The Kesgrave Busway was a 1st and built in 1995 for the expanding Kesgrave estate. There were plans for another section between Martlesham and Grange Farm but the district council/residents were against it.
Originally narrowly built (for Dart/Plaxtons) it had to be widened in 2000 to accommodate bigger Scania/Wrights. It used to be a high profile route (between SCC/EC) with quality bus stops/shelters, real time displays, on board next stop displays, website tracker etc. which in 1995 was quite something!
A Park & Ride was going to be incorporated (got built but not part of the 66 network) and links through to Bixley Farm (there’s a bus gate at the shops but not used) and Foxhall Road/Spring Road.
Was a massive success to start. Originally every 20 minutes quickly increased to every 15-12-10 minutes with folk often left behind at stops. Early 2000’s upon upgrade to low floor went 24 hour and this lasted until early 2010’s.
Currently it’s every 20 mins (66/66A with Martlesham end reduced) and had the same stock of 53 plate Volvo/ALX400 deckers allocated since new (although refurbished, fitted with WiFi) and also a couple of single deckers used. Some 05 plate deckers of same spec now replacing the 53 ones. Superoute name is long gone and this week has now been rebranded as ‘mainline 66’.
It undoubtedly would have gained newer double deckers by now but an issue with the Ipswich garage roof means they can’t have highbridge vehicles allocated (namely Wright Gemini’s).
Suffolk County Council lost interest in maintaining infrastructure and gradually its become a shadow of its former self.
The busway still helps keep the service out of a congested area and is useful. The buses don’t need to be special, just fitted with guidewheel arms.
