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TheGrandWazoo

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Hi Wazoo,
I remember walking(climbing) up the hill to view Clapton Coaches Depot at Haydon several years ago. As that was back in 2008 I expect the outstation may have shut by then.
Cheers Mike R

Hi Mike

Yep, you were virtually there. The CC depot was a unit on the left? Go 50 yards further on and it's there on the right as a secure compound. Think it closed c.2007?
 
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matt_splat

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i was too young to make the 773 trip but i was chatting with a driver freind who said he use to at times do that and then the driver on the 23:45 would race back down the A37 in the B10s too see who would get back.

i think it must have been around the time of the B7s and darts arriving in bath i would travel home from school during 6th form and walk down from writhlington and you'd see a radstock driver taking over a 178.

i'm yet to see a sunday 161 but i think you would get more flow on the route with the 174 i'm sure there is a way you could work it with 3 busses as well with the 173.

the 174 cutting off dulcot and then also cutting the running time from shepton to stratton because theres too much slack at the moment will help
 

carlberry

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I would like to see the return of more all over advertising liveries on buses, which were particularly very common during the 1980's. I note there is currently one Gemini in an almost(though not on the front for some reason. Why??) all over advertising Cloudy Cider livery. Anyone seen this one? If you haven't then here it is https://www.flickr.com/photos/78213075@N04/24128764365/

It's good to see a bus like this, although the livery for this one isn't all that striking really. Would look a little better if the livery was applied to the front too! Though from the front these modern buses don't have as much bodywork on the front compared to the older buses.

Most companies retain the front in fleet colours now to stop passengers getting confused. Lots of companies have gone off of OA buses because they're more interested in image than they used to be, especially wonderful own goals like a bus being painted like a car to advertise cars!
 

ValleyLines142

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I would like to see the return of more all over advertising liveries on buses, which were particularly very common during the 1980's. I note there is currently one Gemini in an almost(though not on the front for some reason. Why??) all over advertising Cloudy Cider livery. Anyone seen this one? If you haven't then here it is https://www.flickr.com/photos/78213075@N04/24128764365/

It's good to see a bus like this, although the livery for this one isn't all that striking really. Would look a little better if the livery was applied to the front too! Though from the front these modern buses don't have as much bodywork on the front compared to the older buses.

That would be 37341, which is I believe the only one left in a side advert. 37340 was also done but I think it's been removed now.
 

THarris123

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We have differing opinions and that's fine. I just think that the 173/174 has more potential to grow the customer base and make more money than the 126 and that is probably why they've made that change to double the Bath to Wells service. However, I want them to be bolder - wifi, livery, eLeather etc and it has the capability and capacity to grow. Perhaps a better strategy might be to reintroduce the Weston to Cheddar shorts and let them do the route onto Locking Road and then the Wells to Weston service run via a quicker route down the A370 (though might not be quicker if the summer sun comes out)?

In terms of the 173/4, what else First would put on there? The uptake on the B8RLE hasn't exactly been great and even new Citaros are fewer. Perhaps e200mmcs but, as I said before, I don't know if they're any better than a Streetlite. Certainly, the industry has gone down the lightweight route.

Evening journeys might be a tall order though I seem to recall (hazily) that there was a journey at 18:39 from Wells to Bath that then worked locally (Bath to MSN and back?) before doing a 23:05 from Bath to Wells (though it may have run direct from Chilcompton to Wells rather than Gurney Slade) arriving about 00:20? Did this happen or did I dream it? Perhaps something like that could be done with a 1955 Wells to Bath having an hour off and thendoing the 2210 Bath to Paulton and return before a 2355 return to Wells - I'm sure the Wells drivers wouldn't welcome another late turn though!

Ok basically agree - the 173/4 should get investment, but I would like to see a brand for 126 still and I think that idea for changing route on 126 would be better too. I guess Maxs are the only alternative really, unless something else comes along or First are going to look at some Optare or Scania products. In terms of evenings, I would put on a 173 hourly later and another 2 hours, nothing like how ridiculous it was before - that would probably also save on some 178 evening journeys.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Personally I would do something very similar

In to Wells

4 x midlife Darts (375, 161)
6 x 55/06 reg B7RLEs (377, 126 and a spare)

Out from Wells

Solo
3 x B7Ls
6 59 reg B7RLEs (either to BH or more radically to BoS for the 28 which needs something newer IMHO particularly with the competition from Webbers).

I really can't see the 375 loadings justify the higher depreciation and extra running costs of 59 reg B7RLEs. The 126 is a bit marginal, but common sense suggests concentrating the B7Ls at a small number of depots, and giving WS the 55 regs.

I agree focussing the 59 reg B7RLEs on 173/4 and keeping a couple of spares for that plus the 376 in case of Streetdeck issues.

As for branding, I see no real point in branding for the 126. I'm not sure it will radically improve take-up. It reduces operational flexibility, particularly at small depots like Wells; inevitably buses will end up on the wrong route.

One of the Mendip Explorer Streetdecks was up on the jacks at Taunton this morning! Now that would be a surprise if they got some this year!

Why put 55/06 reg B7s there? Why not 54 reg - they're faster and more powerful. I would have sent 7 54 reg B7s to Wells (375/377 and spare), 43849 (161), sent 69457/8 to Weston for 126 and kept 9-10 59 reg B7s in Wells (173/4/126, spare). Darts for 375 may seem like a good idea, but B7s would be better (college loadings tend to be quite full).
 

Private Baxter

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Ok basically agree - the 173/4 should get investment, but I would like to see a brand for 126 still and I think that idea for changing route on 126 would be better too. I guess Maxs are the only alternative really, unless something else comes along or First are going to look at some Optare or Scania products. In terms of evenings, I would put on a 173 hourly later and another 2 hours, nothing like how ridiculous it was before - that would probably also save on some 178 evening journeys.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Why put 55/06 reg B7s there? Why not 54 reg - they're faster and more powerful. I would have sent 7 54 reg B7s to Wells (375/377 and spare), 43849 (161), sent 69457/8 to Weston for 126 and kept 9-10 59 reg B7s in Wells (173/4/126, spare). Darts for 375 may seem like a good idea, but B7s would be better (college loadings tend to be quite full).

I think all this is pretty logical, but I think Wells is in a really good position at the moment (too good perhaps), and would like to see it stay as it is even though it means keeping 60912-4. The 173 missed out on new fleet this time round, but as you and others have said, a refurb of what's already on there should be enough. They are absolutely splendid buses and I have no problem should they stay for a few more years.

Until about ten years ago the late night journeys for 173 were numbered 773 and only ran Bath to Wells on a Friday and Saturday night. They arrived in Wells (IIRC) at about 00.20, then ran empty back to their base for the night. (Bath or Radstock?) Furthermore, in the early 2000s 173 was Wells' most profitable route. However evening demand drops quite considerably after about 6, and so I don't see later journeys becoming a reality. It has never run to Glastonbury or Street, except the very old Sunday service which used to terminate in Glastonbury every three hours, whilst a week day morning service would run, and I think still does, from Midsomer Norton to Strode College.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Ok basically agree - the 173/4 should get investment, but I would like to see a brand for 126 still and I think that idea for changing route on 126 would be better too. I guess Maxs are the only alternative really, unless something else comes along or First are going to look at some Optare or Scania products. In terms of evenings, I would put on a 173 hourly later and another 2 hours, nothing like how ridiculous it was before - that would probably also save on some 178 evening journeys.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Why put 55/06 reg B7s there? Why not 54 reg - they're faster and more powerful. I would have sent 7 54 reg B7s to Wells (375/377 and spare), 43849 (161), sent 69457/8 to Weston for 126 and kept 9-10 59 reg B7s in Wells (173/4/126, spare). Darts for 375 may seem like a good idea, but B7s would be better (college loadings tend to be quite full).

The 375 was managing with 37 seat ALX Darts until a couple or three months ago so can't see some modern Pointer Darts being a bad move, perhaps with 43849 as the 161 car.

I'm not certain that the 54 plate B7RLEs aren't mechanically the same as others. I think it's the high backed seats that are the only difference. Perhaps someone could confirm but I thought they all had 7.1 litre Volvo engines (290 bhp) and a 6 speed ZF box? To be honest, the 54 plates are showing their age. I had 66731 on the 265 and it's clear they've been worked hard.

So think that some that are a bit newer would be welcome. Keep those for 173/4 and spares on 376 and send the surplus to augment the Streetlites on the 265 (and the competitive 267/272).
 

baza585

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The 375 was managing with 37 seat ALX Darts until a couple or three months ago so can't see some modern Pointer Darts being a bad move, perhaps with 43849 as the 161 car.

I'm not certain that the 54 plate B7RLEs aren't mechanically the same as others. I think it's the high backed seats that are the only difference. Perhaps someone could confirm but I thought they all had 7.1 litre Volvo engines (290 bhp) and a 6 speed ZF box? To be honest, the 54 plates are showing their age. I had 66731 on the 265 and it's clear they've been worked hard.

So think that some that are a bit newer would be welcome. Keep those for 173/4 and spares on 376 and send the surplus to augment the Streetlites on the 265 (and the competitive 267/272).

I assumed from what has been said that 43849 would have the same problem as the Solo on 161, lack of capacity for the school journeys. But if this can be overcome, I agree WS would be a good home for 43849.

I'm not aware of any mechanical difference between 54 and 05/55 B7RLEs; the 54 regs are looking and sounding tired and the 55 regs BH just got from Hampshire are in far better nick, and have nice comfy seats! I also agree the 09 reg B7RLEs would be much better than the Streetlites on the long 265, and are not justified on the 375.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Until about ten years ago the late night journeys for 173 were numbered 773 and only ran Bath to Wells on a Friday and Saturday night. They arrived in Wells (IIRC) at about 00.20, then ran empty back to their base for the night. (Bath or Radstock?) Furthermore, in the early 2000s 173 was Wells' most profitable route. However evening demand drops quite considerably after about 6, and so I don't see later journeys becoming a reality. It has never run to Glastonbury or Street, except the very old Sunday service which used to terminate in Glastonbury every three hours, whilst a week day morning service would run, and I think still does, from Midsomer Norton to Strode College.

There is still the Chilcompton (not MSN) run to Strode College. It was a place where 46603 used to appear!

I agree with you that demand might not be that high to Wells. I too remember the Sunday 773 that ran every 3 hours with LN2s and ran through to Glastonbury but omitted Binegar
 

matt_splat

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the ideas of the evening busses to wells could work at present wells have drivers on loan to bath due to driver shortages so wells are overstaffed.

My idea for the evening busses are as follows

the bus that arrives at 18:43 as a 174 then becomes the 19:00 178/379 cycle this bus gets back to Bath @ 22:24

the current 173 that leaves bath at 20:20 gets pushed back to 20:50 or possibly slightly earlier and still runs as a 173 to bridge the gap between services

the bus that arrives at 22:24 then forms a later bus to Wells at 23:10 which could operate as a 174 like the old 773

the 20:50 Bath - Farmbourgh - Bath would be replaced by the 20:50 173 the return leg would be replaced between Radstock and Bath by using the bus that currently runs empty after operating the 179 back to Bath.

it would need a whole change to the timetable to make it work and make the frequencys not messy.
 

THarris123

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the ideas of the evening busses to wells could work at present wells have drivers on loan to bath due to driver shortages so wells are overstaffed.

My idea for the evening busses are as follows

the bus that arrives at 18:43 as a 174 then becomes the 19:00 178/379 cycle this bus gets back to Bath @ 22:24

the current 173 that leaves bath at 20:20 gets pushed back to 20:50 or possibly slightly earlier and still runs as a 173 to bridge the gap between services

the bus that arrives at 22:24 then forms a later bus to Wells at 23:10 which could operate as a 174 like the old 773

the 20:50 Bath - Farmbourgh - Bath would be replaced by the 20:50 173 the return leg would be replaced between Radstock and Bath by using the bus that currently runs empty after operating the 179 back to Bath.

it would need a whole change to the timetable to make it work and make the frequencys not messy.

That's still pretty messy though. It would be easier to have a later 173/4, which means later buses from Bath to Norton and have 178/379 later and doing the full route, so the Bristol-Norton route is later/more consistent as well as the Norton-Bath section being later and more consistent.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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That's still pretty messy though. It would be easier to have a later 173/4, which means later buses from Bath to Norton and have 178/379 later and doing the full route, so the Bristol-Norton route is later/more consistent as well as the Norton-Bath section being later and more consistent.

Perhaps a 19:40 173 that runs omitting Binegar so it arrives at 20:47 (for instance). Then runs as a 178 20:50 to Farmborough back at 22:54 (as present), and then runs as 173 at 23:05 arriving 00.24?
 

CD

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the current 173 that leaves bath at 20:20 gets pushed back to 20:50 or possibly slightly earlier and still runs as a 173 to bridge the gap between services

The last two 173s from Bath 1920 and 2020 arrive Wells 2028 and 2128. Both have a good 7 minute connection into southbound 376s (2035 and 2135).Doubt they would want to change them. :)

53401 on 1414 375 from Wells(others 60912/69439).
69447 376 1456 from Oakfield Road.
60914/69441/48 377s.
 

THarris123

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Perhaps a 19:40 173 that runs omitting Binegar so it arrives at 20:47 (for instance). Then runs as a 178 20:50 to Farmborough back at 22:54 (as present), and then runs as 173 at 23:05 arriving 00.24?

Again what's the point? I'd like to see a 173 at about 20.10, 21.10 and 23.10 out of Bath (that's 18.40, 19.40 and 21.40) from Wells. Maybe have a 174 from Bath at 22.10 to add in an extra Shepton, whilst keeping the Bath-Norton corridor hourly. 178 should have similar timings (bus from Bristol at 20, 21, 23 something and from Bath 18, 19 and 21hrs). Farmborough and Paulton are covered by 179 (which I thought still had evening journeys).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The 375 was managing with 37 seat ALX Darts until a couple or three months ago so can't see some modern Pointer Darts being a bad move, perhaps with 43849 as the 161 car.

I'm not certain that the 54 plate B7RLEs aren't mechanically the same as others. I think it's the high backed seats that are the only difference. Perhaps someone could confirm but I thought they all had 7.1 litre Volvo engines (290 bhp) and a 6 speed ZF box? To be honest, the 54 plates are showing their age. I had 66731 on the 265 and it's clear they've been worked hard.

So think that some that are a bit newer would be welcome. Keep those for 173/4 and spares on 376 and send the surplus to augment the Streetlites on the 265 (and the competitive 267/272).

Well if 377 justifies B7s, so does 375.

I've always thought that the 54 plates were designed differently mechanically to the 55 regs. Drivers have many a time told me that the 54 regs feel more powerful and they are from my experience.

66731 still has its old X39 branding in blue as just seen on 46.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Again what's the point? I'd like to see a 173 at about 20.10, 21.10 and 23.10 out of Bath (that's 18.40, 19.40 and 21.40) from Wells. Maybe have a 174 from Bath at 22.10 to add in an extra Shepton, whilst keeping the Bath-Norton corridor hourly. 178 should have similar timings (bus from Bristol at 20, 21, 23 something and from Bath 18, 19 and 21hrs). Farmborough and Paulton are covered by 179 (which I thought still had evening journeys).

The point is that you're covering the existing pattern and providing a late journey back without increasing the resources that you need. Being realistic about it, extra journeys as you'd like to see just won't fly as a) they won't be commercial b) BaNES won't pay for services into Somerset and c) Somerset CC won't be paying for much in future.

This is a clever way of creating a later Wells service by running a late MSN south rather than returning it light to Bath.
 

THarris123

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Also seen 33959 with branding for 1 and 37325 with branding for 2.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The point is that you're covering the existing pattern and providing a late journey back without increasing the resources that you need. Being realistic about it, extra journeys as you'd like to see just won't fly as a) they won't be commercial b) BaNES won't pay for services into Somerset and c) Somerset CC won't be paying for much in future.

This is a clever way of creating a later Wells service by running a late MSN south rather than returning it light to Bath.

Still don't like it - i'd prefer to see it as a 173 to Bath and back to Wells, without heading to Farmborough which is already served by the 179 evenings.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Again what's the point? I'd like to see a 173 at about 20.10, 21.10 and 23.10 out of Bath (that's 18.40, 19.40 and 21.40) from Wells. Maybe have a 174 from Bath at 22.10 to add in an extra Shepton, whilst keeping the Bath-Norton corridor hourly. 178 should have similar timings (bus from Bristol at 20, 21, 23 something and from Bath 18, 19 and 21hrs). Farmborough and Paulton are covered by 179 (which I thought still had evening journeys).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Well if 377 justifies B7s, so does 375.

I've always thought that the 54 plates were designed differently mechanically to the 55 regs. Drivers have many a time told me that the 54 regs feel more powerful and they are from my experience.

66731 still has its old X39 branding in blue as just seen on 46.

The 375 didn't justify them 3 months ago and for the previous years. There's a difference in what it would be nice to have (I agree with you, great machines, nice on there) and what it should have in terms of £s.

I'd be surprised if the 265/267/272 isn't more lucrative?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also seen 33959 with branding for 1 and 37325 with branding for 2.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Still don't like it - i'd prefer to see it as a 173 to Bath and back to Wells, without heading to Farmborough which is already served by the 179 evenings.

Yeah but the late ones are tendered by BaNES and my suggestion would allow Wells and Chili to be served rather than Farmboro and Paulton. What you'd like would require extra resources. This way you'd get a later one from Wells and a very late from Bath
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Elsewhere in Somersetshire, 32866 is apparently being repaired after its close encounter with Taunton's station bridge - FHD forum refers.
 

THarris123

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The 375 didn't justify them 3 months ago and for the previous years. There's a difference in what it would be nice to have (I agree with you, great machines, nice on there) and what it should have in terms of £s.

I'd be surprised if the 265/267/272 isn't more lucrative?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Yeah but the late ones are tendered by BaNES and my suggestion would allow Wells and Chili to be served rather than Farmboro and Paulton. What you'd like would require extra resources. This way you'd get a later one from Wells and a very late from Bath

Ok maybe just one extra bus an hour later on 173 - that would replace a 178 and use as much (if less) resource than you suggest.

375 did justify those buses before 2014 (although it was included in 376 workings, but they wouldn't have been if they weren't justified). All I think is that 54 reg B7s should be on 375 - that's what I'm trying to suggest.

Anyway - all 59 reg B7s are based in Wells - this seems to be what First bus generally are doing - moving around buses to make the same types be at each depot (just look at Hampshire and the Tridents, etc). In my view it's a better idea to have all 59 plates based in Wells, rather than spread out everywhere - surely that's better from an operational perspective?
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Ok maybe just one extra bus an hour later on 173 - that would replace a 178 and use as much (if less) resource than you suggest.

375 did justify those buses before 2014 (although it was included in 376 workings, but they wouldn't have been if they weren't justified). All I think is that 54 reg B7s should be on 375 - that's what I'm trying to suggest.

Anyway - all 59 reg B7s are based in Wells - this seems to be what First bus generally are doing - moving around buses to make the same types be at each depot (just look at Hampshire and the Tridents, etc). In my view it's a better idea to have all 59 plates based in Wells, rather than spread out everywhere - surely that's better from an operational perspective?

I think that's what I'm saying. Extend the 2310 to Wells not running it to Paulton?

As for concentrating vehicle types, it makes sense in terms of spares but the 59 plates aren't much different from older ones. All the depots have B7RLEs - that's why I suggested the B7Ls be concentrated at two depots and having more Darts and no Solo means just 3 vehicle types at WS.

Anyhow, it's been a long day and I'm about to enjoy the gym so enough of this B7 frippery :D
 
Last edited:

THarris123

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I think that's what I'm saying. Extend the 2310 to Wells not running it to Paulton?

As for concentrating vehicle types, it makes sense in terms of spares but the 59 plates aren't much different from older ones. All the depots have B7RLEs - that's why I suggested the B7Ls be concentrated at two depots and having more Darts and no Solo means just 3 vehicle types at WS.

Anyhow, it's been a long day and I'm about to enjoy the gym so enough of this B7 frippery :D

Ah sorry it has been a long day and i've spent the day not understanding what people mean.

It's a difficult call about the vehicles - of course the best thing would be to send all the 59 plates to join the rest in Midlands (although I would prefer to see 69435/6 come back to Wells, then chuck two darts in Wells and remove the solo (dart spare for 161)).

The 59 plates would only be suitable for 231, 272 or 178/379. I really wouldn't want to be sat on one of those B7s in the peak of summer heat all the way from Bath to Salisbury. The Maxs are more than suitable for 265 and I think a few more should join them (maybe send the ex Manchester ones from Leicester).
 

ValleyLines142

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Ah sorry it has been a long day and i've spent the day not understanding what people mean.

It's a difficult call about the vehicles - of course the best thing would be to send all the 59 plates to join the rest in Midlands (although I would prefer to see 69435/6 come back to Wells, then chuck two darts in Wells and remove the solo (dart spare for 161)).

The 59 plates would only be suitable for 231, 272 or 178/379. I really wouldn't want to be sat on one of those B7s in the peak of summer heat all the way from Bath to Salisbury. The Maxs are more than suitable for 265 and I think a few more should join them (maybe send the ex Manchester ones from Leicester).

I highly doubt many people go all the way from Bath to Salisbury when the train is considerably quicker.
 

THarris123

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I highly doubt many people go all the way from Bath to Salisbury when the train is considerably quicker.

That's not quite the point i'm trying to make - the B7s are pretty horrid at the height of summer heat and on a long journey is not the best. No not many people that go from Salisbury-Bath, but there are still a few (including me once a quarter or so).
 

ValleyLines142

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That's not quite the point i'm trying to make - the B7s are pretty horrid at the height of summer heat and on a long journey is not the best. No not many people that go from Salisbury-Bath, but there are still a few (including me once a quarter or so).

They're not that bad, there are worse vehicles to be honest!
 

freetoview33

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That's not quite the point i'm trying to make - the B7s are pretty horrid at the height of summer heat and on a long journey is not the best. No not many people that go from Salisbury-Bath, but there are still a few (including me once a quarter or so).

I fully understand what you are getting, but for the poor souls that do the full trip it must be a killer!
 

matt_splat

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talk to drivers you will find the 173s are dead after Norton on the 20:00 trip and normally the 19:00 trip with a handful of people ditching the 18:50 174 and using that bus and driver to do something else to run a later trip back spaces the busses back to wells a little.

as for more 178s back from bristol in the evening parts of the route struggle during the day so trips at night are pointless with a later return on the 174 at 23:10 you'd have a service that not only serves the bath - norton section after norton you serve Shepton and Wells.

I think we might see some intresting changes in april / September for the Bath - Norton routes
 

TheGrandWazoo

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talk to drivers you will find the 173s are dead after Norton on the 20:00 trip and normally the 19:00 trip with a handful of people ditching the 18:50 174 and using that bus and driver to do something else to run a later trip back spaces the busses back to wells a little.

as for more 178s back from bristol in the evening parts of the route struggle during the day so trips at night are pointless with a later return on the 174 at 23:10 you'd have a service that not only serves the bath - norton section after norton you serve Shepton and Wells.

I think we might see some intresting changes in april / September for the Bath - Norton routes

Certainly when pounding the streets of Chilcompton and Norton on my Rocky style runs, the 173 looks pretty quiet. Probably a better idea to have a late 174 and serve Shepton.

Is your view on changes based on intel or gut feeling? The 174 should serve Chili and Norton and omit Dulcote. The 178 is weak after Paulton but not certain what you'd do with it? 173 and 379 are generally ok - the 379 really has grown over the last couple of years.

As I've said ad nauseum, I'd like to see the 179 go hourly if poss but might be wishful thinking.
 

THarris123

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Wells, Somerset
They're not that bad, there are worse vehicles to be honest!

They aren't that bad, but when you've been on them for 5 years on 376, you know what faults each one has - I can still tell what numbers some of them are without looking at the reg or fleet number. They are wonderful buses (hence why I want them to stay in Wells) and my second favourite bus (54 plates B7s are my most favourite). They just won't be fit for 265 generally - why do you think they diverted them from X39?
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I fully understand what you are getting, but for the poor souls that do the full trip it must be a killer!

You should try it one day. It's a beautiful route - i had 2 Maxs last time I did it and apart from the doors opening from time to time in the wind, was a very pleasant ride. Just imagine what that would be like on an 02 reg B7L - horrid doesn't come close.
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Certainly when pounding the streets of Chilcompton and Norton on my Rocky style runs, the 173 looks pretty quiet. Probably a better idea to have a late 174 and serve Shepton.

Is your view on changes based on intel or gut feeling? The 174 should serve Chili and Norton and omit Dulcote. The 178 is weak after Paulton but not certain what you'd do with it? 173 and 379 are generally ok - the 379 really has grown over the last couple of years.

As I've said ad nauseum, I'd like to see the 179 go hourly if poss but might be wishful thinking.

Difficult to say what the changes will be - i very much doubt 179 will go to hourly and I think every 90 mins is fine.

I would still like to see a later trip to Wells and may be 174 is a good idea. 174 isn't doing too bad lately - I was on it on Saturday twice and the loadings were about the same as 173. I can't really see them cutting back 178 - the Keynsham bit picks up a few (enough to be hourlu), so operationally it would make more sense to keep 178 as is.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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They aren't that bad, but when you've been on them for 5 years on 376, you know what faults each one has - I can still tell what numbers some of them are without looking at the reg or fleet number. They are wonderful buses (hence why I want them to stay in Wells) and my second favourite bus (54 plates B7s are my most favourite). They just won't be fit for 265 generally - why do you think they diverted them from X39?
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You should try it one day. It's a beautiful route - i had 2 Maxs last time I did it and apart from the doors opening from time to time in the wind, was a very pleasant ride. Just imagine what that would be like on an 02 reg B7L - horrid doesn't come close.
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Difficult to say what the changes will be - i very much doubt 179 will go to hourly and I think every 90 mins is fine.

I would still like to see a later trip to Wells and may be 174 is a good idea. 174 isn't doing too bad lately - I was on it on Saturday twice and the loadings were about the same as 173. I can't really see them cutting back 178 - the Keynsham bit picks up a few (enough to be hourlu), so operationally it would make more sense to keep 178 as is.

The 59 plates were diverted from the X39 because First needed to satisfy their commitments in Bristol - nothing to do with ventilation. Think Swifty has confirmed the facts before and that air con and leather seats were originally envisaged.

The 265 is a lovely route but people doing end to end are very rare. My other half is a Westbury lass and her dad/step mum still live in TrowVegas. She'd always either get the train or drive to Odd Down and P&R it. Even her folks don't use it that much thoug they enjoy the odd excursion to Salisbury with their pass. The 265 exists as a series of shorter flows not an end to end service and it's no different to the 377 in that respect (except it's busier).

As regards the Norton services, I agree about the 178 - what could change or why? The 179 is the only one with any scope and there is the new development at Paulton but I take your point - is that enough to justify it as hourly? What almost certainly will happen will be the cuts to non First services - 414 on Sat and the 776 entirely.

Noticed that First have now put flags and timetable cases on the 174; Oakhill just had a NatEx flag there before! Now if they could sort out the 267 which still has the old times posted at stops.....

EDIT: not done a B7L but some of Hatts/Bodmans vehicles that did the 24 had Urban90 seats. Ouch - I speak from experience. Best machines on there were W&Ds Laser Tigers. Never did a Citaro sadly.
 
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Private Baxter

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I think many of us were expecting 694xx to head to BH for 265, but streetlite maxes are a good option as well. Not a typical end to end service you're right (I've done it twice, though purely for fun!!) and some friends did it when having a day out in Salisbury, but agree it's not intended that way. However regarding the 59 reg B7RLEs, their main downfall is their lack of windows, and echoing what others have just said I remember sitting towards the back on one of them on a warm day in rush hour traffic heading into Radstock (from Bath) when there were no doubt roadworks on as well. Not pleasant! And this looks likely to continue.

I think 377 is more of an end to end service, though it would seem few actually use it these days. In all my years of using 377, I only ever used it south of Street once. Does it not pick up a lot down that way?

For the record, the one time I did use it was late 2009. I found myself stuck in Wincanton of all places, so took the 58 to Yeovil, which back then was in the hands of 66960, then a 377 back to Wells with one of the brand new B7RLEs.
 
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THarris123

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20 Apr 2014
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Location
Wells, Somerset
I think many of us were expecting 694xx to head to BH for 265, but streetlite maxes are a good option as well. Not a typical end to end service you're right (I've done it twice, though purely for fun!!) and some friends did it when having a day out in Salisbury, but agree it's not intended that way. However regarding the 59 reg B7RLEs, their main downfall is their lack of windows, and echoing what others have just said I remember sitting towards the back on one of them on a warm day in rush hour traffic heading into Radstock (from Bath) when there were no doubt roadworks on as well. Not pleasant! And this looks likely to continue.

I think 377 is more of an end to end service, though it would seem few actually use it these days. In all my years of using 377, I only ever used it south of Street once. Does it not pick up a lot down that way?

For the record, the one time I did use it was late 2009. I found myself stuck in Wincanton of all places, so took the 58 to Yeovil, which back then was in the hands of 66960, then a 377 back to Wells with one of the brand new B7RLEs.

Agree throughout. The numbers on 377 are usually from Wells, Street and normally a few in Somerton. From my experience, out of the people who use 377, most head into central Yeovil.
 

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