Go South Coast

[Russel]

Just trying to get my head around the Go South Coast operations, why is Damory operated as a separate company, it only operates 13, why hasn't it been absorbed into either Moorbus or Salisbury Reds?

 

[Lynford1976]

Just trying to get my head around the Go South Coast operations, why is Damory operated as a separate company, it only operates 13, why hasn't it been absorbed into either Moorbus or Salisbury Reds?

Damory operates a bit more than the 13 (excuse the pun); several tendered services in rural Dorset from sites in Pimperne (near Blandford) and Dorchester, plus schools and coach work.

 

[nw1]

Damory operates a bit more than the 13 (excuse the pun); several tendered services in rural Dorset from sites in Pimperne (near Blandford) and Dorchester, plus schools and coach work.

Was Damory originally a Wilts and Dorset subsidiary, before Go-Ahead?

I remember Damory services always used to (apparently) use an integrated numbering system with W&D (or at least it seemed that way): Salisbury was 1-99, Poole was 101-199, and Damory was 300+. (There weren't any 2xx though)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Jun 2023 ==

University requirement has dropped this week, due to the U1 reducing for the remainder of term (as happens every year, due to student numbers tailing off). It will drop further to the lowest requirement (I think four) when the vacation timetable starts.

Colleges start to end late June, first with Kingston Maurward (albeit permanently this time) at the same time as the university. Brockenhurst follows one week later, but that is partly offset by the New Forest Tour starting. The week in between is why Unibuses have traditionally been loaned to Lymington, to allow for de-roofing.

Didn't realise colleges finished that early, was that always the case?

Admittedly I went to school sixth-form, rather than college, but in the lower sixth we carried on until mid-July, the same date as the first- to fourth-years. In the upper-sixth, obviously, we finished at half term and then it was just exams - the same as in the fifth year.

 

[Russel]

count of the Damory operates a bit more than the 13 (excuse the pun); several tendered services in rural Dorset from sites in Pimperne (near Blandford) and Dorchester, plus schools and coach work.

I've just re-read my post, I meant to write that they only operate 13 routes, not that they only operate the 13, I took the count from Bustimes.

It seems strange to me that Go-Ahead wouldn't merge such a small operation into one of their bigger operations in the area

 

[deconte]

I've just re-read my post, I meant to write that they only operate 13 routes, not that they only operate the 13, I took the count from Bustimes.

It seems strange to me that Go-Ahead wouldn't merge such a small operation into one of their bigger operations in the area

If I recall correctly Damory was once a .low cost operation formed by Wilts & Dorset by the merger of several small independent operators in Dorset in 1993, including Oakfield, Stanbridge & Crichel and the original Damory themselves.

 

[nw1]

I've just re-read my post, I meant to write that they only operate 13 routes, not that they only operate the 13, I took the count from Bustimes.

It seems strange to me that Go-Ahead wouldn't merge such a small operation into one of their bigger operations in the area

Indeed Damory don't seem to operate a 13!

damory – bustimes.org

 

[WibbleWobble]

Didn't realise colleges finished that early, was that always the case?

Admittedly I went to school sixth-form, rather than college, but in the lower sixth we carried on until mid-July, the same date as the first- to fourth-years. In the upper-sixth, obviously, we finished at half term and then it was just exams - the same as in the fifth year.

Brockenhurst and Kingston Maurward always finish early - the latter means the Dorset Studio School has to have a slightly longer day in order to meet the annual hours requirement (as many of their students use the KMC buses, as the school is on the same site).

It seems strange to me that Go-Ahead wouldn't merge such a small operation into one of their bigger operations in the area

Damory runs a lot of home-to-school contracts.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

If I recall correctly Damory was once a .low cost operation formed by Wilts & Dorset by the merger of several small independent operators in Dorset in 1993, including Oakfield, Stanbridge & Crichel and the original Damory themselves.

Nearly right - S&C was closely linked with Oakfield (adjoining depots etc) and was finally purchased by the other. Oakfield was then bought by Drawlane but was an unmitigated disaster so they sold it to Damory Coaches who had been purchased a few months earlier by Wilts and Dorset. All were combined under the Damory banner in 1993 and this formed a low cost subsidiary. In fact, the Damory depot in Blandford continued to operate separately for some years separate to the original W&D depot though the latter did eventually close c.2007.

In 2011, Damory expanded when Dorset County Council did a major tender exercise and they opened up further depots (e.g. Henstridge). There is an oddity that the X8 from Blandford to Poole is a morebus liveried route with e400 but is Damory operated. However, the rest of the ops are Damory branded and probably reflects lower terms and conditions on those marginal/tendered routes.

 

[M803UYA]

Nearly right - S&C was closely linked with Oakfield (adjoining depots etc) and was finally purchased by the other. Oakfield was then bought by Drawlane but was an unmitigated disaster so they sold it to Damory Coaches who had been purchased a few months earlier by Wilts and Dorset. All were combined under the Damory banner in 1993 and this formed a low cost subsidiary. In fact, the Damory depot in Blandford continued to operate separately for some years separate to the original W&D depot though the latter did eventually close c.2007.

In 2011, Damory expanded when Dorset County Council did a major tender exercise and they opened up further depots (e.g. Henstridge). There is an oddity that the X8 from Blandford to Poole is a morebus liveried route with e400 but is Damory operated. However, the rest of the ops are Damory branded and probably reflects lower terms and conditions on those marginal/tendered routes.

In the Alastair Waller's 'Bere Regis' book, Andrew Bryce of Wilts & Dorset explained the rationale behind Damory and how they intended it to protect their main business and prevent others coming in.

Damory offered a lower pay rate than Wilts & Dorset, no doubt reflecting the marginal nature of their work. Extensive use was/still is made of part time, term time only driving staff.

There's always been a Damory operation at Poole depot alongside Blandford, even prior to 2011. It had separate management from the Tourist/Bells/Levers operations which ran into and fed into Salisbury, though during 2013/4 they fell under the management of Poole and Salisbury depots after Ian Gray retired from Damory Coaches - it was he who ran the merged and expanded operations. Simon Newport, last of Yellow Buses joined to run Damory in 2012 from First but stayed around 18 months before returning to them - after which time Adam Keen assumed managerial responsibility alongside Morebus.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

In the Alastair Waller's 'Bere Regis' book, Andrew Bryce of Wilts & Dorset explained the rationale behind Damory and how they intended it to protect their main business and prevent others coming in.

Damory offered a lower pay rate than Wilts & Dorset, no doubt reflecting the marginal nature of their work. Extensive use was/still is made of part time, term time only driving staff.

There's always been a Damory operation at Poole depot alongside Blandford, even prior to 2011. It had separate management from the Tourist/Bells/Levers operations which ran into and fed into Salisbury, though during 2013/4 they fell under the management of Poole and Salisbury depots after Ian Gray retired from Damory Coaches - it was he who ran the merged and expanded operations. Simon Newport, last of Yellow Buses joined to run Damory in 2012 from First but stayed around 18 months before returning to them - after which time Adam Keen assumed managerial responsibility alongside Morebus.

Ian Gray who notably worked for both Hants and Dorset, and then when Wilts & Dorset purchased Damory, used H&D as the legal name of the new business IIRC.

The incursion by Drawlane probably made the threat more real so hence they made that purchase and I'd imagine that the differential in terms and conditions is still reflective of the marginal work.

 

[Surreyman]

Does anyone know how many paint shops Go South Coast has (excluding Hants & Dorset trim) and where they are located?

 

[Eyersey468]

Does anyone know how many paint shops Go South Coast has (excluding Hants & Dorset trim) and where they are located?

Southern Vectis had one at Ryde though I don't know if it is still used or has transferred to Newport

 

[Lynford1976]

Southern Vectis had one at Ryde though I don't know if it is still used or has transferred to Newport

Ryde is now home to the Isle of Wight Bus Museum.

As far as I know, the only paint facility is at Hants & Dorset Trim.

 

[Surreyman]

Ryde is now home to the Isle of Wight Bus Museum.

As far as I know, the only paint facility is at Hants & Dorset Trim.

I wondered if the newly acquired Empress road has/had one? (If it did it may not have been in use in recent years).

 

[Simon75]

Ryde is now home to the Isle of Wight Bus Museum.

As far as I know, the only paint facility is at Hants & Dorset Trim.

Ryde I think was still outstation

 

[Lynford1976]

Ryde I think was still outstation

Yes, Southern Vectis still park vehicles in the yard, but the shed is now the Museum.

 

[WibbleWobble]

Ryde is now home to the Isle of Wight Bus Museum.

As far as I know, the only paint facility is at Hants & Dorset Trim.

There is still a paint facility at Newport. It was the base of the late Alan Cooley, who was well known for painting his hidden trademark caterpillars (known on the Island as "mallyshags"), which apparently included a huge one on the roof of a Scania decker!

 

[fgwrich]

There is still a paint facility at Newport. It was the base of the late Alan Cooley, who was well known for painting his hidden trademark caterpillars (known on the Island as "mallyshags"), which apparently included a huge one on the roof of a Scania decker!

Brilliant, I always loved looking out for the Caterpillar. Preserved Bristol LHS KDL202W has it's near the fuel cap.

 

[43055]

Does the new forest open top routes still run? I have had a look on the morebus website but there seems to be no evidence of them.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Does the new forest open top routes still run? I have had a look on the morebus website but there seems to be no evidence of them.

The three New Forest Tour routes do indeed still run, 1st July to 17th September. If you click 'Plan Your Journey', the menu on the left hand side has a link to this page:

The New Forest Tour

The New Forest Tour will run from Saturday 5th July - Sunday 14th September 2025. We look forward to welcoming you on the tour this year!

www.morebus.co.uk

And if you have time to spare in Lymington, the crazy golf course even has a New Forest Tour bus hole.

 

[43055]

The three New Forest Tour routes do indeed still run, 1st July to 17th September. If you click 'Plan Your Journey', the menu on the left hand side has a link to this page:

The New Forest Tour

The New Forest Tour will run from Saturday 5th July - Sunday 14th September 2025. We look forward to welcoming you on the tour this year!

www.morebus.co.uk

And if you have time to spare in Lymington, the crazy golf course even has a New Forest Tour bus hole.

Thank you! I couldn't see for looking as I checked the front page and timetable list. Also thanks for the heads up about the crazy golf. We normally end up on one one or two holiday.

 

[BenS123]

Looks like it's the end of theKey on morebus, Bluestar, Salisbury Reds and Southern Vectis. I have quoted morebus' statement below and linked all the others as well.

Goodbye to theKey

the key card is coming to an end, find out what you need to do...

www.morebus.co.uk

Goodbye to the Key

The Key Card is coming to an end, find out what you need to do.....

www.islandbuses.info

Goodbye to theKey

the key card is coming to an end, find out what you need to do...

www.bluestarbus.co.uk

Goodbye to theKey

the key card is coming to an end, find out what you need to do...

www.salisburyreds.co.uk

We announced last year that our smartcard theKey is now over 10 years old and is considered old technology and sadly has become quite unreliable.

Annual tickets were withdrawn last year and weekly and multi-trip/multi-day tickets were withdrawn a few months ago.

We will be switching off the ability to buy any new ticket products as of 31 July 2023. The maximum product you can buy until then is one 90 day top up as any tickets that you have remaining on your card will only be able to be used on the bus until the end of December 2023. Most people have already converted to other ways to pay, but as a reminder we have:

• tap on tap off
• contactless
• mobile app ticketing

Our app is one of the best way to buy tickets for regular travellers and it has many other great features, such as:

• Journey planning
• Tracking buses in live times
• Favouriting your regular bus stops and journeys

If you are unsure of how to use the app or would like a demonstration, please pop into our travel shop where the team will be able to assist you.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Bluestar have announced that they will be taking over operation of Xelabus’s Eastleigh routes X4 (to Hedge End) and X4A (to Velmore) from Monday 31st July. These will be renumbered 24 and 23 respectively. Timetables have not yet been released.

New Bluestar routes to Hedge End from 31 July!​

Today Mon 19th Jun 2023

Following discussions with Hampshire County Council, we are pleased to announce we will step in to run the X4 bus service between Eastleigh and Hedge End, from Monday 31 July.
Previously provided by Xela Group, the X4 route serves Barton Peveril College, as well as Parkway, Mansbridge and West End. The service will be split between two routes and re-numbered the 23 (Eastleigh to Velmore) and the 24 (Eastleigh to Hedge End).
“We are delighted to have agreed a contract to ensure local people have transport across this popular route - which includes the college, airport and superstores at Hedge End,” said Bluestar general manager, Richard Tyldsley.
We are looking forward to welcoming our new customers on-board from Monday 31 July.
Details of fares and passes will follow shortly.

Source: https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/new-bluestar-routes-hedge-end

 

[PTR 444]

Bluestar have announced that they will be taking over operation of Xelabus’s Eastleigh routes X4 (to Hedge End) and X4A (to Velmore) from Monday 31st July. These will be renumbered 24 and 23 respectively. Timetables have not yet been released.


Source: https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/new-bluestar-routes-hedge-end

Interesting. Does this mean Xelabus could be on the way out? The X4 always seemed to be their most profitable route to me, although they do still run the X21 to Chilworth Science Park and Southampton tendered routes X11 and X12.

 

[MotCO]

Interesting. Does this mean Xelabus could be on the way out? The X4 always seemed to be their most profitable route to me, although they do still run the X21 to Chilworth Science Park and Southampton tendered routes X11 and X12.

The Xelabus website states:

Xelabus

Xelabus is here to keep you on the move! Whether you are commuting to work, going shopping or just getting out and about...

xelabus.info

X4 service - transfer to BlueStar​

Following a review of our services, we have decided to pass the reins of our Velmore - Eastleigh - Hedge End X4 and X4A services over to BlueStar from the end of July.

The decision to discontinue operation of the X4 and X4A was not taken lightly with our buses operating the service since 2015. Unfortunately, the service no longer fits within our plans of concentrating heavily on Contract, Private Hire, Rail Replacement, Schools and Colleges.

We trust that BlueStar will be able to offer great flexibility across their network for passengers and the loyal X4 customers shall benefit greatly from the takeover.


The final day of service shall be Saturday 29th July 2023. We wish BlueStar huge success with the services and thank our loyal customers over the 8 years of operation.



For more information, please visit BlueStar's website; www.bluestarbus.co.uk/new-bluestar-routes-hedge-end

 

[nw1]

Interesting. Does this mean Xelabus could be on the way out? The X4 always seemed to be their most profitable route to me, although they do still run the X21 to Chilworth Science Park and Southampton tendered routes X11 and X12.

So might the X21 become the Bluestar 21 very soon?

I note they've gone straight from 20 to 23, which might suggest they have plans for routes numbered 21 and 22.

 

[PTR 444]

So might the X21 become the Bluestar 21 very soon?

This is exactly what I was thinking.

I note they've gone straight from 20 to 23, which might suggest they have plans for routes numbered 21 and 22.

Maybe the 22 will become another Eastleigh local route, perhaps to Hiltingbury or Valley Park interworking with the 23 as far as Velmore.

 

[nw1]

This is exactly what I was thinking.

Maybe the 22 will become another Eastleigh local route, perhaps to Hiltingbury or Valley Park interworking with the 23 as far as Velmore.

Indeed, yes. I was thinking the Southampton local service via Hill Lane and Lordswood might take on the number 22. Or perhaps it might even become a cross city service via extensions of selected journeys of an eastern route such as the 16, which might boost its usage.

Now, we just need to get Bluestar (or rather HCC as they pull the purse strings) to bring back the Bishops Waltham route in some form...

I also wonder whether a Southampton day ticket will be valid for that section of the 24 between the Airport and the Allington Lane roundabout.

 

[PTR 444]

Indeed, yes. I was thinking the Southampton local service via Hill Lane and Lordswood might take on the number 22. Or perhaps it might even become a cross city service via extensions of selected journeys of an eastern route such as the 16, which might boost its usage.

This sounds like a good idea. It would reinstate a direct link between Bitterne and the General Hospital which always keeps getting cut.

Now, we just need to get Bluestar (or rather HCC as they pull the purse strings) to bring back the Bishops Waltham route in some form...

There’s nothing stopping Bluestar running a Bishop’s Waltham route commercially (as in extending the 14 every 2 hours from Hedge End). They did just that in 2013 when they lost the tender for route 8 to Hythe which was subsidised by Hampshire County Council at the time. First won the contract (which they numbered as route 11), but Bluestar decided to continue running the 8 along the exact same route on a commercial basis. A few months later IIRC, HCC stopped the contract and First 11 was no more, with the 8 continuing to run commercially to this day.

I also wonder whether a Southampton day ticket will be valid for that section of the 24 between the Airport and the Allington Lane roundabout.

That would be useful although would it get much use? It’s only a short section of route and the only other route it would connect with is the U1.

 

[nw1]

This sounds like a good idea. It would reinstate a direct link between Bitterne and the General Hospital which always keeps getting cut.

There’s nothing stopping Bluestar running a Bishop’s Waltham route commercially (as in extending the 14 every 2 hours from Hedge End).

That's true, though I wonder whether it would be worthwhile commercially without council support.

They did just that in 2013 when they lost the tender for route 8 to Hythe which was subsidised by Hampshire County Council at the time. First won the contract (which they numbered as route 11), but Bluestar decided to continue running the 8 along the exact same route on a commercial basis. A few months later IIRC, HCC stopped the contract and First 11 was no more, with the 8 continuing to run commercially to this day.

That would be useful although would it get much use? It’s only a short section of route and the only other route it would connect with is the U1.

To be fair I was thinking about my own particular needs (I personally might find city day tickets on the 24 useful), but it might make travelling to the University area easier for Chartwell Green. It would also connect with the 14 though connections might not be good.