I noticed today that First are displaying the home depot name of all local identity painted buses. It is on each side next to the WEST OF ENGLAND branding. Have any other First subsidiaries done the same?
Picture attached.
Its been going since the first new livery repaints...
Latest heritage repaint to celebrate 30yrs since the launch of Bagerline:
https://www.facebook.com/FirstWestofEngland/posts/868384443246374
Quote from: Winston on August 06, 2015, 11:45:55 PM
Latest heritage repaint to celebrate 30yrs since the launch of Bagerline:
https://www.facebook.com/FirstWestofEngland/posts/868384443246374
A double decker in City Line livery would be good as well.
Berkshire Tridents 33142 33145 were on loan for the Balloon festival last weekend.
First West of England have introduced a batch of new Streetdecks, route branded for routes 70/71 in Bristol. I've attached a photo.
Very posh, local Bristol newspaper on recent changes says other routes are going to receive this livery with appropriate colour at front for route. The internal art is different!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/2pF8X4
There's now a third different colour on the front of First Bristol buses after the pink Streetdecks on services 70/71 and red Streetdecks on service 90. Volvo B9TL's 37321 and 37323 were in service today with yellow fronts, while brand new E400MMC 33952 and three unknown E400MMC's in Lawrence Hill Depot also had yellow fronts. They are not branded yet, but are for services 1 and 2.
New timetables at Temple Meads station suggest that the Mendip Express liveried Streetdecks should go into service on the 376 Bristol to Street service tomorrow.
Quote from: Roy on November 07, 2015, 10:58:47 PM
There's now a third different colour on the front of First Bristol buses after the pink Streetdecks on services 70/71 and red Streetdecks on service 90. Volvo B9TL's 37321 and 37323 were in service today with yellow fronts, while brand new E400MMC 33952 and three unknown E400MMC's in Lawrence Hill Depot also had yellow fronts. They are not branded yet, but are for services 1 and 2.
New timetables at Temple Meads station suggest that the Mendip Express liveried Streetdecks should go into service on the 376 Bristol to Street service tomorrow.
The E400MMC's weren't originally meant to be going on the 1 & 2 and there isn't enough of them to covert the full service to MMC's, hence why they will mixed in with existing B9TL's. Since the appearance of competition from Wessex on the 1, they've now been allocated there.
Quote from: Roy on November 07, 2015, 10:58:47 PM
New timetables at Temple Meads station suggest that the Mendip Express liveried Streetdecks should go into service on the 376 Bristol to Street service tomorrow.
First have now confirmed that these go into service on 23 November. I may be wrong but I think that they'll be the first ever full-height double-deckers on the route.
R reg MPD Plaxton Darts appear to be doing 'untimetabled' short workings on route 1 Cribbs Causeway - Broadmead.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 11, 2015, 08:57:49 PM
R reg MPD Plaxton Darts appear to be doing 'untimetabled' short workings on route 1 Cribbs Causeway - Broadmead.
I presume First attempting to push Wessex off the 1 using old tat
This was reported by BBC Points West this evening.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34919563 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34919563)
Quote from: Roy on November 25, 2015, 10:50:40 PM
This was reported by BBC Points West this evening.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34919563 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34919563)
@Roy Thanks for posting, I'd seen the First press release stating they had bid for 110 gas powered double deckers, I hadn't realized that Wessex had also put in a bid for 20 bio-buses.
A bit more on the Wessex plans here:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/nov/25/plans-more-poo-powered-buses-bristol-bath
I assume this is the same fund that NX have submitted bids to
There is of course First - The Buses of Somerset as well. They appear to be trying to improve after it's various cutbacks last year. They plan to operate a Sunday service for Boxing Day.
http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk/news.shtml
https://www.facebook.com/369276339910972/photos/a.418230395015566.1073741973.369276339910972/418561174982488/?type=3&theater
The two electric E400MMC's have arrived in Bristol and are in test for use on route 72. They are painted all-over turquoise. I saw one of them in Bristol City Centre on Wednesday - fleet number 39191 (SN65 ZGS).
The new buses were featured on BBC Points West this evening. The feature can be viewed on iPlayer until 7.00 pm tomorrow at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06sflsv/bbc-points-west-08012016 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06sflsv/bbc-points-west-08012016). It starts about 7 minutes in.
First Leicester's 35170/72/82 were outside Temple Meads on Saturday without fleetnames on rail replacement duties. The engineering works have been completed on time so I would assume that they have headed north today.
There are two new coloured fronts this month. 37001 has a dark blue front and is branded for services 75 and 76. From 24 April, buses on service 5 will be route branded with dark green fronts. This service is currently operated using 06-reg Darts and some of these are currently in all-over white livery (see Tony's photo of 42964 on 8 April). So it is possible that these will be repainted with green branding rather than the service being converted to Streetlite operation.
https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/8-may-somerset-including-weston-super
I've been down in Burnham this week & 'The Buses Of Somerset' seem a lot better than the local competing independent WebberBus, certainly regarding social media, as I got more sense out of First / Somerset than Webberbus on Facebook re service enquiries.
Until Sunday, Somerset have been operating a massive through route from Weston Super Mare right the way down to Taunton via Bridgwater.
It appears back in December, the Weston to Burnham section was cut back from half hourly to hourly, for reliability reasons.(However they omitted to inform the Haven Holiday Park me & my sister were staying in, as the reception gave me the old timetable, & I only found out it was an hourly service from the driver. I managed to get an up to date printed timetable from Taunton of all places on Wednesday a day later, as the web wasn't much help, as all the First Bus links I initially found were all blocked for security reasons on my smartphone & Traveline online wasn't much help either! I found out on Thursday that Burnham TIC had the leaflet as well!))
The frequency was, until early evenings(no service after 6pm/7pm) during the week, a 15 minute frequency between Burnham & Taunton, with one of those buses to & from Weston.
From Sunday, the service is split at Burnham, restoring the half hourly Burnham to Weston service & surprisely the Burnham to Weston service will terminate at the Holiday Park I've just stayed in!
Sod's Law or what?
The pattern for a number of years has been an hourly frequency Weston - Burnham out of season and half hourly in season when the route was 112.
In fairness to Webberbus, without them Burnham would have a very poor network of services emanating from it. First have abandoned all corridors except for First West of England service 20 on the Weston-Brean-Weston corridor which started life as Bristol Omnibus Company service 91, and First Buses of Somerset service 21 on the Burnham-Pawlett-Bridgwater-Taunton corridor which was originally Western National 201.
Webberbus have introduced regular services 67 and 76 from Burnham which serve the routes originally operated by Bristol OC - service 37 (Burnham-Wedmore-Wells), 42 (Burnham-East Brent-Weston) and 160 (Burnham-Woolavington-Bridgwater). The only ex-Bristol OC routes no longer served are the 37A (Burnham-Cheddar) and 140 (Burnham-Bristol), although these both disappeared a long time ago.
As fleetline6477 says, the service pattern on the Burnham to Weston section was traditionally hourly in the winter and half-hourly in the summer and this was certainly true until the 112 and 21 were combined into a through service. In fact, in the 1960s, the half-hourly through service from Burnham to Weston only operated in August, with hourly through services for the rest of the summer, and 4 through journeys per day in the winter (most journeys operating Highbridge to Brean only).
Ok fair enough, but as a tourist, why couldnt they get their act together with supplying information to key places along the route, especially Webberbus.
As I said to First Somerset on Facebook, not all tourists drive!
Webberbus have gone bust today!
http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/somerset_news/14489750.BREAKING__One_of_Somerset_s_main_bus_companies_folds/ (http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/somerset_news/14489750.BREAKING__One_of_Somerset_s_main_bus_companies_folds/)
Quote from: Roy on May 12, 2016, 06:43:51 PM
Webberbus have gone bust today!
http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/somerset_news/14489750.BREAKING__One_of_Somerset_s_main_bus_companies_folds/ (http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/somerset_news/14489750.BREAKING__One_of_Somerset_s_main_bus_companies_folds/)
Excuse me if I don't shed a tear, especially after using them last week!
Politely answering a question on social media doesn't bust a gut. ( At least First answered my query)
One thing I will say, the buses were decent. We wasnt talking Travel Express condition!
Mind you, should have guessed after Midland stopped answering social media queries, then they got sold to Arriva!
Quote from: Roy on May 12, 2016, 06:43:51 PM
Webberbus have gone bust today!
http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/somerset_news/14489750.BREAKING__One_of_Somerset_s_main_bus_companies_folds/ (http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/news/somerset_news/14489750.BREAKING__One_of_Somerset_s_main_bus_companies_folds/)
I think they were too ambitious starting the competitive Taunton town services with First. I think that it is quite a shame with the quite modern fleet they have. Could they have not just gave up on their competitive routes??
Unlike
@Westy 's experience, I have had problems with First (The Buses of Somerset) not turning up on a Sunday meaning I missed my train from Taunton Rail Station. Thankfully, Trevor of First Great Western got me on the next train free of charge after learning the situation I was in. First refused to answer phones in my attempt to find out if it would arrive.
On another visit to Somerset, Webberbus managed to stick to the schedule unlike first.
I feel their booklet timetables were awkward to use, particularly on the website. Couldn't routes of been separated more effectively?
Webberbus weren't perfect either but certainly gave First a run for their money at times. Service 28 was still packed while the 18 was about half full.
New First Kernow liveries were launched on Friday:
Route 6 "The Mousehole": Pink and Grey
Routes 14 & 18: Red
Route 56 "Atlantic Coaster"Aquamarine (similar to Arriva)
Routes U1 & U2:Blue
All other routes: Light Green (close to the former Western Greyhound green)
Quote from: JoNi on June 27, 2016, 10:08:52 PM
New First Kernow liveries were launched on Friday:
Route 6 "The Mousehole": Pink and Grey
Routes 14 & 18: Red
Route 56 "Atlantic Coaster"Aquamarine (similar to Arriva)
Routes U1 & U2:Blue
All other routes: Light Green (close to the former Western Greyhound green)
Where did you find this out from?
Quote from: 598 on June 28, 2016, 11:18:09 PM
Where did you find this out from?
Railway Forums posted by FSW Official
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37158521
First Leicester Streetdeck vs First Bristol MMC.
First West of England was in meltdown on Monday, the day that major timetable and route changes came into effect. A major IT breakdown meant drivers not knowing the new routes, GPS not working and ticket machines unable to issue tickets - meaning free rides!
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/bristol-first-buses-are-free-right-now-as-chaos-and-confusion-caused-by-new-timetable-system-crashes/story-29685186-detail/story.html (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/bristol-first-buses-are-free-right-now-as-chaos-and-confusion-caused-by-new-timetable-system-crashes/story-29685186-detail/story.html)
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/first-bus-bristol-admit-chaos-could-continue-into-tuesday-as-it-system-still-down/story-29686532-detail/story.html (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/first-bus-bristol-admit-chaos-could-continue-into-tuesday-as-it-system-still-down/story-29686532-detail/story.html)
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/8203-first-bus-bristol-s-entire-fleet-will-run-normally-after-days-of-problems/story-29690663-detail/story.html (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/8203-first-bus-bristol-s-entire-fleet-will-run-normally-after-days-of-problems/story-29690663-detail/story.html)
The latest different coloured front is bright orange - used by the ex-First Kernow E400s that are now at Hengrove for route 50.
If anybody hasn't seen. B7TL's 32016-19/21-24 and possibly 30857/67/70 are being sold by First through a dealer in Devon. Wonder if any are sold now they're DDA and if the last W-ULL Tridents follow.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on December 23, 2016, 09:44:22 AM
If anybody hasn't seen. B7TL's 32016-19/21-24 and possibly 30857/67/70 are being sold by First through a dealer in Devon. Wonder if any are sold now they're DDA and if the last W-ULL Tridents follow.
32017 is now all over cream from a photo seen on Steve White's website. Don't know if it means the operator it is going to has that livery, or if the dealer is having them painted that colour to sell.
32017 and 32023 are now with P&O Lloyd, Bagillt so the cream livery was for the new operator (credit to the Merseyside Dennis Dart Forum). Blimey, must be over 20 years ago since I went to their depot, somewhere I have photos of ex WMT Fleetline WDA679T and (of most interest to me) ex SYT DMS-style Fleetlines OKW519/525R there.
New at First West of England are 33488-33490 Enviro 400 MMCs for the Severn Express between Newport and Bristol. They are in the Express livery and carry decals of the Severn Bridge. 2 of the Volvo B7TL/Wright Geminis previously used on this (32684/5) have transferred to Leeds and 32688 is staying in Bristol.
Photo link to one of the new MMCs (not mine)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/129716166@N03/32168859135/in/photolist-62hi7J-R1DP5k-Q1jwPu-j28mZW-7poA3v-dw7TwT
47563 was subbing on a rather busy X48 in Bristol today, not looking too comfy!
B9TL 37627 in place of the usual Dart on the Bristol 5 service
B7TL 32008 out and about on the 5 today in place of the usual Dart
Quote from: Ally on July 05, 2017, 07:50:28 PM
B9TL 37627 in place of the usual Dart on the Bristol 5 service
B7TL 32008 out and about on the 5 today in place of the usual Dart
They've obviously lowered the road under the railway bridge in James Street then. This bridge did not even accommodate Lodekkas in the old days and caused the decapitation of at least one highbridge bus which tried to go under it by mistake.
I know some of you travel around the country following buses, so if anybody fancies a depot visit, First West of England are organising an open day at Lawrence Hill depot on 19 August from 11:00 to 15:00. Wessex service 506 will get you from Temple Meads station to the entrance in Easton Road. Full details are on the First West of England website.
For some reason, Edge in Windows 10 did not allow me to insert the link to the First website. Here it is.
https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/news/lawrence-hill-bus-depot-opens-doors-local (https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/news/lawrence-hill-bus-depot-opens-doors-local)
Just seen this photo of a new Scania/Enviro 400 MMC at ADL Falkirk factory today
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122507681@N02/35638035723/in/feed
I think these are for a new busway sort of thing ?
From memory the guided busway is to be known as MetroWest-a name which I recall being familiar to the West Midlands about twenty years ago. I could be wrong about the name of the busway but if not I will happily be corrected.
Quote from: markcf83 on August 09, 2017, 11:54:17 AM
From memory the guided busway is to be known as MetroWest-a name which I recall being familiar to the West Midlands about twenty years ago. I could be wrong about the name of the busway but if not I will happily be corrected.
It's Metrobus
The buses ordered for Metrobus are two-door double deckers, due in the autumn so there is every chance that this is one of them. In addition, a new biofuel bus will be introduced on service 1 from 21 August, and the rumours are that this will be on display at Lawrence Hill depot on 19 August. The details are at http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/business/new-biofuel-bus-powered-food-297611 (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/business/new-biofuel-bus-powered-food-297611)
Knew that Metro was featuring in the name. Thanks Winston.
According to the Bristol Evening Post, First are receiving 110 gas buses for the Bristol area within the next 18 months thanks to a Government grant for 153 buses.
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/28-million-110-new-gas-389635 (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/28-million-110-new-gas-389635)
The breakdown of the other 43 are shown in this Brighton Evening Argus article.
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/15498319.Three_new_electric_buses_after___500_000_government_grant/ (http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/15498319.Three_new_electric_buses_after___500_000_government_grant/)
3 of the new Scania/MMCs are currently at Graysons Thermals near Birmingham Airport they are YM17FKO/YM17FKN/YT67XJV
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128470593@N05/36217421403/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128470593@N05/36217420483/in/datetaken/
Sampling the delights of Bristol using day ticket where you place the ticket QR code through the assault screen on to the validator face up without placing your finger on it at the same time and wait for the green lights to flash.
The first I knew of this was when the driver of the second bus banged on the assault screen! Would have have been nice to have been warned!
Ticket on phone is cheaper but also has to be placed tbrough the assault screen onto reader. Great fun with students!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/HaHyhW
Quote from: JoNi on November 15, 2017, 05:45:41 PM
Sampling the delights of Bristol using day ticket where you place the ticket QR code through the assault screen on to the validator face up without placing your finger on it at the same time and wait for the green lights to flash.
The first I knew of this was when the driver of the second bus banged on the assault screen! Would have have been nice to have been warned!
Ticket on phone is cheaper but also has to be placed tbrough the assault screen onto reader. Great fun with students!
https://www.flickr.com/gp/92409298@N06/HaHyhW
The positive is I can use my Warwickshire issued pass on their machines now, at last, I was fed up with explaining multiple times a day to the drivers as to why my pass wasn't scanning through!
Each bus seems to have them in slightly different places, I've had B9TLs where you can reach it easily and then some where you have to reach quite far to do so
The 3/4 and 5 seemed to have a bit of a swap around today as a 5 branded Dart made its way out to Cribbs Causeway on the 3 whilst B7TL 32011 was spotted in Downend on the 5.
Any idea where the former Bristol Airport B7RLEs are due to go. Seen in this very attractive yellow livery
https://scontent.fbhx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29790627_1835569833144320_7212323550143505234_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=606f884f1f98845c8084d690ca1f8147&oe=5B6BD885
Quote from: John on April 01, 2018, 03:53:36 PM
Any idea where the former Bristol Airport B7RLEs are due to go. Seen in this very attractive yellow livery
https://scontent.fbhx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29790627_1835569833144320_7212323550143505234_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=606f884f1f98845c8084d690ca1f8147&oe=5B6BD885
They'll be in Bath for the Westbury routes. 69500-69511. A comment in First group on Facebook suggests they will enter service on 29th April. 65724/5/6 will also be in the same livery and will be based at Westbury. The 63xxx Streetlites will return to Bath.
Quote from: P419 EJW on April 01, 2018, 04:04:14 PM
They'll be in Bath for the Westbury routes. 69500-69511. A comment in First group on Facebook suggests they will enter service on 29th April. 65724/5/6 will also be in the same livery and will be based at Westbury. The 63xxx Streetlites will return to Bath.
The first few have already entered service on Rail Replacements but are working out of Weston depot for now. Saw a pic of one on Flickr
According to Steve White's excellent website (http://www.swhite.org.uk/steve/03.htm (http://www.swhite.org.uk/steve/03.htm)), services 265, 267 and 271/272 will be relaunched as services D1, D2 and D3 when these buss are introduced.
The first Metrobus route launches on 29 May with free travel until 9 June using Scania/E400MMC 36801-36807.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/date-finally-set-launch-first-1418832 (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/date-finally-set-launch-first-1418832)
It has been announced today that operation of the second of the Bristol Metrobus lines has been awarded to CT Plus under contract to First West of England using 21 new biogas buses.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/longest-metrobus-route-m1-run-1433442 (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/longest-metrobus-route-m1-run-1433442)
Yet more delays for the first Bristol Metrobus route:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/three-years-after-metrobus-m2-1462952
The first Bristol Metrobus route (m3) started yesterday. Travel is free until 9 June. I tried it out today but wasn't very impressed as it suffered the same levels of traffic congestion as normal routes. In fact, the ride back from Emersons Green on a normal 49 bus was as quick as the journey out on the m3.
The tracking on them is horrendous too, I travelled from just after Staple Hill to Emersons Green on the 49, the m3 said it was 17 minutes away, by the time I arrived at Emersons Green it had apparently reversed back down the M32 as it was showing as 21 minutes away with another one being 23 minutes away. 10 minutes later 2 turned up together. I had exactly the same problem yesterday too! "The future of transport" is looking very bleak!
Think I'll stick to walking to the 19/19A and catching that to work!
I won't hold any hope of getting earlier/later/Sunday journeys beyond the City-UWE Frenchay section when the new timetable comes in in September either.
Quote from: Roy on May 30, 2018, 06:37:05 PM
The first Bristol Metrobus route (m3) started yesterday. Travel is free until 9 June. I tried it out today but wasn't very impressed as it suffered the same levels of traffic congestion as normal routes. In fact, the ride back from Emersons Green on a normal 49 bus was as quick as the journey out on the m3.
First West of England have resurrected the Badgerline name and livery (including the cartoon badger) for its Weston town services.
http://www.swhite.org.uk/steve/08.htm
Seen in wsm this week
Sorry there was meant to be a couple of pictures attached but to large.
Quote from: midlandred2003 on August 27, 2018, 11:07:39 AM
Sorry there was meant to be a couple of pictures attached but to large.
Leave a link
Leave a link? Sorry I am a silver surfer that's a bit beyond me at the moment?
Quote from: midlandred2003 on August 28, 2018, 03:33:36 PM
Leave a link? Sorry I am a silver surfer that's a bit beyond me at the moment?
If you upload the images to somewhere like Imgur or Flickr, you can copy the URL and paste it here.
Quote from: midlandred2003 on August 28, 2018, 03:33:36 PM
Leave a link? Sorry I am a silver surfer that's a bit beyond me at the moment?
Oh ok sorry
I'm assuming it's the Badgers seeing as you mentioned Weston?
A few photos of them here http://www.swhite.org.uk/steve/08.htm
Hopefully I have done this right?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127014871@N06/43455349465/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127014871@N06/42553195820/in/dateposted-public/
Quote from: midlandred2003 on August 30, 2018, 06:15:43 PM
Hopefully I have done this right?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127014871@N06/43455349465/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127014871@N06/42553195820/in/dateposted-public/
Yep, that works fine on my end.
Very rare working seen yesterday
Lawrence Hill based Volvo B7RLE single decker 69442 WX 59 BYU in Mendip Explorer livery operating route 48A Centre - UWE Frenchay normally operated by branded Enviro 400 or the 2 Electric Enviro 400s
Quote from: fleetline6477 on September 26, 2018, 09:41:17 PM
Very rare working seen yesterday
Lawrence Hill based Volvo B7RLE single decker 69442 WX 59 BYU in Mendip Explorer livery operating route 48A Centre - UWE Frenchay normally operated by branded Enviro 400 or the 2 Electric Enviro 400s
There were some very strange workings when I was in Bristol last week with all 48A services using unbranded Volvo B9TLs.
It seems that a lot of buses normally used on the 48A are currently redeployed on rail replacement services due to the Bristol Parkway 3 week blockade. In addition, buses branded for route U1 were in use on services to Yate station where the train services from Great Malvern are currently terminating. The U1 service was being operated using hired buses.
Very rare working today
ALX bodied Volvo B7 32099 KP 51 WDE branded for routes 3 & 4 operating route T2 Bristol - Thornbury
Rare working today
Lawrence Hill Alexander bodied Enviro 400 33955 SN 65 ZCJ branded for route 1 Broomhill - Cribbs Causeway operating the 1145 journey on route 7XP Bristol - Chepstow / Newport.
Very rare working today as a Scania (99% certain it was 36817) made it out for a few trips on the Severn Express 7XP.
Some of the early ALX bodied Volvo B7s appearing on Bristol routes 1 & 2 today
32009 W 809 PAE - route 2
32259 LT 52 WWE (branded for routes 6&7) - route 2
32254 LT 52 WVZ (branded for routes 6&7) - route 1
Quote from: fleetline6477 on November 06, 2018, 08:40:06 PM
Some of the early ALX bodied Volvo B7s appearing on Bristol routes 1 & 2 today
32009 W 809 PAE - route 2
32259 LT 52 WWE (branded for routes 6&7) - route 2
32254 LT 52 WVZ (branded for routes 6&7) - route 1
That would explain the 1 branded E400 MMC on the Severn Express then! Also spotted was an ElectriCity MMC on the 4 and the Scania Gas Bus on the 43
It would appear that the locals are getting restless!
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/angry-passengers-bus-protest-bristol-2255405
Two First Leeds Volvo B9 Geminis 36217/20 BJ 12 VXA/D operating on Bristol route 1 Cribbs Causeway - Broomhill today.
Mega rare working seen today
Lawrewnce Hill Streetdeck 35105 SO 15 CUC branded for routes 70/1 operating on route 1 Cribbs Causeway - Broomhill.
One also made it onto the 73 but I didn't manage to note which one it was. A 55 plate B7RLE is out on the 49 this evening
Quote from: fleetline6477 on December 20, 2018, 09:21:57 PM
Mega rare working seen today
Lawrewnce Hill Streetdeck 35105 SO 15 CUC branded for routes 70/1 operating on route 1 Cribbs Causeway - Broomhill.
Any know, who the new Bristol M routes compare with TWM platinum routes, sounds like they are being well received. Although seem complexed routes etc?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 04, 2019, 12:51:09 PM
Any know, who the new Bristol M routes compare with TWM platinum routes, sounds like they are being well received. Although seem complexed routes etc?
They are more like the proposed Sprint services than Platinum. New sections of road have been built especially for these services and there is a section of guided busway on a flyover on one of the routes. Stops are wider spaced than normal bus routes and you have to get a ticket from a ticket machine or a paypoint before boarding as you can't pay the driver.
Details are at https://metrobusbristol.co.uk/
Just to add that the third service started today and is operated by CT Plus on behalf of First West of England.
I saw that the M1 starts tomorrow used to live on that corridor interesting so Bristol are ahead of Brum in implementing etc. Interesting
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 06, 2019, 06:28:23 PM
I saw that the M1 starts tomorrow used to live on that corridor interesting so Bristol are ahead of Brum in implementing etc. Interesting
Ahead of implementing what?
Quote from: Roy on January 06, 2019, 02:04:44 PM
They are more like the proposed Sprint services than Platinum. New sections of road have been built especially for these services and there is a section of guided busway on a flyover on one of the routes. Stops are wider spaced than normal bus routes and you have to get a ticket from a ticket machine or a paypoint before boarding as you can't pay the driver.
Details are at https://metrobusbristol.co.uk/
Sprint type services, with guided busways etc
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 07, 2019, 05:34:23 AM
Sprint type services, with guided busways etc
Tracline 1986 ?? :)
Spotted an ALX400 on the M32 Bristol bound yesterday evening with 508 on the blind, I thought I caught NWR on the reg but that could be wrong. Rest break on its way to Somerset perhaps?
Quote from: Ally on January 12, 2019, 01:41:06 PM
Spotted an ALX400 on the M32 Bristol bound yesterday evening with 508 on the blind, I thought I caught NWR on the reg but that could be wrong. Rest break on its way to Somerset perhaps?
Saw on a Facebook group that 30930 'X798 NWR' has moved from Halifax going to Bridgwater yesterday. Might have been this one
Quote from: Ally on January 12, 2019, 01:41:06 PM
Spotted an ALX400 on the M32 Bristol bound yesterday evening with 508 on the blind, I thought I caught NWR on the reg but that could be wrong. Rest break on its way to Somerset perhaps?
Yeah, that would be X798 NWR. It was on the way to the Bridgwater depot.
Does anyone know how long the Presdients in Bristol have left? Not so much the rented ones, but the Native First ones, 33182 is one but I'm sure there is another, may be wrong though
Thanks
Quote from: John on January 20, 2019, 08:14:07 PM
Does anyone know how long the Presdients in Bristol have left? Not so much the rented ones, but the Native First ones, 33182 is one but I'm sure there is another, may be wrong though
Thanks
@John 33144/33158/33182 are at Hengrove but not sure how long until.
Wessex 33156 has been slighted at Weston depot but may have moved since.
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 21, 2019, 10:05:11 AM
@John
33144/33158/33182 are at Hengrove but not sure how long until.
Wessex 33156 has been slighted at Weston depot but may have moved since.
Thanks Ashley
Hoping they still down there by the end of Feb
Quote from: John on January 21, 2019, 10:07:38 AM
Thanks Ashley
Hoping they still down there by the end of Feb
I heard they are due more Gas Scanias this year so probably won't be till them are delivered that they get replaced, unless some other buses are cascaded in. I suppose the only reason they have survived is due to the capacity issues in Bath meaning more older deckers are being retained at the moment. If they last that long I'm hoping to find them in March but we shall see...
Keep an eye on http://www.swhite.org.uk/
@John as regular fleet updates are posted ;)
Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 21, 2019, 10:05:11 AM
@John
33144/33158/33182 are at Hengrove but not sure how long until.
Wessex 33156 has been slighted at Weston depot but may have moved since.
My understanding is they are only intended to be used to fill in gaps in service on 75 / 76. They are long routes and subject to heavy delays. They will operate a journey where drivers are waiting for a bus to arrive at Hengrove.
Some notable rare workings seen this week
Plaxton Dart 42898 WX 05 RVC on route 2 Cribbs Causeway - Centre - Stockwood
Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMCs branded for Fishpons Road routes 48/A, 49 33800/2 YX 66 WLE/G operating on route 4 Centre - Cribbs causeway.
Three notable rare workings from today
South Glos Lynx branded Volvo B7 single decker 69448 WX59BZA on UWE route 71
Volvo B7 ALX double decker 32289 WX53UKK on route T2 Bristol - Thornbury
Interestingly, these were running down Gloucester Road in convoy about 1245 and 69448 normally on T2 and 32289 often on 70/71
Also Fishponds Road 48/A,49 branded Enviro 400 33802 YY66WLG on route 3 Centre - Cribbs Causeway
A super rare one today as B9TL 37617 is currently on the Metrobus m3 route towards Emersons Green.
Another super rare one today as metrobus m3 liveried 36804 has just left Bristol Bus Station on the T2 to Thornbury.
According to Steve White's website, First West of England has ordered 77 gas buses for Lawrence Hill. 10 will be Metrobus specification (presumably to replace the buses currently on the m3 which is operated by Lawrence Hill) and the rest will be used on East Bristol routes. A new gas station will be installed at Lawrence Hill and the first buses are due towards the end of this year.
Mega rare working yesterday
Electric Hybrid Enviro 400 39191 SN 65 ZGS operating on route 36 Centre - Brislington seen in the centre about 5.30 pm
Another rare one today as 32289 has just departed on the X7 towards Clevedon
Quote from: Ally on May 06, 2019, 12:48:35 PM
Another rare one today as 32289 has just departed on the X7 towards Clevedon
Wow!! Must have been a spare bus at Marlborough Road covering a journey.
Two from today
Mendip Explorer branded Volvo B7 single decker 69441 WX 59 BYT operating route 2 Cribbs - Stockwood, appeared to be on all day.
Route 2 branded Enviro 400 33968 SN 65 ZDE operating route 3 Cribbs - centre - that would cause some confusion for passengers who look at the branding rather than the destination!!
Pink mobile ticket branded ALX bodied Volvo B7 32004 W 804 PAE on routes Y5/Y6
Two Mendip Explorer Volvo B7s having a day away from the Mendips
69440 WX 59 BYS route Y4 Centre - Yate
69441 WX 59 BYT route 1 Cribbs - Broomhill
Both on all day running baords
Some interesting news from Steve White's First West of England website which should appeal to the Streetdeck lovers.
After struggling for nearly 4 years to keep its Streetdecks on the road, Wells will be losing them soon and replacing them with Enviro 400s in a swap with Hengrove. There should also be some more B9s due to replace the rest of the 59 plate B7RLEs which will go to Leicester.
I assume that the E400s concerned are the ex-First Kernow buses which are currently branded for routes 91 and 92.
Quote from: Roy on July 14, 2019, 06:23:01 PM
Some interesting news from Steve White's First West of England website which should appeal to the Streetdeck lovers.
After struggling for nearly 4 years to keep its Streetdecks on the road, Wells will be losing them soon and replacing them with Enviro 400s in a swap with Hengrove. There should also be some more B9s due to replace the rest of the 59 plate B7RLEs which will go to Leicester.
I assume that the E400s concerned are the ex-First Kernow buses which are currently branded for routes 91 and 92.
Any idea if the B9's will come from within First Bristol or somewhere like Leeds / Manchester ?
Steve's website doesn't say. However, the 77 new gas buses for Lawrence Hill are not due until early 2020, which would suggest that, if the swap is being down in the short term, the B9s will be cascaded from some other First company.
My only thought on the Streetdeck issue is based on my experiences on Brighton & Hove Coaster service 12/12A/12X between Brighton and Eastbourne where the buses are excellent on the flat but awful when climbing the hills over the South Downs. There are some very tasty climbs over the Mendip Hills on Wells service 376.
Quote from: Roy on July 14, 2019, 06:51:09 PM
Steve's website doesn't say. However, the 77 new gas buses for Lawrence Hill are not due until early 2020, which would suggest that, if the swap is being down in the short term, the B9s will be cascaded from some other First company.
My only thought on the Streetdeck issue is based on my experiences on Brighton & Hove Coaster service 12/12A/12X between Brighton and Eastbourne where the buses are excellent on the flat but awful when climbing the hills over the South Downs. There are some very tasty climbs over the Mendip Hills on Wells service 376.
That was kind of my thinking.
Are the Streetdeck issues related to engine setup or being under powered?
Three very rare workings seen today
Volvo B9 Gemini 37336 WX 57 HKV operating route 7XP
Wright Streetlite 47554 SN 14 FGF in pink mobile tickets livery operating route 49
Volvo B7 ALX 400 32251 LT 52 WVO in green fronted routes 6 & 7 livery operating the peak afternoon board on routes T3 / T1 !!!!
37335 was also on the 7XP
The first of the Gas buses are supposedly due in December, according to a newsletter by James Freeman on the wall in the Marlborough Street offices, complete with a mock up of one in the m3 livery, with the tagline "this is the diagram to show how the metrobus m3 livery will be applied to the first buses, expected to be delivered in December".
The m3 will also temporarily be outstationed at the BCT Bedminster Depot until the gas refuelling station at Lawrence Hill is completed.
Quote from: Ally on August 19, 2019, 11:15:28 PM
The first of the Gas buses are supposedly due in December, according to a newsletter by James Freeman on the wall in the Marlborough Street offices, complete with a mock up of one in the m3 livery, with the tagline "this is the diagram to show how the metrobus m3 livery will be applied to the first buses, expected to be delivered in December".
The m3 will also temporarily be outstationed at the BCT Bedminster Depot until the gas refuelling station at Lawrence Hill is completed.
What routes are the 77 gas buses intended for?
A few branded buses straying onto other routes today
Volvo B7 ALX 32099 KP 51 WDE Bath Uni bus on route 37
Volvo B7 ALX 32255 LT 52 WWA route 6 / 7 branded on route 2
Alexander Enviro 400 33952 SN 65 ZCA route 1 operating route 3
Volvo B9 Gemini 37321 WX 57 HKB route 2 operating route 44
Also Alexander Scania 36815 YM 17 FKL operating route 42
Quote from: fleetline6477 on August 22, 2019, 07:55:03 PM
What routes are the 77 gas buses intended for?
As far as I know it will be the 41/42/43/44/45 corridor which passes Lawrence Hill on their way to and from the centre of Bristol. There might be other routes too.....
If I remember correctly, it was South Gloucestershire Council who obtained a grant which went towards the cost of these vehicles. The intention was that they be used on Lawrence Hill routes that operated from Bristol into South Gloucestershire. The m3 is definitely getting some of this batch. The 42-45 services are strong contenders but would only need about 25 vehicles. If you add the ones allocated to the m3, there would still be over 40 vehicles to be used on other routes.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on August 22, 2019, 08:02:07 PM
A few branded buses straying onto other routes today
Volvo B7 ALX 32099 KP 51 WDE Bath Uni bus on route 37
Volvo B7 ALX 32255 LT 52 WWA route 6 / 7 branded on route 2
Alexander Enviro 400 33952 SN 65 ZCA route 1 operating route 3
Volvo B9 Gemini 37321 WX 57 HKB route 2 operating route 44
Also Alexander Scania 36815 YM 17 FKL operating route 42
32099, or any of the Unibus branded ones on non Unibus routes is very common. This would be rare during the University term, but during summer break it is extremely normal.
Quote from: fleetline6477 on August 22, 2019, 08:02:07 PM
A few branded buses straying onto other routes today
Volvo B7 ALX 32099 KP 51 WDE Bath Uni bus on route 37
Volvo B7 ALX 32255 LT 52 WWA route 6 / 7 branded on route 2
Alexander Enviro 400 33952 SN 65 ZCA route 1 operating route 3
Volvo B9 Gemini 37321 WX 57 HKB route 2 operating route 44
Also Alexander Scania 36815 YM 17 FKL operating route 42
And 6/7 branded LT52WVZ made it out onto the afternoon 177 service!
Quote from: markcf83 on August 22, 2019, 09:02:58 PM
As far as I know it will be the 41/42/43/44/45 corridor which passes Lawrence Hill on their way to and from the centre of Bristol. There might be other routes too.....
48/48A/49 are also supposed to be getting them, along with the above mentioned m3 (which are apparently first according to the First Newsletter). Other routes mentioned but as far as I'm aware not confirmed, are the 6/7 and 17. I would assume all of these together would get it close to 77
Quote from: LazyGuy222 on August 22, 2019, 10:33:37 PM
32099, or any of the Unibus branded ones on non Unibus routes is very common. This would be rare during the University term, but during summer break it is extremely normal.
I can vouch for this. I was in Bristol at the start of the month and saw several of the Bath uni buses on the 19.
Some rare workings seen today
Ex-Wyvern and Potteries Enviro 300 (pink fronted) 67642 VX 54 MRY operating on route 2
Volvo B7 Gemini 32548 SF 54 OSL operating on the Portway Park & Ride
Wright Streetlite 63073 SM 13 NBE on route 48A Centre - UWE Frenchay
Plaxton Dart (route 5 branded) 42865 WX 06 OMZ on route 178 Bristol - Midsomer Norton
Some news on the gas buses due here in Bristol. The first of them are due very soon if not already in the City. Fleet numbers 39481 to 39492 are allocated to the first examples and will be based temporarily at the CT Bus garage in Bedminster while the work to finish the gas station at Lawrence Hill is finished.
Quote from: markcf83 on November 29, 2019, 08:06:08 PM
Some news on the gas buses due here in Bristol. The first of them are due very soon if not already in the City. Fleet numbers 39481 to 39492 are allocated to the first examples and will be based temporarily at the CT Bus garage in Bedminster while the work to finish the gas station at Lawrence Hill is finished.
There's more than that already arrived & currently being branded up, see posts #23727
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/first-south-west-and-wales-discussion.60930/page-791#post-4312000
CBW has confirmed the allocation of the 77 gas buses for Bristol. The m3 is being upgraded to use two-door biogas buses, while all the other buses are single door. The 42-45 routes will be upgraded in January, followed by the T1, Y1, 6, 7, 17 and 73. The buses on 42-45, 6-7 and 17 will have a red livery with Best Impressions branding. Hopefully, this will see the end of the ancient hired-in buses that seem to spend more time littering Bristol's streets having broken down than actually running in service.
https://cbwmagazine.com/first-west-of-england-invests-in-77-new-gas-buses-for-bristol/
At least 3 of the dark red biogas buses for the 42-45 routes were parked in Lawrence Hill depot today.
Ex Manchester Enviros 33836 and 33840 are now working from Bath and are on rail replacement duty in South Wales this afternoon.
Quote from: markcf83 on December 28, 2019, 03:26:07 PM
Ex Manchester Enviros 33836 and 33840 are now working from Bath and are on rail replacement duty in South Wales this afternoon.
6 are already at First WOE in total 33835-40 according to Steve White, 33835/7/9 at Bristol, while 33836/8/40 are at Bath.
33831-40 & 57 are thought due in total
Thanks for that Winston. I was half expecting the Bath Uni buses to be on it, but didn't see any of them unfortunately....
The first 27 single door bio-gas buses will enter service next week on routes 42-45 and are branded as "Citylines East".
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/all-aboard-bristols-bio-bus-revolution/
https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/news/new-bio-methane-gas-bus-filling-station-opens-0
It appears that First West of England is making a lot of effort to get rid of the First corporate image by the increased introduction of local liveries and identities, the latest of which have reduced the size of the First logo to make it insignificant. After the Excel (Bristol to North Somerset), Mendip Xplorer (Wells and district), Badgerline (Weston Town Services), Somerset Coaster (Open top to Sand Bay and Burnham), Bath City, Discover (West Wiltshire) and Lynx (Bristol to South Gloucestershire) local identities, the first of the new biogas buses received a plain dark red livery and brand Citylines East for services to Kingswood and Hanham. Now a 3-tone blue livery will be introduced in April for Bristol to Bath services with brand name Aquae, while more plain coloured Citylines branded buses are imminent – yellow (routes 1 and 2), purple (routes 3 and 4), pale green (route 24) and Tilling green (route 73 using the last of the biogas buses). The guess is that further Bristol city routes will get Citylines branding in different colours.
EDIT : It has also been announced that route 126 (Weston-Cheddar-Wells) will be branded "The Strawberry Line" after the old railway branch from Yatton to Witham that the bus route follows for much of its journey.
First West of England are reducing Monday to Friday services to Saturday levels from next week in response to the Coronavirus crisis.
https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/news/first-west-england-responds-governments-stay
A First Bristol driver based at Lawrence Hill has passed away after contracting the virus. I am sure all at First Worcester & WM Bus Forum members thoughts and sympathy are with his family
Steve White's excellent website tells that the Streetlites which Leicester got from Sheffield are due for Bristol. Two have moved and the others are due to follow suit.
Quote from: markcf83 on June 12, 2020, 06:53:05 PM
Steve White's excellent website tells that the Streetlites which Leicester got from Sheffield are due for Bristol. Two have moved and the others are due to follow suit.
I assume you mean Streetdeck's? ;)
I've seen a photo online of two parked up at Hengrove. Visible in shot is a line up of freshly repainted Volvo B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini's in an allover bright green livery for the 24 service (Southmead Hospital-Ashton Vale). The ex Bath 3775*/3776*'s displaced off the 39/X39 service (Bristol to Bath) i believe.
Quote from: Nathan on June 12, 2020, 07:02:11 PM
I assume you mean Streetdeck's? ;)
I've seen a photo online of two parked up at Hengrove. Visible in shot is a line up of freshly repainted Volvo B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini's in an allover bright green livery for the 24 service (Southmead Hospital-Ashton Vale). The ex Bath 3775*/3776*'s displaced off the 39/X39 service (Bristol to Bath) i believe.
Could you possibly link that photo? I'm intrigued to see which ones from Leicester it is. Hopefully that means the E40D's that arrived in Leicester will be used in service.
This weeks N&P has a post-dated registration for service M1, normally worked by HCT, hourly from 16.00.
Yes, I did Nathan. I will have words with myself. PS thanks for the warning about the green Volvos.....
Bus driver jobs saved in deal between Bristol Airport and First West of England:
https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/news/bus-driver-jobs-saved-deal-between-bristol
First West of England is trialling a booking system on three services.
https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/news/%E2%80%98book-my-bus-ride%E2%80%99-uk-%E2%80%99s-first-scheduled-bus
Former Bristol ALX400 32251 is now with Confidence Coaches in Wigston, Leicestershire. 32254 is in Scarborough, I'm not sure who's bought it.
Quote from: leicesterbusadventurer on November 06, 2020, 11:10:32 PM
Former Bristol ALX400 32251 is now with Confidence Coaches in Wigston, Leicestershire. 32254 is in Scarborough, I'm not sure who's bought it.
Shoreline Suncruiser has 32254
32004 (W804 PAE), 32006 (W806 PAE), and 32008 (W808 PAE) have been sold to Confidence Bus of Leicester, where they will be numbered 93-95.