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

[TheGrandWazoo]

Oh I had no idea the 112 was 'partly' axed!

Guess it saves the overlap between Highbridge and Burnham and restores the old X2 link from Weston to Bridgwater that Webberbus 15/75 brought back. Not certain how many deckers they have at BR; 3 Green Presidents plus 4 ex Glasgow plus some Olympians. PVR is 10
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

there was at least one step decker and several B7s on the 21 on Saturday.

of real interest was the park and ride bus parked at the back of taunton bus station not sure if it saw normal service work on Saturday or not.

one newly painted decker X961 HLT died on its way back from Plymouth the driver is a friend of mine on facebook and he picked it up today.

Also in reply to the Chew Valley, drive the roads every day and regularly see some of the coaches and lorries that navigate those roads and also I know the regular driver of the 672 very well who since he's been driving it has seen passenger numbers pick up and one of the main comments he hears is people moaning about the way the timetable is set up.

as for the 178 it could well happen it was briefly mentioned in a customer panel meeting trips beyond Norton really aren't profitable.

I personally would number the 379 - 176 ties it in with the Bath - Norton routes but also ties it nicely in with the 376 as well.

it would seem webberbus have plans for the spare busses they now have.


PH1035360/53 - WEBBERBUS LTD, UNIT 8C, BEECH BUSINESS PARK, BRISTOL ROAD, BRIDGWATER, TA6 4FF

Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Bridgewater, Bristol Road
Finish Point: Wells Bus Station
Via: Westbury, Sandford
Service Number: 26
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-JUN-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, hourly.


5. PH1035360/54 - WEBBERBUS LTD, UNIT 8C, BEECH BUSINESS PARK, BRISTOL ROAD, BRIDGWATER, TA6 4FF

Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wellington, Tonedale
Finish Point: Taunton, Castle Way
Via: Heatherton Park, Somerset College
Service Number: 12
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 23-JUN-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday, hourly.

I think 176 could get confusing with the 776 (esp as it used to be the 176).

Take it that the 26 is really a version of the 126 from Wells to Weston but with placement journeys to/from BR? Can't imagine the route otherwise?

As for Chew Valley, you'll know its a lousy road the 368. Sick of getting stuck at Blagdon. What is the problem with the 672 timetable? The frequency? Sadly, the same problem as the 184. Nice to have more journeys but will those people who live in such areas use more vehicles. The 184 and 672 suggest not unfortunately without LA support and I'd don't know if that will happen esp as the 672 was cut back a few years back

 

[matt_splat]

Guess it saves the overlap between Highbridge and Burnham and restores the old X2 link from Weston to Bridgwater that Webberbus 15/75 brought back. Not certain how many deckers they have at BR; 3 Green Presidents plus 4 ex Glasgow plus some Olympians. PVR is 10
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I think 176 could get confusing with the 776 (esp as it used to be the 176).

Take it that the 26 is really a version of the 126 from Wells to Weston but with placement journeys to/from BR? Can't imagine the route otherwise?

As for Chew Valley, you'll know its a lousy road the 368. Sick of getting stuck at Blagdon. What is the problem with the 672 timetable? The frequency? Sadly, the same problem as the 184. Nice to have more journeys but will those people who live in such areas use more vehicles. The 184 and 672 suggest not unfortunately without LA support and I'd don't know if that will happen esp as the 672 was cut back a few years back

176 was such a long time ago it shouldn't cause too many issues, but could do.

I find the issue with blagdon could be solved easily with some traffic lights all the yeo valley lorrys using that road it causes chaos.

the timetable and the number of trips and the directions they run the via A38 option is off putting I do believe people are using them now tho also the late trip being ran with a slam door merc from Buglars doesn't help promote a good service I gather the 16:45 can leave Bristol with very few empty seats some days

 

[THarris123]

I think the simplest place to start is why? Given that the Chew Valley is very affluent, and that bus services (such as the 672) are currently tendered, then why put this in? Same goes for the 171/2 if not more so. Not seeing a great clamour for people to travel to Bristol by bus so why to Bath?

If the idea is to provide a 15 min service along the A37 from Bristol to Clutton/Temple Cloud, then basically doubling the 379 to half hourly would make more sense as it would also serve the big development in Paulton.

However, in reality, given that the 379 needed support from the developer and loadings a bit thin, doubling it would probably just dilute the existing traffic.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Just the usual rumours that WGL have gained some work round Callington but in truth, nothing much has been placed "out there".

Do you know why there isn't any demand for bus services in the Chew Valley area? - there's no regular bus service. If you provide an hourly or even 2 hourly service (preferably), this allows people to use an alternative method of transport to get to the nearest towns. The majority of my mates are all at Uni and find it very difficult to go from the Chew Valley area to Bristol for an evening out. Together with the fact that if B&NES also did away with half the school bus services for Chew Valley school, there would be considerable demand for the bus service at peak. I also didn't say in my message or in the spreadsheet that 171, 172 and 378 would all end up with Solo's (meaning they could move some of the older crap out of Bath). Personally, I don't think that the 171 or 172 would work fully (although it would probably work from Bath to Corston and Marksbury) and the 378 would work with every 2 hours (possibly every hour at peak) with good demand from Whitchurch into Bristol and some demand for the rest of the journey - I can assure you there is demand. I thought I would simply suggest this to see what people's views are. The reason why I didn't suggest it should go through Clutton and Temple Cloud is due to the demand - there is only enough demand up to Whitchurch (i.e. all peak buses are full by the time they get there) and putting on the 379 every 30 minutes would be a total waste of money.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

176 was such a long time ago it shouldn't cause too many issues, but could do.

I find the issue with blagdon could be solved easily with some traffic lights all the yeo valley lorrys using that road it causes chaos.

the timetable and the number of trips and the directions they run the via A38 option is off putting I do believe people are using them now tho also the late trip being ran with a slam door merc from Buglars doesn't help promote a good service I gather the 16:45 can leave Bristol with very few empty seats some days

I have to admit that renumbering the 379 to 176 would probably be better, although could be renumbered to something like 180 to avoid confusion with 776? I don't really like renumbering it to X78 - could show to passengers there's an express service along the 178 route - scary thought!

Overall, I don't see the point of renumbering bus services - passengers get used to a specific number and if it changes (probably the 376, 375, 377 and 379 will change) they can easily get confused - especially if the service changes bays in any of the bus stations. I haven't really seen the point in changing the 332 to 37 - why not change it to 32?? And why renumber 339 to 39 - it makes a bit more sense that the 332, but it has been going for years as that number (at least 30 years - my mum even remembers it) and loyal passengers must get confused.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also forgot to say - saw 42556 broken down at Clutton today on the way back from work - must have been doing the 379. Strange the last 379 from Bath through Clutton was running on time - so the driver must have been waiting at Clutton for over an hour - not sure whether he decided to take a trip to the Warwick Arms in that time! Believe it or not it's the first time I've ever seen a bus broken down at Clutton, sad to think that it was heading towards Bristol and not away from Bristol - usually the steep hill from Chelwood would break an 05 dart like that! Why are they on that route?!

 

[matt_splat]

I get fully what your saying.

chew valley deserves better links with Bath, Weston and Bristol it really is let down the roads in the area are in a shocking state.

its a shame north somerset council enjoy wasting money on services like the A2 which are for ever running into and out of Bristol airport empty

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I get fully what your saying.

chew valley deserves better links with Bath, Weston and Bristol it really is let down the roads in the area are in a shocking state.

its a shame north somerset council enjoy wasting money on services like the A2 which are for ever running into and out of Bristol airport empty

That forgets that North Somerset Council are doing the A2, whilst the major part of Chew Valley is in BaNES. Also, North Somerset Council aren't actually paying for it - it comes from DfT Local Sustainable Transport Fund which is ringfenced.

Both NSC and BaNES have been struggling to maintain the current networks.

Also, I don't necessarily buy the "build it and they will come" scenario. During the late 90's/early 00's, there were a number of schemes (RBF and Kickstart) to help develop new and existing services. Look at the ones in the south west and you'll see some did work:

• Chippenham to Swindon - frequency went from hourly to 30 mins (to 20 mins)
• Swindon to Devizes - frequency doubled to hourly and extended to Trowbridge
• Culm Valley Connect

Also, some of the Somerset Sunday services came in and stayed (21, 22, plus enhanced 28 and 376)

However, look at the other services that were enhanced and didn't make it. 161/2 Frome to Wells doubled to hourly or 184 Frome to Bath doubled to hourly. Sunday journeys from Yeovil to Chard/Wincanton/Wells, or Taunton to Somerton, Wells to Bridgwater, Frome to Radstock. Most importantly, the 672 was increased and extended, got two brand new Solos and was rebranded.

Sorry to come across as just being obstructive. I'm not. However, in a time when council budgets are under massive pressure and remember, the situation will get worse as the cuts are backloaded until after the election next year, I just don't see where the money will come from.

It was enough to get BaNES to keep the 14 evening service in Bath, and they nearly pulled the last 672 as well

 

[vicbury]

That forgets that North Somerset Council are doing the A2, whilst the major part of Chew Valley is in BaNES. Also, North Somerset Council aren't actually paying for it - it comes from DfT Local Sustainable Transport Fund which is ringfenced.

Both NSC and BaNES have been struggling to maintain the current networks.

Also, I don't necessarily buy the "build it and they will come" scenario. During the late 90's/early 00's, there were a number of schemes (RBF and Kickstart) to help develop new and existing services. Look at the ones in the south west and you'll see some did work:

• Chippenham to Swindon - frequency went from hourly to 30 mins (to 20 mins)
• Swindon to Devizes - frequency doubled to hourly and extended to Trowbridge
• Culm Valley Connect

Also, some of the Somerset Sunday services came in and stayed (21, 22, plus enhanced 28 and 376)

However, look at the other services that were enhanced and didn't make it. 161/2 Frome to Wells doubled to hourly or 184 Frome to Bath doubled to hourly. Sunday journeys from Yeovil to Chard/Wincanton/Wells, or Taunton to Somerton, Wells to Bridgwater, Frome to Radstock. Most importantly, the 672 was increased and extended, got two brand new Solos and was rebranded.

Sorry to come across as just being obstructive. I'm not. However, in a time when council budgets are under massive pressure and remember, the situation will get worse as the cuts are backloaded until after the election next year, I just don't see where the money will come from.

It was enough to get BaNES to keep the 14 evening service in Bath, and they nearly pulled the last 672 as well

Did BANES keep the evening 14 service in Bath? I was under the impression that First kept it on commercially, at an increased frequency in the early evening and a reduced frequency in the late evening.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Do you know why there isn't any demand for bus services in the Chew Valley area? - there's no regular bus service. If you provide an hourly or even 2 hourly service (preferably), this allows people to use an alternative method of transport to get to the nearest towns.

They did have a two hourly frequency on the 672 from 1999 to 2005 but dropped it due to lack of passengers and council funding pressure

The majority of my mates are all at Uni and find it very difficult to go from the Chew Valley area to Bristol for an evening out. Together with the fact that if B&NES also did away with half the school bus services for Chew Valley school, there would be considerable demand for the bus service at peak. I also didn't say in my message or in the spreadsheet that 171, 172 and 378 would all end up with Solo's (meaning they could move some of the older crap out of Bath).

2005 Solos are hardly older crap. Go to Yeovil where their 15 year old examples are still toiling on town services!

Personally, I don't think that the 171 or 172 would work fully (although it would probably work from Bath to Corston and Marksbury) and the 378 would work with every 2 hours (possibly every hour at peak) with good demand from Whitchurch into Bristol and some demand for the rest of the journey - I can assure you there is demand. I thought I would simply suggest this to see what people's views are. The reason why I didn't suggest it should go through Clutton and Temple Cloud is due to the demand - there is only enough demand up to Whitchurch (i.e. all peak buses are full by the time they get there) and putting on the 379 every 30 minutes would be a total waste of money.

Hmmm...but another poster mentioned the new housing development at Clutton and there's a lot of new housing up and going up in Paulton

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I have to admit that renumbering the 379 to 176 would probably be better, although could be renumbered to something like 180 to avoid confusion with 776? I don't really like renumbering it to X78 - could show to passengers there's an express service along the 178 route - scary thought!

X branded routes can be a fast version of a broader corridor e.g. Norton to Bristol, and not necessarily be a direct, faster parallel - it is a moot point

Overall, I don't see the point of renumbering bus services - passengers get used to a specific number and if it changes (probably the 376, 375, 377 and 379 will change) they can easily get confused - especially if the service changes bays in any of the bus stations. I haven't really seen the point in changing the 332 to 37 - why not change it to 32?? And why renumber 339 to 39 - it makes a bit more sense that the 332, but it has been going for years as that number (at least 30 years - my mum even remembers it) and loyal passengers must get confused.

Would've been perhaps better to make it the 46 (as someone else suggested) so that it complimented the city routes 44/45 along Church Road and through Hanham

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also forgot to say - saw 42556 broken down at Clutton today on the way back from work - must have been doing the 379. Strange the last 379 from Bath through Clutton was running on time - so the driver must have been waiting at Clutton for over an hour - not sure whether he decided to take a trip to the Warwick Arms in that time! Believe it or not it's the first time I've ever seen a bus broken down at Clutton, sad to think that it was heading towards Bristol and not away from Bristol - usually the steep hill from Chelwood would break an 05 dart like that! Why are they on that route?!

It happens. An Eclipse died a few weeks ago on a Sunday working just near the A39/A37 junction between Ston Easton and Farrington. Seen quite a few MPDs working outside of Bath recently. 184 seems a common one as do Trowbridge locals

 

[Private Baxter]

I agree partially with what you're saying regardin re numbering of long established service numbers; it is a shame to see a number that has been in use for at least 40 years completely change. Passengers don't generally like it either as they like familiarity. In the last year just about all the traditional Bristol numbers have been changed.
But it's business and sometimes it's necessary to make changes like this. The new numbers in Bristol are all much easier to remember. The old 358 for example was re numbered last year to the much simpler x3, and the service has been completely reinvented. 376 is one of the few originals left, though I can't see that changing; what would be the need? I suppose another thing is that a service number needs to be memorable. The 376 has a good ring to it and is so well established I can't see it ever changing.

Re Webberbus, really feel they're clutching at straws here. With their surplus of vehicles they seem to be desperately coming up with new route ideas. Not sure the 26 will really work. But I could be wrong. It nothing else it might prompt First to up their game on the 126 with slightly better buses, but I doubt First are too worried. Would like to see the 126 return to Wells depot though.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Did BANES keep the evening 14 service in Bath? I was under the impression that First kept it on commercially, at an increased frequency in the early evening and a reduced frequency in the late evening.

You're quite right. I genuinely though BaNES were supporting the last few journeys but having checked, it doesn't appear on their list of supported services. Thanks for correcting me.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I agree partially with what you're saying regardin re numbering of long established service numbers; it is a shame to see a number that has been in use for at least 40 years completely change. Passengers don't generally like it either as they like familiarity. In the last year just about all the traditional Bristol numbers have been changed.

Re Webberbus, really feel they're clutching at straws here. With their surplus of vehicles they seem to be desperately coming up with new route ideas. Not sure the 26 will really work. But I could be wrong. It nothing else it might prompt First to up their game on the 126 with slightly better buses, but I doubt First are too worried. Would like to see the 126 return to Wells depot though.

I agree. No point in change for changes sake. The 332 to 37 (whilst I understand the rationale) would make more sense to group it with the 44/45 city services, but that's just my opinion. That said, the vast majority of services have changed number and route over the years and people do adapt. I somehow suspect that the remainder of the 3** numbers may well disappear in the coming months/years.

I also agree with you about Webberbus and the 126. There is a whiff of desperation on this one. Having lost their P&R work, and much of their tendered work now going commercial too (Minehead town service, the 670), the idea of competing on what isn't exactly a prime service is a little bemusing. It'll be interesting to see what First do...short workings from Weston to Cheddar? You might have expected them to enter Taunton town services rather than the 126??

 

[Private Baxter]

Didn't realise 670 was going commercial. Wonder if it will pay off. Could end up seeing the entire service disappear.

With Bristol bus numbers, those that are left seem a little out of place. Expect 309/310 to disappear next. 376 could then theoretically be a Wells number along side 375/377.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Didn't realise 670 was going commercial. Wonder if it will pay off. Could end up seeing the entire service disappear.

With Bristol bus numbers, those that are left seem a little out of place. Expect 309/310 to disappear next. 376 could then theoretically be a Wells number along side 375/377.

The 670 is becoming the 67

PH1035360/35 - WEBBERBUS LTD, UNIT 8C, BEECH BUSINESS PARK, BRISTOL ROAD, BRIDGWATER, TA6 4FF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wookey Hole and Bridgewater , Bristol Road given service number 67 effective from 16-Jun-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable

To be honest, I've not done the 670 since it was First operating ex SN Merc 811s and it may have benefited from newer kit but it must be a marginal commercial route.

 

[Private Baxter]

Ah ok, didn't realise. They were actually planning something similar two or three years ago, when they were going to re number it 70, with the Wookey Hole section becoming 71, but was cancelled at the last minute. I think if you go back far enough, (at least fifteen years) it was operated as the 170. I think the old 171 and 172 (Wells to Wookey, Wells to Wookey Hole) were commercial services before being incorporated into the 670, but might be wrong.
Good luck to them.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Ah ok, didn't realise. They were actually planning something similar two or three years ago, when they were going to re number it 70, with the Wookey Hole section becoming 71, but was cancelled at the last minute. I think if you go back far enough, (at least fifteen years) it was operated as the 170. I think the old 171 and 172 (Wells to Wookey, Wells to Wookey Hole) were commercial services before being incorporated into the 670, but might be wrong.
Good luck to them.

You're quite right that the 670 was the 170 Wells to Burnham though I think it actually went via Wookey, with the 171 to Wells to Wookey Hole. The 172 was a Wells city service via Keward Avenue and Jocelyn Drive, with the more recently withdrawn 174 to Churchill Road.

I'd need to check my old Badgerline timetables to be sure. When I first visited, they were operated by Ford Transits, as was the 161/2 and the 378 (Shepton to Glastonbury). Lynxes on the 376, with REs on the 126 and the 163 (what is now the 375). 173 was Lynxes or REs though Bath usually had a Mk2 National on their contribution!

 

[freetoview33]

I still think a patchway depot would be a good idea, it could have the 1 2 40 40A 41 73 75 76 319 X5 maybe the 17 18 20 24 81 82 X7. I think it would work better than Hengrove depot does. And would allow more flexibility.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I still think a patchway depot would be a good idea, it could have the 1 2 40 40A 41 73 75 76 319 X5 maybe the 17 18 20 24 81 82 X7. I think it would work better than Hengrove depot does. And would allow more flexibility.

I doubt it stacks up financially esp when you've got spare capacity in existing depots. It costs about £15 a day just for open parking rent per vehicle. Add in stuff like extra supervisory/admin staff, fuel island and wash maintenance, utilities and rent/rates for a maintenance bay and offices and the cost per day per vehicle it soon adds up.

If the cost is therefore upwards of £30-£40 a day per vehicle, then to make it worthwhile, you have to be saving over an hour per vehicle. Of course, if you run out of capacity then you have to do something.

Outstations are a cheaper, lower overhead way of doing it but then you need a certain critical mass or covering holidays becomes a right chore! Sadly, even Outstations are becoming rarer with Radstock, Frome, Melksham all disappearing in recent years.

However, if First increase operations even more in Bristol, then yes, something will have to be done though (as I said before), the re-renting of the old MH yard adj to LH is probably the most likely option. Don't know how full HE or BH are these days.

I remember when there were 4 city depots LH, KD, WE and MR plus MH for country; there are still former depots still standing at Briz, Eastville, Westbury, Hanham and Avonmouth too!

 

[DaveHarries]

The 670 is becoming the 67

PH1035360/35 - WEBBERBUS LTD, UNIT 8C, BEECH BUSINESS PARK, BRISTOL ROAD, BRIDGWATER, TA6 4FF
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wookey Hole and Bridgewater , Bristol Road given service number 67 effective from 16-Jun-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable

To be honest, I've not done the 670 since it was First operating ex SN Merc 811s and it may have benefited from newer kit but it must be a marginal commercial route.

Hmm. And it will go to Bridgwater instead of Burnham. This route was indeed previously the 170 when First Badgerline (as they then were) ran the service.

Dave

 

[freetoview33]

I doubt it stacks up financially esp when you've got spare capacity in existing depots. It costs about £15 a day just for open parking rent per vehicle. Add in stuff like extra supervisory/admin staff, fuel island and wash maintenance, utilities and rent/rates for a maintenance bay and offices and the cost per day per vehicle it soon adds up.

If the cost is therefore upwards of £30-£40 a day per vehicle, then to make it worthwhile, you have to be saving over an hour per vehicle. Of course, if you run out of capacity then you have to do something.

Outstations are a cheaper, lower overhead way of doing it but then you need a certain critical mass or covering holidays becomes a right chore! Sadly, even Outstations are becoming rarer with Radstock, Frome, Melksham all disappearing in recent years.

However, if First increase operations even more in Bristol, then yes, something will have to be done though (as I said before), the re-renting of the old MH yard adj to LH is probably the most likely option. Don't know how full HE or BH are these days.

I remember when there were 4 city depots LH, KD, WE and MR plus MH for country; there are still former depots still standing at Briz, Eastville, Westbury, Hanham and Avonmouth too!

Where were the former depots exactly?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Where were the former depots exactly?

No worries. They are

Brislington is Bath Road - BCC depot opp Arnos Court Hotel
Eastville is Stapleton Road - hidden behind BT building
Hanham is High Street - now Tollgate Van Hire
Avonmouth - in village next to police station (think it's being converted)
Kingswood is Moravian Road - now a storage yard
Westbury is Westbury Road - think it's now Majestic Wine and looks similar to Avonmouth

All except KD were ex Tramways depots. KD was a former coach depot and was then a minibus base for Cityline

 

[freetoview33]

No worries. They are

Brislington is Bath Road - BCC depot opp Arnos Court Hotel
Eastville is Stapleton Road - hidden behind BT building
Hanham is High Street - now Tollgate Van Hire
Avonmouth - in village next to police station (think it's being converted)
Kingswood is Moravian Road - now a storage yard
Westbury is Westbury Road - think it's now Majestic Wine and looks similar to Avonmouth

All except KD were ex Tramways depots. KD was a former coach depot and was then a minibus base for Cityline

Ah yeah I know now and yes it is Majestic Wine and houses now.

 

[Private Baxter]

I doubt it stacks up financially esp when you've got spare capacity in existing depots. It costs about £15 a day just for open parking rent per vehicle. Add in stuff like extra supervisory/admin staff, fuel island and wash maintenance, utilities and rent/rates for a maintenance bay and offices and the cost per day per vehicle it soon adds up.

If the cost is therefore upwards of £30-£40 a day per vehicle, then to make it worthwhile, you have to be saving over an hour per vehicle. Of course, if you run out of capacity then you have to do something.

Outstations are a cheaper, lower overhead way of doing it but then you need a certain critical mass or covering holidays becomes a right chore! Sadly, even Outstations are becoming rarer with Radstock, Frome, Melksham all disappearing in recent years.

However, if First increase operations even more in Bristol, then yes, something will have to be done though (as I said before), the re-renting of the old MH yard adj to LH is probably the most likely option. Don't know how full HE or BH are these days.

I remember when there were 4 city depots LH, KD, WE and MR plus MH for country; there are still former depots still standing at Briz, Eastville, Westbury, Hanham and Avonmouth too!

Radstock had an outstation?! Must have been some time ago, presumably its proximity to Bath meant it was probaly cheaper in the long run just to send buses back to Bath.

Don't know how full Bath depot is; I think it's storing more now than a few years ago though. How many outstations do they have left? Wells depot reached, and exceeded full capacity some time ago, and rent a second site down the road.

Oh and I've never quite got the deal with MH depot. So that's part of LH right, only seperate. How does it work? (Sorry for all the questions?)

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Radstock had an outstation?! Must have been some time ago, presumably its proximity to Bath meant it was probaly cheaper in the long run just to send buses back to Bath.

Don't know how full Bath depot is; I think it's storing more now than a few years ago though. How many outstations do they have left? Wells depot reached, and exceeded full capacity some time ago, and rent a second site down the road.

Oh and I've never quite got the deal with MH depot. So that's part of LH right, only seperate. How does it work? (Sorry for all the questions?)

No worries about asking questions. Just hope it's interesting (and accurate - sometimes the years play tricks).

Radstock had TWO outstations about 20 years ago (MH and BH both had separate ones). I only remember the BH one which was located on Haydon Ind Est in a compound; you'll see it there on the right with quarry lorries in there. Must've closed about 2006 as I remember one of the W-CWX Olyms parked there. Bath used to have a lot of outstations with Chippenham (later moved to Melksham), Devizes (also moved to Melksham but a bit later - up til 1970s Devizes had a depot!), Radstock, Frome, Warminster and Trowbridge (which also had a depot til 1983). Think Westbury is now the only outstation.

Other depots had outstations too with WM at Highbridge (in the yard of the former depot near the train station), MH had outbases at Chepstow (still there in Bulwark with two vehicles?), Clevedon (Old Station Yard), Dursley bus station, and Wotton u Edge (which used to have a depot til the 1970s). Some of those were quite long standing whilst others were just a couple of minibuses in the mid 80s for MiniLink services.

As for MH, the allocation is separate and used to be parked in the old Central Works area next door (where Pier Buses used to park). Now they park in LH depot but don't know if they have a segregated area. Maintenance is shared with LH but I think drivers have their own rota.

 

[Private Baxter]

Thanks for answering all the question!

That's what I figured about MH, but I presume it must be segregated in some way considering they stick to their own buses, so to speak, except for the odd R reg B10 which occasionally makes it out on MH services. Still, surprised the depot can accomodate all those extra buses. Wonder if they'll end up renting the adjacent site you mentioned should either depot expand? Oh, and my understanding (which i limitede ) is that Chepstow outstation is still going.

I thought Westbury was the only one left for Bath operations, but has incorporated a some of the others which closed in the last few years, if I'm right in thinking. I believe a lot of 265 buses are kept here. One more question - any idea how many are kept at Westbury?

Interesting to read about the number they used to have, really surprised that Radstock had two! Oh and back on MH, for those few buses that are in the new livery, all have the Lawrence Hill tag on them.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Thanks for answering all the question!

I thought Westbury was the only one left for Bath operations, but has incorporated a some of the others which closed in the last few years, if I'm right in thinking. I believe a lot of 265 buses are kept here. One more question - any idea how many are kept at Westbury?

Interesting to read about the number they used to have, really surprised that Radstock had two! Oh and back on MH, for those few buses that are in the new livery, all have the Lawrence Hill tag on them.

Apart from the ones that have Hengrove still on them....

The Westbury outstation operates the 265 mainly. I think I said it was a PVR of 11 before, of which about 9 are Westbury based. The outstation also operates 6 vehicles on the 234 and 267 which interwork via Frome (though Matt Splatt indicated that they might look to speed up the 267 and operate it from Bath depot and stop the interworking).

Other Westbury work is the Frome Town Service (one Solo) and the Trowbridge locals (2 vehicles - anything from Solos to B6s and MPDs). Westbury took on one bus from Melksham and a fair bit of Frome.

Historically, the fortunes have waxed and waned over the years. There are a number of routes that were Bristol OC/Badgerline and then lost/regained/lost again. The 77/87 was lost, got back with the purchase of Clapton Coaches, then partly lost and then totally lost a few years back. One bus on the 49 to Swindon was also a First run, and I can remember having a great trip on the Devizes to Chippenham service on an ageing Badgerline VR!

 

[ValleyLines142]

Some interesting observations in Bristol this afternoon.

Had the famous 46259 on the 319 this afternoon to Cribbs. Crikey a what a smelly bugger! Still going (just about!)

Saw Eclipse 69437 on the 37 today, but passing by Cabot, close to where the 24, 48 and 49 pick up? Didn't know it went this way!

Further observations include Gemini 37324 on a 43 (yes, 43!) service to Kingswood, instead of Cadbury Heath, but also just displaying Kingswood, as opposed to 'via Hanham, etc'. I'm guessing this is just a shortened version of the route, maybe just a peak extra or short run due to a breakdown?

Finally 42949 and 66116 on the 2 today! Tut tut!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Some interesting observations in Bristol this afternoon.

Had the famous 46259 on the 319 this afternoon to Cribbs. Crikey a what a smelly bugger! Still going (just about!)

Saw Eclipse 69437 on the 37 today, but passing by Cabot, close to where the 24, 48 and 49 pick up? Didn't know it went this way!

Further observations include Gemini 37324 on a 43 (yes, 43!) service to Kingswood, instead of Cadbury Heath, but also just displaying Kingswood, as opposed to 'via Hanham, etc'. I'm guessing this is just a shortened version of the route, maybe just a peak extra or short run due to a breakdown?

Finally 42949 and 66116 on the 2 today! Tut tut!

43 doesn't go via Hanham; that's the 44. And if it was late pm, then you're probably right that it's a peak extra

 

[ValleyLines142]

43 doesn't go via Hanham; that's the 44. And if it was late pm, then you're probably right that it's a peak extra

Sorry, I meant Lawrence Hill!


Also forgot to add I saw a Streetlite on the 20! (47450)

 

[swifty]

Marshall Dart 41727 was out on the X3 this morning. I also saw a novel approach to having deckers out on the 36, running two B6s in convoy .

 

[Class 33]

I think the 332 should have been re-numbered 32 instead of 37, or 46 and group it with the 44 & 45 which also goes via Hanham. As the 37 allthough a Bristol-Bath service goes a very different route to the 38, 39, X39. Also I note from the timetable the timetabled journey duration is now about 1 hour 5 minutes. Compared to about 50 minutes when it was the 332? So is the 37 now getting a lot more passengers using it within Bristol?

I think the 309 & 310 will be next to be re-numbered and lose their 300 series service numbers. Possibly from the September 7th changes. I can see the logic in re-numbering them 77 & 78(or 78 & 79) to group them in with the 75 & 76 which runs up Gloucester Road. I think if that happens though, these re-numbered services should be upgraded back to double deckers as they will attract a lot more passengers between Broadmead and Filton. Also timetabled journey times would have to be extended. Maybe by about 10 minutes between Thornbury and Bristol.

Oh and also, what does MH and PVR stand for, that is mentioned quite a bit on here?

 

[matt_splat]

the 267 is back as a bath service but I think the last 184 and the first 184 might run back to Westbury now as I saw a westbury driver driving a 184 last night

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I think the 332 should have been re-numbered 32 instead of 37, or 46 and group it with the 44 & 45 which also goes via Hanham. As the 37 allthough a Bristol-Bath service goes a very different route to the 38, 39, X39. Also I note from the timetable the timetabled journey duration is now about 1 hour 5 minutes. Compared to about 50 minutes when it was the 332? So is the 37 now getting a lot more passengers using it within Bristol?

I think the 309 & 310 will be next to be re-numbered and lose their 300 series service numbers. Possibly from the September 7th changes. I can see the logic in re-numbering them 77 & 78(or 78 & 79) to group them in with the 75 & 76 which runs up Gloucester Road. I think if that happens though, these re-numbered services should be upgraded back to double deckers as they will attract a lot more passengers between Broadmead and Filton. Also timetabled journey times would have to be extended. Maybe by about 10 minutes between Thornbury and Bristol.

Oh and also, what does MH and PVR stand for, that is mentioned quite a bit on here?

MH = Marlborough Street allocation (though based at LH)
PVR = Peak Vehicle Requirement