Plymothian Transit

Its like Deja Vu all over again, again

2012-06-03T04:02:00.000+01:00

August 2007

June 2012

Elsewhere on the net

As I was sheltering from the rain in Gorleston High Street this afternoon one of the recent arrivals in the Anglianbus fleet stopped on the opposite side of the road. East Norfolk Bus Blog
Apparently folks whose of idea of tram driving is trundling along about a mile of nice level track at Crich get a suprise when they do the Isle of Man. You are let loose on the real system between Laxey and Ramsey with gradients, dodgy track joints and bends, crossing roads and trying not to run over the local sheep and goats who have decided to take a walk along the track. Great fun. Public Transport Experience

Its like Deja Vu all over again

2012-06-02T09:52:00.001+01:00

Having simplified its fare structure earlier this year by having just the two main fares Citybus have a new promotion on for the summer which introduces a new fare – always welcome when its a lower one…

From Sunday 3rd June until Sunday 2nd September we will be running a Summer Fare promotion, called 'The Great British Summer Fare'.

During this period you will be able to purchase a single ticket for £1 from Milehouse, Astor Field, Union Street Brewery Tap, Millbay Road Caroline Place, Mutley Plain and Ebrington Street into the City Centre and vice versa.

The service 25 Mayflower Street loop will also be £1.

Its always good to see a fares promotion like this but I cant help feeling it would have been nice just to reduce the £1.50 short hop to £1 for the period that way more people would benefit, but still, its a welcome move.

With all the uncertainty surrounding First at the moment Citybus remind us that they are still in competition with First and twist the knife a bit with a couple of special fares on the 26:

From the 3rd June there will also be changes to Service 26 fares between the following points.
Barne Barton and St Budeaux Square £1.
Barne Barton and city centre £1.50.
Union Street Brewery Tap and city centre £1.

It doesn't seem that long ago that Citybus were openly for sale and First were introducing new routes and fares across Plymouth on the more popular Citybus routes. That was a worrying time for Citybus staff, just as it is now for First staff.

Business as usual

2012-06-01T04:22:00.000+01:00

VOSA 29 May 2012

PH0004983/336 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Barne Barton given service number 3 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0004983/337 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Plymouth Royal Parade and Mount Batten given service number 2 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.

After the massive list from Citybus, First have just these two entries on VOSA for what look like simple timetable changes rather than anything else.

While I am here... Rumours of First selling part or all of the Devon & Cornwall operation have been around for years. This year First have already sold the North Devon operations and First Group have gone on record as saying they are looking to make more sales across the country.

The last couple of days have seen new rumours of a sale with news being announced that Go Ahead Plymouth City have purchased the Plymouth operation. This is not the case.

I am not saying it wont happen (although I cant see them being allowed to) and First Group would certainly look at any offers to buy the company or parts of it if there are any on the table. I am just saying to be fair to all the staff its better to wait for any official announcement of any sale or otherwise.

If and when that happens it will of course appear here…

Elsewhere on the net

There are moments when the various particles of one’s life collide in the most unlikely yet thoroughly rewarding ways. Last weekend, 270 KTA and I had two 270KTA
So, in York at least, ftr is dead and buried; but whoever looks after stops doesn't seem to have grasped the purple monsters' demise as the ghostly remains are evident throughout the city, as here at the station ... Public Transport Experience
The driver of a Stagecoach Manchester Enviro 400 probably had no idea he was being videoed as he overtook a cyclist while approaching a pedestrian refuse. Omnibuses
In my final Wilts & Dorset instalment for the week, this blog entry covers the entry to service of the brand new Wilts & Dorset Volvo B7RLEs. Southern England Bus Scene

Atlantean Update

2012-05-31T09:41:00.001+01:00

Jason Beverley has uncovered more information in his quest to track down any remaining Plymouth Atlanteans:

Sadly I can now confirm that the following Atlanteans have definitely been scrapped some time ago in fact but the info has just come to light.

OCO 117S was also with them but its unclear what happened to this bus after 1997.
OCO 118S was scrapped by Harris, Grays Essex in April 1997 after purchase from Southampton in 1993.
OCO 120S we still don't know anything after 2007.
STK 122T was scrapped by Harris, Grays Essex in March 1996
STK 123T was scrapped by Harris, Grays Essex in March 1996

A picture of 120 as AN120 in happier times in 1996 showing the more professional single door conversion work carried out by London AND Country.

Here she is in Plymouth in even happier times…

Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by Ian Kirby

On a happier note 230 JJY 630G the Atlantean that has appeared on eBay several times has been purchased by www.theboozebus.com.au with the intention of restoring it for use as a Party bus this information came from Australia in last 48 hours and the bus has been moved in the yard under its own steam so some good news this was one of the few that got Citybus livery. Another unidentified Atlantean ex Plymouth jjy/g has also been photographed in Australia converted to a mobile home reported to be 229 but totally unconfirmed.

Elsewhere on the net

There, it has been said; the truth is out; fbb is exposed as a convenience bus user who cynically resorts to a motor car when ... public transport is unrealistic Public Transport Experience
Unfortunately it appears that First Devon and Cornwall's open top service between Barnstaple and Croyde won't be materialising itself again this year PTOTPA
It really is a fascinating website for the rail novice like me. Clearly those who work within the industry will have seen this before, or a version of it, but for it to be available to the general public is a great step forward. A Transport of Delight
Glenfield Hospital is a major focus for healthcare in the Leicester area. It is located in sylvan seclusion just off the Groby Road, once the main A50 from Leicester to Burton-upon-Trent. Public Transport Experience
2011/12 was a good period for double decks. Although Scania sales slumped and Optare failed to take advantage of a general manufacturing upswing, double deck deliveries were up by one third. Omnibuses
This week's Sunday Lost Scenes comes from Poole's relatively recent past... Southern England Bus Scene
But Leicester City Council doesn't seem to know this, or, if its Councillors and officers do, they don't seem to want to tell you. Might this be because that data is derived from a "confuser system", and the lad who drew up the departure list (extract above) has never been to Leicester in his life? Public Transport Experience
“But there’s another problem as regards double decks and it’s one we’ll discover shortly…” Omnibuses
brfares.com essentially allows you to check the fares first for your journey, whether it involves a change or not. But beware, it gets a little complicated (not that you'd expect anything other from the UK rail fares)! A Transport of Delight
On Saturday, I visited Poole with the intention of photographing some of the new Wilts & Dorset Volvo B7RLEs in service in the town Southern England Bus Scene
Passengers and the Proliferation of the Paranormal! Public Transport Experience
Is First a similar adversary to Yellow Buses? As things stand, Yellow Buses is on the doorstep as a significant neighbour. Expanding westwards into and around Dorchester, effectively encircling W&D, as might’ve been the case last summer, was seen as a step too far for GSC to contemplate. Dorset Bus Blog
This is the first part of a photo special looking at some of the vintage buses that were visited or travelled on as part of the Merseyside Bus Club holiday in our area last week. Andys Bus Blog

MayDay Mayday

2012-05-28T04:43:00.000+01:00

Thanks to a reminder from Tom for this – I had made a note to post on this back at the time but then promptly forgot!

Plymouth Citybus have a lot of entries on the VOSA web site from the 1st May 2012:

Normal services

PH0000135/5 - Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Royal Parade and DERRIFORD Hospital given service number 28/28A/28B effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.
PH0000135/27 - Variation Accepted: Operating between PLYMOUTH Royal Parade and DERRIFORD Hospital given service number 61 effective from 29-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0000135/76 - Variation Accepted: Operating between ROYAL PARADE and DERRIFORD HOSPITAL given service number 29/29D effective from 29-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0000135/86 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Royal Parade/Station Forecourt and Royal Parade/Station Forecourt given service number 25 effective from 22-Jul-2012. To amend Timetable.
PH0000135/126 - Registration Accepted Starting Point: Royal parade Plymouth Finish Point: Derriford Hospital Via: Mutley, Brake Farm, Transit Way Service Number: 62 Service Type: Normal Stopping Effective Date: 29-JUL-2012 Other Details: Monday To Saturday Every 20 Min Excluding Bank Holidays

School Services

PH0000135/20 - Variation Accepted: Operating between Tamerton Folilot and DHS Boys School given service number 101 effective from 29-Jul-2012. To amend Route and Timetable.
PH0000135/18 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between MILEHOUSE, ALMA ROAD and NOTRE DAME School given service number 112 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/19 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between MILEHOUSE, Central Park and NOTRE DAME SCHOOL given service number 118 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/31 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between MILEHOUSE Bus Depot and STEER PARK ROAD given service number 109/110 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/61 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between TAMERTON FOLIOT, CUNNINGHAM ROAD and WHITLEIGH, BUDSHEAD ROAD given service number 142 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/84 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Crownhill Plymouth and DHS Boys School given service number 104 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/96 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between DHS GIRLS OUTLAND ROAD PLYMOUTH and STEER PARK DOWN ROAD PLYMOUTH given service number 115 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/97 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Ridgeway School Plymouth and Plymton Mudge Way given service number 103 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/121 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Kingsbridge Bus Station and Plymouth Grammar Schools given service number 126 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/122 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Kelly Bray and Plymouth Grammar Schools given service number 120/121/122 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/123 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tavistock and Plymouth Grammar Schools given service number 124/127/128/129 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/124 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Outland Road DHS Girls School and Derriford Hospital given service number 116 effective from 29-Jul-2012.

Shoppers Services

PH0000135/101 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Asda Estover Plymouth and Asda Estover Plymouth given service number A1 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/102 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Asda Endover Plymouth and Asda Endover Plymouth given service number A3 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/103 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Lee Mill Nr Ivey Bridge and Tesco Lee Mill Nr Ivey Bridge given service number TLM1 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/104 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco lee Mill NR Ivybridge and Tesco lee Mill NR Ivybridge given service number TLM2 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/105 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Lee mill Nr ivybridge and Tesco Lee mill Nr ivybridge given service number TLM3 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/106 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco lee mill Nr Ivybridge and Tesco lee mill Nr Ivybridge given service number TLM4 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/107 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco lee Mill Nr Ivybridge and Tesco lee Mill Nr Ivybridge given service number TLM5 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/108 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Lee Mill Nr Ivybridge and Tesco Lee Mill Nr Ivybridge given service number TLM6 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/109 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Lee Mill Nr Ivybridge and Tesco Lee Mill Nr Ivybridge given service number TLM7 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/110 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Lee Mill Nr Iveybridge and Tesco Lee Mill Nr Iveybridge given service number TLM8 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/111 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Lee Mill Nr ivybridge and Tesco Lee Mill Nr ivybridge given service number TLM9 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/112 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T1 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/113 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T2 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/114 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T3 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/115 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T4 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/116 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T5 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/117 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T6 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/118 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T7 effective from 29-Jul-2012.
PH0000135/119 - Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Tesco Roborough Plymouth and Tesco Roborough Plymouth given service number T8 effective from 29-Jul-2012.

Phew!

The withdrawal of the school buses is no surprise as Citybus flagged this up a good couple of months ago. It will be interesting to see who takes on most of this work in the new school year, assuming someone is willing to pay for it. The shoppers buses utilise the Student Link fleet during the day time so it makes sense for Citybus to cancel this work too. It remains to be seen how keen Tesco and Asda are to replace these services. There has been quite a backlash from parents who want the school buses to continue and of course the council has changed hands so it will be interesting to see how they respond to this issue over the coming months. At least everyone was given plenty of warning. The older yellow student link buses are well passed their best and should have been replaced a good few years ago. They have given a good fews years service for Plymouth and will be missed as they were good buses in their day.

I will wait a while before commenting much on the other changes to services 28 29 61 62 25. Hopefully it wont be long before Citybus detail what the changes will be.

Elsewhere on the net

There, it has been said; the truth is out; fbb is exposed as a convenience bus user who cynically resorts to a motor car when ... public transport is unrealistic Public Transport Experience

Sunday Service

2012-05-27T12:15:00.001+01:00

From the 19th October 2011 the winter timetable was pretty comprehensive with quite a few variations to the route serving quite a few different places. Not the best presented timetable here with several unused lines which just add to the clutter but still plenty going on...

Then we get the Sunday service as from 1st April 2012...

A much easier to understand timetable, mainly because there are a lot less options. The Polperro 81B journeys have gone and now everything is just run as service 81. The clock face hourly departures from Plymouth to Torpoint make it a lot easier to remember the bus times. Its still a shame to see the summer Sunday service is reduced from the winter Sunday service.

However, this is not the end of the story…

From Sunday 27th May, the Sunday timetable on Service 81/81A will be revised. For new Sunday timetable details, please download the attached timetable. First Devon & Cornwall Updates

So lets see what we get here

When I first saw this I thought that the runs to Cremyll had all but disappeared. I saw the outward runs in the top half and Cremyll only seems to be served at 16:20 and 18:20. On closer inspection Cremyll is still served just as often, but you need to look down to the inward section below to see the full picture. I can see potential passengers viewing this timetable and having the same initial reaction as I did. Having said that the changes seem fairly minor.

You actually get a much better timetables from Cornwall County Council who do a much better job at laying the information out in their 11 page(!) PDF for the 81 we get both versions of the Sunday timetable

Then the new timetable from today…

So there we have it. The current Sunday timetable in a nice easy format for all to see. Apart from one minor issue – despite First having announced the timetable would change and linking to the rather poor pdf shown above, if you click through on their current timetables through to the Sunday service for the 81 – it still shows the position as at 1st April. There is not even anything under forthcoming timetables!

Its not easy being a bus passenger is it?

Route 81 Plymothian Transit Extra

Elsewhere on the net

Yesterday we left First Bus as the sole operator of Manchester route 17, successors to a historic and long-tern operation by Manchester and Rochdale Corporations. In the last few years, competition has arrived in the persons of JPT. Public Transport Experience
“In response we are accelerating a comprehensive plan that will deliver sustainable growth in revenue and patronage and improved returns. This includes repositioning our UK Bus portfolio through a programme of business and asset disposals to focus on those areas where the greatest potential for growth exists.” Omnibuses
Exeter Central to Paignton. TGP
Unfortunately the weather was less than conducive for bus riding as most vehicles were only a few degrees cooler than the surface of the sun. Nevertheless the hot and sticky chubby one went to Tadcaster, known universally and locally as just "Tad" Public Transport Experience
The next station we will visit at as part of our series on London’s major mainline stations will be Farringdon. Farringdon is a deceptively complex station, one with both a long history and a bright future. It’s surrounds contain an enormous amount of railway infrastructure, both with regards to passengers and goods, both past, present and future. Circle of London
The strange thing in London, unlike the rest of the country, is that there’s no commercial market to please and therefore, in London, no one actually needs to like the LT design for it to be a success. Other than the mayor, of course. Omnibuses
Any colour you like, as long as its Black (and yellow) Fylde Bus Blog
Tubs of delicious locally made ice cream; raspberry pavlova, ginger and run & raisin. Absolutely yummy; and particularly so on a hot day and on a train with less than effective air conditioning! Public Transport Experience
The economics of charging isn’t just a bus industry problem. The price of second-class stamps has increased by about 40 per cent, first class by a little less. That sort of hike makes recent bus fare increases seem more than reasonable Omnibuses

Plus Bus is Ten

2012-05-24T04:30:00.000+01:00

Plus Bus is apparently ten years old!
Since its initial launch in June 2002, PlusBus has seen growing popularity with ticket sales increasing by 25% in the last 12 months to just under one million transactions. The scheme has been boosted by growing internet purchases and to celebrate its 10th birthday, all PlusBus tickets sold online during June and July will cost just £1.50. Passenger Transport

PLUSBUS is a cheap travelcard that you buy with your train ticket at any station ticket office, by 'phone or online. It gives you bus and tram travel to and from the rail station and around the whole urban area of town that's at the start &/or end of your train journey.

Visit the Plus Bus web site for more details on the £1.50 offer for June and July

It certainly seems a good offer but its hard to see any info on this locally. It was only researching this item that I realised Citybus accept the ticket. It is of course purchased with a train ticket so I guess its more for the train companies to promote it rather than the bus companies although First have had 48270 in this livery since July 2007 at least. Having said that I have looked in vain on the First Great Western web site for any mention of the ticket at all unless its just offered as an option when you book a ticket. Hopefully the £1.50 offer will be promoted properly…

Elsewhere on the net

Purple Patch Fylde Bus Blog
Here is a prime example of the sort of chaos bus users may face as the torch wends across the land. Omnibuses
After an excellent cup of free ecclesiastical coffee and a visit to the recently renovated York Museum, fbb was released from duties for a while to look at buses. And the question to be tackled is, "What is First Bus doing in York?" Public Transport Experience
Newquay. From the archives. TGP
South of the Island's capital, Newport, Godshill is a tourist honey pot in the summer regularly seeing thousands of visitors. Southern England Bus Scene
DAF 354, former Isle of Man 97, is on display at the Album (Association of Local Bus Managers) Conference event in Broughton near Scunthorpe on behalf of Bus and Coach World. Fylde Bus Blog
View from the bus. 11 Teignmouth to Torquay TGP
Trident 314 is now receiving the fourth all-over advertisement for Merlin Entertainments, this time for the Sealife Centre. It will join 312, 313 and 315. Fylde Bus Blog
Competition, Collusion or Collapse at Rochdale : part one Public Transport Experience

Un wrapped

2012-05-22T04:44:00.000+01:00

We already know that the much loathed (by me at least) advert wrap on T139EFJ has been removed. Well it seems that two other advert buses are no longer...
T134EFJ has carried this wrap for Stax since September 2006:

R125OFJ has not carried this wrap for quite as long as it was early 2010 (March?) it recieved this scheme. Bar far the best of the three mention today!
All three buses have had the wraps removed. It remains to be seen if they will just be tidied up and enter service in their former liveries, or get a full repaint in the new livery, or indeed just get a new wrap. I hope its the full new livery as we could do with a few more!

Elsewhere on the net

Five hours on a Voyager isn't fbb's idea of fun, but the journey was as comfortable as a Voyager can be, all the staff were friendly and courteous Public Transport Experience
The bus industry’s own resurgent graduate traineeships are now very popular and with a large pool of graduates from which to choose, we’re seeing some very capable young people join the industry, people with no obvious connection with it, yet people willing to work hard. Omnibuses

Promises Kept

2012-05-21T04:10:00.000+01:00

It was back in March that Citybus made changes to the 21:

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.

Its nice to see the company keep its word …

Local bus Service 21 returns to Steer Park.

From Sunday the 20th May 2012 Plymouth Citybus Service 21 will return to Steer Park.
In March this service was withdrawn from Steer Park and terminated at the District Centre. However thanks to Driver and Customer feedback saying that the Service 21 would still reach Steer Park on the same end to end times, from this Sunday the Service will return. There will be some minor time changes between some stops along the route, but there are no changes to the number of journeys or to the frequency.
Peter Oliver Commercial Manager for Plymouth Citybus says, “We are really pleased to be putting the Service 21 back into Steer Park, this to a very large part is due our drivers and customers feedback. On the back of this we have high confidence that the new timetable will work”

The other thing worth mentioning is that Citybus have now tidied up their timetables on the internet and present a much more professional and consistent look across all their routes. On a less positive note it seems they no longer have current and upcoming timetables on the site and the timetables are not dated at all. Normally this wouldn't be a problem but as I type this up the timetable for the 21 is as below with no mention of Steer Park yet. I am sure the new times will be there shortly. Top marks for having the fare chart on each timetable now!

Route 21 Plymothian Transit Extra

Elsewhere on the net

fbb is not a lover of the Voyager train, but the fares are cheaper and the particular train starts in Southampton so there should be no punch-up when claiming seat reservations. Public Transport Experience
Newquay. Swansong of the VRT. March 2003. Still over three years to go before the final run ! TGP
with the public kept behind barriers at Plymouth Bretonside we can no longer properly capture on film those little frustrating dramas of travel. Busworld Photography
Another restored former Great Yarmouth coach has been brought to my attention through the East-Anglia-Buses-Photo Google Group East Norfolk Bus Blog
I would’ve loved to have been in Coventry’s Council House when aldermen and councillors received their 1963 report from the corporation’s transport department. Omnibuses
In 2005, A2B acquired route 22 on lease from First Hants & Dorset. Route 22 connected Southampton city centre with Shirley. Southern England Bus Scene
Last month our regular correspondant David Bell visited Watford to take a look at the local bus operations there, he sent us this short report and selection of interesting photographs Andys Bus Blog
In 2012 fbb takes approx 5 hours for a Cross Country Trains journey from Southampton Central to York. In 1903 PRG would be travelling for 7 hours and 40 minutes on the "direct route" via Cheltenham departing at 1025 Public Transport Experience

Ambulance bus

2012-05-19T04:30:00.000+01:00

Its difficult not to notice this bright yellow ‘bus’ parked up at the back of Derriford Ambulance Station but its not in a place where I have been able to get a decent photo of her or indeed see what she was. However thanks to Nick Furze I can bring you this shot of newly acquired Mercedes J26UNV which has been acquired from St Johns Ambulance, Oxfordshire.

It will soon be based in Plymouth City Centre so keep an eye out for it. If its there you wont miss it

I wouldn't be surprised if its in use over this weekend with everything that is going on in Plymouth.

Elsewhere on the net

In Camera: May 2012 Fylde Bus Blog
And, amazingly, this one stop is used by all four routes that venture into this outpost of bus stationitis in Stratford. Public Transport Experience
Is it me, or are there more top jobs around that once there were. Recent times have seen something of a dearth of positions but there’s some evidence that this is changing. Omnibuses
It is called Integrated Transport and various governments have been extolling its virtue since 2001 Public Transport Experience
Time has shown it would be foolish to publish a list of the ambitious Summer plans I have for our friend. But then, what is a man who makes plans for an SU at all, if not a little bit soft in the head? 270KTA

Outgoing Incoming

2012-05-18T04:09:00.000+01:00

Sadly the last of the rather nice Volvo B7RLE fleet has now left Plymouth. I am not quite sure why 69253 managed to hang around for quite a bit longer than the others but it has now left for Bristol.

Also now back up in Bristol is Volvo B10BLE 66106 R906BOU. This had a very brief stay and has clearly found to be unsuitable for some reason, probably due to it being a different model to all the other Volvo Wright buses we have in Plymouth. I dont know what the differences are between a B6BLE and a B10BLE though!
©Ian Kirby

42753 is back in Plymouth after a spell down in Cornwall

Another Dart 42724 S724AFB is also presently at The Ride so may well be for Plymouth service.

UPDATE – 42724 has indeed been seen in service on the 6 yesterday!

Elsewhere on the net

This evening a couple of film clips taken aboard the two Leyland Olympians that were on offer in Blackpool just after the Easter weekend, PTOTPA
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But a more generous seat pitch equates to fewer seats on a bus, which could lead to standing passengers at peak times. I reckon I know what the average commuter would prefer Omnibuses
Today I finally made a start on riding the London bus routes, in numerical order. So it was off to ride the 1 from Tottenham Court Road to Canada Water and back. Worked by 16 long (10.6m) B7TL / Wright Eclipse Geminis operating out of Mandela Way they still carry London General livery. TGP
The first of eight brand new buses for Stagecoach Cambridgeshire's The Busway services have been noted at the Wrightbus factory in Ballymena. Andys Bus Blog
Our latest photo special from David Bell's extensive bus photo archive brings you three early shots of Eastern Counties Bristol Lodekkas... Andys Bus Blog
Eventually we made it through to the Fen Country and the historic Hanseatic town of King's Lynn, once a stronghold not only for Baltic traders but more recently the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company. Both of those eras have passed with First recently selling the local operation to rival Norfolk Green. Transport Illustrated
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There’s only one seat on the bus that can guarantee you a private ride, free from passengers rubbing against you or constantly standing over you. It’s one that’s relatively isolated. It’s the cab seat behind the wheel. Omnibuses
London sightseeing operator Big Bus Tours has ordered open-top double-deck tour buses from Chinese builder Anhui Ankai Automobile Co. They will be delivered before the summer of 2012 and mark what is easily the biggest bus or coach order secured by a Chinese manufacturer in the UK. TGP
Former Hants & Dorset, but now Crosville Motor Services early Bristol Lodekka SRU981 has now had all its bodywork completed and is ready for a full repaint in traditional Tilling green & cream. Busworks

Viable

2012-05-17T04:48:00.000+01:00

A long time follower of Plymothian Transit, Piran Smith has sent me photos of Plymouth Citybus Dart 63, or at least the advert on the side of Dart 63:

Plymouth Airport is Viable:

We're out petitioning every Saturday by the main entrance of Drake Circus, and have so far collected a staggering 17,500 signatures in support of the airport over just a few weeks.
But we aren't just a campaign group though, we're a fully fledged company with a business plan and master plan for how we intend to run the airport, VIABLE is extremely confident that we will have the airport up and running, with our own airline in the next 6 - 12months, the Council, in particular, Tudor Evans is very keen and interested in seeing our plans come to fruition and we are working very close with them as we speak

www,viable.org.uk for more details

You can also follow them on their Facebook Page

Sorry - time has been very limited this week so I have a massive backlog of online reading to catch up on. (Google Reader showing 1000+ ) Links to follow soon...

Volvo B6

2012-05-15T04:42:00.000+01:00

Jason Beverley has sent in a few photos of the recent work on M52HOD Plymouth Citybus Volvo B6 which is the groups Sales Unit...
Spot the difference!

Elsewhere on the net

Last weekend saw the Llandudno Festival of Transport take place, the event played host to a range of interesting vintage buses. Andys Bus Blog
fbb has huge sympathy for First (really, truly, honestly!) because it is very hard to communicate such things to the great British public which, as a corporate body, can't read timetables and expects a bus to "turn up eventually". Public Transport Experience
Why do younger passengers continually think it’s acceptable to put their dirty footwear exactly where the next traveller might sit? In what sense is this acceptable? Omnibuses

Citybus Update: Doris and Boris?

2012-05-14T04:28:00.000+01:00

I have just updated the Citybus fleet listing with the following changes made:
Only 1 to 4 are considered as being in reserve at the moment. Of these 2 N102UTT seems least likely to reappear in service anytime as its currently dumped next to what remains on 28 at the back of the depot with fleet numbers removed. The others have all been observed out and about from time to time.
Dart 39 has had the awful Taxi wrap removed. Not sure yet if its getting anything else in its place.
Its nice knowing that this will be the last photo of this awful wrap on the blog. A livery that wont be missed!
One further bit of livery news - Citycoach 313 has been repainted into the new blue livery.

The rest of the news concerns the training 'fleet'. Volvo 429 Y827TGH which has remained in Go Ahead London livery as a full time trainer (named Boris) is being prepared for full time service so will presumably be out in the new livery fairly shortly.
Training duties will be taken over by two of the dual door Darts 214/215 R401/2FFC which are being prepared for their new role at the moment. I may have got the bus wrong but I did say this would happen back on the 1st of April although I was only joking at the time! (Pretty sure they will stay dual doorway though.) Doris and Boris anyone?

Thanks as always to Brian George for the update along with John Kowalski and Tom Michaels for their updates.

Elsewhere on the net

After an arduous task of 36 lorry loads undertaken by Claude and his assistant Allan Gardener the 2' 9" gauge line art Seaton was opened in late summer 1970. Transport Illustrated
fbb (and chum, Alan) are paying a state visit to explore the new Southampton bus network introduced from Sunday 29th April. The intrepid twosome travel by train to Hedge End ... Public Transport Experience
We are concerned that Quality Contracts “would need considerable additional funding for contracting which is unlikely to be available in the near future. We consider the approach by Metro in gaining funding from the existing profits of the bus operators would threaten the re-investment in the industry locally. We fear more cheap and nasty operators would be contracted to keep costs down” Omnibuses
So far then two different service 8s a wrong departure list out-of-date "unreal time" screens It's going well so far. Public Transport Experience
Stagecoach is not a charity and it wants to make a profit. But the operation here shows how, by taking measured commercial risks with increased bus provision (and quality vehicles to boot), you can pay dividends. Omnibuses
But fbb is referring to the "good old days" of the railways. This was when you could leave London and be served with a four course meal before reaching Bedford; vast hoardes of liveried flunkeys would attend to your every need; a string quartet played soothing music in the lounge car; and it all cost less than a bag of sherbet lemons. Public Transport Experience
We’re not far off the start of a very interesting summer, operationally. Omnibuses
The picture of the "London Hotel" at Marylebone on fbb's facsimile 1903 timetable says it all. Comparing train travel in 1903 with a similar journey in 2012 is unrealistic. Public Transport Experience
As usual, there were photographers who continue to take their hobby very seriously, perhaps a little too much so. Omnibuses

Plymotion

2012-05-12T04:16:00.000+01:00

Plymouth City Council is launching a brand new project that aims to improve walking, cycling and public transport links and encourage people to try greener, cheaper and healthier ways of getting around. 'Plymotion' is a three-year initiative supported by the Department for Transport through its Local Sustainable Transport Fund, which was set up to help local authorities stimulate economic growth and reduce carbon emissions.

The scheme is designed to increase awareness and use of sustainable travel options, as well as improve access to employment, education and healthcare across the city. Increasing levels of walking and cycling will also improve residents’ overall health and fitness, while helping to reduce congestion and pollution.

Plymotion focuses on the 'corridor' between the communities of Devonport and Stonehouse in the west of the city and Plymstock and Plympton in the east, through the city centre and East End. It builds on the improvements recently made through the East End Transport Scheme and will complete an east to west walking and cycling link for the city.

The project features wide ranging measures, from new walking and cycling paths and crossing improvements to travel planning advice, cycle training and public transport incentives.

Physical infrastructure improvements will include:

The restoration of the iconic Laira Rail Bridge to create a new, off-road pedestrian and cycle path. Construction will begin in late 2013 and the bridge will open in 2014.

It will be nice to see the bridge opened and back in use!

A new walking and cycling route alongside the Tothill Sidings railway line, which will be known as the Friary Park Link. Construction is expected to begin in late 2013.
Improved pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at to the junction of Finnigan Road and Laira Bridge Road. The signals will also be upgraded and changes will be made to reduce congestion and give greater priority to pedestrians and cyclists. Work is programmed to begin in autumn 2012.
A new cycle route connecting the existing cycle path on Exeter Street with the train station, passing Drake Circus and Plymouth University. Work is expected to begin in early 2013.

There will also be various initiatives aimed at encouraging people to get out and use the new links and try new ways of getting from A to B. These include free cycle training for adults, personalised support with travel planning (which will be available to businesses as well as residents), group cycling events and complimentary bus 'taster tickets'.

The first event to be delivered through Plymotion is Skyride, organised in partnership with Sky and British Cycling, on Sunday 13 May. Roads around the city will be closed so that everyone can enjoy a safe, family friendly bike ride and everyone’s invited - on bikes, adaptive bikes, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. For people who want to find out more about Plymotion and how they can get involved there will be an exhibition stand on the Hoe, with friendly staff on hand to answer questions.

Hot on the heels of Skyride will be 'Plymotion on your Doorstep', where travel advisors visit local residents, chat about how they get around the city and provide advice and information on the different travel options available to them. This will be an opportunity for residents to get help with planning their journeys and find out about travel incentives on offer through the scheme, a well as let the Council know what things would encourage them to travel more by bus, bike or on foot.

Plymotion on your Doorstep will start in the East End and Mount Gould area in June and the team will visit around 4,000 households. Over the three years of the programme they will be dropping by at around a third of the city's homes. Similar initiatives in other parts of the country have helped to achieve a reduction in car trips of up to nine per cent and an increase in walking and cycling of between 10 and 13 per cent. This service will also be extended to businesses across the city, starting in the autumn.

Clive Perkin, Assistant Director for Transport said: "Plymotion is a fantastic campaign which will encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport more, helping them to both save money and become fitter.

"The walking and cycling links between the east and west of the city will be vastly improved, giving people better access to jobs, education and leisure facilities. It is exciting to be rejuvenating Laira Rail Bridge, which has been lying dormant for over 20 years, and providing a new high quality cycle route across the River Plym.

"The first event in the Plymotion campaign is Skyride this Sunday, which will be a great family day out where everyone can jump on their bike and enjoy traffic free streets as well as plenty of entertainment ahead of what promises to be a great sporting summer for the country."

The £6.36 million Plymotion programme has been awarded £4.33 million through the DfT's Local Sustainable Transport Fund and will be delivered by Plymouth Transport and Highways (the partnership between Plymouth City Council and Amey), in partnership with Sustrans, Plymouth Citybus, First Devon and Cornwall, Target Travel and the Plymouth Public Health Development Unit. If the scheme is successful in encouraging people to travel more sustainably, then elements will be rolled out to other areas of the city.

For more information, useful links and all the latest news visit the Plymotion website.

change

2012-05-10T04:33:00.000+01:00

We had a nice shot which feature the bridge over Union Street a while back but this is a new view which I have found

The same scene, or pretty close to it, can be seen on Google Streetview below. Its certainly changed!

Top photo from Caro-Anns Flickr collection

Elsewhere on the net

It's hard to imagine that the area today known as Stonehouse once had prehistoric animals roaming across it. Plymouth Local History Blog
Something Different, Something Dangling? High Elevation, High Expectations, High Expense? Public Transport Experience
On Saturday, Xelabus introduced their brand new open top route in Portsmouth. Southern England Bus Scene

Buses getting smarter?

2012-05-09T04:00:00.000+01:00

A bit of a non-story on This is Plymouth but I am sure it will be welcomed by Citybus:

INCREASES in the price of fuel have led to local bus company Plymouth Citybus putting up prices, but this has come with the introduction of many new schemes.

Peter Oliver, General Manager at Plymouth Citybus, said the most noticeable cost is fuel, saying: "By the time we hit July this year the pump price for us will have increased by 30% in just under 12 months." He added: "We use 12,000 litres of fuel every day. So 9p per litre additional fuel tax is a lot of money to recover."

The age of a young person's ticket has recently been raised to 23-years-old to attract more students. This has proved to have been very beneficial. Peter Oliver said: "When we decided to increase the age to 23, it was to attract students at University who are just starting out."

Plymouth Citybus users can also expect the introduction of M-Ticketing in the future allowing users to buy a ticket online using their smartphone. They will receive a code as proof of purchase, which will be shown to the bus driver in order to travel.

This is Plymouth

I guess its the last line which is most interesting. We have promises of great mobile ticketing options on the way for First Group and contactless cards etc so its good to see that we will get mobile options for Citybus too at some time in the not to distant future. I do hope that we we get it its worth the wait. All to often what is promised and what is actually delivered are very different. Just look at so called real time displays on Plymouth bus stops to see what I mean there. The technology is out there and available now. We should be able to see when the next bus is due at almost all bus stops, not just a select few. It should be in real – real time on every bus for every bus company. We should be able to have one smart card we can use in Plymouth on all bus companies – even if it comes at a small premium over single company tickets.

First Devon and Cornwall stated last September:

FirstGroup intends to be the first bus operator outside London to offer customers touch in touch out contactless payment. The new ticket machines, designed to read contactless debit or credit cards, in addition to ITSO smartcards such as concessionary bus passes, will be introduced to First buses in Devon and Cornwall from the autumn and will initially allow customers with an ITSO smartcard to touch in. Contactless bank cards will be accepted from late 2012. Unless I have missed something have any of the new ticket machines been installed yet? Is it still on the cards for contactless cards for late 2012?

Elsewhere on the net

CFR Caile Ferate Române ("Romanian Railways") TGP
Aiming Higher with the Millbrook Flyer [2] Competition Collusion or Collapse Again. Public Transport Experience
I'm not sure if it only seems that in Britain we always get horrible weather on Bank Holidays when people want to enjoy themselves, but this one in August in the late Eighties was a shocker. Busworld Photography
The Azure Window (Maltese: Tieqa Zerqa) is a natural arch in the Maltese island of Gozo featuring a table-like rock over the sea. It is situated near two other famous natural landmarks - the Inland Sea, and Dwejra Bay. The stunning geography of the area was created thousands of years ago when two limestone caves collapsed. TGP
First Hampshire has never been so interesting. The management deserve great credit in reviving the First brand and leading the way in First. Southern England Bus Scene
This week's Snap on Sunday comes to you from picturesque Par, taken along the river at the Middleway crossing, with First Great Western's 150239 doing the honours on the run down to Newquay. PTOTPA
A revolutionary new bus service from First or a commercial disaster? Public Transport Experience
What do you do to refresh a brand that is effectively totally rainbowed? As yet there is no sign of a new standard livery but Trent Barton is pushing itself and its name just that little bit harder. Omnibuses
As yet, there’s no such 24/7 service across the Poole-Christchurch conurbation, in spite of the three large anchor towns, the densely packed population between them, visitors, and a rejuvenated night time economy. Dorset Bus Blog
I have owned three LH buses, two were ex Devon General. Two were restored but the third remained “as bought”. She passed her MOT when sold last year ! TGP
First Western National seemed to be the destination for many old double-deckers from other fleets Busworld Photography

A very special bus

2012-05-07T04:00:00.000+01:00

I guess most bus enthusiasts have a favourite bus, well this is mine. Western National 1078 ODV78M was the first series 3 VRT and served Plymouth well for many years.

©Tipperman July 1984

Tipperman Flickr

Elsewhere on the net

A regular returns Fylde Bus Blog

Perhaps you may feel sorry for folk who have bought the new flats alongside the access path to the closed station. They'll now get a train every 10 minutes each way past their bedroom window! Public Transport Experience

By producing a rather stand-out timetable, First has chosen *not* to spoil the ship for a ha’peth of tar. Indeed, there have been a variety of good promotion materials Omnibuses

Are you a train station spotter? find out in our quiz Ordanance Survey Blog

The ECW body for the Bristol VRT was available in four heights. TGP

Which begs the question. Are there any town and cities today that will be lauding their transport facilities? Is there a civic guidebook anywhere in GB that will include, as an example of the town's excellence, a picture of a bus garage Public Transport Experience

After a long wait, the Royal Blue Motorcoach website is now up and running Dorset Bus Blog

Now that Boris is back, we really can expect up to 600 Wrightbus NBfLs. I wonder how many will have rear platforms. Omnibuses

Did you know that Torbay Bus Routes recieves no commercial funding, nor do any of our Team take a wage? We're all volunteers, and do what we do because we are so passionate about making public transport information accessible and high quality in Torbay.Torbay Bus Routes has grown to become Torbay's source of bus information when at home and when out and about. But in order to keep the service that thousands know and love going, we need your help. Torbay Bus Routes

A completely new concept in bus travel in Southampton, OR an attempt to pinch business from Go-Ahead's Bluestar subsidiary? Public Transport Experience

Today’s “thank you” is of a blog that is probably unique. It’s a collection of historic photos with added blog functionality: a photo-blog that allows the author to embellish his selected image with some well-chosen words. Omnibuses

My one and only picture of a Wilts & Dorset Bristol VR in service... Southern England Bus Scene

A sore thumb?

2012-05-04T04:37:00.000+01:00

Since the end of March, shares in the four listed UK bus operators – FirstGroup, Go-Ahead , Stagecoach and National Express – are down by an average 17 per cent compared with little change in the FTSE All-Share. Understandably, FirstGroup sticks out like a sore thumb - plunging by a third - and the future for its bus division does, indeed, look bleak.

Thats the stark assessment from Investors Chronicle in an in-depth look at investing in the current UK Bus Sector

Ahead of the recent round of trading updates from the sector, there was a real fear that FirstGroup's problems were symptomatic of a wider industry decline Yet trading statements from rival companies suggest FirstGroup's issues are actually rooted in its own business and existed before current chief executive Tim O'Toole took over from 21-year veteran Sir Moir Lockhead 18 months ago. Questions are now being asked, and unfavourable comparisons made, with strong management teams at rivals Stagecoach and Go-Ahead.

The same certainly can't be said for Stagecoach. Britain's most profitable bus company has just said every one of its divisions is "well placed" to at least maintain operating profit in 2013.

Go-Ahead's bus business is also performing well with regional bus revenue up 4 per cent in the three months to March. That growth was matched by the regulated London routes where Go-Ahead is the largest operator. And, crucially, most of its 2,600 regional buses service "more vibrant" urban areas of the south-east.

But FirstGroup's problems aren't just about geography, they're about pricing too, and the company has always been an expensive operator. The backlash from passengers forced O’Toole to admit "the old-time religion (raising prices) definitely doesn't work". The new management team at UK Bus have much to do.

Things might have been different had the exorbitant cost of motoring not forced growing numbers of drivers on to public transport. Rising petrol prices, insurance, road tax and repairs increased the expense of driving to work by 21 per cent last year, according to Green Flag, and fuel costs have risen to a record high. They go up by another 3p a litre in August, which puts dearer bus fares into some kind of perspective

The full article can be read on the link above as it goes into a lot more detail on the current investors market for the bus sector.

In a nutshell Stagecgoach Good, Go Ahead OK, First Group Bad.

First Group have a lot of work to do. They know that and have made a start in some places. Southampton is one area which investors will be watching closely to see if changes being made there are successful and, more importantly, can be replicated in other areas across the country.

Elsewhere on the net

After years of debate, proposal and counter proposal, the Croxley Rail Link has been approved by whoever has to approve such things. Thus it comes to pass that a bit of London's Undergound network is proposed for closure. Public Transport Experience

Something of a rarity AEC double-deckers had never been a common sight in Plymouth Busworld Photography

Only very occasionally do we use this blog to showcase work we have undertaken for our clients. This post is one such occasion and it looks briefly at the positioning, creative approach and execution of our campaign to raise awareness of changes to the First bus network in Southampton. MHD Moving People

Dad’s Digital Diary–The Tarka Line TGP

Unfortunately it seems that A-Line's latest addition to the fleet will be a short lived one PTOTPA

First is Second (in the world!)

2012-05-03T04:34:00.000+01:00

Perhaps more than any other of the big groups First Group seem to find themselves facing criticism from all quarters. Some of this is justified and it is clear that the group are struggling more than the other groups at the moment. Certainly you can compare First Groups cutting back of operations with Go Ahead who seem to be buying a new operator each month at the moment.

Its not all doom though:

FirstGroup, the UK's biggest bus operator, was named the second best in the world for social, environmental and governance, while the Go-Ahead Group was the 10th best globally.

The Independent

FirstGroup, Britain's biggest bus operator with 20 per cent of services nationwide, came second worldwide and top among British businesses despite the environmental problems associated with transport. The firm – which has improved the fuel efficiency of its UK bus fleet and installed solar panels and harvested rainwater – was "demonstrating significant improvements in its environmental performance, thereby mitigating risks associated with its environmental impact," Eiris said.

A spokesman for FirstGroup, which also operates the First Great Western rail franchise, said: "We take our need to reduce carbon seriously."

The Go-Ahead Group, another bus company, which operates the Southern, Southeastern and Gatwick Express rail franchises, was praised for generating more than 90 per cent of its turnover from sustainable public transport.

I often wonder at how and why these reports are put together and what meaningful comparisons can be made between a bus company and an internet giant like Google, but all the same it is good to see First Group being applauded like this.

Elsewhere on the net

In spite of the ASA admonishing First Group over its environmental credentials during its autumn TV campaign—unfairly, perhaps—First has topped the charts for being the UK’s most responsible environmental, social and well-governed company. Omnibuses

Following our deafening return from Penzance, I managed to create a temporary fix to muffle the blowing exhaust manifold 270KTA

Needless to say, the station is miles from its eponymous verdure. Just above the "ee" of Croxleygreen is a white blob which is Croxley (un-green) station! Public Transport Experience

Uno have just put into service five articulated Mercedes Benz Citaros on their shuttle service serving the University Of Hertfordshire Andys Bus Blog

Key Growth

2012-05-01T04:22:00.000+01:00

TWENTY per cent of Plymouth Citybus journeys are now made by passengers paying by smartcard.

The company introduced the Key season ticket smartcard eight months ago, and bosses are delighted passengers are using what they call a "more convenient method of paying for bus travel".

Citybus managing director Andrew Wickham said it was hoped that with discounted travel offered through the Key, 60 per cent of journeys would soon be prepaid on a smartcard. Already other companies within the Go-Ahead group are hitting that target. Mr Wickham, who leaves Plymouth this week to head Go South Coast in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle Of Wight, said: "Over the last eight months we have seen an 11 per cent growth in the number of journeys made on our enhanced network using the Key smartcard.

Just last week, Go-ahead, which paid £19million for Citybus in December 2009, said introduction of smartcard technology was being credited for "solid" trading during the first quarter of 2012. An interim statement said bringing in smartcards had, "as expected", reduced the average yield per customer. But the firm stressed the move had provided the opportunity for long-term growth. Nevertheless, it said it would have to look at pricing and cost efficiencies during the next quarter.

Citybus's new managing director, Richard Stevens, joins the firm this week. He was previously operations and commercial director for Stagecoach South West.

This is Plymouth

Elsewhere on the net

In the first post on Wilts & Dorset’s June 6th revisions, we consider changes to buses between Poole and Wimborne Minster Dorset Bus Blog

There’s a bit of an unholy alliance at the moment between London’s cyclists and its black cab drivers. This is odd, because the two do *not* normally sit comfortably together. At all. Omnibuses

if you were starting a new competitive bus route, upping the "ante", you would want to shout it from the rooftops; especially if you were hoping to pinch a few passengers back from First Public Transport Experience

the event did give me the opportunity to finally catch up with the New Bus For London - the Routemaster fit for a 21st century London, often referred to as the 'Borismaster' on account of it being sanctioned by the current Mayor of London. A Transport of Delight

Seventy Seven

2012-04-30T04:47:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite blogs out there is the Southern England Bus Scene as it covers an area I am very fond of having been born in Portsmouth and spending a lot of happy times there. The latest post is part of the Sunday Lost Scenes and covers Plymouth Citybus route 77. It was then I came across this route 77 in Plymouth, although this is Western Nationals 77 which I am sure was a Royal Parade to Barne Barton route although I cant recall why it wasn't just the 7 as it had been for many years. (Thinking about it, it may have been the old & split with the 7 running from town to Plymstock with the Barne Barton end becoming the 77?)

Elsewhere on the net

Today, I managed to grab my first shots of buses along the Fareham - Gosport Bus Rapid Transit road. The busway sees brand new Volvo B7RLEs on the Eclipse services, along with Barbie livered Darts on the X88. Southern England Bus Scene
Now substantially repanelled, ex-Hants & Dorset Lodekka SRU981 was shunted today in preparation for the final stages of preparation for repainting Busworks
Good Morning Mr Phelps. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find your way from Stratford bus station (just out of picture bottom left) to Stratford International Docklands Light Railway [DLR] Station which is ... erm ... somewhere else. Public Transport Experience
Some further steps forward on the restoration of Fylde Atlantean 79 (HRN99N) have been made in recent weeks Busworks
No one can accuse Yellow Buses of having a boring fleet. In fact, there’s yet more variety at Yeoman’s Way than at Heinz. Dorset Bus Blog
If, in the wake of the government-sponsored bus role for Passenger Focus, you thought that the National Federation of Bus Users was going to lie down and die, think again. Omnibuses
Plymouth Citybus once operated the route connecting Plymouth and Liskeard by bus. Southern England Bus Scene
With the saturation levels whacked right up the Nikon is able to make WA54 OLT look brand new once more, even on such a dull day as today has been PTOTPA
Today was the Exmouth Vintage Bus Running Day, by the Devon General Society, at Exmouth Bus Station. Torbay Bus Routes
The Leyland National was a landmark design. Leyland had absorbed several chassis makers with a range of vehicles and attempted to replace them with a single integral design developed in a joint venture with the National Bus Company. Fylde Bus Blog

Steamy

2012-04-27T22:29:00.001+01:00

I have only just caught up with this, but if you are in Plymouth tomorrow morning (Saturday 28th) there is some steam action to be had...
Creative Commons licensed flickr photo shared by IngyTheWingy

There are actually two steam tours visiting Plymouth so if you are at Plymouth Station you should be able to get both

Timetables here and here

Elsewhere on the net

Just as in 2011 I found myself at The Transport Museum, Wythall on Easter Monday. Rather like the BVBG events in Bristol the timetable's not too complex but plenty of rides on museum vehicles are available around the beautiful neighbouring Worcestershire and Warwickshire countryside Transport Illustrated
Boris, Christian Wolmar and Bob Crow should all have a chummy weekend away in Paris and see how a really busy underground network can be run; without drivers! Public Transport Experience
Is it ever acceptable to have no stock of bus timetables at a bus enquiry office? I ask this question because two almost adjacent south coast operators were without them. Omnibuses

Just passing through

2012-04-27T04:14:00.000+01:00

I like to try and bring photos of what to see on the road s of Plymouth, and where possible what is coming up. Today we get a preview of something quite different to just about anything else you will see on the road, but it wont be here for long…

Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, has unveiled its unique, highly sustainable fleet of hybrid support vehicles that will lead over 8,000 Olympic Torchbearers along their momentous 70 day journey around the UK. Setting out from Land’s End on May 19 the five-strong fleet will travel between thirty minutes and eight hours ahead of the Olympic Flame. The Beat Fleet and Coca-Cola team will whip up excitement, handing out special edition, commemorative Coke bottles and memorabilia, and encourage hordes of cheering crowds to line the Relay route in celebration of their local Future Flames—inspirational young people who have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to run with the Olympic Flame thanks to Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola’s ‘Beat Box’ and ‘Beat Bus’ have each been converted to diesel-electric hybrid power which is estimated to save 1.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the course of the Relay and ‘Recycle Beat,’ a cutting-edge mobile recycling unit, is fitted with an advanced exhaust cleanup system and low emission auxiliary generator to dramatically reduce air pollution. ‘Recycle Beat’ will follow in close pursuit behind the Olympic Torch Relay, sweeping the route and surrounding areas to ensure all waste is collected for recycling.

The torch will arrive in Plymouth on the 19th May and then depart on day two of its trip around the UK on the 20th.

Elsewhere on the net

How does travel on the "Eclipse" busway service match up to the promises on its website? Public Transport Experience
people look back on the regulated 1970s with rose tinted specs or even perhaps rosé tinted glasses : ) But taking those specs off, what was it *really* like on the buses? The answer is “difficult”—but the industry got through. Omnibuses
The line is completely automatic with no drivers or other staff on the train. Despite the comments quoted in yesterday's blog, there has been no significant outpouring of fear and panic because of the lack of a "conducteur". Public Transport Experience

Incoming Excel

2012-04-26T04:26:00.000+01:00

One of the more unusual buses in Plymouth at the moment is this Optare Excel which has been transferred down from Scotland having originated with Hutchisons of Overtown. I have always liked the look of these buses but have yet to ride on this one. Makes a nice change to the usual Darts and Volvo B6BLEs!

Sorry - link to other sites to appear tomorrow - its getting late!

Plymothian Transit

Its like Deja Vu all over again, again

Elsewhere on the net

Its like Deja Vu all over again

Business as usual

VOSA 29 May 2012

Elsewhere on the net

Atlantean Update

Related Links

Elsewhere on the net

MayDay Mayday

Normal services

School Services

Shoppers Services

Elsewhere on the net

Sunday Service

Elsewhere on the net

Plus Bus is Ten

Elsewhere on the net

Un wrapped

Elsewhere on the net

Promises Kept

Local bus Service 21 returns to Steer Park.

Elsewhere on the net

Ambulance bus

Elsewhere on the net

Outgoing Incoming

Elsewhere on the net

Viable

Volvo B6

Related Links

Elsewhere on the net

Citybus Update: Doris and Boris?

Related Links

Elsewhere on the net

Plymotion

change

Elsewhere on the net

Buses getting smarter?

Elsewhere on the net

A very special bus

Elsewhere on the net

A sore thumb?

Elsewhere on the net

First is Second (in the world!)

FirstGroup, the UK's biggest bus operator, was named the second best in the world for social, environmental and governance, while the Go-Ahead Group was the 10th best globally.

Related Links

Elsewhere on the net

Key Growth

Elsewhere on the net

Seventy Seven

Elsewhere on the net

Steamy

Elsewhere on the net

Just passing through

Elsewhere on the net

Incoming Excel