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

[TheGrandWazoo]

The 25a is the part of the service dropped by First due to the route being unviable, but then taken on by Quantock - it was de registered by Quantock about a month ago, so will just wither. BoS run hourly anyway, it was just giving a half hour frequency on that part of the route.

QMS have given up I believe with emergency tenders being sought this Thursday Friday.

Y reg B10BLE from Aberdeen, easily convertible to DDA apparently

I didn't appreciate that it was a commercial venture from when BoS dropped the short Cotfords. Thanks for info

 

[freetoview33]

I didn't appreciate that it was a commercial venture from when BoS dropped the short Cotfords. Thanks for info

Nor did I, in the case it doesn't surprise me that it has ended.

 

[THarris123]

In terms of BoS - has 41156 and 42634 been withdrawn. Also what about 42830? Is that still there? Is 34064 still hanging in at Taunton or has that gone as well?

 

[CD]

I saw X75 with 41144 today - not particularly good that.

Wells seem to have the numbers built up again back to 22 - meaning there's 2 spare buses again (like there should be!) 41333 seems to be acting as a spare whilst 69445 is away.

In terms of Taunton - 42526 was on a 29 this morning - not a bad machine that, much better than the ELC stuff (i.e. 42832, etc.). It even overtook a car on the main Taunton road, which was going about 45ish! 42511 was on the 29 this afternoon - that doesn't look so good.

I caught the 54 today. It was 33381 on there. What a machine that is - lovely ride and really nice bus. I don't really know whether deckers should be on that service - what are the numbers like at peak Mon-Fri? There was about 5 people on there today.

I would like to see a few more of the 551** range in Taunton. I think they would be good on the 54 shorts and 21 shorts eventually (when they get rid of all the crap!).

I see in Yeovil - there's an 03 reg Solo (hooray! something new!) and a B6 (48273). 42521 and 42522 are now in Yeovil as well.

I caught the 377 back into Wells then - it was 62193. The ride on that it terrible - perfect for stuff like the 5 in Bath (quite short journeys), but when you're sat on it for 1.5 hours, it is very painful on your rear!

48273 is on loan from Weymouth.

What makes you think 42521/2 are Yeovils?
42521 did the last 54 to Yeovil and last back to Taunton yesterday.
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In terms of BoS - has 41156 and 42634 been withdrawn. Also what about 42830? Is that still there? Is 34064 still hanging in at Taunton or has that gone as well?

42634 and 34064 reported as being withdrawn this week.Both are in the yard at Taunton depot.
42830 was withdrawn some time ago and has left the area.
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Update on 48273. It was on loan in Yeovil Friday and Saturday.
Today its back home again on the 10 Weymouth-Dorchester.

 

[THarris123]

48273 is on loan from Weymouth.

What makes you think 42521/2 are Yeovils?
42521 did the last 54 to Yeovil and last back to Taunton yesterday.
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42634 and 34064 reported as being withdrawn this week.Both are in the yard at Taunton depot.
42830 was withdrawn some time ago and has left the area.
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Update on 48273. It was on loan in Yeovil Friday and Saturday.
Today its back home again on the 10 Weymouth-Dorchester.

I saw 42521 parked up in Yeovil bus station next to 48273. 42522 was about to go on the 58 to Wincanton.

Perhaps they are on loan from BoS?

What about 41156?

Also, are those X reg darts of BoS DDA complaint (i.e. 43821/2/3)? What's happening with the Bridgwater stuff? Have all the 34*** range gone now? And what about those 4 old solos in Bridgwater are they still there?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I saw 42521 parked up in Yeovil bus station next to 48273. 42522 was about to go on the 58 to Wincanton.

Perhaps they are on loan from BoS?

What about 41156?

Also, are those X reg darts of BoS DDA complaint (i.e. 43821/2/3)? What's happening with the Bridgwater stuff? Have all the 34*** range gone now? And what about those 4 old solos in Bridgwater are they still there?

All 54s are BoS so 42521 will be BoS. If 42522 was on 58, then possibly a late move there instead of BoS.

I believe that the S reg Olympians are still about in Bridgwater. So are the early Solos and I think it was reported on this thread that they may be staying a while longer. Perhaps more likely to stay with seemingly ever increasing PVR!! I'd anticipate that those MPDs are either DDA compliant or are easily converted.

As for the 53 plate Tridents, they appear on the 30 and 54 because of school movements. They are nice and are probably better suited to the more intensive 21 but it might be to do with depreciation? Sure Mr Carter knows best on that!

 

[swifty]

All 54s are BoS so 42521 will be BoS. If 42522 was on 58, then possibly a late move there instead of BoS.

Could have possibly been similarly numbered, Yeovil based, 42822?

 

[THarris123]

Could have possibly been similarly numbered, Yeovil based, 42822?

Isn't 42822 an ELC dart? If it's a normal dart, then you're probably right. I'm sure though it was 42521/2 I saw. Oh well, we'll never know now!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Isn't 42822 an ELC dart? If it's a normal dart, then you're probably right. I'm sure though it was 42521/2 I saw. Oh well, we'll never know now!

42822 is a Pointer Dart (S822KPR). The ELCs are 42824/5 and 42830+

 

[CD]

Isn't 42822 an ELC dart? If it's a normal dart, then you're probably right. I'm sure though it was 42521/2 I saw. Oh well, we'll never know now!

42522 was definitely on 1800 54 Taunton BS to Yeovil arriving at 1919 and returning to Taunton at 1927.
The last 58a from Yeovil is at 1755.
42521 was on the 26 in Taunton early afternoon.

42821/42822 are both Pointer Darts based in Yeovil.

 

[THarris123]

Ok smart arises you were right. It must have been 42821/2. Are they S reg? If so, you are right.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Ok smart arises you were right. It must have been 42821/2. Are they S reg? If so, you are right.

Yeah, all part of a batch S817-823KPR that started as SN 817-23 for the 31 Weymouth to Axminster and then became 42817-23. I think they were SN's first Darts for Dorset (they had 3 at Taunton) and the other Cawlett ones were in Devon.

Then they got 42824/5 (ELC) for Taunton to Seaton, 42826-9 (Plaxton) for Weymouth to Littlemoor (though initially did Portland during bus war) and the 42830-5 for Taunton to Burnham

 

[swifty]

Y reg B10BLE from Aberdeen, easily convertible to DDA apparently

I've seen reports it's 62138 that's come down from Aberdeen, the one in Aberdeen Corporation Livery? Presumably the rest of the B10BLEs parked up are available if needed?


Corporation Withdrawn (62138) by Prisma Aberdeen, on Flickr

 

[freetoview33]

I wouldn't be surprised if they all turned up down here

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I wouldn't be surprised if they all turned up down here

South Westerly said there a number that could move down. Don't know if that's confirmed, if it's BoS or all FDC ops, or if FSA may also benefit

 

[ryson357]

I've seen reports it's 62138 that's come down from Aberdeen, the one in Aberdeen Corporation Livery? Presumably the rest of the B10BLEs parked up are available if needed?


Corporation Withdrawn (62138) by Prisma Aberdeen, on Flickr

I hope we do get some Volvo B10BLE's as one my favourite buses even though they are quite old. I'm not that keen of the 62238/42/45 and 62193/94 as they have really uncomfortable seating. If so wonder how many?

 

[CD]

There are 6 in total. 4 were destined for BoS, the other two further West. the 4 were to replace 41156 42634(already withdrawn) and the S reg Spryte, and provide a paint float.
Since then, emergency tenders have been won at Taunton requiring a mini coach, coach, and at least one bus. Coach and minic coach expected to be transferred up from Kernow, and a B10BLE on the way down from Aberdeen. The B10BLE is potentially the first of a big batch.
In addition, the P reg Olympian had been withdrawn and replaced by a further Trident, transferred up from Plymouth.
Further West the four Truro Park and Ride Scanias on hire from Reading have been purchased, along with another two.

Arrivals in Taunton today:
23013 YW04 AJU Scania K114 coach.
56000 W4 TRU MB 0814D mini coach
62138 X617 NSS Volvo B10ble/Renown.
As you said.

42825 withdrawn at depot yard.
41156. 42832/33/35 all in service.

 

[South Westerly]

South Westerly said there a number that could move down. Don't know if that's confirmed, if it's BoS or all FDC ops, or if FSA may also benefit

Likely to be 14 Y reg for BoS

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Likely to be 14 Y reg for BoS

Quite a number heading down then. Not immediately apparent what they'll replace. Head onto stuff like the 22 and 54? Been a while since so many long single decks have been in Somerset.

Are the 3 B7RLEs still coming up from Cornwall? Also, interesting to see a couple more Solars coming in from Reading. Anyone know the latest on Truro P&R?

 

[ryson357]

Sorry for all the questions but what routes are BoS taking over? As having 10ish more buses down the somerset area is quite a lot.

 

[swifty]

This is getting very boring now :roll: I do wish First would react or there won't be much left in Weston town.

PH1107086/14 - CROSVILLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD, UNIT 2, WESTLAND DISTRIBUTION PARK, WESTON-SUPER-MARE, BS24 9AB
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Worle, Sainsburys
Finish Point: Weston-super-Mare, Searle Crescent
Via: Mead Vale, Bournville
Service Number: 103
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-NOV-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday.

It's be nice if they had a little imagination, imagine the uproar if it was the other way around!
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I also note that the QMS E200 was on Taunton depot forecourt this evening, on loan, for working the 10 as well as a white B7L.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

This is getting very boring now :roll: I do wish First would react or there won't be much left in Weston town.

PH1107086/14 - CROSVILLE MOTOR SERVICES LTD, UNIT 2, WESTLAND DISTRIBUTION PARK, WESTON-SUPER-MARE, BS24 9AB
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Worle, Sainsburys
Finish Point: Weston-super-Mare, Searle Crescent
Via: Mead Vale, Bournville
Service Number: 103
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 02-NOV-2014
Other Details: Monday to Saturday.

It's be nice if they had a little imagination, imagine the uproar if it was the other way around!
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I also note that the QMS E200 was on Taunton depot forecourt this evening, on loan, for working the 10 as well as a white B7L.

Wasn't this predicted by someone? It does seem that "it's all about Bristol". Apart from the 379 extension to Bath and taking on the 24 from Bodmans, I can't think of any positive service changes in the hinterland of FSA/FB. When will the 107 appear?
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Sorry for all the questions but what routes are BoS taking over? As having 10ish more buses down the somerset area is quite a lot.

SW said the 10 (Wellington to Wiveliscombe) plus 2 schools. AssumeB10BLEs are for fleet replacement? The FHD darts being a stop gap? SW will probably shine a light!

 

[freetoview33]

It does seem like Yeovil and Weston seem to be wasting away but to think of a better word

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

It does seem like Yeovil and Weston seem to be wasting away but to think of a better word

Yeovil has long since gone!!

It seems that FB/FSA are keen to squeeze Wessex but Faresaver and Crosville can operate with impunity. Perhaps it's a case of tolerate for the time being and focus on Wessex before starting any more fronts. However, you don't get the feeling that is the case.

 

[South Westerly]

Quite a number heading down then. Not immediately apparent what they'll replace. Head onto stuff like the 22 and 54? Been a while since so many long single decks have been in Somerset.

Are the 3 B7RLEs still coming up from Cornwall? Also, interesting to see a couple more Solars coming in from Reading. Anyone know the latest on Truro P&R?

Yes, 3 B7RLE to BoS from Cornwall, replaced with the 2 additional Reading Solars initially. Cornwall Council haven't ordered the new buses for the Truro P&R yet.
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Wasn't this predicted by someone? It does seem that "it's all about Bristol". Apart from the 379 extension to Bath and taking on the 24 from Bodmans, I can't think of any positive service changes in the hinterland of FSA/FB. When will the 107 appear?
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SW said the 10 (Wellington to Wiveliscombe) plus 2 schools. AssumeB10BLEs are for fleet replacement? The FHD darts being a stop gap? SW will probably shine a light!

Yes, fleet replacement, mainly of shorter single deckers.

 

[ryson357]

SW said the 10 (Wellington to Wiveliscombe) plus 2 schools. AssumeB10BLEs are for fleet replacement? The FHD darts being a stop gap? SW will probably shine a light!

Thanks for the info, just got a little confused as so many subjects

 

[South Westerly]

Thanks for the info, just got a little confused as so many subjects

Yes, there's a lot going on in Somerset and Cornwall, with both requiring extra fleet for additional routes.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Yes, 3 B7RLE to BoS from Cornwall, replaced with the 2 additional Reading Solars initially. Cornwall Council haven't ordered the new buses for the Truro P&R yet.
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Yes, fleet replacement, mainly of shorter single deckers.

I did wonder if the extra 2 Solars might be to enable B7RLEs to be released or for P&R? I'm an interloper so can only remember the fag end of Leyland National operation in Somerset plus a few late Cawlett buys of Tigers and Mk2 Nationals so seeing that many longer vehicles arrive is a bit odd (assuming they do all come down).

Whilst FB's onslaught on Wessex is interesting, the changes at BoS are quite stunning. A new livery is the most obvious but taking P&R and QMS services, the increased services against WB, revised fare structures and wholesale fleet changes (it'll be all but the e200s and MPDs left by the end of all this?) and I'm sure a lot more that we've not seen or are party to yet.

You'll be telling me next that the B7 open top will be running the 300 next summer!!!!

 

[freetoview33]

Yeovil has long since gone!!

It seems that FB/FSA are keen to squeeze Wessex but Faresaver and Crosville can operate with impunity. Perhaps it's a case of tolerate for the time being and focus on Wessex before starting any more fronts. However, you don't get the feeling that is the case.

It might well be! But time will tell! Anyone want to hazard a guess at the next area First anywhere in the Southwest will try to regain?
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Although I think BoS will end up having to extending the 14 so it operates Bridgwater - Minehead, if they are intent on removing Webberbus.

 

[winston270twm]

It seems that FB/FSA are keen to squeeze Wessex but Faresaver and Crosville can operate with impunity. Perhaps it's a case of tolerate for the time being and focus on Wessex before starting any more fronts. However, you don't get the feeling that is the case.

To be fair Wessex are First's biggest competitor in the region. It will be interesting to see if Rotala fight back, I'm not going to hold my breathe though....