, is for them to be able to take advantage of the wider Citybus network, in particular services to Derriford. We are pleased to be able to cater for these needs by launching this new exciting service”. Further details about the new service will be released towards the end of August, in preparation for the launch on October 7.

Flogging a dead horse?

I do wonder how staff working for First Devon & Cornwall must be feeling at the moment. Hot on the heals of Stagecoach Gold attacking the main X80 comes news of another high quality attack on one of their main route corridors.

Plymouth Citybus’ announced today that it will launch a prestigious new service between Plymouth and Tavistock from October 5.

Plymouth Citybus, a Go-Ahead Group company, has invested £1 million in a new fleet of four high specification Enviro 400 double deck buses, which boast EURO 5 low emissions. The new buses are thoughtfully designed with additional legroom and incorporate two tone leather seats and free Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to check e-mails, update their status or shop while enjoying the views across Dartmoor.

The buses will also be the first Citybus vehicles to be dressed in their new premium brand, which will be unveiled on Saturday September 28, on the Civic Piazza in Plymouth City Centre.

The new fast route will operate up to every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday, between Tavistock and Plymouth, incorporating Yelverton. The new route will also operate on a Sunday, making it a seven day a week offering.
Citybus has just seen its customer satisfaction rating from independent group Passenger Focus rise six percent since last summer, alongside being awarded Investor in People status earlier in the year.

Plymouth Citybus’ Managing Director Richard Stevens said: “People in Tavistock have requested a Citybus provided service, which we are please to respond to. Knowing that comfort and reliability are the two most important factors on longer bus journeys, the introduction of high specification buses with good quality seats and internet access is a perfect solution”.

Further details about the new service will be released towards the end of August, in preparation for the launch on October 5.

I assume that the 4 buses mentioned above are part of the initial 8 that have arrived at Milehouse, the first of which was on display on The Hoe on Saturday. This was certainly well equipped to a high standard with very comfortable seats. Cant wait to see what the 'premium brand' will be.

The big question we all are waiting to see the answer to – What will First do next?

If they want to fight back then they will need some newer buses than they have now. Of course being part of a large national group which does have a stock of high quality double deckers across the fleet could help, assuming First were up for a fight? Or do they try and keep the passengers with a lower fare option with the existing fleet? Not everyone will want to pay more for luxury buses, they just want to get from A to B for the cheapest fare available. They could of course try to attack back on Plymouth Citybus’ strongholds in Plymouth as they have done in the past, although now its against the might of Go Ahead rather than just a local municipal bus company which the council had put on the market. Either way, all eyes will be on First over the coming few weeks for any hint of what they are planning to do.

Stagecoach v First. The New Gold War

 

STAGECOACH GOLD IS COMING TO THE SOUTH WEST!

Stagecoach South West announced today that, starting 30th September 2013, they are introducing two brand new ‘Stagecoach Gold’ routes which will operate between Torquay, Paignton, Totnes and Plymouth or Dartmouth.  The introduction of the flagship ‘5 star’ brand to Devon is a coup for customers, reserved for only a select number of locations across the country.

The two ‘Gold’ routes will operate up to every 30 minutes, 7 days a week between Torquay, Paignton and Totnes. The routes will then connect the English Riviera to either Dartmouth or Plymouth via Ivybridge, with each location benefiting from an hourly service . 

The company is also investing £2 million in a new fleet of 9 high specification buses which will only operate on the Gold routes and will feature a distinctive gold and blue livery. The buses offer luxury as standard and feature extra legroom, high back leather seats and free Wi-Fi. The buses will also be fitted with Scania Euro 5 EEV (Enhanced Environmental Vehicle technology) engines that have even lower emissions than those required by the highest current Euro standard, making them amongst the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road.

Stagecoach Gold is also characterised by its ‘Customer Promise’ which enshrines the service standards customers can expect from the company, vehicles and drivers.

Mike Watson, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said “We know that, particularly on longer distance journeys, comfort and reliability are essential so we are taking our services to the next level by introducing ‘Stagecoach Gold’. This is an incredibly exciting development for Devon and I can’t wait to see the new buses on the road”.

Further details about the new services will be released towards the end of August, in preparation for the launch 30th September. More information about Stagecoach Gold can be found at www.stagecoachgold.com.

Stagecoach Gold in Oxfordshire as a taster of what to expect here! (©Eastleighbusman under Creative commons )

Wow!

We will all be watching to see what First do next as their X80 comes under direct attack from Stagecoach. They have tried before with their X45 which looked promising but First won that battle and the X45 was withdrawn. This looks a lot more serious! The Stagecoach Gold brand has been successfully launched in many areas and the buses in use are certainly well appointed and the livery is very eyecatching. If First are going to have any chance then they will need to up their game on the X80 which has never really been given the attention it deserves for such a main route. It may also provide a bit more competition for Plymouth Citybus with their 45 service.

It also adds to the fleet of high spec Enviro 400’s that operate in Plymouth joining Citybus’ new deckers and First’s Park & Ride fleet. We are being spoilt at the moment. Its nice to see both Stagecoach and Go Ahead keen to invest lots of money on high quality buses for Plymouth. It would be even nicer to see First join the party – do they have the appetite for it?

We will of course be watching developments very closely over the coming weeks, but what do you all think? Comments on this are very welcome!

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PT RECOMMENDS

• Britain’s biggest bus operator, Stagecoach, is to fit its 7,000-strong non-London fleet to provide real-time information to passengers via smartphone apps and the internet. It will be the first major UK bus operator to use automatic vehicle location (AVL) technology in this way nationally. Public Transport Experience 26 July
• First in Avon & Bristol have announced that they will be re-entering the Salisbury bus market, with their brand new extended route 265... Southern England 26 July
• With just over a week to go until the second anniversary of the opening of The Busway in Cambridgeshire we are celebrating with a selection of scenic photographs Andys Bus Blog 27 July
• A more reasoned comment was to complain, "But you're further away now". So on Thursday 25th July, fbb got the chance to test this conjecture with a trip to Sheffield. Public Transport Experience 27 July
• Norfolk Green Fleet Update Andys Bus Blog 27 July
• Informed sources suggest that First Northampton will close after last operation on Saturday September 14th. If true, this will not be unexpected. Please spare a thought for its drivers. Omnibuses 27 July
• The night presented the chubby one with a simple choice; either close the window and settle down in a giant sized George Foreman grill, or, keep the window open and enjoy the soporific sound of roaring traffic. Public Transport Experience 28 July
• Damóry is at last set to launch its own, new website tó gó with its new image. To date, information about Damóry services has been tucked away under the rural services section of the Morebus website (the majority of which are Damóry), with most timetables pointing to Dorset PDFs. Dorset Bus Blog 29 July
• So, in fewer than 56 days’ time, First Northampton stutters to a close. I say “stutters” as the process has been something of a faltering one Omnibuses 29 July
• So it was that two magnificent vehicles were paraded in All Saints Square one hundred years later (to the day) on Friday 26th July 2013. Public Transport Experience 29 July

Now there’s a coincidence!

First Devon & Cornwall

Our great-value service 1/1A which goes between Saltash and Plymouth is now even better value.
Weve reduced our already great fares even more from 28 April until 3 August 2013.

• Adult single now only £2 (was £3.40)
• Adult return now only £3 (was £3.70)
• Child single now only £1.60 (was £2.70)
• Child return now only £2.40 (was £2.95)
  

So not only is it the cheapest bus between Saltash and Plymouth, it also runs every 10 minutes, making it the most frequent.
Plus dont forget we run until 11pm! (half hourly service in evenings.) (First)

Plymouth Citybus

On Sunday 5th May, Plymouth Citybus will be implementing a service revision. Revised service to run every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday, operating from Plymouth to Latchbrook via St Stevens and Maybrook Drive

Its nice to see First fighting back against Citybus with these fare deals. It shows that they still have some fight in them. I do wonder about passengers at St Budeaux – will they end up paying more than those who travel all the way? I guess there is nothing to stop passengers asking for a £2 ticket to Saltash but getting off on this side of the bridge?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PT Recommends

• When you count you begin with 1, 2, 3, When you sing you begin with Doh, Ray, Me, When you go to St Andrew's, it's A, B, C! And a fourth route, a 99 plus D. Public Transport Experience
• Stagecoach London has relaunched the 'Spirit of London' bus that was damaged in an arson attack last year... Andys Bus Blog

Blinking First

A while back when the great battle for Ivybridge began we asked you a few simple questions one of them being:

57.14% of you expected First to blink first. It seems you were right…

Yesterday there was a little notice on VOSA

PH0004983/451 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth City Centre, Bretonside Bus Station and Ivybridge given service number 88 effective from 02-Jun-2013.

It remains to be seen what happens to the infrequent 180 service but at this stage it does look like Plymouth Citybus have won this little skirmish. The 88 did go serve parts of Ivybridge that were not touched by Citybus so it will be interesting to see if Citybus rejig their 45 to help these communities?

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PT Recommends

• Recent news revealed that First Bus is to withdraw from "some" of their Northampton "network", which, it has to be said, is a mere shadow of the once proud Northampton Corporation Transport operation. Public Transport Experience
• Everything in England seemed to stop yesterday, following the death of Margaret Thatcher Omnibuses

The Battle for Ivybridge

The battle for Ivybridge kicks off properly next week with both Plymouth Citybus and First Devon offering special fare deals:

First Devon

For a limited period only you can buy a 10 journey ticket for only £10!

Simply ask your driver for a 10 journey ticket available on Service X80, Service 180 (and new Service 88 which serves Ivybridge from 8th October!) But hurry! This special offer is only available for a limited time:
From 23 Sep-20 Oct on the X80 and 180 and from 8 Oct-20 Oct on our new Service 88, for journeys between Plymouth and Ivybridge.
*With a £10 journey ticket.

 

Plymouth Citybus

We have launched our eagerly awaited service to Ivybridge! Route 45 went into service on Sunday 30th September to wonderful reactions from the residents of Ivybridge and Plymouth alike. After the incredibly successful launch of the new 45 Service to Ivybridge, the special launch price of just £1 for single tickets has been extended into next week.

Travel on the 45 between the City Centre and Ivybridge and pay just £1 each way!

Tickets and passes for the new Country Zone will soon be available on The Key and Plymouthbus Mobile - we'll keep you updated.

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Have your say

Now I know its very early days but I am interesting in your opinion on how all of this will develop.

To start with I have a very simple survey which contains just three simple questions. Please click the link below and the survey should open in a new window. (This is the first time I have used this service so I hope it all works!)

Take part in our online survey

Finally there is one further question which I would like to see you have a go at as detailed on the survey page:

That's all the questions for now, but I would like you get your crystal balls out and offer your views on what will be happening on this important transport corridor this time next year. Please leave your predictions as comments on the main blog post that this quick survey belongs to.

Please leave your answers to this question using the usual comments link for this post or if you prefer you can email them to IvybridgeBattle@PlymothianTransit.com (If your comment is not for publication or you wish to remain anonymous then please say so in the email!) Please try and refrain from “Citybus / First are crap….” type comments for this post at least!

I will leave the survey up until the end of October but will give an initial report on the results in one weeks time.

Timetables

Plymouth Citybus 45

First Devon 88 (Forthcoming timetable from 7th October)

First Devon 180

First Devon X80

Stagecoach X38

First Fight for Ivybridge

As rumoured First have indeed responded to Plymouth Citybus’ new 45 service with a new 88 service:

Interesting to see its serving Lee Mill and Smithalee unlike the Citybus 45. It is unknown if this new service will result in the 180 being cutback. It looks like its due to start 7th October. I guess we can expect fares to match Citybus too.

Thanks to Travelwatch SouthWest for supplying me with the details. They sum up the coming battle quite nicely:

The outcome in Ivybridge will be determined by reliability and fares (for non-concessionary pass holders). FD&C have a very poor reputation in Ivybridge for punctuality, particularly on westbound service X80 journeys to Plymouth – many Ivybridge residents try to use the infrequent Stagecoach South West service X38 (Exeter – Plymouth) which has a good reputation for reliability.

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Bloggers

• It was 15 years ago today that John Prescott signalled “the end of the road for two-car families”, as the Telegraph then put it. It was New Labour’s early consultation document on transport Omnibuses
• The latest happenings at konectbus.. Andys Bus Blog
• Okay, in the last post we featured the Air Raid Precautions in place around Plymouth & what follows is my account of what has to be one of the highlights of my research. Hidden Plymouth
• The decision by Gwynedd Council to abandon publication of its excellent book seems utterly potty. With communities desperate to increase visitor numbers, with concerns over high levels of car traffic on inadequate roads and in response to the overall desire for greenness, the cost of the booklet is small change. Hyper-daftness all round! Public Transport Experience