Spottings & Jottings nr. 70 - 12th August 2013
Visit the "OXFORD & CHILTERN BUS PAGE " Current archives from October 2002
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malcolmhc@aol.com
Editorial
A great deal has been happening since my last page which was only just over one month ago.
Arriva have now launched their Sapphire service on the 280 Oxford-Aylesbury service, Oxford Bus have launched their Heartbeat service of Wi-Fi on the Abingdon group of routes and Stagecoach have put four brand new Optare Solos into service at Banbury. Further a field the Stagecoach Megabus Gold Astromegas are now all in service with new services leaving London for Cardiff and Plymouth in addition to enhanced night services between the London and Scotland. Finally the first of the left hand drive Van Hool Altanos have arrived for the Megabus European services from the U.K.
An Altano seen alongside a new Astromega sleeper coach.
Several areas of roadwork's have blighted services to and from London and these include a ten week two way working on the A40 near Wheatley with a 40 mph restriction. It seems that already some coach drivers have been served notices of intended prosecution for speeding, though it must be said that these are generally on night operations when the road is very quiet!!
Tube 50226 is seen on diversion in Kensington during the road closure at
Notting Hill Gate. July 19th by David Allen.
In London the road closure at Notting Hill Gate which has caused diversions for Oxford Tube services is at last ended and the road reopened. however a several day closure near the Bag 'O Nails on Buckingham Palace Road caused diversions and delays for a number of days and then during this last week a gas main leak closed part of Elizabeth Street which front the exit to Victoria Coach Station and Sammy's arrival facility. The latter was closed for several days and once again Oxford Tube park-ups were sent to West Ham.
A large number of Optare Solo SR buses are, seemingly suddenly, all around our area as this page shows.
The heatwave tested fully the air conditioning on the coach fleets and local buses were often overbearing as a result.
The holiday season is now in full swing and the roads quiet or very busy at very different times than normal. Both National Express and Megabus have put on many extra services.
The saga between National Express and Green Line continues and NEx have during the last week been putting much effort into promoting their A1 service against the Green Line 757 service as can be seen in the picture below.
The sight which greets pedestrians walking along Buckingham Palace Road and
the surrounds!
There are around half a dozen or more of these people carrying placards.
By the 12th August, the sandwich boards had surrounded the 757 coach area.
National Express started operating the 737 Oxford-Stansted again from August 1st and to begin with used four 12 plate Levantes as shown in the last OCBP S&J. Things have gradually changed and we have seen coach with London-Stansted for a little as £5 being used. On Friday of last week one of the 07 plate tri-axle Levantes appeared operating the 06:30 service as seen in the picture below. This means that more operators are using tri-axles into Gloucester Green, the subject of much controversy when Stagecoach wanted to use longer coaches on the Oxford Tube.
Finally it is always interesting to hear from readers who have been on overseas trips and found an old British bus in far away places.
East Kent MFN948F somewhere in Italy in early 2013 as seen by Nigel Peach
Running Days
Amersham & District Motorbus Society
Nearly nine years ago and on 5 October 2003,
RLH48 takes a happy group of enthusiasts on a run
Running Days in 2012
Sunday 18th August HEMEL HEMPSTEAD based at bus
station, Waterhouse Street
The 8th Vintage Bus Running Day is to be held at
Hemel Hempstead bus station on Sunday 18 August 2013. As you may know,
this site is soon to be redeveloped and it is possible that this
may be the last year we can operate from the current bus station. Sometime
in early Autumn/late Summer 2014 it is envisaged that all services will
terminate on street and this useful facility will be lost forever.
Programmes for this event are now available from
the Hemel Bus Stn Enquiry Office, High Wycombe Library in
the Eden Centre
or on-line at
http://www.amershammotorbussociety.co.uk/
or by post from me at 54 Guinions Road, HIGH WYCOMBE HP13 7NX at £6.50
payable to Amersham & District Motorbus Society.
Programmes will be sold for £7 on the day.
Peter Cartwright
Sunday 7 October AMERSHAM based at car park near railway station
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society
The Oxfordshire Bus Enthusiasts Society was formed in June 2010 and aims to
provide an informal monthly social meeting in Oxford for those with an
interest in buses. Meetings are normally held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
and normally take the form of a picture show with local and guest
speakers. A small charge is made to cover the cost of hiring the function
room and this is usually around £1 for members per meeting depending on numbers.
For non-members a charge of £2 per head is made.
Next Meeting:
Meetings are held in the upstairs function room at:
The Folly Bridge Inn
38 Abingdon Road
Oxford
OX1 4PD
Some limited parking at the back of the pub, also close to bus stops (frequent X3/X13 or 35 routes stop outside)
or a short walk from Oxford City Centre - For directions click HERE
All meetings start at 19.30pm although you are welcome to come along beforehand for food in the bar.
A detailed programme of meetings can be found at the following link and we hope many of you will attend future meetings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When readers take copies of pictures from the OCBP site
Some of the contributors to this site have noticed that their pictures are appearing on e-bay sites selling such things.
Needless to say this is a theft of copyright and one which I deplore!
I would not wish to have to watermark photographs, thereby making them unsalable as such but if this practice continues I shall be left with no alternative. I am sure this would detract from the pleasure so many of you get from the OCBP.
May I please ask readers to do two things?
1/ If you see any photos on sale please let me know and where they are appearing.
2/ If you are someone who has copied and sold photos please desist as this is theft and I will have to take legal action against anyone found doing so.
The site is free to all readers and I pay a price to publish the pages which is not passed on.
Please respect those freedoms and I hope I may not have to mention this matter again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The level of contribution to this page by readers, as ever, remains excellent! Thank you all.
Malcolm Crowe - Editor - OCBP - 12th August 2013
Spottings
Observations and pictures
Matt Bullock
117 - From a previous part of my bus industry
career! MK Metro Northampton, now just consigned to history ran 8
vehicles
from a haulage yard near Billing Aquadrome from
September 2005 until 2008.
Many of these Caetano Darts have moved
within Arriva The Shires and the bus pictured at Luton Airport
was MK Metro 64 (T424 LGP) which was acquired
along with 62 and 63 to operate the Northampton University contracts.
This is 62 (T408 LGP) at Park Campus.
123 - A newly delivered 63 (T425 PGP). The
'office and staff room' (a 20ft x 9ft steel cabin!) can be seen in the
background!
143/146 - Early hours at Billing Depot and the
other residents of the yard can be seen.
The Canute and Wickes lorries were rented from W.
Wright & Sons who owned the yard.
These buses looked smart but were very under
powered and many months of standing out of use before MK acquired them did
the engines no favours.
This is 64 (T424 LGP) in both.
00284/00285 - An unusual visitor to Stagecoach
South Portsmouth Depot in February was this Jersey Bus E400.
It had received extensive body rectifications
following an accident.
With vehicles on Jersey being restricted to 40mph
the bus had been 'uprated' to 60mph for its journey from Harlow (where the
repairs were carried out) to Portsmouth.
A representative from Dennis met the vehicle in
our yard and settings were put back to 'Jersey mode!'
The 40mph restriction not too taxing for the 3
mile journey to the docks then all the way from Harlow!
From Richard Sharman
The new complex includes a Large Sainsbury's,
Cinema, Multi Storey Car Park and a number of shops soon to open
Langston & Taskers 4 on the 18 Service
Grayline Solo on the Bicester Town Service
Thames Travel SR 716
Stagecoach 15753 on the S5
Thames Travel E200 506 on the 25A
Stagecoach 47831 on Driver Type Training
Duties
Stagecoach 47833 on the B1
Stagecoach 47832 on the B10
From Gavin Francis
Redline Buses. Former Boroline Maidstone 921 used when new on
the 188 in London. Pictured in The Pastures Downley.
Ashwood Travel. Former First Southern National 20511 used on
National Express work.
Ashwood also have acquired a tri-xle Neoplan on an 07
plate.
Arriva 3413 on route 10 in Watford in July 2013
by Mark Turner
Arriva 3415 on route 320 in Watford in
July 2013 by Mark Turner
Arriva 3916 on route 324 in Watford during
July 2013 by Mark Turner
Mullany's YJ13HJK, a new Solo SR seen on route
R8 in Watford during July 2013 by Mark Turner
and TGM
Linsey Frostick
Click on this link to view the film.
http://youtu.be/6aqGD0Xe5Wo
20th July
This morning I was able to attend the launch at Kingsbury Square in
Aylesbury for Sapphire 280 and took some pictures.
Arriva the Shires 5434 SN58 EOF attended the launch and can bee seen in the
picture
Downstairs interior of Arriva the Shires 5434 SN58 EOF
Picture at the bottom of the staircase of Arriva the Shires 5434 SN58 EOF
Linsey Frostick attending the launch told me they are new
seats but they looked recovered to me. The Leicester Sapphire’s have 2 + 2
seating but were supposed to have 2 + 1 seating. I think three Sapphires are
missing as I have not seen 5452/4/5 SN58 ENX, EOA/B since refurbishment.
Today the Sapphire route 280 Enviro400’s entered service and I have managed to get a few pictures.
Arriva the Shires 5439 SN58 EOM is seen operating Sapphire route 280.
Arriva the Shires 5440 SN58 EOO is seen leaving Aylesbury Bus Station.
Knowing Arriva it will not be long until the stray onto other routes. Olympian 5158 S158 KNK was on the 300 yesterday (I did get a picture of it) and Arriva told me when the Sapphire’s enter service these S-reg Olympians would be withdrawn.
On Friday 9th August
Luke advised "The
two final Enviro400’s for Arriva the Shires’ Aylesbury depot have now
arrived. These are 5454/5 SN58 EOA/B. They have not yet entered service but
are in normal Arriva fleet livery to Sapphire specification."
News concerning other buses.
A number of Wright Solars from Luton are replacing
the Plaxton Prestige's at Aylesbury. Two are known. More information will be
about this in a separate email which will be sent later.
Arriva told me a few weeks ago the the Plaxton
Prestige’s at Aylesbury depot would be withdrawn soon. Since they have told
me this 3601 KE55 CTV has been seen in the depot but I was unable to get a
picture and so has 3604 KE55 FBX. These Wright Solar’s I believe have come
from Luton and have 44 high backed seats.
31st July
Olympians 5145 N45JPP, 5161 S161KNK are withdrawn in Aylesbury depot and
Caetano Compass 3532 NDZ 7921 has left ‘death row’ at Aylesbury depot.
On 14th July 3601 KE55 CTV was parked in the
Aylesbury depot. Presumably to replace the Plaxton Prestige’s that Arriva
told me would be withdrawn soon.
Graham Low
Here is my second email to you in a few hours! This is Arriva the Shires Sapphire-liveried 5435 outside Lincoln College Oxford this morning - the first day of operation. According to the timetable on the Turl Street bus stop this is still an x30 min service on Saturdays and x20 min Mondays-Fridays, in spite of the earlier publicity suggesting an x15 min service."
The use of the rear blind for advertising is an
interesting development Ed.
Peter Edgar writes "Attached are photographs taken in Thame on the first day in service ( 21-7-2013) of the Enviro 400's in the new Sapphire livery on route 280,Oxford - Aylesbury."
Arriva 3567 from Hemel on the 758 in Bulleid Way
on July 8th by Gavin Francis.
Arriva 4221 KX12GZF Wrightbus Streetlite on 477
Shoppers Heaven from Arriva Kent Thameside depot on July 10th by Gavin
Francis.
Arriva Green Line 4380 on the 757 to Luton and
Stopsley on August 12th by Gavin Francis.
Arriva Sapphire 5435 showing the stair case mural
on July 20th by Gavin Francis
Ralph Adams
writes "A
report was made that Thames Travel 401 was at High Wycombe.
On a visit to Bracknell and Wokingham, I was
informed that the vehicles used there were now maintained by Carousel at
High Wycombe rather than Thames Travel at Wallingford. In past times,
Wallingford buses would cross over at Reading to allow all vehicles to be
fuelled at Wallingford but that is no longer the case. One Double deck
starts as X39 then does a school run to Wokingham (morning and evening)
returning as a X39 at 16:40 and then a Citaro crosses the border until
19:40. Otherwise the area is self-contained.
751 works a 28 service to Stokenchurch on July
2nd by Gavin Gavin Francis.
Glenn de Sousa
Optare Solo SR Slimline M720SL - YJ13 HJX
(Arrived for the Maidenhead Office Park Shuttle)
Optare Solo SR Slimline M720SL - YJ13 HJY
(Arrived for the Windsor Home Park and Ride
Shuttle)
Optare Solo SR Slimline M900SL - YJ13 HKW
(Arrived for the Maidenhead Office Park Shuttle)
Optare Solo SR Standard Width M970 – YJ13 HNG
(Arrived and in plain white for Basingstoke Sony.
Will demote the double decker to a spare in the depot.)
Optare Solo SR Standard Width M900 – YJ13 HNH
(Arrived and in plain white for The Heights. When
it enters service it will replace the current 2009 Solo for elsewhere in the
Courtney Empire.)
There haven't been any fleet changes at Courtney
recently apart from:
Optare Solo RX57 MDZ, YJ09 OHT, YJ62 FMD/E have received rear adverts ‘Take the sting out of the cost of bus travel in Bracknell’ in response to First Berkshire branding their Bracknell buses as Beeline, once again.
Heyfordian J352BSH on school service in
Stokenchurch on July 8th by Gavin Francis
http://www.nationalexpress.com/
NEx East Yorkshire 61 A1EYD on newly acquired
448 at VCS on July 23rd by Gavin Francis
NEx East Yorkshire 62 A15EYC on the 484 to
Walton on the Naze on August 8th by Gavin Francis
On July 4th Oxford's 53703 was being prepared
for transfer to East Kent and caught on camera by Malcolm Crowe
Recently acquired to SC East Kent, ex Oxford's
53701 works the 021 at VCS on August 7th by Gavin Francis.
As mentioned elsewhere, SC Yorkshire has now
acquired Scania 59214, recently with East Kent and new to Oxford.
The coach was on a 560 diagram on August 7th
when snapped by Gavin Francis.
En route to Dover, ex Oxford's 53705 on a 007
diagram on July 17th by Gavin Francis.
National Express FH05URP once with Virgin now on
general work at Victoria on July 6th by Gavin Francis
NEx SH136 on the 737 passes Vale Y847TGH on the
48 at Stokenchurch on August 4th by Gavin Francis
NEx Silverdale FJ61EWP on the 767 at Stansted
showing off special branding for Armed Forces Day seen on June 30th by Gavin
Francis
On a number of occasions the A6 has been
operated by external operators.
NEx APT PT06APT works the A6 from VCS on July
28th by Malcolm Crowe
The layover time for coaches operating the 737
to Oxford is now at Oxpens.
NEx FJ12FYP Oxpens Coach Park route 737 on July
4th by Malcolm Crowe.
The LK53s worked almost exclusively on the
Stansted routes when new and at least one has now found its way
into the South Gloucester fleet. Here working
the 403 from VCS is LK53KWE on July 28th by Malcolm Crowe.
A study of Levante backs at Gloucester Green,
Oxford on July 7th by Gavin Francis
A study of NEx backs at VCS on July 24th by
Gavin Francis
It is interesting to see the variety of advertising on the rear of most National Express coaches these days.
A significant development within this company is the introduction of Heartbeat, a clever way of promoting Wi-Fi on services from Oxford and Abingdon to John Radcliffe Hospital. A number of Scania E400s and Citaro single decks have gained branding for this innovation. Many contributors to the OCBP caught up with this from the earliest days and a number of pictures will give readers an idea of what is going on.
Pictures from Gavin Francis
Buses involved are Scanias 223-231 and various Citaros in the 862-870 batch.
Indeed you can refer to the company's web page to read a lot more about it by clicking on the link below.
http://city.oxfordbus.co.uk/heartbeat/
Graham Low writes
"The Oxford Scanias recently fitted with high
backed seats now have Wi-Fi and new branding front, rear and sides, as this
photo shows.
869 and 230 with WiFi branding on July 23rd by
Gavin Francis
102 and 112 caught in the lens of Gavin Francis.
I am sure readers will correct me if I am wrong in any of the above allocations!
Also 208 and 211 at least presently have "Q Buster" logos" and are not normally in use on Brookes during the Summer VAC.
It has also been announced that Oxford Bus has been awarded the Brookes contract for a further five years from July 2014 to June 2019, a significant achievement.
Richard Griffin
The coach was well known to me: R808 NUD, a Volvo
B10M / Plaxton Excalibur, which was new to Oxford Bus as Coach 7 (R7 OXF, a
registration since re-used by OBC) in February 1998;
renumbered to coach 71, and passed on to
Solent Blue Line in December 2005;
on via ?Wilts & Dorset, Llew Jones of
Llanwrst, and evidently now with Apple Travel.
I drove this machine for many dozens of hours,
usually on the X90. While I didn't take it along this particular piece of
the A308, I certainly DID come this way in another OBC coach while returning
from the
Ant Poulton
Tim Hall from Swindon
Red Eagle
Red Eagle V184RCR works the 377 in Beaconsfield
on May 18th by Bernard Lewendon
Red Rose
Red Rose heads westwards!
A Red Rose single decker brightens up the lovely village of Hinton Waldrist
when it passes through on its way from Oxford to Southmoor
on Saturday 13 July. This company are spreading their activities further
westwards with the acquisition of route 63.
Picture by Marcus Lapthorn
Another bus on the 63, Red Rose Y829TGH in
Oxford on July 23rd by Gavin Francis
It appears that the group is now the largest operator in the U.K. following the sale by First of a number of companies around the U.K including most of its London operations.
Oxfordshire
Graham Low
47834 on the B2 and 47832 from the rear by
Graham Low.
There are four of these Solo SR's 47831-4.
On the 17th July a Hybrid appeared on
the 700 and a Scania on the 1.
Pictureview of Stagecoach
Three of the new Solo SR's ready for service
before leaving Oxford for Banbury depot. July 5th by Malcolm Crowe.
Seen at Oxford, a rather poorly Olympian, 16304,
which had been going to or from Silverstone but did not make it back to its
depot.
Oxford variety with trainer 20933 "visiting" 16304 and three Solos on July
4th by Malcolm Crowe.
Somewhat unusual to see other than a Gold bus on
the S3, Scania 15434 is seen in George St on August 9th by Gavin Francis
SCO 33652 with recent super-rear on the 12 in St
Aldates on July 6th by Gavin Francis
SCO Solo 47434 works route 18 and seen in
Gloucester Green on July 6th by Gavin Francis
York Bus Driver
Picture by Gavin Francis with 59214 seen on
August 7th heading to VCS.
Bob Morley
SC South 15775 working r 700 but with Wave 99
branding July 2013 R Morley
Route 700 seems to be having a lot of vehicle problems as they are now operating with a lot of single deckers causing passengers to stand for many miles."
Midlands
Richard Morgan
Robert Hall writes “With VCS arrivals (and Parking at Sammy’s garage) closed due to a gas leak, Oxford Tube have been using West Ham for their spare coaches. Attached is one heading back to Victoria last Thursday at Embankment.”
50223 heads back to Victoria from West Ham on
August 8th 2013 by Robert Hall.
Ralph Adams notes
“Former Stagecoach Oxford Neoplan Skyliner 50111 KP04GKA has been acquired
by McEwens of Mansfield and this has replaced sister Neoplan 50123 OX04BZS
(T50UBE) which is now withdrawn.”
The Oxford tube remains very popular and a large
group is seen boarding on July 6th by Gavin Francis.
Stops have changed in Bicester and the Oxford
bound stop plays host to an Oxford Tube on the S5 express on July 26th by
Malcolm Crowe.
The first of the left hand drive Van Hool Altano coaches has arrived. The coaches are to replace the present coaches in use on services to Paris and Amsterdam. Richard Morgan was on hand at Rugby to take some pictures for us to see these fine new coaches. As can be seen in the picture fleet numbers start at 55001 through 55010
Van Hool Altano TDX21 LHD Euro Megabus 55001 -
pictures by Richard Morgan.
These coaches are presently being delivered and 55001 will be KX13HYP with 55002 being HYR, 55003 HYS and the remainder expected to be in the KX63 series.
Pictureview for Megabus
The Gold Astromegas are now fully in service and can be seen at Victoria during the daytime with the Cardiff and Plymouth services.
Megabus 50308 on first day of G7
operation departs from VCS - July 19th by Malcolm Crowe
Megabus Gold Astromega 50303 works the G7 to
Cardiff from VCS on July 24th by Gavin Francis
Megabus Gold 50307 ready for a G7 working to
Plymouth on august 12th by Gavin Francis
Megabus 53639 near Lewisham Stn on the ME1 to
Paris on July 10th by Gavin Francis
The 10th Anniversary Megabus coach 54201 passes
the Bag O'Nails near Victoria on July 6th by Gavin Francis
Megabus to Edinburgh operated by Parks LSK844 on
August 6th by Malcolm Crowe
NEx The Travellers Choice, Carnforth 8447WX on a
Megabus service VCS on July 26th by Gavin Francis
Thames Travel have a couple of Oxford Tridents and one has now appeared in school bus livery.
105 on the X40 in St Aldates on august 12th by Gavin Francis. Note the paper sticker for the route!!
Working a one time Charlton Services route,
Thames Travel 718 works the 94 to Bicester on August 12th by Gavin Francis.
Weavaway
John Marsh
Since Weavaway took over Tappins a very fine fleet of new coaches has entered service, all decked out in the black livery of Weavaway.
Tappins YUE338 near Oxpens on August 8th by
Gavin Francis
Tappins PO13LLF working NEx 444 from VCS on July
28th by Malcolm Crowe
Tappins SF13FPA at Oxpens on August 2nd by
Malcolm Crowe
On the afternoon of Tuesday 23 July, Volvo B7RLE
3960 carried out another test run along the Busway although it was unable to
pass through the Luton Station Interchange.
Here is a preview of the other principal features
of the Busway which is now expected to open on Sunday 22 September; subject
to final confirmation.
This is the approach to the Luton Road/Church
Street over-bridge with the Church Street spur on the right.
The newly revealed view of Blow's Downs.
The approach to the bridge across Skimpot Road
The approach to the M1 bridge.
Chaul End Lane bridge with the spurs to the left.
The crossing of the Dunstable Road.
The new Clifton Road over-bridge on approach to the Luton Town football
ground.
Dropping down towards New Bedford Road and the Galaxy Centre.
The short-lived Guildford Street Interchange in action.
The brick arch beneath Crawley Green Road, yet to have its clearance
confirmed.
The exit at Kimpton Road opposite the surviving abutment of the line towards
Hatfield.
Clive finishes by saying
"I assume you know that the Interchange moved again at midnight on Saturday
27 July to Stop C9 in Church Street?
English BSOG reform decided
Transport Minister Norman Baker has announced changes to Bus Service
Operators Grant (BSOG) in England, with the devolution of funding to local
authorities.
From 1 October BSOG will no longer be paid for rail
replacement or ‘tourist’ services.
At the same time BSOG for London routes will be
paid direct to Transport for London (TfL) and BSOG will be paid directly to
BBAs - of which there is currently one (Sheffield), with more to be
announced shortly.
From 1 April 2014, BSOG for non-commercial (e.g.
tendered/supported) services will be paid direct to the local authority, not
operators.
All devolved BSOG will be ring-fenced until
2016/17.
A further review of BSOG for commercial operations,
in non-Better Bus Areas (BBA) will take place next year. Full story in next
week’s route ONE
Plaxton reveals new low-cost coach
Plaxton is launching into the low-cost sector with an all-new coach aimed at
operators looking for an attractive, economic vehicle, ideal for day hire
and short duration touring.
The new yet-to-be-named coach will be launched at
Coach & Bus Live, the UK’s biggest trade show, on 2-3 October.
Plaxton New Business Development Director Kevin
Wood says: “The big attraction is that it is all-new, lower in height than
our current Panther and has a pivot entrance door, to reduce boarding times.
“With capacity for up to 59 passengers - and
significantly more with a 3+2 seating - it is ideal for operators seeking a
low cost option. It also has potential for where high capacity is required,
such as home-to-school, and I am convinced it is well placed to win new
business.”
The coach will be launched with a limited number of
Euro 5 vehicles, on the Volvo B9R and on the Euro 6 Volvo B8R, both versions
of which will be at Coach and Bus Live. The first deliveries are scheduled
for immediately after the exhibition.
Stagecoach Gold is coming to the South West !
Stagecoach South West announced today that,
starting 30th September 2013, they are introducing two brand new ‘Stagecoach
Gold’ routes which will operate between Torquay, Paignton, Totnes and
Plymouth or Dartmouth. The introduction of the flagship ‘5 star’ brand
to Devon is a coup for customers, reserved for only a select number of
locations across the country.
The two ‘Gold’ routes will operate up to every 30
minutes, 7 days a week between Torquay, Paignton and Totnes. The routes will
then connect the English Riviera to either Dartmouth or Plymouth via
Ivybridge, with each location benefiting from an hourly service .
The company is also investing £2 million in a new
fleet of 9 high specification buses which will only operate on the Gold
routes and will feature a distinctive gold and blue livery. The buses offer
luxury as standard and feature extra legroom, high back leather seats and
free Wi-Fi. The buses will also be fitted with Scania Euro 5 EEV (Enhanced
Environmental Vehicle technology) engines that have even lower emissions
than those required by the highest current Euro standard, making them
amongst the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the road.
Stagecoach Gold is also characterised by its
‘Customer Promise’ which enshrines the service standards customers can
expect from the company, vehicles and drivers.
Mike Watson, Managing Director at Stagecoach South
West, said “We know that, particularly on longer distance journeys, comfort
and reliability are essential so we are taking our services to the next
level by introducing ‘Stagecoach Gold’. This is an incredibly exciting
development for Devon and I can’t wait to see the new buses on the road”.
Further details about the new services will be
released towards the end of August, in preparation for the launch 30th
September. More information about Stagecoach Gold can be found at www.stagecoachgold.com.
Roads Minister Stephen Hammond has announced that exemptions for the
requirement to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC)
will be extended this autumn.
He says it will
exempt around 76,000 people and save employees, PCV and LGV operators, £29m
a year from needless training.
The first
exemption benefits mechanics and valets delivering vehicles. It applies as
long as no passengers or goods are being carried, the vehicle is not being
used for hire or reward, driving PCVs or LGVs is not the driver’s main job
and the vehicle remains within 50km of the driver’s base.
The second
exemption benefits mechanics – it applies as long as the vehicle is being
driven to an official test at a VOSA or Authorised Testing Facility.
Closure of Coxwell Road, Faringdon
Marcus Lapthorn has kindly provided information about an on-going road closure affecting route 66 bus route between Oxford and Swindon.
Closure was from
the morning of Wednesday 24th July for up to four weeks (to 21st
August) but could reopen sooner if works are completed (or after if problems
are encountered)
Stagecoach
Swindon will provide a banksman to supervise the reversal of buses at the
junction of Coxwell Road / Fernham Road for all journeys throughout the day
on Mondays to Saturdays only. Buses will NOT serve Coxwell Road on Sundays
(or Bank Holidays if work continues until Mon 26th).
All buses on
routes 65 and 66 on Mon-Sat will double-run from Park Road and Station Road,
Faringdon to Coxwell Road / Fernham junction via Coxwell Street, serving the
diversion FIRST (before the Market Place) on journeys TO Oxford, and
AFTER the Market Place on journeys TO Swindon.
Stagecoach
Swindon to provide on-bus notices, a notice at Swindon Bus Station and
information on the Stagecoach web-page.
OCC to provide
notices on affected stops in Faringdon – there may be a requirement for a
temporary stop sign at one point in Coxwell Road, eastbound near the Fernham
Road junction. My colleague David Bellchamber will liaise regarding
this matter. OCC will also deal with alterations to TraveLine
information.
Buses to be "expelled" from central Oxford!
NEW plans show how planners think they will be able
to expel buses from Queen Street and overhaul routes through Oxford’s
cramped city streets. Oxfordshire County Council has unveiled this
masterplan detailing new bus and car routes and pedestrianised areas to fit
in with the Westgate and larger West End redevelopments.
The main plank for changing the city’s road network is the long-held wish to
completely pedestrianise Queen Street by removing the buses that currently
use it.
That will lead to:
·
Buses
having to make their way down Castle Street and along Thames Street – with a
new junction east of the Castle Mill stream bridge created.
·
Other city centre
streets being made more “pedestrian-friendly” including Pembroke Street, St
Ebbe’s and St Aldate’s.
·
The subway
linking County Hall with the Westgate Centre itself being filled in.
·
Coaches
from Gloucester Green going down Park End Street and along Oxpens Road to
prevent traffic from
building up in central Oxford.
·
Pembroke Street’s
footpath and road merging into one “shared space” similar to New Inn Hall
Street.
·
St Ebbe’s being
fully pedestrianised between Queen Street and Pembroke Street.
The county council is now consulting on its scheme.
County council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “One of the key things that the
developers are looking for is the pedestrianisation of Queen Street.
With John Lewis arriving
more cars and more people will be coming to Oxford. We want to make it
the best possible experience so people come to Oxford rather than to other
places. The area will be more pedestrian friendly. The retail experience can
really be improved to make Oxford a real destination.”
At this stage Mr Hudspeth said he did not know how much the work would cost but said it would be paid for by developer contributions.
Sushila Dhall, of Oxford Pedestrians Association,
welcomed the plans.
She said: “At the moment the city centre is not a very pedestrian-friendly
place. Unlike most cities we have very few areas which are car-free like
Cornmarket. Other cities seem to have many more pedestrian-only spaces. All
these ideas are excellent. Pembroke Street definitely needs an improvement
but I remain concerned about what will happen with St Aldate’s, which is
heavily polluted and congested.”
The revamped Westgate Centre, complete with a new John Lewis store, is due to open in 2017, following a £400m redevelopment. It will house a multi-screen cinema, a terraced restaurant area and a 1,100 space underground car park.
The decision to remove buses from Queen Street has proved to be controversial.
Hugh Jaeger, a spokesman for Bus Users UK, said it would mean passengers getting off buses further from the city centre. He said: “They want a huge upheaval just because they feel like it. They are not offering a shred of evidence for it. From our point of view that is not good enough.”
Phil Southall, operations director of the Oxford Bus Company said: “We are delighted the Westgate development is now going ahead. It is really good news for the city. “We have a vital role to play in bringing shoppers and workers to the new look Westgate centre. We will be continuing discussions with the local authorities and the developers to ensure the needs of bus passengers are high on the list of priorities. The new development and the closure of Queen St will mean changes to bus stops and routes in the immediate area but we mustn’t lose sight of the widespread implications for other areas of the city; the Westgate issues can’t be addressed in isolation.”
A spokesman for the Westgate Alliance, the group made up by Land Securities and Westgate owner Crown Estates to redevelop the Westgate, said: “We are working closely with the county council and city council on development of an integrated transport strategy for the area around the Westgate centre and in supporting the county’s consultation.”
The county council does not yet have a timetable for when the work will be carried out. Detailed planning and further consultation will take place in the next few months.
Bus Station regeneration
Bedford’s decades-long wait for a
new, improved bus station is nearly over, with a planning application for a
major regeneration of the site now submitted.
Bedford Bus station is the gateway to Bedford town
centre for many thousands of visitors but the area has long been considered
an eyesore in severe need of improvement and regeneration. Now, in
spite of the extraordinarily tough financial climate for Bedford Borough
Council, the authority has put together an £8.8 million fund through savings
and efficiencies to ensure the development will take place.
The project has been designed in partnership with
bus station owners Stagecoach, and includes an attractive new bus station
building with improved facilities for passengers and a new Travel Centre
offering bus and train tickets as well as a range of other services.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said:
“Bedford bus station area lets our town centre down and has been in sore
need of improvement for decades. I remember this being widely
recognised decades ago, and it is a message that comes across loud and clear
today when I talk to people right across the Borough.
“The easy thing to do would be to simply wait for
rosier economic times to come and enable the redevelopment to take place at
some point in the future, after so many years of waiting. However, I want
the very best for Bedford Borough and no-one can claim that the current bus
station offers the best for local residents and visitors to our town.
That’s why we have worked to identify savings, underspends and efficiencies
to make this crucial redevelopment possible, in defiance of the economic
conditions.
“The regeneration of this area is already
happening, with the refurbishment of Allhallows multi-storey car park
underway and construction to begin shortly on the new surface car park
across the road on Greyfriars.
“The planning application for the brand new bus
station area marks a major milestone for this project, and I hope people
will take the opportunity to look at the plans and take part in the
consultation in the coming weeks as we work to deliver a gateway to Bedford
Town Centre that we can all be proud of.”
In addition to the new bus station and Travel and
Tourism centre, the wider bus station regeneration also includes:
• Refurbishment of Allhallows multi-storey car
park. Includes major modernisation of the public toilets with improved
disabled and baby change facilities.
• New shopfronts, including new windows and doors which will improve the
appearance and disabled access to shops in Greenhill Street, below the car
park.
• Construction of new surface car park on Greyfriars
• Improvements on the north side of the bus station area, in front of the
car park, with new paving, seating and other features.
Stagecoach East Managing Director, Andy Campbell,
added: “We are delighted to be working with Bedford Borough Council on this
project in the heart of Bedford town centre.
“The new bus station would significantly improve
the facilities available for bus passengers with a new travel centre as well
as a new building design which means passengers can walk from the concourse
and onto a bus while staying under cover.
“If planning permission is granted, part of the bus
station will continue to be operational during the construction works.
However, there will be some changes and we will keep passengers informed
throughout the process.
“We look forward to work starting and the introduction of a new and improved
bus station for Bedford Borough.”
Artists impression of plans for Bedford bus station from the south - from
Thurlow Street facing across to Allhallows multi-storey car park:
Artist’s impression of plans for Bedford Bus
Station - rear of bus station at the corner of Thurlow Street and Allhallows
Trips & Events
Newbury event 2013 with pictures from Marcus Lapthorn
Another excellent event and once again blessed with very fine weather. Marcus attended and sent an excellent selection of pictures of the buses and coaches attending.
The Brighton decker was at Wimbledon this year and the Chesterfield Tiger was a newcomer to the rally scene down here. The Hong Kong Olympian makes a fine sight. The Bristol VR was well represented.
I like the Ellen Smith Leopard Harrington, which was of type very enjoyable to drive. King Alfred of Winchester was well represented. I also think this was the first time I had seen a Glasgow bus so far south!
Buses from London were well represented and it was a treat to see Mexborough & Swinton remembered too. How nice to see Oxford represented by a fine example of a DP decker VR.
Stagecoach were also remembered as they were with the old stripey livery and Midland Red were not forgotten. Nice to see United Counties represented with a Bristol Lodekka, the mainstay of the BTC fleets for many years.
I personally liked the Burlingham Seagull examples of Harpers - who I drove part-time for a number of years sometimes on the erstwhile Guy on show - and Whittles with whom I spent a very draughty journey from RAF Bridgnorth to Manchester in early 1958. The coach, it might have been that very one, had a broken front nearside screen and was going on to Blackpool for repair.
Enjoy!
With many thanks to Marcus for an excellent selection of pictures.
From Geoff Cunliffe
July 2013:-
After a prolonged break for two pretty major orthopedic operations, it was
nice to be back in Oxford recently at the end of June. Two new hinges can
make quite a difference to the hips!
First I realized that around my Cotswold base, Pulhams were now operating
their Cheltenham - Moreton service with MCV Evolution-bodied Volvo B7Rs
(picture 1) which I caught in the Square at Stow-on-the- Wold.
At Oxford, we parked, as usual, at Pear Tree. Not as busy as it used to be
perhaps. No doubt the parking charge is a nice little earner for Oxford City
Council but have they diverted cars to Water Eaton & Thornhill?
In on a standard COMS hybrid, despite the exasperations of the driver with
his large party of tourists who didn’t speak English. Why don’t they use the
bus lane down the Woodstock Road? I have heard it said it is too narrow. Off
at St. Aldates and soon
I was back at Carfax for the first time since the newly integrated system
was implemented. I have to say that I am slightly out of touch with what
would be classed as unusual workings, but I enjoyed taking a selection which
I share with you.
It was my first meeting with the Wright-bodied hybrids - do I like their
strange upper deck offside window arrangement? I’m not sure (picture 2).
Whilst I photographed two inbound Tubes, 50203 & 50222, I missed the earlier 50226 driven by our Editor (picture 3).
Thames Travel vehicles are, understandably, not all in their own livery yet,
and I found Evolution-bodied 402 in allover white (picture 4) and Citaro 854
was in new livery in Castle Street (picture 5). At that spot, I also found
Charlton Services somewhat well-worn Jonckheere-bodied Volvo (picture 6).
Driver trainer 964 was about but it has only just featured on your page.
National Express 53702, a Plaxton Elite bodied B9R came into the City at 12:41 past Carfax and left past Bonn Square at 2:12 (picture 7).
Whilst at Bonn Square, I was passed by Tappins Guide Friday open topper 906
(Picture 8) contrasting with ex. Park & Ride
Trident 59 (ex.115) now part open top (Picture 9).
We left for Pear Tree on COMS 218, suggesting a shortage of available
hybrids at that time (Picture 10). The destination display was working, but
those wretched electronic displays….!
We paid a visit to Banbury whilst in the area, but whilst some ALX200s have
been introduced there (picture 11), there was more activity on the canal
than in the bus station.
Our visit to the area was made all the more enjoyable as my wife and I later shared a meal with our Editor and his wife at our Cotswolds base - and very nice it was too after a long break.
Returning home, I came across a very welcome piece of news in the form of a
Blackpool tram update. I
can do no better than to quote from a Blackpool tram blog at
http://blackpooltram.blogspot.co.uk/
Blackpool Transport and the Lancastrian Transport Trust are to merge their
historic tramcar fleets by the creation of a new charitable trust which will
consolidate the combined collection.
The deal will involve 8, 304, 624, 632, 704 and 715, belonging to the
Lancastrian Transport Trust, returning to the care of Blackpool Transport,
followed later by Standard 143 and Railcoach 279 in October, with the Rocket
joining at the conclusion of the current deal with the Illuminations Dept.
The two organisations will work together to form a charitable trust to care
for the expanded fleet of heritage trams. This will be managed independently
of Blackpool Transport’s core business and supported by representatives from
both sides, this will allow the chance to explore further funding
opportunities not normally available to commercial organisations. The
operation of the heritage trams will be undertaken by Blackpool Transport.
This deal is excellent news for both the LTT and the future of the heritage
operation of Blackpool Transport, and all involved in brokering the deal are
to be congratulated.
Unfortunately it was noted on Sunday 9th June that some of the LTT trams
that are in open storage have suffered from the attention of vandals, with
several broken windows being noticed, the worst of the trams affected
appears to be Balloon 715. Hopefully no more serious damage than this has
ensued during their outdoor sojourn at Marton.
LTT trams not included in the arrangement with BTS include Balloon 703 and
Boat 605 both currently at the Beamish museum, Coronation 663 which resides
in the LTT depot at Brinwell Road, and Trailer towing car 671 which is
stored in the yard of a coach company at Marton.
This does seem to be excellent news and may put to bed the differences which
BTS and the LTT have experienced for some time. For those interested in
Blackpool trams, I cannot recommend this page too highly. There are very
regular updates including what is happening to the trams forming the
Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust trams collection. A further page I would
recommend is
http://busestractionengines.blogspot.co.uk/
which, although it caters for other forms of transport, updates its pages
even more regularly.
To end on a slightly negative note, there has been much criticism (again) in the local paper that the Heritage fleet, and particularly the open top vehicles, have remained locked in the depot throughout the present heatwave. Whilst the service they operate every Bank Holiday is good and very welcomed (and fully detailed on the above blog sites), it is a shame there does not seem to be much flexibility in their thinking at this time.
Royal Blue Run from VCS with pictures from Agnieszka Weclewska
I was delighted to have three very nice pictures from Agnieszka Weclewska, a charming lady who works for Green Line. I hope readers will enjoy as they compliment the article in the latest issue of Buses.
The most amazing thing is that the canopy had changed so little that the rear view could have been taken 50 years ago!!
Visits by Gavin Francis
Hemel Hempstead and Watford on July 22nd
An interesting visit as there are many changes in recent months, such as the independent small operators gaining a foothold in what was once very much London Transport territory.
Reading visit on July 16th
A fascinating place to visit with buses in a myriad of colours adding much to the local scene.
Wimbledon Tennis Buses visit on July 2nd
Wimbledon always produces a number of interesting buses and coaches provided by London General to serve this event.
History
A request from a reader
I have a interest in Byles coaches of Kidlington and Blunsdon's Coaches as my grandfather owned Byles coaches and my mother drove for Blunsdon's of Oxford.
Is there any chance you could find out if there are any pictures that could be sent in or if you have any pictures of them please they are of real interest of me?
Many thanks Andy Hunt
Peter Short writes
“This must be the UKs least likely open top service. Introduced by
Stagecoach, this runs from Fort William to the Commando Memorial by Spean
Bridge via the Nevis Range outdoor and ski centre. 90 inches of rain per
year! Bus is heading south to Fort William by Achnabobane.”
Western Greyhound loan Blackpool 241 on the 585 in June 2013 C Berry
Western Greyhound loan from Stagecoach with Dart 33783 on the 592 in June
2013 C Berry
Centaur Caetano FJ12GBX at Oxford on July 6th by Gavin Francis
Ensign RT8 on Evan Evans tour in Bulleid Way on August 6th by Gavin Francis
No, not Golden Tours but Mullanys BD12TFY on Harry Potter duty at Watford on
22nd July 2013 by Gavin Francis
LG Hire fleet's PVL217 with overall advert on August 6th by Gavin Francis
The Metroline "Borismasters" are now in service on the 24 and Gavin
has provided nice pictures on the first days
RT8 working the Evan Evans Wartime tour of London on July 9th and seen by
Gavin Francis
Links & Publications
BUSFLIX TRANSPORT DVD's on the web
BUSFLIX FILMS are delighted to announce that we have secured the entire catalogue of Robin Clare's films.
Robin sadly passed away In February and is sadly missed by us all. His cheerful personality and excellent films were an attraction at bus rallies all over the country.
His range of films were well filmed, well produced and well thought of by one and all.
It is our intention to have these films back in production in the very near future at the same price as previously offered. (£10 each for 1 hour on each film).
The range Robin produced will perfectly complement the existing BUSFLIX range, and we look forward to serving Robins old customers and ours with this exciting range.
http://www.busflixfilms.co.uk/
This is an excellent film for all who want a record
of buses in our area in 2013.
Well covered and very interesting.
A full review will be covered in the next issue of S&J.
Please quote Oxford Chiltern bus Page when ordering.
Mike Penn's interesting web site for pictures
You might be interested to know that I have now uploaded 268 photos taken in
Beds, Bucks and Herts in the year 2000 to my website -
http://166emj.piwigo.com/index?/category/50-beds_bucks_and_herts_photographs_2000
One of the
major events of the year was the purchase by Arriva the Shires of the City
of Oxford operation in High Wycombe on December 13th. Two days later, as can
be seen from the photographs, vehicles had received Arriva The Shires fleet
names and legal lettering but retained their Oxford fleet numbers.
The other
major event was the enforced sale of the Lutonian operation by Arriva the
Shires.
Both Arriva
The Shires and Arriva East Herts & Essex continued to repaint vehicles into
Arriva livery though there were still many in previous liveries.
Elsewhere in
the region M K Metro continued their policy of purchasing various
interesting secondhand vehicles. Some of these came from Border Buses – the
company in Lancashire that M K Metro had bought.
Buffalo
Travel continued to run but Seamarks were taken over by Dunn-Line early in
the year.
Many other
independents are also represented.
Mike Penn
Todays buses - Oxfordshire
This review covers the
September 2010 video by Robin Clare
Transport. The issue costs £10 and is well worth this small cost for
over one hour of buses and coaches in our area.
THE FINAL
VOLUME IS
SO
RETAIL
PRICE £25
ORDER NOW
FOR £20+ £3
p&p
This final installment of the
4-volume 800-page history of the Thames Valley Traction Co. Ltd. brings the
story to its conclusion on the last day of 1971.
All route developments and changes
to the fleet are fully detailed, along with special appendices for the
service vehicle fleet, garages and out-stations, a route map, garage
allocations and working arrangements.
Profusely illustrated with 548
monochrome half-tone illustrations and a full-colour section of 45 photos,
this provides a very comprehensive history of this interesting decade,
including the numerous secondhand vehicles acquired during those years.
Demand will be high, so
order now from: Paul Lacey, 17
Sparrow Close
Woosehill, Wokingham, Berkshire,
RG41 3HT
If you are local and wish to
collect please call me on 0118 979 4097
A Guy Arab on the Oxford service and seen at Gloucester Green.
One of the constituent companies was Denham's.
Apart from the archaic Leylands, the company ran some AEC Regals after the
war.
These were rebodied with ECOC/ECW bodies purchased from North Western Road
Car, Stockport via dealers.
They had been new in 1936 on Bristol Jo5G chassis which were rebodied with
Brush bodies in 1946 to a similar design.
Your Editor must have travelled on one of these buses, when in NWRCC
service, as a small boy.
They would have doubtless run on service to Highclere, now well known as the
house is featured in Downton Abbey.
17 Sparrow Close
Woosehill
Wokingham
Berkshire RG41 3HT.