Stagecoach [improved] Lake District summer timetable

[EnviroExplorer]

Are they struggling for open toppers this year, looking at the 78 on bus times, it seems to be a real mixed bag...

I regularly go that way in September and October, and frankly the last few years the 78's been really hit and miss as to whether it's open top or not. Sometimes they'd be there at the start of the day, but disappear later on. Saw one last October limping off back (presumably) to the depot. Seems if you want the 78 to be open top, you have to go in the winter as they put one of the 599 vehicles on it.

Given both the 78 and 508 are advertised as open top buses in the latest timetable, it's not good that they've barely been seen.

I seem to recall for the 2019 season they had a healthy number of spares which kept things open top, but since then have never managed it owing to gradual withdrawal of said vehicles without replacement!

Lilyhall needs 2 for the 78, previously made up by Trident ALX400s 17277, 17489, 17490 and 17495.
Carlisle (well Penrith outstation) needs 1 for the 508, allocated Trident President 17692. There was a spare ALX400 17217, also now withdrawn.

As of right now there appears to be some developments behind the scenes which should improve matters.
Lillyhall continues to use E400 19161 which they’ve had a few years now, 17490 is due to return but is undergoing a major refurbishment with repaint and engine work. They’ve also got another E400 19574, which has been under preparation for at least a year. And just recently former Peak Sightseer and Lincolnshire Gemini 16943 has been drafted in, intended for use on the 78 once fit for service.

Then on the 508 side, 17692 has been rather temperamental so far this season, and is away for MOT currently. It appears to be being supplemented by E400 19046 from West Scotland, which is undergoing preparation at Kendal last I saw. This was originally quoted for spares owing to its full open top status not being desired, but the vehicle situation must have swayed a change of plans…

Hopefully that gives some clarity! I’m by no means local myself but have been paying close attention via various means, and it’s interesting to see a few new vehicles set to be in use later in the season.

 

[Russel]

I regularly go that way in September and October, and frankly the last few years the 78's been really hit and miss as to whether it's open top or not. Sometimes they'd be there at the start of the day, but disappear later on. Saw one last October limping off back (presumably) to the depot. Seems if you want the 78 to be open top, you have to go in the winter as they put one of the 599 vehicles on it.

Given both the 78 and 508 are advertised as open top buses in the latest timetable, it's not good that they've barely been seen.

I normally visit the lakes a couple of times a year, I recall last year it was hit and miss weather the 78 ran at all some days, it seemed to be one of the first routes to be dropped when there was any issues.

 

[JKP]

I normally visit the lakes a couple of times a year, I recall last year it was hit and miss weather the 78 ran at all some days, it seemed to be one of the first routes to be dropped when there was any issues.

The weather is always hit and miss in the Lakes. It was definitely hit in March this year and the 78 was running.

 

[mangad]

The weather is always hit and miss in the Lakes. It was definitely hit in March this year and the 78 was running.

I did some digging on bustimes of buses I know were regulars on the 78.

17490 was a regular out and about last year until 24 October. Well that's a 51 reg Denis Trident, registered in 2001, and it's MOT expired on 21 March. Obviously not been seen on the 78 this year.
19161 is a 07 reg Enviro400. Passed its MOT, started on the 78 again on 4 April, but hasn't been seen since the morning of 16 April.

So we have two quite likely knackered vehicles, one of which has no valid MOT, and another that presumably has issues.

Meanwhile they also have 17692. It was apparently seen on the 508 for one whole journey a few weeks ago. That's also Denis Trident, registered in 2000. And it's MOT expired a few days.

Whatever the vehicle, buses in the Lake District get an absolute pounding. The 78 is a twisting, winding route with lots of ups and downs. Its loadings can be quite heavy. The 78 runs 8am to 8pm. And the only open top vehicle we know is in the 78 fleet that has a valid MOT, is nearly 18 years old. Maybe, just maybe, it's time for some newer buses so they can run the service they publicise in their timetable.

 

[Hyebone]

Whatever the vehicle, buses in the Lake District get an absolute pounding.

The lakes have gained our 16943 from the Peak Sightseer which is absolutely cream-crackered! I'm honestly shocked it hasn't headed for PVS yet!

 

[Bletchleyite]

All very curious given that the 555 seems to get new vehicles very regularly!

 

[mangad]

The lakes have gained our 16943 from the Peak Sightseer which is absolutely cream-crackered! I'm honestly shocked it hasn't headed for PVS yet!

I spotted that on bustimes but didn't know if it had actually moved, or if it was a mistake in the data. 19 years old...

All very curious given that the 555 seems to get new vehicles very regularly!

The 555 definitely does. And the 599 had brand new open top vehicles a few years back.

 

[Andyh82]

All very curious given that the 555 seems to get new vehicles very regularly!

People may say the 78 & 508 are well used, but they are nowhere near as well used as the 555 & 599 are

 

[anothertyke]

Just an observation based on limited experience but I think the 755 timetable is pretty optimistic with little recovery time for either very busy buses or heavy traffic. It is a very useful bus to/from Carnforth and the 1600 from Windermere is a plus, but don't rely on it to run to timetable. And that's before the heavy road congestion starts! A propos which I think it is better in summer to insulate the 505 and 516 from the Windermere-Ambleside queue.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Just an observation based on limited experience but I think the 755 timetable is pretty optimistic with little recovery time for either very busy buses or heavy traffic. It is a very useful bus to/from Carnforth and the 1600 from Windermere is a plus, but don't rely on it to run to timetable. And that's before the heavy road congestion starts! A propos which I think it is better in summer to insulate the 505 and 516 from the Windermere-Ambleside queue.

Generally I'd be inclined to agree, but I really do think through 505/516s from Windermere Friday late evening would appeal to weekend trippers who wouldn't risk the extra change particularly given the sparsity of taxis in the Lakes if you do get stuck. There is the odd through service anyway (presumably as they are coming to/from the depot so going that way anyway), but they don't seem timed for maximum advantage. The queue isn't bad at 9-10pm on a Friday evening like it is during the day.