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

[Colly405]

81/82. Yate - Kingswood/Southmead (Route & Timetable)

This will be the already publicised extension to Chipping Sodbury

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

The Hoeford Darts may also act as paint floats. Just seen one of the ex BR B7Ls rubbed down and heading along Lower Bristol Road for LH - think it was 66354 so they're getting sorted evidently and about time too

Talking of which, 42109 was spare in bus Stn whilst 42754 was working 14 (and still has the outline of the ugobus website address on the back. 5s had new Streetlites with 62193 also on there and deckers on the 15 and 231

 

[Private Baxter]

The Hoeford Darts may also act as paint floats. Just seen one of the ex BR B7Ls rubbed down and heading along Lower Bristol Road for LH - think it was 66354 so they're getting sorted evidently and about time too

If true that's music to my ears! Also saw one of those heading in that direction last week, out of service and in a sorry state. Haven't seen it back yet, but they are much needed! Hope you're right about the darts!

 

[matt_splat]

the 2 is going completely its been put out as a tender by banes

the 4 is also set to be cut to Kingsway to Bus Station only so i'm told

there are a lot of Wiltshire changes due so i'm told

also I would expect to see something for the 178

recently a press report suggested the 13 was going to have a route change but councillors stepped in to stop this from happening

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

the 2 is going completely its been put out as a tender by banes

the 4 is also set to be cut to Kingsway to Bus Station only so i'm told

there are a lot of Wiltshire changes due so i'm told

also I would expect to see something for the 178

recently a press report suggested the 13 was going to have a route change but councillors stepped in to stop this from happening

The Wiltshire services - there aren't that many to be fair!! The 234 must be losing a small fortune with Faresaver operating all over it.

 

[freetoview33]

Will be interesting to see what gets announced!

 

[THarris123]

Forgot to say the other day that all the B7's that have come up from BoS, have now moved back from Wells into Bath (as I saw 66356).
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Thanks for saying that. VOSA have form for retaining old info on announcements (like the 5 running to Downend) or for publishing cancellations on one day and new regs the following day.

I'd wait for a day or two and see what else gets announced
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42824 is an East Lancs Spryte not Marshall. As regards the Streetlites, wasn't it 15 for Bath 47544-58 of which 8 are now at MH. Another 13 (47559-71) are still due for HE, aren't they? 42702 has been withdrawn for some time and hidden in MR.

Also, did you mean 32285 on 231?

Yes I did mean 32285.
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Those 13 reg streetlites do occasionally work other services, and I have seen them on 178/379, though not very often and it's not really ideal.

There was indeed a decker on 231, albeit one of the ex London 53 reg examples, which again does occasionally happen, and perhaps more so in the summer when not required on the 15. Speaking of which I don't know why First are using up two of these buses for the 15 when it carries few passengers this time of year.

I think the fifteen new buses were originally intended for Bath, and though it would normally be disappointing that they didn't all make it, I'm delighted to see the others actually go to MH. I've never known this to happen, and according to Steve White's site, it's the first time they've recieved anything new since 1997! I'm guessing all those P reg buses have been scrapped now?

So seven are coming to Bath. Three S UAKs have gone and the remaining P PAE. That leaves three S UAKs still in service which presumably will follow shortly. That just leaves a few crappy darts still around but overall the depot is now in much better shape than it has been, although I don't understand why they've just been sent two more pieces of crap from Hoeford?? Maybe they won't last long. Further more the B6s are heading out soon as well, to be replaced by something a little bit better although their replacements do need updating.

But I bet 46603 will keep going!! However we don't know what MH will be disposing of yet, and maybe one or two darts will head down to WS??

46603 is still running - it was on the 375 today, looking really shabby.
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the 2 is going completely its been put out as a tender by banes

the 4 is also set to be cut to Kingsway to Bus Station only so i'm told

there are a lot of Wiltshire changes due so i'm told

also I would expect to see something for the 178

recently a press report suggested the 13 was going to have a route change but councillors stepped in to stop this from happening

That makes sense now about the 13. I heard it would change.

I suppose with 2 and 4 out the way (almost) they're going to have spare solos. What will these be used for? Replacements for BoS? Go to Yeovil? Or even worse 161?

 

[Class 33]

I am wondering where the Hengrove streetlites will be used as the 50.51.90 are all deckers. 8.9.24 are already Streetlites. Unless the 50.51 and 90 are going more frequent but going to full single service. Allowing the 70 to go fully decker. And the eclipses to move on?

Have had a look at the timetables from August 31st when the changes take place(not September 7th as I previously thought!) in comparison to the current timetables on TravelineSW. And the 50, 51, and 90 are not changing frequency. Just appears to be some minor timetable adjustments that's all. Likewise with the 5 and it's still showing as terminating at Emersons Green and not Downend.

According to the email you received from First Bristol, the 70 is supposedly going to have more capacity from September, but service frequency remaining the same. I eagerly await what buses will have this extra capacity on the 70!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Forgot to say the other day that all the B7's that have come up from BoS, have now moved back from Wells into Bath (as I saw 66356).
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Yes I did mean 32285.
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46603 is still running - it was on the 375 today, looking really shabby.
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That makes sense now about the 13. I heard it would change.

I suppose with 2 and 4 out the way (almost) they're going to have spare solos. What will these be used for? Replacements for BoS? Go to Yeovil? Or even worse 161?

Safe to say they're probably not heading to BoS as they're looking to offload their two newest Solos (03) to FHD. Don't necessarily see them going to Yeovil either (seem to be accumulating Darts there) but why not to Wells? Be better than the superb machine that is 41144!

Or perhaps working Trowbridge locals and/or the 184?

 

[matt_splat]

free up two solos to go onto town work to release two darts from other routes to replace two S regs

I would highly doubt the 161 would be a ideal place for the solos.

there is a lot of talk about first looking into running the 234 on a Sunday it does make me wonder if maybe we will see a attack on the 234 and 267 routes against faresaver with the 231, 234 and 267 you could have one nice circler duty for a driver on a sunday.

you could easily ditch the 236 and add the loop near hilperton onto the 234 and then rejig the trowbridge local service for studley freeing up two more busses which could be chucked into the 234s to create a 30 minute service from maybe Trowbridge to Chippenham

 

[freetoview33]

Quickly mentioning Wessex Red, I can see it changing so more services serve Bower Ashton and less serve Fishponds as St Matthias how now closed.

Maybe the 11 increased or/and the 13 extended to Bower Ashton?

U.W.E website says the service will be improved.

 

[THarris123]

Does anyone know what is happening with the Streetlites for MH? Are they starting to appear on X2/X3 or are they going to wait until they get the whole batch and then use them? I haven't seen any of the Bristol ones yet?

Something I saw yesterday - 42902 was on 38 at about 23.30ish. Why? Surely there must be a spare Streetlite for this. It was pretty well packed as well. I also saw 47547 on 38 yesterday. It's looking to me like Bath are going to use the Streetlites exactly the same way that they've used the Darts and B6's - have them on anything which they can go on. Flipping annoying. Why can't they just allocate certain buses to certain routes like Wells and Bristol do. Those Streetlites should all be on 5 (the other two - don't know!), 57000 should be on 179, E200's should be on 13/14, the Streetlite Max should be on X39, deckers should be on 15/319, Darts on 184/178/271/272, Eclipses on 379/37/38/231/265/18, Solos on 1/2/4/6/7/10, E400's on P&R - it's not too difficult - if Wells and the Bristol depots can manage it, so can Bath!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Does anyone know what is happening with the Streetlites for MH? Are they starting to appear on X2/X3 or are they going to wait until they get the whole batch and then use them? I haven't seen any of the Bristol ones yet?

Something I saw yesterday - 42902 was on 38 at about 23.30ish. Why? Surely there must be a spare Streetlite for this. It was pretty well packed as well. I also saw 47547 on 38 yesterday. It's looking to me like Bath are going to use the Streetlites exactly the same way that they've used the Darts and B6's - have them on anything which they can go on. Flipping annoying. Why can't they just allocate certain buses to certain routes like Wells and Bristol do. Those Streetlites should all be on 5 (the other two - don't know!), 57000 should be on 179, E200's should be on 13/14, the Streetlite Max should be on X39, deckers should be on 15/319, Darts on 184/178/271/272, Eclipses on 379/37/38/231/265/18, Solos on 1/2/4/6/7/10, E400's on P&R - it's not too difficult - if Wells and the Bristol depots can manage it, so can Bath!

"It's not too difficult"? Have you ever worked for a transport company and dealt with the wealth of problems that come about?

In fact, Bristol and Bath have massive problems with the road network so one ill parked delivery courier or set of TTLs and timetables go out of the window. In that instance, it's better to get a bus out on the road even if it is the wrong type. Whilst it's relatively easy for Wells to keep types to routes, it isnt in Bristol or Bath because of the nature of both operations. And don't say that Bristol seem to manage it because they don't. Sat at Bristol Bridge last night and saw 42734 on 70 and a 429** on the 2 to Cribbs just for starters!

Ps I don't know about Darts on 178 and Eclipses on 379 - don't they interwork?

 

[Class 33]

I am wondering where the Hengrove streetlites will be used as the 50.51.90 are all deckers. 8.9.24 are already Streetlites. Unless the 50.51 and 90 are going more frequent but going to full single service. Allowing the 70 to go fully decker. And the eclipses to move on?

The 50, 51, and 90 aren't quite fully double decker served. Seems to be a mix of singles and doubles on these services, from what I can see.

P.S. Hope you like my new avatar. Photo of a Bristol VR on the 70 to UWE, passing Muller Road Depot back in 1997 or 1998. Back in the good ol' days of the 70 being a fully double decker service!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

free up two solos to go onto town work to release two darts from other routes to replace two S regs

I would highly doubt the 161 would be a ideal place for the solos.

there is a lot of talk about first looking into running the 234 on a Sunday it does make me wonder if maybe we will see a attack on the 234 and 267 routes against faresaver with the 231, 234 and 267 you could have one nice circler duty for a driver on a sunday.

you could easily ditch the 236 and add the loop near hilperton onto the 234 and then rejig the trowbridge local service for studley freeing up two more busses which could be chucked into the 234s to create a 30 minute service from maybe Trowbridge to Chippenham

Why not the 161? I don't know how schools tie in with those boards but Solos are 27 seaters whilst 43849 is a 29 seater and 41144 is only 25 or 27 seats?

I'd love the 231 to be given some TLC but be interesting to see what they do with 234. Saw one on Tuesday running empty to Frome at Beckington at peak

 

[freetoview33]

The 50, 51, and 90 aren't quite fully double decker served. Seems to be a mix of singles and doubles on these services, from what I can see.

P.S. Hope you like my new avatar. Photo of a Bristol VR on the 70 to UWE, passing Muller Road Depot back in 1997 or 1998. Back in the good ol' days of the 70 being a fully double decker service!

They are when there are deckers available. What is the PVR of the 5 and how many streetlites for Hengrove?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

They are when there are deckers available. What is the PVR of the 5 and how many streetlites for Hengrove?

13 Streetlites for HE (47559-71). PVR for 5 and 36 are 6 and 9 respectively (I think) though some 36 boards are deckers for school movements.

 

[matt_splat]

but most of the time they have a dart or alx on the 161 because it ties into the 173 school bus in the evening well always use too.

I think bath has a mish mash allocation due to shortages of busses at the moment.

you have a lot of Volvos in for repaint and at the moment I gather most mornings baths at least 8 busses down for the run out

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

but most of the time they have a dart or alx on the 161 because it ties into the 173 school bus in the evening well always use too.

I think bath has a mish mash allocation due to shortages of busses at the moment.

you have a lot of Volvos in for repaint and at the moment I gather most mornings baths at least 8 busses down for the run out

43849 has been the regular on the 173 dupe recently though at the end of the year, perhaps loadings have been lighter

 

[freetoview33]

13 Streetlites for HE (47559-71). PVR for 5 and 36 are 6 and 9 respectively (I think) though some 36 boards are deckers for school movements.

I hope that whats currently on it can be moved so that rubbish we got from Wales can go

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I hope that whats currently on it can be moved so that rubbish we got from Wales can go

Sadly, some of that rubbish is (I think) DDA compliant so may be here longer than we'd like (X regs and that 02 plate)

 

[freetoview33]

What would people say the worst buses at HE, LH and MH?

 

[vicbury]

but most of the time they have a dart or alx on the 161 because it ties into the 173 school bus in the evening well always use too.

I think bath has a mish mash allocation due to shortages of busses at the moment.

you have a lot of Volvos in for repaint and at the moment I gather most mornings baths at least 8 busses down for the run out

Is there any reason they are 8 buses down each morning? Is this leading to cancellations? I noticed a particular departure on the 14 on weekday mornings didn't seem to be operating a few weeks back but generally I find missed departures are far rarer than they were a few years ago.

One of the new Streetlites was on the 14 today, as was some old Solo that's been brought in from wherever.

 

[Private Baxter]

Does anyone know what is happening with the Streetlites for MH? Are they starting to appear on X2/X3 or are they going to wait until they get the whole batch and then use them? I haven't seen any of the Bristol ones yet?

Something I saw yesterday - 42902 was on 38 at about 23.30ish. Why? Surely there must be a spare Streetlite for this. It was pretty well packed as well. I also saw 47547 on 38 yesterday. It's looking to me like Bath are going to use the Streetlites exactly the same way that they've used the Darts and B6's - have them on anything which they can go on. Flipping annoying. Why can't they just allocate certain buses to certain routes like Wells and Bristol do. Those Streetlites should all be on 5 (the other two - don't know!), 57000 should be on 179, E200's should be on 13/14, the Streetlite Max should be on X39, deckers should be on 15/319, Darts on 184/178/271/272, Eclipses on 379/37/38/231/265/18, Solos on 1/2/4/6/7/10, E400's on P&R - it's not too difficult - if Wells and the Bristol depots can manage it, so can Bath!

I agree with your suggested allocations almost spot on, although I would have 09 reg darts on the 10. There aren't really enough eclipses to cover all those routes so there would have to be some odd workings if that was to try and be matched. Hopefully the 02 reg B7s coming up from BoS will work 231.

But GrandWazzo is right, it's very difficult/near impossible to get it 100% accurate. They have a timetable to meet, and often it is the case that they just need to take out the first suitable bus that is in the depot, and the way they are lined up sometimes means they might not be able to get an eclipse until a dart is out the way, and thus a dart ends up on 37 for example. In that respect Bath do manage very well, but there will always be some inconsistencies, that is the nature of running a bus service. Saying that there were some very unusual workings yesterday, with an 09 reg dart on X39, 62 reg dart on 38 and one of the new streetlites working the 379.

 

[THarris123]

What would people say the worst buses at HE, LH and MH?

Marshalls.

 

[Private Baxter]

What would people say the worst buses at HE, LH and MH?

At HE, I would say the marshalls that recently arrived from Wales. Seriously, I thought this region was finally almost rid of them!

Not really sure about LH, can't comment, but the worst at MH would be the S reg B10s, one of them I saw the other day on the X9 (66159) was in a right state!

 

[THarris123]

"It's not too difficult"? Have you ever worked for a transport company and dealt with the wealth of problems that come about?

In fact, Bristol and Bath have massive problems with the road network so one ill parked delivery courier or set of TTLs and timetables go out of the window. In that instance, it's better to get a bus out on the road even if it is the wrong type. Whilst it's relatively easy for Wells to keep types to routes, it isnt in Bristol or Bath because of the nature of both operations. And don't say that Bristol seem to manage it because they don't. Sat at Bristol Bridge last night and saw 42734 on 70 and a 429** on the 2 to Cribbs just for starters!

Ps I don't know about Darts on 178 and Eclipses on 379 - don't they interwork?

There's been a lot of good points. I think I was just having a rant about that.
Of what I've seen over the years, Bristol seem to be better than Bath - In Bath you never know what you're going to get (but that's due to the shortage of buses as explained). You lot are right about this.

The 178 and 379 - if the 178 is going to change as we think it will (reduce to 1 every 2 hours between Norton and Bristol), it won't be interworked with the 379 (it could be every 2 hours though), unless the 379 changes. Therefore what I expect to see is the 379 being interworked, as someone suggested a while ago, with the 37 (or 38). I think this could work. They might decide to interwork 37 with one 38 p/hour and 379 with the other 38 p/hour. It would then mean that Eclipses/Streetlites could be used on these, which, although the demand isn't great, is what the 379 should have (due to the various hills). I was on the 379 the other day and I think it was 42903 on there (a dart anyway). You should see them struggle up from Chelwood roundabout. I'm surprised not more have broken down there!
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Why not the 161? I don't know how schools tie in with those boards but Solos are 27 seaters whilst 43849 is a 29 seater and 41144 is only 25 or 27 seats?

I'd love the 231 to be given some TLC but be interesting to see what they do with 234. Saw one on Tuesday running empty to Frome at Beckington at peak

I agree with you on this about the 161. Although I absolutely hate to see Solos on main roads (better off in the Chew Valley area and towns, etc), the numbers on the 161 aren't great. When you get past Shepton Mallet, there's only a few on there, and that's at peak times!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

At HE, I would say the marshalls that recently arrived from Wales. Seriously, I thought this region was finally almost rid of them!

Not really sure about LH, can't comment, but the worst at MH would be the S reg B10s, one of them I saw the other day on the X9 (66159) was in a right state!

The Marshall Darts are the worst but the B10BLEs can be a bit variable (66104 is lovely whilst 66109 is a dog) and then there's some of the MPDs (42701 for example). 42723 goes well but has more rattles than Mothercare!

 

[Class 33]

The 73 today was all single deckers apparantly. Plaxton Darts. Waited on Filton Avenue for a 73 and one of these turned up. And I could see it was standing room only, so gave it a miss and walked up to Filton Road to get a 75 instead(which I would usually do anyway). I quite like these buses, but NOT if I have to stand up!

 

[Private Baxter]

The Marshall Darts are the worst but the B10BLEs can be a bit variable (66104 is lovely whilst 66109 is a dog) and then there's some of the MPDs (42701 for example). 42723 goes well but has more rattles than Mothercare!

Ha! Back in the day when they were at Wells it was the other way round. 66104 was always the problematic one, whilst 66109 was the best, or at least always my personal favourite. Alas I have not ridden any of them for years.