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

AB93

Member
Joined
13 Apr 2015
Messages
308
Not long ago BoS got rid of their perfectly good ex Kernow B7RLEs saying they used too much fuel.

That was then and this is now, to put it bluntly. It doesn’t make previously getting rid of B7RLEs to save fuel a bad decision as you seem to imply.

Now, the bigger the bus the better, and the Goverment are paying the Operating Costs. All normal commercial rules are out the window.
 
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Robertj21a

On Moderation
Joined
22 Sep 2013
Messages
7,518
That was then and this is now, to put it bluntly. It doesn’t make previously getting rid of B7RLEs to save fuel a bad decision as you seem to imply.

Now, the bigger the bus the better, and the Goverment are paying the Operating Costs. All normal commercial rules are out the window.

But for how much longer is the government (i.e you and me) paying these costs ?
 

AB93

Member
Joined
13 Apr 2015
Messages
308
But for how much longer is the government (i.e you and me) paying these costs ?



COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant (CBSSG) Restart funding in England has been extended indefinitely, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps has announced. £27.3m per week will be allocated to the fund “until it is no longer required.”

For the most part, the terms and conditions of the extended CBSSG Restart fund remain the same as they were when the scheme was launched, according to a letter to operators sent by Department for Transport (DfT) Director, Local Transport Directorate Stephen Fidler.

However, in one notable change, DfT will require assurances from operators claiming the money that they will increase services to 100% of pre-coronavirus COVID-19 levels “for September.””
 

baza585

Member
Joined
1 Aug 2010
Messages
622
In the current circumstances, it might be beggars not being choosers to get larger vehicles, even if not that much larger.

Bus services in Somerset were infrequent enough so you can only hope that headways are restored.
They may be intended for school peak dupes, particularly on college routes which in rural areas may not be deckers friendly. In which case they won't do that many miles a day.

Solid buses though I fear that Diamond maintanance may not have been tip top given they were on loan.

But at least FK and Boss are making plans for September; I'm not sure all operators are as advanced in their thinking.
 

Whiteway215

Established Member
Joined
15 Sep 2015
Messages
1,989
Location
Bath
Query. I’ve seen a photo of 32007 on Bath depot. Several near side upper deck window sliders appear to be missing. I presume if they have been removed they have been robbed to fit in other buses, especially as a large number of ALXs went to Kernow and needed to be made roadworthy. However the photo also shows what appears to be a green disc in the windscreen. Wouldn’t the disc have been removed as 32007 has been SORNed since March? Comments welcome!
 

TheGrandWazoo

Veteran Member
Joined
18 Feb 2013
Messages
19,969
Location
Somerset with international travel (e.g. across th
Query. I’ve seen a photo of 32007 on Bath depot. Several near side upper deck window sliders appear to be missing. I presume if they have been removed they have been robbed to fit in other buses, especially as a large number of ALXs went to Kernow and needed to be made roadworthy. However the photo also shows what appears to be a green disc in the windscreen. Wouldn’t the disc have been removed as 32007 has been SORNed since March? Comments welcome!
The green disc is the O licence disc. That’s not dependent on SORN
 

Private Baxter

Established Member
Joined
22 Sep 2013
Messages
1,787
Well I took a bus on Friday for the first time since February, or rather I took several as part of a bigger trip round Somerset. It was a trip I had originally planned in March, but postponed for obvious reasons. There were several reasons for planning it the way I did, not all of which are applicable any more, but I still stuck to the original plan nonetheless. Hope it is of some interest.

The trip started at Lodge Causeway on the 6. For the last two and a half years the 48&49 have been my bus in to the centre, and had never used the 6. But it might in fact be marginally quicker, and the bus stop ever so slightly closer for me as well, although obviously far less frequent. I wanted to try this out, although during lockdown I walked much of the route as far as St. George, discovering it was all really much closer than I had ever realised, so no surprises really. But I had wanted to use one of the gas buses, which back in March of course were barely off the shelf. On the whole pretty decent, nice interior, although as others have noted the lack of grab rails upstairs is a curiosity! Can't say much about the route I'm afraid, though one highlight was passing a new housing development where the name of one street is 'Cheers Drive'!

Arriving in the centre I realised I hadn't actually been in to the centre of Bristol in months. Felt rather like coming home after a prolonged time away. Anyway my next move was to get to Weston. I had no preference as to how I got there, just whichever happened to be leaving first. As it happened it was the X1x, in the hands of one of the older ex Plymouth 56 reg e400s. Not much to say on these, I have been on them plenty of times, though I was impressed with how clean it was inside; a testament to the efforts of the cleaning staff. These have been worked hard, having been thrashed up and down the M5 on the X5 over the last few years, and though a little tired now I expect they will still be going in five years live out their days in this region. The route (which I knew nothing about) took me by surprise a bit - it goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and up the portway, before joining the M5 to head south. Forgetting it was a Friday in August, traffic was a little slow, and as this section was of little interest to me, I simply sat back, put my headphones in and listened to my audiobook for the remainder of the journey.

Arriving at Weston, I had but seven minutes till my next bus, but fancying a bit of a walk and a bite to eat, I opted to wait for the next scheduled bus half an hour later. I hardly ever go to Weston, but when I do, always find it interesting in terms of buses that are about. It seems to be a home of former Wells and Bath buses though work routes which typically keeps them in the town. I liked the variety anyway, in addition to seeing a Wells B7RLE on the 126 (at a distance I couldn't quite get an ID), I enjoyed seeing the numerous Badgerline darts working round the town which recently re-entered service.

I boarded the 20 next, which was worked by pink 32008. As well as this route being seasonal, I could soon see why the oldest buses are chosen for the 20! I like these W PAE ones anyway, and it is good that a few will stick around for a few more years as open toppers. I have wanted to do this route for some time, not least because it was recently shortlisted (and I think did quite well if any one can remember?) for Most scenic bus route competition. So I wanted to see what it was all about. I very much enjoyed the ride through Lympsham, and the expert way in which the driver handled some of those bends. But as we left and joined the main road towards Burnham, I waited for the spectacular climax of this journey, like some stunning coastal stretch..... but it never came. Don't get me wrong, it is not an unpleasant journey, but nothing really stood out as being unique, or geographically stunning. To me, it was just fairly average. From our region, it was up against the 376, which in my opinion is better, as are other services within FWoE, and nearby regions. Be interesting to hear what others think.

I got off at Burnham, and as there was only nine minutes 'till my next bus I just waited for it to arrive. It was the 21 and I was going to Taunton. The bus (LK51 xxx) has definitely seen better days and I'm sorry to say looked pretty awful. The last time I used the 21 it was, I believe operated by the old 02 B7s, though that was a few years ago now so can't really remember. Seems they've got all sorts on there at the moment - we passed a similar age decker in BoS livery, and a B7RLE in Atlantic coaster livery. Also passed numerous plain white streetdecks, which I presume were something to do with the Hinckley Point workers.

Anyway, after a fairly unremarkable journey in to Taunton I got off and had a wander. One of my original intentions back in March for coming to Taunton was to see and use the bus station one last time. Sadly it is now closed, though very much still in tact and actually rather unchanged - you just can't walk around. There is a poster up as well which makes reference to its 67 year existence and reasons for closure (as well as the all important information on where now to catch your bus!).
I can't tell whether the whole Buses of Somerset brand has been dropped, or just evolved. Like elsewhere in the country, some routes now (or will) have their own brands, such as the aforementioned 21 (suitably tweaked I expect) and the 28 branded as the Quantack.... something. At any rate I rather liked it. Curious to see what the long term plans are in Somerset anyway. At this point, it is worth mentioning that all the buses I took were virtually empty, other than during a section of the 20, when various members of extended family joined the bus as far as Brean, many of whom seemed to share my enjoyment of the journey through Lympsham! Early days I know, but one can only hope that things will eventually pick up again.

Anyway, half way in to the overall trip, I didn't really fancy waiting over an hour 'till my next bus, and I'll be honest I was tiring of the mask, especially when my glasses steam up! So I decided to do the trip over two days, and jumped on a train back to Bristol. I shall resume later in the week, so stay tuned for part 2.

To be continued.....
 

Tommy Walters

Member
Joined
9 Nov 2017
Messages
567
Location
Ottery St Mary
Well I took a bus on Friday for the first time since February, or rather I took several as part of a bigger trip round Somerset. It was a trip I had originally planned in March, but postponed for obvious reasons. There were several reasons for planning it the way I did, not all of which are applicable any more, but I still stuck to the original plan nonetheless. Hope it is of some interest.

The trip started at Lodge Causeway on the 6. For the last two and a half years the 48&49 have been my bus in to the centre, and had never used the 6. But it might in fact be marginally quicker, and the bus stop ever so slightly closer for me as well, although obviously far less frequent. I wanted to try this out, although during lockdown I walked much of the route as far as St. George, discovering it was all really much closer than I had ever realised, so no surprises really. But I had wanted to use one of the gas buses, which back in March of course were barely off the shelf. On the whole pretty decent, nice interior, although as others have noted the lack of grab rails upstairs is a curiosity! Can't say much about the route I'm afraid, though one highlight was passing a new housing development where the name of one street is 'Cheers Drive'!

Arriving in the centre I realised I hadn't actually been in to the centre of Bristol in months. Felt rather like coming home after a prolonged time away. Anyway my next move was to get to Weston. I had no preference as to how I got there, just whichever happened to be leaving first. As it happened it was the X1x, in the hands of one of the older ex Plymouth 56 reg e400s. Not much to say on these, I have been on them plenty of times, though I was impressed with how clean it was inside; a testament to the efforts of the cleaning staff. These have been worked hard, having been thrashed up and down the M5 on the X5 over the last few years, and though a little tired now I expect they will still be going in five years live out their days in this region. The route (which I knew nothing about) took me by surprise a bit - it goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and up the portway, before joining the M5 to head south. Forgetting it was a Friday in August, traffic was a little slow, and as this section was of little interest to me, I simply sat back, put my headphones in and listened to my audiobook for the remainder of the journey.

Arriving at Weston, I had but seven minutes till my next bus, but fancying a bit of a walk and a bite to eat, I opted to wait for the next scheduled bus half an hour later. I hardly ever go to Weston, but when I do, always find it interesting in terms of buses that are about. It seems to be a home of former Wells and Bath buses though work routes which typically keeps them in the town. I liked the variety anyway, in addition to seeing a Wells B7RLE on the 126 (at a distance I couldn't quite get an ID), I enjoyed seeing the numerous Badgerline darts working round the town which recently re-entered service.

I boarded the 20 next, which was worked by pink 32008. As well as this route being seasonal, I could soon see why the oldest buses are chosen for the 20! I like these W PAE ones anyway, and it is good that a few will stick around for a few more years as open toppers. I have wanted to do this route for some time, not least because it was recently shortlisted (and I think did quite well if any one can remember?) for Most scenic bus route competition. So I wanted to see what it was all about. I very much enjoyed the ride through Lympsham, and the expert way in which the driver handled some of those bends. But as we left and joined the main road towards Burnham, I waited for the spectacular climax of this journey, like some stunning coastal stretch..... but it never came. Don't get me wrong, it is not an unpleasant journey, but nothing really stood out as being unique, or geographically stunning. To me, it was just fairly average. From our region, it was up against the 376, which in my opinion is better, as are other services within FWoE, and nearby regions. Be interesting to hear what others think.

I got off at Burnham, and as there was only nine minutes 'till my next bus I just waited for it to arrive. It was the 21 and I was going to Taunton. The bus (LK51 xxx) has definitely seen better days and I'm sorry to say looked pretty awful. The last time I used the 21 it was, I believe operated by the old 02 B7s, though that was a few years ago now so can't really remember. Seems they've got all sorts on there at the moment - we passed a similar age decker in BoS livery, and a B7RLE in Atlantic coaster livery. Also passed numerous plain white streetdecks, which I presume were something to do with the Hinckley Point workers.

Anyway, after a fairly unremarkable journey in to Taunton I got off and had a wander. One of my original intentions back in March for coming to Taunton was to see and use the bus station one last time. Sadly it is now closed, though very much still in tact and actually rather unchanged - you just can't walk around. There is a poster up as well which makes reference to its 67 year existence and reasons for closure (as well as the all important information on where now to catch your bus!).
I can't tell whether the whole Buses of Somerset brand has been dropped, or just evolved. Like elsewhere in the country, some routes now (or will) have their own brands, such as the aforementioned 21 (suitably tweaked I expect) and the 28 branded as the Quantack.... something. At any rate I rather liked it. Curious to see what the long term plans are in Somerset anyway. At this point, it is worth mentioning that all the buses I took were virtually empty, other than during a section of the 20, when various members of extended family joined the bus as far as Brean, many of whom seemed to share my enjoyment of the journey through Lympsham! Early days I know, but one can only hope that things will eventually pick up again.

Anyway, half way in to the overall trip, I didn't really fancy waiting over an hour 'till my next bus, and I'll be honest I was tiring of the mask, especially when my glasses steam up! So I decided to do the trip over two days, and jumped on a train back to Bristol. I shall resume later in the week, so stay tuned for part 2.

To be continued.....


It's an interesting comment you make regarding the 20 & it being shortlisted for the most scenic bus route, because I felt exactly the same way about it. Slightly underwhelmed. The day I did it, I went on the 1 to Sandbay & back beforehand, and found it a whole not nicer somehow! I also feel there are better routes than the 376 out there, specifically the 126, 174 & D2.
 

Tommy Walters

Member
Joined
9 Nov 2017
Messages
567
Location
Ottery St Mary
Anyway, half way in to the overall trip, I didn't really fancy waiting over an hour 'till my next bus, and I'll be honest I was tiring of the mask, especially when my glasses steam up! So I decided to do the trip over two days, and jumped on a train back to Bristol. I shall resume later in the week, so stay tuned for part 2..

I had the same issue with the mask myself when I first started wearing one. I find taking your glasses off and putting them back on top of the mask is a huge help to stop that happening! :lol:
 

Private Baxter

Established Member
Joined
22 Sep 2013
Messages
1,787
It's an interesting comment you make regarding the 20 & it being shortlisted for the most scenic bus route, because I felt exactly the same way about it. Slightly underwhelmed. The day I did it, I went on the 1 to Sandbay & back beforehand, and found it a whole not nicer somehow! I also feel there are better routes than the 376 out there, specifically the 126, 174 & D2.
I've taken the 376 more times than I can count, so can't really say it blows me away any more, but still worthy of a place in the top 5, even if I am a little biased! Agree with you on the others being better candiadates though it has been a few years since doing both the D2 and 126. To those I might add the full D1 route to Salisbury.
I had the same issue with the mask myself when I first started wearing one. I find taking your glasses off and putting them back on top of the mask is a huge help to stop that happening! :lol:
Thanks, I'll give it a go when I continue the trip! :smile:
 

henairs

Member
Joined
12 May 2014
Messages
506
Location
Yeovil
Well I took a bus on Friday for the first time since February, or rather I took several as part of a bigger trip round Somerset. It was a trip I had originally planned in March, but postponed for obvious reasons. There were several reasons for planning it the way I did, not all of which are applicable any more, but I still stuck to the original plan nonetheless. Hope it is of some interest.

The trip started at Lodge Causeway on the 6. For the last two and a half years the 48&49 have been my bus in to the centre, and had never used the 6. But it might in fact be marginally quicker, and the bus stop ever so slightly closer for me as well, although obviously far less frequent. I wanted to try this out, although during lockdown I walked much of the route as far as St. George, discovering it was all really much closer than I had ever realised, so no surprises really. But I had wanted to use one of the gas buses, which back in March of course were barely off the shelf. On the whole pretty decent, nice interior, although as others have noted the lack of grab rails upstairs is a curiosity! Can't say much about the route I'm afraid, though one highlight was passing a new housing development where the name of one street is 'Cheers Drive'!

Arriving in the centre I realised I hadn't actually been in to the centre of Bristol in months. Felt rather like coming home after a prolonged time away. Anyway my next move was to get to Weston. I had no preference as to how I got there, just whichever happened to be leaving first. As it happened it was the X1x, in the hands of one of the older ex Plymouth 56 reg e400s. Not much to say on these, I have been on them plenty of times, though I was impressed with how clean it was inside; a testament to the efforts of the cleaning staff. These have been worked hard, having been thrashed up and down the M5 on the X5 over the last few years, and though a little tired now I expect they will still be going in five years live out their days in this region. The route (which I knew nothing about) took me by surprise a bit - it goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and up the portway, before joining the M5 to head south. Forgetting it was a Friday in August, traffic was a little slow, and as this section was of little interest to me, I simply sat back, put my headphones in and listened to my audiobook for the remainder of the journey.

Arriving at Weston, I had but seven minutes till my next bus, but fancying a bit of a walk and a bite to eat, I opted to wait for the next scheduled bus half an hour later. I hardly ever go to Weston, but when I do, always find it interesting in terms of buses that are about. It seems to be a home of former Wells and Bath buses though work routes which typically keeps them in the town. I liked the variety anyway, in addition to seeing a Wells B7RLE on the 126 (at a distance I couldn't quite get an ID), I enjoyed seeing the numerous Badgerline darts working round the town which recently re-entered service.

I boarded the 20 next, which was worked by pink 32008. As well as this route being seasonal, I could soon see why the oldest buses are chosen for the 20! I like these W PAE ones anyway, and it is good that a few will stick around for a few more years as open toppers. I have wanted to do this route for some time, not least because it was recently shortlisted (and I think did quite well if any one can remember?) for Most scenic bus route competition. So I wanted to see what it was all about. I very much enjoyed the ride through Lympsham, and the expert way in which the driver handled some of those bends. But as we left and joined the main road towards Burnham, I waited for the spectacular climax of this journey, like some stunning coastal stretch..... but it never came. Don't get me wrong, it is not an unpleasant journey, but nothing really stood out as being unique, or geographically stunning. To me, it was just fairly average. From our region, it was up against the 376, which in my opinion is better, as are other services within FWoE, and nearby regions. Be interesting to hear what others think.

I got off at Burnham, and as there was only nine minutes 'till my next bus I just waited for it to arrive. It was the 21 and I was going to Taunton. The bus (LK51 xxx) has definitely seen better days and I'm sorry to say looked pretty awful. The last time I used the 21 it was, I believe operated by the old 02 B7s, though that was a few years ago now so can't really remember. Seems they've got all sorts on there at the moment - we passed a similar age decker in BoS livery, and a B7RLE in Atlantic coaster livery. Also passed numerous plain white streetdecks, which I presume were something to do with the Hinckley Point workers.

Anyway, after a fairly unremarkable journey in to Taunton I got off and had a wander. One of my original intentions back in March for coming to Taunton was to see and use the bus station one last time. Sadly it is now closed, though very much still in tact and actually rather unchanged - you just can't walk around. There is a poster up as well which makes reference to its 67 year existence and reasons for closure (as well as the all important information on where now to catch your bus!).
I can't tell whether the whole Buses of Somerset brand has been dropped, or just evolved. Like elsewhere in the country, some routes now (or will) have their own brands, such as the aforementioned 21 (suitably tweaked I expect) and the 28 branded as the Quantack.... something. At any rate I rather liked it. Curious to see what the long term plans are in Somerset anyway. At this point, it is worth mentioning that all the buses I took were virtually empty, other than during a section of the 20, when various members of extended family joined the bus as far as Brean, many of whom seemed to share my enjoyment of the journey through Lympsham! Early days I know, but one can only hope that things will eventually pick up again.

Anyway, half way in to the overall trip, I didn't really fancy waiting over an hour 'till my next bus, and I'll be honest I was tiring of the mask, especially when my glasses steam up! So I decided to do the trip over two days, and jumped on a train back to Bristol. I shall resume later in the week, so stay tuned for part 2.

To be continued.....
Thanks for an interesting read on your journey. Agree the 20s best bits are round the narrows twixt Brean and Lympsham corner. Hope you do the 29 back from Taunton towards Street/Wells area on your next part of your journey. Seems a slow starter through Ruishton and Creech but once on the A361 is a lovely and lively run across the moors on the middle section of the route.
Nice and bouncy around Greylakes. Should you stay on beyond Glastonbury you can ride the only route which serves Windmill hill estate which sits on a hilltop above the rest of the town.
Narrow lane takes the bus down to the main road at tin bridge roundabout.
Whatever you choose to do enjoy the day and look forward to reading the second instalment.
Cheers,
Mike R
 

TheGrandWazoo

Veteran Member
Joined
18 Feb 2013
Messages
19,969
Location
Somerset with international travel (e.g. across th
Well I took a bus on Friday for the first time since February, or rather I took several as part of a bigger trip round Somerset. It was a trip I had originally planned in March, but postponed for obvious reasons. There were several reasons for planning it the way I did, not all of which are applicable any more, but I still stuck to the original plan nonetheless. Hope it is of some interest.

The trip started at Lodge Causeway on the 6. For the last two and a half years the 48&49 have been my bus in to the centre, and had never used the 6. But it might in fact be marginally quicker, and the bus stop ever so slightly closer for me as well, although obviously far less frequent. I wanted to try this out, although during lockdown I walked much of the route as far as St. George, discovering it was all really much closer than I had ever realised, so no surprises really. But I had wanted to use one of the gas buses, which back in March of course were barely off the shelf. On the whole pretty decent, nice interior, although as others have noted the lack of grab rails upstairs is a curiosity! Can't say much about the route I'm afraid, though one highlight was passing a new housing development where the name of one street is 'Cheers Drive'!

Arriving in the centre I realised I hadn't actually been in to the centre of Bristol in months. Felt rather like coming home after a prolonged time away. Anyway my next move was to get to Weston. I had no preference as to how I got there, just whichever happened to be leaving first. As it happened it was the X1x, in the hands of one of the older ex Plymouth 56 reg e400s. Not much to say on these, I have been on them plenty of times, though I was impressed with how clean it was inside; a testament to the efforts of the cleaning staff. These have been worked hard, having been thrashed up and down the M5 on the X5 over the last few years, and though a little tired now I expect they will still be going in five years live out their days in this region. The route (which I knew nothing about) took me by surprise a bit - it goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and up the portway, before joining the M5 to head south. Forgetting it was a Friday in August, traffic was a little slow, and as this section was of little interest to me, I simply sat back, put my headphones in and listened to my audiobook for the remainder of the journey.

Arriving at Weston, I had but seven minutes till my next bus, but fancying a bit of a walk and a bite to eat, I opted to wait for the next scheduled bus half an hour later. I hardly ever go to Weston, but when I do, always find it interesting in terms of buses that are about. It seems to be a home of former Wells and Bath buses though work routes which typically keeps them in the town. I liked the variety anyway, in addition to seeing a Wells B7RLE on the 126 (at a distance I couldn't quite get an ID), I enjoyed seeing the numerous Badgerline darts working round the town which recently re-entered service.

I boarded the 20 next, which was worked by pink 32008. As well as this route being seasonal, I could soon see why the oldest buses are chosen for the 20! I like these W PAE ones anyway, and it is good that a few will stick around for a few more years as open toppers. I have wanted to do this route for some time, not least because it was recently shortlisted (and I think did quite well if any one can remember?) for Most scenic bus route competition. So I wanted to see what it was all about. I very much enjoyed the ride through Lympsham, and the expert way in which the driver handled some of those bends. But as we left and joined the main road towards Burnham, I waited for the spectacular climax of this journey, like some stunning coastal stretch..... but it never came. Don't get me wrong, it is not an unpleasant journey, but nothing really stood out as being unique, or geographically stunning. To me, it was just fairly average. From our region, it was up against the 376, which in my opinion is better, as are other services within FWoE, and nearby regions. Be interesting to hear what others think.

I got off at Burnham, and as there was only nine minutes 'till my next bus I just waited for it to arrive. It was the 21 and I was going to Taunton. The bus (LK51 xxx) has definitely seen better days and I'm sorry to say looked pretty awful. The last time I used the 21 it was, I believe operated by the old 02 B7s, though that was a few years ago now so can't really remember. Seems they've got all sorts on there at the moment - we passed a similar age decker in BoS livery, and a B7RLE in Atlantic coaster livery. Also passed numerous plain white streetdecks, which I presume were something to do with the Hinckley Point workers.

Anyway, after a fairly unremarkable journey in to Taunton I got off and had a wander. One of my original intentions back in March for coming to Taunton was to see and use the bus station one last time. Sadly it is now closed, though very much still in tact and actually rather unchanged - you just can't walk around. There is a poster up as well which makes reference to its 67 year existence and reasons for closure (as well as the all important information on where now to catch your bus!).
I can't tell whether the whole Buses of Somerset brand has been dropped, or just evolved. Like elsewhere in the country, some routes now (or will) have their own brands, such as the aforementioned 21 (suitably tweaked I expect) and the 28 branded as the Quantack.... something. At any rate I rather liked it. Curious to see what the long term plans are in Somerset anyway. At this point, it is worth mentioning that all the buses I took were virtually empty, other than during a section of the 20, when various members of extended family joined the bus as far as Brean, many of whom seemed to share my enjoyment of the journey through Lympsham! Early days I know, but one can only hope that things will eventually pick up again.

Anyway, half way in to the overall trip, I didn't really fancy waiting over an hour 'till my next bus, and I'll be honest I was tiring of the mask, especially when my glasses steam up! So I decided to do the trip over two days, and jumped on a train back to Bristol. I shall resume later in the week, so stay tuned for part 2.

To be continued.....
Thanks for your travelogue.... It's a novelty getting a bus. Glad that you went to Taunton and had a look at the now closed bus station and gave us an update.

In terms of Buses of Somerset being dropped as a brand.... It hasn't but they have obviously given the 28 its owned new Quantock Line identity and given the e300s a refurb which was getting necessary. The 21 has also gained a brand but it's really just a low cost and clever way of adapting the Atlantic Coaster livery from Cornwall (BTW, they're Scania Solars rather the B7RLE Eclipses ;) ). At the risk of upsetting the FSW rebuttal unit but the BoS brand has sort of run out of steam (or the purse strings have been tightened). There are places, such as Taunton, where stuff like bus stop flags have been changed, but elsewhere, it's as if First had never gone away. Similarly, repaints have been sporadic. There's the Quantock Line fleet and a few other repaints in BoS green (plus the Taunton P&R) but there are vehicles that have been in the fleet for 3 or 4 years that are still in First Urban livery or dealer white.

I'm with you (and others) that I don't see the attraction of the 20 to Burnham. The scenery is quite average and you end up in Burnham!! Think my fave FWoE route is probably the 173 from Bath to Wells with the view across the city from Wellsway and then the hills to Radstock, and whilst there's not much to get excited about in MSN, the section through Chilcompton is very sweet in the lower part of the village with the stepped stream before you have Binegar and then the decent through the Horringtons; lovely on a winters' morning! I know it's a route you know very well so you may be less enamoured.

My fave WAS the 309 from Dursley to Thornbury; stunning scenery and you go through North Nibley which is a great name for a village!

Anyhow, glad you had a great day out and look forward to the next installment :D
 

Dai Corner

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I found the 20 quite an interesting ride through the caravans and holiday camps, even though they're not my choice of holiday destination. The miles of open beach at Burnham is nice and I think it's possible to walk along the route of the old railway to Highbridge to catch the train back to Weston.

The stretch of the M5 that the X1X uses is interesting for the civil engineering of the Avonmouth Bridge and the split-level section through the Gordano Valley. Travellers on their way to the south west get their first glimpse of the sea at the top of the descent towards Clevedon. The route is on my to-do list as I've never done Jn19-20 on a decker.
 

carlberry

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The stretch of the M5 that the X1X uses is interesting for the civil engineering of the Avonmouth Bridge and the split-level section through the Gordano Valley. Travellers on their way to the south west get their first glimpse of the sea at the top of the descent towards Clevedon. The route is on my to-do list as I've never done Jn19-20 on a decker.
It can run via the A370 if the driver has been told the M5 is busy. Unlikely at present because of commuter traffic but possible if an accident has occurred or summer Friday evenings.
 

Dai Corner

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It can run via the A370 if the driver has been told the M5 is busy. Unlikely at present because of commuter traffic but possible if an accident has occurred or summer Friday evenings.

Thanks for the warning, I'll try to avoid such times.
 

Private Baxter

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Thanks for an interesting read on your journey. Agree the 20s best bits are round the narrows twixt Brean and Lympsham corner. Hope you do the 29 back from Taunton towards Street/Wells area on your next part of your journey. Seems a slow starter through Ruishton and Creech but once on the A361 is a lovely and lively run across the moors on the middle section of the route.
Nice and bouncy around Greylakes. Should you stay on beyond Glastonbury you can ride the only route which serves Windmill hill estate which sits on a hilltop above the rest of the town.
Narrow lane takes the bus down to the main road at tin bridge roundabout.
Whatever you choose to do enjoy the day and look forward to reading the second instalment.
Cheers,
Mike R
Thank you for your kind response. I won't give too much away about this week's trip, though the 29 is a route I am very familiar with, and is in fact one of my favourite. I have also been round Windmill Hill many a time; it had once been the job of the 163, and in my Strode days was the bus every one tried to avoid. After all you could have the more direct 377 in the hands of the splendid B10BLEs. (66102-9/15)
Thanks for your travelogue.... It's a novelty getting a bus. Glad that you went to Taunton and had a look at the now closed bus station and gave us an update.

In terms of Buses of Somerset being dropped as a brand.... It hasn't but they have obviously given the 28 its owned new Quantock Line identity and given the e300s a refurb which was getting necessary. The 21 has also gained a brand but it's really just a low cost and clever way of adapting the Atlantic Coaster livery from Cornwall (BTW, they're Scania Solars rather the B7RLE Eclipses ;) ). At the risk of upsetting the FSW rebuttal unit but the BoS brand has sort of run out of steam (or the purse strings have been tightened). There are places, such as Taunton, where stuff like bus stop flags have been changed, but elsewhere, it's as if First had never gone away. Similarly, repaints have been sporadic. There's the Quantock Line fleet and a few other repaints in BoS green (plus the Taunton P&R) but there are vehicles that have been in the fleet for 3 or 4 years that are still in First Urban livery or dealer white.

I'm with you (and others) that I don't see the attraction of the 20 to Burnham. The scenery is quite average and you end up in Burnham!! Think my fave FWoE route is probably the 173 from Bath to Wells with the view across the city from Wellsway and then the hills to Radstock, and whilst there's not much to get excited about in MSN, the section through Chilcompton is very sweet in the lower part of the village with the stepped stream before you have Binegar and then the decent through the Horringtons; lovely on a winters' morning! I know it's a route you know very well so you may be less enamoured.

My fave WAS the 309 from Dursley to Thornbury; stunning scenery and you go through North Nibley which is a great name for a village!

Anyhow, glad you had a great day out and look forward to the next installment :D
Thanks, glad to see Taunton bus station as it was. In fact buses are still using it to turn/park, whilst the staff areas are still in use. And yes, you're right it was a scania solar! :oops: Even noticed the ID started with 65, but kind of forgot when I was writing it up.

I'm actually a very big fan of the 173. It had always been my most travelled on bus service, though I suspect more recently has been over taken by the 376. But I have always enjoyed the southern section through the Mendips in particular. I have even done just as you said and travelled to Bath on the first service of the day on a cold, frosty December morning!

Was thinking of a few former routes as well, and though I think it was the 311 that carried on to Dursley (later 87), I agree that was a lovely route from the one time I did it.
I found the 20 quite an interesting ride through the caravans and holiday camps, even though they're not my choice of holiday destination. The miles of open beach at Burnham is nice and I think it's possible to walk along the route of the old railway to Highbridge to catch the train back to Weston.

The stretch of the M5 that the X1X uses is interesting for the civil engineering of the Avonmouth Bridge and the split-level section through the Gordano Valley. Travellers on their way to the south west get their first glimpse of the sea at the top of the descent towards Clevedon. The route is on my to-do list as I've never done Jn19-20 on a decker.
Fair enough, and that does sound worthwhile, making more of a day of it.
 

D2007wsm

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It can run via the A370 if the driver has been told the M5 is busy. Unlikely at present because of commuter traffic but possible if an accident has occurred or summer Friday evenings.
Friday evening the 18;00 X1x ran down the A370 due to traffic on the M5 with the 17:55 X1 hot on its heals the whole journey after overtaking it on the centre.
 

aquae39

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Does anyone know the WOE ticket valid on 21 until Highbridge? How much does a single ticket cost from Burnham to Taunton on 21? I know there's WOE Plus ticket but it may be cheaper with just a single ticket on 21
 

D2007wsm

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Does anyone know the WOE ticket valid on 21 until Highbridge? How much does a single ticket cost from Burnham to Taunton on 21? I know there's WOE Plus ticket but it may be cheaper with just a single ticket on 21
No, a WoE Zone Day will only take you as far as Pier Street in Burnham-on-Sea on the 20, to cover the 21 from Burnham-on-Sea Highbridge you would need a WoE Plus Zone ticket.

I don’t know the fares for Buses of Somerset, you are probably better asking in the ‘First South West (Buses of Somerset) and Kernow)’ thread. I have heard that Buses of Somerset fares are quite expensive though, so a WoE Plus Zone ticket would probably be the best option.
 

swifty

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I ended up at Hengrove depot whilst out and about today and noticed that the Airport Scanai/E400s are back from their holiday at Bristol Airport.
 

johnnychips

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I found out today that the only reliable way of finding First Bus times in the area is their app (and probably the website). Just Googling something like ‘X5 Portishead’ brings up an old timetable, and when I got to Portishead, the bus shelter electronic display was just wrong. However, the X5 route up the Gordano valley was stunning.

I noticed on another thread that somebody suggested the 20 from Burnham to Weston might be one of the UK’s most scenic routes. No. The views from Burnham and Weston are superb, but the bus goes inland, passes a million caravans and mobile homes, a holiday resort/funfair at Brean (though it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves); and Lympsham is just a mess of telegraph poles. Didn’t help that I was on a closed top 03-reg decker: I thought I was back in Doncaster!

Anyway, it’ll be nice to get into Bristol tomorrow to see all these buses and liveries you guys have been talking about. Can’t wait!
 
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Private Baxter

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I found out today that the only reliable way of finding First Bus times in the area is their app (and probably the website). Just Googling something like ‘X5 Portishead’ brings up an old timetable, and when I got to Portishead, the bus shelter electronic display was just wrong. However, the X5 route up the Gordano valley was stunning.

I noticed on another thread that somebody suggested the 20 from Burnham to Weston might be one of the UK’s most scenic routes. No. The views from Burnham and Weston are superb, but the bus goes inland, passes a million caravans and mobile homes, a holiday resort/funfair at Brean (though it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves); and Lympsham is just a mess of telegraph poles. Didn’t help that I was on a closed top 03-reg decker: I thought I was back in Doncaster!

Anyway, it’ll be nice to get into Bristol tomorrow to see all these buses and liveries you guys have been talking about. Can’t wait!
That was on this thread. I raised it the other day having experienced it for myself on Friday and felt similarly underwhelmed by it, and seemed to be the general consensus among other posters. In my opinion it is a pretty average route, nothing special although nothing particularly bad either. Have a good day in Bristol tomorrow, look forward to hearing your experiences.
 

martyjon

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I found out today that the only reliable way of finding First Bus times in the area is their app (and probably the website). Just Googling something like ‘X5 Portishead’ brings up an old timetable, and when I got to Portishead, the bus shelter electronic display was just wrong. However, the X5 route up the Gordano valley was stunning.

I noticed on another thread that somebody suggested the 20 from Burnham to Weston might be one of the UK’s most scenic routes. No. The views from Burnham and Weston are superb, but the bus goes inland, passes a million caravans and mobile homes, a holiday resort/funfair at Brean (though it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves); and Lympsham is just a mess of telegraph poles. Didn’t help that I was on a closed top 03-reg decker: I thought I was back in Doncaster!

Anyway, it’ll be nice to get into Bristol tomorrow to see all these buses and liveries you guys have been talking about. Can’t wait!

Look out for the South Gloucestershire LYNK livery, in my eyes the most striking of the FWOE liveries at the present time on the T1/2, Y1/2/3/4/5/6 services. Have a good day.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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I ended up at Hengrove depot whilst out and about today and noticed that the Airport Scanai/E400s are back from their holiday at Bristol Airport.
Saw a couple there last week. I just assumed that a couple weren’t parked at the Airport.

One for @Whiteway215 - Westbury now has only B7TLs 32003 and 32291 plus B7RLEs 66726, 66943 and 69253.
 

BBC

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Saw a couple there last week. I just assumed that a couple weren’t parked at the Airport.

One for @Whiteway215 - Westbury now has only B7TLs 32003 and 32291 plus B7RLEs 66726, 66943 and 69253.
You’re right as according to hengrove drivers not all were sent to the airport originally.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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I found out today that the only reliable way of finding First Bus times in the area is their app (and probably the website). Just Googling something like ‘X5 Portishead’ brings up an old timetable, and when I got to Portishead, the bus shelter electronic display was just wrong. However, the X5 route up the Gordano valley was stunning.

I noticed on another thread that somebody suggested the 20 from Burnham to Weston might be one of the UK’s most scenic routes. No. The views from Burnham and Weston are superb, but the bus goes inland, passes a million caravans and mobile homes, a holiday resort/funfair at Brean (though it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves); and Lympsham is just a mess of telegraph poles. Didn’t help that I was on a closed top 03-reg decker: I thought I was back in Doncaster!

Anyway, it’ll be nice to get into Bristol tomorrow to see all these buses and liveries you guys have been talking about. Can’t wait!

Glad you did the X5 through the Gordano Valley, as I'd suggested. It's a lovely run and not an obvious one. Have a good day today.
 

Whiteway215

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Saw a couple there last week. I just assumed that a couple weren’t parked at the Airport.

One for @Whiteway215 - Westbury now has only B7TLs 32003 and 32291 plus B7RLEs 66726, 66943 and 69253.
Thanks for that GW. So out of the buses stored at Westbury since April 32008 32287 went to Weston, 32014/15/69/70/75/76/83/96 went to Kernow, 66722/27 back in service for the Bath 5, 66732 back in service and 66886 not accounted for and the others still there as you say.
 

TheGrandWazoo

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Thanks for that GW. So out of the buses stored at Westbury since April 32008 32287 went to Weston, 32014/15/69/70/75/76/83/96 went to Kernow, 66722/27 back in service for the Bath 5, 66732 back in service and 66886 not accounted for and the others still there as you say.

Yep though with the need to have social distancing and increasing requirements soon for schools/uni, I wouldn't be surprised to see these ones back in service soon.

66726 looked nice and smart (not surprising given its relatively recent paintjob) and the other two Eclipses looked ok. The two deckers look very shabby!!
 

Private Baxter

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Look out for the South Gloucestershire LYNK livery, in my eyes the most striking of the FWOE liveries at the present time on the T1/2, Y1/2/3/4/5/6 services. Have a good day.
I've given this some thought too, and agree I think this is the best of the various brands across our region, although it was a tough call!
 

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