After an extended period of uncertainty, the end has come for nonstandard University operation under First in Bath. After today's operation, only the 18 and SPA1 now exist - the 8 and SPA2 are no more.
A good chance for some photography then! I made certain that I was on the last ever SPA2 (1815 from Spa Uni) and the last ever 8 (1910 from Bath Uni). The sunlight did cause a few problems, but see what you make of my pics!
SPA2 A: Volvo B7LA 10036 stands outside the Library at Bath Spa University, about to make the final journey into the City Centre via the A36.
SPA2 B: Having completed said journey, 10036 stands before a bright but setting sun on Corn Street.
8 A: Dennis Dart SLF 46260 stands at the University of Bath, about to make the final journey on the 8, carrying just three passengers.
8 B: Down at Green Park Road in the City Centre, opposite Corn Street, 46260 sits once more after arriving three minutes early.
8 C: The end is nigh as 46260 arrives at Kingsway - the 8 and SPA2 are history.
I have to say the driver on the 8 had some interesting stories to tell! His father drove for Bristol Omnibus, and his grandfather was a conductor on Bristol Tramways! He hasn't done badly either, getting to drive K-Types among other things; he has also driven the same low-floor Lance in four different liveries
hock:
Meanwhile, news ffiltering through from yesterday's Meet the Managers session at Bath Spa University suggests that the event the Universities have feared may not be far off - the inevitable now looks inevitable. This summer, Bath may well be saying goodbye to 10035/6/7 and 10174/5/6/7 - leaving a total of zero articulated buses in the Weston Island fleet. They just aren't economically viable anymore...
More news on this as and when I get it.