First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[richw]

I know that many enthusiasts get bent out of shape about Streetlites, and they are clearly built to a budget. However, recall travelling on the ex Bicester Village one and it really was fine.

I used the X1 Bridgend to Swansea last week.
Outbound was an E300
Inbound a streetlite.
As a passenger I found the streetlite to be considerably smoother ride and it kept to time better.

 

[CornwallBus]

Have driven a Streetlite when brand new on Taunton P&R and also the cover one we had on Truro P&R whilst the remedial works on the Citaro's was done. Both very similar but as with most modern buses, built at a price so rattles a plenty and cruddy Voith gearboxes which chucked you through the windscreen when you applied the brakes!

 

[Ancelljb]

The tweet didn't mention Solos or Streetlites; is that info from another source?

IIRC, the Streetlites arrived from Mistral; some had been working with Webberbus but some additional ones (and e200s) were obtained when they went pop in May 2016. They could still be leased but it could easily have been purchased.

Incidentally, of the 10 Streetlites, four are employed on the Taunton Park and Ride. Seem to recall that the new tender did provide for new fleet at some point. I know that many enthusiasts get bent out of shape about Streetlites, and they are clearly built to a budget. However, recall travelling on the ex Bicester Village one and it really was fine.

Should be in the same Twitter thread if not on that one specifically, will take another look and add more links in if needs be.

There are links to further tweets supporting what's been quoted above @TheGrandWazoo , all from the same thread.
Here and here.

 

[matt_splat]

PH0004983/620 – bustimes.org

Any idea what depot this will run out of.

I'm guessing this will be the two e200s from Cornwall?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Should be in the same Twitter thread if not on that one specifically, will take another look and add more links in if needs be.

There are links to further tweets supporting what's been quoted above @TheGrandWazoo , all from the same thread.
Here and here.

Apologies - I missed the Streetlites tweet totally but must have glazed over the Solos Can I blame age?

PH0004983/620 – bustimes.org

Any idea what depot this will run out of.

I'm guessing this will be the two e200s from Cornwall?

Interesting news. Having done a Taunton - Minehead - Lynmouth - Barnstaple - Tiverton - Taunton circuit last year, I see a repeat with a variation....

 

[vla50]

Once all the replacement stock enters service, will 66847/909 receive trainer conversions?

 

[Busaholic]

There was a Tinner bus on the 17 route this afternoon; it came up Market Jew Street about 15.40 and drove past the bus stop outside Domino's, despite a passenger with a stick hailing it in good time before it had passed the entrance to the Wharfside Shopping Centre. There were no vehicles parked on the stop, and no cars in the parking spaces just before it, as it was within their banned time. Having not stopped, to add insult to injury, the bus then drew into the loading bay near the old Boots stop to let someone off, possibly another bus driver from the apparel worn. I was sitting on a bench alongside the bus stop and saw all that I describe here. The old woman was very distressed, said she was in pain, and now had to wait another half hour to get to West Cornwall Hospital. Three other would-be passengers were at the bus stop, and one had got up from his seat when the 17 hove into sight. I attempted to comfort the woman, who said this had happened before since the 17 replaced the 18 over that section. I told her I would tell the story on this forum with the intention that it doesn't happen again.

 

[Cesarcollie]

There was a Tinner bus on the 17 route this afternoon; it came up Market Jew Street about 15.40 and drove past the bus stop outside Domino's, despite a passenger with a stick hailing it in good time before it had passed the entrance to the Wharfside Shopping Centre. There were no vehicles parked on the stop, and no cars in the parking spaces just before it, as it was within their banned time. Having not stopped, to add insult to injury, the bus then drew into the loading bay near the old Boots stop to let someone off, possibly another bus driver from the apparel worn. I was sitting on a bench alongside the bus stop and saw all that I describe here. The old woman was very distressed, said she was in pain, and now had to wait another half hour to get to West Cornwall Hospital. Three other would-be passengers were at the bus stop, and one had got up from his seat when the 17 hove into sight. I attempted to comfort the woman, who said this had happened before since the 17 replaced the 18 over that section. I told her I would tell the story on this forum with the intention that it doesn't happen again.

I think telling the company might be more likely to have the effect you desire…..

 

[Accelerator59]

There was a Tinner bus on the 17 route this afternoon; it came up Market Jew Street about 15.40 and drove past the bus stop outside Domino's, despite a passenger with a stick hailing it in good time before it had passed the entrance to the Wharfside Shopping Centre. There were no vehicles parked on the stop, and no cars in the parking spaces just before it, as it was within their banned time. Having not stopped, to add insult to injury, the bus then drew into the loading bay near the old Boots stop to let someone off, possibly another bus driver from the apparel worn. I was sitting on a bench alongside the bus stop and saw all that I describe here. The old woman was very distressed, said she was in pain, and now had to wait another half hour to get to West Cornwall Hospital. Three other would-be passengers were at the bus stop, and one had got up from his seat when the 17 hove into sight. I attempted to comfort the woman, who said this had happened before since the 17 replaced the 18 over that section. I told her I would tell the story on this forum with the intention that it doesn't happen again.

On top of this, some of the First Kernow drivers need to have a little patience. A while ago, the driver of 37045 on the then A17 service (or might have been 17) cut me up in my van at the Marazion/Long Rock roundabout to the point I blared my horn, another at West Camborne roundabout on the T1/T2 service. I even knew the chap. And just recently, I was making a delivery of 6 trays of shopping to a customer in the road just opposite the bus station in Camborne. I had to park on the pavement as there was cars parked opposite and I don’t have time to park elsewhere. I tried to leave as much room as possible but it clearly wasn’t enough as the driver of the Copper bus on the U2 service tried to squeeze through. Me delivering 6 trays of shopping is no different to a bus driver picking up 6 passengers, where we may have to wait a few minutes (unless we can pass safely). It takes the same amount of time, so please wait. It’s not going to kill you, is it? We’re all key workers at the end of the day.

 

[Cesarcollie]

On top of this, some of the First Kernow drivers need to have a little patience. A while ago, the driver of 37045 on the then A17 service (or might have been 17) cut me up in my van at the Marazion/Long Rock roundabout to the point I blared my horn, another at West Camborne roundabout on the T1/T2 service. I even knew the chap. And just recently, I was making a delivery of 6 trays of shopping to a customer in the road just opposite the bus station in Camborne. I had to park on the pavement as there was cars parked opposite and I don’t have time to park elsewhere. I tried to leave as much room as possible but it clearly wasn’t enough as the driver of the Copper bus on the U2 service tried to squeeze through. Me delivering 6 trays of shopping is no different to a bus driver picking up 6 passengers, where we may have to wait a few minutes (unless we can pass safely). It takes the same amount of time, so please wait. It’s not going to kill you, is it? We’re all key workers at the end of the day.

You really need to read that back….. ‘On top of this, some of the First Kernow drivers need to have a little patience……….I had to park on the pavement…..I didn’t have time to park elsewhere….’

 

[Busaholic]

I think telling the company might be more likely to have the effect you desire…..

My understanding was that items in this thread are sometimes read by people with influence in the company. Whether the woman chooses to contact First with a complaint is up to her. I certainly believe buses on the 17 proceeding beyond Penzance Bus Station to West Cornwall Hospital need to indicate that fact to the public: there's no reason why they shouldn't. Have to say, this is one aspect where the rival operator scores more points (except on the 3 to Roscadghill Parc, not Park!)

 

[B7RLE]

38202 Noted in Camborne yesterday now in Green & Black base livery .

 

[Busaholic]

Two successive departures from Penzance this afternoon on the T1 were operated by blue MMCs.

 

[Goldfish62]

Two successive departures from Penzance this afternoon on the T1 were operated by blue MMCs.

And a red Tinner on the 17.

 

[sbrignall72]

Is the PVR for Eden Project Park and ride 2 or just the 1 bus in the summer? Yesterday one was on taxi duties parked up at St Austell but don't know what number was, if anyone knows.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Goldfish62]

Lizard ELC Trident 32756 is on the "18" today (that's what the display says).

 

[MB162435]

Lizard ELC Trident 32756 is on the "18" today (that's what the display says).

37795 still hasn't been killed by Helston yet, was on L5s today with even 33085 out in action again

 

[richw]

Is the PVR for Eden Project Park and ride 2 or just the 1 bus in the summer? Yesterday one was on taxi duties parked up at St Austell but don't know what number was, if anyone knows.

Many thanks in advance.

Depends what Eden book. Eden works in advance bookings only now for visitors entering, so have an approximate idea what their requirements are to determine how many buses they need on a given day.
This coming week has Eden sessions so I imagine they’ll have requested more vehicles than normal

 

[buscoaster]

Great to see that the gold bus is out on the Discover Exeter tour at last!

 

[matt_splat]

I notice a lot of changes coming up in a few weeks in Somerset.

I guess we will need to wait for more info.

Some timetables on traveline already.

It looks like the 29 is cut back to run Glastonbury / Street to Taunton.

Also a service 55 looks like its being introduced or maybe even re introduced.

 

[Paperyostrich]

I notice a lot of changes coming up in a few weeks in Somerset.

I guess we will need to wait for more info.

Some timetables on traveline already.

It looks like the 29 is cut back to run Glastonbury / Street to Taunton.

Also a service 55 looks like its being introduced or maybe even re introduced.

Yes some big changes happening. I know a few things that are happening, but not sure how much we can currently say until it is officially announced.

 

[THarris123]

I notice a lot of changes coming up in a few weeks in Somerset.

I guess we will need to wait for more info.

Some timetables on traveline already.

It looks like the 29 is cut back to run Glastonbury / Street to Taunton.

Also a service 55 looks like its being introduced or maybe even re introduced.

The timetables on Traveline appear to show:
1 - increased to 20 mins.
2 - decreased to hourly.
4 - decreased to hourly. Town services I think reduce PVR by 2
21/A - college runs removed.
22 - Tiverton scrapped?
14/15 - terminates at bus station.

Anyone able to confirm if Tiverton scrapped? And any ideas what the other changes are?

 

[Goldfish62]

I see the Jurassic Coaster and Portland Coaster are now on the Adventures by Bus website. No Tin Coaster or Sunseeker though.

Adventures By Bus | First Bus

Our UK Bus division operates around a fifth of local bus services in the UK and is one of the largest bus operators with a fleet of approximately 6,400 buses around the England, Scotland and Wales. We have bus routes serving 40 of the UK’s largest towns and cities providing great value public...

www.firstbus.co.uk

 

[Paperyostrich]

The timetables on Traveline appear to show:
1 - increased to 20 mins.
2 - decreased to hourly.
4 - decreased to hourly. Town services I think reduce PVR by 2
21/A - college runs removed.
22 - Tiverton scrapped?
14/15 - terminates at bus station.

Anyone able to confirm if Tiverton scrapped? And any ideas what the other changes are?

77 is set to go hourly decker service

 

[CD]

77 is set to go hourly decker service

Timetable on Traveline.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__000021a4_TP.pdf

To make up for the hourly service on the 77, the 54 has only one through service a day from Yeovil to Taunton.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__000019f5_TP.pdf

The timetables on Traveline appear to show:
1 - increased to 20 mins.
2 - decreased to hourly.
4 - decreased to hourly. Town services I think reduce PVR by 2
21/A - college runs removed.
22 - Tiverton scrapped?
14/15 - terminates at bus station.

Anyone able to confirm if Tiverton scrapped? And any ideas what the other changes are?

The Tiverton still runs just renumbered to X22.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__00005b1e_TP.pdf

 

[M803UYA]

Timetable on Traveline.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__000021a4_TP.pdf

To make up for the hourly service on the 77, the 54 has only one through service a day from Yeovil to Taunton.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__000019f5_TP.pdf

The Tiverton still runs just renumbered to X22.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__00005b1e_TP.pdf

When I click those links, I'm getting the following message

HTTP/1.1 404 Object Not Found​

 

[THarris123]

Timetable on Traveline.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__000021a4_TP.pdf

To make up for the hourly service on the 77, the 54 has only one through service a day from Yeovil to Taunton.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__000019f5_TP.pdf

The Tiverton still runs just renumbered to X22.

https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe-ttb/TTB/EFA01__00005b1e_TP.pdf

I see the timetables have now come up

So 77 hourly and college run scrapped. 55 college run, presumably replacing 55C. 54 Taunton-Somerton hourly, like CD says first and last run go to/from Yeovil, presumably for college workings - do we reckon Yeovil or Taunton will run this.

29 and 75 terminating in Glastonbury. It looks like they interwork. Any guesses to which depot will run it? Maybe both Bridgwater and Taunton run it

 

[Paperyostrich]

I see the timetables have now come up

So 77 hourly and college run scrapped. 55 college run, presumably replacing 55C. 54 Taunton-Somerton hourly, like CD says first and last run go to/from Yeovil, presumably for college workings - do we reckon Yeovil or Taunton will run this.

29 and 75 terminating in Glastonbury. It looks like they interwork. Any guesses to which depot will run it? Maybe both Bridgwater and Taunton run it

For the 54 I believe it is Yeovil with a Yeovil driver going out and back and then running between Taunton and Somerton all day (with a 2 hour break in Taunton)

 

[THarris123]

For the 54 I believe it is Yeovil with a Yeovil driver going out and back and then running between Taunton and Somerton all day (with a 2 hour break in Taunton)

Blimey. That's a long day

 

[CD]

Blimey. That's a long day

Possibly a couple of driver changes between 54 and 77 during the day in Somerton?

PVR of Yeovil town services reduced from 7 to 3.