So That's It For The 65 Regs - Stagecoach South West (in Plymouth)

Good evening everyone

Last night I covered the 65 regs of Plymouth Citybus:
 http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/so-thats-it-for-65-regs-plymouth-citybus.html

Tonight, I cover the 65 regs of Stagecoach South West. I have to admit quite a lot have entered Plymouth in the (just under) half a year since they took on First Devon & Cornwall's operations

In January 2016, some ADL Enviro 400MMCs entered services to replace older Tridents.

Plymouth Park & Ride livery:

10457      SN65NZP

10458 SN65NZR

10459 SN65NZS

10460 SN65NZT

10461 SN65NZU

10462 SN65NZV

Normal livery:

10488 SN65ZHB

10489 SN65ZHD

10490 SN65ZHE

10491 SN65ZHF

10492 SN65ZHG

10493 SN65ZHH

10494 SN65ZHJ

10495 SN65ZHK

10496 SN65ZHL

10497 SN65ZHM

10498 SN65ZHO

10499 SN65ZHP

10500 SN65ZHR

10501 SN65ZHT

10502 SN65ZHU

10503 SN65ZHV

Also some ADL Enviro 200MMCs entered service the same month:

Plymouth Park & Ride livery: 

26034 YX65RCV

26035 YX65RCY

26036 YX65RCZ

26037 YX65RDO

Normal livery:

26038 YX65RDU

So, what about the coaches?

In February 2016, these vehicles entered for Megabus

54263 YY65VXE

54264 YY65VXF

54265 YY65VXG

54266 YY65VXH

54267 YY65VXJ

54268 YY65VXK

54269 YY65VXL

54270 YY65XVM

54271 YY65VXN

54272 YY65VXO

54273 YY65VXP

54274 YY65VXR

54275 YY65VXS

54276 YY65VXT

And here are the coaches for the South West Falcon:

54319 YY65VXU

54320 YY65VXV

54321 YY65VXW

54322 YY65VXX

54323 YY65VXZ

54324 YY65VYA

54325 YY65VYB

54326 YY65VYC

All fleet information from Plymothian Transit fleet lists.

So, what will the 16 regs bring us.

So That's It For The 65 Regs - Plymouth Citybus

Good evening everyone

So, as the 16 regs start coming in on Tuesday, I would like to use the next two days to reflect on the 65 regs that have entered Plymouth in the past few months.

First of all in September, Plymouth Citybus received 10 new ADL Enviro 400s for the Yellow Flash 50. They also receive another ADL Enviro 400 which although a spare, would end up on Go Cornwall routes
 521 - WJ65 BYM
 522 - WJ65 BYN
 523 - WJ65 BYO
 524 - WJ65 BYP
 525 - WJ65 BYR
 526 - WJ65 BYS
 527 - WJ65 BYT
 528 - WJ65 BYU
 529 - WJ65 BYV
 530 - WJ65 BYW
 531 - WJ65 BYX

Then, in January, 7 new ADL Enviro 200s entered for routes 8, 9, 23 and 24
 147 - WJ65 HMA
 148 - WJ65 HMC
 149 - WJ65 HMD
 150 - WJ65 HME
 151 - WJ65 HMF
 152 - WJ65 HMG
 153 - WJ65 HMH

Another 6 ADL Enviro 200s entered for Green Flash routes 5 and 5A
 154 - WJ65 HMK
 155 - WJ65 HMO
 156 - WJ65 HMU
 157 - WJ65 HMV
 158 - WJ65 HMX 
 159 - WJ65 HMY

Then within the past month, 2 ADL Enviro 400s joined the above on Green Flash
 537 - WJ65 BZD
 538 - WJ65 BZE

And last but not least, five new buses entered for Go Cornwall routes 70, 70A, 70B and 71
 532 - WJ65 BYY
 533 - WJ65 BYZ
 534 - WJ65 BZA
 535 - WJ65 BZB
 536 - WJ65 BZC

Coaches at Bretonside Station

Good evening everyone

Today I will share some photos that have been on Buses Around Plymouth of coaches at Bretonside Bus Station.

So here is the National Express coach that featured in 'Three Features For The End Of The Weekend'

And here is the Megabus coach that featured in 'Elite Buses For Plymouth'

Something to read over the weekend: RNIB event

Good evening everyone

Here is some information from the Plymouth Citybus website this week

Plymouth Citybus have signed up to the Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) charter and have held a fantastic event where Bus Drivers and Staff had the opportunity to experience what it is like to have a visual impairment when travelling on a bus. 

On the day of the 'Swap with Me' event a team of 13 Citybus employees experienced the difficulties of usingthe bus with a visual impairment. Sim specs were used to simulate different eye conditions and Citybus employees, with the assistance of members from the RNIB and visually impaired bus users, became the passengers and attempted to board the bus. 

This was a great experience for Citybus Drivers and gave a real insight into the difficulties of bus travel when you have a visual impairment. Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus said "As the largest transport operator in the city we are grateful that we have been given the opportunity to be able to sign the accessibility charter. We have been working hard to make sure our staff understand passengers needs on an individual basis. Be that our work as Dementia Champions, making buses wheel chair accessible or now with the RNIB." 

Throwback Thursday - More buses from back in the day

Good evening everyone

Here are some buses from back in the day

178 - Volvo B10M-50 (East Lancs Coachbuilders)

53 - Volvo B6 (Plaxton Pointer)

283 - Mercedes-Benz 709D (Plaxton Beaver)

All photos courtesy of the PCTPG

It's Dennis Dart Today

Good evening everyone

Today I will talk about the Dennis Dart series of books, written by Sylvia Bird.

These books describe the adventures of a 'Dennis Dart' on his adventures around Plymouth. There are quite a few books in the series and all talk about some aspect of Plymouth in some way, and mention Milehouse (where Plymouth Citybus is based), and talk about the 'buses', 'vehicles' and 'staff' there. I think the books are really interesting and if you come across a copy, I would recommend you should read it.

Copyright - Graham Richardson for Plymothian Transit

Buses around Plymouth in the W/C 15 Feb 2016 - Part Two

Good evening again everyone

Here is Part One from last night (for those that missed it)
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-around-plymouth-in-wc-15-feb-2016.html

While two Enviro 400's got painted in Green Flash livery, seven are painted/repainted into Kewgh Kernow Kyttrin livery (a slight variant of the Plymouth Citybus swoops livery)

Five are new in the livery:
 532 - WJ65 BYY
 533 - WJ65 BYZ
 534 - WJ65 BZA
 535 - WJ65 BZB
 536 - WJ65 BZC

While these two are to be repainted:
 520 - WG63 HHY
 531 - WJ65 BYX

These buses are seen on the 70/70A/70B/71 but please let me know if you have seen it on other Go Cornwall routes.

Buses around Plymouth in the W/C 15 Feb 2016 - Part One

Good evening everyone

So, after seven posts (or eight if you count the intro post) of Buses Outside Plymouth Week, we finally return to Plymouth where some buses have entered Plymouth Citybus.

First of all in the first half of last week, two ADL Enviro 400s entered on the Green Flash (routes 5 and 5A). These are:

 537 - WJ65 BZD
 538 - WJ65 BZE

They complement the single deckers (154-159) ADL Enviro 200s on the same route which were introduced earlier this year.

Stay tuned for Part Two tommorrow night

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - Birmingham

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

Birmingham

Blog post from: This page

Good evening everyone, and welcome to the last of 7 Buses Outside Plymouth Week posts,

Here are all the posts covered this week so far:

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-bristol.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-liverpool.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-manchester.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-blackpool.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-london.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-east-anglia.html

And the intro post:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/welcome-to-buses-outside-plymouth-week.html


Today I would like to focus on the National Express platinum buses. These cover the X51, 900, 934, 935, 936, 957 and 997

So, what makes Platinum different to the other buses? Well, you'd expect the drivers just to wear a normal uniform, but on the Platinum they wear suits (yes, suits).  Other features include WiFi, greener buses, extra leg room and comfy seats amongst other features (http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/information/welcome-to-platinum/) on their ADL Enviro 400MMCs

Meanwhile, linking Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon the X20 is known as the 'Bard's Bus' which like the National Express in Birmingham, also uses ADL Enviro 400MMCS.

Above is one of the Platinum buses

Copyright - National Express West Midlands (for some information)

So, what have you thought about Buses Outside Plymouth Week, Did you enjoying reading about the buses featured all week. Tomorrow, it's back to covering the Plymouth area.

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - East Anglia

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

East Anglia

Blog post from: http://eastnorfolkbus.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/new-eatm-website.html

Good evening everyone. Here is the blog posts this week so far:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-bristol.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-liverpool.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-manchester.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-blackpool.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-london.html

And also for info about this week on Buses around Plymouth:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/welcome-to-buses-outside-plymouth-week.html

Today I am covering a post from East Anglia

The East Anglia Transport Museum has recently launched its new website which can be found at a new  internet address - eatransportmuseum.co.uk

The EATM's 2012 London Event

The Museum will again be holding some special events this year including

• 26th and 27th March - Start of Season Easter Gala
• 14th and 15th May - Mid May 40's Weekend
• 19th June - Dad's Day Out
• 9th and 10th July - London Event
• 24th and 25th September - Trolleybus Weekend
• 29th October Halloween

Further information about the events, including park and ride services, can be found on the new website

Incidentally, rumours that a former Bournemouth trolleybus is going to Carlton Colville, following reports of a sighting on the A11 at Barton Mills, are untrue. Weymann bodied KLJ 346, which was latterly located at Winkleigh in Devon, has been acquired by a local individual who was moving it to a site in Norwich. No request has been received by the EATM to move it there

My thanks to Tim Major for alerting me to the new site and also the information regarding the ex Bournemouth trolleybus

Roy

Copyright - East Norfolk Bus Blog (unless stated otherwise)

Tomorrow I will be writing a piece myself for this, check which city I cover tomorrow night?

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - London

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

London

Blog post from: http://thewestlondonbusblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/a-bundle-of-laughs-in-city.html

Good evening everyone:

Here are the posts so far:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-bristol.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-liverpool.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-manchester.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-blackpool.html

And for more info: http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/welcome-to-buses-outside-plymouth-week.html

The 149 converts, the 78 introduces a new alternative, the 168 gets LTs after all and the 159 moves away from its heritage with Arriva to Abellio: all in one article!

Route 149 - Edmonton Green to London Bridge

The infamously busy north London route 149 was retained by Arriva London from Tottenham (AR) on 17 October 2015, with 'New Routemaster' hybrid buses introduced with its new contract. Considering the incommodious nature of LTs, it did not seem wise to allocate them to a route whose buses reach capacity less than five stops into northbound journeys. Arriva started entering batches LT513-516 and LT564-601 into service a few days prior to contract renewal, the latter batch introducing a new font to the 'New Routemaster' displays to quite a few negative reviews from enthusiasts.

Expecting nothing special from the route because of my indifferent impression of its service change, this made me forget the quality I have consistently praised about Arriva's LTs throughout the Borismaster Watch series. I was reminded this quality on route 149 as I boarded from Dalston: the engine switched off to allow the fully charged electric motors to independently power the bus for a quiet and silky drive and the engine interrupted this only for brief sporadic intervals during my journey. With everything running smoothly, we had reached Shoreditch in no time and joined the gradually moving Bishopsgate traffic.

This is when I started to get a bit annoyed. Then, nearing the front of the queue at Liverpool Street Station, we got curtailed to Monument - mocked a stop before a curtailment point which is only two stops before terminus! Just to add to the inconvenience, another LT on the 149 overtook us moments after my bus driver announced the curtailment. Passengers were demanding the driver to stop the bus in front, as passengers usually think the driver can physically do immediately after request. Luckily, the bus driver ahead waited, acknowledging rushing passengers from our initial bus switching onto his bus. With the bus to capacity, it was a busy end to the journey at London Bridge.

Checking out the 149 more times after this, curtailments seemed to be common along the route. The buses were generally frequent, however, withstanding demand well with only the odd bus getting crowded because of small and tolerable gaps in the service. Otherwise, Arriva continue to dominate as the operator with the best LTs, in my opinion.

Route 78 - Nunhead to Shoreditch

Arriva London retained route 78 from Ash Grove (AE) on 14 November 2015. The new contract specified new double-decker battery-hybrid buses for the southeast London route and I looked forward to seeing Arriva make a hybrid order from Alexander Dennis for a change. The distinguished design curves of the allocated Enviro400s influenced a rather fitting picture of a continued relationship between the 78 and Alexander Dennis; although the odd-working VLW-class bus had become more common, more Arriva HVs just did not seem right for the route.

The new Enviro400H MMC would have been the option favoured by those who wanted something from ADL, if not for the manufacturer  adding to the already competitive bus market by introducing a new two-door alternative to the 'New Routemaster': the Alexander Dennis Enviro400H City. A development to ADL's MMC project, the City design poses the ultra-modern styles of the 'New Routemaster' whilst incorporating inspiration from Alexander Dennis' very own Enviro200 MMC. An off-putting boxy roof lining is compensated by a gorgeous rear-end that outshines any double-decker competition in the industry.

In terms of style, the Alexander Dennis Enviro400H City had already annihilated WrightBus' 'New Routemaster'. Be that as it may, the buses, HA1-19, only started entering service from 7 December 2015 to make us wait almost a month after contract renewal. for them to make an entrance. It is also a bit of a shame that individual operator moquettes are unavailable with this bus, like the LTs. However, that does not stop the proposed Routemaster successor's alternative from having an invitingly glossy interior which makes for a luxurious passenger experience, complete with the one-gear BAE HybriDrive excellence accustomed to Alexander Dennis' hybrid products. Having the driveline of your average Enviro400 hybrid bus, then, automatically makes the Enviro400H City annihilate the 'New Routemaster' in terms of performance, too. The only downside I have with this bus, other than the box-like roof design, is that the air-conditioning is louder than the 'New Routemaster' ... and any other London bus!

A leading alternative.

I wonder if the Enviro400H City will soon make the 'New Routemaster' an alternative. We must have been sitting in traffic in various places throughout my first experience of the new bus. It was my second journey, having took the bus from Old Kent Road to Shoreditch and now on a journey towards Nunhead. I was tired, nodding off amidst standstill Aldgate traffic and jumping back up to find myself on Tower Bridge Road: stuck in more standstill traffic. Meanwhile, the ambience was alive with the sound of a young girl singing Christmas carols with a woman encouraging the girl to continue singing as well as encouraging passengers to join in. The atmosphere was beautiful: the young girl's mother was laughing with joy and other passengers were joining in with the laughter, too. It was a delightful highlight of my journey which took out the analytically enthusiastic side of me and replaced it with the type of recollection that our older generation of enthusiasts share with nostalgia about the classic Routemaster. 

Now that is what I call a new Routemaster. A bundle of laughs that does not only come from annihilating competition by style and performance, but from its luxurious passenger experience, too. Well played, Arriva.

Route 168 - Hampstead Heath to Old Kent Road Tesco

Metroline started their new contract to route 168 from Cricklewood (W) on 26 September 2015. Specified new double-decker hybrid buses for its new contract, Camden Council were not having the infrastructure of Hampstead Heath changed to cater 'New Routemasters' for the 168. Therefore, the LTs already built were reallocated to route 16, ousting its TEHs to route 168. Clearly a temporary allocation, as LT641-663 have entered service on route 168 with no road layout altercations at the terminus in Hampstead Heath. So route 168 could have got LT543-563 on the day of its new contract, after all. What a completely unnecessary farce of a service change. The LTs are alright on the 168 and suit the route both in looks - with the capitalisation of the displays' destination qualifying points - and ride, but if route 16 was left out of this absurdity then its service would still be running exceptionally well with outstanding double-decker hybrid buses. I've said enough about this: onto a more interesting change.

Route 159 - Marble Arch to Streatham Station
Route 159 is one which had become a flagship of Brixton Bus Garage since the route was introduced to the garage for its weekend services in summer 1964. The former Streatham Garage took over the Brixton (BN) allocation to the route in 1969 and a year later, Routemasters were introduced onto the 159. Brixton returned to operating the route from 1982, sporadically throughout the '80s, before officially taking over most of the service into the '90s.

The route went on to run London's last RM service on 9 December 2005 and has become a heritage of Arriva and the Routemaster. Therefore, it was arguably inevitable that the route was going to convert to 'New Routemaster' service, but no-one would have guessed that this would be with Abellio London from Battersea (QB). LT602-640 were introduced into service on 12 December 2015.

Abellio gets ready for the first duty
as Arriva finishes one of their last on route 159.

Battersea (QB) are a garage that have a fleet of quality buses and their services can be just as good. I was not surprised, then, with how frequent buses were on the 159 and how good the LTs were. They were not non-systematically deciding when to stay in diesel and when to switch into electric: for the most part, the buses were using the diesel engine to charge up the electric motors so that the bus could run in electric whilst on stand and for a sufficient duration after we got on the move again. Okay, one 'New Routemaster' did completely shut down at a bus stop in Brixton, but we were on our way again after a few minutes.

The only criticism I will state is that I'm not entirely sure how LTs are to accommodate a service which does not force you to wait for the next bus at Brixton Station, where crowds await the 159 in its most popular section. Otherwise, the 159 is still a frequent and reliable service in the hands of a new but equally good garage.

It was a little bit more difficult to add the latest 'New Routemaster' routes to the hierarchy. The 149 was generally good, bar the curtailments and the occasional gaps in service; the 168 was decent but suits LTs well and the 159 also suits the buses well, with the exception of that one bus that did stop running, forcing the driver to restart the bus completely. Nevertheless, after considerable thought, the Borismaster Performance Hierarchy looks as follows: 38, 73, 148, 9, 8, 453, 137, 15, 55, 149, 159, 168, 16, 12, 88, 11, 10, 390 and 24.

Arriva have lost big this year, but have still managed to give us back some quality new buses. Their new Enviro400H Citys are on another level to our Borismaster Performance Hierarchy. They are exceptional buses that prove that the BAE HybriDrive's one-gear acceleration is yet to be matched by any competing hybrid double-decker bus in the market. So, of course the 78 tops the above list. 'HA'.

Copyright - London Connected (text and images, unless indicated otherwise)

So, what will I cover tomorrow? Stay tuned and find out then

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - Blackpool

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

Blackpool

Blog post from: http://thenorthwestbusblog.co.uk/tomharrison/new-bus-for-blackpool/

Good evening everyone

Today is another post from Buses Outside Plymouth Week

The posts so far:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-bristol.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-liverpool.html
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-manchester.html

And for more info: http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/welcome-to-buses-outside-plymouth-week.html

Blackpool Transport is the first operator outside London to order the new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 City double-decker bus.

Ten Alexander Dennis Enviro400 City buses are on order to the value of £2 million. They will be 72-seat one-door Euro6 diesel variants and will replace a mix of five Volvo Olympian double decks and five Optare Solo midi buses, and will operate on high profile Palladium service 9 between Blackpool town centre and Cleveleys.

Interior features will include E-leather seats, wood-effect floors, WiFi and USB charging points, ‘next stop’ visuals and audio announcements, as well as a glazed staircase. The new buses will be to the same specification that of the Palladium branded Mercedes-Benz Citaros purchased last year for service 5 between Victoria Hospital and Halfway House via Blackpool town centre.

Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, commented:  “The introduction of these leading-edge vehicles forms part of our on-going investment in modern buses. Our aim is to enhance the customer experience, provide value-for-money and encourage people out of their cars and onto public transport.

“The ADL City bus is a stunning, high-performance, eco-friendly vehicle that sets the pace and reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and further enhancement of the passenger experience.”

Richard Matthews, Sales Director ADL Retail Bus and Coach, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Blackpool Transport on this break-through contract. They will be the first transport operator in the country to introduce the one-door 72-seat variant of the Enviro400 City, which we launched just a few months ago. As we said at the time, it brings together style and innovation.

“In addition to the latest low-emission technology, it introduces a whole range of new features. The glazed stairwell is obviously a big attraction, as is the wrap-around driver’s windscreen with the wipers recessed at the top.

“Customers are also intrigued by the combination of the shallow upper deck front window, which – along with hopper windows and other design features – significantly reduces solar heat on warm, sunny days. And, of course, our unique QRG (quick release glazing) continues to be as popular as ever.”

These will be the first new double deckers to Blackpool Transport for ten years – the longest such gap the fleet has experienced, beating the 9-year gap between the last PD3s and first Atlanteans, explains Paul Turner from the Fylde Bus Blog.

Sources - Alexander Dennis, The North West Bus Blog (in particular, Tom Harrison) (information used)

So, where next in the UK? Find out tomorrow

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - Manchester

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

Manchester

Blog post from: http://thenorthwestbusblog.co.uk/tomharrison/vantage-the-premium-brand-for-the-leigh-to-manchester-busway/

Good evening everyone.

So far, on Buses Outside Plymouth Week:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-bristol.html

http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-liverpool.html

More info on what this week is about the link is:
http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/welcome-to-buses-outside-plymouth-week.html

Today, I am covering an article elsewhere in the North West, but this time it's Manchester.

First Greater Manchester has unveiled the new service brand 'Vantage' to be introduced on the Leigh-Salford-Manchester premium Busway later this year.

Vantage reflects the premium quality of the unique Busway service. The superior travel experience was revealed today on the first of twenty, new, high-quality Wrightbus Gemini 3 bodied Volvo B5LH hybrid buses.

Premium features include e-leather seating, free WiFi, onboard “next stop” audio and visual announcements and USB charging points. Upstairs customers can relax in style with deluxe coach-back seating and table areas.

In preparing for the launch of the new Busway scheme, First Greater Manchester is also recruiting outstanding individuals to join the team and serve customers on the new premium ‘Vantage’ service. The training package will include a full week’s instruction on driving in the guideway, vehicle familiarisation and additional coaching in customer service.

Matt Rawlinson, Business Manager at First in Greater Manchester said, “We’re very excited to be unveiling the new Vantage brand for the premium Busway service. Vantage will be an outstanding customer experience at the same great value fares as we have across our network.

“Our team are looking forward to providing fast and reliable connections to the communities along the whole route. The Busway scheme means more jobs for local people and we’re now actively recruiting customer focused individuals for this exciting opportunity.

“Together with our transport partners we’re looking forward to serving customers on the Busway who I’m sure will be delighted with the whole experience including the stunning new buses.”

The new frequent buses will operate on the 14-mile route linking communities in Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley and Salford to Manchester. Busway services will be able to run free from congestion on a 4.5 mile guided section linking Leigh and Ellenbrook meaning improvements in service reliability and journey time savings.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “We promised residents that Greater Manchester’s first guided busway would deliver a premium service that connected them quickly, reliably and frequently between, Leigh, Salford and Manchester and I am delighted that after so many months of expectation and anticipation we are now gearing up for that to start.

“In addition to the benefits that will be seen by passengers, we are already seeing the immediate economic benefits for everyone with new jobs being created.”

When fully completed, regular services will run from both Leigh and Atherton which will combine to offer a higher frequency in each direction between Tyldesley and Manchester during the day, six days a week – with a less frequent service on Sundays.There will also be three free to use

There will also be three free to use park and ride sites to serve the busway providing over 400 spaces in Leigh, on Astley Street in Tyldesley, and on the A580 East Lancashire Road near to the M60/61 junction. All park and ride site locations have been chosen for their convenience for car drivers.

Sources - First Greater Manchester (image), The North West Bus Blog (in particular, Tom Harrison) (information used)

The next article is coming tomorrow night. Check back then.

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - Liverpool

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

Liverpool

Blog post from: http://thenorthwestbusblog.co.uk/tomharrison/football-fans-score-as-stagecoach-invests-2-million-in-anfield-and-goodison-services/

Good evening everyone

Yesterday on this blog I covered Bristol (http://www.busesaroundplymouth.co.uk/2016/02/buses-outside-plymouth-week-bristol.html). Today, this article, courtesy of the North West Bus Blog, is of interest to any Reds (Liverpool) or Toffees (Everton) fans.

Stagecoach has strengthened its transport links to Liverpool’s football clubs with a £2 million investment on its number 19 route to Anfield and Goodison Park.

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire has invested £2 million in 13 new single decker buses to service its number 19 route serving Anfield stadium and Goodison Park.

The route covers Liverpool City Centre, Everton Road, Everton F.C. Walton Hall Avenue, East Lancashire Road and Kirkby, allowing football fans to easily get to and from the grounds on match days.

The service runs every 10 minutes and Everton fans can disembark at Walton Lane, while Liverpool fans can easily jump off at Robson Street.

The service will also enable tourists to easily, comfortably and affordably access the famous football club grounds from the city centre. Stagecoach’s flat adult fare costs £2, while a child’s flat fare is just £1.

Elisabeth Tasker, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire managing director, said: “Nothing but the best is good enough for our passengers and we want to make sure they never walk alone, which is why we’ve invested in a fleet of brand new buses to service this route. This great, efficient service will help fans and their family and friends get quickly and affordably to and from the Anfield and Goodison grounds.

“Anyone who knows the city, knows how congested the roads to and from the clubs can get, particularly on match days. We encourage people – especially those who might not have considered catching the bus before, to try out this comfortable and greener option.”

This follows Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire’s £3 million investment in next-generation Stagecoach Gold buses to improve inter-city transport links between Liverpool and Chester.

Sources - Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire (image), The North West Bus Blog (in particular, Tom Harrison) (information used)

So, where will I cover tomorrow? Stay tuned and find out then

Buses Outside Plymouth Week - Bristol

Buses Outside Plymouth Week

Bristol

Blog post from: http://www.swhite.org.uk/steve/jan.htm

Good evening everyone

Here is the first of seven blog posts detailing the bus scene around the UK at the moment.

First of these is is Bristol, which is not too far from Plymouth (well, at least compared to what's coming up later in the week):

The first Virtual Electric Enviro 39191 was shown to the public recently.  Its built to London spec so seats 64 (39up 25down) its dual doored so the wheelchair ramp is on the middle door so i guess this will be the only time when the middle door is in use.  There are 2 charging plates to recharge the batteries 1 at UWE the other at Hengrove Depot a 7 minute charge during layover should give enough power for 20 minutes of driving on battery power. The bus uses GPS to switch the engine off when it enters certain parts of the city to reduce emissions so its Electric around town and on Gloucester Road  its due to enter service latter next month.

39191	SN65ZGS	HE	ADL	E40H VE	Ar	H39/25D
39192		HE	ADL	E40H VE	Ar	H39/25D

Virtual Electric 39191.

Another 3 vehicles have arrived on load at Bath they are Former Berkshire Scania,s 65724-6 which have recently been on loan at Weymouth.

65724	LK55ABZ	BH	Sca	L94UB	Wt	B43F
65725	LK55ACF	BH	Sca	L94UB	Wt	B43F
65726	LK55ACJ	BH	Sca	L94UB	Wt	B43F

65724 currently on loan in Bath

The first of the ex Yorkshire B7s has arrived. With the following ex Bradford buses now in Bath.

30857	W712CWR	BH	Vo	B7TL 10.7M	Ar	H49/29F
30866	W721CWR	BH	Vo	B7TL 10.7M	Ar	H49/29F
30867	W722CWR	BH	Vo	B7TL 10.7M	Ar	H49/29F
30870	W726CWR	BH	Vo	B7TL 10.7M	Ar	H49/29F

30857 in Bath.

Allocation changes

32089/91  LH - MH

32095/8    MH - LH

32099       LH - HE

32277   Leicester - BH- now  at LH

32335-8    LH - HE

32350/1    MH - LH

33508/50  HE - WM

41795   Trainer - u

42557  BH - Essex

42914/38    BH - First East of England

42968     LH - WS - Now BH

44915     BH - WM

53401     BH - WS

66301/45  MH - LH

66734    WM - BH

68570  Trainer - First South West @ Taunton

69437  BH - WS

69457/8  HE - WS

All of the non DDA vehicles listed last month came of the road most before the end of the year. Most will  be scrapped but several B10B,s will be converted to Trainers 62198 has started conversion already.

Repaints

62198 converted to a trainer has now been repainted all over red.  66104 is in receiving attention and 66206 is in the paint shop it looks like these are also for the training fleet.

Some of the Orange fronted buses are now receiving route branding Enviro,s for the 1 and Gemini,s for 2.

Route 1 branded 33965.

Source - SWhite

Stay tuned for tommorrow's blog post, which could be anywhere around the country