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First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)
- Thread starter RPI
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RailUK Forums
Network Rail (as it's usually their bridge that's used) really don't like the idea!
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Indeed - I seem to recall when NR was Railtrack, they did a video and sent a knackered VR (ex Luton & District/LCNW) under a low bridge to emphasise the issue!
FSW Official
Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2016
- Messages
- 290
The first ones will probably go into service toward the end of next week.
Accelerator59
Member
I gotta say though, I'm loving the Cornish quotes and phrases on the back of them haha.
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
That's why they used the steam railway bridge at Bodmin in September then!
This was the Railtrack one I was thinking about.
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/1165235.the_day_a_bus_crashed_into_uks_most_bashed_bridge/
Sadly, there was a tragic incident in the early 1980s where a number of people were killed. I only vaguely recall it but think it was a National Welsh VR heading to the coast (Barry, Porthcawl??) one Sunday and it took a wrong turn. Thankfully, most seem to be when NIS.
Thanks for that, better get my last photo's of the Volvo B7RLE's sooner rather than later then. Is it more of a phased introduction than with the earlier one's?
FSW Official
Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2016
- Messages
- 290
6 or 7 weeks probably
A Flickr contact has captured photos of some of the red ones heading south on the M5.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/road_runuk/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/road_runuk/
Busaholic
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 7 Jun 2014
- Messages
- 14,671
5/12/16.
Something Old, Something New, Something Blue - just missing the borrowed.
I passed by car five times the environs of Pz Bus Stn today, and in chronological order this is what I saw:-
12.45 VERY surprised to see Olympian 34041 bound for Madron on the 17A
13.30 Seen again going back to St Ives still as 17A
15.25 Seen for a final time exiting the bus stn out of service to the depot
16.30 Something blue in the form of a fire engine on blue lights entering the exit side of the bus stn and stopping. I was driving past Wharfside and immediately diverted via the car park to come out at the side of the bus station, and saw they had been called to the public loos, rather than to a bus fire (thank goodness0
17.00 Returning to Pz was surprised to find the fire engine still in situ blocking the exit from the bus stn, so presumably buses had to exit, with passengers, through the entrance, somewhat akin to the situation a couple of decades ago when a private company from Relubbus whose name escapes me tried to compete with Western National.
The Something New I'd not have seen if I'd not been so nosey about the fire engine. Coming round the Morrison's roundabout I was immediately behind a brand new decker reg -- 66 CCZ with branding on the back saying 'The Tinner - every 30 minutes to St Ives.' It also had what appeared to my inexpert eye as a trade plate in the back window with (I think) the no. 49169, or was this the fleet no? Colour appeared to be maroon, but please allow for a degree of colour blindness. It duly swung into the road leading to the depot, and I could see same sort of colours and a bold Tinner name again. An impatient passenger ensured I wasn't allowed to follow it all the way. Does any of this accord with the previous post?
Something Old, Something New, Something Blue - just missing the borrowed.
I passed by car five times the environs of Pz Bus Stn today, and in chronological order this is what I saw:-
12.45 VERY surprised to see Olympian 34041 bound for Madron on the 17A
13.30 Seen again going back to St Ives still as 17A
15.25 Seen for a final time exiting the bus stn out of service to the depot
16.30 Something blue in the form of a fire engine on blue lights entering the exit side of the bus stn and stopping. I was driving past Wharfside and immediately diverted via the car park to come out at the side of the bus station, and saw they had been called to the public loos, rather than to a bus fire (thank goodness0
17.00 Returning to Pz was surprised to find the fire engine still in situ blocking the exit from the bus stn, so presumably buses had to exit, with passengers, through the entrance, somewhat akin to the situation a couple of decades ago when a private company from Relubbus whose name escapes me tried to compete with Western National.
The Something New I'd not have seen if I'd not been so nosey about the fire engine. Coming round the Morrison's roundabout I was immediately behind a brand new decker reg -- 66 CCZ with branding on the back saying 'The Tinner - every 30 minutes to St Ives.' It also had what appeared to my inexpert eye as a trade plate in the back window with (I think) the no. 49169, or was this the fleet no? Colour appeared to be maroon, but please allow for a degree of colour blindness. It duly swung into the road leading to the depot, and I could see same sort of colours and a bold Tinner name again. An impatient passenger ensured I wasn't allowed to follow it all the way. Does any of this accord with the previous post?
FSW Official
Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2016
- Messages
- 290
34311
Today E400 MMC WK66 CDF became the first of the latest batch to visit Camborne AFAIK. It was inspected and checked by engineering staff before departing later in the day. Also here was the demonstrator recently used by Williams of Camborne.
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GBM
Member
No sign of any tree and hedge cutbacks anywhere along any of the 14/18 routes. Currently the new vehicles will be doing that on behalf of the Council, who, from what I hear, have been asked to ensure clear passage.
I have heard various start dates for the MMC's on route 14 / 18 depending on who you talk to. FSW official may be able to say, if later this week is still planned to be the time the initial examples start in service.
It would be shame to see the new vehicles covered in scratches and scrape marks from overhanging tree branches within a week or two, however it would probably take a while to trim everything back and I doubt the planned tree lopper is ready yet.
Certainly the extra seating capacity of the new buses will be handy in the run up to Christmas and beyond.
It would be shame to see the new vehicles covered in scratches and scrape marks from overhanging tree branches within a week or two, however it would probably take a while to trim everything back and I doubt the planned tree lopper is ready yet.
Certainly the extra seating capacity of the new buses will be handy in the run up to Christmas and beyond.
FSW Official
Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2016
- Messages
- 290
The tree looper isn't for general hedge cutting, or indeed general tree clearance. That is the legal responsibility of the landowner and enforcement rests with the local highway authority.
We aren't keeping buses off because of trees or hedges and have never suggested so.
The first will probably enter service mid next week. We have a lot of vinyl to apply inside them. They then need to drop into the service programme on slots belonging to vehicles they are replacing so that could be over a 28 day period.
Busaholic
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 7 Jun 2014
- Messages
- 14,671
The sole(?) Olympian was on the 1 at lunchtime today.
FSW Official
Member
- Joined
- 4 Feb 2016
- Messages
- 290
THarris123
Established Member
Are they being made DDA?
If you know of anybody doing a DDA job on an Olympian there'll be a queue of independents wanting it (However, I suspect, even removing the wheels and dragging it isnt going to work).
FSW has previously said that some are to be retained for closed contracts, where they can still be used.
A wheelchair lift, and a rearranged downstairs, new rails etc should do!
THarris123
Established Member
Looks very nice. Certainly no expense spared. Do i notice no external advertising boards?
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Seconded - they do look very smart machines.
Credit to the FSW team for arguing the business case, and specifying some really good equipment. I'm just sad that I'm unlikely to fit in my usual Cornish trip this Spring
Robertj21a
On Moderation
- Joined
- 22 Sep 2013
- Messages
- 7,691
They are Olympians !!
Correct, and the vinyls are in the places they'd be expected
Sorry for the rather long winded trip report from this week. Please stick with it and read it all. Comments are welcome:-
Having a few days off work this week I decided to explore parts of the first Kernow network using a day ticket.
Setting off early I first boarded Volvo B7RLE 69218 on the 0637 (18) from Camborne to Truro. With a load of 7 people we made frequent stops on the way to Redruth for passengers to join and alight including a man with a guide dog.
After Mount Ambrose it was a non-stop run to Threemilestone where there was just time to drop off one passenger before the final part of the journey to Truro.
Traffic was already building up inbound to Truro past the Park and Ride west site at just after 7am but after a stop to drop off 6 passengers at Treliske Hospital it was an uneventful run in to Truro where arrival was 1 minute early.
I had a quick toilet break before observing the movements at the bus station, 69221 was on the 14, 33473 on the U1, 42559 on the 87 and 65760 on the 27.
A short time later trident 32757 arrived and this would depart as the 0735 (93) Truro to Newquay. I boarded and went up to the top deck. My impressions of the bus were mixed as I looked around. Firstly, the seats were comfortable with plenty of padding however the condition of the bus otherwise was poor. The surfaces were dirty and stained and there was litter on the floor presumably from the previous day as it was too much to have accumulated in just a short time that morning. The bus did not look like it had a heavy internal clean for weeks or months and the outside was not much better with the front top deck window grimy.
Departure from Truro was on time and we followed 65760 on the 27 for a short while before branching off to serve Tregurra. Two passengers alighted at Trispen and one joined before we encountered a delay at Carland Cross roundabout. Westbound traffic on the A30 was queuing round the roundabout preventing traffic from Truro from turning onto the eastbound A30. Eventually we were underway again and with no passengers at Mitchell it was back onto the eastbound A30.
We passed another 327xx Trident on the 93 heading to Truro before exiting at Highgate Hill. Trident 32758 was seen at Fraddon on a St Austell bound service 27 and at Indian Queens we passed 32873 on Truro College service 219 and shortly after, 32874 on service 218.
Approaching St Columb Major trident 33111 looking smart in its recently applied green paint was seen with First Kernow showing on its destination screen.
Due to the earlier delay at Carland Cross the bus was running around 6 minutes late and I was worried my connecting bus at St Columb Major may have left. I need not have worried however as Trident 33173 was waiting at the stop opposite. A quick change of buses saw me join the 0755 Newquay to Wadebridge and I was one of around 4 passengers.
Compared to 32757 earlier the seats on 33173 were hard and uncomfortable with virtually no padding. The bus was generally clean and tidy however and looked smart in its Urban colours. There were quite a few rattles on the bus but not so many as to be distracting or irritating. We set off around 4 minutes late but there were no passengers alighting or joining. I had a good view from the top deck front seat, as yet another former Buses of Somerset Trident passed at Winnards Perch. It was also heading towards Truro College. An uneventful run to Wadebridge followed and I got off in the town at the stop just before the bus station. Another toilet and refreshment break followed and I observed Solo 53120 working the first short 96 service from Camelford to Wadebridge of the day, followed by a Plymouth Citybus Citaro and a Dart. First Dart 43864 arrived on the 0710 (95) Bude to Wadebridge and a smart turnaround at the bus station ensured that it was on time as I boarded the 0850 (96) Wadebridge to Bude. The cheery driver welcomed me on board and I was the sole passenger for the entire journey! The service 96 takes the coastal route to Camelford serving Rock, Polzeath & Port Isaac whereas the 95 takes the inland route via St Teath and St Kew Highway. Due to the filthy dirty windows, I did not get much of a view as we passed through some delightful villages and no famous chefs were seen at Rock. The sun was shining as we paused briefly at Polzeath but there few people around enjoying the weather. At Port Isaac, the bus had to turn around and exit the village the same way it entered as there were roadworks. This may have contributed to the fact that by the time we reached Delabole we were running a few minutes late despite no stops on the way. The timings certainly seem rather optimistic especially for the summer months when you would expect there to be more passengers using this service. We saw Solo 53120 again heading back to Wadebridge on service 96.
Arrival at Camelford was just a couple of minutes late where I said farewell to the driver before crossing the road to await the next bus I was to travel on. The driver I had just said farewell to, had also finished his stint and was relieved by another driver that had arrived in Vario 56000 possibly after finishing a school run. Dart 43863 arrived and departed on the 1004 (55A) to Bodmin and shortly afterwards 43874 on the 0900 (95) from Bude to Wadebridge. I was again greeted by a friendly driver and was one of four passengers. It was a quicker and uneventful run back to Wadebridge with a stop to pick up two passengers at a delightful St Teath. The bus was relatively clean and tidy with only a few rattles from the assault screen and drivers door area.
Back at Wadebridge I had to continue my journey courtesy of Plymouth Citybus service 11A to Bodmin. Citaro 89 duly arrived on time and I boarded with 13 other passengers. The seats were hard and not very comfortable but the bus was reasonably tidy, The driver was Scottish and being mentored and I had difficulty with his accent when paying the single fare of £4.40 to Bodmin. I understand that Plymouth Citybus have put fares up recently due to increased costs but I thought this was rather expensive for a relatively short journey. After passing Dunmere on the A389 service 11A turns right down Boundary Lane and serves Bodmin Hospital and this is when we met a rather large lorry heading out of Bodmin. There was not enough room for both vehicles to pass despite an aborted attempt so the bus had to reverse around quarter a mile back to find a wide section of road where the lorry could pass! Despite being under scrutiny from the driver mentor who was making notes the driver successfully reversed the bus up the road to allow the lorry to pass. The driver deserved credit for remaining calm under pressure and getting out of a difficult predicament.
Arrival at Bodmin Mount Folly was around ten minutes late but no-one seemed to mind, I left the bus and crossed the road to await my next bus. Ten minutes or so later Trident 32714 arrived on the 1138 (27) Bodmin to Truro. Around 12 passengers boarded and yet again I went upstairs and got a seat at the front. Despite the age of the bus this was probably the best of the Tridents I travelled on all day! The interior was clean, the bus was rattle free and the ride quality good. It also performed well without struggling on any hills we encountered.
After picking up a few more passengers on the way out of Bodmin good progress was made to Cornwall services where a wait of a couple of minutes ensued. Five passengers joined at Roche and shortly after Scania 65759 was seen on a service 27 to Bodmin. At Bugle one person left the bus and four joined. Deep in china clay country we pause at a couple of stops in Penwithick before taking a rather indirect route to St Austell bus station serving Carclaze and Bethel where several more passengers joined the bus. Another Scania (65760) was seen on another service 27 to Bodmin which was rather unexpected given that it was only around 25 minutes since we passed the last one!
At St Austell bus station Solo 53805 was on service 22, 43863 was on service 30, 42560 on service 24 and 42871 on service 101 whilst 30877 & 23208 were parked up. It was quite busy in St Austell with 4 joining the bus and 6 leaving at the bus station whilst one more joined near Trinity Street. Another two passengers joined on the outskirts of town with one of them admonishing a young lad for putting his feet on the seats. Solos 53108 & 40321 were seen on services 25 and 21 respectively. Three people boarded at Sticker and 33004 was seen at Grampound on service 27. At Probus I left the service to travel on a service I had never used before!
Less than five minutes later Solo 53118 arrived on service 50 to St Mawes. The service was well loaded and picked up more passengers on the outskirts of the village before heading through the scenic roads towards Tregony. Six people left at the pretty village of Tregony whilst the bus turned around in the Square.
There were just a few passengers remaining on board as we continued passing 43873 on service 51 heading back to Truro. I decided to have a break in Portscatho rather than continuing to St Mawes.
The quaint seaside town was rather quiet as expected in December but I managed a quick pint in the pub and ate a snack on a bench overlooking the sea. Dragging myself away rather reluctantly I walked the short distance back to the bus stop. Buses do not go right into the village but stop a short distance away. Solo 53118 re-appeared on its way back to Truro and I was one of only 2 passengers.
The route was re-traced back to Tregony but no-one joined or alighted so it was a quick turnaround in the square and onwards. Passing several school buses heading into Tregony it was not long before Probus was reached where one passenger joined.
Tresillian was quiet but Solo 53805 was seen heading to Tregony on service 51 followed by 65759 on service 27.
On arrival at Truro the traffic was busy as the City Centre was partly closed to road traffic for late night Christmas shopping. Park & ride services were calling at the Bus Station rather than Victoria Square whilst I also saw 42563 on service 50, 69220 on service 18, 33471 on U1, 32874 on 87, 65763 on the 18, 33151 on service 200, 69223 on services 14 /18 and 42860 on service 47. Also seen was 32851 & 32872 plus 32844 on service 85 & 33476.
I joined Dart 42875 in its rather garish red advertising colours for a local commercial radio station. It was working the 1525 (46) Truro to Redruth. We departed with a load of 15 passengers and took a slight detour to avoid the closed road.
Service 46 takes a rather convoluted route to Redruth via some of the smaller villages the first of which is Carnon Downs. Probably a slight exaggeration but it seemed like we drove along every road in Carnon Downs picking up no further passengers but did see Enviro 400 33422 heading to Truro. At nearby Devoran one passenger joined whilst another Enviro 400 in MMC 33476 was seen. Having only been on the bus a short time it became apparent that the bus was probably the bus with the most rattles regardless of the condition of the roads. The windows, assault screen, coin tray, drivers cab door and everything else it seemed, rattled continuously. The bus was also dirty inside with litter everywhere and was in need of an external clean.
Perranwell station was the next stop where three people left and two more left shortly after in Perranwell village probably glad their ears were getting a rest from the noise on board.
Two youngsters left the bus just before Frogpool and two more at the nearby Cornish Arms pub.
We passed Gwennap and Comford without incident before a brief stop near Carharrack. Service 47 serves Carharrack and St Day so service 46 turns back towards Lanner. I was sorely tempted to get off at Lanner to give myself a break from the noise on board but stayed on board for another ten minutes to Redruth. The Dart arrived without shaking itself to bits rather surprisingly and even the driver had enough and left the bus at the station for someone else to take over.
I saw 42860 again at Redruth heading to Camborne via Illogan and Portreath but decided to wait for a 14 or 18 service as in theory this would be more direct and therefore quicker. This was not the case as a 25 minute wait ensued. The electronic displays at the stops said Please refer to timetables but clearly there were delays as there is not normally a wait of this length of time at this time of day.
Eventually Mc Dart 43904 arrived with a short service 18 to Camborne and despite disgorging around a dozen people there was standing room only as I joined. The bus was starting to empty out to Pool and I found a seat. The bus was comfortable and tidy and a pleasure to ride on. Along with the ex Reading Scanias I think these ex Lothian buses were good shrewd purchases by First.
After arriving back at Camborne I reflected on what a good day Id had, with only a few issues encountered, mainly with interior cleanliness.
I certainly had my moneys worth!
Having a few days off work this week I decided to explore parts of the first Kernow network using a day ticket.
Setting off early I first boarded Volvo B7RLE 69218 on the 0637 (18) from Camborne to Truro. With a load of 7 people we made frequent stops on the way to Redruth for passengers to join and alight including a man with a guide dog.
After Mount Ambrose it was a non-stop run to Threemilestone where there was just time to drop off one passenger before the final part of the journey to Truro.
Traffic was already building up inbound to Truro past the Park and Ride west site at just after 7am but after a stop to drop off 6 passengers at Treliske Hospital it was an uneventful run in to Truro where arrival was 1 minute early.
I had a quick toilet break before observing the movements at the bus station, 69221 was on the 14, 33473 on the U1, 42559 on the 87 and 65760 on the 27.
A short time later trident 32757 arrived and this would depart as the 0735 (93) Truro to Newquay. I boarded and went up to the top deck. My impressions of the bus were mixed as I looked around. Firstly, the seats were comfortable with plenty of padding however the condition of the bus otherwise was poor. The surfaces were dirty and stained and there was litter on the floor presumably from the previous day as it was too much to have accumulated in just a short time that morning. The bus did not look like it had a heavy internal clean for weeks or months and the outside was not much better with the front top deck window grimy.
Departure from Truro was on time and we followed 65760 on the 27 for a short while before branching off to serve Tregurra. Two passengers alighted at Trispen and one joined before we encountered a delay at Carland Cross roundabout. Westbound traffic on the A30 was queuing round the roundabout preventing traffic from Truro from turning onto the eastbound A30. Eventually we were underway again and with no passengers at Mitchell it was back onto the eastbound A30.
We passed another 327xx Trident on the 93 heading to Truro before exiting at Highgate Hill. Trident 32758 was seen at Fraddon on a St Austell bound service 27 and at Indian Queens we passed 32873 on Truro College service 219 and shortly after, 32874 on service 218.
Approaching St Columb Major trident 33111 looking smart in its recently applied green paint was seen with First Kernow showing on its destination screen.
Due to the earlier delay at Carland Cross the bus was running around 6 minutes late and I was worried my connecting bus at St Columb Major may have left. I need not have worried however as Trident 33173 was waiting at the stop opposite. A quick change of buses saw me join the 0755 Newquay to Wadebridge and I was one of around 4 passengers.
Compared to 32757 earlier the seats on 33173 were hard and uncomfortable with virtually no padding. The bus was generally clean and tidy however and looked smart in its Urban colours. There were quite a few rattles on the bus but not so many as to be distracting or irritating. We set off around 4 minutes late but there were no passengers alighting or joining. I had a good view from the top deck front seat, as yet another former Buses of Somerset Trident passed at Winnards Perch. It was also heading towards Truro College. An uneventful run to Wadebridge followed and I got off in the town at the stop just before the bus station. Another toilet and refreshment break followed and I observed Solo 53120 working the first short 96 service from Camelford to Wadebridge of the day, followed by a Plymouth Citybus Citaro and a Dart. First Dart 43864 arrived on the 0710 (95) Bude to Wadebridge and a smart turnaround at the bus station ensured that it was on time as I boarded the 0850 (96) Wadebridge to Bude. The cheery driver welcomed me on board and I was the sole passenger for the entire journey! The service 96 takes the coastal route to Camelford serving Rock, Polzeath & Port Isaac whereas the 95 takes the inland route via St Teath and St Kew Highway. Due to the filthy dirty windows, I did not get much of a view as we passed through some delightful villages and no famous chefs were seen at Rock. The sun was shining as we paused briefly at Polzeath but there few people around enjoying the weather. At Port Isaac, the bus had to turn around and exit the village the same way it entered as there were roadworks. This may have contributed to the fact that by the time we reached Delabole we were running a few minutes late despite no stops on the way. The timings certainly seem rather optimistic especially for the summer months when you would expect there to be more passengers using this service. We saw Solo 53120 again heading back to Wadebridge on service 96.
Arrival at Camelford was just a couple of minutes late where I said farewell to the driver before crossing the road to await the next bus I was to travel on. The driver I had just said farewell to, had also finished his stint and was relieved by another driver that had arrived in Vario 56000 possibly after finishing a school run. Dart 43863 arrived and departed on the 1004 (55A) to Bodmin and shortly afterwards 43874 on the 0900 (95) from Bude to Wadebridge. I was again greeted by a friendly driver and was one of four passengers. It was a quicker and uneventful run back to Wadebridge with a stop to pick up two passengers at a delightful St Teath. The bus was relatively clean and tidy with only a few rattles from the assault screen and drivers door area.
Back at Wadebridge I had to continue my journey courtesy of Plymouth Citybus service 11A to Bodmin. Citaro 89 duly arrived on time and I boarded with 13 other passengers. The seats were hard and not very comfortable but the bus was reasonably tidy, The driver was Scottish and being mentored and I had difficulty with his accent when paying the single fare of £4.40 to Bodmin. I understand that Plymouth Citybus have put fares up recently due to increased costs but I thought this was rather expensive for a relatively short journey. After passing Dunmere on the A389 service 11A turns right down Boundary Lane and serves Bodmin Hospital and this is when we met a rather large lorry heading out of Bodmin. There was not enough room for both vehicles to pass despite an aborted attempt so the bus had to reverse around quarter a mile back to find a wide section of road where the lorry could pass! Despite being under scrutiny from the driver mentor who was making notes the driver successfully reversed the bus up the road to allow the lorry to pass. The driver deserved credit for remaining calm under pressure and getting out of a difficult predicament.
Arrival at Bodmin Mount Folly was around ten minutes late but no-one seemed to mind, I left the bus and crossed the road to await my next bus. Ten minutes or so later Trident 32714 arrived on the 1138 (27) Bodmin to Truro. Around 12 passengers boarded and yet again I went upstairs and got a seat at the front. Despite the age of the bus this was probably the best of the Tridents I travelled on all day! The interior was clean, the bus was rattle free and the ride quality good. It also performed well without struggling on any hills we encountered.
After picking up a few more passengers on the way out of Bodmin good progress was made to Cornwall services where a wait of a couple of minutes ensued. Five passengers joined at Roche and shortly after Scania 65759 was seen on a service 27 to Bodmin. At Bugle one person left the bus and four joined. Deep in china clay country we pause at a couple of stops in Penwithick before taking a rather indirect route to St Austell bus station serving Carclaze and Bethel where several more passengers joined the bus. Another Scania (65760) was seen on another service 27 to Bodmin which was rather unexpected given that it was only around 25 minutes since we passed the last one!
At St Austell bus station Solo 53805 was on service 22, 43863 was on service 30, 42560 on service 24 and 42871 on service 101 whilst 30877 & 23208 were parked up. It was quite busy in St Austell with 4 joining the bus and 6 leaving at the bus station whilst one more joined near Trinity Street. Another two passengers joined on the outskirts of town with one of them admonishing a young lad for putting his feet on the seats. Solos 53108 & 40321 were seen on services 25 and 21 respectively. Three people boarded at Sticker and 33004 was seen at Grampound on service 27. At Probus I left the service to travel on a service I had never used before!
Less than five minutes later Solo 53118 arrived on service 50 to St Mawes. The service was well loaded and picked up more passengers on the outskirts of the village before heading through the scenic roads towards Tregony. Six people left at the pretty village of Tregony whilst the bus turned around in the Square.
There were just a few passengers remaining on board as we continued passing 43873 on service 51 heading back to Truro. I decided to have a break in Portscatho rather than continuing to St Mawes.
The quaint seaside town was rather quiet as expected in December but I managed a quick pint in the pub and ate a snack on a bench overlooking the sea. Dragging myself away rather reluctantly I walked the short distance back to the bus stop. Buses do not go right into the village but stop a short distance away. Solo 53118 re-appeared on its way back to Truro and I was one of only 2 passengers.
The route was re-traced back to Tregony but no-one joined or alighted so it was a quick turnaround in the square and onwards. Passing several school buses heading into Tregony it was not long before Probus was reached where one passenger joined.
Tresillian was quiet but Solo 53805 was seen heading to Tregony on service 51 followed by 65759 on service 27.
On arrival at Truro the traffic was busy as the City Centre was partly closed to road traffic for late night Christmas shopping. Park & ride services were calling at the Bus Station rather than Victoria Square whilst I also saw 42563 on service 50, 69220 on service 18, 33471 on U1, 32874 on 87, 65763 on the 18, 33151 on service 200, 69223 on services 14 /18 and 42860 on service 47. Also seen was 32851 & 32872 plus 32844 on service 85 & 33476.
I joined Dart 42875 in its rather garish red advertising colours for a local commercial radio station. It was working the 1525 (46) Truro to Redruth. We departed with a load of 15 passengers and took a slight detour to avoid the closed road.
Service 46 takes a rather convoluted route to Redruth via some of the smaller villages the first of which is Carnon Downs. Probably a slight exaggeration but it seemed like we drove along every road in Carnon Downs picking up no further passengers but did see Enviro 400 33422 heading to Truro. At nearby Devoran one passenger joined whilst another Enviro 400 in MMC 33476 was seen. Having only been on the bus a short time it became apparent that the bus was probably the bus with the most rattles regardless of the condition of the roads. The windows, assault screen, coin tray, drivers cab door and everything else it seemed, rattled continuously. The bus was also dirty inside with litter everywhere and was in need of an external clean.
Perranwell station was the next stop where three people left and two more left shortly after in Perranwell village probably glad their ears were getting a rest from the noise on board.
Two youngsters left the bus just before Frogpool and two more at the nearby Cornish Arms pub.
We passed Gwennap and Comford without incident before a brief stop near Carharrack. Service 47 serves Carharrack and St Day so service 46 turns back towards Lanner. I was sorely tempted to get off at Lanner to give myself a break from the noise on board but stayed on board for another ten minutes to Redruth. The Dart arrived without shaking itself to bits rather surprisingly and even the driver had enough and left the bus at the station for someone else to take over.
I saw 42860 again at Redruth heading to Camborne via Illogan and Portreath but decided to wait for a 14 or 18 service as in theory this would be more direct and therefore quicker. This was not the case as a 25 minute wait ensued. The electronic displays at the stops said Please refer to timetables but clearly there were delays as there is not normally a wait of this length of time at this time of day.
Eventually Mc Dart 43904 arrived with a short service 18 to Camborne and despite disgorging around a dozen people there was standing room only as I joined. The bus was starting to empty out to Pool and I found a seat. The bus was comfortable and tidy and a pleasure to ride on. Along with the ex Reading Scanias I think these ex Lothian buses were good shrewd purchases by First.
After arriving back at Camborne I reflected on what a good day Id had, with only a few issues encountered, mainly with interior cleanliness.
I certainly had my moneys worth!
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