A busy few weeks in our region, rounding off a very interesting year, so time to add my own thoughts on the year just gone, and make one or two predictions for 2016.
Focusing on the four FSA depots, what a year it's been. Two depots have seen significant improvement, one has declined, whilst another has stayed much the same, with just a couple of slight improvements. The depots in question are of course quite surprising.
Starting with Wells, what a transformation that has had! After several years of decline, it now operates seven decent services. The 376 has had an extra peak service added, whilst its Sunday service has been doubled to match the weekday service. A new sister service for the 173, which also created a half hourly link for Shepton, so whilst the 161 was cut between Shepton and Frome, they could create more with what they did have. Very pleased to see two thirds of the 126 return to the depot creating what is the only jointly run service, but think it works really well. 375/377 have stayed much the same, with a slight fleet upgrade at the end of the year. The fleet has been the biggest thing though, with the very unexpected arrival of eight streetdecks for 376. I think they are beautiful machines, and I have heard positive comments from people who normally moan about First. However, it is the 59 reg B7RLEs which are the stalwarts of Wells, and surprisingly saw the entire fleet stay with the arrival of the new deckers, and even more surprisingly was the arrival of 69457/8 within the last few days, these buses now making up exactly half the fleet. Haven't quite worked out what they are all for yet. I'm thinking 3 x 375/7, 6 x 173/4, 2 x 126, 1 x 376 or 2 spare. Also happy with the solo and 42968, not quite so keen on 60912-4, but oh well, can't have it all! Overall a very strong fleet! As for this year, I would honestly be happy if nothing changed in regards fleet and services, although would like to see a bit more painted by the end of the year!
Moving on to Weston, the depot I know least about, and have very little to do with over the years, but another that has strengthened over the last year and has streamlined its services nicely. The A2 was extended, to create new links with Bristol airport, the X6 moved to MH, then back again and the 126 decreased from WM's point of view. Not sure exactly what is operating 126 at present, but if it is B7RLEs, then WM will need something similar. Not much in fleet movement at all, but I think the two e200s that moved was a good thing, and of course 66726's repaint was the highlight. I just haven't seen it yet. Why oh why is it on the 7??!!
MH depot has stayed much the same, although a new 15 min service to Nailsea was introduced, which also allowed the old X8 to be gotten rid of, which was a good move, although it has now become part of the A2, which I approve of, but don't understand this 'one service serving two destinations'. Can anyone explain this? MH also have a pretty good fleet which has changed little over the last year, though enhanced by the arrival of around ten (?) 54/55 plate B7RLEs from Bath a couple of weeks ago. Great for Bristol, especially for the services I expect them to go on, not so great for Bath.
Speaking of Bath, traditionally one of FSA's stronger depots, this hasn't really been the case this year, with the loss of a lot of its Westbury run services, loss of fleet, and nothing much in the way of anything new. A good move though for the LH B9s to head over for X39, and some of the movements which have resulted in that, but I do feel that Bath have gone slightly backwards this year, although at least all but one of the 09 reg e200s went! I hope to see things improve slightly this year, I personally don't expect new deckers for X39 till maybe 2017, but I wouldn't be too surprised if more streetlites were destined for Bath this year. At least that would be good!
Well, I've rambled on, I may try and get a trip or two out in the next few weeks, but either way, I shall wish you all a very happy new year!
