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

[freetoview33]

37014 is a Lawrence Hill bus

I wish they would change the side of it to reflect that!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

No the X8 doesn't have any letter after it.

I don't really see the difference between the X8/X9/X10 to be honest! I find it confusing and don't really know the route as such!

I need to have a journey on the X1, with those beautiful pink and blue Enviro 400s. Now they are real buses!!

Those e400s are lovely machines. I'd expect some to arrive in 2015 as it's 2009 since the last deckers arrived for Bristol. That said, I can fully understand that with DDA in mind (and this time last year, there were still 18 step floor Darts) that single decks were the priority.

Funny you mention them as "real buses". Some people would only say that Olyms or VRs or Lodekkas were real buses! Had a trip on 66104 tonight and that was lovely for a 16 yr old machine as indeed was 66173 the other week, and I regard those are proper kit.

Most of First's current offerings are pretty decent. I'm not keen on the e400Hs as they rather pedestrian (but look good and are comfortable) but the ex Cymru e200s are my least favourite. Lots of rattles and the short wheelbase makes for choppy ride quality IMHO.
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I wish they would change the side of it to reflect that!

A lot of the 429** Darts have the same issue though I did see one where the speech bubble had been removed, though not replaced.

Mentioned it before but 42711 still has the old style WE depot code plate on the back!

 

[Private Baxter]

Having looked at the X8 timetables again, I see that at least they've gave each variation of the X8 a letter on the end. The X8N Bristol-Nailsea, the X8C Bristol-Clevedon(via Nailsea), and the X8P Bristol-Portishead(via Nailsea). So that makes it a little easier to identify the variations of this service. However, do the actual destination displays on the buses show the letter after the X8? I don't recall seeing any recently. I went for a ride on the X5(on a lovely Enviro 400) from Cribbs Causeway-Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday passing through Clevedon and Portishead, and seen a few X8's but they didn't have X8C or X8P on the bus destination display. So this still might cause some confusion for passengers boarding between Bristol and Nailsea.

Not really much of a regular user of buses between Clevedon, Portishead, and Bristol. But I too think the numbering of these services needs to be revised.

X8 certainly not an express service I know! I mentioned some time ago about how most of the X prefix services now are not really express services, and that these services shouldn't really have an X prefix to them. But others would disagree. The only true express service now is the X7 Bristol-Newport.

First country services have(and in the process of) of renumbering the old 300 series services(i.e. 352, 358, etc) to city style two digit service numbers. In my opinion the X8 which isn't really an express service, but a slow all-stops service to Nailsea, Portishead and Clevdeon, I think the service needs splitting into two different services and renumbered in the 60 series range(of which there are currently these numbers spare, along with numbers 91-99), i.e. the 61 to Portishead, and the 62 to Clevedon.

All very true. Tbh, I can't see it lasting in its current form, and I think the issues raised here will be addressed at some point. You're right that the only true express service is X7, in that it is limited stop, but I'm happy to go with services that simply offer a more direct route. The X39 is so called because it takes the Keynsham bypass, the X75 because it smisses all those villages between Street and Woolavington, but they couldn't really become totally direct, and I have no problem giving a service like those an X prefix. But the X8??! What was it before? Was it 361/2/3? I agree, just dropping the 3 would have made much more sense.

One more thing, since there are already two dedicated e3xpress routes to Portishead simply adds to the confusion surrounding X8, particuarly since you wouldn't choose that one over the other two.

So what of the remaining 3xx services in Bristol? I can see the 309/310 being renumbered at some point. Can't see 376 ever changing though (indeed I hope it doesn't), but 379 could easily be renumbered at some point, that service is not as old as some of the others.

 

[swifty]

One more thing, since there are already two dedicated e3xpress routes to Portishead simply adds to the confusion surrounding X8, particuarly since you wouldn't choose that one over the other two..

The X8 was designed to be a replacement for the old 354, 362/3 on the Bristol - Nailsea - Clevedon corridor and a replacement for the 66 between Nailsea and Portishead (and Clevedon in theory if the connection is made in Nailsea). I can see why they've used the same number for the different routes but as has been said a C/P suffix would make things clearer.

 

[Class 33]

You do wonder if Thornbury might be X rated, if not 77/78?

I don't think it will be too long before the 309 & 310 will be renumbered either to an X prefix service, or in the 70 series to group it in with the other series going via Gloucester Road. If the latter option though, I would hope they will go with 78 & 79 rather than 77 and 78, so that it at least leaves open the possibility of one day the old 77 service to(or via) Henbury could be re-instated.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

As I mentioned before, had another trip out yesterday on a FirstDay SW that I thought I'd share with you. Apologies in advance if I bore you!!

Drove from home and stashed the car just off Muller Road, and then wandered round the corner to catch a 70 into town. Don't wish to go over old ground so will tell you that it was an Eclipse 69455. However, there were massive reliability issues with passengers at stops saying that there had been a 50 min gap in the service. Not helped by Eurotaxis parking a minibus in a really dumb place on Chesterfield Road whilst a wheelchair user was accommodated. At that point, one northbound was stucking whilst my 69455 was leading 3 Eclipses nose to tail!

Off in town and a short walk into the bus station and the 1147 46 to Yate. This was quite a fast run on Dart 42958 (tightly timed) and I think these cascades have nicely updated the MH fleet. After lunch at Yate, I caught the X49 which was being operated by 69458 (and passed sister 69457 going the other way). We left with about 10/11passengers and then made our way though nice villages like Westerleigh and Pucklechurch - the latter is much bigger than I'd noticed as we looped through the estate off Abson Road.

Into Staple Hill, and then a change onto the 7 to make an alternative route into the centre. Volvo B7TL 32022 duly arrived. It has yet been refurbished yet and indeed, it is looking rather careworn. Don't know what people think, but such is the number of repainted vehicles that Barbie is looking very old hat now!

To kill a bit of time, I had a run out to Hengrove but via routes that I'd not done for a while. 32343 was working the 90 and clearly 50% of the England flags sold recently have ended up in Knowle West!! A wander across the Airport Road and catching the 50 which was 42723 that I'd just seen arrive on a 90 so I suspect a lot of interworking goes on! 42723 is pretty rough in terms of rattles but to be honest, it seems to go well, and we sped around the streets with a quite good view of the city as we climbed the rise over Axbridge Road.

Time for a coffee and then the journey I was looking forward to and, having done it, I would certainly recommend it!

The obscure service I mentioned before was the 224 that First Bristol have just taken on from Mikes Travel. There were seven of us as we left Old Market on Dart 42960; no one on from Filton but is that a reflection of the college term? I was the only one to get on at Colston Avenue. After leaving the city centre, we had a right good thrash up the M32, then the M4 and then north on the M5. A good 15-20 mins of a screaming Dart in the rush hour traffic! Coming off the M5 at Falfield, we passed the northbound 311 which was my next bus (that's a relief) and then headed through various villages that used to benefit when the A38 was the main road (pre M5). We then headed into Berkeley (never been there before) and dropped off a couple of passengers but then picked one up!

Headed from there back to the A38 and then began to climb up into Stinchcombe that give you stunning views over the Severn towards the Forest of Dean. Arrived into Dursley, and headed to Sainsbury's for a snack. Dutifully, 66104 arrived into the small bus station at Dursley which seems to have gained a new bus shelter since last I was there.

The next journey was one of the best I've ever had (and I've been doing Explorer trips and the like since before deregulation). Volvo 66104 was once of Wells depot and I guess they looked after it. Considering its age, the lack of body rattles was evident, and the high backed seats were comfortable. Also, it had a lot of power to cope with the hills. Why didn't First Badgerline not buy more of these? Only 19 were delivered with a similar number or so arriving from Hampshire, Scotland and South Yorkshire - really like the B10BLEs and so do drivers and engineers.

The 311 then leaves Dursley and goes back through Stinchcombe and North Nibley with stunning views of Severn Estuary all the way down to the bridges and a lovely run along the edge of the Cotswolds. There was one other passenger to Wotton and then I had the bus to myself as we lost height and headed to Thornbury where the service number changes to 310. Got one passenger at the health centre and a couple more in the town centre but not many more until we reached Filton. I got off at Horfield Common and then wandered down to reclaim my car!

If you get the opportunity, I'd really recommend doing the 311, and if you can do the 224/311 routes on a nice day as yesterday became, then you'll have a real treat!

 

[freetoview33]

There have been serious reliability issues in Bristol the last few weeks. Somethings gone very wrong! I've had issues on the 1.2.40 and 76 the last few weeks. Missing stops. Loads of singles. Buses not turning up. Terminating early. About 15 number 2.s in an hours yesterday but only 3 number 1.s its madness.

 

[ryson357]

There have been serious reliability issues in Bristol the last few weeks. Somethings gone very wrong! I've had issues on the 1.2.40 and 76 the last few weeks. Missing stops. Loads of singles. Buses not turning up. Terminating early. About 15 number 2.s in an hours yesterday but only 3 number 1.s its madness.

Yes there is being really major problems with these services. Service 1 is a nightmare getting home! I don't think the new 20MPH speed limit is helping with the punctual and reliability of the buses in bristol. Personally I don't like the 20MpH it's a bit too slow
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There have been serious reliability issues in Bristol the last few weeks. Somethings gone very wrong! I've had issues on the 1.2.40 and 76 the last few weeks. Missing stops. Loads of singles. Buses not turning up. Terminating early. About 15 number 2.s in an hours yesterday but only 3 number 1.s its madness.

Yes there is being really major problems with these services. Service 1 is a nightmare getting home! I don't think the new 20MPH speed limit is helping with the punctual and reliability of the buses in bristol. Personally I don't like the 20MpH it's a bit too slow, understand by schools or near shops or high street.

 

[freetoview33]

A 319 caught fire today in Kingswood!
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTO...-high-street/story-21249009-detail/story.html

This is getting mad!

 

[swifty]

I could have sworn I saw a step Dart heading out of Bristol up the A37 about an hour ago? Could 46603 really have made it this far north?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

A 319 caught fire today in Kingswood!
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTO...-high-street/story-21249009-detail/story.html

This is getting mad!

Hmmm..... And to think I waxed lyrical about B10BLEs yesterday. I think it's one of those, probably one of the Y-CSF ones; looks a bit long for a B6 and can't see better on phone. Can't remember a fire for a while but not great after yesterday. Btw one of the cars from yesterday is still in situ with the offside rear corner ripped off it!
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I could have sworn I saw a step Dart heading out of Bristol up the A37 about an hour ago? Could 46603 really have made it this far north?

If it's a step floor Dart, then yep it'll be 46603. Returning to look at old haunts? After surprisingly being MOTd in Feb and then planned to go in May, it's a real survivor. Perhaps it can join 46225 and 46653 in preservation?

 

[swifty]

Hmmm..... And to think I waxed lyrical about B10BLEs yesterday. I think it's one of those, probably one of the Y-CSF ones; looks a bit long for a B6 and can't see better on phone. Can't remember a fire for a while but not great after yesterday. Btw one of the cars from yesterday is still in situ with the offside rear corner ripped off it!

It was definitely a B6, it's got the half sized window just before the rear axle.
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If it's a step floor Dart, then yep it'll be 46603. Returning to look at old haunts? After surprisingly being MOTd in Feb and then planned to go in May, it's a real survivor. Perhaps it can join 46225 and 46653 in preservation?

It had quite a healthy load on board, it was certainly a surprise to see through the traffic.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

It was definitely a B6, it's got the half sized window just before the rear axle.
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It had quite a healthy load on board, it was certainly a surprise to see through the traffic.

It is a B6, is it? As I say, couldn't see on phone. Glad it ain't a B10BLE.

On the subject of B6s, it's been reported that the ones of the same batch in Plymouth are going to Somerset, being swapped with the spare B7Ls displaced from the 28. Apparently, one has already gone into the Plymouth paint shop to go green. Can anyone confirm?

 

[swifty]

It is a B6, is it? As I say, couldn't see on phone. Glad it ain't a B10BLE.

On the subject of B6s, it's been reported that the ones of the same batch in Plymouth are going to Somerset, being swapped with the spare B7Ls displaced from the 28. Apparently, one has already gone into the Plymouth paint shop to go green. Can anyone confirm?

Yes the first one is in paint at Plymouth, this tallys up with what I posted a few weeks back about the forthcoming loans/transfers.

 

[Private Baxter]

A 319 caught fire today in Kingswood!
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTO...-high-street/story-21249009-detail/story.html

This is getting mad!

This could have been much worse, I'm glad there were no casualties.

I actually used this service for the first time ever today, though a few hours earlier. I used Sxxx UAK, so when I saw that posted, I intially assumed it would be that one on its return journey. Either way, what an appauling ride that was! (Think it was S524, but not certain, but definitely a contender for worst bus in the fleet!)

It was a B6 as I don't remember passing any B10s today, so there's another gonner in Bath, just after they lost a dart a few days ago. Not having much luck are they?!

 

[freetoview33]

Will the pvr need to be increased to extend the 82 to Chipping Sodbury? or is there enough time in the timetable as it stands?
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And the crash in Emersons too! Is it how many buses they can write off in a week?

 

[Class 33]

Just having a quick look at Bristol buses on Flickr again. And WOW! Here's a rarity and unusual one from 2004 on the 54 Stockwood-Cribbs Causeway service! I really wish I'd have saw this one and got a ride on it! What a beauty! Would have been a great ride!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bltc37/9615542797

 

[vicbury]

What happened to 40835? Understand fire damage - any articles / photos? Apologies if I've missed it.

Why is it that we've had a smashed up Gemini and a burnt out B6 and yet the S-reg 'super' Darts still keep going?!

As for the double decker shortage in Bristol, there was a B9 Gemini on the 14 in Bath the other day Shame I wasn't travelling at the time, these are my favourite vehicles in the fleet.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Will the pvr need to be increased to extend the 82 to Chipping Sodbury? or is there enough time in the timetable as it stands?
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And the crash in Emersons too! Is it how many buses they can write off in a week?

Tricky with 82 as it's just short of an hour. Perhaps some convoluted interworking with the 17?

Very much doubt the Gemini will be written off though. Can't say the same for the cars!
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What happened to 40835? Understand fire damage - any articles / photos? Apologies if I've missed it.

Why is it that we've had a smashed up Gemini and a burnt out B6 and yet the S-reg 'super' Darts still keep going?!

As for the double decker shortage in Bristol, there was a B9 Gemini on the 14 in Bath the other day Shame I wasn't travelling at the time, these are my favourite vehicles in the fleet.

40835 has caught light as well? Not seen too much of it recently anyway. Mind you, saw 42643 on the 379 climbing out of Dunkerton towards PSJ today; I could've walked quicker Guess it'll have to last a bit longer as will the SPDs? May have to nick a couple of those Darts out of MR at this rate!

Saw 32284 on the 14 today. Is it a regular working at about 1700?
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Just having a quick look at Bristol buses on Flickr again. And WOW! Here's a rarity and unusual one from 2004 on the 54 Stockwood-Cribbs Causeway service! I really wish I'd have saw this one and got a ride on it! What a beauty! Would have been a great ride!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bltc37/9615542797

Don't recall that hanging round too long but there was another ex Manchester one F-DRJ example at MR

 

[ValleyLines142]

Sorry for the delay in replying to everyone!

I wish they would change the side of it to reflect that!

Indeed. The B7RLE's that have recently transferred to Hengrove with the 70 will also need to be changed too! I don't know whether First have any intention of changing them, however.

Those e400s are lovely machines. I'd expect some to arrive in 2015 as it's 2009 since the last deckers arrived for Bristol. That said, I can fully understand that with DDA in mind (and this time last year, there were still 18 step floor Darts) that single decks were the priority.

Indeed they are. Hence why I really want them in addition to the Geminis on the Bristol city services!

Funny you mention them as "real buses". Some people would only say that Olyms or VRs or Lodekkas were real buses! Had a trip on 66104 tonight and that was lovely for a 16 yr old machine as indeed was 66173 the other week, and I regard those are proper kit.

I meant in today's terms; the Enviro 400s seem to take over the whole of the country! Look at how many Stagecoach have in their fleet, along with First Manchester!

Most of First's current offerings are pretty decent. I'm not keen on the e400Hs as they rather pedestrian (but look good and are comfortable) but the ex Cymru e200s are my least favourite. Lots of rattles and the short wheelbase makes for choppy ride quality IMHO.

I quite like the Enviro 400Hs, I went on one in Manchester (12199) on the 23A from Trafford Centre to Stretford and I like how the engine appears to turn off, subsequently having that 'coasting' effect (Brighton and Hove Buses have similar vehicles [Geminis in fact] on their number 7 service). Very nice indeed!

However I like the engine of the Enviro 400 (although I believe there's two different types; I like the ones that are present on the examples in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Newport).

As I mentioned before, had another trip out yesterday on a FirstDay SW that I thought I'd share with you. Apologies in advance if I bore you!!

Not at all, I love bus trip reports!

Drove from home and stashed the car just off Muller Road, and then wandered round the corner to catch a 70 into town. Don't wish to go over old ground so will tell you that it was an Eclipse 69455. However, there were massive reliability issues with passengers at stops saying that there had been a 50 min gap in the service. Not helped by Eurotaxis parking a minibus in a really dumb place on Chesterfield Road whilst a wheelchair user was accommodated. At that point, one northbound was stucking whilst my 69455 was leading 3 Eclipses nose to tail!

Why would you opt for the 70! or did you want to have a quick look in Muller Road garage?

After lunch at Yate, I caught the X49 which was being operated by 69458 (and passed sister 69457 going the other way). We left with about 10/11passengers and then made our way though nice villages like Westerleigh and Pucklechurch - the latter is much bigger than I'd noticed as we looped through the estate off Abson Road.

69457 was on the X49 on Friday too. I originally thought that all the B7RLEs (69449 - 69458) were transferred to Hengrove; but it was clearly only a few.

Volvo B7TL 32022 duly arrived. It has yet been refurbished yet and indeed, it is looking rather careworn. Don't know what people think, but such is the number of repainted vehicles that Barbie is looking very old hat now!

They are indeed looking a little tired, I must admit. 32009 was on the 1 on Friday and I purposely waited for the next one from Cribbs (which was 37356). For some bizarre reason, we ran right behind each other all the way from Cribbs to the Centre!

There have been serious reliability issues in Bristol the last few weeks. Somethings gone very wrong! I've had issues on the 1.2.40 and 76 the last few weeks. Missing stops. Loads of singles. Buses not turning up. Terminating early. About 15 number 2.s in an hours yesterday but only 3 number 1.s its madness.

Indeed so. I saw a Gemini on the 1 only going as far as Blackboy Hill last week.

Yes there is being really major problems with these services. Service 1 is a nightmare getting home! I don't think the new 20MPH speed limit is helping with the punctual and reliability of the buses in bristol. Personally I don't like the 20MpH it's a bit too slow, understand by schools or near shops or high street.

There are roadworks currently taking place at the top of Westbury Hill which seem to be causing quite a bit of congestion.

A 319 caught fire today in Kingswood!
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/BRISTO...-high-street/story-21249009-detail/story.html

This is getting mad!

Wow, this is scary now! Yesterday's crash in Emerson's and now a fire on the 319!

It looks like 40588 or one of those batches that was toasted.

Not a good week for the South West; two Stagecoach Enviro 400s were destroyed in an arson attack in Paignton in the early hours of Sunday morning!

 

[windnoise69]

40589 was the vechile on fire at kingswood

 

[Private Baxter]

I could have sworn I saw a step Dart heading out of Bristol up the A37 about an hour ago? Could 46603 really have made it this far north?

It's possible, though unlikely. One of the T NUA darts was out on 376 yesterday, maybe it's that you saw. That said however, an S UAK was working X39 yesterday, so never say never!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

What would a T-NUA Dart be doing on the 376? That's a Taunton machine. Sure it wasn't a T-REU?

 

[matt_splat]

wells quite often have one of the ALX darts on the 376 I have seen them much better then the solo offering

 

[heart-of-wessex]

40589 was the vechile on fire at kingswood

Blimey, one of my favorite B6's on the 234 turns, especially when it had a rough season:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJHPMoHK6fM

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Sorry for the delay in replying to everyone!



Indeed. The B7RLE's that have recently transferred to Hengrove with the 70 will also need to be changed too! I don't know whether First have any intention of changing them, however.



Indeed they are. Hence why I really want them in addition to the Geminis on the Bristol city services!



I meant in today's terms; the Enviro 400s seem to take over the whole of the country! Look at how many Stagecoach have in their fleet, along with First Manchester!



I quite like the Enviro 400Hs, I went on one in Manchester (12199) on the 23A from Trafford Centre to Stretford and I like how the engine appears to turn off, subsequently having that 'coasting' effect (Brighton and Hove Buses have similar vehicles [Geminis in fact] on their number 7 service). Very nice indeed!

However I like the engine of the Enviro 400 (although I believe there's two different types; I like the ones that are present on the examples in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Newport).



Not at all, I love bus trip reports!



Why would you opt for the 70! or did you want to have a quick look in Muller Road garage?



69457 was on the X49 on Friday too. I originally thought that all the B7RLEs (69449 - 69458) were transferred to Hengrove; but it was clearly only a few.



They are indeed looking a little tired, I must admit. 32009 was on the 1 on Friday and I purposely waited for the next one from Cribbs (which was 37356). For some bizarre reason, we ran right behind each other all the way from Cribbs to the Centre!



Indeed so. I saw a Gemini on the 1 only going as far as Blackboy Hill last week.



There are roadworks currently taking place at the top of Westbury Hill which seem to be causing quite a bit of congestion.



Wow, this is scary now! Yesterday's crash in Emerson's and now a fire on the 319!

It looks like 40588 or one of those batches that was toasted.

Not a good week for the South West; two Stagecoach Enviro 400s were destroyed in an arson attack in Paignton in the early hours of Sunday morning!

I chose my first bus of the day to allow me to do the 70 just to stop being bored on the Glos Rd as well as an easy walk down from the 309. That said, I quite like the Eclipses but take C33s gripe about the high backed seats. Mind you, they were spec'd for the X39! Funny how that batch used to be exclusively at LH or WS. Now 35-37 @ BH, 38-48 @ WS, 49-56 @ 57/8 @ LH and 59/60 @ WS!

I suspect the E400s you like are ADL ones rather than Scania?

 

[Class 33]

I saw a Marshall Dart on the 1 this afternoon!

 

[Private Baxter]

What would a T-NUA Dart be doing on the 376? That's a Taunton machine. Sure it wasn't a T-REU?

Sorry, yes that's what I meant! Got a bit confused.

 

[Class 33]

Noticed this photo of a Dennis Wright Handybus on the 73 from 2005. I don't remember seeing any of these buses on Bristol city services back then! Were these the main buses used on the 73 back then? Or was it a mix of other single deckers? Which other services were hauled by these buses?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21611052@N02/6683801495

Also, anyone remember any of these little buses from about a decade or so back?! I do remember seeing them myself.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmightycat/5547143128

 

[Private Baxter]

If it's a step floor Dart, then yep it'll be 46603. Returning to look at old haunts? After surprisingly being MOTd in Feb and then planned to go in May, it's a real survivor. Perhaps it can join 46225 and 46653 in preservation?

I suspect vehicle shortages is the real reason for its longevity, but I'm amazed it keeps going! But it must be the least DDA compliant bus in the fleet!

In fact I believe it has been withdrawn once before (not certain), if I am right it came out of retirement to replace R460 VOP after a fire took it out of service three years ago (April 2011) and just just stuck around when 'the VOP' came back ten years later. And it has out lived all the other step darts.