Plymothian Transit

Sorry I am not in service

2012-02-10T17:56:00.001Z

It seems there is a fault on my broadband line which they will attempt to fix - on monday!

Hopefully normal service will commence then. I might be able to get another mobile post over the weekend.

April Foolishness in Cornwall

2012-02-09T04:40:00.000Z

Having been very quiet so far this year VOSA has seen a lot of activity this last few days. On the site on the 6th February we have the following notifications. I know this is very much a Plymouth based blog but today I will just show the Cornish notifications as it highlights the impact on public transport of the Cornwall County Council cuts. It is to be hoped that there are a few more new service registrations to appear to replace some at least of the cancellations listed below. Otherwise things will be really grim!

PH0004983/171 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between PENZANCE, Bus Station/ FALMOUTH, Moor and HELSTON, Tesco given service number 2/2A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

On the 7th we get all of these:

PH0004983/170 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PENZANCE Bus Station and LANDS END given service number 1/1A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0004983/171 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PENZANCE, Bus Station/ FALMOUTH, Moor and HELSTON, Tesco given service number 2/2A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/172 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Variation Accepted: Operating between PENZANCE Bus Station and GWAVAS/MOUSEHOLE given service number 5/5A/6/6A effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

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

Variation Accepted: Operating between FALMOUTH Moor and TRURO Treliske Hospital/NEWQUAY Bus Station given service number 68/68A/88/88B/89/90/988/989 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0004983/213 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST AUSTELL Bus Station and Megavissey given service number 26 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0004983/437 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Penzance Finish Point: Manor Way Via: Service Number: 11 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Hourly, Monday to Saturday, except public holidays.

PH0004983/438 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Penzance Finish Point: St Ives Via: Gulval Service Number: 16 Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride Effective Date: 01-APR-2012 Other Details: Hourly Monday to Saturday except public holidays.

Western Greyhound has a lot more notifications. Again I start with the Cornish ones to give you an idea of the scale of changes due on the 1st April:

PH0006741/1 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between TRURO and NEWQUAY BUS STATION given service number 592/594/595/597 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/4 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY Bus Station and PADSTOW Old Rail Station given service number 556 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/7 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between TRURO,Victoria Square and NEWQUAY, Bus Station given service number 585/583/587 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/9 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell and Bodmin Morrisons given service number 529 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/11 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Bodmin and PADSTOW Old Railway Station given service number 555 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/17 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell and Gorran Haven given service number 526 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/33 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between BUDE Strand and MARHAM Church given service number 518 effective from 02-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/34 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between BUDE, THE STRAND and Holsworthy given service number 530 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/35 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Newquay Bus Station and Eden Project given service number 527 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/37 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Agnes and St Ives Malakoff given service number 547 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/40 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY and ST AUSTELL given service number 521 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/42 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between LISKEARD and CALLINGTON given service number 574 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/48 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Columb Major and Boscastle given service number 594 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/54 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and St Just, Bus Station given service number 516 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/56 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and St Just Bus Station given service number 504 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/57 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and Panzance Manor Way given service number 511 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/61 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between NEOT and MENHENIOT given service number 575 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/63 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell Trinity Street and Fowey Safe Harbour given service number 524/525 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/70 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro BHS Boscawen St and Truro BHS Boscawen St given service number 596 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/72 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell Trinity Street and Truro (Boscawen Street) given service number 522 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/73 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Truro Bus Station and Helford Passage given service number 500 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/76 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro, Boscawen Street and St Mawes Car Park given service number 550/551 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/80 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between St Austell, Bus Station and Lostwithiel given service number 523 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/81 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between St Austell, Trinity Street and Stenalees given service number 528 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/82 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Penzance Bus Station and Lands End given service number 501 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/83 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Helston Tescos and Lizard Green given service number 537 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/84 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Helston and St Keverne/Coverack given service number 538 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/85 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Truro Victoria Square and Camborne Bus Station given service number 540/542/543 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/88 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro, Boscawen Street and St. Austell, Kings Avenue given service number 520 effective from 01-Apr-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/89 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Helston Coinagehall Street and Falmouth Moor given service number 535 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/91 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Camborne Bus Station and Truro Bus Station given service number 543 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/92 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Redruth Railway Station and Helston given service number 534 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

PH0006741/93 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Truro Railway Station and Helston given service number 582 effective from 01-Apr-2012.

A couple of others:

PH1080163/4 - D A C COACHES LTD, RYLANDS GARAGE, ST. ANNS CHAPEL, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9HW

Variation Accepted: Operating between Callington New Road and St Neot Car Park given service number 283 effective from 02-Apr-2012. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.

PH1080163/8 - D A C COACHES LTD, RYLANDS GARAGE, ST. ANNS CHAPEL, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9HW

Registration Accepted Starting Point: Launceston, Westgate Street Finish Point: Liskeard Station Via: Upton Cross Service Number: 236 Service Type: ail & Ride Effective Date: 02-APR-2012 Other Details: Monday to Friday except bank holidays.

OUCH!

There are a few notifications closer to home – these will appear here tomorrow – as its now 1am and I want to go to bed!

Ageless?

2012-02-08T04:32:00.000Z

It seems the next repaint to hit the road for the new look Citycoach fleet will be 315 which should be out and about in the next day or two. It seems a good time for a reminder of how she looked when brand new:

Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by Steven Hughes

I know some think this livery is quite dated but it still looks quite fresh to me. Its nice and simple yet bold and I am not aware of anyone else using the same style. I have never been a fan of the grey though and I do like the new blue livery even more. Its hard to believe that the above photo was taken in 2003, almost 9 years ago. When this coach is in the new livery she wont look out of place next to the brand new ones, only the registration giving away how old she is. I have never been a fan of this style of Plaxton bodywork, seems quite bland compared with other designs out there, but perhaps that has helped it to remain ‘ageless – and not to age quite as much as some designs have done.

Plymouth Bus Routes No 6: The 22

2012-02-07T19:18:00.000Z

I hope that when this post goes live it will show the next route video, this time Plymouth Citybus 22 from the City Centre - Lipson Vale - Plympton St Maurice - Chaddlewood.
Vimeo have changed their embeded codes, and Live Writer refuses to recognize the new code so I am having to do this the hard way through Googles own editor!

Citaro

2012-02-06T04:52:00.000Z

Finally managed to catch 85 in the new livery:

Life after Plymouth: R309STA

2012-02-04T09:39:00.001Z

It hasn't taken Southern Vectis long to repaint former Citycoach R309STA into its smart Moss livery. Of course if it had stayed in Plymouth it would eventually end up looking not too dissimilar - and equally smart.

©Nigel Harris
"Looking very smart in full Go South Coast, Moss livery, 7009 (R309STA) now with all transfers added and most parts refitted (except Wipers) inside the paint shop at Nelson Road, Newport on 1 February 2012."
Thanks to Nigel for permission to use his photos. Pop across to his Flickr site to see a lot more Southern Vectis including a nice shot of R309STA reunited with sister N307UTT

People have to pay to catch the bus–shock horror!

2012-02-02T04:35:00.000Z

Poor Plymouth Citybus. This week sees yet another ‘non story’ being blown up in the local press:

A GROUP of angry parents have formed a pressure group after Citybus charged their children £6 each to get to school for forgetting their pre-paid bus passes – and then refused to refund the money. Jane Scott, from Crapstone, and a number of other parents in the village are busy getting people to sign a petition in a bid to get Citybus to change its policy on refunding charges incurred when school children forget their pre-paid bus passes.

“I wasn’t annoyed that she had to pay – I understand their no pass, no travel policy completely, but what I fail to see is why they have refused me a refund when in effect I have already paid for the trip.

She is now questioning the legalities behind being made to pay twice for the same journey and has contacted Trading Standards. She said: “I can’t believe how awful Citybus are being – I’m not sure it’s even legal. “I have formed this pressure group to tackle the problem head-on. We need to get this sorted – it’s not fair.

Peter Oliver, commercial manager at the bus company, said: “We carry a large number of customers every day and we have never had to even address this issue in the past because it has never been a problem.

“It’s a simple policy – if you forget your pre-paid pass, then you have to pay – people accept that and it’s the same on every mode of transport.

Full story This is Plymouth

I have a bus pass myself which means I have pre paid my bus fares. However, if I loose or forget my pass I have to pay on the bus. Its annoying to myself but its just the way it is. Its never occurred to me to try and get the fares back. I am not sure it would even be possible to administer even if the company were happy to oblige. Even if i can prove I had a valid pass for a journey which I had to pay for, how to I prove that I actually made that journey?

The “I’m not sure its even legal” comment is my favourite!

Enviro refreshed

2012-02-01T04:03:00.000Z

All the original batch of Enviros are now in the new livery. I managed to catch 134 and 135 on camera yesterday. It does seem that repaints have speeded up a bit now. These do look good in this livery...

Time to Jackett In

2012-01-31T04:58:00.000Z

It was a brave experiment by new a brand new operator but today (Tuesday 31st January) is the last day of Jacketts Coaches X5 service. "It is with regret that we forced to announce the withdrawal of the X5 Plymouth – Truro service and that the last day of running will be Tuesday 31st January 2012 Though this has been a very popular route, it has never generated enough revenue to match its running costs and with up coming changes to the Concessionary fare scheme and the reduction in the amount we will be paid for accepting these passes has meant that it is no longer viable to continue this service."

It was already reduced to two days a week instead of the daily service.

Sadly I never did get round to trying this service myself – and now its too late. Whether you think it was a foolhardy move to introduce this service, the operator has to be applauded for at least giving it a go. With the massive cuts planned by Cornwall County Council I fear it will be a long time before we see another attempt to improve the Plymouth – Cornwall bus links again.

Victims?

2012-01-30T04:28:00.000Z

It didnt take long for complaints to hit the press about the forthcoming changes in Plympton.

PLYMPTON residents have expressed their worry and anger at the imminent changes to three bus routes in the area. Julie and Stephen Williamson from Chaddlewood are concerned as Stephen is disabled and say that the extra walk to another bus stop is not manageable.

Stephen said: "I feel like we're being victimised, if it's a 10 minute walk to a bus stop and you can't make that walk then what's the answer? "It's a no win situation all the time and I believe we're being victimised because we have disabilities."

On the Citybus website it states: "The reality is that one third of all customers using the service are in possession of the free travel pass which in turn severely restricts the overall income potential of the service."

Julie said: "I would like to say that I feel that using the number of free bus passes as part of the reason for reducing the service, to be insulting.

Full story on This is Plymouth

I can understand their annoyance at loosing the 10 min service but at least they are still getting a regular bus service. Many areas of Plymouth would be more than happy to get the same level of bus service that the 21 gets.

The 21 to Steer Park last week - but not for much longer,,,

Plymouth Bus Routes No.5: Plymouth Citybus 21

2012-01-28T09:41:00.001Z

Bus Routes Video Number 5 is now ready. This shows the current Plymouth Citybus route 21 from the City Centre to Chaddlewood. It also highlights the new terminus at Chaddlewood from the 4th March when the Steer Park extension is dropped so the video remains current after the route change next month. As usual all of this is documented on my Route 21 page on PT Extra so you can see the evolution of this route over the last few years.

Subtle difference, big improvement

2012-01-27T05:05:00.000Z

It was only when I was uploading new photos I twigged what was so different!

just looks a lot tidier at the front now.

Citybus 20 after the change

2012-01-26T04:59:00.000Z

As promised I have now completed the video for the new route taken by the 20 as from 4th March. I have added this video along with the latest notes and timetables to my Route 20 page here so you can view both befor4e and after videos if you so wish. You can see from these videos just how tight and congested it is around the Woodford and Crossway areas.

subtle difference

2012-01-25T04:33:00.000Z

23 January 2012
20 August 2006

Plympton Explained

2012-01-24T04:49:00.000Z

Plymouth Citybus have now placed details on the changes to their Plympton services on their web site and also sent out a nice little email news letter which points to the details. What I really like is how they have gone out of their way to explain the changes, why they have been made and even to lay out their hopes and aspirations for future for each route.

Service 21

Service generally re-timed to adjust for the improvements now in effect in Prince Rock. To improve the overall efficiency of the service the service will no longer service Steer Park (See Service 20). Instead the service is to start and terminate at the District centre Chaddlewood. A couple of the very early morning journeys on Saturdays are to be withdrawn. For Steer Park the alternative fast bus provision would be either walk to the District centre or catch the Service 20 to Ridgeway and then change to the Service 21.

Why the change?

Service 21 has been something of a success story both for Plympton and the wider network in general. Despite the improvements in traffic flows, the service is unable to sustain the high level of resource required to maintain an up to every 10 minute service into Steer Park. This together with the reality that 1/3 of all customers using the service are in possession of the free travel pass which in turn severely restricts the overall income potential of the service and upcoming substantial changes to the price of fuel used for buses, especially in the area of fuel tax. These combined pressures means that the service is simply unable to generate the income needed to sustain the resources required to maintain a high frequency service running all the way into Steer Park and as such we need to reduce down our driver and vehicle commitment to the service meaning we can’t quite reach Steer Park on the new times and levels of resource.

Is the change to the Service 21 permanent?

We hope not, as more of our customers move to the smart card, boarding times will further improve (tap and go as opposed to paying the driver the fare). We may also see further improvements to running times in Prince Rock once the scheme is completely finished and enforcement of the bus priority takes effect. These changes alone may be enough to give us the extra time needed to reach Steer Park on a sustained basis. Once the change takes effect we will rely on feedback from the regular drivers to let us know when returning to Steer Park is possible.

Service 20

The Service is to see a change of route with the service no longer operating to St Marys bridge via Mudge way. Instead the Service is to operate along Ridgeway to Sandy Road and then on into Steer Park. The service will continue to operate up to every 30 minutes for much of the day but unfortunately due to very low customer numbers, the Service on Sundays is to be withdrawn. (See changes to the Service 22) Some very early morning journeys on Saturdays are to be withdrawn

Why the change?

Service 20 has a number of problems but the main essential truth is the journey through Woodford is shocking. The condition of the highway is really bad which together with a big problem of residential parking particularly in Crossway (but to be honest most of Woodford could hardly be classed as smooth running). Because of this we are unable to deliver the quality and level of service we feel the area should have. Service 20 is also victim to upcoming changes to the price of fuel, and has a higher than average use of the free travel pass which in turn severely restricts the overall income potential of the service. These challenges are too great for us to maintain the overall level of service which is why the Sunday Service is to be withdrawn. It is hoped that the extension to Steer Park will generate additional local use of the Service which is needed to help revive the fortunes of this service.

Is the change to the Service 20 permanent?

We feel that the Sunday service is unlikely to ever return, at least not until we are able to build up the Monday to Saturday usage. To do that would require a number of changes to how car parking is managed in the Woodford area. There would also need to be real improvements to the condition of the highway. We are pressing the local authority for improvements to the general condition and for changes to on street parking. Should this be achieved then the quality of what we provide will substantially improve which in turn should lead to increased level of service. Woodford as an area should be able to support a bus every 20 minutes all day, perhaps also a limited evening service. We hope that the environment will change to enable us to one day deliver this level of service. If we are able to return the Service 21 into Steer Park then the plan for the Service 20 would be to operate into Langage.

Service 22

Sundays and Bank holidays will see the frequency of the Service increase from hourly to every 30 minutes for much of the day. Some very early morning journeys on Saturdays from Plympton are to be withdrawn.

Why the change?

Service 22 is another great story for Plympton and the general network. Okay a couple of the early morning Saturday services are to be withdrawn, but these were incredibly low used. The great news is that despite the challenges with fuel and the slightly higher than average use of the free pass, income levels of the Monday to Saturday service is now at a level that we are able to expand the Sunday Service to operate every 30 minutes for most of the day.

Is the change to the Service 22 permanent?

Don’t see why not, the provision of a higher frequency service on Sundays should be very popular. We believe that the Service 22 will go continue to go from strength the strength with the long term aim of achieving a service level of every 15 minutes for most of the day. To achieve this there would need to be improvements to on street parking particularly in the Longcause area (this is where the buses would meet when operating at higher frequency) There would also need to be improvements to the income from those that travel free so that it is more reflective when compared to those that pay, but hopefully this may be possible in the coming years.

Five years seems so long ago

2012-01-23T04:19:00.000Z

I am hoping to get out and about this week to take my first photos of 2012 as there are a few buses I need to catch up on for my own records. This got me looking back to my earlier postings on Flickr so here we have a selection of a quick trip into town on 6th January 2007…

Starting off with this impressive collection of Truronian coaches.
Plymouth Citybus 134 when still looking quite smart.
First 20306 in the smart First Coaches livery. This one is now with First Hampshire and Dorset I believe.
42753 in the smart advert livery for Plymouth Argyle. This bus is still out and about in Plymouth. Not sure what happend to Argyle though?

The main reason for my trip to town on this day was to get my first pho5tos of the brand new Park & Ride Enviros, one of which was being displayed for shoppers. The handsome young man below is a lot bigger than that now!

Plymouth Bus Routes No3: Citybus 20

2012-01-21T16:46:00.001Z

Whilst the original plan was to work through all the routes in numerical order I want to make sure that I keep up with any route changes as they occur so I have before and after versions ready as the route changes happen. The first batch of route changes have been announced as being Plymouth Citybus 20 to 22 so we present the first of these routes this week with the current route 20:

Plymouth Bus Routes No3: Plymouth Citybus 20

We start with the City Centre loop and then proceed down Exeter Street, Embankment Road on to Marsh Mills. Then enter Plympton Woodford, Crossway, Newnham Road, and up through Moorland Road to Mudgeway and Ridgeway ending up at St Mary Bridge.

I will shortly complete the new version of this route and detail the changes due in March.

Google Maps now take the train

2012-01-20T04:04:00.000Z

As you have probably guessed by now, I am quite a fan of Google Maps. Well the service has now got even more useful in that you can now get basic train information when you ask for directions as well as the standard car journey directions and bus travel.

So I want to get to Looe so I use Google Maps and it shows me the route to take by car

But now If I select the public transport icon (just above the word Plymouth top left) I can see three options to travel listed below. You can change the date and time if you are planning ahead which is even more useful for planning a train journey. The lines on the map show the connections between scheduled stops so a non stop run would be a single line between Plymouth and Liskeard, whilst this one below stops twice along the journey. A nice easy way to highlight what should be quicker options.

Scrolling down you see the full journey details with the train journey highlighted (ie Exeter St Davids to Par) and the journey time.

Below this you then get the links to the web site of the train operator for the journey you have picked and also a link for ticket prices. The ticket prices link actually takes you the The Trainline who have supplied Google with the timetables etc to make all of this work so seems fair enough. Sadly when you get the The Trainline you have to enter the journey details again to get the ticket prices etc which is a shame but isnt too difficult. You can of course go through the First Great Western site and get the tickets through them and avoid the credit card surcharge.

The National Rail information joins local transit data, to offer true national multi-modal travel planning to users of Google Maps on the web, and more importantly mobile via Google Maps for Mobile. This is a great example of the benefits of opening up public data sets, the national rail timetable data is been provided via the people at thetrainline.com who have great expertise in dealing with the complexities of the unique railway system in Britain. [Source: EdParsons]

Solo Repaint

2012-01-18T04:22:00.000Z

First Devon & Cornwall Optare Solo W811PAF is seen above when it carried the short lived, but smart Orange line branding for the 14. Amazing to think that was 9 years ago!

This bus more recently has carried a very bland livery for the Waitrose contract in Saltash as can be seen on Toms Flickr account HERE

Thanks to John Kowalski I can now report that it is back in standard Barbie livery, with the Waitrose contract livery now carried by newer Solo 53110. I assume it is equally bland.

Other livery news which may or may not be significant is the repainting of former Truronian coach 20556 TT04TRU in a dark blue livery with lighter blue skirt with silver First logos on the side. It could just be some sort of contract livery, or it could just be a hint of something more interesting…

Update: I have now seen more photos of this coach. It is a new scheme of dark blue with lighter blue skirt at the rear with a large stylised swirl of First Pink and light blues with a large Truronian fleetname with the flying f logo. If this is the new standard coach livery for First then its very welcome indeed.

Sneak Preview from Volvo

2012-01-17T04:50:00.000Z

Plymouth Citybus, part of the Go Ahead Group, has made a significant investment of £1.6 million in ten state-of-the-art Volvo Euro 5 B7RLE low emission buses with Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork.

The new Volvo vehicles have now gone into production at the Wrightbus factory in Northern Ireland and will be delivered to Plymouth Citybus later this year.

Volvo’s B7RLE low entry city bus heralds from the B7R range, the company’s best selling chassis worldwide. Powered by the D7E 7.1 litre in-line, common rail, fuel injection diesel engine, the bus provides high reliability, low fuel consumption and long service life. The rear mounted engine is connected to the 6-speed ZF Ecolife gearbox, which provides excellent driveability and performance. Featuring 41 leather seats and with space provided for child pushchairs and wheelchair users, the buses are specifically designed with passenger comfort in mind. All ten of the new vehicles will be fitted with the stylish Wrightbus Eclipse 2 bodywork and sport Go Ahead’s smart new livery, which was launched in 2011.

The new buses, which also feature a distinctive large digital destination display, will replace older existing buses on Route 43, which runs between Plymouth city centre and Ernesettle.

“This is the largest single order for buses in Plymouth for at least five years,” explained Plymouth Citybus Managing Director, Andrew Wickham. “It clearly demonstrates Go Ahead Group’s long term commitment to our customers.”

Volvo’s Bus Sales Manager, Phil Fletcher, was equally pleased, “This is a highly significant order – the biggest in the region for some time, which I think reflects the quality of the product.”

Volvo Bus Press Release

©Volvo Bus

Sorry for lack of posts over last few days – I have major back issues which have prevented any computer access since Saturday. I am slowly getting better but restricting myself to 15 minutes at a time as I cease up completely if I spend more than that sitting down.

Links etc will appear asap – my Reader list stands at over 1000 again!

Plymouth Bus Routes Part Two

2012-01-14T16:25:00.001Z

Part two of my series looking at the current bus routes in Plymouth covers route 1A Plymouth to Latchbook (Saltash).

I start this time at Fairmead Road, Latchbrook and do the Latchbrook loop before returning through Saltash towards Plymouth. I have also included the whole of the Plymouth City Centre loop so we end at North Cross Roundabout as it heads back towards Saltash.

Plymouth Bus Routes Part Two

Route 1A Latchbrook to Royal Parade operated by First Devon & Cornwall

And yes, I have noticed the spelling mistake at the beginning! (Only after the half hour it takes to upload the video!!)

Citybus in Plympton

2012-01-13T04:21:00.000Z

The first of this years VOSA notices has appeared for Plymouth Citybus on the 9th January:

PH0000135/95 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
- Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Steer Park, Down Road given service number 20 effective from 04-Mar-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.
PH0000135/99 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
- Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Plymton Sandy Road given service number 22 effective from 04-Mar-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0000135/100 - PLYMOUTH CITYBUS LTD, MILEHOUSE, MILEHOUSE ROAD, PLYMOUTH, PL3 4AA
- Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth, Royal Parade and Chaddlewood District Centre given service number 21 effective from 04-Mar-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.

This does seem to be more of a tinkering than anything else but it will be interesting to see what the route changes actually are.

If the VOSA notices are to be taken at face value ( and they are often vague to say the least) it looks like the 20 is extended to Steer Park whilst the 21 only goes as far as Chaddlewood Centre rather than Steer Park.

Full details will be given once they are available.

Something fishy

2012-01-12T04:57:00.000Z

Just a very quick post with a couple of rushed photos taken with my phone last night on the way home. Seeing how dark it was getting I am surprised that they came out at all. Plymouth Citybus 425 Y828TGH now sports this smart wrap for the National Marine Aquarium.

I will catch up on the links etc tomorrow – I have just checked my Reader account and I have over 1000 entries to go through- and its getting very late!

Rewarding

2012-01-10T04:44:00.000Z

Its always good to see the local bus companies involved in a ‘good news’ story.

A DEVOTED fundraiser who has drummed up well over £1million for lifesaving surgical equipment is The Herald's latest Gold Star winner. Mike Turner founded the Cavitron Fund in 1983 to help buy specialist kit for Derriford Hospital's neurosurgery department, which treats patients with brain and spine injuries.

The fund and its supporters have raised more than £1.25million in the past decade alone, which has helped place Plymouth at the forefront of neurosurgery. Retired Derriford employee Mike, aged 69, of Plymouth city centre, has been named as the latest recipient of The Herald and First Devon and Cornwall's Gold Star award. The awards highlight the selfless achievements of the city's unsung heroes.

Mike said he is honoured to receive recognition – but the biggest reward is in the benefit of the money raised.

Robbie Lamerton, general manager for First in Devon and Cornwall which sponsors the awards, added: "We are thrilled that it has been possible to honour Mike in this way. He has worked incredibly hard over the past decades to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. The result is that Plymouth now has a resource at its fingertips that can be used to help save lives – with the impact of this being felt far and wide. Congratulations Mike."

This is Plymouth

I used to work with Mike way back in 1983 at Freedom Fields Hospital when he started the Cavitron Fund – he has put a lot of work for the fund over the 30 years and is clearly still going strong so is a very worthy winner of the award. It is great that the company sponsors the award but it would be nice to see them make something more of it on their own web site. Anything bad happens and it will get plastered all over the net – so when something positive like this happens – make more of it – tell the world!

Life after Plymouth: L115yod

2012-01-09T04:18:00.000Z

Plymouth may have all but lost its step entrance Darts but many of them seem to have found new homes. L115YOD is still in Devon with River Link as captured by Jason Beverley at the end of December:

Plymothian Transit

Sorry I am not in service

April Foolishness in Cornwall

PH0004983/171 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

PH0004983/170 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

PH0004983/171 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

PH0004983/172 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

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

PH0004983/213 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

PH0004983/437 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

PH0004983/438 - FIRST DEVON & CORNWALL LTD, THE RIDE, CHELSON MEADOW, PLYMOUTH, PL9 7JT

PH0006741/1 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/4 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/7 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/9 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/11 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/17 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/33 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/34 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/35 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/37 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/40 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/42 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/48 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/54 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/56 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/57 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/61 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/63 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/70 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/72 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/73 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/76 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/80 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/81 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/82 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/83 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/84 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/85 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/88 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/89 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/91 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/92 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH0006741/93 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

PH1080163/4 - D A C COACHES LTD, RYLANDS GARAGE, ST. ANNS CHAPEL, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9HW

PH1080163/8 - D A C COACHES LTD, RYLANDS GARAGE, ST. ANNS CHAPEL, GUNNISLAKE, PL18 9HW

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