Borderbus take on the 521

As mentioned this morning, ex-Anglian managing director Andrew Pursey's Borderbus begun operating the 521 between Halesworth and Aldeburgh today. Steve W from Steve's Bus & Train Page was out to sample the new service.

Thanks to Steve for allowing me to republish one of his photos here. 

© Steve W (Steve's Bus & Train Page)

NBP fleet list update

To mark Borderbus' first day of operating the 521 service from Halesworth to Aldeburgh, we are pleased to be able to bring you our new fleet list for the company one day early. The rest of our lists will be updated tomorrow as usual, but our Chenery Travel fleet list will be taken offline due to low reader usage and difficulties keeping it up to date. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Poundland Pandemonium! -- UPDATED

See my photographs of the pigeons now on the EDP website: Click here

Today, I had to be in Hemsby, but wanted to be in Halesworth photographing the last operating journey of the 521 before Borderbus take over on Monday. With this in mind, I got my bus timetables out and tried to find out whether or not it would be possible for me to do both. After about half an hour of scribbling and scratching my head, I'd done it! A way to have a couple of hours in Hemsby to do what I needed to do, AND still get to Halesworth in time for the 1604 service 521 from Aldeburgh.

My journey started not-so-bright and early in Hempnall, where fog was causing a difficulty on the roads. Nevertheless, I caught the 0743 service 84 to Norwich which despite the conditions was running on time. It came in the form of ex-004 regular slimline Solo 960 AU58AKK which gave a pretty standard bus ride through Shotesham and Stoke Holy Cross before dropping me off in Norwich just after ten past eight. I had a good half an hour before my next bus so walked to St Stephen's Street to see what was about. After about five minutes sitting on the bench outside Chapelfield's entrance, I noticed there was a bit of commotion inside the Poundland store opposite. I crossed the road to find members of staff running amok chasing a pair of pigeons with bottles of water and a mop!

I couldn't quite believe what was happening, so much to the annoyance of the Poundland staff, I begun pointing my camera through the window to capture this surreal moment. After a good ten minutes, they gave up and opened the shop with a warning to customers that there were some pigeons in the store. I entered and headed over to where they were roosting to try and get a better shot, when one of them peed on the stock below. I quickly informed a member of staff, who then had a go at me for scaring them which they believed caused them to pee everywhere! I was rather taken aback by this accusation, and replied by telling them that it wasn't me who had managed to end up with feral birds in my shop. 

Anyway, by the time I had left the building, it was time for me to catch my X1 to Great Yarmouth. Upon boarding, I said a quick hello to Karen who was driving 33821 YX63LKL before I settled down in the comfortable leather seats with an episode of Impractical Jokers on my new Samsung Galaxy Tab. When the show had finished, I was still on the Acle straight so I had time to plan what I would do with my half an hour of free time I would get in Great Yarmouth before my next bus. I decided to walk the short distance to Beach Coach Station where I observed three vehicles.

The first was BF Hotel's "Just for Groups" branded King Long BX10DHN. This was my first King Long I'd ever spotted so my mood was instantly lifted. 

The other coaches present were Solitaire Travel of Essex's Scania Irizar YN05WJO (Pictured later in post) and M Pearson of Chesterfield's Scania chassis VanHool Alizee BIG4964. 

After a disappointing hunt in nearby Sainsbury's for some hot food resulted in zilch, it was time for me to catch my number 1 to Hemsby. Although it was originally thought that the ex-X1 Geminis would operate this route, they are still more commonly found on the 6, 7 and 8 which leaves the 1 and 1A to the Presidents. Today was no different with 32207 LT52WTN taking me there, and 32204 LT52WTK taking me back. It was rather warm on board 32204, so I opened the front left window only to be immediately attacked by a tree which the driver seemed to have forgotten was there. Twigs came flying in the window and one landed nearby me.

 I didn't pass a single bus on the 1/1A that wasn't a President.

I also found time for a quick visit to FirstGreat Yarmouth's Caister Road depot, where I observed 20109, 32208, 32213, 34110, 34112 and 37574 parked at the rear of the yard.

From then onwards, my day would consist of Anglian buses, and this didn't start well. My service 81 to Beccles arrived twenty minutes late in the form of 452 AU58AUV. The driver informed me that the delay was due to a breakdown. I was now dangerously close to missing the connecting 62 from Beccles and this excuse didn't do anything to lighten my mood. What didn't help was a seemingly regular passenger who decided that alighting the vehicle at a bus stop was the perfect time to have a catch up with the driver. 

M Pearson seems to take inspiration from Reynold's Coaches with a similar registration and a name adorning the front.

You'll be pleased to know that despite the setbacks, I arrived in Beccles with about 10 minutes to spare. I even had time to nip to Tesco for a sandwich before running back to the Old Market Place where I was expecting my 62 to be waiting. It wasn't. The whole place was empty apart from a lone Streetlite; 350 MX60BWH. The driver was seemingly on his break, chatting to some locals. I guessed he was operating the town services as he was in the lesser used left side lane. An X2 and an 80 bus later, and there was still no sign of the 62. I was getting increasingly worried that I would miss the final Nightingales' running of the 521, when the driver of the Streetlite suddenly jumped in the cab, switched the engine on, followed by the destination screen which read "Kessingland via Halesworth 62". At last! I was so relieved! Even the fact that the driver had just been sat there for ten minutes after he was supposed to leave doing nothing, couldn't take away my excitement as I boarded and headed to my destination.

I arrived about five minutes before the 521 was due so sprinted to the railway station, crossed the tracks and found the bus shelter. I thought I should probably double check the times, only to find out that Suffolk County Council are so organised that they had already changed the timetables for Borderbus' take over! 

So relying on my memory I waited and moments later I hear the familiar sound of a Beaver coming round the corner. I had never photographed the 521 before so I didn't know which direction it came from and unfortunately for me, I was facing the wrong way. I just stood and watched in despair as it drove away. Then it stopped, reversed and parked only about 100 yards away! I ran as fast as my legs would let me and thanks to the friendly driver who agreed to turn the screen back on for me, I was able to get my picture. 

She seemed to be in the 'bus loop' so we stood for five minutes chatting about Borderbus and their new Enviro200 they have acquired to operate the service; she was very pleased with it's private registration!

Whilst in Halesworth, I took the opportunity to photograph Anglian's 450 YN07LFU and 460 YN05HFF both working the 88A, with the latter later turning into my bus back to Woodton on the 88. A mere nine and a half hours after I left, I was finally home. I would definitely describe today as a long day, and I wasn't impressed when I was reminded the clocks go forward tonight. But all in all it was a successful day and I achieved everything I set out to do. 

Another big thanks to the driver from Nightingales for the friendly chat and for turning the screen back on.

Fleet Update ~ Konectbus -- UPDATED

Konectbus 951 AU07KMK entered service on Wednesday 26th. Here she is photographed on Castle Meadow in the rain, working service 50 to Gertrude Road.

Konect's enthusiast page reports that ex-Anglian 951 AU07KMK returned from Full Circle this morning, resplendent in her new colours. Fleet names are expected to be applied shortly.

Smart cards are weeks away

An article in the EDP this morning brought to my attention that the long awaited 'smart card' for use on Norwich buses was only a matter of weeks away. Norfolk County Council introduced the new Holdall card today at the bus station. As of the 14th April, it will be available to use on Park & Ride buses only, with the aim to spread the validity onto all city buses later in the year. Click here for the full article.

Here is an extract from the County Council's website: "A Holdall smartcard is a plastic card that fits in to your wallet or purse. It has a chip which stores ticket information and cash electronically, making it quicker than cash transactions on the bus and storing your season tickets securely."

For more information and to order your new card, click here.

Service Revisions: Anglianbus & Konectbus

So! It's nearly been a week since I last posted, and I apologise for that. I shant sit here making excuses though as I don't really have any! Anyway, you may be aware of some upcoming service revisions being made by Anglianbus and Konectbus, and I can now bring you those changes courtesy of anglianbus.co.uk and konectbus.co.uk. Timetables are yet to be published, they are expected to be online by the end of the month.

Anglianbus

7: Great Yarmouth - Acle - Norwich
Revised timetable with buses generally leaving Great Yarmouth five minutes earlier and leaving Norwich five minutes later than at present. Buses will operate half hourly from Norwich Bus Station at 1600 onwards until last departure at 1800.

7A: East Norfolk Sixth Form College - Acle - Norwich
Revised times for afternoon journey from ENSFC.

60: Beccles - Lowestoft - James Paget Hospital
Revised timetable to assist with punctuality.

61: Southwold - Kessingland - Lowestoft - Great Yarmouth
Minor revisions to timetable.

62: Beccles - Halesworth - Kessingland
1432 from Beccles will operate Mon-Sat. 1512 from Beccles on Saturdays and school holidays is withdrawn. 1547 from Kessingland to Halesworth is withdrawn. 1632 from Halesworth to Beccles will leave ten minutes earlier at 1622. New 1647 journey from Kessingland to Halesworth.

83: Harleston - Long Stratton - Norwich
0835 from Norwich withdrawn due to low patronage.

84: Harleston - Hempnall - Norwich
1441 from Harleston will leave earlier at 1411 (Mon-Fri) and will operate via Framingham Earl High School and Upper Stoke on schooldays. 1441 from Harleston on Saturdays will be unaffected.

87/88: Halesworth - Bungay - Poringland - Norwich
Minor revisions to timetable. Certain peak time journey alterations to assist with punctuality. 0708 from Halesworth will no longer continue to City College. 1521 from Bungay to Norwich will operate on schooldays as well as school holidays.

88A: Southwold - Halesworth
1705 from Southwold to Halesworth will operate Mon-Sat, replacing Saturday only 1700 from Southwold to Halesworth.

Konectbus

konectexpress 2 & 2A: Holt - Sheringham - Cromer - Norwich
Additional journeys added on Sundays & Bank Holidays between Holt, Sheringham, Cromer and Norwich. New section of route added to 2A between Dereham and Holt, Sheringham and Cromer to provide a coastal link from Dereham, 7 days a week.

The Norfolk Coaster 22: Cromer - Sheringham - Weybourne - The Muckleburgh Collection
This new route will be operated by an open top double decker bus between Cromer, Sheringham, Weybourne and The Muckleburgh Collection. Together with service 2, a thirty minute frequency will be provided between Cromer and Sheringham (Mon-Sat). The Norfolk Coaster will run 7 days a week.

50/50A: Eaton Park/Cringleford - City Centre - Gertrude Road
Revised timetable to assist with punctuality. 0658 journey from Cringleford will also serve Eaton which replaces the previous 0704 service 52.

51: South Walsham - City Centre
Revised timetable to assist with punctuality with first three journeys from Pilson Green to Norwich departing earlier. 0843 journey from Norwich will terminate at Great Plumstead. 1450 journey from Little Plumstead to Norwich will no longer commence at Pilson Green.

52: Eaton - City Centre - Brundall - Blofield Heath
0704 journey from Eaton to Norwich replaced by new 0658 journey on service 50A. Addition of new 0735 journey from Norwich City Centre to Broadland Business Park, Yarmouth Road.

I have copied all this information onto a dedicated page regarding the changes so it's easy to find if you need it later. Click here or see slide number five on the home page.

Diversion Day

As many of you are aware, today was not an easy day for the people on the buses. The tragic air accident in Gillingham has taken centre stage of our local news and has continued to cause delays and cancellations of the bus services. Anglian ceased to operate the 81 due to the closure of the A143, whilst First drivers were forced to create their own diversions by the closure of the A146.

My day started off with aiming to go to the location of the incident to photograph the heavy police presence in the area. Whilst waiting in Norwich Bus Station for half an hour with still no X2s showing, I was about to give up hope when FirstNorwich 36180 BD11CDZ turned up. The driver then crushed my excitement with a simple statement explaining he was running a relief service to Loddon only, and to wait for the normal X2 to go to Beccles and beyond. Fortunately, it was only five minutes later when 37567 AU58ECF arrived with Lowestoft on the destination screen. 

It became apparent that the bus I was on was not serving Loddon when we turned right down the B1332 Bungay Road. It took about 50 minutes to get to Beccles, via Poringland and Bungay, and that route took us through the Old Market Place which caused a bit of confusion for the Norwich bound passengers patiently waiting. I disembarked and went on foot to Gillingham and found my sought after heavy police presence at the McDonald's roundabout. Suddenly the fog lifted and the helicopter came into view. I was one of the first who saw it, along with a BBC Radio Norfolk reporter who was recording live as the low clouds dispersed. Our spot didn't stay secret for long though and after about ten minutes, ITV, BBC, Sky and Mustard were among us, with other broadcasters present. I managed to attach myself to the crew from Sky and spent the day assisting them, whilst the various channels battled for the best views.

Back to buses, I noticed First hadn't seemed to have put an official diversion route in place. This Norwich bound X2 was heading out of Gillingham, only to have to go all the way back round the roundabout and find a different way. You can just see the rear end of an ITV van in the background.

After a day of pretending to be a real journalist, I eventually left the scene at about half two, and upon re-entering Gillingham village, I noted an X2 turning left at the t-junction opposite the village hall, also bound for Norwich. Obviously the timetable was out the window due to the severity of the delays so I decided to walk back to Beccles rather than sit and wait in Gillingham. Just as I arrived back at the Old Market Place, 30889 W744DWX was about to embark. I boarded to see a local man giving the driver directions around the closures which would lead us out in Hales, to then resume normal service. So as advised, we turned left at the previously mentioned t-junction in Gillingham but after twisting and turning through the local tight and windy lanes with masses of low trees and a huge tailback of car drivers who don't seem to realise how much space a bus needs, we ended up in Bungay. The diversion also led us through Kirby Cane and Geldeston. The driver took this accidental route as an invitation to run 'fast' to Norwich, much to my delight.

traffic queuing in Gillingham...no, the truck isn't parked. He is trying to get out of the way!

Credit and a thanks to First and Anglian must be given, for the continuous updates on their twitter pages advising passengers of the long delays, as there was also an accident on the A47 which led to the closure of the Acle Straight. This caused knock on delays for services X1, 7 and 61 however the main roads are set to reopen any time now so normal service should resume tomorrow.

Ipswich Transport Museum Easter Open Day

Contributor Rob Collin's has again got in contact with me with another offer of group travel to a bus related event. He is still offering coach travel for those who wish to go to Showbus at Duxford this year; for more info, click here.

 

Before that, he is looking to hire a minibus to go to the Easter open day at Ipswich Transport Museum. There will be plenty going on at the event, including an Easter egg hunt and free bus rides from the museum. It takes place on the 21st April 2014 and prices are shown on the poster. Rob anticipates a cost of £10 to cover hire and fuel costs and will be picking up in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Beccles and Lowestoft.

 

If you are interested or would like more info, please contact Rob by email: bertiecollins123@sky.com

Rare Spots ~ February '14

Welcome to the second edition of our new series, Rare Spots. This month we have exactly the same amount of photos as last month, again, all of which are mine. Remember if you see anything that you believe to be a rare allocation, please let me know!

In May last year, First in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft took delivery of eleven Darts with Caetano Slimbus bodies from Connex in Jersey via Ensign (dealer). Four are allocated to Lowestoft whilst the remaining seven are based in Yarmouth. The Yarmouth based ones regularly see service on the 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, which are the smaller town routes linking the smaller villages around to the town centre. The first photograph this month is of 43864 EG52FGA seen exiting the Market Gates bus station working the number 8 to James Paget Hospital. This has only happened on a handful of occasions and may soon be a thing of a past thanks to the deckers being transferred in from Leicester.

Allocations at Anglianbus are also changing as we move onto our second and third photos. As mentioned before on a seperate post, the 84 which operates between Norwich and Harleston used to be solely operated by Solos but now regularly sees the likes of Streetlites, OmniCitys and MAN EcoCity's on the weekday services. One bus I hadn't seen on the route before last month though was the OmniLink. Unfortunatley it was dark at the time and the bus was earlier than I thought it was. I decided I would rather have one bad picture rather than trying to get the angles exactly right only to see it leave before I had the chance to press the shutter.

Last months post also featured Anglian's route 7 and 61, which operates between Southwold, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Norwich. This month saw another rare working in the form of new liveried Optare Excel 229 X229WRA. Here she is photographed on Priory Plain in the glorious spring sunshine.

Our last photo of the day is that of a Konectbus. 414 YJ55BLX is one of two Optare Tempos that were transferred from Anglianbus late last year, and it still retains their yellow livery. Because of this, Konect usually use her on services away from the city, most commonly on the 1 and 11 between Kings Lynn and Watton however I managed to capture her entering the bus station on an inbound service 4 from Swanton Morley.

I hope you enjoyed reading this edition of Rare Spots, and don't forget to send in your pics!

Fleet Update ~ Konectbus

I had heard that ex-Anglian Optare M950SL Solo 952 AO57BDY would be entering service today after being repainted into konect's fleet livery. And so, camera in hand, I headed up to the city earlier than originally planned to allow myself an hour to hunt the bus and to my joy, it was the first konectbus I saw! I photographed her on St Stephen's street to begin with, but thanks to the fantastic weather, alongside the shiny new paint job, it ended up with the rear end of a Plaxton President reflecting across most of the side. This prompted me to sprint all the way to Castle Meadow for another attempt, which I am pleased to be able to display below.

Norwich Buses blog reports that 951 AU07KMK is currently being repainted.

Elsewhere, FirstGreat Yarmouth's two new arrivals have entered service. Both 32062 W422SRP and 32063 W223XBD were noted on the 1s on Friday, with a third (32061 W221XBD) arriving at the garage yesterday. (32061 W221XBD).

Today, 20514 WV02EUP and 33423 SN60CAA were on rail replacement duties in Norwich.

UPDATED ~ Konectbus Fire

Norwich Buses blog reports that the bus involved was Solo 901 VX51RJZ. The fire was minor and the bus is scheduled to be repaired and back on the road by Monday.

EDP reports a Konectbus caught fire on the A47 near Keswick, Norwich yesterday evening at around 1831. There are no details about which bus was involved. Click here for the article.

Fleet Update ~ Konectbus

Konectbus' enthusiast page has announced the imminent arrival of an open top double decker, which will operate their new service 22 from Weybourne to Cromer. The service will compete with Stagecoach Norfolk Green's Coasthopper route and begins on the 20th April.

 

The bus, currently registered WDL961, is a Volvo Olympian Northern Counties Palatine and will be re-registered as R739XRV and issued fleet number 50.

© Geoff Allan

It will retain it's current livery but will be rebranded with Norfolk Coaster fleet names instead of its current "Island Breezer" branding. Thanks to Geoff Allan for kind permission to reproduce his photo.

Fleet Update ~ FirstNorwich/Ipswich

Just a quick post today, FirstNorwich Volvo B7L Wright Eclipse 66333 MV02VBY is currently on loan at FirstIpswich's depot. Thanks to David Warren who photographed her working the 60 to Gainsborough on Dogs Head Street earlier today.

© David Warren

VOSA ~ Anglianbus and Konectbus

VOSA's publication dated the 25th February has the following information regarding Anglian and Konect. ALL changes will take place on the 20th April, we will update you as soon as we know any more details.

anglianbus

7 - Amend timetable

7A - Amend route and timetable

60 - Amend timetable

61 - Amend timetable

62 - Amend timetable

83 - Amend timetable
83A - Amend route, stopping places and timetable
84 - Amend route, stopping places and timetable

87 - Amend timetable
88 - Amend timetable

88B - Amend route, stopping places and timetable

BH272 - Amend route, stopping places and timetable

konectbus

2 - Amend route and timetable

2A - Amend route, stopping places and timetable

22 - NEW SERVICE - Weybourne, Sheringham, Cromer.

50 - Amend timetable

50A - Amend timetable

51 - Amend timetable

52 - Amend timetable

Anglian's service 60

GoAhead owned Anglianbus operate many services in and around Norfolk and Suffolk. One if which operates between Beccles and Lowestoft, with some journeys extending from/to Bungay and James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. This service indirectly replaced the old 146 Norwich to Lowestoft route which competed with Firsts' X2, but when the network was revamped in September last year, the Norwich to Beccles part was withdrawn and it was renumbered as the 60. 

For the first few weeks, the route was mostly operated by Anglian's Solos, with the odd OmniCity or Streetlite dotted here and there. This was what most of us expected as passenger numbers tended not to exceed the 30 mark. 

951 pulling away from Lowestoft bus station back in December last year.

As time went by however, people began to notice the increasing usage of double deckers on the route. Anglian only operate eight of these buses and most are usually used on the 88 service between Halesworth and Norwich so the appearance of both the Lolynes and the Scania's on the route came as a bit of a surprise. For the first few days, we thought we'd managed to spot a rare working but within a few months we realised we hadn't really! It was a daily occurrence, with one or two days recorded where deckers were the ONLY type of bus used.

a 588 branded Scania OmniCity decker heading towards Beccles

In January this year, Ambassador lost the tender for their 607 route which operated between Lowestoft and Gorleston, via Lound and Blundeston. Shortly after that, Anglian announced that as of 24th February, their service 60 would be diverted through the villages five times a day, so the locals can still get out and about by bus. It was only last week when I happened to bored 456 AN61BUS in Lowestoft thinking it was a 61, that I ended up heading towards these villages. This was when I realised I was in fact on one of these diverted 60s. Obviously I had never had a reason to explore this rural part of the countryside and so I was rather impressed with the drivers ability to weave a full length Scania OmniLink around the many tight bends and corners that Lound and Blundeston possess. It was on one of these roads that I noticed the low trees, and this brings me to my whole point in writing this little report: Is the sight of a double decker on the 60 now a thing of the past? The roof pods on the OmniLink were being hit by a few twigs here and there! Now I know not all the 60s do divert, however I am led to believe that allocations suggest that most buses placed on the 60 will end up going through those windy roads at some point during the day. If anyone knows any different or has any knowledge of the new allocations, don't hesitate to comment below or email me at zak.nbp@gmail.com.

456 arrived at JPH 10 minutes after I wanted to be there thanks to my assumption that it was the 61!