East Anglia Bus Scene

[F Great Eastern]

Wow. Thanks for that fascinating insight! It does indeed sound very one sided and unfavourable to any operator tbh! So realistically speaking then of those requirements you’ve stated only First are in a position locally to offer that? And that’s IF they were prepared to get involved in of those stipulations you stated.

Ipswich Buses has a fairly mid life decker fleet (newest being 12 years old). First do have the new streetdecks with added wifi, USB’s etc - although that could potentially tie a lot of them up in the peaks doing these contracts.

With the unpredictable (and more frequent) nature of traffic issues on the A12/A14 and Orwell Bridge delays are inevitable; and to a degree expected on an almost daily basis. Especially when all the contracts are using those roads travelling to/from surrounding towns and villages.

The tender itself is advertised here:

Eastern Colleges Group - Home to College Bus Transportation [Notice]

Abbeygate Sixth Form College, One Sixth Form College and West Suffolk College currently operate six ... A Tender Notice by Suffolk Academies Trust. Value £500K.

bidstats.uk

The PDFs on that page (seem to need to open them a few times for them to work) have the full contract and terms in. Seems a little different from the previous contract, liability insurance is now £10m but still seems a contract that is weighted a bit too much in the contracting parties favour.

I also find it a bit strange that being logged into the Kura App 15 minutes before the service being run is subject to a 98% performance threshold but there is no performance indicator for arriving at school on time in the mornings and arriving home in the evening. Also seemingly having a reliable vehicle (95% performance threshold) is less important than logging into the Kura App 15 minutes before.

I've attached what the contract is scored on, but there are also other conditions buried in the documents that are mandatory which do not form part of the scoring.

Also noticed this which seems exceptionally tight. How can you investigate something within one working day when those staff might be driving?

The Operator will acknowledge any feedback received within one working day and
will provide a written report within one additional working day.

Where further investigation or information is required the Operator will
respond to the Company within one working day of each subsequent
request.

 

[plebb11]

Stephensons of Essex has registered a large number of contract connect services in Bishop's Stortford and Harlow. Is this a contract win or take over of the company?

 

[Anthony ross]

I

Stephensons of Essex has registered a large number of contract connect services in Bishop's Stortford and Harlow. Is this a contract win or take over of the company?

its contract wins in the round of tenders

 

[F Great Eastern]

Suffolk County Council have published the proposed new timetable for the 91 from 24 July with the Saturday service withdrawn beyond Hadleigh.

Suffolk County Council have now agreed to subsidise the route between Sudbury and Hadleigh on Saturday and therefore the service will not be withdrawn between these points on a Saturday.

Bus timetable updates - Suffolkonboard

Bus timetable updates can be viewed on this page Downloading and reading our timetables Download timetables of Suffolkonboard.com explained (PDF 84KB) Finding current timetables online All timetables are available to download and print out from this page When a bus timetable changes, we update...

www.suffolkonboard.com

 

[Kartenga]

Beeston's have just sold remaining green Euro 6 Scania Omnidekkas to P.C Coaches.

They were BUS91C and BUS91D plated deckers. These left today as announced by Beeston's sun company PSV Recycling LTD via their Facebook page.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0aH2oqdTE3fcYhAz8ukPNtwvgEmyAEhG1aLGppJ4rhoN2NKxMKwxbTve4rhde9prjl&id=100063453048308

 

[F Great Eastern]

Is anything coming in? Their decker profile is getting increasingly old again, I make it apart from the two ADL 22/23 deckers that seem to do only private hire work.

2003 - 523 FN,
2004 - NSV 371, NSV 372, 524 FN
2005 - 526 FN, YN55 NJZ, YN55 NDY
2006 - MX06 LDN

Those vehicles have been good servants, but the 91 really needs an upgrade.

 

[buslad1988]

Those vehicles have been good servants, but the 91 really needs an upgrade.

If the service barely breaks even and needs supporting to provide a full end-to-end Saturday timetable I can’t see it ever warranting brand new stock. Perhaps some newer second hand purchases? Although you’d of thought those ex Nottingham City Transport Omnidekkas would have fit the bill perfectly; clearly not.

 

[F Great Eastern]

If the service barely breaks even and needs supporting to provide a full end-to-end Saturday timetable I can’t see it ever warranting brand new stock. Perhaps some newer second hand purchases? Although you’d of thought those ex NCT Omnidekkas would have fit the bill perfectly; clearly not.

Of course, I wouldn't expect new - but some new second hand purchases would be great. The Ex NCT Omnidekkas were a definite improvement and it's sad to see them go.

The 3 Blue 2005/2006 Omnidekkas which are the mainstay of the route for many years now have been great servants and Beestons have maintained them well - it's just that their day has gone now.

 

[buslad1988]

The Ex NCT Omnidekkas were a definite improvement and it's sad to see them go.

Does anybody know the reason for the rapid withdrawal and departure of the ex NCT Omnidekkas?

Just seems strange with Beestons experience of operating them. I’m not aware of other operators having any issues.

 

[M803UYA]

Does anybody know the reason for the rapid withdrawal and departure of the ex NCT Omnidekkas?

Just seems strange with Beestons experience of operating them. I’m not aware of other operators having any issues.

Would their length be an issue? These buses are the longest version of the Omnidekka.

 

[F Great Eastern]

Does anybody know the reason for the rapid withdrawal and departure of the ex NCT Omnidekkas?

Just seems strange with Beestons experience of operating them. I’m not aware of other operators having any issues.

Beestons experience has always been with the N94UD versions of the Omnidekka, any N230UD version of a Scania double deck product that they've had down the years has never lasted that long unfortunately so might be related.

The extra leg-room they had and the better high backed seats and generally less tired and faded interiors were a step above the Urban 90 seated older ones.

 

[buslad1988]

Yet more enhancements to Firsts Norwich Network.

Changes to Network Norwich Orange Line | Yellow Line | Purple Line | Charcoal Line - from 23rd July 2023

We’re making some changes to some of our Network Norwich bus services from Sunday 23rd July 2023, including some exciting improvements to routes and frequencies. This affects our Orange Line, Yellow Line, Purple Line and Charcoal Line services.

www.firstbus.co.uk

Some very positive steps there. Do any of the changes tread on Border Buses toes?

 

[F Great Eastern]

Another Ex-Cardiff Bus at Beestons.

Quack77 - vehicle detail

buslists.uk

This has now been advertised for sale already.

Beestons seem to be going through vehicles very quickly these days!

 

[Silenos]

Yet more enhancements to Firsts Norwich Network.

Changes to Network Norwich Orange Line | Yellow Line | Purple Line | Charcoal Line - from 23rd July 2023

We’re making some changes to some of our Network Norwich bus services from Sunday 23rd July 2023, including some exciting improvements to routes and frequencies. This affects our Orange Line, Yellow Line, Purple Line and Charcoal Line services.

www.firstbus.co.uk

Some very positive steps there.

Major plus for those on the X29 route, including allowing for less hanging about when connecting with services in Fakenham.

 

[F Great Eastern]

Just a round up of education contracts in Suffolk confirmed over past few days

Suffolk One School (Ipswich)
The following routes will operate for 23/24 as closed door services via the Kura Platform.

• Stowmarket
• Felixstowe
• Claydon (starting in Stowupland)
• Colchester – New for 23/24
• Leiston – New for 23/24
• Harwich – New for 23/24

The winner of these contracts has not been confirmed publicly.

Other new proposed routes as part of the tender were not awarded.

Abbey Gate School and West Suffolk College (Bury St Edmunds)
The following routes will operate for 23/24 as closed door services via the Kura Platform.

• Soham
• Haverhill
• Diss
• Brandon - New for 23/24

The winner of these contracts has not been confirmed publicly but they have been awarded.

Other new proposed routes as part of the tender were not awarded.

Suffolk Rural School (Otley)
There has been a number of changes to these routes with effect from the next academic year.,

The following existing routes continue to operate

• RC3 – Leiston via Saxmundham (Operated by Belle Coaches)
• RC5 – Sudbury via Hadleigh (Operated by Konectbus, previously Beestons)

The following routes no longer operate

• RC1 - Thorrington via Colchester
• RC6 – Clacton via Manningtree
• RC7 – Felixstowe via Woodbridge

The following new routes will start for the new academic year

• RC8 - Colchester North Station (Operated by Beestons)
• SB1 - Ipswich Rail Station free shuttle (Operated by Beestons)
• SB2 - Ipswich Cattle Market free shuttle (Operated by Beestons)

 

[Delenn]

Seeing this thread pop up. does anyone know when some buses started having dual Hedingham & Chambers fleet names, and is the whole fleet having them, or just a few to cover?

 

[Kartenga]

Just a round up of education contracts in Suffolk confirmed over past few days

Suffolk One School (Ipswich)
The following routes will operate for 23/24 as closed door services via the Kura Platform.

• Stowmarket
• Felixstowe
• Claydon (starting in Stowupland)
• Colchester – New for 23/24
• Leiston – New for 23/24
• Harwich – New for 23/24

The winner of these contracts has not been confirmed publicly.

Other new proposed routes as part of the tender were not awarded.

Abbey Gate School and West Suffolk College (Bury St Edmunds)
The following routes will operate for 23/24 as closed door services via the Kura Platform.

• Soham
• Haverhill
• Diss
• Brandon - New for 23/24

The winner of these contracts has not been confirmed publicly but they have been awarded.

Other new proposed routes as part of the tender were not awarded.

Suffolk Rural School (Otley)
There has been a number of changes to these routes with effect from the next academic year.,

The following existing routes continue to operate

• RC3 – Leiston via Saxmundham (Operated by Belle Coaches)
• RC5 – Sudbury via Hadleigh (Operated by Konectbus, previously Beestons)

The following routes no longer operate

• RC1 - Thorrington via Colchester
• RC6 – Clacton via Manningtree
• RC7 – Felixstowe via Woodbridge

The following new routes will start for the new academic year

• RC8 - Colchester North Station (Operated by Beestons)
• SB1 - Ipswich Rail Station free shuttle (Operated by Beestons)
• SB2 - Ipswich Cattle Market free shuttle (Operated by Beestons)

This looks good for Beeston's to pick up contacts.

Do you know if there is any new coach or bus stock coming in?

 

[F Great Eastern]

This looks good for Beeston's to pick up contacts.

Do you know if there is any new coach or bus stock coming in?

Whilst they gained RC8, SB1, SB2 they lost RC5, RC7 and I think they operated RC6 as well.

I know they have meant to have ordered x2 Volvo B8L EvoSeti based on being impressed with the ones operating for Sanders, but they're not due for delivery until March or April.

They're also looking to move two of the older single deckers on, but the blue Omnidekkas don't look like going anywhere for the moment.

 

[buslad1988]

Is anyone aware of the plans Ipswich Buses new MD has for the company? New vehicles, network etc?

There was a recent interview on local radio where he discussed potentially simplifying the fare structure but not much else.

 

[SW Buses]

Some marginal changes from September for Ipswich Buses are now here - https://www.ipswichbuses.co.uk/news/service-adjustments-september-23/

Service Adjustments : 3rd September 2023

Town Services

On the 3rd of September, we will be making some minor changes to some of the services on our network. The purpose of these changes is to improve the punctuality and reliability of our network and improve the quality of service we deliver to you, our customer. The following services will see punctuality-focused improvements made to timetables, with no changes to route or level of service:

2 Greenwich Greyhound
3 Nacton Nipper
5 Foxhall Five
6 Rushmere Rider
8 Whitehouses Own
12 Chantry Connexions
Also on 3rd September, along with punctuality improvements, we will be making a change to the routing of the following services during evenings and Sundays:

13 Chantry Connexions
15,15A Orwell Orbits
Services 13,15 & 15A will no longer operate through Cardinal Park on Monday-to-Saturday evenings and all day on Sunday, with services operating along Princes Street instead. This means these services will operate their ‘normal’ route at all times of day and on every day of the week. We have made this alteration due to a very low number of customers boarding an alighting service at Cardinal Park.

Don’t worry! Customers who wish to visit Cardinal Park can still do so, as the bus stops on Princes Street at St Clare House are less than a four-minute walk away from Cardinal Park.

Details of the revised timetables can be found by clicking on the route number of each of the services above. Timetables are also available from our travel shop in Tower Ramparts.

Country Services

93 Services (93, 93A, X93) Ipswich to Colchester
We will also be making some revisions to improve the reliability of the X93, 93 & 93a for customers, including students attending East Bergholt High School.

The X93 will return to its direct route into and out of Colchester, operating directly along Ipswich Road before heading to the Osborne Street Bus Area.

Alterations to departure times of some journeys of up to 10 minutes will come into effect on 3rd September, so we would recommend customers make themselves familiar with their new journey times.

97 Service Ipswich to Shotley
From 3rd September, the 15:55 journey from Suffolk One will depart at 16:00, with journeys operating five minutes later for the remainder of the day.

The 17:45 journey from Ipswich to Shotley will depart at 18:05 and the 18:25 departure from Shotley to Ipswich will be moved to 18:45.

Details of the revised timetables can be found by clicking on the route number of each of the services above. Timetables are also available from our travel shop in Tower Ramparts.

In the tranche for ‘punctuality focused improvements’ I can’t see many, if any in some of the PDF’s, any change

 

[buslad1988]

Some marginal changes from September for Ipswich Buses are now here - https://www.ipswichbuses.co.uk/news/service-adjustments-september-23/

In the tranche for ‘punctuality focused improvements’ I can’t see many, if any in some of the PDF’s, any changes.

There’s actually more information on Suffolk County Councils website: https://www.suffolkonboard.com/buses/bus-timetable-updates/

Seems to be just some very minor timing adjustments on Sundays. Nothing especially exciting or revolutionary!

I’m guessing it’ll take time for the new MD to settle in and make some long overdue widespread network changes. Maybe next year?

 

[GusB]

Please remember to include quotes when referring to external sources. Thanks

 

[F Great Eastern]

Of the tender routes for Suffolk One School, the following were awarded.

O1	Stowmarket	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O2	Felixstowe	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O3	Claydon	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O4	Colchester	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O5	Leiston	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O6	Harwich	Hedingham and Chambers

Believe Beestons have a Mulleys Omnidekka on loan as they are short, any idea which one?

 

[Kartenga]

Of the tender routes for Suffolk One School, the following were awarded.

O1	Stowmarket	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O2	Felixstowe	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O3	Claydon	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O4	Colchester	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O5	Leiston	First in Norfolk and Suffolk
O6	Harwich	Hedingham and Chambers

Believe Beestons have a Mulleys Omnidekka on loan as they are short, any idea which one?

Yes you are correct. I have seen a Mulley's Omnidekka in their yard today. It’s probably to cover schools contracts.

 

[F Great Eastern]

Yes you are correct. I have seen a Mulley's Omnidekka in their yard today. It’s probably to cover schools contracts.

Anything seems to be turning up on the 91 lately.

As well as the usual YN55NDY / MX06LDN and YN55NJZ allocation, seat belted 523 FN, 524 FN and 526 FN along with NSV 371 have all operated on that in recent days. 523FN and 526FN are very rare allocations.

 

[Kartenga]

This is usual this time of year as these buses have not really been used over the summer. They probably want to give them a good run out before their usual schools services they provide.

 

[F Great Eastern]

Yes you are correct. I have seen a Mulley's Omnidekka in their yard today. It’s probably to cover schools contracts.

The bus in question is YN04 UJS

 

[Kartenga]

Beeston's have acquired a second hand decker, as observed in the coach yard depot, outside of Hadleigh Suffolk.

Optare Olympus Decker
PN10FNO from SBC coaches.

 

[F Great Eastern]

Beeston's have acquired a second hand decker, as observed in the coach yard depot, outside of Hadleigh Suffolk.

Optare Olympus Decker
PN10FNO from SBC coaches.

Enviro 400 SK22 BTE has gone other way.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Stephensons’ YN55 NHC was deroofed earlier today on a morning school run, reportedly by a tree branch.

School pupils taken to hospital after bus hits tree in Clavering​

• • Published
    47 minutes ago

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IMAGE SOURCE, MARTIN PHILPOTT
Image caption,
The bus hit a tree branch on Clatterbury Lane, Clavering, the school said
By Alex Pope
BBC News, Essex

Two school children have been taken to hospital after a bus they were on hit a tree.
Essex Police said it was called to reports of a collision in Clatterbury Lane, Clavering, at about 08:15 BST.
Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport, said a bus taking some of its pupils to school struck a tree branch.
It said some students had minor injuries while others were being supported at school after the "traumatic experience".
The East of England Ambulance Trust said it was called to Clatterbury Lane, along with the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
Three children were assessed at the scene and two were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, for further assessment.
Dawn Philpott, who had two children on the bus, said it was "some sheer miracle that everybody was able to walk away without fatality".

'Struck a tree branch'​

The school said via its website that the bus was transporting its pupils and children from Saffron Walden County High School.
"While the full details are being investigated, we are aware that the bus roof was damaged as it struck a tree branch," it said.
A space has been arranged at the school for those who may be in shock or left upset.
The school asked parents or students with any concerns to get in contact.
"Thank you to all students and parents for the calm manner in which they helped to handle the situation," the school added.
Emergency services including fire and ambulance remain at the scene "to carry out their work", police said.
The force had closed the road and advised people to check before travelling in the area.

School pupils taken to hospital after bus hits tree in Clavering

Pupils are being supported following the "traumatic experience", the school says.

www.bbc.co.uk

Dear Parent/carer
I wanted you to be aware that one of the Stephenson’s buses (446) was involved in an incident as they brought students to Joyce Frankland Academy and Saffron Walden County High School this morning. While the full details are being investigated, we are aware that the bus roof was damaged as it struck a tree branch.
We know the police and ambulance services are managing the situation to assess everyone involved, and thankfully our current understanding is that no serious injuries have been caused. However, we are aware that some students have been taken to A&E and minor injuries by their parents to have some cuts and grazes looked at.
The school arranged for a minibus to collect the students and bring them to school as quickly as possible. While most students appear to be OK, we know that this could have been a traumatic experience. Therefore, we have made arrangements in school to provide a space for anyone who may be in shock or upset by the events. All staff have been made aware of the incident and the space that has been made available for students involved.
If any parents of students involved have any concerns, they can contact the school and ask to speak to Mr Stoneham and he will get back to you as soon as possible. We will also contact any parents directly if we believe they need to be at home today.
Thank you to all students and parents for the calm manner in which they helped to handle the situation.
We will also liaise with Stephenson’s to confirm that an alternative bus service will be made available tomorrow and over the coming days.
Kind Regards
Joyce Frankland Academy

School bus incident – 21st September

<p>Dear Parent/carer I wanted you to be aware that one of the Stephenson’s buses (446) was involved in […]</p>

joycefrankland.org