Best Open-Top Bus Route You've Been On

[wilbers]

I'll have to pick the 508 Penrith-Patterdale given it starts from here. Always think that the full [summer only] route Penrith-Windermere has to be one of the most scenic bus routes in the country, though those ones aren't open top buses.

 

[Russel]

It's also now confirmed that First Wessex have extended the X50 to operate Weymouth to Swanage using open tops from 23 July this year.

Where has this been confirmed?

I can't seem to find anything about it anywhere, all I can find is the X50 timetable from Weymouth to Wool/Poole.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Where has this been confirmed?

I can't seem to find anything about it anywhere, all I can find is the X50 timetable from Weymouth to Wool/Poole.

Can't see anything on the Adventures by Bus or local First website regarding @E-Rail 's post about the X50 running to Swanage, but the Southampton bus Update blog does make a mention (without source quoted) and there is a registration matching it.

"From 23rd July, First Wessex launch route X50 between Swanage and Wool. It already runs between Wool and Weymouth, so this is a useful extension. Details of times are still to be released." - Southampton Bus Update June post

Route registration on Gov.uk website: https://www.vehicle-operator-licens...registered-local-bus-services/details/610239/

Bus registration details​

• Registration number PH0006159/513
• Licence Number PH0006159
• Variation number 0
• Status Registered
• Service number. X50
• Service type Normal Stopping
• Start point Wool Rail Station
• Finish point Swanage Bus Station
• Via Wareham, Corfe Castle
• Date received 11 May 2023
• Effective date 23 Jul 2023
• End date 02 Sep 2023
• Supported by subsidies? No
• Local authorities covered by route Dorset County Council
• TAOs covered by route West of England

 

[gazthomas]

I don't believe Arriva operate any open top services in North Wales now.

Though, it goes without saying, with it being Arriva, finding any concrete information either way isn't easy.

Alpine have been running Llandudno - Conwy under City Sightseeing for many years

 

[Russel]

Can't see anything on the Adventures by Bus or local First website regarding @E-Rail 's post about the X50 running to Swanage, but the Southampton bus Update blog does make a mention (without source quoted) and there is a registration matching it.

"From 23rd July, First Wessex launch route X50 between Swanage and Wool. It already runs between Wool and Weymouth, so this is a useful extension. Details of times are still to be released." - Southampton Bus Update June post

Route registration on Gov.uk website: https://www.vehicle-operator-licens...registered-local-bus-services/details/610239/

That'll be interesting to try, I'm surprised there has been no publicity though, given there is less than a month until the start date.

 

[E-Rail]

No reason to market it just yet. Its target market won't arrive in the area until the schools break up. Nobody will be searching for information on it yet. They have repainted at least one of the ex Lands End Coaster half top Presidents into Jurassic Coaster livery ready for July.

 

[Deerfold]

No reason to market it just yet. Its target market won't arrive in the area until the schools break up. Nobody will be searching for information on it yet. They have repainted at least one of the ex Lands End Coaster half top Presidents into Jurassic Coaster livery ready for July.

Some people do make plans for what they want to do on holiday.

I'm currently looking up plans for what to do on our family holiday in late July.

 

[Russel]

No reason to market it just yet. Its target market won't arrive in the area until the schools break up. Nobody will be searching for information on it yet. They have repainted at least one of the ex Lands End Coaster half top Presidents into Jurassic Coaster livery ready for July.

That's nonsense, very few people will book a holiday without checking what local attractions and experiences there are in the area they are booking.

East Yorkshire were promoting the Scarborough open top services at lest a month before the start of the season.

 

[GusB]

Let's keep on topic, folks - which is the best open top route you've been on?

 

[Besttrucker498]

First Great Yarmouth Clipper Cabriolet 1C Pleasure Beach - Hemsby on the Now Sadly Withdrawn Dennis Trident Plaxton President 32905 (Real Cabrio 1), had to be the best Open Top Service and best Open Top Bus on the East Coast.

 

[Russel]

X50 Timetable covering the extension to Swanage is now up on the adventures by bus website.

 

[peterblue]

I was on the X50 this morning (going westbound to Bridport). The bus was open top and the Swanage extension was quite well advertised on the side, though the bus won't be going there until later this month. Being on an open top at 50mph on a windy open exposed road was certainly an interesting experience!