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

[freetoview33]

Ah - Kerry McCarthy.

The 36 eve/Sun journeys were previously tendered and were taken on commercially so perhaps not a huge shock.

I had my doubts about the viability of the 96 from the off.

It’s all a bit grim.

It is indeed.

 

[northken]

https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-.../first-west-england-announces-january-service

It's still a bit of time away but one good improvement is the introduction of a Sunday service on the m2 from April.

Other than that, it is interesting that on all Metrobus routes the weekday off-peak frequency will soon be exactly half that of the peak frequency. I'm sure it works well for First from a timetabling perspective but I can't see how it is going to do anything for leisure travellers or those who commute at off-peak times.

 

[carlberry]

https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-.../first-west-england-announces-january-service

It's still a bit of time away but one good improvement is the introduction of a Sunday service on the m2 from April.

Other than that, it is interesting that on all Metrobus routes the weekday off-peak frequency will soon be exactly half that of the peak frequency. I'm sure it works well for First from a timetabling perspective but I can't see how it is going to do anything for leisure travellers or those who commute at off-peak times.

That amount of difference between peak and off peak used to cause staffing issues because of the number of 'split shifts' that it produces, perhaps it's easier now with people used to the 'gig' economy.
The wording of the frequency reductions contains a hint that they might just be for the winter period, however it's more likely to just be a way of spinning it.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

That amount of difference between peak and off peak used to cause staffing issues because of the number of 'split shifts' that it produces, perhaps it's easier now with people used to the 'gig' economy.
The wording of the frequency reductions contains a hint that they might just be for the winter period, however it's more likely to just be a way of spinning it.

Bristol was always a bit odd in the last few decades in that the number of peak hour extras was relatively low.

However, that statement is really disingenuous. A “slightly reduced frequency” on metrobus.... so a cut of 40% on m2 and 50% on m3. Just be honest - the m3 is pretty quiet during the day!

As for seasonal cuts, I share the concern. Some in Sheffield were reduced for the summer but simply not restored.

Tying in with metrobus, Steve White reports new gas buses with m3, m2 and lilac fronted Urban examples.

 

[83G/84D]

30877 on the U5 in Bath today. Q busters seen in Bristol:-

36076, 32233 (routes 3/73), 36079(42/73), 33390(72), 36080(1,42), 36072, 36077(2).

67604 on the A2, 67642 on the 2, 67632 on the 91 and back in Bath 67633 on the 19A.

Tridents in Bristol were 33144, 33062 (76), 33072 (75/76), 33064 (75), 33061 (75) & 33182 (7).

Uni E400MMC 33495 on service 22 late afternoon.

 

[cnjb8]

On twitter,
YN69 DSY and YN69 DSZ in Metrobus lime branding.

 

[lx12ddo]

Caught 32003 for the first time in well over 1.5 years today, U3: great sounding machine. Definitely has a few more years left in her. 32014 sounds similar, but I recall 32015 being temperamental 2017/18, might still be the case.
That said, the worst of the lot used to be 32002 with its cooling fan and sluggish attempts at Bathwick back in 2016/17...... trip down memory lane today!

 

[Whiteway215]

Caught 32003 for the first time in well over 1.5 years today, U3: great sounding machine. Definitely has a few more years left in her. 32014 sounds similar, but I recall 32015 being temperamental 2017/18, might still be the case.
That said, the worst of the lot used to be 32002 with its cooling fan and sluggish attempts at Bathwick back in 2016/17...... trip down memory lane today!

32015 wasn't seen in service after April. Late July I was told it needed a new/rebuilt engine and by mid August was in the workshop. Reported that parts of damaged 32090 were used to repair 32015 which returned to service by October 3rd. So hopefully may have quite a bit longer to live.

 

[Tommy Walters]

Caught 32003 for the first time in well over 1.5 years today, U3: great sounding machine. Definitely has a few more years left in her. 32014 sounds similar, but I recall 32015 being temperamental 2017/18, might still be the case.
That said, the worst of the lot used to be 32002 with its cooling fan and sluggish attempts at Bathwick back in 2016/17...... trip down memory lane today!

You were very unlucky with the timing then - 32003 swapped around from U2-U3 with Wells' 32688! 003 nearly bit the dust at the uni at about 13:00 - took 2 engineers and the driver to start her!!

 

[lx12ddo]

32015 wasn't seen in service after April. Late July I was told it needed a new/rebuilt engine and by mid August was in the workshop. Reported that parts of damaged 32090 were used to repair 32015 which returned to service by October 3rd. So hopefully may have quite a bit longer to live.

She sounded absolutely fine when caught 9th October on the U1, so surprised to hear! But good they've saved it.

You were very unlucky with the timing then - 32003 swapped around from U2-U3 with Wells' 32688! 003 nearly bit the dust at the uni at about 13:00 - took 2 engineers and the driver to start her!!

Caught it around 15:00 from Oldfield up to campus. Almost empty, and good speed all the way. Surprised about the near disaster there... good on her for keeping going. Unlucky in which sense? That I missed out on 32688? Couldn't complain, was waiting to tick 003 off since it came back to Bath!

 

[Haru]

32015 had the freshly rebuilt engine from 32090, so freshly built that it hadn’t even been properly toad tested before it’s crash.

 

[Haru]

Also...

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

32015 had the freshly rebuilt engine from 32090, so freshly built that it hadn’t even been properly toad tested before it’s crash.

Was it ok for the 3 stop HOP.... (grabs coat)

 

[carlberry]

32015 had the freshly rebuilt engine from 32090, so freshly built that it hadn’t even been properly toad tested before it’s crash.

They used it Warts and all!
(I'm here all week).

 

[Whiteway215]

32015 had the freshly rebuilt engine from 32090, so freshly built that it hadn’t even been properly toad tested before it’s crash.

Thanks for confirming. I don't know where 32090 is now.

 

[Tommy Walters]

Unlucky in which sense? That I missed out on 32688? Couldn't complain, was waiting to tick 003 off since it came back to Bath!

In all fairness to you, I caught 32688 yesterday & thought it was rather sluggish, especially for a newer B7. Clearly Bath are very short on deckers today as it's out on the U2 again. 53856 has also made it onto a daytime U3, again clearly as a last resort spare!! Had it down from uni at 11:15 and was pretty well-loaded, reckon it'll be full and standing on most of its later trips!!

 

[lx12ddo]

In all fairness to you, I caught 32688 yesterday & thought it was rather sluggish, especially for a newer B7. Clearly Bath are very short on deckers today as it's out on the U2 again. 53856 has also made it onto a daytime U3, again clearly as a last resort spare!! Had it down from uni at 11:15 and was pretty well-loaded, reckon it'll be full and standing on most of its later trips!!

Will try catch later and report back! (If it’s taken off, then 37410 will do)

 

[Tommy Walters]

Will try catch later and report back! (If it’s taken off, then 37410 will do)

I'm afraid it only did the one trip - it's been replaced by 32003 of all buses!! 32638's out now as well!!

 

[lx12ddo]

I'm afraid it only did the one trip - it's been replaced by 32003 of all buses!! 32638's out now as well!!

638 seems to have hopped over to the U1. Did 410 up around 1430, great engine, albeit slightly whiney compared with the usual B9. But was very capable up Bathwick!

 

[spw24]

It looks as though the fleet numbers for the new Scania,s are a bit of a mess owing to previously used numbers the batch will be 39402-72/81-92 but there will be nothing numbered 39405/28/42/67/73/86/90 as these were all Routemster numbers.

 

[Whiteway215]

It looks as though the fleet numbers for the new Scania,s are a bit of a mess owing to previously used numbers the batch will be 39402-72/81-92 but there will be nothing numbered 39405/28/42/67/73/86/90 as these were all Routemster numbers.

Is there a planned date for the first of these to enter service?

 

[Tommy Walters]

Is there another rail replacement on somewhere this morning? Only 1 e400 on Bath U1 again so far (33946), 2 artics (10169/83) & 1 B7 (32003) joining it!

 

[Private Baxter]

Is there another rail replacement on somewhere this morning? Only 1 e400 on Bath U1 again so far (33946), 2 artics (10169/83) & 1 B7 (32003) joining it!

No, but there are a lot of standby buses around various railway stations in our area to help alleviate crowding on trains due to the Bath Christmas markets.

 

[Tommy Walters]

No, but there are a lot of standby buses around various railway stations in our area to help alleviate crowding on trains due to the Bath Christmas markets.

Thank you. I have since noticed that 33943/50 are out on the 21, 33947/8 on the 31 & 33945 on the 41 - clearly their slightly larger capacity will be beneficial on those routes today (although I thought the 41 could handle artics??)

 

[iantherev]

I apologise if this is off-topic for the Bath University services thread but elsewhere in the empire, First Cymru (and ex FWOE) Dart SLF 42906 went to M&R Commercials, Swansea for scrap this week.

 

[Private Baxter]

I apologise if this is off-topic for the Bath University services thread but elsewhere in the empire, First Cymru (and ex FWOE) Dart SLF 42906 went to M&R Commercials, Swansea for scrap this week.

Very much on topic, this thread covers Wales too! Interesting to see that a 14 year old dart is off for scrap.... was it in bad shape? Meanwhile those that are left here continue to give good service, Steve having reported that 42909 has just been given a repaint over in Weston.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Very much on topic, this thread covers Wales too! Interesting to see that a 14 year old dart is off for scrap.... was it in bad shape? Meanwhile those that are left here continue to give good service, Steve having reported that 42909 has just been given a repaint over in Weston.

Definitely - we don’t get enough Welsh (or FHD) info. Seems to be more Brizzle centric or in-depth studies of Bath’s University services.

Was it an accident victim or just a rotten one. Swifty will remember re: 42702 that met an early demise. Think that wasn’t a fire or accident victim (but I may be wrong) and went a good few years earlier than the others.

 

[Blackpudding]

Definitely - we don’t get enough Welsh (or FHD) info. Seems to be more Brizzle centric or in-depth studies of Bath’s University services.

Was it an accident victim or just a rotten one. Swifty will remember re: 42702 that met an early demise. Think that wasn’t a fire or accident victim (but I may be wrong) and went a good few years earlier than the others.

Rotten. There is a photo, with plenty of comments, on Joshua Temple's flickr page here;
https://www.flickr.com/photos/joshs-bus-pics/

Also of note are the photographs of white Solo on hire to Cymru.

 

[freetoview33]

Some Gas Bus Updates (Metrobus buses have also been named)

39402 - YN69 DTY - Red (New Branding for 42-45)
39483 - YN69 DSY - Metrobus Green (Named Gonzales)
39484 - YN69 DSZ - Metrobus Green (Named Gandalf)
39488 - YN69 DTD - Metrobus Green (Named Gabrielle)
39489 - YN69 DTU - Metrobus Red (Named Ginny)
39491 - YN69 DTV - Lilac Front

Also from CBW

James said: “There are to be two zones as per the proposals. To enter the wider outer zone, operators must use a PCV that meets Euro VI specification – failure to do so would result in a £100 daily charge. The inner zone bans diesel cars between 0700 and 1500hrs. This ban does not apply to commercial vehicles including coaches, buses and taxis.”

Any coach or bus that has entered the outer zone, whether it complies or invokes a charge, is free to travel into and through the ‘diesel ban’ area.

James also mentioned that the First West of England fleet is on target to meet the CAZ standard: “Thanks to new bio-methane buses on delivery, existing Euro VI buses and retrofits/conversions, we expect to meet the zone requirements by 2021 without the need to pay any charges. Given the strength of public opinion behind the climate emergency, we bus operators need to make sure we are seen as part of the answer, rather than part of the problem!”

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Some Gas Bus Updates (Metrobus buses have also been named)

39402 - YN69 DTY - Red (New Branding for 42-45)
39483 - YN69 DSY - Metrobus Green
39484 - YN69 DSZ - Metrobus Green (Named Gandalf)
39488 - YN69 DTD - Metrobus Green
39489 - YN69 DTU - Metrobus Red (Named Ginny)
39491 - YN69 DTV - Lilac Front

Also from CBW

Being a bit thick here. Do you mean an all red livery for 42-45 or some type of red front (but different from the 90)?