Berry’s Coaches

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I went to Devon at the weekend and I was looking for a reasonably priced way of getting from London to there as it was a last minute trip and I didn’t have a lot of money. I saw that a company called Berry’s Coaches ran a service from Hammersmith to Tiverton which was where I was going. It seemed good that you could book the seats at the front for just £1 extra, so booked it. It was £34 from London to Tiverton and back on their SF1 service, and that was going out on a Friday afternoon and back a Monday morning. This seemed like amazingly good value for money when you compare a train that without a railcard was coming in at no less than £97 for two advance singles (one each way). A more flexible super off peak return was only £99!

I got to Hammersmith which was to be honest ok. The shops seemed alright but the waiting area was very very basic for a bus station. You could tell this was cheaper for Berry’s to use than Victoria would be. Overall could’ve been better, but I’ve seen worse.

Expecting one of these SuperFast double deck coaches to turn up I was disappointed to find it had been swapped for a standard coach - this was WA15BVL. Now I knew going into this that could happen as it was quite clear in the terms and conditions, and to be honest the view at the front was still ok. It was more of a personal disappointment than something of a frustration.

The train averages around 2 hours from Paddington to Tiverton Parkway. Of course you would need to find an alternative way to get to Tiverton town. That would be either the really infrequent 373 bus, a taxi or if you’re lucky that you have access to a car. I was on holiday so I didn’t have the latter. This ‘SuperFast’ coach takes no less than 4hrs 15 mins so if time is critical to you really have no choice but to get the train. Interestingly the bus stop sign at Tiverton Parkway station had a Megabus sign so I wonder if at one time this SF1 service did serve there? For those that don’t know Megabus has a partnership with Berry’s on this service.

We were over an hour late getting into Tiverton on the Friday as the queue of traffic on the M5 at Bristol was never ending. This to be honest wasn’t ideal as I didn’t have much time in Devon and to lose even an hour was quite annoying, but these things happen. The coach was so overdue the driver had to swap early as the time on the tachograph was just about up. I thought the stop in Wellington was a tad random. The coach reverses into a bay at the ASDA store before unloading and then driving onto the next stop.

On the return on the Monday a very small coach turned up at Tiverton bus station, this was BN63MBU. This was a fully manual coach which really surprised me given its age. It didn’t seem to change gear very well either. We were given this coach to travel as far as Taunton/Norton Fitzwarren where we would swap to our actual coach to London as the other coach wasn’t available from Tiverton. I’m not sure why this was the case. The manual coach seemed ok for the hour I was on it. The second coach was one of these double deck ones - this was WJ65ELH. Finally, a bit of luck! I had been hoping for the Panorama they have in their fleet but I knew my chances were always slim and to no surprise it wasn’t my lucky day on either occasion.

Each coach is supposed to have an attendant on it for safety and to offer a drinks/snacks service. However I only got this on the outbound journey. The first coach on the return just had the one driver and the second had two drivers but no service was offered due to attendant being off sick.

We were delayed by 15 minutes due to the swap and a small issue at Bridgwater along with some roadworks. Once we were on the non stop section to London we flew along and ended up arriving into London just the 1 minute late, a much better punctuality performance.

My biggest concern was every windscreen on the three vehicles I travelled on had a large crack in them; most over a rulers length, some going the full vertical length of the screen and one was even coming from multiple directions. This seemed potentially very dangerous and was something I was far from impressed by. The seats were uncomfortable and the recline didn’t work very well either. For this alone I would avoid travelling with Berry’s as their safety standards seemed to be very negligent.

So overall would I try it again? No. I wasn’t impressed by the standards of the fleet at all. Keeping to punctuality is inevitably going to be a problem on these roads and so if time is tight, get a train. The price really is the only thing that sells this for myself. I guess if you live in one of the places it serves it would be a benefit too. To call it ‘SuperFast’ seems a tad tongue and cheek, but maybe I’m expecting too much. I’m just trying to compare this to the train and the ‘SuperFast’ part I think is really to define it as faster than National Express, which it is. I’m amazed Wellington doesn’t have a station yet but to no surprise it seems like this is being worked on as a future project.

Next time I’ll save up and get the GWR Pullman I think.

Would be interesting to see what others think of the service if they have used Berry’s before?

 

[philthetube]

Were there many passengers on board?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Were there many passengers on board?

London to Tiverton the single deck coach was pretty much full as far as Bridgwater. Tiverton to London was very quiet the whole way.

 

[M803UYA]

I went to Devon at the weekend and I was looking for a reasonably priced way of getting from London to there as it was a last minute trip and I didn’t have a lot of money. I saw that a company called Berry’s Coaches ran a service from Hammersmith to Tiverton which was where I was going. It seemed good that you could book the seats at the front for just £1 extra, so booked it. It was £34 from London to Tiverton and back on their SF1 service, and that was going out on a Friday afternoon and back a Monday morning. This seemed like amazingly good value for money when you compare a train that without a railcard was coming in at no less than £97 for two advance singles (one each way). A more flexible super off peak return was only £99!

I got to Hammersmith which was to be honest ok. The shops seemed alright but the waiting area was very very basic for a bus station. You could tell this was cheaper for Berry’s to use than Victoria would be. Overall could’ve been better, but I’ve seen worse.

Expecting one of these SuperFast double deck coaches to turn up I was disappointed to find it had been swapped for a standard coach - this was WA15BVL. Now I knew going into this that could happen as it was quite clear in the terms and conditions, and to be honest the view at the front was still ok. It was more of a personal disappointment than something of a frustration.

The train averages around 2 hours from Paddington to Tiverton Parkway. Of course you would need to find an alternative way to get to Tiverton town. That would be either the really infrequent 373 bus, a taxi or if you’re lucky that you have access to a car. I was on holiday so I didn’t have the latter. This ‘SuperFast’ coach takes no less than 4hrs 15 mins so if time is critical to you really have no choice but to get the train. Interestingly the bus stop sign at Tiverton Parkway station had a Megabus sign so I wonder if at one time this SF1 service did serve there? For those that don’t know Megabus has a partnership with Berry’s on this service.

We were over an hour late getting into Tiverton on the Friday as the queue of traffic on the M5 at Bristol was never ending. This to be honest wasn’t ideal as I didn’t have much time in Devon and to lose even an hour was quite annoying, but these things happen. The coach was so overdue the driver had to swap early as the time on the tachograph was just about up. I thought the stop in Wellington was a tad random. The coach reverses into a bay at the ASDA store before unloading and then driving onto the next stop.

On the return on the Monday a very small coach turned up at Tiverton bus station, this was BN63MBU. This was a fully manual coach which really surprised me given its age. It didn’t seem to change gear very well either. We were given this coach to travel as far as Taunton/Norton Fitzwarren where we would swap to our actual coach to London as the other coach wasn’t available from Tiverton. I’m not sure why this was the case. The manual coach seemed ok for the hour I was on it. The second coach was one of these double deck ones - this was WJ65ELH. Finally, a bit of luck! I had been hoping for the Panorama they have in their fleet but I knew my chances were always slim and to no surprise it wasn’t my lucky day on either occasion.

Each coach is supposed to have an attendant on it for safety and to offer a drinks/snacks service. However I only got this on the outbound journey. The first coach on the return just had the one driver and the second had two drivers but no service was offered due to attendant being off sick.

We were delayed by 15 minutes due to the swap and a small issue at Bridgwater along with some roadworks. Once we were on the non stop section to London we flew along and ended up arriving into London just the 1 minute late, a much better punctuality performance.

My biggest concern was every windscreen on the three vehicles I travelled on had a large crack in them; most over a rulers length, some going the full vertical length of the screen and one was even coming from multiple directions. This seemed potentially very dangerous and was something I was far from impressed by. The seats were uncomfortable and the recline didn’t work very well either. For this alone I would avoid travelling with Berry’s as their safety standards seemed to be very negligent.

So overall would I try it again? No. I wasn’t impressed by the standards of the fleet at all. Keeping to punctuality is inevitably going to be a problem on these roads and so if time is tight, get a train. The price really is the only thing that sells this for myself. I guess if you live in one of the places it serves it would be a benefit too. To call it ‘SuperFast’ seems a tad tongue and cheek, but maybe I’m expecting too much. I’m just trying to compare this to the train and the ‘SuperFast’ part I think is really to define it as faster than National Express, which it is. I’m amazed Wellington doesn’t have a station yet but to no surprise it seems like this is being worked on as a future project.

Next time I’ll save up and get the GWR Pullman I think.

Would be interesting to see what others think of the service if they have used Berry’s before?

Your experiences mirror mine spent driving for them on this very service. This is a company who, when they were going to have to pay part of the furlough payments opted instead to dismiss all drivers with less than 2 years service, rather than pay a little to retain their staff. The people who own the company are very wealthy through their property investments. The cost of so doing wouldn't have hurt their pile of cash.

Their reputation precedes them locally and they're not regarded as a decent employer - just check out the indeed reviews. That is down to the management of the operation.

Most of the drivers are together and will help each other out.

On Superfast 1 the Tiverton to Taunton section is provided by a feeder vehicle as you describe. On Superfast 2, the coach is fed to Ilminster. This is to comply with EU drivers hours regulations as delays en route will cause a driver to exceed the 4hours 30 minutes maximum driving time. I have had instances where despite having a feeder coach and starting from Taunton, delays caused me to exceed the driving time. So not an 'isolated problem' as the company might say but one they regularly load onto drivers. I'll leave you to guess what a driver confronted with this will do in the situation. Does the company care? No, drivers are just bums on the seat to be dispensed with as required.

All Sunday/Bank Holiday pm journeys were double manned as it was a regular instance that traffic held up the vehicles.

If better paying work is available for the double decker coaches they'll be hoiked off superfast and a standard coach deployed. It is rare for the double decks to be fully loaded, compared with my earlier experiences as a passenger.

Even a few years back, the heyday of this service has long since passed and whilst it is a survivor, I'm amazed it's continued. Someone like National Express would want to take it on and provide them an exit from this sort of operation - but what are they buying now?

Regardless of how long the run takes, crews working superfast are paid a standard rate of pay - highest in the company but still little above minimum wage for all the responsibility.

 

[route101]

I thought Berry's were selling tickets on flixbus too.

 

[embers25]

The Berrys coaches that run Flix are awful despite being new and are usually late and the drivers always complain about Berrys on changeover in Taunton which delays the coach every time too in my experience.

 

[Titfield]

May I bring to your attention:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-a-lorry-bus-or-coach-driver-or-company

"How to report a driver or their company to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think they're breaking safety rules."

 

[Edsmith]

One of the reviews on trustpilot also mentions a cracked windscreen.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

One of the reviews on trustpilot also mentions a cracked windscreen.

That doesn’t surprise me at all. To be honest the theme I was seeing would lead me to believe you’d be doing well to find a windscreen without a crack.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Berrys are removing Tiverton from their Superfast 1 route later this month. The following has been published on their website:

LONDON SUPERFAST TO WITHDRAW FROM TIVERTON​

Berrys Coaches wish to provide advance notice that the London Superfast SF1 will no longer pick up and drop off in Tiverton from the 12th January 2023.

Following a review of our London Superfast services, the decision has been reluctantly made to remove Tiverton from SF1. From 12th January customers will still be able to board the coach at Wellington, Taunton, North Petherton or Bridgwater. Customers wishing to travel to or from Tiverton up to and inclusive of 11th January are still able to do so.

All affected customers are currently being notified and have the option of starting their journey from Wellington or a full refund will be issued.

Managing Director Stuart Berry commented, “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this decision may cause our customers within the local area. Regrettably, and particularly since the pandemic, the numbers using the Tiverton stop have reduced and this, combined with other factors has meant we have taken the decision we have. We may revisit this in the future depending upon demand.”

London Superfast: Tiverton | Berrys Coaches | West Country Coaches | Direct To & From London | Day Tours

Tiverton to be withdrawn form London Superfast.

www.berryscoaches.co.uk

 

[johncrossley]

Berry's must be doing something right if they are running one of the very few independent long distance coach services in the country, and have done for many years. Most other places only have National Express and/or Megabus and/or Flixbus.

 

[M803UYA]

Berry's must be doing something right if they are running one of the very few independent long distance coach services in the country, and have done for many years. Most other places only have National Express and/or Megabus and/or Flixbus.

The service had (or still has) a lot of walk up traffic from the Somerset end. It's not too well known about from the London end of the route, but it's USP is linking lots of rail-less areas to London such as Wellington, North Petherton, Ilminster, South Petherton, Yeovil, Ilchester, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Warminster and Wincanton. In the case of Bridgwater, the station is distant from the town centre and the rail journey to London requires a change at Bristol or Taunton, whereas Berrys run direct with a comparable journey time to rail for a fraction of the price.

The Tiverton leg requires additional driver resource and when I worked for them was operated as a feeder from Taunton where the service coach would be met. It was normal to use an MPV on the feeder given how lightly loaded that section of route was. It was rare to go as far as Tiverton, often you could do the last drop at Wellington and return to depot.

There did use to be a minibus for the feeder service but that was disposed of last year. In the summer months when the M5 was bad, you'd be meeting the coach en route at the point the drivers hours ran out.

Unsure how the loadings are post covid, but I keep seeing VDL Futura 2s working the service and not the branded double decks, which is a bad sign. If they get private hire work for the double decks they're hoiked off superfast. Certainly from the time I used it as a passenger 13 years back the loadings have dropped off significantly - back then it was a full double decker but many journeys can be handled by singles now.

 

[route101]

Berry's must be doing something right if they are running one of the very few independent long distance coach services in the country, and have done for many years. Most other places only have National Express and/or Megabus and/or Flixbus.

I think Berrys sell tickets through Flixbus or used to.

 

[markymark2000]

The service had (or still has) a lot of walk up traffic from the Somerset end. It's not too well known about from the London end of the route, but it's USP is linking lots of rail-less areas to London such as Wellington, North Petherton, Ilminster, South Petherton, Yeovil, Ilchester, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Warminster and Wincanton. In the case of Bridgwater, the station is distant from the town centre and the rail journey to London requires a change at Bristol or Taunton, whereas Berrys run direct with a comparable journey time to rail for a fraction of the price.

The pricing isn't too bad if they provided everything that they claim to provide. IF they only provide bare minimum though of just a coach, I think paying last minute on Flixbus would be the better option.

The Tiverton leg requires additional driver resource and when I worked for them was operated as a feeder from Taunton where the service coach would be met. It was normal to use an MPV on the feeder given how lightly loaded that section of route was. It was rare to go as far as Tiverton, often you could do the last drop at Wellington and return to depot.

If I booked a coach trip, I'd be pretty miffed to see a MPV turn up, even if it was a feeder. If you're promoting a coach route, the least that could be provided is a decent spec minibus (which you say they have not gotten rid of)

Unsure how the loadings are post covid, but I keep seeing VDL Futura 2s working the service and not the branded double decks, which is a bad sign. If they get private hire work for the double decks they're hoiked off superfast. Certainly from the time I used it as a passenger 13 years back the loadings have dropped off significantly - back then it was a full double decker but many journeys can be handled by singles now.

Especially when they are non PSVAR. Such a shame to see Berrys following the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it. Endless provision of non PSVAR vehicles but using a different vehicle each day to get around the 20 days per year rule.


A recent vlog from Mark at Let's Make a Trip on Youtube goes into some great detail on the standards which Berrys are providing and needless to say, I am not overly surprised if usage is lower sometimes. No Courier service, no USB charging, useless Wifi. I think it must speak volumes that Berrys are making cuts yet National Express seem to be running endless dupes on London - M5 corridor.

I think Berrys sell tickets through Flixbus or used to.

They do yes but I think only a few tickets get sold via Flix. Also because Berrys serve Hammersmith, not Victoria, any onward connections are lost so it's reliant on people booking just a Berrys trip. If Berrys went to Victoria (maybe with Flix helping them out financially with that), people would be able to connect onwards to Leeds and Leicester etc.

 

[route101]

I was confused when the word courier is used. I thought steward would be more suitable. Ember quite often use a Merc Sprinter instead of a Yutong on some services.

 

[M803UYA]

If I booked a coach trip, I'd be pretty miffed to see a MPV turn up, even if it was a feeder. If you're promoting a coach route, the least that could be provided is a decent spec minibus (which you say they have not gotten rid of)


Especially when they are non PSVAR. Such a shame to see Berrys following the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it. Endless provision of non PSVAR vehicles but using a different vehicle each day to get around the 20 days per year rule.


A recent vlog from Mark at Let's Make a Trip on Youtube goes into some great detail on the standards which Berrys are providing and needless to say, I am not overly surprised if usage is lower sometimes. No Courier service, no USB charging, useless Wifi. I think it must speak volumes that Berrys are making cuts yet National Express seem to be running endless dupes on London - M5 corridor.

They do yes but I think only a few tickets get sold via Flix. Also because Berrys serve Hammersmith, not Victoria, any onward connections are lost so it's reliant on people booking just a Berrys trip. If Berrys went to Victoria (maybe with Flix helping them out financially with that), people would be able to connect onwards to Leeds and Leicester etc.

The youtube video is pretty much standard fare for Superfast these days. The other driver might be travelling up as passenger to work a Superfast 3 back from London.

There are a few VDL Futura 2s which get used on the posh work at Berrys (a Futura 2 is considered a decent vehicle by the company, there are some lovely other vehicles which make those VDLs seem space age) and the 20 day rule might not be observed. In 2019 they did purchase three 11 plate Van Hool Altanos from Eavesway, which were intended for superfast and the Exeter City FC team coach contract. However I seldom see them in use - I've only ever seen the Futura 2s (or the 17plate Yutong TC12) working Superfast 1 and at the time I'm coming through Bridgwater I can observe both departures out of London.

Berrys could go to Victoria instead of Hammersmith, but doing so increases journey times and thus requires an additional driver. Which they will not pay for. I've said before the company loads a lot onto a single driver and you can have issues with traffic congestion on the M5/M4 which take you close to your maximum driving time of 4 hours 30 minutes. After dropping at Hammersmith the coaches used layover at London United's Park Royal (Atlas Road) depot - and that's a 25 minute drive if everything is in your favour. Often it wasn't. You can't wait time in the bus station either. Obviously you'll have to stop somewhere if you're maxing your driving hours.

Only the Sunday afternoon departures are planned to operate with two drivers - as that traffic congestion is well known about.

The minibus they'd use on the feeder was a Mercedes Sprinter with a power door. It was disposed of to Parnells in Honiton last year and sold on. The MPV was a Mercedes Vito which was a delightful thing with very thin factory paint and rust bubbles a plenty. I once opened the drivers door after doing a feeder only to discover that the door card had detached itself from the door and was preventing my exit. A kick from my boot fixed that issue. A quality vehicle is the Mercedes

 

[Dfatcontroller]

The youtube video is pretty much standard fare for Superfast these days. The other driver might be travelling up as passenger to work a Superfast 3 back from London.

There are a few VDL Futura 2s which get used on the posh work at Berrys (a Futura 2 is considered a decent vehicle by the company, there are some lovely other vehicles which make those VDLs seem space age) and the 20 day rule might not be observed. In 2019 they did purchase three 11 plate Van Hool Altanos from Eavesway, which were intended for superfast and the Exeter City FC team coach contract. However I seldom see them in use - I've only ever seen the Futura 2s (or the 17plate Yutong TC12) working Superfast 1 and at the time I'm coming through Bridgwater I can observe both departures out of London.

Berrys could go to Victoria instead of Hammersmith, but doing so increases journey times and thus requires an additional driver. Which they will not pay for. I've said before the company loads a lot onto a single driver and you can have issues with traffic congestion on the M5/M4 which take you close to your maximum driving time of 4 hours 30 minutes. After dropping at Hammersmith the coaches used layover at London United's Park Royal (Atlas Road) depot - and that's a 25 minute drive if everything is in your favour. Often it wasn't. You can't wait time in the bus station either. Obviously you'll have to stop somewhere if you're maxing your driving hours.

Only the Sunday afternoon departures are planned to operate with two drivers - as that traffic congestion is well known about.

The minibus they'd use on the feeder was a Mercedes Sprinter with a power door. It was disposed of to Parnells in Honiton last year and sold on. The MPV was a Mercedes Vito which was a delightful thing with very thin factory paint and rust bubbles a plenty. I once opened the drivers door after doing a feeder only to discover that the door card had detached itself from the door and was preventing my exit. A kick from my boot fixed that issue. A quality vehicle is the Mercedes

The last few times I've travelled out of London Euston; Berry's have been laying over at Metroline's Willesden Junction Bus Depot.

 

[Titfield]

The service had (or still has) a lot of walk up traffic from the Somerset end. It's not too well known about from the London end of the route,

That has been the problem that many "out of town" operators have faced for many many years. I recollect both Mercury of Boscombe and Bere Regis Coaches of Dorchester operating London services and having exactly that issue. There seems to be no cost / time effective means of promoting such services to a London population.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Looking back at my original post #1 in this thread it’s hardly a surprise to see it go this way. I do worry about the future of these SuperFast services in the long run. The Tiverton leg being withdrawn is hardly a surprise as it was logistically difficult for Berry’s to run, and never seemed to carry many people. The vehicle transfer would put me off using it again anyway, as well as the poor condition of the fleet.

Wellington could (and in my opinion should) have a railway station. It’s large enough, it’s on the main line, and it would be well used. If that did happen, and judging by the sort of stations that are being built elsewhere at the minute, it seems like it could be. Then I do fear that the SF1 could end up being cut back as far back as Taunton.

Bridgwater by some distance is the busiest stop on this route, with Taunton seeing decent loads as well. The others are not that well used and probably just about cover their costs, obviously Tiverton being on the feeder coach section means that it isn’t.

 

[Dfatcontroller]

That has been the problem that many "out of town" operators have faced for many many years. I recollect both Mercury of Boscombe and Bere Regis Coaches of Dorchester operating London services and having exactly that issue. There seems to be no cost / time effective means of promoting such services to a London population.

The services are timed to be geared towards a "to-London" clientele. There are no journies that would allow a day trip to the countryside.

 

[M803UYA]

The last few times I've travelled out of London Euston; Berry's have been laying over at Metroline's Willesden Junction Bus Depot.

It's possible the layover point has moved from when I drove it 3 years back.

Looking back at my original post #1 in this thread it’s hardly a surprise to see it go this way. I do worry about the future of these SuperFast services in the long run. The Tiverton leg being withdrawn is hardly a surprise as it was logistically difficult for Berry’s to run, and never seemed to carry many people. The vehicle transfer would put me off using it again anyway, as well as the poor condition of the fleet.

Wellington could (and in my opinion should) have a railway station. It’s large enough, it’s on the main line, and it would be well used. If that did happen, and judging by the sort of stations that are being built elsewhere at the minute, it seems like it could be. Then I do fear that the SF1 could end up being cut back as far back as Taunton.

Bridgwater by some distance is the busiest stop on this route, with Taunton seeing decent loads as well. The others are not that well used and probably just about cover their costs, obviously Tiverton being on the feeder coach section means that it isn’t.

Did Wellington use to have a railway station before a helpful doctor seconded from ICI in the 1960s 'improved' the railways? Logistically, there are stopping trains from Exeter, so opening a station isn't as impossible as it would be with other Somerset towns (such as Somerton/Langport)

When I drove superfast (and the feeders) there was always people wanting to go to Wellington, but often it'd be the last drop off. If I was working a two driver Sunday run we'd often terminate there and return to depot as it's within 15 minutes of the depot. It was on the feeder route so you'd normally have to change vehicles in Taunton. There might be no need for that feeder after next week with these changes. It always was hard to find a driver to cover it.

I recently bought a couple of Bridgwater area timetable books from the early 2000s on ebay, and the timetables for the Bakers Dolphin London services were in there. There were something like 5 departures early in the morning with returns early evening. It took 12 years for that company to withdraw the last service. Berrys did attempt to replace it with a Superfast 4 a few years back but it never got properly established - unlike Superfast 3 which they introduced in the early 2010s. That was always nice to drive and carried regular passengers. Typically it ran half full, but that was prior to Covid.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Did Wellington use to have a railway station before a helpful doctor seconded from ICI in the 1960s 'improved' the railways? Logistically, there are stopping trains from Exeter, so opening a station isn't as impossible as it would be with other Somerset towns (such as Somerton/Langport)

When I drove superfast (and the feeders) there was always people wanting to go to Wellington, but often it'd be the last drop off. If I was working a two driver Sunday run we'd often terminate there and return to depot as it's within 15 minutes of the depot. It was on the feeder route so you'd normally have to change vehicles in Taunton. There might be no need for that feeder after next week with these changes. It always was hard to find a driver to cover it.

According to the reliable source that is Wikipedia, Wellington had a railway station up until 1964.

I’d imagine the sort of services stopping here would include the Penzance to/from Cardiff Central services - and those running short within that area, along with the stopping Exeter St David’s services to/from London Paddington, a number of which extend to/from Paignton. CrossCountry could stop here as well, but that seems less likely and might be sort of thing that is done a couple of times per day. They run a daily service down to the Riviera Line to Paignton so it’s the sort of thing that could easily be added on to that, plus maybe a commuting service to/from Exeter.

There’s definitely potential for a station there, and I’d be amazed if it isn’t included in one of Network Rail’s future CP (Control Period) plans, the next of which (CP7) is due to run from 2024-2029.

In short, there’s potential there, and I do think it would render SF1 unviable beyond Taunton if it was built.

 

[dgl]

Wellington was on one of the lists for potential reinstatement as part of the "restoring your railway" programme, not sure where you'd put a station as I believe the aerosol factory is where the old one was, or at least would leave not much space for one, although there were rumours that they were moving but nothing has come of that (I had relatives that lived just over the railway bridge in Tonedale and it was annoying to have the trains so close but the nearest station being a decent distance away).

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Wellington was on one of the lists for potential reinstatement as part of the "restoring your railway" programme, not sure where you'd put a station as I believe the aerosol factory is where the old one was, or at least would leave not much space for one, although there were rumours that they were moving but nothing has come of that (I had relatives that lived just over the railway bridge in Tonedale and it was annoying to have the trains so close but the nearest station being a decent distance away).

There’s a set of points just east of a rail bridge over a stretch of water that seems close to the Bulford Garage and next to the Tonedale Overbridge. In and around that area would probably be best as it would allow you to turn back trains there in times of disruption.

 

[Titfield]

The services are timed to be geared towards a "to-London" clientele. There are no journies that would allow a day trip to the countryside.

Yes agreed but there was some demand for "period returns" or one ways. For example a former girlfriend used to come down on a Friday evening and go back on Monday morning. It was a lot cheaper than what was then British Rail or even for that matter some National Express fares.

 

[markymark2000]

There are a few VDL Futura 2s which get used on the posh work at Berrys (a Futura 2 is considered a decent vehicle by the company, there are some lovely other vehicles which make those VDLs seem space age) and the 20 day rule might not be observed. In 2019 they did purchase three 11 plate Van Hool Altanos from Eavesway, which were intended for superfast and the Exeter City FC team coach contract. However I seldom see them in use - I've only ever seen the Futura 2s (or the 17plate Yutong TC12) working Superfast 1 and at the time I'm coming through Bridgwater I can observe both departures out of London.

I've been on a number of VDL Futura 2's and they weren't horrendous. though granted most of my journeys were around an hour, tops. The main thing though is that VDL Futuras can be PSVAR as a number of them are with other firms. If these were converted, there would be significantly less issues with them being used on Superfast but to use a different vehicle daily on Superfast to get around accessibility law, in my opinion, is cause for legal action. Certainly one I'd like to see Doug Pauley take on (I don't agree with everything he says or does but taking down Berrys because of this, I think that's fair).

Berrys could go to Victoria instead of Hammersmith, but doing so increases journey times and thus requires an additional driver. Which they will not pay for. I've said before the company loads a lot onto a single driver and you can have issues with traffic congestion on the M5/M4 which take you close to your maximum driving time of 4 hours 30 minutes. After dropping at Hammersmith the coaches used layover at London United's Park Royal (Atlas Road) depot - and that's a 25 minute drive if everything is in your favour. Often it wasn't. You can't wait time in the bus station either. Obviously you'll have to stop somewhere if you're maxing your driving hours.

Going 25 minutes to Atlas Road or going 30 minutes to Victoria would be equal though bearing in mind you'd save 5 mins not going into Hammersmith Bus Station. The difference is the huge amount of additional patronage that you can gain.
How does it all work on the 2 and 3 routes? Route 1 I get works based off them doing feeder to Taunton then normal driver takes over to Hammersmith and then to parking so 4 hours driving based off timetable and your 25 minutes. Giving 30 minutes to play with. Routes 2 and 3 are far tighter on time.

That has been the problem that many "out of town" operators have faced for many many years. I recollect both Mercury of Boscombe and Bere Regis Coaches of Dorchester operating London services and having exactly that issue. There seems to be no cost / time effective means of promoting such services to a London population.

Londons population will go straight for the coaches that they see a lot and know most. In Taunton, people will see Berrys coaches regularly and will know about their presence and what is offered. In London, 80% of coaches which people see will be not for public use and the other 20% will be made up mostly by the service coaches (Oxford Tube and Greenline) or the Intercity coach firms (NatEx, Megabus and Flixbus). If there is potential for Londoners to see other coaches, this is generally going to be people making a journey from Victoria Coach Station and seeing another bus operator around. Consequently seeing the destination on the front of the bus, while at Victoria and seeing the stops en route. If firms don't use Victoria Coach Station, they are losing out massively. Also any firm not partnering with one of the majors, will lose passengers. I can see that Megabus is selling some tickets on Berrys. The Megabus allocation of 5 seats seems to have sold out for the next few days for example.


I bet the majority of Londoners don't know about Regiojet or Sindbad who offer regular coaches to parts of Europe but pick up from Greenline Coach Station, they would all opt for Flixbus to make such a journey. People seem to really underestimate how much of an impact stop location is. While Hammersmith has the onward travel options so passengers who are solely using Superfast should be ok, Hammersmith basically gets rid of all connections with other coaches so people wouldn't use Berrys if they want to connect onwards, they'd use Megabus, Flixbus or NatEx as they run to Victoria for a seamless connection. They've severely limited their potential by using Hammersmith rather than the world renown, Victoria Coach Station which is well known as 'the go to place' for coaches.

Bridgwater by some distance is the busiest stop on this route, with Taunton seeing decent loads as well. The others are not that well used and probably just about cover their costs, obviously Tiverton being on the feeder coach section means that it isn’t.

How much of that though is down to a lack of advertising in many areas? How much of that is down to Berrys seemingly not providing the service that they are advertising and so people not returning. It's easy to get a bad name for yourself if you keep providing a sub standard service. Towns, especially the areas which Berrys do serve, seem the sort of towns where it would take a lot to rid a poor reputation.

 

[M803UYA]

I've been on a number of VDL Futura 2's and they weren't horrendous. though granted most of my journeys were around an hour, tops. The main thing though is that VDL Futuras can be PSVAR as a number of them are with other firms. If these were converted, there would be significantly less issues with them being used on Superfast but to use a different vehicle daily on Superfast to get around accessibility law, in my opinion, is cause for legal action. Certainly one I'd like to see Doug Pauley take on (I don't agree with everything he says or does but taking down Berrys because of this, I think that's fair).

Going 25 minutes to Atlas Road or going 30 minutes to Victoria would be equal though bearing in mind you'd save 5 mins not going into Hammersmith Bus Station. The difference is the huge amount of additional patronage that you can gain.
How does it all work on the 2 and 3 routes? Route 1 I get works based off them doing feeder to Taunton then normal driver takes over to Hammersmith and then to parking so 4 hours driving based off timetable and your 25 minutes. Giving 30 minutes to play with. Routes 2 and 3 are far tighter on time.

How much of that though is down to a lack of advertising in many areas? How much of that is down to Berrys seemingly not providing the service that they are advertising and so people not returning. It's easy to get a bad name for yourself if you keep providing a sub standard service. Towns, especially the areas which Berrys do serve, seem the sort of towns where it would take a lot to rid a poor reputation.

They could convert them to PSVAR, but that's a cost. Generally they don't like spending money! They could be using the ex Eavesway Altano's which are compliant plus the double decks, which are also compliant. But they often get private hires for the deckers and they'll divert them as needed. Loadings appear not to require the double deckers from what I've seen.

I don't think, from my observations those Futura 2s are being rotated on Superfast. It appears to be the same ones. They were used on Chinese tour work prior to the pandemic, but age limits apply to that work as well as the disappearance of the customer base post covid. It's notable that the only 'investment' in the fleet has been the Panorama decker in 2020 and the Flixbus Van Hool EX's but nothing else has been bought in, though a lot of older stuff has been sold.

Superfast 3 doesn't (or didn't when I worked there) have a feeder - but Superfast 2 is fed to Ilminster (have a look at post #4 as I expanded on it there) if it's not allocated two drivers. You can easily lose 25/30 minutes on the M5 and the M4 and I have done so on a few occasions. I've lost a lot more time than that on really bad days.

It's way before my time, but Superfast didn't always use Hammersmith. There's pictures of vehicles in Kings Cross Coach Station from the 1980s. Berrys are really the only option to London in some places as National Express have contracted their network and serve less locations than they did previously.

 

[markymark2000]

They could convert them to PSVAR, but that's a cost. Generally they don't like spending money! They could be using the ex Eavesway Altano's which are compliant plus the double decks, which are also compliant. But they often get private hires for the deckers and they'll divert them as needed. Loadings appear not to require the double deckers from what I've seen.

Maybe they don't like spending money but that is not a reason to not comply with the spirit of the law. It will lead to an accessibility case or losing their licence as the DVSA will investigate it.

I don't think, from my observations those Futura 2s are being rotated on Superfast. It appears to be the same ones. They were used on Chinese tour work prior to the pandemic, but age limits apply to that work as well as the disappearance of the customer base post covid. It's notable that the only 'investment' in the fleet has been the Panorama decker in 2020 and the Flixbus Van Hool EX's but nothing else has been bought in, though a lot of older stuff has been sold.

Each bus can only be used on for 20 calendar days on work which would require a PSVAR vehicle. If bus 1 gets used for 21 days on Superfast the traffic commissioner can pull them into public inquiry for not complying with PSVAR law! I mean, If that is their attitude that they don't care about the law, I am not surprised that people tend not to travel with them.

Superfast 3 doesn't (or didn't when I worked there) have a feeder - but Superfast 2 is fed to Ilminster (have a look at post #4 as I expanded on it there) if it's not allocated two drivers. You can easily lose 25/30 minutes on the M5 and the M4 and I have done so on a few occasions. I've lost a lot more time than that on really bad days.

Superfast 3 could easily run onwards to Victoria then as it would be double manned (as it would have to be for legal hours). Superfast 2 would depend on double manning or not.

Berrys are really the only option to London in some places as National Express have contracted their network and serve less locations than they did previously.

Just because you're the only option, doesn't make you a good option. Clearly people either don't know about the service, they have tried the service and been put off as it's poor quality or the service doesn't fit the needs of the people around the stops.