First West of England (Bristol, Bath & The West)

[swifty]

Does that mean that after making staff redundant in the earlier changes, they're increasing the depot compliment?

What do they currently use on the 112? Is it the ex Bath P&R B7s? Odd that these 102/112s are being changed and transferred from First Bristol and Avon to First D, C and Somerset!

I suppose it's a reactions to the Webberbus 15 from Taunton to Weston. The 102/112 currently see the ex Plymouth E400s, all the Volvos bar 32001 have moved back to Lawrence Hill.

It's also worth noting that Wells is now under Weston control again.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I suppose it's a reactions to the Webberbus 15 from Taunton to Weston. The 102/112 currently see the ex Plymouth E400s, all the Volvos bar 32001 have moved back to Lawrence Hill.

It's also worth noting that Wells is now under Weston control again.

It's undoubtedly a raising of the ante against Webberbus. The latest after the Wellington upgrade.

Didn't know Wells was back under Weston. Can't see e400s transferring to Somerset.... the ex London B7TLs going on there??

 

[swifty]

I doubt they'd move to Somerset. Seeing as the majority are in Travel Plus livery I can see them being used on the new service from November.

Could see the Tridents on there I guess, there's not much else 'quality' stock down there is there?

 

[matt_splat]

when did wells go back to Weston? as wells still had busses in Bath last week on 18s and also wells drivers have been in bath recently doing cover duties

I would expect the move of the 102 and 112 to Bridgewater could be to do with the fight against Webberbus?

the 112 is what 3 busses duty and 102 is a 1 bus duty some times 2 so Weston wont lose work with the 121 and A2 being ran from Weston Depot I take it the 112 will become a every 20 minute service to mirror the current 21 timetable

 

[freetoview33]

when did wells go back to Weston? as wells still had busses in Bath last week on 18s and also wells drivers have been in bath recently doing cover duties

I would expect the move of the 102 and 112 to Bridgewater could be to do with the fight against Webberbus?

the 112 is what 3 busses duty and 102 is a 1 bus duty some times 2 so Weston wont lose work with the 121 and A2 being ran from Weston Depot I take it the 112 will become a every 20 minute service to mirror the current 21 timetable

Where is the X6 being run from Lawrence Hill?

 

[swifty]

Where is the X6 being run from Lawrence Hill?

Yes, as per the current 361/2.

 

[Class 33]

No changes atall for Bristol services next month then. Oh well, will have to wait till March now!

No sign of the Enviro 400's and Streetlites for Bristol either, which was reported back in March we would be getting. Don't think we're going to get these this year now unfortunately. But will be happy to be proved wrong on that!

Oh and also spotted a Step Dart on the 73 yesterday!

 

[swifty]

No changes atall for Bristol services next month then. Oh well, will have to wait till March now!

No sign of the Enviro 400's and Streetlites for Bristol either, which was reported back in March we would be getting. Don't think we're going to get these this year now unfortunately. But will be happy to be proved wrong on that!

Oh and also spotted a Step Dart on the 73 yesterday!

As has been stated on here before, the 30 Streetlites for HE are due in November.

There is also the possibility of a further 7 Enviro 400s, but don't bank on them being for Bristol City services if they do materialise.

Interestingly 37632 was on the 354 to Nailsea this afternoon, so out on a bit of a jolly for once! Wonder what was on the city services in its place?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

As has been stated on here before, the 30 Streetlites for HE are due in November.

Also, the 22 e400s are rumoured to have been reduced to 6 whilst Weston received 6 e400s that weren't expected. ASSUMING THAT THE RUMOURS ARE TRUE, this suggests that no new deckers are coming to Bristol this year.

Of course, the 6 for Weston may have been a brucie bonus and the 22 planned for LH may still be coming?

 

[Class 33]

Thanks for those updates Swifty and TheGrandWazzoo.

I didn't spot on here that the Streetlite's for Bristol ARE due in November. Not long now then. Looking forward to seeing and riding aboard them on the 24 and 25, will be so much better than those crappy and cramped Enviro 200 things!

The Enviro 400's for Bristol. Assuming the rumours ARE true then, this is a BIG dissapointment - No Enviro 400's for Bristol this year, and no further double deckers atall this year! I did think at the time it was too good to be true that Bristol would be getting 22 Enviro 400's! We'll have to see what happens I guess. But whatever, Bristol does need at least about 10 more additional double deckers.

 

[swifty]

Also, the 22 e400s are rumoured to have been reduced to 6 whilst Weston received 6 e400s that weren't expected. ASSUMING THAT THE RUMOURS ARE TRUE, this suggests that no new deckers are coming to Bristol this year.

Of course, the 6 for Weston may have been a brucie bonus and the 22 planned for LH may still be coming?

That tallys with what I've heard, that still outstanding are 33831-7 for BSA.

 

[Rich McLean]

As the South Devon Bus War Thread has not gained much attention, I may as well stick this in here.

On the first week of the CityBus Blue Flash 12 and the 32, first appear to be holding strong. Both the 12 and 32 are carrying fresh air, while the 83/84/86 are well loaded. The morning 86 to Derriford was full and standing while the 12 had only 6 passengers on board. A 32 even broke down on the ferry, and I assume they are using Presidents on these as they have ferry lifts.

Time will tell though if those with Season Tickets decide to change when it comes up for renewal, which is what I imagine most Tavistock Passengers Buy to get to Plymouth and Back.

Blue Flash will only attract those passengers who need to change onto another CityBus service in the City.

Meanwhile, First HQ in Aberdeen have given the Green light for a major investment in Plymouth, including fleet replacement, reduced ticket prices and further service enhancements. I think Go-Ahead may have picked the wrong fight here.

 

[quarella]

Good news. I guess this means fares from places like St George, Clifton, and Horfield are £1.50. Shame it took so long to get here. I gave up on Bristol buses years ago due to high fares and if I'm about will consider them now. Nice round figures so change less of an issue. I remember a few years back when a short trip would cost about £1.95.

Avon County Council subsidised services used to just do the percentage increase with no rounding up/down to the nearest 5p. Thank goodness we hardly carried any passengers or only on Badgerline return tickets. The only exception was a school bus with 30+ kids clutching £1.00 coins for 28p and 34p fares.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Due to the competition on the number 5 route by Crosville's 105 in Weston-super-Mare (Worle Sainsburys to Uphill/Bleadon via Upper Milton) there is now no bus service after 1830 north of Milton Road/Worle High St.

 

[freetoview33]

Which parts of First Bus in Somerset come under, West of England, which parts come under Dorset and which parts come under Devon?

 

[RPI]

As the South Devon Bus War Thread has not gained much attention, I may as well stick this in here.

On the first week of the CityBus Blue Flash 12 and the 32, first appear to be holding strong. Both the 12 and 32 are carrying fresh air, while the 83/84/86 are well loaded. The morning 86 to Derriford was full and standing while the 12 had only 6 passengers on board. A 32 even broke down on the ferry, and I assume they are using Presidents on these as they have ferry lifts.

Time will tell though if those with Season Tickets decide to change when it comes up for renewal, which is what I imagine most Tavistock Passengers Buy to get to Plymouth and Back.

Blue Flash will only attract those passengers who need to change onto another CityBus service in the City.

Meanwhile, First HQ in Aberdeen have given the Green light for a major investment in Plymouth, including fleet replacement, reduced ticket prices and further service enhancements. I think Go-Ahead may have picked the wrong fight here.

Yes, I've heard on the First grapevine that that will be the case for nearly all of UK bus now, they intend to make good what they have.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Which parts of First Bus in Somerset come under, West of England, which parts come under Dorset and which parts come under Devon?

I think this is how it goes....

First Bristol and Avon - Lawrence Hill, Hengrove, Bath (incl. Westbury), Weston super Mare (incl. Wells)

First Hampshire and Dorset - Yeovil, Weymouth (incl. Bridport), Hilsea, Fareham, Southampton

First Devon, Cornwall and Somerset - Bridgwater, Taunton, Plymouth (incl. Tavistock, Torpoint and Dartmouth), Camborne (incl. Helston, Truro, Penzance, Eden Project

Apologies if I've missed anything out.

You do get the situation now where 3 First companies now serve Yeovil with FHD doing town services, plus Wincanton and Bridport services, with the 377 (FBA) and 54 (FDCS)

 

[swifty]

The owner of Pier Buses was in the Bristol Post today claiming that First aren't playing fair with their new changes coming into place next month. Although to be fair anything anti-First they can print they will!

The fact that First are using the number X7 for the Severn Express services also seems to be an issue to him. I find that quite strange really when the path of the two routes don't cross and they serve completely different towns!

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/play...tory-19906374-detail/story.html#axzz2hE8EfQl3
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Which parts of First Bus in Somerset come under, West of England, which parts come under Dorset and which parts come under Devon?

I think this is how it goes....

First Bristol and Avon - Lawrence Hill, Hengrove, Bath (incl. Westbury), Weston super Mare (incl. Wells)

They're the depots that have vehicles carrying the 'West of England' fleet name on the sides, although one at Taunton also carries the name from when it was First repainted, and a few in Bath have 'FirstBath' above the door.

It's also worth remembering that Taunton & Bridgwater are still on the First Somerset & Avon license for now.

 

[83G/84D]

I think this is how it goes....

First Bristol and Avon - Lawrence Hill, Hengrove, Bath (incl. Westbury), Weston super Mare (incl. Wells)

First Hampshire and Dorset - Yeovil, Weymouth (incl. Bridport), Hilsea, Fareham, Southampton

First Devon, Cornwall and Somerset - Bridgwater, Taunton, Plymouth (incl. Tavistock, Torpoint and Dartmouth), Camborne (incl. Helston, Truro, Penzance, Eden Project

Apologies if I've missed anything out.

You do get the situation now where 3 First companies now serve Yeovil with FHD doing town services, plus Wincanton and Bridport services, with the 377 (FBA) and 54 (FDCS)

First Kernow also have an outstation in Falmouth.

 

[freetoview33]

Because on the website Bridgwater and Taunton services are still listed along with all of Bristol and Bath services.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Now that Weston has wonderful new Enviro 400s for the X1, will the ex-Plymouth range now go to Bristol?!

 

[richw]

Because on the website Bridgwater and Taunton services are still listed along with all of Bristol and Bath services.

On the fleetlist Bridgwater and Taunton are under Devon and Cornwall.

 

[freetoview33]

The X9 is a replacement for the 354 but does not call at Long Ashton

 

[83G/84D]

For anyone who may be interested I have posted some service changes for Cornwall commencing next month on a separate thread/ topic as they do not solely affect First Kernow.

If anyone can add to the list regarding any other bus companies affected please do so. All the information listed was provided by Cornwall Council.


As an aside most of the First Kernow Volvo open top fleet are stored at Camborne this winter as there is no room at Truro outstation as it being used to park the Scania and Citaro Park & Ride buses.

I am hearing that some of the Volvo's might go to Plymouth for winter storage if it gets too crowded at Camborne.

 

[Goldfish62]

The details of the West Cornwall cuts from next month have now been published in full, including some rationalisation of FDC's services, although with some coverage of the withdrawn Western Greyhound services:

From www.thisiscornwall.co.uk:


HOW bus routes in west Cornwall will look from November 3:
1/1A – Land's End/St Buryan/Penzance: timetable includes journeys covered by discontinued Western Greyhound (WG) services 501 and 504. Service 1 will provide coverage of Paul, Sheffield and Gwavas Estate, together with revised service 5.
2 – Penzance/Helston/Falmouth: simplified to an hourly service between Penzance and Falmouth via Helston, Monday to Saturday daytimes. Alternate buses run faster as service X2. The evening and Sunday service will be two-hourly between Helston and Penzance and hourly between Goldsithney and Penzance. This service will no longer operate via Perranuthnoe – a new service 13 will now serve this village.
5/5A – Sheffield/Paul/Newlyn/Penzance: service broadly hourly as current, but some journeys provided by service 1. A reduced evening service will be provided as 6A and a reduced Sunday delivery as part of service 1/1A.
6/6A – Mousehole/Newlyn/Penzance: will operate every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and hourly during evening and Sunday daytime. All daytime journeys will be via the current 6 route and some evening journeys will operate as 6A to serve Paul, Sheffield and Gwavas. Sunday evening journeys are withdrawn.
10/10A – Penzance/St Just: service revised to hourly from Penzance to St Just and continuing to Lower Boscaswell and return. Evening and Sunday service will be two-hourly.
11 – Penzance town service: will be combined into revised service 16 (see below).
13 – New service operating from Penzance to Camborne via Leedstown replacing and extending the former Western Greyhound service 513.
14/14A/14B – St Ives/Hayle/Camborne/Truro: service largely unchanged Monday to Saturday daytime. Evening and Sunday service reduced for winter.
16 – St Ives/Nancledra/Penzance: route revised within Penzance to operate via current service 11 routes. The service 16 will no longer operate to Penbeagle Estate in St Ives as this is served by services with St Ives Minibus Company. Certain service 16 journeys will now operate via, or continue to, Zennor, in part replacing Western Greyhound service 508.
17 – St Ives/Lelant/Penzance: service level similar on Monday to Saturday with a revised timetable. Evening and Sunday daytime journeys will no longer operate via Marazion. Sunday evening journeys are withdrawn.
18 – Truro/Camborne/Hayle/Penzance: service increased to every 30 minutes between Penzance and Camborne on Monday to Saturday daytimes, otherwise largely unchanged. Evening and Sunday services will now follow the daytime route and not operate via St Day/Carharrack and St Erth villages.
X18 – Penzance/Truro: reduced timetable; commuter journeys and one shopper bus facility to and from Truro retained.
19 – Penzance/Hayle Retail Park: this service is withdrawn


Read more: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Loc...tory-19916111-detail/story.html#ixzz2hLsdKVBR
Follow us: @thisiscornwall on Twitter | thisiscornwall on Facebook

 

[richw]

Goldfish the changes you quoted is nowhere near the full changes. The full changes have been given their own thread:

http://railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=91015

edit- sorry didn't see you had only quoted west Cornwall.

 

[Goldfish62]

Goldfish the changes you quoted is nowhere near the full changes. The full changes have been given their own thread:

http://railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=91015

edit- sorry didn't see you had only quoted west Cornwall.

Thanks for the referral to the other thread!

 

[swifty]

They're the depots that have vehicles carrying the 'West of England' fleet name on the sides, although one at Taunton also carries the name from when it was First repainted, and a few in Bath have 'FirstBath' above the door.

It's also worth remembering that Taunton & Bridgwater are still on the First Somerset & Avon license for now.

Interestingly the ex London Tridents arriving at Taunton also all carry the West of England fleet name! The last SxxxAAE. Olympians are likely to cascade down to Cornwall.

 

[ValleyLines142]

I really wish Bristol would get some more double deckers. Yesterday there were three Eclipses on the 73 and one on the 2!

 

[ValleyLines142]

Also, I saw a Gemini on the X39 yesterday. I didn't know Bath had a selection of them! Hoping one will stroll out on the 319!

 

[freetoview33]

Interestingly the ex London Tridents arriving at Taunton also all carry the West of England fleet name! The last SxxxAAE. Olympians are likely to cascade down to Cornwall.

This is interesting~!