First West of England (Bristol, Bath & The West)

[TheGrandWazoo]

Now onto the 51! First do seem to have a habit of withdrawing services due to lack of demand then going back on it later on.

A good example is Wraxall, that a few years ago had it's service cut to just a few peak trips, due to lack to demand. Where in a few weeks time, it will once again have a half hourly bus service! So I am always a little bit sceptical when that is given as a reason for cutting services.

I do understand they are a business and they can't just carry around fresh air, but surly the nature of it would say a few odd off peak services would loose money, but if they can be worked off of other trips or dead trips, then that's okay. Lack of drivers is a big thing, I can understand that a lack would cost they dearly, in terms of agency drivers, overtime, cancelled services and such like.

Maybe it is time for the South Bristol network to get overhauled in a similar way to North Bristol, North Somerset and now Bath. The current routes are just useless now.

See comments above ref: depots!

There are plenty of examples (and I would suggest most of them) where First have withdrawn services and NOT reinstated them.

I'm dubious about South Bristol. The fact is that the growth in all in the North, whether it's the two universities, Southmead Hospital, new housing at Lyde Green and Filton. Redevelopment of the Frenchay site. Whereas South Bristol is not seeing growth anywhere near that.

As I said before, demographics may be a crucial factor. In the North of the city, there are areas of students and younger economically active people who will use the bus. Did you notice the average age of the 51 protesters? Not many who aren't pass holders!!

As for someone running the 51 in its current form, I think that might be a struggle. To run a 20 min service, that's four vehicles. Bit much for Abus and as for Cityfox..... Wessex could do it but it is an ask and we should remember... The 2 and 376 will still be providing 8 bph so will have the majority of the market from BroadWalk into town. Meanwhile, the 50 will also have a higher frequency on the Whitchurch to town work. A lower frequency on the 51 merely exacerbates that difference.

If I were pressed to put money on it (and being a devout Wesleyan, I couldn't bet anyway ) but a similar sort of supported timetable to the 57 would be my feeling. However, I've no evidence to substantiate that - just a feeling in my water

 

[freetoview33]

Well under metrobus there will be a 20 min service Long Ashton P&R to Hengrove Park

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Well under metrobus there will be a 20 min service Long Ashton P&R to Hengrove Park

Not certain what you mean by that? Is it that new transport links (e.g. Roads, busways etc) may stimulate growth? Well yes. However, not certain of the relevance to the 51, or am I missing your point?

 

[Class 33]

I expect the new operator of the 51(or a replacement new service which covers the current 51 route) to probably be Wessex Connect. But I wonder if maybe it could be CT Plus? As they will otherwise not be running any services in Bristol from September 4th. Would the 51 route be suitable for Bendi buses?

 

[freetoview33]

Not certain what you mean by that? Is it that new transport links (e.g. Roads, busways etc) may stimulate growth? Well yes. However, not certain of the relevance to the 51, or am I missing your point?

Well I can't see that being able to handle a 20 mins frequency. But the SBLR might change things. I can see it all changing next year though, across South Bristol.

A few bits I really don't understand though! Metrobus will be single deckers ONLY! Ashton Vale it self will still be served like it is today, as access won't be greatly improved and as said before the 24 can only be Single operated.

So there will still have to be the 75/76/90 because metrobus won't be able to take all the passengers. But it could see the 75/76 split as the Northern section will still require a high frequency but the Southern Bit maybe not as metrobus will take a few passengers.

As said the whole South Bristol network needs overhauling. But that is much easier said than done! When Metrobus does start the 52 (What's left on it, will have to be rerouted, as Highridge Green will be closed off)

 

[carlberry]

I expect the new operator of the 51(or a replacement new service which covers the current 51 route) to probably be Wessex Connect. But I wonder if maybe it could be CT Plus? As they will otherwise not be running any services in Bristol from September 4th. Would the 51 route be suitable for Bendi buses?

I dont know what else CT Plus do in Bristol (The Southmead contracts have ended I believe), however I suspect the bendis will depart within a few days of the end of the contract. I cant see anybody else wanting them as nobody wants the lower mileage ones that are available elsewhere.
Currently CT Plus has various darts and more exotic single deckers covering for failed bendis so those would be available for any other ventures. Otherwise CT Plus (Bristol) will go the way of Kings Ferry (Bristol).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I know it is a few weeks away but does anyone know what operators are supplying vehicles for rail replacement services during the Severn Tunnel closure?

I would have assumed it'll be First for the GWR cover. I dont know if anybody in First is expecting a load of deckers that can be borrowed short term.

Otherwise theres a few Excels at Muller Road and a lot of spare FTRs around the place now!

 

[CD]

Trident 33380 1114 54 from Taunton, 1235 77, 1419 55.
First opportunity I`ve had to sample a Trident on 77 to Wells.
No problem with the trees around Kingsdon.

 

[ValleyLines142]

I only answered two posts. One was one about the Colston Street fire which I answered with details of the closure during the fire and another was a subsequent post about Colston Street which somebody answered with 'Well it was closed at least from 3 to 7', but subsequently has said the 'it' he was refering to was Broadmead so I dont think it's me that's confused!

It doesn't matter, I think we've all got the jist anyway!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

See comments above ref: depots!

There are plenty of examples (and I would suggest most of them) where First have withdrawn services and NOT reinstated them.

I'm dubious about South Bristol. The fact is that the growth in all in the North, whether it's the two universities, Southmead Hospital, new housing at Lyde Green and Filton. Redevelopment of the Frenchay site. Whereas South Bristol is not seeing growth anywhere near that.

As I said before, demographics may be a crucial factor. In the North of the city, there are areas of students and younger economically active people who will use the bus. Did you notice the average age of the 51 protesters? Not many who aren't pass holders!!

As for someone running the 51 in its current form, I think that might be a struggle. To run a 20 min service, that's four vehicles. Bit much for Abus and as for Cityfox..... Wessex could do it but it is an ask and we should remember... The 2 and 376 will still be providing 8 bph so will have the majority of the market from BroadWalk into town. Meanwhile, the 50 will also have a higher frequency on the Whitchurch to town work. A lower frequency on the 51 merely exacerbates that difference.

If I were pressed to put money on it (and being a devout Wesleyan, I couldn't bet anyway ) but a similar sort of supported timetable to the 57 would be my feeling. However, I've no evidence to substantiate that - just a feeling in my water

Agree re South Bristol. The north is where it is all happening.

 

[THarris123]

33381 just come into Wells NIS, assuming it will be 8.19 55

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I dont know what else CT Plus do in Bristol (The Southmead contracts have ended I believe), however I suspect the bendis will depart within a few days of the end of the contract. I cant see anybody else wanting them as nobody wants the lower mileage ones that are available elsewhere.
Currently CT Plus has various darts and more exotic single deckers covering for failed bendis so those would be available for any other ventures. Otherwise CT Plus (Bristol) will go the way of Kings Ferry (Bristol).

I'm in agreement. The current CT Plus bendis are unlikely to survive and suspect they'll be chopped up quickly as newer ones are still available at knock down prices. As for using them on the 51, they're very heavy on fuel so just can't see it. Also, CT Plus tend to go for closed contracts rather than standard commercial or tendered work so I suggest we will see the end of them in Bristol.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well I can't see that being able to handle a 20 mins frequency. But the SBLR might change things. I can see it all changing next year though, across South Bristol.

A few bits I really don't understand though! Metrobus will be single deckers ONLY! Ashton Vale it self will still be served like it is today, as access won't be greatly improved and as said before the 24 can only be Single operated.

So there will still have to be the 75/76/90 because metrobus won't be able to take all the passengers. But it could see the 75/76 split as the Northern section will still require a high frequency but the Southern Bit maybe not as metrobus will take a few passengers.

As said the whole South Bristol network needs overhauling. But that is much easier said than done! When Metrobus does start the 52 (What's left on it, will have to be rerouted, as Highridge Green will be closed off)

I'd venture that the 90 will be much reduced with Metrobus and the disappearance of the 52. I don't see much else within South Bristol for the reasons I gave earlier. North Bristol is where it's at and where the change will be

 

[THarris123]

Picture of 32075 on Steve Whites page now, looks quite nice. 32083 has been done too and 32069 has moved. They also have USB and the seats have been redone.

Wonder what ones are left to do? Maybe we'll see a batch of new vehicles for U5/6 next year?

 

[the101]

Three Manchester E400s seen on the southbound M6 in Cheshire this morning... possibly on their way to Bristol or the SW?

 

[Class 33]

I must get one more full journey on the X74 before it's axed in just over 2 weeks. Been a few months or so since I last had a journey on this service, and that was just between Filton McDonalds and Centre. Anyway, must get one more full journey on the X74 in either direction between Bradley Stoke and Centre. Not long left atall now before it's gone! Possibly might do the final ever X74 service, the 2125 Bradley Stoke-Centre on Saturday 3rd September. I expect though this, the final ever X74 service will be fully booked up! And there'll be a few hundred people at both Bradley Stoke Willow Brook Centre and Centre Rupert Street watching, taking photos and filming footage of this final ever X74 service. Expect there'll be news crews from BBC, ITV, and Sky News at these locations too. Upon arrival of this service in Centre Rupert Street at approximately 2159 on Saturday 3rd September, the X74 service in Bristol will be sadly consigned to the history books.

 

[Private Baxter]

Picture of 32075 on Steve Whites page now, looks quite nice. 32083 has been done too and 32069 has moved. They also have USB and the seats have been redone.

Wonder what ones are left to do? Maybe we'll see a batch of new vehicles for U5/6 next year?

On the whole, U5/15/SPA1/418 or whatever you want to call it doesn't benefit from New kit in the same way perhaps as U1/18 has. Rather it gets second hand stuff yet fully refurbished. That said I think 10174-9 probably did work BUS routes when new, but can't be sure.

Three Manchester E400s seen on the southbound M6 in Cheshire this morning... possibly on their way to Bristol or the SW?

Who knows. Possibly for the X3/Dr in Weston?

I must get one more full journey on the X74 before it's axed in just over 2 weeks. Been a few months or so since I last had a journey on this service, and that was just between Filton McDonalds and Centre. Anyway, must get one more full journey on the X74 in either direction between Bradley Stoke and Centre. Not long left atall now before it's gone! Possibly might do the final ever X74 service, the 2125 Bradley Stoke-Centre on Saturday 3rd September. I expect though this, the final ever X74 service will be fully booked up! And there'll be a few hundred people at both Bradley Stoke Willow Brook Centre and Centre Rupert Street watching, taking photos and filming footage of this final ever X74 service. Expect there'll be news crews from BBC, ITV, and Sky News at these locations too. Upon arrival of this service in Centre Rupert Street at approximately 2159 on Saturday 3rd September, the X74 service in Bristol will be sadly consigned to the history books.

CNN are expected too, with round the clock coverage. It's only been running about two years hasn't it?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Picture of 32075 on Steve Whites page now, looks quite nice. 32083 has been done too and 32069 has moved. They also have USB and the seats have been redone.

Wonder what ones are left to do? Maybe we'll see a batch of new vehicles for U5/6 next year?

As I said before, I'd expect that given the work being done on these, they'll be kept for 2 to 3 years, a cosmetic refurb and then put the dateless plates on them.

I did also say that I'd expect the 5 ex Leicester ones at BH to be done (of which two have now been treated) plus 3 others rather than a nice neat batch

However, I doubt that the U5/U6 will receive new vehicles. It is nowhere near the strength of service that the U1 is.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I must get one more full journey on the X74 before it's axed in just over 2 weeks. Been a few months or so since I last had a journey on this service, and that was just between Filton McDonalds and Centre. Anyway, must get one more full journey on the X74 in either direction between Bradley Stoke and Centre. Not long left atall now before it's gone! Possibly might do the final ever X74 service, the 2125 Bradley Stoke-Centre on Saturday 3rd September. I expect though this, the final ever X74 service will be fully booked up! And there'll be a few hundred people at both Bradley Stoke Willow Brook Centre and Centre Rupert Street watching, taking photos and filming footage of this final ever X74 service. Expect there'll be news crews from BBC, ITV, and Sky News at these locations too. Upon arrival of this service in Centre Rupert Street at approximately 2159 on Saturday 3rd September, the X74 service in Bristol will be sadly consigned to the history books.

Naturally, I'm sure they'll be crowds.... best let the Samaritans know to have increased coverage for distraught X74 passengers.

In all seriousness, the X74 being cut is no surprise at all. They gave it two years to succeed and the loadings from Bradley Stoke have remained resolutely low.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

On the whole, U5/15/SPA1/418 or whatever you want to call it doesn't benefit from New kit in the same way perhaps as U1/18 has. Rather it gets second hand stuff yet fully refurbished. That said I think 10174-9 probably did work BUS routes when new, but can't be sure.

Who knows. Possibly for the X3/Dr in Weston?

CNN are expected too, with round the clock coverage. It's only been running about two years hasn't it?

The bendis did work the 18/418 from new IIRC, and so the U1 makes sense in getting new fleet.

I thought the U5/U6 might get slightly newer fleet (viz 32281 etc) but new fleet..... Nah!

 

[CD]

BoS Enviro 300 67600 is now in BoS green livery.

 

[Private Baxter]

The bendis did work the 18/418 from new IIRC, and so the U1 makes sense in getting new fleet.

I thought the U5/U6 might get slightly newer fleet (viz 32281 etc) but new fleet..... Nah!

Yes, as nice, and indeed vintage as those buses look, it is a slightly backward step and I'm sure it could do with something newer but hey ho! In fact the age profile of the BSU fleet has been getting older over the years. After the bendies were displaced in 2012, the 15 was worked by 55 reg B7RLEs (66937-45/53), then it got the 53 reg ex London deckers, now 51 reg ex Leicester deckers! That said, I don't really see a problem. The 418 iirc was a service linking both unis.

 

[Whiteway215]

The TheatreBath are appealing for funds to purchase a '13 metre Volvo B10 Wright Renown bus' which they hope to convert into a 'mobile performance space.' They state that Simon Munden would do the conversion from the normal bus layout.
Any clues as to the identity of this vehicle?

 

[THarris123]

Three Manchester E400s seen on the southbound M6 in Cheshire this morning... possibly on their way to Bristol or the SW?

Probably heading to Hengrove. That should then displace 3 E400s to Weston, which I think will move some 54 B7s to Wells so the 59 B7s can start to be refurbished.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
69440 on 376
33377 on 55
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Well the main reason I think they'll put new fleet on U5/6 is due to the 51 plates receiving new cloth, rather than leather on the seats. If they were sticking around for a while, why didn't they put leather on the seats like they do with all the other refurbed vehicles? 32001/2/3/6/7/14/15 didn't receive leather treatment and although they are staying in service from next year, they've been replaced by new fleet this year. Time will tell. They will definitely be there for 1 year, maybe two, but I can't see them lasting any longer. Also got to remember that next year they will be some of the oldest vehicles in the First fleet.

 

[swifty]

Well the main reason I think they'll put new fleet on U5/6 is due to the 51 plates receiving new cloth, rather than leather on the seats. .

So now we've moved on from predicting cascades/allocations by age/fleet number/livery/registration order to seat cushion material?

AFAIK most other opcos are refurbing much newer stock with fabric rather than e-leather. There will be a business case behind the refurbishment and then any rise in ridership etc can be put forward in another business case for new stock.

 

[Whiteway215]

Probably heading to Hengrove. That should then displace 3 E400s to Weston, which I think will move some 54 B7s to Wells so the 59 B7s can start to be refurbished.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
69440 on 376
33377 on 55
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Well the main reason I think they'll put new fleet on U5/6 is due to the 51 plates receiving new cloth, rather than leather on the seats. If they were sticking around for a while, why didn't they put leather on the seats like they do with all the other refurbed vehicles? 32001/2/3/6/7/14/15 didn't receive leather treatment and although they are staying in service from next year, they've been replaced by new fleet this year. Time will tell. They will definitely be there for 1 year, maybe two, but I can't see them lasting any longer. Also got to remember that next year they will be some of the oldest vehicles in the First fleet.

Are you correct in saying 32001/2/3/6/7/14/15 are staying in service from next year? Steve White includes them in a list of buses to be replaced by end of year. Surely they are non DDA?

 

[THarris123]

Trying to work out the allocation in Bath from Sept:-
Deckers:
U5 - 32069/75/76/83/96/99
U1 - New E400s & Bendies
21/31/41 - 39005/E400s
X39 - 37757-68
37/38 - 37358/37769/70/32353/54
19 - 32281-5/32349 and ? - needs another vehicle
What spare deckers will there be? Maybe 32350-2 will head back to Bath?

Singles:
1 - 42895/7/9/900/2/3
2 - 53806
3 - 44520-6/44913/4/5
4 - 42904/5/6/7/9/10/15/16/25
5 - 47544-9
6/7 - 53807/8/9
8 - 53810/1/2
171 - 47550
179 - 53813/4
265/267/272 - 63068-78/66881-6
U2 - 53814/5/6
U6 - 66992

Then 42939/68, 53818/9/20, 65724-6, 66993, 69253 and 57000 will all be spare
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

So now we've moved on from predicting cascades/allocations by age/fleet number/livery/registration order to seat cushion material?

AFAIK most other opcos are refurbing much newer stock with fabric rather than e-leather. There will be a business case behind the refurbishment and then any rise in ridership etc can be put forward in another business case for new stock.

This is very true. If the numbers do rise, then, yes, new fleet will be on order. I can see them being replaced by something newer next year or year after anyway.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Are you correct in saying 32001/2/3/6/7/14/15 are staying in service from next year? Steve White includes them in a list of buses to be replaced by end of year. Surely they are non DDA?

Steve White states they are non-DDA compliant. 32003 and 32006 are staying at Weston and I'm told they may be converted to open top, but certainly will be modified for DDA. Another vehicle from Bath (either 32007/14/15) will be heading down to Weston to act as a spare for 20 next year, so that will be modified too. They are currently looking at keeping two ALXs back in Bath for extra work on U1 if required, so they will be modified for DDA too.

Whether 32001 and 32002 will be modified I don't know. They may very likely be withdrawn (so yes I was wrong on that).

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Trying to work out the allocation in Bath from Sept:-
Deckers:
U5 - 32069/75/76/83/96/99
U1 - New E400s & Bendies
21/31/41 - 39005/E400s
X39 - 37757-68
37/38 - 37358/37769/70/32353/54
19 - 32281-5/32349 and ? - needs another vehicle
What spare deckers will there be? Maybe 32350-2 will head back to Bath?

Singles:
1 - 42895/7/9/900/2/3
2 - 53806
3 - 44520-6/44913/4/5
4 - 42904/5/6/7/9/10/15/16/25
5 - 47544-9
6/7 - 53807/8/9
8 - 53810/1/2
171 - 47550
179 - 53813/4
265/267/272 - 63068-78/66881-6
U2 - 53814/5/6
U6 - 66992

Then 42939/68, 53818/9/20, 65724-6, 66993, 69253 and 57000 will all be spare
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


This is very true. If the numbers do rise, then, yes, new fleet will be on order. I can see them being replaced by something newer next year or year after anyway.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Steve White states they are non-DDA compliant. 32003 and 32006 are staying at Weston and I'm told they may be converted to open top, but certainly will be modified for DDA. Another vehicle from Bath (either 32007/14/15) will be heading down to Weston to act as a spare for 20 next year, so that will be modified too. They are currently looking at keeping two ALXs back in Bath for extra work on U1 if required, so they will be modified for DDA too.

Whether 32001 and 32002 will be modified I don't know. They may very likely be withdrawn (so yes I was wrong on that).

You think too much - I don't think you're gonna see Solos on the U2 let alone specific vehicles allocated to routes. I know you're intrigued and enthusiastic but perhaps it needs tempering?

As for the U1 and U5/6, I think you're reading a bit much into things. The U1 is getting the new e400mmc and the B7LAs are relegated to peak hour cover. Hence why some were upgraded to PSVAR compliance and refurbed last year. Meanwhile, the B7TLs were only repainted with no other work done as they were only a one year deal.

The fact that the U5/6 ex Leicester B7TLs are being refurbished indicates that they are staying longer than that. Also, and what with you being an accountant you would surely agree, that the capital spend on such refurbishments would be most likely spread over time?

Also, the BSU is much smaller and year round trade a lot lower (reflects fewer post grads and overseas students???) so you're not going to support new fleet. Hence why they're putting what is essentially fully depreciated fleet on there knowing it's dead for weeks at a time.

Some of the Olympia W-PAE B7TLs were refurbed on repaint and they may be a better bet to get converted to open top.

 

[THarris123]

You think too much - I don't think you're gonna see Solos on the U2 let alone specific vehicles allocated to routes. I know you're intrigued and enthusiastic but perhaps it needs tempering?

As for the U1 and U5/6, I think you're reading a bit much into things. The U1 is getting the new e400mmc and the B7LAs are relegated to peak hour cover. Hence why some were upgraded to PSVAR compliance and refurbed last year. Meanwhile, the B7TLs were only repainted with no other work done as they were only a one year deal.

The fact that the U5/6 ex Leicester B7TLs are being refurbished indicates that they are staying longer than that. Also, and what with you being an accountant you would surely agree, that the capital spend on such refurbishments would be most likely spread over time?

Also, the BSU is much smaller and year round trade a lot lower (reflects fewer post grads and overseas students???) so you're not going to support new fleet. Hence why they're putting what is essentially fully depreciated fleet on there knowing it's dead for weeks at a time.

Some of the Olympia W-PAE B7TLs were refurbed on repaint and they may be a better bet to get converted to open top.

I think too much - I didn't write an essay on 51

We'll see what happens next year.

I don't know what's going to be used on U2. If solos aren't used, then it means we'll very likely see some head off out our area - maybe to Kernow? Could be B7s?
The main thing I was trying to point out though is that Bath will be short of deckers, unless something is moved in from Bristol - the most likely thing that I think will move in is 32350-2 and 37771/2, which might be replaced by new fleet at LH?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I think too much - I didn't write an essay on 51

We'll see what happens next year.

I don't know what's going to be used on U2. If solos aren't used, then it means we'll very likely see some head off out our area - maybe to Kernow? Could be B7s?
The main thing I was trying to point out though is that Bath will be short of deckers, unless something is moved in from Bristol - the most likely thing that I think will move in is 32350-2 and 37771/2, which might be replaced by new fleet at LH?

No, you wrote an essay and a new thread on how First/BoS had got it wrong on Wells and that Webberbus were getting it right....

You're unlikely to have brand new buses on the U5 knowing that when the uni is outside term times, you're going to have all but 2 brand new vehicles spare? that's why they're putting old kit on there, I might suggest.

As for deckers, the U5/6 will have its own fleet, so will the X39. Therefore, it's 7 for the 19 and probably another 6 on the 37/38? So 37358, 32281-5 and then whatever else though I'm guessing at B7TLs.

 

[THarris123]

No, you wrote an essay and a new thread on how First/BoS had got it wrong on Wells and that Webberbus were getting it right....

You're unlikely to have brand new buses on the U5 knowing that when the uni is outside term times, you're going to have all but 2 brand new vehicles spare? that's why they're putting old kit on there, I might suggest.

As for deckers, the U5/6 will have its own fleet, so will the X39. Therefore, it's 7 for the 19 and probably another 6 on the 37/38? So 37358, 32281-5 and then whatever else though I'm guessing at B7TLs.

Please quote me where I said that Webberbus were getting it right.

So if knowing that they will have 4 spare vehicles during holidays why are they branding and repainting them?

I do understand what you and everybody else is saying regarding U5. If anything that BoS proved, having very depreciated vehicles is more economical on services which aren't doing the best, but this is a University service and quite a popular one too - they have no competitors. If you've used the 15 during term time at peak, you'll know how busy it gets. It does drop a bit during the day and it has no where near the same amount as U1, but it does deserve something a bit newer than 51 plate ALXs. The ALXs are very nice and I'm sure the refurb will suit them really well. They are definitely going to last til next September on U5 and they may well be longer, but I can see something newer going on that service sooner or later. The numbers are good enough for newer fleet (during term times). I walked past a 15 each morning and evening along Lower Bristol Road and can tell you that they do get busy.

Do we know what actually can be used on U2? Can B7s be used?

 

[Whiteway215]

Re Solos on the U2. When Wessex ran the U10 I have seen some trips passing through the Claverton Down area from the Uni with so many standing passengers on the single decker, some were right up against the driver's cab door. I don't think Solos would be very popular on such journeys!

Will there still be a Wessex U10 or has it been cancelled?

 

[THarris123]

Re Solos on the U2. When Wessex ran the U10 I have seen some trips passing through the Claverton Down area from the Uni with so many standing passengers on the single decker, some were right up against the driver's cab door. I don't think Solos would be very popular on such journeys!

Will there still be a Wessex U10 or has it been cancelled?

U10 has been partially replaced by 17.

Sorry didn't realise how busy U10 gets - never really seen it much, so yes I would assume B7s will be for U2. Or maybe the Scanias? 65725 still needs repainting and 65724 might be repainted when it comes back to life.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Please quote me where I said that Webberbus were getting it right.

So if knowing that they will have 4 spare vehicles during holidays why are they branding and repainting them?

I do understand what you and everybody else is saying regarding U5. If anything that BoS proved, having very depreciated vehicles is more economical on services which aren't doing the best, but this is a University service and quite a popular one too - they have no competitors. If you've used the 15 during term time at peak, you'll know how busy it gets. It does drop a bit during the day and it has no where near the same amount as U1, but it does deserve something a bit newer than 51 plate ALXs. The ALXs are very nice and I'm sure the refurb will suit them really well. They are definitely going to last til next September on U5 and they may well be longer, but I can see something newer going on that service sooner or later. The numbers are good enough for newer fleet (during term times). I walked past a 15 each morning and evening along Lower Bristol Road and can tell you that they do get busy.

Do we know what actually can be used on U2? Can B7s be used?

You asked "I'm really beginning to lose faith in First and they are forgetting about who are most vital to them in comparison to Webberbus - commuters and the young and their drivers." and "I'm sure to get a bit of backlash on this, but it is not a viable solution to do what First are doing in May to combat Webbers."

Or what about

"Well why do I hate Webberbus?
1. Their stupid non structures fare system
2. Their way in which they run most of their services to mirror the BoS services
3. Their ability to be able to afford new buses
4. Some financial stability - caused by their school contracts and private work which helps fund everything
5. Their drivers
6. Probably the most significant factor - how they operate their services only near enough 9-17, without considering commuters or the young"

Points 3 and 4 make for interesting reading in hindsight

Back onto the actual topic. The fact that they'll have fully depreciated fleet means that they can afford to stand them up during the uni holidays, branded or otherwise. Given JFs background, he thinks branding makes sense. Not so easy with brand new fleet - that's why they've put old fleet on there. It's why they did it with the U1 spares

I'd expect the U2 to be 66992/3 plus another B7RLE

 

[freetoview33]

As U10 and X18 are going, and Wessex having the 17 in Bath the PVR has gone up from 4 to 5! So Wessex ain't letting First win as easily!