groups.google.com
The main reason is probably fleet standardisation, having just two or three volvos in a fleet full of ADLs isn't ideal, I'm suprised they've retained the microfleet of Optare Solos in the Maidenhead area, it wouldn't suprise me if they are the next Thames Valley vehicles to get replaced at some point
I believe but don’t quote me haha but they are lease buses, as since the takeover in 2019 a number of solos have left so I assume they will be next on the drawing board for replacement
Throughout next week
I spoke to Robert Williams (CEO) at the display bus in Wokingham today and he told me that the Buzz Enviro 300SGs have been having issues with their new ticket machines and that this Wednesday 14th will hopefully be their first day. Of course given that they are already late, this could be further delayed, but that was the new target launch day.
They're probably still having issues with the ticket machine.
Not surprised it's a pointless bus route and I haven't seen anyone on it
It's always been operated by TV hasn't it?
www.reading-buses.co.uk
Not quite - it's a Yes and No scenario. Reading Buses took it on after First dropped it, and later went on to purchase Courtney Buses and later rename that Thames Valley Buses. So it's a bit of a shifting from Reading Buses into Thames Valley Buses business. Which makes some degree of sense as it leaves Reading to concentrate on its core area, and TVB / NB to run the Flightline brand especially as it's predominately in the Thames Valley core area. I wonder how long it'll be before the other Newbury operated Flightlines move under the Thames Valley side of the business too.Since First gave up, yes.
More buses and a new timetable from 25 March for our Windsor Express routes
We are adding additional morning and evening journeys on The London Line 702 and Flightline 703.
It's quite an expansion of the 703, although from my selfish viewpoint diverting most journeys along the slower routing via North Ascot is a backward step.
It's quite a lot of extra journeys on the 703 and a general slowing of journeys by diverting most previous fast ones via North Ascot.
Yes, I was very surprised to see that. If anything I'd have expected further reductions.
My understanding is that it will initially be used on the new Bracknell Business Improvement District (BID) bus route that performs a loop to/from the railway station for workers on the western an southern industrial estate areas. I can't back this up with a firm source though, as is just what I've been told, so there's every chance it might well end up in a generic Thames Valley livery and the route be operated by any bus going forward. More information about the new route can be found at: https://bracknellbid.co.uk/access/shuttle-bus/#:~:text=Bracknell BID fully funds a,and departures in the evening.
Shuttle Bus
Free journeys to and from Bracknell Train Station for BID area employees
Bracknell BID fully funds a shuttle bus for BID area employees to use free of charge. The shuttle bus operates on a circuit to and from Bracknell Train Station with journeys in the morning and evening. Bus journey times coordinate with the London Waterloo Train arrivals in the morning and departures in the evening. The shuttle bus is only available to those who work within the BID area (Western and Southern Business Areas). When boarding the shuttle bus, passengers must present their Bracknell BID ‘I Work’ Loyalty Card to the driver to use the service. Everyone who works within the BID area is entitled to a free 'I Work' Loyalty Card.
Route Map
Timetable
Stops
Bracknell Railway Station
Farleymoor Lake (Western Road)
Ellesfield Avenue
Western Road (Downshire Way)
Cain Road (The Boulevard)
Willoughby Road (The Lightbox)
Easthampstead Road (Wickes, Western Road)
Doncastle Road (Waitrose)
Willoughby Road (Capitol)
Milbanke Way (Western Trade Centre, Western Road)
Lovelace Road
Oldbury
Bus Tracker
Thames Valley Buses operates the BID Shuttle Bus service for the BID. As part of this service, the bus can be tracked on an interactive map in real time via their website by clicking here or by downloading the Thames Valley Buses app on the App Store for iPhone or Google Play Store for Android devices. When using the app, click on 'Live Times,' turn on the bus tracker on the bottom left of the screen, and select the BID route on the list to track the bus in real time.
