Western Greyhound Fire and subsequent WG general discussion.

[richw]

Ensign Bus Sales

I thought WG would hang on to that given it is only a few years old.

I guess selling high value vehicles is a good strategy where profit margins are so tight. Raises some capital, and will result in more profitability having low value vehicles.

 

[fgwrich]

WG have sold the following to Ensign during Jan

VEHICLES IN.

From Western Greyhound : Merc Vario’s : WK02BUS / SAT WK03BUS / WK53BNB / EUT WK04CCC / CUL / HSD / KUO / OTA WK54BHN / BHP WK05AOX / CFD. Optare Solo’s WK11APO / WK11APV / WK11APU / WK11APX Dart NA52AWP

I was going to say how surprised I was at seeing a Dart MPD listed in there, and then it occurred to me that it's actually the MPD which has been demic since the beginning of last September, after giving up the ghost in Plymouth and requiring a tow back to Summercourt.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/capuchinoking/15187217486

 

[DaveHarries]

It seems that Stagecoach SouthWest are going to replace the 510 all the way from Bude. From the VOSA registrations of 03rd February come these:

PH1020951/183 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Holswrthy and Bude given service number 6/6A effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/184 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Okehampton and Holsworthy given service number 6 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/185 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Exeter and Okehampton given service number 6A/6 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/217 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Launceston and Okehampton given service number 6A effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/222 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Launceston
Finish Point: Bude
Via:
Service Number: 6A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 22-FEB-2015
Other Details: To intorduce positioning jouneys to roperate withdrawn Western Greyhound Service 510

PH1020951/223 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Launceston
Finish Point: Holsworthy
Via:
Service Number: 6A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 22-FEB-2015
Other Details: To introduce Sunday jounryes to replace withdrawn Western Greyhound Service 510

I have put this in the Stagecoach part of the group as well but also into here as it relates to what will, by the sound of it, soon be an ex Western Greyhound route.

HTIOI,
Dave

 

[richw]

Most recent Flickr pic of NA52AWP Looking sorry for itself in the depot early in January

https://www.flickr.com/photos/adero...6Bw-dYRggq-dYKyma-dcMvYX-a6gpo8-9UzDpJ-7VfLnn
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It seems that Stagecoach SouthWest are going to replace the 510 all the way from Bude. From the VOSA registrations of 03rd February come these:

PH1020951/183 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Holswrthy and Bude given service number 6/6A effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/184 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Okehampton and Holsworthy given service number 6 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/185 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Exeter and Okehampton given service number 6A/6 effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/217 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Launceston and Okehampton given service number 6A effective from 22-Feb-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH1020951/222 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Launceston
Finish Point: Bude
Via:
Service Number: 6A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 22-FEB-2015
Other Details: To intorduce positioning jouneys to roperate withdrawn Western Greyhound Service 510

PH1020951/223 - STAGECOACH DEVON LTD T/A Stagecoach South West, BELGRAVE ROAD, EXETER, EX1 2LB
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: Launceston
Finish Point: Holsworthy
Via:
Service Number: 6A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 22-FEB-2015
Other Details: To introduce Sunday jounryes to replace withdrawn Western Greyhound Service 510

I have put this in the Stagecoach part of the group as well but also into here as it relates to what will, by the sound of it, soon be an ex Western Greyhound route.

HTIOI,
Dave

This is actually a cross between the 510 and 576. The 510 doesn't serve Bude. Both are being withdrawn.
The 510 does Wadebridge - Camelford - Launceston
The 576 is Holsworthy-Bude-Launceston-Callington-Plymouth

 

[DaveHarries]

Most recent Flickr pic of NA52AWP Looking sorry for itself in the depot early in January

https://www.flickr.com/photos/adero...6Bw-dYRggq-dYKyma-dcMvYX-a6gpo8-9UzDpJ-7VfLnn
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


This is actually a cross between the 510 and 576. The 510 doesn't serve Bude. Both are being withdrawn.
The 510 does Wadebridge - Camelford - Launceston
The 576 is Holsworthy-Bude-Launceston-Callington-Plymouth

Interesting. I am surprised the 576 is being dropped as when I used it not long after PCB / GCB took it over, the E200 Dart I was on was a full house. Why is the 576 being dropped?

Dave

 

[richw]

Interesting. I am surprised the 576 is being dropped as when I used it not long after PCB / GCB took it over, the E200 Dart I was on was a full house. Why is the 576 being dropped?

Dave

I think I have the wrong route number. I had my notes wrong. It is the 599 that's also withdrawn.

PH0006741/95 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Wadebridge Bus Station and Camelford given service number 510 effective from 21-Feb-2015.


12. PH0006741/96 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Camelford, Museum and Launceston, Westgate Street given service number 510 effective from 21-Feb-2015.


13. PH0006741/97 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Okehampton, West Street and Exeter Bus Station given service number 510/599 effective from 21-Feb-2015.


14. PH0006741/98 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Bude, Strand and Holsworthy, Church given service number 599 effective from 21-Feb-2015.


15. PH0006741/99 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Holsworthy, Church/Library and Okehampton, West Street given service number 599 effective from 21-Feb-2015.

 

[South Westerly]

I guess selling high value vehicles is a good strategy where profit margins are so tight. Raises some capital, and will result in more profitability having low value vehicles.

While they are only rumours, they are from a very good source saying that Mr Howarth is no longer involved in the business and that the company is in a much worse financial state than was understood at takeover

 

[richw]

While they are only rumours, they are from a very good source saying that Mr Howarth is no longer involved in the business and that the company is in a much worse financial state than was understood at takeover

The buyer would have known the exact financial state as part of their due diligence at buying the business I would hope.

I would also have expected them to have "sold" all their debt liability to Black Velvet, and then in time liquidate Black Velvet to rectify the situation.
But then again it depends how much money they are losing weekly.

 

[DaveHarries]

For anyone interested, Stagecoach SW have posted details and a timetable link on their website. The decision to call Okehampton - Exeter as Service 6 is down to it being that the Okehampton - Exeter route was known as Service 6 between the 1930s and 1970s. nice to see a historical aspect even if the buses are different!

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/February timetable changes.aspx

Dave

 

[Busaholic]

I have a feeling in my old bones that the saga of WG has a long way to go yet and may take some unexpected turns.

 

[winston270twm]

A load of variations for WG appeared on VOSA today for route & timetable changes:

PH0006741/4 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY Bus Station and PADSTOW Old Rail Station given service number 556/557 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/9 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell Station and Bodmin Morrisons given service number 527 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/11 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bodmin Parkway Station and Padstow Old Railway Station given service number 555 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/21 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between TRURO and NEWQUAY given service number 585 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/35 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newquay Bus Station and St Austell Station given service number 523 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/37 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Agnes and St Ives Malakoff given service number 547 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/40 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY BUS STATION and ST AUSTELL BUS STATION given service number 521/520 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/72 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between St Austell Station and Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske given service number 522 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/76 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Truro, Boscawen Street and St Mawes Car Park given service number 550 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/107 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newquay Bus Station and Truro, Boscawen Street given service number 587 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/108 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Wadebridge Bus Station and Truro Victoria Square given service number 594 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/109 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newquay Bus Station and Truro given service number 597/594 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/112 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between NEWQUAY BUS STATION and BODMIN (MOUNT FOLLY) given service number 593 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0006741/113 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bodmin (Mount Folly) and Liskeard given service number 593 effective from 29-Mar-2015. To amend Timetable.

PH0006741/117 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST IVES ( THE MALAKOFF ) and LANDS END given service number 547 effective from 29-Mar-2015.

PH0006741/123 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: St Austell Bus Station
Finish Point: Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske
Via: St Austell, Truro, Probus
Service Number: 527
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 29-MAR-2015
Other Details: Daily service

PH0006741/124 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Truro, Victoria Square
Finish Point: Newquay Bus Station
Via: St Agnes, Perranporth
Service Number: 583
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 29-MAR-2015
Other Details: Daily service.

 

[fgwrich]

Interesting to see the bottom two - Two new routes to rival First? And the cancellation of the bizarre 547 is to finally take effect I see then.

PH0006741/117 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST IVES ( THE MALAKOFF ) and LANDS END given service number 547 effective from 29-Mar-2015.

PH0006741/123 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: St Austell Bus Station
Finish Point: Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske
Via: St Austell, Truro, Probus
Service Number: 527
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 29-MAR-2015
Other Details: Daily service

PH0006741/124 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Truro, Victoria Square
Finish Point: Newquay Bus Station
Via: St Agnes, Perranporth
Service Number: 583
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 29-MAR-2015
Other Details: Daily service.

 

[South Westerly]

The buyer would have known the exact financial state as part of their due diligence at buying the business I would hope.

Hope!

 

[richw]

Interesting to see the bottom two - Two new routes to rival First? And the cancellation of the bizarre 547 is to finally take effect I see then.

PH0006741/117 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST IVES ( THE MALAKOFF ) and LANDS END given service number 547 effective from 29-Mar-2015.

PH0006741/123 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: St Austell Bus Station
Finish Point: Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske
Via: St Austell, Truro, Probus
Service Number: 527
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 29-MAR-2015
Other Details: Daily service

PH0006741/124 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Truro, Victoria Square
Finish Point: Newquay Bus Station
Via: St Agnes, Perranporth
Service Number: 583
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 29-MAR-2015
Other Details: Daily service.

The 583 looks like the 587 to me. The First option is a lot quicker as it doesn't do St Agnes.

 

[Goldfish62]

I think WG may be in trouble.http://www.route-one.net/industry/d...ail&utm_term=0_584b65a2d5-2dd05883e2-99281749

 

[fgwrich]

I think WG may be in trouble.http://www.route-one.net/industry/d...ail&utm_term=0_584b65a2d5-2dd05883e2-99281749

I can already see one problem for WG - provision of destination displays and the lack of side destination displays - something I see WG are still struggling with other than the usual piece of paper in the windscreen of the route number.

Are there any Various still lurking?

 

[richw]

I can already see one problem for WG - provision of destination displays and the lack of side destination displays - something I see WG are still struggling with other than the usual piece of paper in the windscreen of the route number.

Are there any Various still lurking?

The only one I've seen recently is 599 which is a coach. Coaches under 7.5t still seem to be contentious in the regs

 

[Temple Meads]

Talking of coaches, albeit a full-size one, Dawson Rentals Plaxton Panther KX07 HDF is apparently with WGL, being spotted operating the 594 on the 3rd Feb...

 

[overthewater]

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/tis-service-update-details.aspx?id=4526

Following several occasions where Western Greyhound's 510 Monday to Saturday 0655 departure from Okehampton to Exeter (0750 return to Okehampton) has not operated, Devon County Council has requested us to provide a duplicate, free bus to ensure customers are not inconvenienced and are able to complete their journeys. The duplicate bus will remain in operation up to and including Saturday 21st February after which the 510 service ceases.

Our 6/6A service will then commence operation from Sunday 22nd February and you can view the new timetable here.

Well this is not a good sign.

 

[CC 72100]

Talking of coaches, albeit a full-size one, Dawson Rentals Plaxton Panther KX07 HDF is apparently with WGL, being spotted operating the 594 on the 3rd Feb...

Seen on the 510 yesterday.

 

[83G/84D]

Yesterday morning I saw a pink Dart registered S7 BVT heading into Truro, I assume it is a Western Greyhound example.

Does anyone have a list available of incoming / outgoing vehicles for WG since the new owners have taken over?

 

[LAIRA]

I was in Truro on Tuesday and also saw this bus fleetnumber 261
Also saw 287 W671TNV ex Stagecoach 33384 still in Stagecoach livery and fleetnumbers
809 is YE52KPU
301 is LF52TKJ
812 is YN53ZWF
461 is W401WGH
813 is MX54KXY
286 is PJ02RGZ still in full Pennie livery

285 KX51UDG was in Bodmin on monday on the 522

 

[richw]

202 is Pink Dart SHZ2046
441 is S6BVT
FJ54ZDT couldn't see fleet number
303 is LF52TKD

 

[fgwrich]

809 is YE52KPU
285 KX51UDG was in Bodmin on monday on the 522

YE52KPU - Blimey, that was one of Courtney Coaches bright metallic pink Solos that used to operate the centre shuttle in Basingstoke. Didn't always sound too healthy in Basingstoke. As for KX51UDG - That's doing well for paintjobs then having gone from Countryliner to Pennine to Velvet to Western Greyhound all in the space of 4 years - it's last repaint into Pink was last November!

 

[83G/84D]

202 is Pink Dart SHZ2046
441 is S6BVT
FJ54ZDT couldn't see fleet number
303 is LF52TKD

I take it then that there is a S6 BVT & S7 BVT?

 

[richw]

That's doing well for paintjobs then having gone from Countryliner to Pennine to Velvet to Western Greyhound all in the space of 4 years - it's last repaint into Pink was last November!

It is still in Velvet Pink with WG fleetnames. It appears WG are for now keeping both green and pink, as all the pink buses have gained orange fleet names. None of the other odd colour buses have gained fleetnames.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I take it then that there is a S6 BVT & S7 BVT?

correct, one is a Volvo B7 Plaxton President bodywork, the other a ALX200 Dart.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
431 P936MKL Volvo Olympian is my latest new fleet observation.

 

[83G/84D]

Western Greyhound additions:-

388 FJ54 ZDP
389 FJ54 ZDT
461 W401 WGH
202 SHZ 2046


Fleetnumbers confirmed from photo's.

 

[pne]

PH0006741/117 - WESTERN GREYHOUND LTD, WESTERN HOUSE, ST. AUSTELL STREET, SUMMERCOURT, NEWQUAY, TR8 5DR
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between ST IVES ( THE MALAKOFF ) and LANDS END given service number 547 effective from 29-Mar-2015.

I thought WG hadn't been operating that far west for quite a while now?

 

[richw]

I thought WG hadn't been operating that far west for quite a while now?

The 547 was a once daily summer service they kept operating on paper. Everytime I went out last year it no showed.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Solo with fleet number 816, has gained registration K50WGH. Does anyone know the original registration of this Solo?

 

[Busaholic]

I thought WG hadn't been operating that far west for quite a while now?

Note that the core Newquay to St Ives service 547 hasn't been cancelled.