Transdev Blazefield

[MCRTransitYT]

2774 is going blackburn blue, but is it going to be a similar to the new York blue, where its just one colour?

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Both the "Dalesway" B9s that were on loan to Harrogate last week were returned to Keighley yesterday which lead to the unsual sight of Merc 1001 at Keighley bus station acting as a staff shuttle.
If Bustimes is correct no 7900s are in use today ; 4 Merc electrics and the two hybrids covering the daytime duties on the 2 3 4 and 6. One Merc electric worked the morning peak duty and should work the evening peak but could get swopped. The ability not to have to use the 7900s, aside from the hybrids and demos, is down to the 20 Mercs being proposed when the 7 was half hourly and no reduction in numbers as a consquence of the 7 being hourly for most of the day.

It's difficult to avoid the impression that Harrogate is trying to live without the 7900s with the whole Citaro fleet having tracked today possibly for the first time. An uncorroborated report on WYIS suggests the eVolvos are going off-lease in due course with long out of service 805 likely to leave soon. Same apparent report mentioned eCitaro demo 93 having been seen on the M1 after a month of not tracking, suffice to say 93 rejoined the fray last Friday. In any case an eCitaro appears to have sat down in Knaresborough this morning which eventually led to 808 covering the pm peak diagram on the town locals. Given the significant investment in vehicles for the local fleet it would be no surprise if Transdev now wants to sweat the assets but any such plan won't work with unreliable vehicles, ie the 7900s. Will 93 eventually be acquired permanently?

 

[theblackwatch]

It's difficult to avoid the impression that Harrogate is trying to live without the 7900s with the whole Citaro fleet having tracked today possibly for the first time. An uncorroborated report on WYIS suggests the eVolvos are going off-lease in due course with long out of service 805 likely to leave soon. Same apparent report mentioned eCitaro demo 93 having been seen on the M1 after a month of not tracking, suffice to say 93 rejoined the fray last Friday. In any case an eCitaro appears to have sat down in Knaresborough this morning which eventually led to 808 covering the pm peak diagram on the town locals. Given the significant investment in vehicles for the local fleet it would be no surprise if Transdev now wants to sweat the assets but any such plan won't work with unreliable vehicles, ie the 7900s. Will 93 eventually be acquired permanently?

Two of the 7900s out today and a third on a peak hour diagram if bustimes is correct. The reappearance of 93 and use of another demonstrator (95) on the Boroughbridge route, which I believe is with HBC for around a fortnight, has obviously enabled the 800s to be used less.

Does anyone know where 805 physically is? According to bustimes, it reappeared for one day in September last year - normally I'd be suspicious of such an appearance, but it was re-taxed in September 2024 so I do wonder if it was put into service and ran into problems. It is no longer on the bustimes fleetlist.

 

[aswilliamsuk]

805 was photographed at Starbeck depot recently, when one of the new hybrid Citaros was first seen. Not sure what's happened to it since, though.

It's clear that technology has moved on, and quickly, since those early Volvo 7900e vehicles (and that was just seven years ago!). Similar has happened with a number of the early electric Optare MetroCities (Arriva dropped the batch they'd accumulated at Croydon for the 312 a year or so back, but took four newer examples for the 377 in North London in 2023!), and it's also notable that London General won the tender for the 200 - which had MetroDeckers due to length restrictions that the BYD/ADL standard deckers of the time couldn't meet - recently with new electric buses again, suggesting that after a fire, and more recent charging issues (again), that those MetroDeckers aren't going to last long.

My hunch? That Transdev Blazefield take the two Citaro demos into stock, and alongside the two hybrids 1514/15, will be able to run pretty much all single-deck duties with 24 vehicles (reliability is settling down now the eCitaros have been in use for a while, it seems - which is understandable with a new type as staff get used to them), and bear in mind that there will also be E400EVs available as not all 19 are required on the 36, especially with three in variations of fleet red. Once the X98/X99 go next month, that pretty much leaves the front-line fleet electric (or hybrid at worst)...

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Does anyone know where 805 physically is? According to bustimes, it reappeared for one day in September last year - normally I'd be suspicious of such an appearance, but it was re-taxed in September 2024 so I do wonder if it was put into service and ran into problems. It is no longer on the bustimes fleetlist.

The removal from the bustimes site has occurred today, it was still listed first thing this morning. However the background information suggests actual withdrawal may have happened last Wednesday (9/7/25). Quite likely the return of 93 has played a part in this.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Flyer Versa 241 is now at Blackburn pending return to the leaser.

242 at Flyer now also gone.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jul 2025 ==

What livery is that going into

Bustimes says 1853 is off to Team Pennine, citing an update by Paul Turner.

 

[SCH117X]

Both X98 Geminis had tree damage last night so a pair of Scanias have been used today.

 

[YorkRailFan]

1860 has transferred from Flyer to Starbeck, made possible as school contracts have now come to an end due to the Summer Holidays

 

[SCH117X]

1860 has transferred from Flyer to Starbeck, made possible as school contracts have now come to an end due to the Summer Holidays

That is allow Gemini 2427 to go to York for Coastliner duties along with 2422 from Idle. Paul Tuner on Facebook has advised both of those Geminis are to stay at York but 1860 will return to Idle in September
Once the X98/X99 transfer to Go-Ahead Gemini 2428 is to go to Burnley.

 

[YorkRailFan]

That is allow Gemini 2427 to go to York for Coastliner duties along with 2422 from Idle. Paul Tuner on Facebook has advised both of those Geminis are to stay at York but 1860 will return to Idle in September

Ah so not just for the summer boost to Coastliner then. I have noticed of late that some of the York-Leeds shorts use double deckers now.

Presumably another vehicle other than 1860 will be needed at Idle come September for school contracts though?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Jul 2025 ==

Transdev has announced service changes in Harrogate from 31 August, including the introduction of evening services:

We’ve been keeping a close eye on our buses in Harrogate to ensure we’re running as reliably as possible, and from 31 August will be making some changes to improve our timekeeping for you. We also have introduced some new later buses around the town and further afield.

1 Harrogate to Knaresborough

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping. We’re also introducing a later bus from Harrogate to Knaresborough and Aspin on Saturday nights, departing Harrogate at 00.50am.

2 Harrogate to Bilton

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping.

3 Harrogate to Jennyfield

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping.

4 Harrogate to King Edwin Park

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping.

6 Harrogate to Pannal Ash and Beckwith Knowle

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping. We’ll also be introducing NEW Monday to Saturday evening buses in partnership with North Yorkshire Council departing Harrogate at 7.25pm, 8.25pm and 10.55pm (Fri & Sat only) – these buses will run to Pannal Ash but not Beckwith Knowle.

24 Harrogate to Pateley Bridge

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping. We’ll also be introducing NEW Monday to Saturday evening buses in partnership with North Yorkshire Council departing Harrogate at 6.25pm and 8.55pm (Fri & Sat only). Buses will run from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate at 7.25pm and 9.55pm (Fri & Sat only).

36 Leeds to Harrogate and Ripon

We’ll be making some changes to improve our timekeeping. We’re also introducing a later bus from Harrogate to Leeds on Saturday nights, departing Leeds at midnight. Due to the bus station being shut, we will depart outside from Cultural stop C.

Changes to our buses in Harrogate

www.transdevbus.co.uk

Some fantastic news regarding the 24, people along the route will be able to enjoy an evening out in Harrogate and return home by bus now.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Some fantastic news regarding the 24, people along the route will be able to enjoy an evening out in Harrogate and return home by bus now.

Not much of a night out if the last bus from Harrogate is at 8:55

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

Not much of a night out if the last bus from Harrogate is at 8:55

A few in Harrogate, bus home, last orders in Pateley Bridge... sorted!!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

A few in Harrogate, bus home, last orders in Pateley Bridge... sorted!!

Unless you’re finishing in time for the 1700, it’ll be the 1855 ex Pateley Bridge. That’ll be quite the hour in Harrogate

 

[D6130]

Unless you’re finishing in time for the 1700, it’ll be the 1855 ex Pateley Bridge. That’ll be quite the hour in Harrogate

On the other hand, Harrogate-based revellers could catch the 18 25 bus out to Pateley and the 21 55 back again....giving rather more drinking time in the capital of Upper Nidderdale. However, the bad news is that are only two pubs in Pateley these days - or three if you count the Conservative Club - and the choice of ales is very limited.

 

[YorkRailFan]

Not much of a night out if the last bus from Harrogate is at 8:55

I did say evening out, not night out

Although it is better on a Friday and Saturday.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Jul 2025 ==

1772 at York & Country has been repainted from Reliance colours to blue York & Country, no branding has been applied as of yet.

 

[SCH117X]

24s are used within Nidderdale rather than full length journeys. Once saw one ex Pateley Bridge stopping at Glasshouses with a couple stumbling off it carrying a dustbin! Village pub and hall custom etc might be expected by residents fom a neighboruing village.
1772 had an outing to the coast yesterday filling in for a failed B5 but with no destination showing. Time they programmed all vehicles at a depot with all routes no matter how seemingly unlikely it is.

 

[stevieinselby]

The GrandWazoo said:
Not much of a night out if the last bus from Harrogate is at 8.55
I did say evening out, not night out

Although it is better on a Friday and Saturday.

That is the Friday and Saturday last bus.

 

[Bristol LHS]

1860 has transferred from Flyer to Starbeck, made possible as school contracts have now come to an end due to the Summer Holidays

It was on the X89 yesterday. No-one could get the windows to close, it was pelting with rain, a lot of wet passengers and seats. Never mind, the route will be Go-Ahead’s problem soon, I guess….

 

[SCH117X]

It was on the X89 yesterday. No-one could get the windows to close, it was pelting with rain, a lot of wet passengers and seats. Never mind, the route will be Go-Ahead’s problem soon, I guess….

X98 you mean. They did replace it with 2102*. At least it didn't break down unlike Scania 2104, which was replaced after a couple of hours by 2101*. 2105 on the 59 was not seemingly programmed for the route. 1860s back out today on the X98/X99 so presumably the window has been fixed.
Hybrid 1515 failed on Wednesday and has not tracked since. (*assuming the tracking is correct)

 

[YorkRailFan]

Some minor changes have been announced from 31 August:
Red Express:

We’ll be making some very minor changes to our timetable from 31 August which will help to improve our reliability for you.

Sorry, we can't find this page!

www.transdevbus.co.uk

Irwell Line:

From 31 August, we’ll be introducing a new timetable on Irwell Line to help improve our punctuality. We know that our timekeeping is the most important thing to you, and this change will help with that.

Our buses will still run hourly from Burnley and Blackburn to Rawtenstall and every 30 mins between Rawtenstall and Bury.

Sorry, we can't find this page!

www.transdevbus.co.uk

Witchway:

Around a year ago, we introduced a new route in Manchester to Witchway, which has made a huge impact on our timekeeping for you. Since then, we’ve been monitoring our journey performance and can see there’s still room for improvement. With this in mind, we’ll be making some very minor changes to our timetable from 31 August which will further help to improve our reliability for you.

Sorry, we can't find this page!

www.transdevbus.co.uk

Transdev will also be piloting a "SWITCH" ticket throughout Harrogate (also on A2 Flyer) in August:

SWITCH up your travel for just £4 — whether you're heading from Jennyfield to the hospital, Knaresborough to Leeds, or Wetherby to Ripley, SWITCH makes connecting bus journeys simple, smart, and seriously good value.

Here's what you need to know about SWITCH:

Use it on any Harrogate Bus Company route, plus FLYER A2.
You can switch buses at any point along the route - it doesn't have to be in Harrogate Bus Station.
You have 60 minutes from when you catch your first bus to change buses, or 90 minutes if you board the 36 within Leeds.
You can buy it from your driver using cash or contactless or on the Transdev Go app. SWITCH isn't available through Tap On Tap Off just yet.
Just scan your ticket when you board your next bus.
We’re running this trial throughout August, and we’d love to hear what you think. Get in touch with us at customer.services@transdevbus.co.uk to let us know your views.

Introducing the new SWITCH ticket!

www.transdevbus.co.uk

This "SWITCH" ticket sounds like the Hopper Fare in London, and its great to see something like the Hopper Fare introduced somewhere outside of London. It definitely makes travel cheaper for those outside Central Harrogate, going from Knaresborough to Leeds becomes even more cost competitive with the train for instance. I can definitely see it being popular and hope its rolled out not just in Harrogate, but in other urban areas around the country.

 

[stevieinselby]

This "SWITCH" ticket sounds like the Hopper Fare in London, and its great to see something like the Hopper Fare introduced somewhere outside of London. It definitely makes travel cheaper for those outside Central Harrogate, going from Knaresborough to Leeds becomes even more cost competitive with the train for instance. I can definitely see it being popular and hope its rolled out not just in Harrogate, but in other urban areas around the country.

As long as they get it working with tap-on tap-off then I can see that being a really useful feature – I can understand why they aren't implementing that for the pilot, if it requires a lot of technical work behind the scenes, but it definitely needs to be included in any long-term rollout.

 

[D6130]

I was very surprised yesterday evening to see brown and turquoise-liveried 1845 leaving Hebden Bridge station on the last (19 10) route B3 departure to Keighley.

 

[M60lad]

Looking at new Irwell Line timetable it seems most services will be interworking at Bury Interchange with 481s coming in and going out as 483 and 483s coming in and going out as 481 similar to what happens on Sundays.

 

[Leedsbusman]

I was very surprised yesterday evening to see brown and turquoise-liveried 1845 leaving Hebden Bridge station on the last (19 10) route B3 departure to Keighley.

Brown and Turquoise? 1845 was in Keighley green the other day when I saw it. Perhaps you saw one of the old Irwell Line yellow and blue ones which are quite common on the B3s

 

[D6130]

Brown and Turquoise? 1845 was in Keighley green the other day when I saw it. Perhaps you saw one of the old Irwell Line yellow and blue ones which are quite common on the B3s

Ah.... perhaps it was 1745? I wasn't able to write it down at the time and was relying on my - increasingly-suspect - memory.

 

[Deerfold]

I was very surprised yesterday evening to see brown and turquoise-liveried 1845 leaving Hebden Bridge station on the last (19 10) route B3 departure to Keighley.

I'm now surprised as yesterady there was still the notice on the stop at Keighley bus station to say the service wasn't getting to Hebden Bridge.

Disappointedly, over the 2 month closure, Transdev tweeted once, the week before it started (which didn't say when it was expected to go back to normal) and took over 3 weeks to mention the closure on their website.

 

[John HG1]

I'm now surprised as yesterady there was still the notice on the stop at Keighley bus station to say the service wasn't getting to Hebden Bridge.

Disappointedly, over the 2 month closure, Transdev tweeted once, the week before it started (which didn't say when it was expected to go back to normal) and took over 3 weeks to mention the closure on their website.

Unfortunately Transdev are not good at communicating service updates. Quite often they are left on the website longer than they actually apply, street or stop names are misspelt, diversionary routes are unclear and service problems are not shown. I suspect these are all done centrally by someone who doesn't know the area.

 

[SCH117X]

I wonder if the social communications are coming from somewhere like Elland. The sad incident last week in Harrogate of a car landing on the railway resulted in a weird staement that the 36 3 and 4 were being diverted although the listed stops not being served were just 36 ones. There was an initial mega road closure which did mean a 3 got diverted but that was quickly removed so that it was only the 36 (and A2) that were then diverted, but if the 3 and 4 were being diverted so would be the 6 and 24 And on Saturdays such an issue invaribly fails to mention the 59.

 

[northernchris]

I wonder if the social communications are coming from somewhere like Elland. The sad incident last week in Harrogate of a car landing on the railway resulted in a weird staement that the 36 3 and 4 were being diverted although the listed stops not being served were just 36 ones. There was an initial mega road closure which did mean a 3 got diverted but that was quickly removed so that it was only the 36 (and A2) that were then diverted, but if the 3 and 4 were being diverted so would be the 6 and 24 And on Saturdays such an issue invaribly fails to mention the 59.

Keighley used to be good at social media when it was handled locally, but now it's something which is neglected. On X you can search 'latest' which brings up all posts they have been tagged in, and the vast majority are ignored. It's unfortunate, as it means the same problems continue to occur.

 

[YorkRailFan]

And on Saturdays such an issue invaribly fails to mention the 59.

It usually falls to DalesBus having to put out a notice on their social media accounts when it comes to the 59 and also other DalesBus services.