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

[THarris123]

Can anyone confirm whether the following vehicles have been withdrawn from Cymru?
41144, 41381, 41386, 41391, 41392, 41398, 41719 and 41727?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I also see that the two last step darts at Southampton have survived the chop and are still working on closed contracts. Another dart has been saved as well - 42728 which is working on another closed contract at Hoeford.

Interesting to see that most of the Southampton E200s have moved out - a few to Hilsea (will hopefully cheer up pompeyfan,etc) and a few up to Slough and a few remaining. I wonder if Slough will release a few vehicles after receiving those E200s?

 

[freetoview33]

First will do whatever they can to operate metrobus! But I am guessing routes such as X74 might be absorbed into metrobus. Depends if the buses get specific branding or not

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Can anyone confirm whether the following vehicles have been withdrawn from Cymru?
41144, 41381, 41386, 41391, 41392, 41398, 41719 and 41727?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I also see that the two last step darts at Southampton have survived the chop and are still working on closed contracts. Another dart has been saved as well - 42728 which is working on another closed contract at Hoeford.

Interesting to see that most of the Southampton E200s have moved out - a few to Hilsea (will hopefully cheer up pompeyfan,etc) and a few up to Slough and a few remaining. I wonder if Slough will release a few vehicles after receiving those E200s?

41144, 41398 withdrawn

41381, 41391, 41392, 41719, 41727 - still in service

41386 - don't know - sorry

 

[THarris123]

41144, 41398 withdrawn

41381, 41391, 41392, 41719, 41727 - still in service

41386 - don't know - sorry

Thanks for that Wazoo. I'm surprised those few are still in service - are they DDA compliant then?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Aled works for First in Bath i'd expect its a simple playing with destinations deckers did once work the 265 of old to frome but i can't see it happening these days

Agree with you. The bridge at Yarnbrook is 15' so can work to Warminster but Wilton is 14' so not certain if a B7TL will fit. Either way, 265 doesn't need deckers (and I too remember VRs and Olympians on the 265 and X3 to Frome!)
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Thanks for that Wazoo. I'm surprised those few are still in service - are they DDA compliant then?

Yep and just been painted.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Ah my old chum 37760 was on the 319 yesterday! Miss this on the 1/2 and 42-5!

 

[83G/84D]

Seen parked in the "outside bit" of Weston-super-Mare depot today were:-

44907, 44912, 66936, 66723, 66720, 33827, 41421, BD14 KXW, 68567, 33550, 33506, 33825, 33547, 66935, 66171, 66725, 67600, 66206, 66115, 44909, 66120, 42738, 42721, 48223, 66106, 33830, 44913, 41423, 42730, 66173, 66174, 48217, 42731, 66207, 66161 & 42704.

In use around the town were 32818, 33415 & 44910.

At Taunton bus depot were 43859, 43860 & 43868 all with First South West legals applied but not in use - for Cornwall?

Also here (and for Cornwall?) were 32854 & 33099.

43867 was at the bus station stored with 60814 & 42724.

Earlier in the day in Bristol, Solo 50318 was on the 37.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Seen parked in the "outside bit" of Weston-super-Mare depot today were:-

44907, 44912, 66936, 66723, 66720, 33827, 41421, BD14 KXW, 68567, 33550, 33506, 33825, 33547, 66935, 66171, 66725, 67600, 66206, 66115, 44909, 66120, 42738, 42721, 48223, 66106, 33830, 44913, 41423, 42730, 66173, 66174, 48217, 42731, 66207, 66161 & 42704.

In use around the town were 32818, 33415 & 44910.

At Taunton bus depot were 43859, 43860 & 43868 all with First South West legals applied but not in use - for Cornwall?

Also here (and for Cornwall?) were 32854 & 33099.

43867 was at the bus station stored with 60814 & 42724.

Earlier in the day in Bristol, Solo 50318 was on the 37.

It's been reported that the slimline Caetano Darts are stopping off at Taunton for a little while to enable the withdrawal of the MPDs there. However, they should then head to Kernow?

32854 is one of a pair ex Worcester; the other is in service at Bridgwater though that proves nothing 33099 is ex South Yorkshire and is one of a number heading to Cornwall, a reported on here before.

Thanks for the comprehensive picture of what's parked up post DDA at Weston
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Ah my old chum 37760 was on the 319 yesterday! Miss this on the 1/2 and 42-5!

Yeah, but you saw it on the 319...so you're not really missing it

 

[ValleyLines142]

Yeah, but you saw it on the 319...so you're not really missing it

This isn't my photo dear, I was in work yesterday making several hundred cups of coffee in Costa!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

This isn't my photo dear, I was in work yesterday making several hundred cups of coffee in Costa!

Well, that's capitalism! At least you can satiate yourself vicariously.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Well, that's capitalism! At least you can satiate yourself vicariously.

As much as I love making people's day better with several injections of caffeine, I would much rather get out onto exploring some of the more inter-urban routes.

I also need a journey on the 90!

 

[83G/84D]

It's been reported that the slimline Caetano Darts are stopping off at Taunton for a little while to enable the withdrawal of the MPDs there. However, they should then head to Kernow?

32854 is one of a pair ex Worcester; the other is in service at Bridgwater though that proves nothing 33099 is ex South Yorkshire and is one of a number heading to Cornwall, a reported on here before.

Thanks for the comprehensive picture of what's parked up post DDA at Weston
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Yeah, but you saw it on the 319...so you're not really missing it

Was not sure if the plans had changed for vehicles moving to Cornwall hence the question marks in my post.

Volvo B7TL's 32071, 32072, 32090, 32093 all recent arrivals from Leicester noted in Bristol over the weekend.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

As much as I love making people's day better with several injections of caffeine, I would much rather get out onto exploring some of the more inter-urban routes.

I also need a journey on the 90!

You need to leave the city and head into the countryside - it's not all pitchforks and wickermen you know

If you do the 90, head from Hengrove into town - it's the better direction for the views!

PS you could get an AvonRider - the world doesn't stop with First then.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Was not sure if the plans had changed for vehicles moving to Cornwall hence the question marks in my post.

Volvo B7TL's 32071, 32072, 32090, 32093 all recent arrivals from Leicester noted in Bristol over the weekend.

The Caetano Darts have been reported in heading south after a sojourn in Taunton but don't know what the source was for that!

 

[ValleyLines142]

You need to leave the city and head into the countryside - it's not all pitchforks and wickermen you know

That's what I meant!

I'll probably get the X39 to Bath, the 173 to Wells and then the 376 back to town. Or I may even get the 178 and grab my boyf who lives in Peasedown St John (yes that wasn't a typo, I have a boyfriend haha) and we can go back to Bristol together for a meal we're going to next week with some of our former uni chums

If you do the 90, head from Hengrove into town - it's the better direction for the views!

Thanks for that; in fact, that's probably what I would have done anyway! I will probably get the 75 from Cribbs all the way to Hengrove, have a nose by the depot, a quick bite to eat in McDonald's and then get the 90 back.

PS you could get an AvonRider - the world doesn't stop with First then.

Worth looking into - thanks for that!

 

[Whiteway215]

Can anyone confirm whether the following vehicles have been withdrawn from Cymru?
41144, 41381, 41386, 41391, 41392, 41398, 41719 and 41727?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I also see that the two last step darts at Southampton have survived the chop and are still working on closed contracts. Another dart has been saved as well - 42728 which is working on another closed contract at Hoeford.

Interesting to see that most of the Southampton E200s have moved out - a few to Hilsea (will hopefully cheer up pompeyfan,etc) and a few up to Slough and a few remaining. I wonder if Slough will release a few vehicles after receiving those E200s?

I've been told 41386 is still in service, DDA compliant, still in Barbie and normally operates around Maesteg

 

[stait.john]

The six white Volvo B7RLEs that have been on loan from Wrightbus go back to them on Monday.

32002, 32006 & 32007 have been on loan to LH while the Uni services have been reduced for the Christmas break. Obviously 32007 has RTC damage but the other two should now be back at BH.

42901 is a transfer to HE from LH.

And lastly, I have now left FirstBus and have moved back to my native Birmingham and now work for NXWM. It's been a privilege to give you updates and info from FirstBristol over the last couple of years and will miss parts of being in Bristol, but not other parts!!!

Good luck to all on the forum, I shall continue to read it but won't be contributing anymore for obvious reasons. So thanks to you all for reading my posts and I hope I've been able to help you all.

John

 

[1905 Group]

I can't find it on Mr White's site but I have been told by a reliable source that at least 66104 will be entering the training fleet, but I believe the other Olympia liveried B10BLEs will too, I will try and confirm.

 

[ValleyLines142]

The six white Volvo B7RLEs that have been on loan from Wrightbus go back to them on Monday.

32002, 32006 & 32007 have been on loan to LH while the Uni services have been reduced for the Christmas break. Obviously 32007 has RTC damage but the other two should now be back at BH.

42901 is a transfer to HE from LH.

And lastly, I have now left FirstBus and have moved back to my native Birmingham and now work for NXWM. It's been a privilege to give you updates and info from FirstBristol over the last couple of years and will miss parts of being in Bristol, but not other parts!!!

Good luck to all on the forum, I shall continue to read it but won't be contributing anymore for obvious reasons. So thanks to you all for reading my posts and I hope I've been able to help you all.

John

Ah John, you shall be sadly missed! Thank you for your fantastic contributions to the forum and for keeping us up to date with the whereabouts of certain vehicles and routes! All the best!

Good luck with NXWM! I hope to see you plodding along on the Outer Circle or something!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

The six white Volvo B7RLEs that have been on loan from Wrightbus go back to them on Monday.

32002, 32006 & 32007 have been on loan to LH while the Uni services have been reduced for the Christmas break. Obviously 32007 has RTC damage but the other two should now be back at BH.

42901 is a transfer to HE from LH.

And lastly, I have now left FirstBus and have moved back to my native Birmingham and now work for NXWM. It's been a privilege to give you updates and info from FirstBristol over the last couple of years and will miss parts of being in Bristol, but not other parts!!!

Good luck to all on the forum, I shall continue to read it but won't be contributing anymore for obvious reasons. So thanks to you all for reading my posts and I hope I've been able to help you all.

John

Hi John

First and most importantly, hope the relocation back home works out for you.

For my part, I have really appreciated the information and the insight that you've provided over the last few years. Of course, you naturally have to be careful in what you provide and I think we all recognise the line that has been trodden.

However, you've always told people what you can and it has been welcome and well received. Enjoy the move back up the M5 and all the very best for the future
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Points West segment on the new e400VE http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35266916

 

[THarris123]

Hi John

First and most importantly, hope the relocation back home works out for you.

For my part, I have really appreciated the information and the insight that you've provided over the last few years. Of course, you naturally have to be careful in what you provide and I think we all recognise the line that has been trodden.

However, you've always told people what you can and it has been welcome and well received. Enjoy the move back up the M5 and all the very best for the future
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Points West segment on the new e400VE http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35266916

Nice to hear James Freeman talking in that story - and the PR manager is driving it too.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I can't find it on Mr White's site but I have been told by a reliable source that at least 66104 will be entering the training fleet, but I believe the other Olympia liveried B10BLEs will too, I will try and confirm.

Look at his site on a mobile - if you look at it on a computer the January tab comes up with January 15 rather than January 16.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The six white Volvo B7RLEs that have been on loan from Wrightbus go back to them on Monday.

32002, 32006 & 32007 have been on loan to LH while the Uni services have been reduced for the Christmas break. Obviously 32007 has RTC damage but the other two should now be back at BH.

42901 is a transfer to HE from LH.

And lastly, I have now left FirstBus and have moved back to my native Birmingham and now work for NXWM. It's been a privilege to give you updates and info from FirstBristol over the last couple of years and will miss parts of being in Bristol, but not other parts!!!

Good luck to all on the forum, I shall continue to read it but won't be contributing anymore for obvious reasons. So thanks to you all for reading my posts and I hope I've been able to help you all.

John

Thank you so much John. It's been a pleasure discussing and reading your posts.

Damn we'll now have to find another Bristol driver for a source of what's going on.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

You need to leave the city and head into the countryside - it's not all pitchforks and wickermen you know

We'll maybe apart from somewhere like Green Ore
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

That's what I meant!

I'll probably get the X39 to Bath, the 173 to Wells and then the 376 back to town. Or I may even get the 178 and grab my boyf who lives in Peasedown St John (yes that wasn't a typo, I have a boyfriend haha) and we can go back to Bristol together for a meal we're going to next week with some of our former uni chums

Have you got the typo wrong - if he does actually live in Peasedown, give him my sympathies - after passing through there everyday on 175 in 2013, you begin to realise it's not the best place in the world

 

[ValleyLines142]

Have you got the typo wrong - if he does actually live in Peasedown, give him my sympathies - after passing through there everyday on 175 in 2013, you begin to realise it's not the best place in the world

He does indeed! It's literally in the middle of nowhere!

He usually gets the X39 to Bath and the 178 from there, but last Sunday as the X39 wasn't running he had to get the 178 straight from Bristol, and it took him god knows how long. He was messaging me and I did about 7 or 8 different things whilst he was sat there! he did, however, have one of the ex-Maltese B7RLE's, so that was nice.

I know it would probably be a complete waste of a resource, but could deckers be used on the 178/379?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

He does indeed! It's literally in the middle of nowhere!

He usually gets the X39 to Bath and the 178 from there, but last Sunday as the X39 wasn't running he had to get the 178 straight from Bristol, and it took him god knows how long. He was messaging me and I did about 7 or 8 different things whilst he was sat there! he did, however, have one of the ex-Maltese B7RLE's, so that was nice.

I know it would probably be a complete waste of a resource, but could deckers be used on the 178/379?

There's no reason why deckers can't be used on the 178/379 but, you're right, the loadings don't justify deckers.

Don't think PSJ is that bad. The pubs aren't brilliant but the rest of the village is ok. Same with most places - there's good and bad. Even Bath has it's more lively areas (e.g. Haycombe Drive)

 

[ValleyLines142]

There's no reason why deckers can't be used on the 178/379 but, you're right, the loadings don't justify deckers.

Don't think PSJ is that bad. The pubs aren't brilliant but the rest of the village is ok. Same with most places - there's good and bad. Even Bath has it's more lively areas (e.g. Haycombe Drive)

I don't think it is either. As you say, every area of a town has it's good and bad places. Being more of a rural settlement too, I'm surprised it has that sort of reputation, as opposed to the more inner city areas such as Easton and St Paul's.

 

[Private Baxter]

The six white Volvo B7RLEs that have been on loan from Wrightbus go back to them on Monday.

32002, 32006 & 32007 have been on loan to LH while the Uni services have been reduced for the Christmas break. Obviously 32007 has RTC damage but the other two should now be back at BH.

42901 is a transfer to HE from LH.

And lastly, I have now left FirstBus and have moved back to my native Birmingham and now work for NXWM. It's been a privilege to give you updates and info from FirstBristol over the last couple of years and will miss parts of being in Bristol, but not other parts!!!

Good luck to all on the forum, I shall continue to read it but won't be contributing anymore for obvious reasons. So thanks to you all for reading my posts and I hope I've been able to help you all.

John

Thanks for your valuable input John, even right up to this most recent post, (confirming that 42901 has now moved to HE). All the best!

 

[THarris123]

He does indeed! It's literally in the middle of nowhere!

He usually gets the X39 to Bath and the 178 from there, but last Sunday as the X39 wasn't running he had to get the 178 straight from Bristol, and it took him god knows how long. He was messaging me and I did about 7 or 8 different things whilst he was sat there! he did, however, have one of the ex-Maltese B7RLE's, so that was nice.

I know it would probably be a complete waste of a resource, but could deckers be used on the 178/379?

Think the last time I saw a decker on 178 was 2013, but it only ever happens if there are no single decks left and only deckers spare - which doesn't happen very often. Usually the 10 or 14 receive a spare decker if there's one going rather than 178/379.

And in the middle of nowhere - try getting to Cameley that's in the middle of nowhere!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
And no Peasedown isn't that bad in places - the newer parts are better, as with most places.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Few oddities on Bristol routes this morning - Gemini on 90, 37350 on 1 and an ALX on 2

 

[Private Baxter]

Had my first go on one of LH's new e400s yesterday, on route 1 (which was also probably the first time I've traveled that route). Brilliant machines, hope to see more of these in the future!

 

[DaveHarries]

Just come across these in today's VOSA Bus Service Registrations:

PH0000132/9 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between BRISTOL Bus Station and BATH Bus Station given service number 37 effective from 10-Jan-2016. To amend Timetable.

PH0000132/16 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Warminster and Bath Bus Station given service number 265 effective from 17-Jan-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.

PH0000132/241 - FIRST SOMERSET & AVON LTD T/A FIRST, ENTERPRISE HOUSE, EASTON ROAD, BRISTOL, BS5 0DZ
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Kingsway, Ambleside Road and Bathampton Holcombe Vale given service number 4 effective from 17-Jan-2016. To amend Route and Timetable.

The first entry was already known about but what of the other two? No new timetables for the 4 or 265 on TSW.

Dave

 

[Class 33]

Seen a single decker on the 1 today. I was going to say the other day that at long last they've made the 1 & 2 fully double decker! But not today at least! Surprised at this, especially with all those new Enviro 400 MMC's that have gone on these services in the past few weeks.

Also seen one of those new bio-electric double deckers on the 72. So at least one of them is in service.

 

[carlberry]

Seen a single decker on the 1 today. I was going to say the other day that at long last they've made the 1 & 2 fully double decker! But not today at least! Surprised at this, especially with all those new Enviro 400 MMC's that have gone on these services in the past few weeks.

Without Lawrence Hill goes fully double deck they're always be more single deck spares than double deck ones. It then becomes a question of what gets the short straw. They're still a few second hand deckers short (Leicester and Yorkshire) and only 11 1/2 months to go for the for the old ALX400s!

 

[THarris123]

32277 has transferred to LH, as seen on the 3.

42962 on X2/3 this evening.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
On 35165 home atm - the panel with the stop sign on on the lower deck appears to have had a rather large hole filled in - i'm thinking either someone fell down the stairs and launched their head into this or someone thought it was a bright idea to kick a hole in this.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
42967 on 72
37318 on 90