First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)

[geoffk]

Yes next week

I was in Taunton today (Thursday) and happened upon the press launch with Yutong double decker on Castle Green. I, along with other interested onlookers, was able to have a look inside and chat to some of the drivers. Headroom at the rear of the upper deck is quite restricted as there is a step in the floor - not sure of the overall height. The weight is shown as 13,950 kg, compared with 11,850 kg for a nearby Enviro 400, so it's around 2 tons heavier than a diesel bus of similar size. According to information on-line, they are to be used on routes including the X22 Taunton - Tiverton, so we will see one soon over the border in Devon.

 

[83G/84D]

I was down in Taunton today too and was glad for the opportunity to have a look at one of these U11DD buses: I liked it. It was permissible to sit at the controls and I thought the drivers' space was nicely laid out as were, I thought, the controls although I didn't think the placing of the panic alarm was too clever because, as someone did, it isn't too hard to press it accidentally although if you do then it isn't too hard to reset. I tried out the seating on the top deck and was glad not only for the legroom, which seemed good as did the seats, but also for the fact that I could stand up straight without having to bend my head but only just - the top of my head was touching the ceiling. I look forward to trying one of these vehicles out should I have occasion to venture to WSM or into Taunton but my local routes in the First WoE area aren't getting them.

It was only after 30004 - the bus being shown at Castle Green - departed that I realised I had left my camera onboard. Fortunately I encountered a driver in the Town Centre who was just doing a changeover on the Streetlite being used for the 99: he called ops who in turn called the depot and a short walk to Hamilton Road secured the return of my camera. While I was there I spoke with one of the First staff who had been at Castle Green and it seemed that 2 more U11DDs had arrived during the morning: a picture of one of them heading down the M5 had been put on FB Also the two electrics (30005 and 48501) being used for training returned while I was there so a few more photos were taken. The buses seen at the depot were 4x U11DD (YK25 OHO/OHP/OHT/OHW) and E10 (?) 48501 (YK25 OHX).

Dave

48502 was also at the depot late afternoon.30004 departed to Bridgwater.

 

[Mollman]

I was in Taunton today (Thursday) and happened upon the press launch with Yutong double decker on Castle Green. I, along with other interested onlookers, was able to have a look inside and chat to some of the drivers. Headroom at the rear of the upper deck is quite restricted as there is a step in the floor - not sure of the overall height. The weight is shown as 13,950 kg, compared with 11,850 kg for a nearby Enviro 400, so it's around 2 tons heavier than a diesel bus of similar size. According to information on-line, they are to be used on routes including the X22 Taunton - Tiverton, so we will see one soon over the border in Devon.

From the photos I've seen the downstairs looks quite dark due to lack of rear or stairwell windows - is that the case in real life?

 

[Goldfish62]

From the photos I've seen the downstairs looks quite dark due to lack of rear or stairwell windows - is that the case in real life?

Not something I noticed on the one on display at the NEC in November, but then I'm used to travelling on electric buses with no rear window.

 

[Paperyostrich]

From the photos I've seen the downstairs looks quite dark due to lack of rear or stairwell windows - is that the case in real life?

Didn't look like the lights were on either though in the pictures I have seen so that probably didn't help

 

[Welshman]

Does anyone have any information as to whether this service is to restart this year?
I've enjoyed a couple of trips on it in past years and wouldn't mind another this summer?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Does anyone have any information as to whether this service is to restart this year?
I've enjoyed a couple of trips on it in past years and wouldn't mind another this summer?

Not mentioned yet though the fleet has been moved to Yeovil whilst Minehead gets electrification mods

 

[richard13]

Does anyone have any information as to whether this service is to restart this year?
I've enjoyed a couple of trips on it in past years and wouldn't mind another this summer?

First Somerset in Planned Changes for 20th April says

• Note: Timetable details for the Exmoor Coaster and CR4 Yeovil – Blandford, will be announced shortly

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset...ummer-network-changeeffective-april-20th-2025

 

[Welshman]

Thank you, both of you, for your replies.
Presumably they're waiting until they can move the buses back to Minehead, as they'd be too much dead running out of Yeovil.
It was running this time last year, although Easter was earlier then.

 

[Whiteway215]

There are still seven open toppers parked at Yeovil depot so hopefully a positive sign.

 

[DaveHarries]

First Somerset in Planned Changes for 20th April says

• Note: Timetable details for the Exmoor Coaster and CR4 Yeovil – Blandford, will be announced shortly

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset...ummer-network-changeeffective-april-20th-2025

Revised timetable for the CR4 is now on TravelineSW: can't find anything for the Exmoor coaster as yet.

Dave

 

[MarkC]

Any idea whom won the tenders for school services in Cornwall that First lost?

 

[fgwrich]

Any idea whom won the tenders for school services in Cornwall that First lost?

Didn’t realise they’ve lost more work? That’ll no FSW no favours.

If they have lost a chunk of the school or college work, then we really are seeing Cornwall trimmed back to the bare bones.

 

[Goldfish62]

Didn’t realise they’ve lost more work? That’ll no FSW no favours.

If they have lost a chunk of the school or college work, then we really are seeing Cornwall trimmed back to the bare bones.

They've lost all 24 of their school contracts.

 

[Volvodart]

Didn’t realise they’ve lost more work? That’ll no FSW no favours.

If they have lost a chunk of the school or college work, then we really are seeing Cornwall trimmed back to the bare bones.

Tenders have recently gone in for the Cornwall College work, so hopefully they have more success with them.

 

[GBM]

From what I hear, First only want profitable areas, so College work doesn't feature.
Despite them telling staff "We put in a good bid, but were not successful"

 

[richard13]

From Devon CC Bus News (North Devon)

• New open-top service running between Ilfracombe and Minehead, Monday to Saturday from 26 May until 30 August 2025, funded by DCC BSIP & Somerset Council

No Timetable yet - run by First South

Devon 20th April bus changes

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

From what I hear, First only want profitable areas, so College work doesn't feature.
Despite them telling staff "We put in a good bid, but were not successful"

I think any business would only want profitable areas (unless you're talking about some sort of speculative trial where you're prepared to fund losses).

Now whether First has a revised policy on what returns it wants....?

 

[Sleepy]

With only 2 weeks until Easter thought I'd see what sort of timetable is being offered to replace St Ives - Lands End open top with new service 7 - nothing on transport Cornwall site, looking at service registrations it appears it will only operate from May half term and the summer school 6 weeks ! Shame on Cornwall Council - they obviously don't know how popular St Ives is with tourists in September (or May and June) would have thought they would at least contract a service just Monday - Fridays for early & late season this year to gauge demand espically now Flambards has gone and this route serves several tourist attractions.

 

[Goldfish62]

With only 2 weeks until Easter thought I'd see what sort of timetable is being offered to replace St Ives - Lands End open top with new service 7 - nothing on transport Cornwall site, looking at service registrations it appears it will only operate from 24th May until 30th August ! Shame on Cornwall Council - they obviously don't know how popular St Ives is with tourists in September (or early May) would have thought they would at least contract a service just Monday - Fridays for early & late season this year to gauge demand espically now Flambards has gone and this route serves several tourist attractions.

I've searched registrations online and can't see it. Where did you find it?

On the subject of the ex-Lands End Coaster the 1/1A is now hourly from Easter onwards (every 90 min Sundays) rather than the ridiculous low (two hourly) and mid season (every 90 min) levels which left people behind last year.

 

[Volvodart]

Deleted - wrong service

 

[Sleepy]

I've searched registrations online and can't see it. Where did you find it?

On the subject of the ex-Lands End Coaster the 1/1A is now hourly from Easter onwards (every 90 min Sundays) rather than the ridiculous low (two hourly) and mid season (every 90 min) levels which left people behind last year.

It is on gov.uk vehicle operator licensing registration no. PH0000135/379 (dated yesterday)

 

[nanstallon]

It seems that the U3 (Falmouth to Penryn Campus express) is to be replaced by some extras on U1/U1A. These presumably will not use the fast route via the Penryn by-pass.

 

[philthetube]

I've searched registrations online and can't see it. Where did you find it?

On the subject of the ex-Lands End Coaster the 1/1A is now hourly from Easter onwards (every 90 min Sundays) rather than the ridiculous low (two hourly) and mid season (every 90 min) levels which left people behind last year.

With no open tops 2 hourly will be to often, people travel on the bus because it is open top, the number of families in the area without cars is tiny yet there were large numbers of working age passengers on these services were considerable, 95%of them will drive.

 

[Goldfish62]

It is on gov.uk vehicle operator licensing registration no. PH0000135/379 (dated yesterday)

Thanks. Found it. I was searching 7, whereas it's down as GCB007.

The timetable is on Traveline SW:

Book timetable

Do you need a printable timetable? Click here for quick and convenient timetables.

nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com

It's four return journeys a day, but most unfortunately they don't connect at Land's End with the 1/1A at all well.

 

[Volvodart]

Popular Exmoor Explorer (Exmoor Coaster) returns for Summer 2025​

Popular Exmoor Explorer (Exmoor Coaster) returns for Summer 2025 | FirstBusS&SW News

First Bus in Somerset, in collaboration with Devon County Council and Somerset Council, is excited to announce the return of the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) service (previously the Exmoor Coaster) for Summer 2025.

news-ssandsw.firstbus.co.uk

First Bus in Somerset, in collaboration with Devon County Council and Somerset Council, is excited to announce the return of the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) service (previously the Exmoor Coaster) for Summer 2025.
The iconic bus route offers passengers unparalleled views of the stunning Exmoor National Park and the picturesque coastal towns of Minehead, Lynmouth, and Ilfracombe.
Through funding contributions from Devon County Council and Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plans, the service will begin on Sunday 25 May 2025. The service will operate at different service levels during low and high seasons to accommodate varying demand.
The service will run from 25 May until 31 August, starting on Sunday 25 May on a low season timetable when it will operate with closed top double deckers.
From 24 July onwards, the service will run on a high season timetable, with open top buses. The last day of service for the season will be 31 August 2025. During high season, the service is also being extended down to the Blue Anchor holiday park in Minehead**.
In line with the government's fare cap initiative, single journeys on the Exmoor Explorer will be priced at just £3, making it an affordable option for both locals and visitors. English National Concessionary Travel Passes are also accepted on this route.

Terrance James, Head of Network for First Bus in Somerset, stated, "We're delighted to reintroduce the Exmoor Explorer for the Summer 2025 season. This service not only offers breathtaking views and a unique travel experience but offers residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of our region in a sustainable and enjoyable manner."
Damien Jones, Deputy Director, Transport Operations, Environment and Waste at Devon Council, said, “It's great to see the return of this popular and well-loved service. It's testament to the successful partnership involved and we're proud to be supporting it again this summer. The Exmoor Explorer is a great way to explore and enjoy everything Exmoor National Park has to offer without the hassle of having to drive yourself.”
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, added, “I’m delighted to see this service once again confirmed for the summer. It’s a great day out and a fantastic way to see some of the best scenery Somerset has to offer.
“If you haven’t experienced it yet I would urge you to climb aboard and support this unique service and make some memories along the way.”

Notes to editors​

Following First Bus’s rebrand in December 2024, the Exmoor Coaster has been renamed the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) service.
* Sunday and Bank Holiday services will operate on the low season timetable throughout the season.
** The service will not serve the Blue Anchor holiday park on Sundays.

 

[embers25]

Why on earth is BSIP money needed to run a reduced service when the previous version was commercial. What a waste of public money. Also, I like the

Following First Bus’s rebrand in December 2024, the Exmoor Coaster has been renamed the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) service

I don't recall anywhere in the rebrand publicity that the word Coaster was outlawed!! I also see, like every other First route in the SW now, that it has a number now. I guess we should be grateful it wasn't culled like Cornwall, but what a load of PR waffle to promote what is effectively a much reduced service. Given how popular the Blue Anchor extensions were, even out of peak season, that seems a particularly odd cull. Also, only running open tops for 6 weeks I assume will help reduce reliability issues, but closed tops in early July seems madness. Where are all the closed top deckers coming from too, as the open toppers cannot just be reroofed like Wilts&Dorset used to do in Swanage. I assume this means a very reduced frequency outside of school hols to reduce the number of deckers being drafted in.

 

[OptareOlympus]

Exmoor Coaster rebranded as Exmoor Explorer and given service number EX1. It is now a Devon and Somerset supported route.

It will operate 25 May till 31 August but open tops will only be used in the high season. Blue Anchor no longer served on Sundays or in low season.

Seems quite a downgrade on recent years.

Popular Exmoor Explorer (Exmoor Coaster) returns for Summer 2025 | FirstBusS&SW News

First Bus in Somerset, in collaboration with Devon County Council and Somerset Council, is excited to announce the return of the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) service (previously the Exmoor Coaster) for Summer 2025.

news-ssandsw.firstbus.co.uk

Popular Exmoor Explorer (Exmoor Coaster) returns for Summer 2025​

First Bus in Somerset, in collaboration with Devon County Council and Somerset Council, is excited to announce the return of the Exmoor Explorer (EX1) service (previously the Exmoor Coaster) for Summer 2025.
The iconic bus route offers passengers unparalleled views of the stunning Exmoor National Park and the picturesque coastal towns of Minehead, Lynmouth, and Ilfracombe.
Through funding contributions from Devon County Council and Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plans, the service will begin on Sunday 25 May 2025. The service will operate at different service levels during low and high seasons to accommodate varying demand.
The service will run from 25 May until 31 August, starting on Sunday 25 May on a low season timetable when it will operate with closed top double deckers.
From 24 July onwards, the service will run on a high season timetable, with open top buses. The last day of service for the season will be 31 August 2025. During high season, the service is also being extended down to the Blue Anchor holiday park in Minehead**.
In line with the government's fare cap initiative, single journeys on the Exmoor Explorer will be priced at just £3, making it an affordable option for both locals and visitors. English National Concessionary Travel Passes are also accepted on this route.

 

[Murray J]

The service will run from 25 May until 31 August, starting on Sunday 25 May on a low season timetable when it will operate with closed top double deckers.
From 24 July onwards, the service will run on a high season timetable, with open top buses. The last day of service for the season will be 31 August 2025.

Absolutely love how their solution to low-utilisation of open-top deckers in the off-season is to make the off-season even longer and only use them for a month...
Genius.

 

[Goldfish62]

Absolutely love how their solution to low-utilisation of open-top deckers in the off-season is to make the off-season even longer and only use them for a month...
Genius.

You beat me to it!

Then there's the totally unnecessary rebranding, which will be a cost.

They really are doing their best to kill off the route, short of just withdrawing it.