Now here is the much anticipated sequel to Friday's trip, which was completed yesterday.
On a glorious summer's day (!) I took the train back to Taunton and picked up where I left off. I have always liked Taunton as a town, one of my favourite in Somerset in fact, and though not a tourist town (probably a good thing) is a good base for seeing more of Somerset.... by bus. One thing I didn't see on Friday was the park & ride buses, but did yesterday, in a rather nice orange and purple livery. Last time I was here, they were all in plain white, so a good improvement. But I'm pleased to tell
@henairs that my next bus was indeed the 29. My reason for including the 29 in my trip when originally planned in March was the news that it would shortly be withdrawn, so wanted to give it one last go. Luckily, the 29 was saved, but still wanted to include it anyway. My bus was a plain white e200. Not sure if that is a regular on the 29 or not, as we passed a white streetlite going the other way. In years past I was a semi-regular on the 29 to Taunton. Not regular enough unfortunately to keep it in business, but still made occasional trips to the town. Despite being Somerset's county town, the 29 was never able to match the service levels of the 375/377, although it is very different now. They have tried all sorts with the 29, including increasing it to hourly at one point, but it has just not been able sustain that, so is currently running at every two hours (not too different to what it was in the early 2000s). But you can't say they haven't tried.
On to the route itself, it now takes a very different route out of Taunton, increasing the journey by some considerable time. (Okay I think it has been doing that at least six years) I imagine it was re-routed to make-up for a lost local service. It takes us past the depot, which had an interesting array of vehicles inside, and out of the town through housing estates and villages, it really starts off as more of a town service before becoming a country route. But this has always been one of my favourite routes (far better than the 20!) and we made good time across the Somerset Levels towards Street. Now 2020 is not an accurate representation of bus usage by any means, but it is interesting to note that after leaving the start point, we did not stop to pick up, or drop off anyone until Street. As mentioned the other day, the bus served Windmill Hill in Glastonbury, something it has done since 2007 when it was decided to re-route the 375 along the main road due to the size of the buses in use at the time (66716-26). It also, for a period served the hospital at the bottom though I imagine that has long since ceased. And onward to Wells. As said it is now quite a long journey, but I guess demand between the Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Taunton just doesn't justify a quicker route and those who do want to make the journey will have to not mind going the long way round. Anyway I alighted at Wells, wondering if and when I will ever use the 29 again....
Passing the depot, I noticed the various changes the Wetherspoons have made to be covid compliant. They have made a seating area outside the walled garden, offering unrivalled views of the depot.
Anyway, I had another bus to catch. Back in March, it was 50/50 whether the 173/174 would produce a single or a double, and I would have been happy with whatever came along, with the then imminent departure of the B7RLEs. Now of course no such option, it would almost certainly be a double, which is fine. I didn't mind which Bath service I used (I will do the other one at a later date), as it happened the 173 was first to depart. Now my mistake of the day was not to check the date on the timetables in the bus shelters. I went to the shop, came back to see the 173 leaving earlier than expected. I am of course aware of the change in timetable, but foolishly believed the information was correct. Should have been a bit more 21st century and just check the app in the first place! No matter, I waited for the 174 instead, which when it came was 12 plate e200. I am actually glad of this, as leaving Wells via Dulcote on the upper deck was pretty spectacular, whilst going through Dinder was just a little surreal. Now who have predicted five years ago that deckers would go through Dinder and be taken seriously?! Anyway I like the 174, and if any route needs to be decker operated (purely for scenic purposes!) then it's this one. I will try the 173 on a decker next.
In Bath I had a little wander to see what is about. Quite colourful place with the various brands. Caught up with a couple of the pink streetdecks as well. These must have been here two years now, I'm sure it was only ever temporary. Who knows how much longer they will stay. Anyway my final bus of the trip was an Aquae e400 on the X39, purely to see what they are like. Overall very nice inside, tidy and smart, although I did hit my head twice on the upper deck! Think someone else has warned about that! The information screen wasn't in use, but otherwise a useful feature. And that was it - arrived in Bristol, the trip complete. Apologies for the slight monologue about the 29, just had a bit to say on it. Think that will be my last bus trip for quite some time. There are other routes I would like to do, and will likely develop another trip in the probably fairly distant future, but for now was glad to finally get that one done.
I think when they lost the 234 and other Trowbridge routes its days were numbered. They were able to hold off a little longer by re-working the then 272 and 267 but really there is no reason why they need to be operated that way.
Knew I'd have forgotten something notable. Also, I meant 66734, not 66731 
but had forgotten 66940 as well. 66935/6 were repainted at Weston IIRC, who seemed to get a few vehicles repainted....