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

[TheGrandWazoo]

33413 was on the 7? Wow, that's amazing!

It's actually not uncommon. Last two occasions I've been to Weston, there's been one on the 7. Probably when one is kept local for inspection
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I saw a Gemini two weeks ago in Temple Meads.

And was it in service on the 8/9 or 70? I'm guessing not
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I think you're right about the stuff on the 376. If I was going to make a guess, I would say that Streetlites will end up on 70/71 and the Eclipse buses would go to Bath for 37,38 & 178/379. They could even go back to Wells for the 377 (remember that originally 69435/6/7 were on the 377). I can't see 69457/8 and 66728/9 staying in MH. I'm really not keen on the 376 having Streetlites - the 47* and 55* ranges are too small for the service and the 63* (Streetlite Max) are (in my view) not suited at all to the 376 (uncomfortable seating, very little luggage space, etc.). I won't mind a Streetlite on there, as long as it has the same sort of features as the 59 plate Eclipses (with extra windows to open!).

I can't see 59 eclipses on 377 or they'd not have moved 69435-7. 377 doesn't make enough money so likely more extensive cascades with W reg to 377 and 54 Eclipses to 126, for example. Again, I'd be surprised if Eclipses head to the 178/379.

In time, Streetlite Max will probably arrive for the 376 as First aren't buying much else and lightweight is the way forward. Also, if they think they'll be ok for Sheffield, then I don't think Pensford Hill will be a worry for them. The Max on the X39 seem fine enough to my mind.

 

[ValleyLines142]

It's actually not uncommon. Last two occasions I've been to Weston, there's been one on the 7. Probably when one is kept local for inspection

That's quite cool to be fair! I wonder if one has been on the 5, or any other local WSM route!

I saw one on the 112 once too! (33418 I believe)

And was it in service on the 8/9 or 70? I'm guessing not

It was parked in the 70 stop so it may well have been! There was nothing on the destination display so I don't know.

Gutted if it was on the 70! I've been harping on about it for months!

 

[Private Baxter]

I can't see 59 eclipses on 377 or they'd not have moved 69435-7. Don't make enough money either. More likely more extensive cascades with W reg to 377 and 54 Eclipses to 126, for example

Indeed, as soon as the 377 lost its connection with Bristol, the whole service was able to downgrade and reverted to older stock. Nonetheless I suppose once new stuff takes over from streetlites on 173/376, then some could I suppose stay for 377. Or perhaps they'll still be considered too new and some 54 reg eclipses could come down for it.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

That's quite cool to be fair! I wonder if one has been on the 5, or any other local WSM route!

I saw one on the 112 once too! (33418 I believe)



It was parked in the 70 stop so it may well have been! There was nothing on the destination display so I don't know.

Gutted if it was on the 70! I've been harping on about it for months!

We'd noticed. Anyway, new service, capacity increased. Sorted.

It won't have been on service. They're not allowed to use deckers; suspect because Network Rail say so. As for e400s on 112, they again appeared regularly as did the ex Bath P&R B7s. Still not a patch on the D-GHY Citybuses - now they were real beasts!!

 

[freetoview33]

People might be as keen on streetlites but anything single in future will be them.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

People might be as keen on streetlites but anything single in future will be them.

Think you're right. Apart from Wales getting some e200s, the vast majority was Streetlites with the only other single decks being a small number of Solo SRs, and a few hybrids (Versas and some Volvo 7900s??).

Having travelled on a virtually brand new e200 of Stagecoach Northampton yesterday, I can accurately say that the Streetlite is a much, much better product.

 

[83G/84D]

Well I was not that impressed with the Yeovilton Air day bus shuttle. All that BoS could muster was a couple of ex Plymouth Volvo B6's which were crammed full and had to leave passengers behind first thing in the morning and again from late afternoon.

When demand was the greatest there was need for a decker that was obvious but only 33380 was seen on normal services significantly less than full.

No criticism of the drivers who tried to carry as many people as they could, and probably more than they should have but the whole thing was poor from start to finish.

 

[South Westerly]

Well I was not that impressed with the Yeovilton Air day bus shuttle. All that BoS could muster was a couple of ex Plymouth Volvo B6's which were crammed full and had to leave passengers behind first thing in the morning and again from late afternoon.

When demand was the greatest there was need for a decker that was obvious but only 33380 was seen on normal services significantly less than full.

No criticism of the drivers who tried to carry as many people as they could, and probably more than they should have but the whole thing was poor from start to finish.

Overhanging trees prevented decker use

 

[henairs]

Hi,
As the Grand Wazoo states E400s were often on 112 along with the ex Bath P&R 32/6s prior to Bridgwaters take-over of this route for a short while [Pre 21]
I remember a few years back seeing a WSM based 32/6 out on the 7 down there and have also known Marshall Dart and Enviro 44/9s used on occasion.
But yes the old Volvo Citybuses were great to get on 112,s.
Cheers, Mike Russell [henairs]

 

[ValleyLines142]

We'd noticed. Anyway, new service, capacity increased. Sorted.

Don't be mean! :cry:

It won't have been on service. They're not allowed to use deckers; suspect because Network Rail say so. As for e400s on 112, they again appeared regularly as did the ex Bath P&R B7s. Still not a patch on the D-GHY Citybuses - now they were real beasts!!

Oh yes, they were wonderful! I remember going on one on the 112 once, think it was one of the ones in the Badgerline livery. Would love to see one return.

I also would love to go on one of the K-LAE Olympians on the 70. Gutted how when I'M in UWE, it's frigging crush-loaded Eclipses, yet only a few years beforehand there were Geminis and these buses on the route. Sodding typical!

 

[Class 33]

I would guess that First are thinking that rail passengers may have luggage etc so don't want to terminate short but actually get as close to the station entrance as possible.

As for Sundays, it can get busy (as do all routes) when it's a Mayoral special Sunday or the Harbour Festival. Other times, from my observations, you're lucky to get a half full Eclipse.

In fairness when the 70 is setting down at Temple Meads it drops the passengers at the bus stop further down. Only when it starts the journey does it use the 8 & 9 bus stop. So don't know why it can't use that other bus stop anyway as it's only about a 30 second walk further down.

However though with the new 71, double deckers will not be needed anyway on Mondays-Saturdays come 1st September. So I'm happy enough with that.

Just looking at the upcoming timetable 70/71 timetable, at certain peak morning times there is just a 5 minute frequency between services. There's a 71 leaving Temple Meads at 0705 and then a 70 at 0710. And then there's a 70 at 0730, a 71 at 0735 and then a 70 at 0740. Another 70 departing at 0818 and then a 71 at 0823. And then in the other direction from UWE there's a 71 departing at 0725, a 70 at 0730, then a 71 at 0740 and a 70 at 0745. And skipping forward to 0825 a 70 departs, followed by a 71 at 0830 and another 70 at 0835. Seems First Bristol have also looked at which peak morning services are very busy and increased the service frequency even more for these times. Good stuff!

 

[ValleyLines142]

In fairness when the 70 is setting down at Temple Meads it drops the passengers at the bus stop further down. Only when it starts the journey does it use the 8 & 9 bus stop. So don't know why it can't use that other bus stop anyway as it's only about a 30 second walk further down.

However though with the new 71, double deckers will not be needed anyway on Mondays-Saturdays come 1st September. So I'm happy enough with that.

Just looking at the upcoming timetable 70/71 timetable, at certain peak morning times there is just a 5 minute frequency between services. There's a 71 leaving Temple Meads at 0705 and then a 70 at 0710. And then there's a 70 at 0730, a 71 at 0735 and then a 70 at 0740. Another 70 departing at 0818 and then a 71 at 0823. And then in the other direction from UWE there's a 71 departing at 0725, a 70 at 0730, then a 71 at 0740 and a 70 at 0745. And skipping forward to 0825 a 70 departs, followed by a 71 at 0830 and another 70 at 0835. Seems First Bristol have also looked at which peak morning services are very busy and increased the service frequency even more for these times. Good stuff!

I'm also very pleased. I'm sick to my back teeth of being squished on a B7RLE like something out of the Japanese subway!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Don't be mean! :cry:



Oh yes, they were wonderful! I remember going on one on the 112 once, think it was one of the ones in the Badgerline livery. Would love to see one return.

I also would love to go on one of the K-LAE Olympians on the 70. Gutted how when I'M in UWE, it's frigging crush-loaded Eclipses, yet only a few years beforehand there were Geminis and these buses on the route. Sodding typical!

Well, it won't be happening with your new 70/71 and you might have some lovely new Streetlites.

The Citybuses were great though never did the full X2 Bristol - Weston - Burnham - Bridgwater - Taunton. Quite likes the Sulis Badger Olyms too.

Anyway, for all the rose tinted memories, there's always the bad. 17 year old VRs that had been retrofitted with high backed seats on the X39! And there's some many routes that I remember enjoying on deckers (231, 234, X3/267, 332, 265 to Trowbridge). I wasn't so keen on the K regs; more a fan of the L-SEU and even more, the ex Centrewest ones.
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In fairness when the 70 is setting down at Temple Meads it drops the passengers at the bus stop further down. Only when it starts the journey does it use the 8 & 9 bus stop. So don't know why it can't use that other bus stop anyway as it's only about a 30 second walk further down.

However though with the new 71, double deckers will not be needed anyway on Mondays-Saturdays come 1st September. So I'm happy enough with that.

Just looking at the upcoming timetable 70/71 timetable, at certain peak morning times there is just a 5 minute frequency between services. There's a 71 leaving Temple Meads at 0705 and then a 70 at 0710. And then there's a 70 at 0730, a 71 at 0735 and then a 70 at 0740. Another 70 departing at 0818 and then a 71 at 0823. And then in the other direction from UWE there's a 71 departing at 0725, a 70 at 0730, then a 71 at 0740 and a 70 at 0745. And skipping forward to 0825 a 70 departs, followed by a 71 at 0830 and another 70 at 0835. Seems First Bristol have also looked at which peak morning services are very busy and increased the service frequency even more for these times. Good stuff!

Ever thought that it might be Network Rail who preclude deckers on the forecourt? Sick of canopy strikes??

 

[ValleyLines142]

Well, it won't be happening with your new 70/71 and you might have some lovely new Streetlites.

Hopefully, although knowing my luck we'll have those sodding Marshall Darts that are used on the 81 and 82!

The Citybuses were great though never did the full X2 Bristol - Weston - Burnham - Bridgwater - Taunton. Quite likes the Sulis Badger Olyms too.

Don't remember that route to be fair. Nor those buses!

]Anyway, for all the rose tinted memories, there's always the bad. 17 year old VRs that had been retrofitted with high backed seats on the X39! And there's some many routes that I remember enjoying on deckers (231, 234, X3/267, 332, 265 to Trowbridge). I wasn't so keen on the K regs; more a fan of the L-SEU and even more, the ex Centrewest ones.

I don't think I've been on the L-SEU regs.

Ever thought that it might be Network Rail who preclude deckers on the forecourt? Sick of canopy strikes??

Yes but the first turning loop isn't by the canopy. I'll be passing through TM tomorrow, so will have a look!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Hopefully, although knowing my luck we'll have those sodding Marshall Darts that are used on the 81 and 82!



Don't remember that route to be fair. Nor those buses!



I don't think I've been on the L-SEU regs.



Yes but the first turning loop isn't by the canopy. I'll be passing through TM tomorrow, so will have a look!

Don't think Marshall Darts. Most will be gone soon; 4 of the 10 from Wales have gone already.

However, this is all academic on two points. Wher the turning loop is, is irrelevant if NR have precluded First from using deckers on the forecourt. More importantly, you're getting an extra 3 buses per hour. No need for deckers and, as baza585 pointed out, there's few new deckers and lots of new single decks so if they need additional fleet, it'll be single decks as DDs are at a premium.

As Frank Drebin once said "move on, nothing to see here"

 

[DaveHarries]

The Max on the X39 seem fine enough to my mind.

A colleague of mine from Bath described the StreetLites as "plasticy and not very good" when I asked him if he had been on one.

I'd be surprised if Eclipses head to the 178/379.

I have seen Eclipse 2s on the 379 since Bath took it over, but not for a while.

Dave

 

[Stompehh]

Yes but the first turning loop isn't by the canopy. I'll be passing through TM tomorrow, so will have a look!

In busy periods the first turning loop is blocked by taxis who have dropped off passengers and are coming back round to join the back of the queue to pick up.

The A1 service drops off at the bottom on its way to the bus station (set down only) and sometimes uses this turning loop to get out, but most of the time is forced to go all the way round. It is impossible to do the turn by the main entrance without part of the bus going under the canopy due to how tight the turn is.

Note: I travel in and out of TM by bus in the peaks every day.

 

[vicbury]

A colleague of mine from Bath described the StreetLites as "plasticy and not very good" when I asked him if he had been on one.


I have seen Eclipse 2s on the 379 since Bath took it over, but not for a while.

Dave

Streetlites are streets ahead of Enviro 200s but not as refined as Volvos. On the plus side the rear section is much lower than the claustrophobic rears of the B7s.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Streetlites are streets ahead of Enviro 200s but not as refined as Volvos. On the plus side the rear section is much lower than the claustrophobic rears of the B7s.

That's a pretty fair assessment. The ride quality etc isn't as good as an Eclipse but, in my opinion, they're much better than an e200 or an e300.

Certainly, the longer Max versions benefit from a longer wheelbase and so a better ride. I've travelled on a number of the 63*** and whilst they're not an Eclipse, it doesn't mean that they can't do the job.

 

[matt_splat]

Heres whats going to happen in August / September

Bristol

5: Just minor Route changes no longer via small lane will serve queensholm drive and four acre road

20: withdrawn

46/x46 extra services in morning peak due to Wessex going

48 and 49: 24 hours service

Bath

13: Running time revised

Unis minor changes

38: Sunday service every 90 mins

177 / 178: 177 withdrawn replaced with 178s

179 : sunday trips extended to writhlington

234: Minor evening changes

236/260/263: replaced with new trowbridge bus T1

Weston

Service 3: becomes every 20 mins

Service 5: withdrawn

X5: Every 2 hours Sunday

X6: Every Hour Sunday

 

[THarris123]

Indeed, as soon as the 377 lost its connection with Bristol, the whole service was able to downgrade and reverted to older stock. Nonetheless I suppose once new stuff takes over from streetlites on 173/376, then some could I suppose stay for 377. Or perhaps they'll still be considered too new and some 54 reg eclipses could come down for it.

When the 59 plate Eclipses originally came, the 377 wasn't part of the connection to Bristol. You are right in saying that it needs a downgrade, but what will replace all the B10's? I just don't think it'll be Streetlite Max. It could be some variation to it. I'd like to think that the 54/02 reg eclipses will go on the 377, 375, X75 & 126; Darts (fairly decent!) will go on the 161 and something else on 173/376. The 376/173 are too important to First to end up with Streetlites. I don't think Pensford Hill will be a problem for the Streetlites either (as the 379 seems to function well with them). We'll see what happens next year.

 

[Class 33]

Matt Splat, you missed out the new 71, 72 and X74 services!

 

[THarris123]

A colleague of mine from Bath described the StreetLites as "plasticy and not very good" when I asked him if he had been on one.


I have seen Eclipse 2s on the 379 since Bath took it over, but not for a while.

Dave

I agree with the Bath Streetlites. Has anybody noticed that they still smell of glue and plastic - not a pleasant smell!!

The Eclipse 2s and the Streetlites appear to be the best on the 379/376 for the various hills - if I was First (which I'll never be), I would buy in some Merc stuff to put on the 376/379 - look at Somerbus' Merc - it flies up Peasedown hill (overtaking buses as well!)

I'll give in on the 379 having Eclipses - it's better off with Streetlites (even though I hate them!). I'm not giving in on 376 & 173 - they deserve better buses (even the 59 plate stuff is rubbish - two small windows is not enough!!).
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Streetlites are streets ahead of Enviro 200s but not as refined as Volvos. On the plus side the rear section is much lower than the claustrophobic rears of the B7s.

Agree completely.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

When the 59 plate Eclipses originally came, the 377 wasn't part of the connection to Bristol. You are right in saying that it needs a downgrade, but what will replace all the B10's? I just don't think it'll be Streetlite Max. It could be some variation to it. I'd like to think that the 54/02 reg eclipses will go on the 377, 375, X75 & 126; Darts (fairly decent!) will go on the 161 and something else on 173/376. The 376/173 are too important to First to end up with Streetlites. I don't think Pensford Hill will be a problem for the Streetlites either (as the 379 seems to function well with them). We'll see what happens next year.

I don't think Private Baxter was saying that Streetlites would replace B10BLEs. I think he was suggesting that Streetlites could replace the 11 Eclipses that currently work the 173/376.

Also, he is right. The 376 transformed into either a 375 or 377 at Wells. A quick check on Flickr can confirm it.

You might see the W reg B10BLEs move from the 126 to the 377, with Eclipses on the 126. However, you'll not get anything other than the oldest fleet on the 161. It's not exactly lucrative!

 

[THarris123]

Heres whats going to happen in August / September

Bristol

5: Just minor Route changes no longer via small lane will serve queensholm drive and four acre road

20: withdrawn

46/x46 extra services in morning peak due to Wessex going

48 and 49: 24 hours service

Bath

13: Running time revised

Unis minor changes

38: Sunday service every 90 mins

177 / 178: 177 withdrawn replaced with 178s

179 : sunday trips extended to writhlington

234: Minor evening changes

236/260/263: replaced with new trowbridge bus T1

Weston

Service 3: becomes every 20 mins

Service 5: withdrawn

X5: Every 2 hours Sunday

X6: Every Hour Sunday

Some very interesting stuff happening - not as interesting as last year.

It's good to see that 48 & 49 are 24 hour - how many in Bristol are now 24 hour?

It's also good to see they're doing something with the Trowbridge stuff - makes sense at last!

179/177 & 178 changes are good as well - about time too - the 179 (in my view) should be extended to Writhlington every day and have 2 buses running the service - should be a bit more frequent then.

38 - can't see any point in introducing this every 1.5 hours on a Sunday, when there's the 39 as well - pointless.

With the changes in Weston (sorry don't know much about the local stuff) - is anything replacing service 5? Does service 5 have a duplicate service? Why was there no need for it?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I don't think Private Baxter was saying that Streetlites would replace B10BLEs. I think he was suggesting that Streetlites could replace the 11 Eclipses that currently work the 173/376.

Also, he is right. The 376 transformed into either a 375 or 377 at Wells. A quick check on Flickr can confirm it.

You might see the W reg B10BLEs move from the 126 to the 377, with Eclipses on the 126. However, you'll not get anything other than the oldest fleet on the 161. It's not exactly lucrative!

Fair enough. Can't argue.

 

[Class 33]

Anyone care to speculate on the next major changes after these in August? Any wild suggestions you never know First might just do it!

The April 2015 changes. Maybe they might renumber the 309 & 310 to an X prefix service. And maybe make them limited stop too.

Suggestion for the 75. Do something about eradicating such instances as a long 30 minute gap in service at certain peak morning times due to traffic conditions. More detail about this and how this could be solved I posted about a week ago. Allthough I'm not going to suggest it myself as by April I think it's unlikely I'll be using a 75 to travel to work up to Patchway. I should have moved area and be in a different job by then.

Further suggestions. Maybe bring back the 77 to Henbury. Maybe even just running half hourly between Centre and Henbury or at peak times only. Or from Hartcliffe Bishport Avenue via Hengrove Leisure Centre/South Bristol College/South Bristol Community Hospital, Hartcliffe Way, Bedminster, Centre, and onto Henbury.

And if no adequate replacement for the 20 by then, then they should look at coming up with something suitable before Wessex Connect introduce a new service covering this route(or parts of it).

The new X74 limited stop service to Bradley Stoke starting on 1st September was a real and very nice surprise. Didn't expect that atall! Maybe start introducing/re-introducing some more limited stop services to the outer Bristol suberbs. Such as the X67 Centre-North Common service.

 

[THarris123]

The April 2015 changes. Maybe they might renumber the 309 & 310 to an X prefix service. And maybe make them limited stop too.

Suggestion for the 75. Do something about eradicating such instances as a long 30 minute gap in service at certain peak morning times due to traffic conditions. More detail about this and how this could be solved I posted about a week ago. Allthough I'm not going to suggest it myself as by April I think it's unlikely I'll be using a 75 to travel to work up to Patchway. I should have moved area and be in a different job by then.

Further suggestions. Maybe bring back the 77 to Henbury. Maybe even just running half hourly between Centre and Henbury or at peak times only. Or from Hartcliffe Bishport Avenue via Hengrove Leisure Centre/South Bristol College/South Bristol Community Hospital, Hartcliffe Way, Bedminster, Centre, and onto Henbury.

And if no adequate replacement for the 20 by then, then they should look at coming up with something suitable before Wessex Connect introduce a new service covering this route(or parts of it).

Will there be no changes in Jan/Feb?

 

[Class 33]

Will there be no changes in Jan/Feb?

The Bristol changes are usually April and very late August/early September.

 

[THarris123]

The Bristol changes are usually April and very late August/early September.

What about Bath/Wells? - that was Feb this year.

 

[Class 33]

Yes Bath, Wells, etc are at different times of the year, around Jan/Feb and November. Bristol city services changes though are April and late August/early September.