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

[ValleyLines142]

I know its stupid. Why couldnt they keep 353? 353 been around for many years and renumbering to a Service 1. That would confuse a lot of people in Bristol,

I think it'll be confusing for those passengers who board near The Centre, by Colston Avenue, as that is the only part where the 1 (Broomhill - Cribbs) and the current 353-soon-to-be-the-1 meet. But everywhere else shouldn't be an issue. I'm not quite sure of First's reasoning for changing it from the 353; that was very distinct.

I also don't particular understand why the night time 73 journeys have been extended to Cribbs from Parkway Station. Parkway Station admittedly has a near 24-hour train service, but most places in Cribbs shut at 10pm so has it been extended literally to serve the Patchway and Bradley Stoke areas?

 

[tjl599]

a news item has turned up on the website of North Somerset Council advising that Bakers Dolphin have given notice on their contract to work the 121 (Weston-s-Mare - Bristol) from which they wish to withdraw on Monday 04th November 2013.

Given the latest news on North Somersets website regarding a new bus service that First is going to operate

interchanging with the existing X1 bus service at Congresbury and Backwell and service 121 at Langford and Bristol Airport. - See more at: http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/News/Pages/New-bus-service-links-North-Somerset-villages-.aspx#sthash.s0rXCbjF.dpuf

beginning on the 4th November I wouldn't be surprised to see First winning the 121 so all services will be under the First operation and fare scheme .

 

[heart-of-wessex]

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/travel_news/service_updates/?item=9201&conf=0

First just posted this of the timetables. Later on with the descriptions.
Whats interesting is the 125 & X25? Is it curtailed to Portishead??

In what way do you mean? I've looked at the 125 timetable on that link, and it says it goes to Portishead..?

 

[starrymarkb]

In what way do you mean? I've looked at the 125 timetable on that link, and it says it goes to Portishead..?

It used to continue to Cribbs Causeway...

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Given the latest news on North Somersets website regarding a new bus service that First is going to operate

interchanging with the existing X1 bus service at Congresbury and Backwell and service 121 at Langford and Bristol Airport. - See more at: http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/News/Pages/New-bus-service-links-North-Somerset-villages-.aspx#sthash.s0rXCbjF.dpuf

beginning on the 4th November I wouldn't be surprised to see First winning the 121 so all services will be under the First operation and fare scheme .

I did suggest that First may be in the frame. They seem to have sharpened their pencils on tendering prices these days.

Funnily enough, go on the website and there's a photo of a bus on the 121 - only it's not Bakers but the Wessex one8one livery!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It used to continue to Cribbs Causeway...

Wonder if they've chopped it back as a) it doesn't take enough and b) to deal with the new Webberbus service

 

[ryson357]

I dont know but its strange. I hope it still serves Cribbs Causeway because I like to take the scenic route rather than the boring X1's.

 

[heart-of-wessex]

Shame if it does! Nice to see what turns up for a thrashing down the M5! Did it once early this year took the first one out of Cribbs on a ALX400, was just me on it, returned on a wedged Eclipse!!

A lot of shoppers on the Cribbs turn, probably as it's a handy direct link to the Mall avoiding the need to go into the City Centre at all

 

[matt_splat]

First have not dropped the X25 part to Cribbs they will still run that part of the route.

I wonder with first takeing the 66 service on when Bakers pull out if we could see the service changed so the X25 / 125 goes back to using the M5 between Clevedon and Weston

Webberbus will only run one trip a day I believe from Portershead to Bridgewater Collage which will change number when it gets into Weston.

Whats very intresting today is in Bath Buglars Coaches who's depot is next to Wessex have registered a service numbered 18B... Bathwick Hill will be just a sea of busses come September.

 

[quarella]

Driving into Cardiff Tuesday morning shortly before 7am met an Enviro with 100 Cardiff on the front. Not quite up to Greyhound standards.

 

[ryson357]

First have not dropped the X25 part to Cribbs they will still run that part of the route..

Oh thats good. Just worried that it was going because it wasnt on the timetable

 

[swifty]

As I said a few weeks back the X25 and CCS are timed to give a half hourly service from Portishead to Cribbs.

The 351 is being renumbered to 1 so that the WSM routes will be X1 (express) and 1 (stopping), although 351 cound have been a good shout.

I've caught glimpse of one of the B9TLs coming into Broadmead with 2 Cribbs Causeway on the front yesterday, seems First are on the ball with updating the destinations for September. Also LH have painted 37320/3 so far.

 

[83G/84D]

Here you go:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29197902@N06/9527915779/

And another one taken at Camborne yesterday.

 

[DaveHarries]

First have posted the service changes for 1st September onto their Bristol website. In respect of the changes to the 40 / 40A through Sneyd Park, First have said that:

"in Stoke Bishop a change is being made to address long-standing concerns that First has had regarding inconsiderate parking and its affect on the punctuality and reliability of services. First is aware of the concerns that have been raised locally around this route change and as a result of this has amended the original plans slightly to ensure that Downleaze - and one of the three sets of stops affected by the route change - retains access to the local service. From September though buses will no longer serve Church Road or Julian Road, but instead those buses travelling outbound from the centre will use Stoke Road, Saville Road, Downleaze and Stoke Hill. In view of ongoing concerns raised locally about this though First has agreed to keep the matter under review over the next few months and it will continue to discuss possible solutions to the parking problems affecting bus punctuality and reliability in Stoke Bishop with the council and other relevant agencies."

HTIOI,
Dave

 

[vicbury]

The September changes for Bristol can be read in full detail here.
The September changes for Bath can be read in full detail here.

First are also going on the PR offensive in Bath, I wonder if these overwhelmingly positive changes will include removing the rattling wrecks from Bath? No, thought not.

On the plus side night buses between Bristol and Bath are a great idea, I can't wait for them to start!

 

[DaveHarries]

It has come to my attention that an unregistered ADL Enviro400 left Falkirk on Friday. It was carrying branding for Service X1 between Weston-s-Mare and Bristol. Therefore it looks as if the days of the '56' plate ones currently used may be numbered and I wonder where they will go.

I have a photo but I am awaiting permission to post it. If permission is given I will do so.

HTIOI,
Dave

 

[vicbury]

It has come to my attention that an unregistered ADL Enviro400 left Falkirk on Friday. It was carrying branding for Service X1 between Weston-s-Mare and Bristol. Therefore it looks as if the days of the '56' plate ones currently used may be numbered and I wonder where they will go.

I have a photo but I am awaiting permission to post it. If permission is given I will do so.

HTIOI,
Dave

They might possibly be coming to Bath for the 15, it's due to receive double deckers by the start of the academic year, although I wouldn't say those Enviros are ideal for a city service.

 

[richw]

They might possibly be coming to Bath for the 15, it's due to receive double deckers by the start of the academic year, although I wouldn't say those Enviros are ideal for a city service.

His post says they are in X1 branding therefore we can assume they're for the X1

 

[starrymarkb]

Though with the X1/1 going 4 per hour could that need additional vehicles?

 

[vicbury]

His post says they are in X1 branding therefore we can assume they're for the X1

My apologies for not being clear, I was referring to the current vehicles, which I presumed were to be cascaded once the new Enviros arrive.

 

[winston270twm]

It has come to my attention that an unregistered ADL Enviro400 left Falkirk on Friday. It was carrying branding for Service X1 between Weston-s-Mare and Bristol. Therefore it looks as if the days of the '56' plate ones currently used may be numbered and I wonder where they will go.

I have a photo but I am awaiting permission to post it. If permission is given I will do so.

HTIOI,
Dave

Dave,

Does the photo you have seen for the X1 branded First E400 specifically mention Weston-s-Mare & Bristol? First Eastern England were also thought to be due a new fleet of 22 x E400's for their flagship X1 route. The Norwich bus page seems to think that theirs are also due now, but the photo on that page is of an unpainted one.

http://www.norwichbuspage.com/

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Dave,

Does the photo you have seen for the X1 branded First E400 specifically mention Weston-s-Mare & Bristol? First Eastern England were also thought to be due a new fleet of 22 x E400's for their flagship X1 route. The Norwich bus page seems to think that theirs are also due now, but the photo on that page is of an unpainted one.

http://www.norwichbuspage.com/

Now that makes more sense. In the orders, Weston weren't down to receive new vehicles; only Lawrence Hill was down to get E400s.

 

[swifty]

Some interesting vehicles will be in use on the Truro P&R from next week.

YN05GXF Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN05GXR Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN06NXP Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN06NXW Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F

All are with First on an extended loan from Reading Buses for 9 months, according to buszone.

 

[DaveHarries]

Dave,

Does the photo you have seen for the X1 branded First E400 specifically mention Weston-s-Mare & Bristol? First Eastern England were also thought to be due a new fleet of 22 x E400's for their flagship X1 route. The Norwich bus page seems to think that theirs are also due now, but the photo on that page is of an unpainted one.

http://www.norwichbuspage.com/

I know the FEE are expecting new buses for their X1 as well but the picture I was sent does show some of the branding on the side. The branding is in the "Express Yourself" style and does say WSM - Bristol.

Dave

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I know the FEE are expecting new buses for their X1 as well but the picture I was sent does show some of the branding on the side. The branding is in the "Express Yourself" style and does say WSM - Bristol.

Dave

How exciting! Hadn't heard that these were due. I'd sooner the B7s went back to Bath for the Uni (if that's what the deckers are going to do); the 56 plate e400s with their leather seating are much more use on things like the 112, 342 etc

 

[richw]

Some interesting vehicles will be in use on the Truro P&R from next week.

YN05GXF Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN05GXR Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN06NXP Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN06NXW Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F

All are with First on an extended loan from Reading Buses for 9 months, according to buszone.

Interesting, Makes me wonder if 9 months is the waiting time for whatever buses the council have ordered to replace the 4 burntout buses for the route.
I'm assuming the 5th and 6th buses will be the 2 surviving Blue Citaros?

 

[83G/84D]

Some interesting vehicles will be in use on the Truro P&R from next week.

YN05GXF Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN05GXR Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN06NXP Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F
YN06NXW Scania L94UB Wright Solar B43F

All are with First on an extended loan from Reading Buses for 9 months, according to buszone.

Seen at Camborne depot earlier today in a dark blue colour with legals scrubbed out and Reading fleet number still visible.YN05 GXF (Fleet No 1006)

 

[swifty]

This was just posted on UKBF

AtADL Harlow today (28/08/13):...

...First Somerset& Avon 33825, body no. D420/1, u/r
First Somerset & Avon 33826, body no. D420/1, SN63MYJ
These buses in blue & white livery and branded, “ExpressYourself”.

Seems Dave was actually correct, of course if ADL Bristol was still open they'd no doubt have come a bit closer to home. Now, I wonder where the 56 plate Enviros will end up?

 

[richw]

Seen at Camborne depot earlier today in a dark blue colour with legals scrubbed out and Reading fleet number still visible.YN05 GXF (Fleet No 1006)

Right colour almost to match the P+R livery

 

[swifty]

Seen at Camborne depot earlier today in a dark blue colour with legals scrubbed out and Reading fleet number still visible.YN05 GXF (Fleet No 1006)

I believe they went to Cornwall via Hants and Dorset trim, Two had not long been painted into Bronze 11 livery either!

 

[83G/84D]

Right colour almost to match the P+R livery

Yes I thought the same!