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First South West (Kernow & Buses of Somerset)
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RailUK Forums
buscoaster
Member
Does anyone know why the allocation of open tops seems to be so hit and miss at the moment? The S1 and S2 are advertised as open top routes, as are the L1 and L5, yet they hardly ever seem to actually have open tops on them. Very disappointing for customers who go and search for these routes especially as they want an open top ride. I can't really understand it, as Kernow should have plenty of spare open tops too since all the new Lands End ones have come into the fleet
Ancelljb
Member
I think I remember reading that the lack of open-tops on the S1/S2 are due to overhanging trees on the routes. If I can find where I read that, I'll put the link here.
vla50
Member
Does beg the question as to whether to the Lizard open tops will be replaced next season as it has been posted in here that there is an open top replacement programme linked to 2023. Perhaps this’ll see off the Exeter presidents as well. Maybe more B9s from Ensign?
All speculation on my part.
Tommy Walters
Member
The Exeter open tops are used so little as it is anyway, I don't really see the point of having them. Usually an E400 does the circuit most days.
Unfortunately I can't see that being a sustainable service in the future. The Dartmoor Explorer likewise. I keep trying to do a trip on that on a weekend, but I can't rely on every journey operating at present, which is a shame.
It will be interesting to see what happens with vehicle upgrades / replacements for 2023 and what Adventures by Bus looks like too.
Gemini 32554 seen broken down at Hayle Foundry Square at 6pm.
The Exeter tour is practically invisible. Unbranded E400s running about. No visible publicity or leaflets at the bus station (although you can blame Stagecoach for that)
When I visited Exeter the other week it was being run by a Bicton College bus with nothing on the destination screen
Trainfan061193
Member
- Joined
- 29 Sep 2018
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- 435
Yes it says that on a post on the CbK fan page on Facebook. I wonder if that could be done by the tree cutter Olympian they have...
Surely the local authority has a part to play with trees too - it's not just up to First. As I gather you can't just go and cut private land owners trees.
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Goldfish62
Veteran Member
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- 14 Feb 2010
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- 11,739
Given that the merged operation with services stretching from Lands End to Heathrow will likely have been created by then maybe we'll see a further expansion eastwards of ABB. "Slough Explorer" anyone?
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Whilst the senior teams are to be merged, they'll still have a level of local accountability. Adventures by Bus had Jurassic Coaster and Portland Coaster added onto it already https://www.firstbus.co.uk/adventures-bus
I was in Cornwall last week - didn't have chance to try the Lizard or the Sunseekers though
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Goldfish62
Veteran Member
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I know those are Adventures by Bus routes, hence my comments.
I don't think we yet know what level of local accountability or decision making, if any, there'll be yet, do we?
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There seemed to be a shortage of buses on the T1 yesterday afternoon and evening.
I went down to the Star Inn at Crowlas for a pint or two and when I came to catch the bus back top Camborne the problems started.
The 1757 T1 was a no show despite being shown on the display at the stop and the next T1 an hour later must have been late as I waited and it never turned up at the booked time.
All the time I was waiting at the bus stop I only saw two westbound T1's as well.
I ended up getting the 17 to St Erth station and getting the train from there.
Two Mousehole Solos sighted in Camborne earlier today one of which was 53709.
I went down to the Star Inn at Crowlas for a pint or two and when I came to catch the bus back top Camborne the problems started.
The 1757 T1 was a no show despite being shown on the display at the stop and the next T1 an hour later must have been late as I waited and it never turned up at the booked time.
All the time I was waiting at the bus stop I only saw two westbound T1's as well.
I ended up getting the 17 to St Erth station and getting the train from there.
Two Mousehole Solos sighted in Camborne earlier today one of which was 53709.
GBM
Member
Perhaps more of a driver shortage than vehicle shortage
An enthusiast has just commented about huge delays on the 17 going in and out of St ives due to traffic over on a Facebook group. Presumably this would impact T2 and T1 due to interworkings?
He commented that the 17s are currently over an hour late. Haven’t verified his information though he claims to be on one of them crawling in traffic
He commented that the 17s are currently over an hour late. Haven’t verified his information though he claims to be on one of them crawling in traffic
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Busaholic
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 7 Jun 2014
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- 14,671
17s were making it up to West Cornwall Hospital this lunchtime, which I wouldn't expect if the rest of the service was being severely impacted.
If the 17s are delayed in st ives so would the T2 surely? the t2 interworks with T1?
If they were an hour or so late as suggested they’d look almost on time I guess?
Sorry I initially misunderstood the point you were making.. There just seemed to be lack of buses running yesterday afternoon whether it was a shortage of drivers or buses I don’t know.
Ryan H
Member
No, you will have to get a day ticket to cover both services
Busaholic
Veteran Member
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- 14,671
17s for St Ives down Market Jew Street at both 15.22 and 15.25 today,
Ryan H
Member
Not too sure as it was on exmoor coaster other day, possibly in Bridgwater for check up!
Ex Kernow open tops 37058 and 37729 along with 36081 and 36082 seem to be active recently so I wondered if it might be surplus to requirements.
Callum15632
Member
A rumour was heard a while back that it is to be transferred to First Hampshire and Dorset.
andyc20050
Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2011
- Messages
- 99
Have just experienced the Exmoor Coaster today. I travelled to Taunton for the 28 to Watchet in time for the 09.55 coaster to Lynmouth. Unfortunately single decker 44639 arrived and the driver advised that 2 of the open toppers would not start, and they hoped to get one running later. On arrival at Minehead 37058 pulled up behind in lands end livery and we were all advised to change buses. I had originally planned to spend an hour in Lynmouth and travel back on the 1230 to Watchet, but as there was only one open topper running, and I was advised that some of the coaster journeys had been cancelled, I got straight back on and returned to Minehead for the 28 to Taunton.
Ok thanks, a bit annoying there's no joined up thinking... although per Andy's reply above I might postpone anyway