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

AB93 · 1 Sep 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Looking like the long StreetLites are heading to Hengrove rather than Leicester. Note how a number of 64 plate Hengrove StreetLites seem not to be out today. Also, seems like the short e200s in Bath have bitten the dust. The end of an error!

TheGrandWazoo said:
Reported by Steve White that Leeds B9s 36228-34 are heading to Bath and, reported on the WY forum, 36231-4 were seen on the M1 heading south.

StreetLite Maxes supposed to be heading to Hengrove.

CD said:
I see both 63074/75 were on Bristol 24 yesterday. As they still seem to be undecided about the route around Ashton Vale, maybe route will remain as it is and use Streetlite Max rather than double deckers?
"To meet passenger demand, Service 24 (Southmead Hospital – Ashton Vale) will be upgraded to a double-decker bus route, increasing capacity from 185 to 300 seats per hour. Owing to a low bridge around Ashton Vale, we are currently considering what further action can be taken to improve accessibility for local journeys around Ashton Vale."

There is a plan to all of this.
3/3A & 4 in Bath converted to deckers (service changes 1st September).
10x B9s from Bolton 37388, 96, 37403, 05, 06, 07, 08, 10, 15, 16.
7x B9s from Leeds 36228-34.
Bolton B9s now entering service and Leeds B9s 36229, 30, 32-34 came down yesterday with 28 and 31 to follow. 31 didn't leave Hunslet Park so definitely wasn't on the M1 unfortunately!

This frees up the 63xxx StreetLite Maxes.
These are going to Hengrove to stand in on the 24 for a couple of weeks.
The majority of them are now at Hengrove, not just 63074/75.

These in turn free up 47xxx StreetLites to be released from the 24, to transfer away, with the first six leaving for Scotland yesterday as well.

Their arrival in Scotland in turn again triggers the process that will free up the deckers from Scotland to come down and join Hengrove's allocation for the 24 decker conversion (service change 15th September).

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TheGrandWazoo · 1 Sep 2019

AB93 said:
There is a plan to all of this.
3/3A & 4 in Bath converted to deckers (service changes 1st September).
10x B9s from Bolton 37388, 96, 37403, 05, 06, 07, 08, 10, 15, 16.
7x B9s from Leeds 36228-34.
Bolton B9s now entering service and Leeds B9s 36229, 30, 32-34 came down yesterday with 28 and 31 to follow. 31 didn't leave Hunslet Park so definitely wasn't on the M1 unfortunately!

This frees up the 63xxx StreetLite Maxes.
These are going to Hengrove to stand in on the 24 for a couple of weeks.
The majority of them are now at Hengrove, not just 63074/75.

These in turn free up 47xxx StreetLites to be released from the 24, to transfer away, with the first six leaving for Scotland yesterday as well.

Their arrival in Scotland in turn again triggers the process that will free up the deckers from Scotland to come down and join Hengrove's allocation for the 24 decker conversion (service change 15th September).

I didn’t doubt they’d be a plan.

I’d heard the StreetLite Max to Hengrove is a short term move. Obviously, we’ll be hearing more over the next few days.

90sWereBetter · 1 Sep 2019

Apparently six of Bath's short E200s are heading to Basildon and Chelmsford this afternoon. Given that Essex are pretty hot at repainting their kit, I imagine they won't be in Barbie livery much longer.

TheGrandWazoo · 1 Sep 2019

90sWereBetter said:
Apparently six of Bath's short E200s are heading to Basildon and Chelmsford this afternoon. Given that Essex are pretty hot at repainting their kit, I imagine they won't be in Barbie livery much longer.

I did wonder if Essex or Cymru might get them as they do have a requirement to replace some fairly aged Darts.

Joining a few other ex Bath vehicles up there IIRC. Cheers for the info (though interesting that they are only get 6 out of 7).

AB93 · 1 Sep 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
I didn’t doubt they’d be a plan.

I’d heard the StreetLite Max to Hengrove is a short term move. Obviously, we’ll be hearing more over the next few days.

There's definitely plenty more swapping still left to do but that's as much as I know I'm afraid.
(Other than the Bath Enviros winging their way to Essex as has been mentioned, 44908/9/10, 13/14/15.)

There was talk of the long StreetLites going to Leicester so I would assume this is still the plan but I'm not 100% sure.

D2007wsm · 1 Sep 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
So orange and blue (7XP) is replaced by Gold

The Severn Express is being operated by a Gold E400 today, but let’s just say it hasn’t gotten off to a very good start.

CD said:
Is E400 33658 slightly higher than a Streetdeck or Gemini? I rode on it yesterday Clutton-Street and we seemed to be clipping trees the others would not.
Incidentally after 2 days on 376 33658 is today on 174.

The E400s seem higher than a Streetdeck and look it if you see them side by side. I can walk properly upstairs on a regular E400, where I have to remember to duck on a Streetdeck and the Scanias.

Either 66934 or 66936 made its way from Weston to Lawrence Hill today via Marlborough Street.

Bradley · 1 Sep 2019

D2007wsm that was 66936 as I saw it earlier.

D2007wsm · 1 Sep 2019

Bradley said:
D2007wsm that was 66936 as I saw it earlier.

I knew it was one of the two, but didn’t pay much attention to which one it was lol

Whiteway215 · 1 Sep 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
I did wonder if Essex or Cymru might get them as they do have a requirement to replace some fairly aged Darts.

Joining a few other ex Bath vehicles up there IIRC. Cheers for the info (though interesting that they are only get 6 out of 7).

I wonder if Bath might hang on to one of these (44907?) as a backup to the old Solos which are getting quite elderly now.

Whiteway215 · 1 Sep 2019

AB93 said:
There is a plan to all of this.
3/3A & 4 in Bath converted to deckers (service changes 1st September).
10x B9s from Bolton 37388, 96, 37403, 05, 06, 07, 08, 10, 15, 16.
7x B9s from Leeds 36228-34.
Bolton B9s now entering service and Leeds B9s 36229, 30, 32-34 came down yesterday with 28 and 31 to follow. 31 didn't leave Hunslet Park so definitely wasn't on the M1 unfortunately!

This frees up the 63xxx StreetLite Maxes.
These are going to Hengrove to stand in on the 24 for a couple of weeks.
The majority of them are now at Hengrove, not just 63074/75.

These in turn free up 47xxx StreetLites to be released from the 24, to transfer away, with the first six leaving for Scotland yesterday as well.

Their arrival in Scotland in turn again triggers the process that will free up the deckers from Scotland to come down and join Hengrove's allocation for the 24 decker conversion (service change 15th September).

Thank you for letting us in on the details. What could be coming from Scotland I wonder?

B7rleThrasher · 1 Sep 2019

D2007wsm said:
The Severn Express is being operated by a Gold E400 today, but let’s just say it hasn’t gotten off to a very good start.

The E400s seem higher than a Streetdeck and look it if you see them side by side. I can walk properly upstairs on a regular E400, where I have to remember to duck on a Streetdeck and the Scanias.

Either 66934 or 66936 made its way from Weston to Lawrence Hill today via Marlborough Street.

1645 Bristol-Chepstow severn express has failed to depart Bristol - bus still dumped on the bay in the bus station as of 1920!

D2007wsm · 1 Sep 2019

B7rleThrasher said:
1645 Bristol-Chepstow severn express has failed to depart Bristol - bus still dumped on the bay in the bus station as of 1920!

It really hasn’t been a very good start, the 11:45 didn’t leave until around 12:20, and the 14:45 was getting on for 14:55 from Bay 8! The bus also all day didn’t have anything on the Hanover or any indication anywhere else what service it was on.

TheGrandWazoo · 1 Sep 2019

Whiteway215 said:
I wonder if Bath might hang on to one of these (44907?) as a backup to the old Solos which are getting quite elderly now.

Surely more as a back up for the WW contract?

Hope it’s not more 54 plate B7TLs from Glasgow!

CD · 1 Sep 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Surely more as a back up for the WW contract?

Hope it’s not more 54 plate B7TLs from Glasgow!

On another forum it mentions B7TLs but doesn't specify the age.

TheGrandWazoo · 1 Sep 2019

CD said:
On another forum it mentions B7TLs but doesn't specify the age.

Suffice to say that if they're B7TLs, chances are they are 54 plates and rather careworn like the other ones.

D2007wsm · 2 Sep 2019

66934 is now being used by Marlborough Street, is currently on 37 and 178.

TheGrandWazoo · 2 Sep 2019

D2007wsm said:
66934 is now being used by Marlborough Street, is currently on 37 and 178.

Thanks for that. Incidentally, saw 44524 operating the D2 this morning.

If bustimes is to be believed, 66936 is doing a stint on the 2 currently. The 62 e200 appear to be on the 1 mainly whilst 44907 is operating the 42 and 47545 is working the now supposed to be B9 operated 4. 36229/32/33/34 are supposed to be out as well on the 3/3A - can't help thinking they might be better on the X39.

WelshBluebird · 2 Sep 2019

Anyone know what the laws / rules are about timetable changes and the timetables that operators advertise? Given that First haven't updated some of the timetables on their website after the timetable change yesterday.

So for example if you look up the 19A, it is showing the old timetable valid from April / May this year until "further notice" without any notification of there being a new timetable in place for that service. The same is true for the 37 as well, and probably others. Not exactly great given some of the journeys have changed a fair bit.

The new timetables are available if you go into "route maps" and get the leaflet PDF download, but not if you are looking specifically at timetables.

freetoview33 · 2 Sep 2019

WelshBluebird said:
Anyone know what the laws / rules are about timetable changes and the timetables that operators advertise? Given that First haven't updated some of the timetables on their website after the timetable change yesterday.

So for example if you look up the 19A, it is showing the old timetable valid from April / May this year until "further notice" without any notification of there being a new timetable in place for that service. The same is true for the 37 as well, and probably others. Not exactly great given some of the journeys have changed a fair bit.

The new timetables are available if you go into "route maps" and get the leaflet PDF download, but not if you are looking specifically at timetables.

I don't know if there actually is a law saying they need to publish the most up-to-date information! That's why it's best to use traveline.

carlberry · 2 Sep 2019

freetoview33 said:
I don't know if there actually is a law saying they need to publish the most up-to-date information! That's why it's best to use traveline.

Which can also be wrong!

-Colly405- · 2 Sep 2019

Particularly (and co-incidentally) on the 19A currently. Select the 19A and up comes - just the 19!

Robertj21a · 2 Sep 2019

WelshBluebird said:
Anyone know what the laws / rules are about timetable changes and the timetables that operators advertise? Given that First haven't updated some of the timetables on their website after the timetable change yesterday.

So for example if you look up the 19A, it is showing the old timetable valid from April / May this year until "further notice" without any notification of there being a new timetable in place for that service. The same is true for the 37 as well, and probably others. Not exactly great given some of the journeys have changed a fair bit.

The new timetables are available if you go into "route maps" and get the leaflet PDF download, but not if you are looking specifically at timetables.

No laws (other than generally abiding by the terms agreed with the TC etc), although I'm sure that most companies would have their own rules as to how they update the public. Having said that, this is First Bus and, whilst the information is out of date in one place it's correct in another. So, just a routine c*ck-up.

freetoview33 · 2 Sep 2019

-Colly405- said:
Particularly (and co-incidentally) on the 19A currently. Select the 19A and up comes - just the 19!

True it isn't always perfect but normally is spot on! I think this issue is First have changed a few timetables quite a few times. Like the 24 tt has had 3 versions since they announced the changes and it's still 2 weeks off coming into force.

AllanMacF · 2 Sep 2019

63068 is on Bristol's 24 today.

Whiteway215 · 2 Sep 2019

TheGrandWazoo said:
Thanks for that. Incidentally, saw 44524 operating the D2 this morning.

If bustimes is to be believed, 66936 is doing a stint on the 2 currently. The 62 e200 appear to be on the 1 mainly whilst 44907 is operating the 42 and 47545 is working the now supposed to be B9 operated 4. 36229/32/33/34 are supposed to be out as well on the 3/3A - can't help thinking they might be better on the X39.

Seen today on 3/3A/4 were 32543/44/45 36229/32/33/34 37396/405/6/7/8/10/15 and 47545. 44907 on 42. Parked in bus station was 33492 which was later seen in Southdown driver training the U2 route.
I was amused to see one of the Leeds B9 (36232 I think) still had its Leeds branding on the front which read 'Pulse-every 10 minutes or less.' Rather ironical seeing the service 3 it was on has just had the frequency cut from 10 to 20 minutes!

CD · 2 Sep 2019

Interesting to see the ex Bolton B9TLs spreading their wings a bit.
37388 on X39, 37403 on 19.

swifty · 2 Sep 2019

CD said:
Interesting to see the ex Bolton B9TLs spreading their wings a bit.
37388 on X39, 37403 on 19.

I’ve just seen 37403 on the X39 in Bristol, it looks a little careworn but has had a lower offside repaint.

Can’t help but concur with TGW with regards to having a shuffle around to allow the ex Leeds Gemini 2s on the X39.

D2007wsm · 2 Sep 2019

33666 (The Devil Bus), 33667 and 33754 have today left Weston to be de Excelled and Mendip Explorered to accompany the Hengrove E400s in Wells.

It’s a shame 33666 has gone as it was a good bus for the X1x.

It’s a shame the 335**s weren’t all sent to Wells and the 336**s sent to Weston instead.

henairs · 2 Sep 2019

Robertj21a said:
No laws (other than generally abiding by the terms agreed with the TC etc), although I'm sure that most companies would have their own rules as to how they update the public. Having said that, this is First Bus and, whilst the information is out of date in one place it's correct in another. So, just a routine c*ck-up.

Quite right on that score. Noticed the First WOE 172 was showing both old and new TTs at WhiteCross this morning whilst later in the day Wells bus station was still only showing the old TTs which seems rather poor seeing as the 172/73/74 group of routes are operated by that depot.
Guess they'll appear in due course though.
Cheers, Mike R

Whiteway215 · 2 Sep 2019

There is a news item in the Sept 2 Bath Chronicle about the 42 Odd Down P&R to RUH service. According to the report it seems First ceased operating it commercially on 31 August. BANES Council will pay First to continue its operation until Nov 9 when a new contract will operate through until August 2020. The 42 may become part of the P&R contract which comes up for renewal in 2020.
BANES will also be part funding Faresaver 228 to Ralph Allen School this school year.

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