East Anglia Bus Scene

[Camb]

Some interesting developments coming from 1st June in West Norfolk with the introduction of three new routes by Lynx.

The “Loop” 44 will be a semi-orbital service around King’s Lynn, a service like this has long been campaigned for, particularly by local councillor Rob Colwell, he tried to get it funded by Norfolk County Council through BSIP but was unsuccessful, so it is nice to see Lynx taking the initiative to try the service commercially, it will initially operate every 2 hours on weekdays, but that could be increased if demand grows.

The loop is your long-awaited brand-new bus service creating several new journey options around King’s Lynn, without the need to go to town and change bus!

Are you ready to loop?

The loop is your long-awaited brand-new bus service creating several new journey options around King’s Lynn.

www.lynxbus.co.uk

From the same date two new town circulars will begin operating in Hunstanton (the first time the town has seen this kind of operation for many decades, if ever) - these coincide with the opening of the new travel hub (refurbished bus station)

From Monday 1st June we’re making some changes to some of existing routes as well as introducing some exciting new services, mainly following feedback from our customers and staff.

Service changes from 1st June 2026

From Monday 1st June we’re making some changes to some of existing routes as well as introducing some exciting new services!

www.lynxbus.co.uk

Will certainly be interesting to see how these services develop, hopefully they will be successful.

 

[aswilliamsuk]

Some interesting developments coming from 1st June in West Norfolk with the introduction of three new routes by Lynx.

The “Loop” 44 will be a semi-orbital service around King’s Lynn, a service like this has long been campaigned for, particularly by local councillor Rob Colwell, he tried to get it funded by Norfolk County Council through BSIP but was unsuccessful, so it is nice to see Lynx taking the initiative to try the service commercially, it will initially operate every 2 hours on weekdays, but that could be increased if demand grows.

Are you ready to loop?

The loop is your long-awaited brand-new bus service creating several new journey options around King’s Lynn.

www.lynxbus.co.uk

From the same date two new town circulars will begin operating in Hunstanton (the first time the town has seen this kind of operation for many decades, if ever) - these coincide with the opening of the new travel hub (refurbished bus station)

Service changes from 1st June 2026

From Monday 1st June we’re making some changes to some of existing routes as well as introducing some exciting new services!

www.lynxbus.co.uk

Will certainly be interesting to see how these services develop, hopefully they will be successful.

The PSV Circle last month suggested that a batch of Citaros have been purchased by Lynx from Isle of Man Transport. Do you know if this is correct? If so, I'd presume they may not appear yet anyway if they are to undergo repaint and refurb to Lynx's high standards first.

 

[pjnathanail]

Some interesting developments coming from 1st June in West Norfolk with the introduction of three new routes by Lynx.

The “Loop” 44 will be a semi-orbital service around King’s Lynn, a service like this has long been campaigned for, particularly by local councillor Rob Colwell, he tried to get it funded by Norfolk County Council through BSIP but was unsuccessful, so it is nice to see Lynx taking the initiative to try the service commercially, it will initially operate every 2 hours on weekdays, but that could be increased if demand grows.

Are you ready to loop?

The loop is your long-awaited brand-new bus service creating several new journey options around King’s Lynn.

www.lynxbus.co.uk

From the same date two new town circulars will begin operating in Hunstanton (the first time the town has seen this kind of operation for many decades, if ever) - these coincide with the opening of the new travel hub (refurbished bus station)

Service changes from 1st June 2026

From Monday 1st June we’re making some changes to some of existing routes as well as introducing some exciting new services!

www.lynxbus.co.uk

Will certainly be interesting to see how these services develop, hopefully they will be successful.

A more comprehensive bus service between the Woottons and Queen Elizabeth Hospital was proposed to be tendered by Norfolk County Council (presumably using BSIP funding), and pre-tender engagement sessions were held with a number of bus operators. The introduction of the Loop 44 (which presumably fits around a school contract / peak bus working) has meant that NCC will no longer proceed with procuring their planned funded service.

 

[Camb]

A more comprehensive bus service between the Woottons and Queen Elizabeth Hospital was proposed to be tendered by Norfolk County Council (presumably using BSIP funding), and pre-tender engagement sessions were held with a number of bus operators. The introduction of the Loop 44 (which presumably fits around a school contract / peak bus working) has meant that NCC will no longer proceed with procuring their planned funded service.

Thanks, that is interesting to hear, a news article made it sound like it was unsuccessful, or a route similar to the “Loop” anyway.

The news was welcomed by Rob Colwell, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Gaywood South, who has campaigned for such a service.

The Lib Dems, in their Norfolk County Council budget amendment, had pushed for County Hall to provide £250,000 to help set up such a route, although that was rejected.

New 'loop' bus service to launch with 14-mile round trip of Norfolk town

King's Lynn is to get a new circular bus route, with bus operators saying it will help passengers get to work, shops, GPs and hospital.

www.edp24.co.uk

 

[buslad1988]

A more comprehensive bus service between the Woottons and Queen Elizabeth Hospital was proposed to be tendered by Norfolk County Council (presumably using BSIP funding), and pre-tender engagement sessions were held with a number of bus operators. The introduction of the Loop 44 (which presumably fits around a school contract / peak bus working) has meant that NCC will no longer proceed with procuring their planned funded service.

Presumably when Lynx are able to increase the frequency (highly muted, and also essential) the route will become a proper full circular and continue from Hardwick Tesco to the Town Centre, with a 44A running in the opposite direction? Otherwise the brand name ‘loop’ isn’t quite right.

It’s a great idea, and one other operators should be looking to emulate as out of town leisure and retail continues to grow and traditional town centres shrink.

Ideally, long term atleast every 30 minutes in each direction of the loop should be aspired to. Every 2 hours for a hospital/doctors appointment or a quick supermarket shop isn’t really ideal - in some cases it’ll still be faster and more convenient to go via town and change!

 

[Cesarcollie]

Presumably when Lynx are able to increase the frequency (highly muted, and also essential) the route will become a proper full circular and continue from Hardwick Tesco to the Town Centre, with a 44A running in the opposite direction? Otherwise the brand name ‘loop’ isn’t quite right.

It’s a great idea, and one other operators should be looking to emulate as out of town leisure and retail continues to grow and traditional town centres shrink.

Ideally, long term atleast every 30 minutes in each direction of the loop should be aspired to. Every 2 hours for a hospital/doctors appointment or a quick supermarket shop isn’t really ideal - in some cases it’ll still be faster and more convenient to go via town and change!

I’m afraid that commercially, that’s about as likely as me landing on the moon. If someone will fund it of course, different story.

 

[MotCO]

I’m afraid that commercially, that’s about as likely as me landing on the moon. If someone will fund it of course, different story.

But if the fledgling route does well, and increases in popularity, a more frequent service could follow. I always remember Metrobus's 358 (Orpington to Crystal Palace) which started out as a commercial venture with only a few journeys each day - it is now every 12 minutes for almost 24 hours each day!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I’m afraid that commercially, that’s about as likely as me landing on the moon. If someone will fund it of course, different story.

But if the fledgling route does well, and increases in popularity, a more frequent service could follow. I always remember Metrobus's 358 (Orpington to Crystal Palace) which started out as a commercial venture with only a few journeys each day - it is now every 12 minutes for almost 24 hours each day!

I'm with @Cesarcollie on this one. A weird radial service like this... I'd be surprised if it becomes viable.

For every 358. there are plenty of other examples that have been tried and died. In north Bristol, similar routes have been tried linking several key traffic objectives and they've struggled.

 

[Pyromaniac]

Arriva Southend are acquiring 5 Wright Streetdecks for the new 1X service. These are being outshopped in Arriva turquoise livery with a yellow wedge, plus route branding. Quite unlike anything previous of Arriva livery and branding.

Of some irony. These 5 Streetdecks were originally part of an Arriva Yorkshire order, cancelled due to Covid, acquired by independent Ensignbus, sold by First owned Ensignbus, to Arriva Southend who are using them to replace a withdrawn First Essex route.

Arriva Southend are also acquiring 5 E200MMC's also from First Ensignbus.

 

[Camb]

The PSV Circle last month suggested that a batch of Citaros have been purchased by Lynx from Isle of Man Transport. Do you know if this is correct? If so, I'd presume they may not appear yet anyway if they are to undergo repaint and refurb to Lynx's high standards first.

The first of the Citaros FX12MUB (former KMN-218-U) is now showing on bustimes.org, it has been allocated fleet number 4.

 

[richard13]

https://www.route-one.net/news/transport-made-simple-founders-named-on-forbes-30-under-30-list/

Central Connect / Simonds / Flagfinders

Transport Made Simple (TMS) co-founders Peter Nathanail and Dominic Kalantary have been recognised on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the manufacturing and industry category.

Forbes’ prestigious annual lists across 10 categories honour the “most dynamic young innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers” on the continent.

Mr Nathanail and Mr Kalantary, both 29, founded TMS in 2016 as school transport technology company Vectare, and have since grown its fleet to almost 400 vehicles with an 800-strong staff.

In making the list, they appear alongside BAFTA award winner Owen Cooper and Enola Holmes actor Louis Partridge.

Via mergers and acquisitions, TMS incorporates coach and bus operators across the Midlands and East Anglia in the shape of Central Connect, Simonds, and Flagfinders.

Mr Nathanail, who is now Group Managing Director, and Mr Kalantary, who sits on the board as a non-executive director, each remain 50% shareholders of the Diss-headquartered business.

Mr Nathanail says: “It is such a great honour to have our hard work acknowledged by Forbes in this way.

“I am passionate about delivering consistently high-quality public transport services, and to be able to do so within the framework of building a sustainable business, and then have that success recognised, is fantastic.

“Our wonderful people who get up every morning (or often in the middle of the night!) to drive, fix, clean and coordinate our buses are the reason that we have been able to grow so quickly and build the reputation which we have, and I am exceptionally grateful to everybody who is part of the current team, and those who have worked with us in the past and supported us on our journey of growth.”

 

[TAS]

TMS/Central Connect appear to soon (26 May) be opening a coffee shop in Colchester: https://www.facebook.com/cafeconnectco

Café Connect Co. is your friendly stop for coffee, snacks, and a moment of connection! Operated by Transport Made Simple, we're here to make your day easier and tastier. You can also pick up timetables for Central Connect routes & access customer support.

The location is the new Digital Forum on the site of the old First/Eastern National depot in Queen Street, a few minutes away from the current bus station on Osborne Street.

 

[Russel]

TMS/Central Connect appear to soon (26 May) be opening a coffee shop in Colchester: https://www.facebook.com/cafeconnectco


The location is the new Digital Forum on the site of the old First/Eastern National depot in Queen Street, a few minutes away from the current bus station on Osborne Street.

Not fully convinced coffee and cake is what TMS should be focusing on at the moment.

Let's hope they take hygiene standards more seriously in their coffee shop than they do on their busses.

 

[Cambus731]

First Essex have altered the diagrams recently resulting in the 2300 X30 Stansted Airport to Southend being operated by a E200 MMC instead of a double decker which the 2305 always was. This has resulted in this bus leaving Stansted Airport rammed with some people having to stand all the way to Chelmsford

 

[RUFJAN15]

Yes it is! I went on it last Thursday (30th April).

 

[duncombec]

Not fully convinced coffee and cake is what TMS should be focusing on at the moment.

Let's hope they take hygiene standards more seriously in their coffee shop than they do on their busses.

I pick up mostly on the fact that they advertise it as a location to pick up timetables and access customer support. I wonder if rather than looking at it at face value (an "unnecessary" coffee shop), it's a way of running a combined travel centre/driver break base by providing something to offset the costs of the property?

After all, the staff costs of a travel office, and the wholesale costs of "refreshment facilities" remain regardless of whether it is open to the public or not.

 

[Trainman40083]

I pick up mostly on the fact that they advertise it as a location to pick up timetables and access customer support. I wonder if rather than looking at it at face value (an "unnecessary" coffee shop), it's a way of running a combined travel centre/driver break base by providing something to offset the costs of the property?

After all, the staff costs of a travel office, and the wholesale costs of "refreshment facilities" remain regardless of whether it is open to the public or not.

Diversification. Spread the costs.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I pick up mostly on the fact that they advertise it as a location to pick up timetables and access customer support. I wonder if rather than looking at it at face value (an "unnecessary" coffee shop), it's a way of running a combined travel centre/driver break base by providing something to offset the costs of the property?

After all, the staff costs of a travel office, and the wholesale costs of "refreshment facilities" remain regardless of whether it is open to the public or not.

Indeed - it's one of my little bugbears in that operators have closed their offices in many locations and yet they could do something different.
For instance... Paignton bus station. It is a significant centre of ops, and Stagecoach still outbase vehicles there. The travel office closed at covid and it looks rather parlous yet clearly they will still be paying rates and utilities etc. They could have an unmanned centre with timetables and promotional information etc and/or rent it out accordingly.

First has plenty of similar instances...but they seldom produce any materials anyway! Not least in Colchester where, when I visited last year, I think the travel office is shuttered as it has been for the last how many years.

 

[overthewater]

Yet this is what Lothian has done in Edinburgh. One of its travel shops is 3 in 1 place, with a Driver booty around back? and a very very busy coffee shop.

Oddly there was no room for a timetable stand for the city routes but that no problem now since they don't print any.

Before covid you used to be able to pick up timetables from Café at Arbroath bus station.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Yet this is what Lothian has done in Edinburgh. One of its travel shops is 3 in 1 place, with a Driver booty around back? and a very very busy coffee shop.

Oddly there was no room for a timetable stand for the city routes but that no problem now since they don't print any.

Before covid you used to be able to pick up timetables from Café at Arbroath bus station.

Been a while since I've been there but there was a cafe at Bridgwater bus station and they also kept a stock of timetables.

 

[Russel]

I pick up mostly on the fact that they advertise it as a location to pick up timetables and access customer support. I wonder if rather than looking at it at face value (an "unnecessary" coffee shop), it's a way of running a combined travel centre/driver break base by providing something to offset the costs of the property?

After all, the staff costs of a travel office, and the wholesale costs of "refreshment facilities" remain regardless of whether it is open to the public or not.

Yeah, that's fair, hadn't thought of it in that way.

 

[TAS]

I pick up mostly on the fact that they advertise it as a location to pick up timetables and access customer support. I wonder if rather than looking at it at face value (an "unnecessary" coffee shop), it's a way of running a combined travel centre/driver break base by providing something to offset the costs of the property?

After all, the staff costs of a travel office, and the wholesale costs of "refreshment facilities" remain regardless of whether it is open to the public or not.

I agree that may well be part of the motivation.

I also think it's probably good for Colbea (the enterprise agency running the Digital Forum) too. At the moment they've got a brand new building with offices (none of which are currently let if the website's accurate) and co-working space for digital businesses. A functioning cafe presumably makes for a more attractive offer for both sorts of potential customers.

However running that cafe is not necessarily an attractive business proposition, at least initially. It's at the back of the building and thus will have little real street presence, at least until the derelict land behind is finally redeveloped (there are plans for a walking route from Colchester Town station to the art galleries and cinema which I think would pass the back, but I'm not sure how concrete these are). There are also apparently no tenants in the building to provide captive trade to make up for this, unless the website is out of date. So ideally you need something which can drive custom and can combine with cafe operations, which, as you say, TMS does. And in the circumstances, it wouldn't surprise me if the rent agreed is quite attractive too.

 

[Russel]

I agree that may well be part of the motivation.

I also think it's probably good for Colbea (the enterprise agency running the Digital Forum) too. At the moment they've got a brand new building with offices (none of which are currently let if the website's accurate) and co-working space for digital businesses. A functioning cafe presumably makes for a more attractive offer for both sorts of potential customers.

However running that cafe is not necessarily an attractive business proposition, at least initially. It's at the back of the building and thus will have little real street presence, at least until the derelict land behind is finally redeveloped (there are plans for a walking route from Colchester Town station to the art galleries and cinema which I think would pass the back, but I'm not sure how concrete these are). There are also apparently no tenants in the building to provide captive trade to make up for this, unless the website is out of date. So ideally you need something which can drive custom and can combine with cafe operations, which, as you say, TMS does. And in the circumstances, it wouldn't surprise me if the rent agreed is quite attractive too.

My takeaway from this is wondering how long this cafe will stay open...

 

[duncombec]

I haven't seen this anywhere else yet, and this seems a likely thread: Sanders Coaches took over the business of Semmence of Wymondham yesterday: https://www.sanderscoaches.com/sanders-coaches-announces-acquisition-h-semmence-co

Sanders Coaches announces acquisition of H Semmence & Co​

Yesterday Fri 22nd May 2026

Sanders Coaches Ltd are delighted to announce the acquisition of H Semmence & Co, a long established coach operator based in Wymondham. The takeover sees additional operational coaches join our fleet along with the majority of Semmence staff joining the business.

All existing Semmence operations will be moved to our newly built Bessemer Road depot in Norwich, with all contracts and private charters continuing as normal. We are delighted to be welcoming new clients aboard. Contracts and private hires will be completed by a mixture of vehicles which we have acquired from Semmence along with some vehicles already in our own fleet.

[giant picture deleted]

"We are delighted to complete the purchase of the H Semmence & Co business. When the opportunity to discuss a purchase arose, we immediately felt it would be an excellent fit with our existing operations and to further grow our presence in the Norwich, South Norfolk and Breckland areas following the opening of our new depot on Bessemer Road in Norwich last year. We would like to extend a warm welcome to both the staff and customers who are joining us and are committed to continuing to provide the excellent service we are known for" - Martin Sanders, Business Manager

As part of the takeover, the following Norfolk County Council school bus routes and local bus services will be operated by Sanders Coaches with effect from Sunday 24th May 2026
Sainsburys Longwater Free Bus Services (Will become services S1 and S2)
Easton College - Service 13 from Shipdham and Watton (Will become service 59)
Attleborough Academy buses 1 and 2
Wymondham Academy buses 2, 4 and 7
Wicklewood Primary School bus 1
Old Buckenham High School buses 2 and 4
Hethersett Academy buses 3 and 5
Hellesdon High School bus 2
Sprowston Community Academy bus 2
Taverham High School bus 3

All privately chartered coaches already booked with Semmence will now be completed by us. Our private hire team are in the process of contacting all existing customers to confirm their booking and discuss future requirements. If you have any queries regarding your coach hire booking please contact our friendly Customer Services team on 01263 712800 or email sales@sanderscoaches.com

The Sainsbury's bus services are one for the Free Bus Services thread, too.

 

[Wawanesa]

I haven't seen this anywhere else yet, and this seems a likely thread: Sanders Coaches took over the business of Semmence of Wymondham yesterday: https://www.sanderscoaches.com/sanders-coaches-announces-acquisition-h-semmence-co



The Sainsbury's bus services are one for the Free Bus Services thread, too.

Following the retirement of the Semmence family in 2000, this had been under the control of the Green family who own Ambassador Travel of Great Yarmouth. Maybe they thought it was too far from their main base to control properly.

 

[stuart81]

Had a look at the changes for First in Basildon / Hadleigh

Basildon
Overall PVR up by 1 vehicle.

Looks like some of the lengthy layovers have been removed (possibly a contingency for the introduction of the Yutongs?) as the 25 (Basildon - Southend) has gained 3 vehicles but the 22 (Basildon - Canvey) has shifted a couple of vehicles to Hadleigh (remains jointly operated)

Hadleigh
Overall PVR down by 9 vehicles.

The new 27 (Canvey - Hullbridge) requires 10 vehicles whereas the combined 20 / 27 previously required 21 vehicles. The 28 (Southend - Basildon) goes up to 25 vehicles with more 22's included.

 

[Edvid]

Bit of a weird one - between NIBSbuses and TfL there's confusion over the lack of a London Service Permit for the 269, which serves North Ockendon en-route to Grays / Brentwood.

Request ID: FOI-0559-2627
Date published: 08 June 2026

I am writing to make a new request for information following up on your response dated 4 November 2025 (reference: FOI-2648-2526) regarding the investigation into NIBS Buses, route 269, and the London Service Permit (LSP) requirements on the B186 road. In your last response, you noted that TfL made it clear to NIBS Buses that it is an offence to operate a local service in London without an LSP. You also stated that contact had been made in person and the matter was expected to be resolved imminently. I have recently reviewed the TfL London Service Permit Consultations webpage (https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/london-service-perm! it-consultations) and noted that NIBS Buses is not listed under any open or recently closed permit applications or variations.

As per email correspondence attached to the FoI query quoted above NIBS took over the 269 from Amber Coaches in April 2017 and were set to apply for a LSP until TfL apparently told them it wasn't needed as the route only served a single boundary-adjacentish Greater London stop (it serves five nowadays). Several years later a raft of FoI queries about the 269's absence from LSP bulletins led to said correspondence but as yet there's still no resolution. Not helped in recent months by TfL asking NIBS for the line of route and then forgetting to acknowledge NIBS' reply until the query above jogged their memories 6 months later:

Apologies for the slow response, this got lost in my inbox. Having looked at your route, this service crosses the London boundary into Havering at Ockendon Road, running, Clay Tye Road, St Mary's Lane, Warley Street to the London boundary. If local journeys are available on this section of route, then you will need an LSP for this section of route. Please could you either submit an application via the links below, or let me know if it is your intention not to operate a local service over these roads.

 

[markymark2000]

Bit of a weird one - between NIBSbuses and TfL there's confusion over the lack of a London Service Permit for the 269, which serves North Ockendon en-route to Grays / Brentwood.

The email thread looks like a masterclass in how not to do things. I can't tell if it's incompetence of laziness (or maybe both) on both TFL and Stephensons/NIBS part.

Stephensons 'Can you tell me where the LSP boundary is'... the LSP boundary is the greater london boundary, it shouldn't be that hard to find the basic details, or research.
TFL 'I don't know as we don't have your route record to hand as there are only anecdotal reports'.... It's not that hard to get hold of, speak to the OTC for the registration. And why are you making accusations and threats when you don't know the details?
Stephensons 'have you got the naptan codes affected'..... Literally any stop code which it using the 490 London ATCO Code.
TFL 'I'm not looking at your timetable so I don't know your stopping points... It's possible that you don't even stop in London'. Well look on their website, look on open data. Why make accusations and threats if you don't even know the stopping points.

I can't comprehend how a supposedly professional operator and one of the supposed highest regarded Local Transport Authorities in the UK, somehow end up with that email thread. Stephensons should know what local authorities they run through and know which stop codes they serve on the route, and TFL should have done due diligence and only approached Stephensons/NIBS when they had the full facts. It shouldn't have taken 5 months for them to come back with 'we don't even know if you stop in London'... You (they made the accusations and threats, but seem to have no information to back it up.

 

[Cambus731]

Thankfully the X30 seems to be back to being double deckers virtually all of the time. Double deckers (Scania N250s) are also occasionally appearing on the X10 as well. Usually at nighttime and Sundays.
Interestingly First are chucking out all sorts of things on the 59 on Sundays (the rest of the week it’s operated commercially by Arriva), and that includes E400s. It’s years since double deckers were seen on the 59.

 

[aswilliamsuk]

There is a lengthy interview with Peter Nathanail of Transport Made Simple in Route One this week.

Transport Made Simple: customer focus paves fast track to success

Ten years after co-founding Transport Made Simple's predecessor aged 19, Peter Nathanail runs one of the UK's largest independent operators.

www.route-one.net

One particular line caught my eye:

TMS’s “customer obsession”, as he calls it, is why it is investing £10 million in buses over the next 12 months, plus a new app and website.

Assuming £250k per bus, that's around 40 vehicles - more if smaller buses are part of this.