Night buses outside of London

[Deerfold]

It runs as N12 at night.

Is the Stagecoach timetable wrong?

 

[richw]

Is the Stagecoach timetable wrong?

It appears for continuity the n12 have been added to the normal 12 timetable. It may have lost the N now. The early morning services were n12 when launched,

Stagecoach begins night bus in Torbay - routeone

Stagecoach South West is reintroducing a late-night bus service in Torbay from Good Friday (19 April). The N12 will operate every 30 minutes between Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, from the late evening of Friday and Saturday nights until around 0430hrs the following day. The number...

www.route-one.net

 

[AndrewE]

It runs as N12 at night.

Is 2am, 3am in the night. Yes, or certainly is where I come from

in which case it is strange that the (Stagecoach) timetable makes no mention of an N12. And I suppose that running at midnight, 1 and 2 am then a gap until 0528 does make it a sort of a night bus. Similar gap the other way from Paignton, worse from Brixham, but I guess it is to serve the clubbing crowds who don't stay up all night!

 

[richw]

in which case it is strange that the (Stagecoach) timetable makes no mention of an N12. And I suppose that running at midnight, 1 and 2 am then a gap until 0528 does make it a sort of a night bus. Similar gap the other way from Paignton, worse from Brixham, but I guess it is to serve the clubbing crowds who don't stay up all night!

I’m wondering if the N has been dropped? In the summer the gap from 2/3am until 0528 will likely be plugged again as per previous summers.

The 0455 Gold from Plymouth to Paignton is a funny one, some days it can carry good numbers, others the driver has to himself. The same days on different weeks aren’t even consistent. It’s more of a positioning trip as the return working from Paignton at 0620 is a busy one with workers and college students commuting from Torbay to Plymouth, but also the 7am factory shifts in Totnes

 

[341o2]

Bournemouth/Poole have at least 2

Two services, Morebus M1 and M2, which run 24/7 apart from a 3 hour gap 0115 to 0430

 

[James H]

Morebus considering reviving their night bus service in Bournemouth and Poole - see Go South Coast thread

 

[ALEMASTER]

The night bus service in Dundee provided by Ember coaches is also worth a mention

 

[farwest]

The U1 has night buses from Falmouth to Penryn Tremough.

 

[Mikw]

Would Skylink Derby/Leicester count? It runs 24 hours a day.

 

[MaidaVale]

The U1 has night buses from Falmouth to Penryn Tremough.

Latest service is around 2340 and has finished it's return journey before 0040 with the first service of the morning being 0545, so this pretty much just falls under standard daytime service (albeit quite late for Cornwall, but not really for the rest of the UK)

Would Skylink Derby/Leicester count? It runs 24 hours a day.

Yeah, I'd say so.

 

[richw]

Latest service is around 2340 and has finished it's return journey before 0040 with the first service of the morning being 0545, so this pretty much just falls under standard daytime service (albeit quite late for Cornwall, but not really for the rest of the UK)

During uni term they run or at least ran until 3am last time I looked at the timetable (possibly only certain days).
The uni is on summer break up now so the lates finish until September

 

[Shimbleshanks]

Interesting that Birmingham, Britain's second city, doesn't seem to have much of a night bus network any more. When I was a student there in the early 1980s, the main routes all had an hourly service, very handy if you wanted to hose down the M&B Bitter into the early hours.

 

[Ze Random One]

Interesting that Birmingham, Britain's second city, doesn't seem to have much of a night bus network any more. When I was a student there in the early 1980s, the main routes all had an hourly service, very handy if you wanted to hose down the M&B Bitter into the early hours.

However, unlike most other non-London English cities parts of the daytime network do run until well after midnight.

As well as the X1 (24/7), 63 and 74 (24/2) and 97 mentioned above, there are eleven other routes which have last departures from Birmingham at or after 1am (X4, 6, 7, 9, 16, 23, 50, 51, 67, 87 and 94).

Since all the 24/7 and 24/2 routes also have last departure at or after 1am on all days of the week, that makes a total of fifteen routes that are running at/after 1am from Birmingham

 

[Shimbleshanks]

However, unlike most other non-London English cities parts of the daytime network do run until well after midnight.

As well as the X1 (24/7), 63 and 74 (24/2) and 97 mentioned above, there are eleven other routes which have last departures from Birmingham at or after 1am (X4, 6, 7, 9, 16, 23, 50, 51, 67, 87 and 94).

Since all the 24/7 and 24/2 routes also have last departure at or after 1am on all days of the week, that makes a total of fifteen routes that are running at/after 1am from Birmingham

Still not really an all-night service though - wouldn't have helped me trying to get home at 3/4am!
Though really, in those days Birmingham didn't have much of a night economy. All the pubs shut at 11pm (or was it 10.30pm?) and there wasn't much of a club scene, at least none that I was aware of. Few of the industries ran regular night shifts.
I can't remember any of the night buses I used being particularly well-patronised.

 

[Simon75]

72 First Bradford running 24/7 from 1 September 2024

Leeds to Bradford bus route to become region's first 24-hour service

The number 72 bus between Leeds and Bradford will run around the clock, First says.

www.bbc.co.uk

West Yorkshire's first 24-hour bus service is set to launch, an operator announced.

First said the number 72, running between Leeds and Bradford, would become a round-the-clock service from 1 September.

The service, which runs through Armley, Bramley, Stanningley and Thornbury, currently stops after midnight on weekdays, while the first buses in the morning leave Bradford at 04:01 BST and Leeds at 05:01 BST.

First said the move would benefit the night-time economy and help shift workers.

It also said the move "aligns well" with commitments from West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to help improve safety for women and girls.

Kayleigh Ingham, commercial director for First North & West Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted to be preparing the launch of the first 24-hour bus service in West Yorkshire on our 72 route running between Leeds and Bradford.

“It has always been a high-frequency route for us, and we are now investing further in our network to build on the success we have seen on this route while ensuring the best possible service for our customers."

First said it would announce in "due course" the frequency of the late-night and early morning buses.

 

[Deerfold]

72 First Bradford running 24/7 from 1 September 2024

Leeds to Bradford bus route to become region's first 24-hour service

The number 72 bus between Leeds and Bradford will run around the clock, First says.

www.bbc.co.uk

Just to confirm, the frequency overnight is hourly. During the day it'll be an annoying *roughly, but not quite* every 15 minutes due to their amazing AI scheduling software- it might be 12 minutes between two buses then 18, then 15, then 16...so people won't be able to remember the times past the hour and it's not quite frequent enough to be turn up and go.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Elsewhere in West Yorkshire, sometime prior to Covid Arriva ran a couple of post-midnight journeys on the 110 (Leeds to Wakefield via Lofthouse and Outwood) but I'm not sure exactly when these ended.

Way back in the mists of time, Yorkshire Rider ran a few "NightRider" services primarily out of Leeds and Bradford... though in those days I was far too young to make use of them!

 

[Deerfold]

Elsewhere in West Yorkshire, sometime prior to Covid Arriva ran a couple of post-midnight journeys on the 110 (Leeds to Wakefield via Lofthouse and Outwood) but I'm not sure exactly when these ended.

Way back in the mists of time, Yorkshire Rider ran a few "NightRider" services primarily out of Leeds and Bradford... though in those days I was far too young to make use of them!

In the late nineties they were running 8 routes out of Leeds 921-928 with two going to Otley by different routes.
There was just 1 route out of Bradford - the 938 to Keighley (they didn't run buses on the daytime route beyond Bingley)
There were 3 routes out of Halifax N51, N52, N53 - One North Halifax circular, one West Halifax circular and one to Todmorden (via Sowerby Bridge on the way out, skipping it on the route back). These charged a fixed fare of £1, increasing to £1.20 shortly before they were withdrawn - at the time a day fare to Sowerby Bridge was 60p, to Todmorden was £1.20. Journeys on all three routes were at 2340, 0100 and 0220 from adjacent bus stops.
There were routes out of Huddersfield which I didn't know as well.

Briefly there was a route which went Leeds - Bradford - Halifax which ran on the routes of the 72 and 681. It was £1 for a trip that didn't go through Bradford, £2 for a trip that did.I think this was hourly for 4 journeys.

All the above were Friday and Saturday nights.

I was a regular on the N53 (often twice a week) for several years and caught the Leeds - Halifax service a few times. Unfortunately it arrived in Halifax shortly after the other night routes left.

None of the above routes accepted Metro tickets.

In the early 2000s First tried having night version of half a dozen routes in Leeds. These didn't last long except the Headingley corridor 95s (now 1s) which ran every half hour all night 6 nights a week). This still runs until the 0230 departure every night except Sunday night / Monday morning.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

In the late nineties they were running 8 routes out of Leeds 921-928 with two going to Otley by different routes.
There was just 1 route out of Bradford - the 938 to Keighley (they didn't run buses on the daytime route beyond Bingley)
There were 3 routes out of Halifax N51, N52, N53 - One North Halifax circular, one West Halifax circular and one to Todmorden (via Sowerby Bridge on the way out, skipping it on the route back). These charged a fixed fare of £1, increasing to £1.20 shortly before they were withdrawn - at the time a day fare to Sowerby Bridge was 60p, to Todmorden was £1.20. Journeys on all three routes were at 2340, 0100 and 0220 from adjacent bus stops.
There were routes out of Huddersfield which I didn't know as well.

Briefly there was a route which went Leeds - Bradford - Halifax which ran on the routes of the 72 and 681. It was £1 for a trip that didn't go through Bradford, £2 for a trip that did.I think this was hourly for 4 journeys.

All the above were Friday and Saturday nights.

I was a regular on the N53 (often twice a week) for several years and caught the Leeds - Halifax service a few times. Unfortunately it arrived in Halifax shortly after the other night routes left.

None of the above routes accepted Metro tickets.

In the early 2000s First tried having night version of half a dozen routes in Leeds. These didn't last long except the Headingley corridor 95s (now 1s) which ran every half hour all night 6 nights a week). This still runs until the 0230 departure every night except Sunday night / Monday morning.

When I was in my mid to late teens and began going out in Huddersfield (from around 1997 onwards) there were no night buses by then- or if there was they were a closely guarded secret! The last Firstbus departure from Huddersfield was the 538 to Halifax via Outlane which left Huddersfield at 2310, which happened be a route I could use to get home. Arrival into Halifax would have been around midnight. All other First routes had the last bus at 2305 or earlier.

 

[Deerfold]

When I was in my mid to late teens and began going out in Huddersfield (from around 1997 onwards) there were no night buses by then- or if there was they were a closely guarded secret! The last Firstbus departure from Huddersfield was the 538 to Halifax via Outlane which left Huddersfield at 2310, which happened be a route I could use to get home. Arrival into Halifax would have been around midnight. All other First routes had the last bus at 2305 or earlier.

Yes, the Huddersfield and Bradford services were the first to be withdrawn, then the Halifax ones with the Leeds ones going in two stages, with 2 routes surviving into the 2000s.
The Halifax ones were withdrawn due to "lack of use". The 0220 N53 was regularly standing room only (or sometimes people sitting on others laps) on a double decker.

 

[Simon75]

Stoke-on-Trent had some c15 years ago

 

[telstarbox]

From 1 September TfGM are trialling a 24/7 service on V1 and 36 i.e. Manchester - Salford - Leigh or Bolton. The V1 would be useful for hospital shifts in particular.

 

[johntea]

I used the 36 on Friday night as I was in Manchester but staying at Travelodge in Bolton

Took about 3 times longer compared to a train or taxi but you really can’t complain for £2!

I was slightly surprised they keep Bolton Interchange open (and staffed) throughout, whereas round my way the last bus gets back around midnight and the bus station is long locked up by then!

 

[Citibus]

I used the 36 on Friday night as I was in Manchester but staying at Travelodge in Bolton

Took about 3 times longer compared to a train or taxi but you really can’t complain for £2!

I was slightly surprised they keep Bolton Interchange open (and staffed) throughout, whereas round my way the last bus gets back around midnight and the bus station is long locked up by then!

Was the service busy?

 

[blueberry11]

Where I live, good thing the University of East Anglia (UEA) is reinstating night buses again from 30 September, which helps UEA students on a late night in the city, and also some leisure travellers.

UEA Night Bus Service Returns

First Bus East of England Reinstates Night Bus Service for UEA Students The Night Bus Service is returning to Norwich from 30 September The service is thanks to a collaborative effort between the UEA, UEA SU, Norfolk County Council and First Bus

www.firstbus.co.uk

First Bus East of England Reinstates Night Bus Service for UEA Students​

• The Night Bus Service is returning to Norwich from 30 September​

• The service is thanks to a collaborative effort between the UEA, UEA SU, Norfolk County Council and First Bus​

First Bus East of England is pleased to announce the return of the Night Bus service, an initiative designed to enhance student safety and strengthen community wellbeing. The service will return on 30 September, thanks to a collaborative effort between the University of East Anglia (UEA), the University of East Anglia Students' Union (UEA SU), First Bus, and Norfolk County Council, demonstrating a shared commitment to the welfare of students and local residents.

The Night Bus will operate as an extension of the existing 25 bus route, running from midnight until 5am, six days a week. This service will provide essential late-night transport for students and residents alike, with ticket prices in line with the Single Fare Cap Scheme, up to a maximum of £2.

The route will begin at the University, pass along Unthank Road, travel through the city centre, and conclude at Norwich Train Station. This service is made possible through joint funding from UEA, UEA SU, and Norfolk County Council, with each organisation contributing approximately £30,000.

Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, commented: "We are thrilled to bring back the Night Bus service for UEA students and the local community. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transport options that meet the needs of everyone in Norwich. The Night Bus will not only improve student safety but also offer greater accessibility and convenience for all late-night travellers. We’re proud to collaborate with UEA, UEA SU, and Norfolk County Council on this vital project."

The reintroduction of the Night Bus service is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including enhanced safety for students during nights out, reliable transport for those working late shifts, and a reduction in disturbances in residential areas surrounding the University. Additionally, it will improve accessibility for the wider community, offering a dependable option for late-night travel across Norwich.

Charlotte Melling, Transport and Events Manager at UEA, stated: "It has been a privilege to work on a project that will benefit our community. UEA is committed to enhancing night-time safety both on and off campus. The introduction of a night bus service represents a concrete step towards this goal, and we are confident it will significantly improve the safety of our students and local residents traveling to and from the campus."

Olivia Hunt, Activities and Opportunities Officer at UEA SU, also emphasised the importance of supporting the service: "I'm excited about the launch of the Night Bus. This new service will greatly enhance nightlife accessibility and improve student safety. We encourage everyone to take full advantage of this initiative to ensure its success and longevity, as it operates on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis."

The return of the Night Bus aligns with UEA SU’s mission to provide essential services to the student body, promote safety, foster a strong sense of community, and integrate accessibility into the daily lives of students.

Nathan Wyatt, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer at UEA SU, added: "The return of the Night Bus is a huge win for students and the local community. Keeping students safe is a top priority for us at the SU, and we believe that affordable, accessible late-night transport will be a game changer. It has been an immense privilege to work on this project, and I hope students will feel the benefit."

 

[Deerfold]

Morebus considering reviving their night bus service in Bournemouth and Poole - see Go South Coast thread

Morebus now have 3 night buses, removing that 3 hour gap for two nights a week.

Bournemouth: Night buses return for first time since pandemic - BBC News

The three routes - including one brand new one - will run on Friday and Saturday nights.

www.bbc.co.uk

20 September 2024
A night bus service that has been suspended since the pandemic is starting up again.

The three routes - one of which is brand new - will run in Bournemouth and Poole and the surrounding area every Friday and Saturday night from 20 September.

Fares will be capped at £2 per trip.

The decision follows a consultation by bus company Morebus.

A graphic showing the three new bus routes with the 'morebus' branding on it.
Image source,Morebus
Image caption,The three new routes will run on Friday and Saturday nights
The first route - N1 - will follow the m1 route between Poole and Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

The N2 will follow the m2 route as far as Southbourne and then extend to Tuckton, Barrack Road, Christchurch and Two Riversmeet.

The new route - N5 - will connect Bournemouth and Bournemouth Station with BU Talbot Campus.

Period passes will be accepted on the routes, and passengers can also use tap on tap off weekly capping.

 

[Statto]

I used the 36 on Friday night as I was in Manchester but staying at Travelodge in Bolton

Took about 3 times longer compared to a train or taxi but you really can’t complain for £2!

I was slightly surprised they keep Bolton Interchange open (and staffed) throughout, whereas round my way the last bus gets back around midnight and the bus station is long locked up by then!

Shame Bee Network don't trial a 24 hour service on the 8 Boilton - Manchester, the 8 is far more direct than the 36.

 

[Glasgowbusguy]

Shame Bee Network don't trial a 24 hour service on the 8 Boilton - Manchester, the 8 is far more direct than the 36.

Direct isn't usually your friend for profitable night buses you want to serve as many areas as possible

 

[Statto]

In Manchester the Stagecoach 142 Manchester - East Didsbury, last journeys operate between 3am & 4am, the frequency ranges from every 10 minutes to every 30 minutes.

 

[Taunton]

Edinburgh - 18

Glasgow - 5

Curiously a complete reversal of how it used to be in the 1970s when I lived in both Scottish cities, for Edinburgh certainly had 5, and Glasgow around 18. Both ran a similar pattern of leaving all together from a central point once an hour. Glasgow used regular double deckers, while Edinburgh used either some of their few single deck buses, or their touring coaches. Glasgow routes were straight out and back, mostly to as far as they could get within the hour round trip. Edinburgh's routes were all big loops around areas of the suburbs.

Conversation with Edinburgh drivers, where I used the services occasionally, and unusually on the return journey to the city, when I might be the only passenger, showed they were the most popular turns, almost entirely taken long term by senior drivers approaching retirement, who had great stories about their past times on the old trams. The schedules let them drive gently on the commonly deserted streets, and more than once they diverted off route to drop me off nearer to where I was going. Glasgow in comparison seemed driven at a frenetic pace, especially when returning.

I was familiar at the time with both Bristol and Liverpool, which I think had no all-night buses at all then, so it was a novelty. The Scottish cities both had substantial fleets of night taxis, which is how most late travellers expected to go.