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

[ValleyLines142]

Normal Sunday working. Pain in the backside for me needing to get to Temple Meads for 09:00.

From where?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Does anybody no what service First are running in Bristol Easter Monday? Can't find anything on their website

Really? Check news and initiatives dated 11th March!

Sunday services except A1 which has normal Monday service

 

[ClevedonYellow]

From where?

Clevedon! First one is the 08:15 X8. Gets to the centre at about 09:05

 

[freetoview33]

The only other thing is National Express that leaves at same time and arrives 5 mins earlier and costs £4.10

 

[Private Baxter]

I'm not sure how regular 379 passengers feel about the recent downgrading of their service. Some stuff is OK, but I've seen some right rubbish on there too, including the recently departed R BAEs. Whilst the 05 reg darts are suitable for 178, I don't think they suit 379. I have a feeling that streetlights will somehow be strangely suitable for both. Here's hoping!

In reply to the above quote dated 16/04/14 13:40 (sorry about the lateness of the reply - I'm new and only just noticed this), the 379 passengers (myself being one of the most regular passengers) don't like the latest rubbish. Much of the demand from passengers travelling between Bristol and Whitchurch has declined on 379 and more people are getting on the 376 (although the overall demand between Bath and Bristol on 379 has increased). The Eclipses seemed to have made quite an impact on our local services - I'm quite surprised.

I've read your messages about the new Streetlites arriving and even though I'm not too keen on the Streetlites, they're a hell of a lot better than the 05 Darts - not to mention all the other one-off piles of crap floating around in Bath (46259 being one of them). It'll be interesting to see what buses we do end up with over the next year.

On another subject, does anyone know what's happening to the Eclipses on Wells depot (and the buses at Wells depot overall)? I only ask because 69438 (one of the eclipses) has a notice of bus service changes (from 13/04) for Weston Super Mare. Is 69438 moving across? All the other Eclipses have the notices from February still. I am rather attached to these Eclipses and it would be sad to see them go - I've only been using the 376/379 for 3-4 years ish and have sort of grown up with them really - it's sad to say that I can even tell differences between the 11 left in Wells (not all of them, but the majority).

The remaining eclpises are likely to be staying in Wells for the foreeable future, buses in Wells depot frequently take trips to Weston for maintence work so that's probably why they had that notice on it. When Wells are due a new batch for their key services (most likely within the next two years) then the majority of the eclipses will transfer, with Weston or depots being the most probable. However, it's also likely some would stay to replace the oldest stock and move on to working other services, so expect to see them around for many years yet!

Oh and I sympathise with you on the 379, hopefully it's a temporary measure whilst Bath await new stuff! Those darts aren't really suited to 379, although I do rather like 46259!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Oh and I sympathise with you on the 379, hopefully it's a temporary measure whilst Bath await new stuff! Those darts aren't really suited to 379, although I do rather like 46259!

Quite funny that whilst 46259 continues to grind away (was on the 319 on Thursday), 46260, 46261 and 46262 are parked out the front of Muller Road in various states of cannabalisation

 

[Private Baxter]

Quite funny that whilst 46259 continues to grind away (was on the 319 on Thursday), 46260, 46261 and 46262 are parked out the front of Muller Road in various states of cannabalisation

Oh really?! Bear in mind though that they were withdrawn not that long ago. Also I believe 46264 is still going in Bristol. But then you could look at 46603 and its sisters, all long since gone, while it soldiers on. The end must surely be near?? (Actually I think because Wells are currently short of at least two vehicles that they have no option but to keep it going.)

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Oh really?! Bear in mind though that they were withdrawn not that long ago. Also I believe 46264 is still going in Bristol. But then you could look at 46603 and its sisters, all long since gone, while it soldiers on. The end must surely be near?? (Actually I think because Wells are currently short of at least two vehicles that they have no option but to keep it going.)

46603 is, I believe, due to go in May. That said, I didn't think it would get MOT'd in Feb!! It may survive yet.

46260/1 were actually withdrawn four months ago (yes, December) so the fact that they're still hanging round is quite surprising. Even more so when P regs are getting withdrawn and then they're dragging R reg Marshalls from South Wales! 46264 was spotted on the 42 not too long ago!!

40517 is also there and has lost its LED screen - guess that will appear in a W-PAE B7TL at some point??

 

[DaveHarries]

Another change for First Somerset & Avon: this was in the Western area list on the VOSA Bus Registrations for 22nd April:

PH0000132/69 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BATH SPA University and UNIVERSITY OF BATH Bus Stand given service number 18 effective from 19-Jun-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

Sounds like the 15 (Bath Spa Univeersity - City Centre) and 18 (University of Bath - City Centre) will be merged to form one route, thereby restoring things to how they were a few years ago.

HTIOI,
Dave

 

[swifty]

Another change for First Somerset & Avon: this was in the Western area list on the VOSA Bus Registrations for 22nd April:

PH0000132/69 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted: Operating between BATH SPA University and UNIVERSITY OF BATH Bus Stand given service number 18 effective from 19-Jun-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

Sounds like the 15 (Bath Spa Univeersity - City Centre) and 18 (University of Bath - City Centre) will be merged to form one route, thereby restoring things to how they were a few years ago.

HTIOI,
Dave

You do realise VOSA don't tend to update the route start and end points after a service has been cut short?

In all likely hood it'll be the usual summer timetable change for the 18 that happened around mid June the past two years.

 

[Private Baxter]

New streetlites in Taunton for the Silk Mills park and ride service. Due to be repainted in BoS livery soon. Had these been diverted from going elsewhere due to Webberbus losing the contract? They can't surely have been heading for Taunton originally. Still great to see something brand new down there. Hopefully will see occasional use on other services.

I must say that Buses of Somerset has been a fantastic scheme. I think First had a fairly negative image down there and what they've done is exactly what was needed to reinvent the network. Really hope it works! I also believe the council were right to award the P&R service to First. Are there any other areas in the country that has had similar treatment?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

New streetlites in Taunton for the Silk Mills park and ride service. Due to be repainted in BoS livery soon. Had these been diverted from going elsewhere due to Webberbus losing the contract? They can't surely have been heading for Taunton originally. Still great to see something brand new down there. Hopefully will see occasional use on other services.

I must say that Buses of Somerset has been a fantastic scheme. I think First had a fairly negative image down there and what they've done is exactly what was needed to reinvent the network. Really hope it works! I also believe the council were right to award the P&R service to First. Are there any other areas in the country that has had similar treatment?

The Streetlites were destined to be going to Weymouth (631**) and FSE but not before working Commonwealth Games duties. Instead, they've been diverted in the short term to Taunton to replace Webberbus. They won't be getting painted AFAIK and it's an emergency tender. If First were to win it long term, vehicles will need to be sourced.

Think BoS has been universally well received. However, despite rumours about Cornwall, there's no evidence of anything similar occurring. However, there is more latitude for First firms to innovate, hence the red service in Southampton but the Olympia livery is standard.

 

[DaveHarries]

If First were to win it long term, vehicles will need to be sourced.

Yes they will. No doubt some decrepit hand-me-downs that will then probably attract complaints about the vehicles used, and then the reliability of the service when they start breaking down! :roll:

Dave

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Yes they will. No doubt some decrepit hand-me-downs that will then probably attract complaints about the vehicles used, and then the reliability of the service when they start breaking down! :roll:

Dave

Dave

You normally are quite sensible when you post. For this type of contract, First aren't going to send down some Marshall Darts from Wales. In fact, I could swear that they've just sent down some brand new Streetlites

The contract will doubtless specify new vehicles (or have an age restriction). First have new kit on Bath P&R, Swansea P&R, Portsmouth P&R etc. I think Truro is due to get new vehicles, albeit supplied by the council. Even in Bristol, their stuff on the 903 is considerably better than the rather ancient bendies of CT Plus! The only example where I can think that old tat appears is on the Plymouth P&R and that is because they're commercial services. The council, of course, is happy to a) take the saving from them now being commercial whilst b) criticising First for using 12 year old fleet.

Assuming that BoS do get the contract full time (rather than Stagecoach or the latest post suggesting it could be RATP or Go Ahead), then you would anticipate that new vehicles would be specified.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Clevedon! First one is the 08:15 X8. Gets to the centre at about 09:05

Oh sorry, should have guessed by your name!

Seems silly there's not one earlier! Does the X6 run early?

 

[freetoview33]

X6 doesn't run Sunday or bank holidays

 

[ValleyLines142]

X6 doesn't run Sunday or bank holidays

Ah that's a shame.

I need to catch the X1 or the X6 in the week sometime, as they're both run by Enviro 400s!

 

[ClevedonYellow]

Oh sorry, should have guessed by your name!

Seems silly there's not one earlier! Does the X6 run early?

On a normal Mon - Fri the 1st X6 is 06:30 and the 1st X8 is 05:50.

On Sat the 1st X6 is 07:30 (And is hourly) and the 1st X8 is 05:50

On Sun + Public Holiday, there is No X6 (Or X5) and the 1st X8 is 08:12.

Sundays inly have the W1 running too! (No X1)

 

[freetoview33]

I just got a complete set of timetables from Bristol and around, and there are quite a lot of inconstancies in the timetables. The last week or so I have got on buses a lot more than normal and soooo many in Bristol tend to run in pairs of late.

 

[DaveHarries]

Assuming that BoS do get the contract full time (rather than Stagecoach or the latest post suggesting it could be RATP or Go Ahead) [.....]

Not heard that rumour: where did it come from, OOI?

Dave

 

[Colly405]

Dave

You normally are quite sensible when you post. For this type of contract, First aren't going to send down some Marshall Darts from Wales. In fact, I could swear that they've just sent down some brand new Streetlites

A Marshall Dart failed last night on the 82. Looks to have been on the 1755 from southmead, saw it switch its display off at the BAWA stop at 1830, and then at 1940 the breakdown truck was in attendance.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Not heard that rumour: where did it come from, OOI?

Dave

There's been chatter about RATP having options on Webberbus on Plymothian Transit. Personally, I give it no credence.

Stagecoach (as Cooks) did operate the contract before, of course. Go Ahead is seemingly mentioned in connection with most developments though I was being facetious on this one!

 

[Class 33]

Ah that's a shame.

I need to catch the X1 or the X6 in the week sometime, as they're both run by Enviro 400s!

There's also the X5. A 1 hour 45 minute journey from Cribbs Causeway to Weston-Super-Mare onboard an Enviro 400 would be a very nice journey, and even better if the return journey was also one of these. Unfortunately not all the workings on this service are Enviro 400's. Seems to be a mix of Enviro 400's, Gemini's, ALX 400 Volvo B7's, and Eclipses.

 

[ValleyLines142]

There's also the X5. A 1 hour 45 minute journey from Cribbs Causeway to Weston-Super-Mare onboard an Enviro 400 would be a very nice journey, and even better if the return journey was also one of these. Unfortunately not all the workings on this service are Enviro 400's. Seems to be a mix of Enviro 400's, Gemini's, ALX 400 Volvo B7's, and Eclipses.

Indeed, however they tend to use the ex-Plymouth Enviros on the X5, which I personally think are quite sickly. I much prefer the new batch (33825-33830) but First tend to stick these solely on the X1.

 

[Class 33]

Indeed, however they tend to use the ex
-Plymouth Enviros on the X5, which I personally think are quite sickly. I much prefer the new batch (33825-33830) but First tend to stick these solely on the X1.

Ah right I see. Though co-incidentally there was an Enviro 400 in the X1 Express livery working the 1441 Cribbs Causeway-Weston-Super-Mare today.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Indeed, however they tend to use the ex
-Plymouth Enviros on the X5, which I personally think are quite sickly. I much prefer the new batch (33825-33830) but First tend to stick these solely on the X1.

Eclipses? I thought the X5 was all WM depot?

 

[swifty]

Eclipses? I thought the X5 was all WM depot?

It is, they've got 66720-7 and 66934-6/56 which sometimes pop up on the W1/X1 as well. Although I wasn't aware WM had any Gemini anymore?

As has been said Enviro wise the W1/X1 and X6 seem like the best bet with the older ones on the X6. I presume the 3 in Olympia livery are common on the X5 as I don't see these along the A370 as much any more?

 

[ClevedonYellow]

Indeed, however they tend to use the ex
-Plymouth Enviros on the X5, which I personally think are quite sickly. I much prefer the new batch (33825-33830) but First tend to stick these solely on the X1.

You get a couple running around on the 7 in WSM. 33414 was on it today!.

 

[Martin1988]

I've travelled into work on the new 46(Yate-Bristol) route several times over the last fortnight. So far on the first journey of the day, only a few passengers have boarded in Yate(none of which have travelled into Bristol), but I've been noticing that for the past couple of days, the service has become rather congested from Frenchay onwards with all seats being taken and several passengers being required to stand.

The normal type of vehicle allocated to this route is a dart but does anyone have any opinion, should a bigger vehicle be used- even if it was only for the journeys at peak times in order to guarantee more passengers a seat?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

It is, they've got 66720-7 and 66934-6/56 which sometimes pop up on the W1/X1 as well. Although I wasn't aware WM had any Gemini anymore?

As has been said Enviro wise the W1/X1 and X6 seem like the best bet with the older ones on the X6. I presume the 3 in Olympia livery are common on the X5 as I don't see these along the A370 as much any more?

Sorry I meant Geminis! Doh! WM had 37315-7 new and some of the 370** B7s but haven't had any since the ex Bath P&Rs headed to Bristol?

Eclipse wise, they also have 69459/60 (ex LH) in the Olympia livery. Reasonably common on the W1