Devon smaller operators news.

[83G/84D]

(Stagecoach and Go Ahead not included!)

Target Travel have recently acquired two ALX400 Tridents from the north west area.

They are LX04 FXT & LX04 FXU. They are both in Ensign Bus north west colours although FXT has lost Ensign branding for Target Travel titles.

They were in use today on football specials to and from Home Park.

They will be used on school contracts from Monday, and replace older Tridents HXZ 9741 & HXZ9742 which have been sold.

 

[83G/84D]

I see that Dartline have 5 coaches and a Solo for sale. Is this due to service reductions, fleet renewals or something else?

Anyone know about their operations?

 

[TheWalrus]

I see that Dartline have 5 coaches and a Solo for sale. Is this due to service reductions, fleet renewals or something else?

Anyone know about their operations?

They’ve just taken the 20 from Stagecoach which is two additional vehicles, so unless they’ve lost more else where they need more, not less buses.

 

[221129]

They've been buying new buses left right and centre over the last few years so wouldn't be surprised if they are just replacing the older vehicles.

 

[Wirewiper]

Dartline does seem to have a lot of new Streetlites. Filers also has nearly-new Streetlites for its small bus network in North Devon.

Many of their services are supported by Devon County Council. Perhaps the operators offered the option of new buses (possibly leased rather than bought) and the Council is willing to pay more for the better comfort, operational economy and reliability of new/newer vehicles.

 

[Wirewiper]

While I am here, it may be worth mentioning that Target Travel are once again operating the 54 "Bovisand Beach Bus" between Plymouth and Bovisand Bay.

The service commenced on Saturday 25th May, and runs every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 1st September. It also runs on Mondays to Fridays during the school half-term and Summer Holiday periods. It is operated under contract to Plymouth City Council, and is a one-bus-one-driver route (we have a lot of those in Devon!). First journey leaves Royal Parade at 10.00 and the last journey back from Bovisand is at 18.30; the driver takes a break at Bovisand between 13.25 and 14.30.

 

[83G/84D]

Target Travel have this ex London Volvo B7TL in use. It is seen on a matchday shuttle service at Home Park:-

 

[83G/84D]

Target Travel are operating SN51 SYO in a red and grey colour scheme.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Target Travel (Dealtop Plymouth Ltd) licence is revoked from 16th Feb.

 

[fgwrich]

Oh, what's happened to cause that then?

 

[DaveHarries]

Target Travel (Dealtop Plymouth Ltd) licence is revoked from 16th Feb.

That explains the changes in operators.

Services 49 (Heybrook Bay) and 94 (Noss Mayo) will pass to Tally Ho!
Service 87 (Tavistock Rail Link) is now with Stagecoach
Services 55 (Milton Combe), 56 (Meavy), 59 (Bickleigh) and 98 (Princetown) are now with Oakleys Coaches

Dave

 

[carlberry]

That explains the changes in operators.

Services 49 (Heybrook Bay) and 94 (Noss Mayo) will pass to Tally Ho!
Service 87 (Tavistock Rail Link) is now with Stagecoach
Services 55 (Milton Combe), 56 (Meavy), 59 (Bickleigh) and 98 (Princetown) are now with Oakleys Coaches

Dave

Other than the 49 and 94 the others were from last years issues.

 

[borage]

Oh, what's happened to cause that then?

According to https://www.facebook.com/PlymptonPo...-industry-regulatortarget-t/2702011633224158/, a few issues, including some defects that there were found with a vehicle in service, and a lack of financial standing (cash reserves were spent on the Plymouth Argyle team coach).

 

[83G/84D]

There was talk elsewhere that Dartline were interested in taking over the operations of the Plymouth Argyle team and supporters coaches but agreement could not be reached. I have also heard Tally Ho mentioned in relation to these.

Target also operate a number of match day specials to Home Park for Plymouth Argyle home games. I have no idea what will happen to those services although the football club are closely monitoring the situation.

Maybe Oakley’s or PCB will step in.

 

[freetoview33]

There was talk elsewhere that Dartline were interested in taking over the operations of the Plymouth Argyle team and supporters coaches but agreement could not be reached. I have also heard Tally Ho mentioned in relation to these.

Target also operate a number of match day specials to Home Park for Plymouth Argyle home games. I have no idea what will happen to those services although the football club are closely monitoring the situation.

Maybe Oakley’s or PCB will step in.

I can't see PCB stepping in as they have their work cut out with Cornwall

 

[Wirewiper]

There was talk elsewhere that Dartline were interested in taking over the operations of the Plymouth Argyle team and supporters coaches but agreement could not be reached. I have also heard Tally Ho mentioned in relation to these.

Target also operate a number of match day specials to Home Park for Plymouth Argyle home games. I have no idea what will happen to those services although the football club are closely monitoring the situation.

Maybe Oakley’s or PCB will step in.

The match day specials (the PA routes) are most likely to go to Stagecoach, I would have thought.

PCB does have a coaching division but I would imagine their hands are full getting the Cornwall Council contract up and running.

Tamar Coaches could also be a possibility for the Plymouth Argyle coach work although they may be too small a company.

 

[Flange Squeal]

I notice that Dartline (around Exeter) and Target Travel (around Plymouth) both have legal addresses containing the word 'Dealtop'. I was wondering if anyone could explain to a non-local the past connection, as they appear to be very(!) different operations these days...

 

[LAIRA]

Tally Ho! Coaches announced on the 7th February that they will be taking on all Target Travel's remaining work after their closure. This will include some of their buses & coaches.