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Post by VWH1414 on Aug 6, 2018 13:33:25 GMT
Had a nice holiday on the Isle of Wight and was able to experience a lot of their network of buses.
I managed to ride Scania Omnicities (1148/1152), Scania Olympuses (Open Top - 1402/1403), E400 (Classics - 1521/1522/1524/1585/1588/1590/1592/1613/1620 and MMCs - 1662/1665/1666/1668), and E200 (2712).
Some of their routes honestly go down roads I'd expect 8.9m SDs to go down, and seem a real trial for their drivers, however if you want some thrash some of the country routes they go down give off nice thrash, all the E400s/Scanias I went on were all very fast. 2712 the one SD I went on (which was an E200) was most sluggish and seemed to struggle up hills etc, luckily I wasn't on it long, just using it between Carisbrooke and Newport on the 38.
Route 3 is a route I'd suggest if you want scenery for anyone who might go in the future, had a ride on it between Shanklin and Godshill and it took the long way, but honestly past some nice sights.
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Post by smiler52 on Aug 7, 2018 11:48:28 GMT
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Post by VWH1414 on Aug 23, 2018 15:29:06 GMT
Something I forgot to mention at the time was the sightings of ex PVL247 which is now a tree lopper, saw it twice in Sandown and once in Ryde.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2018 18:33:32 GMT
I recommend coming around November December as well as Bluestar are to get a number of dual door e400s citys for the flagship 18 route first of the type for the firm I've driven an e400 dual door on the 18. Hate them...HATE THEM!! They just take so long to open/close the doors. Give me a nice e200 everytime.
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Post by VWH1414 on Jul 10, 2019 15:37:58 GMT
Following a holiday last week on the Isle of Wight, I was able to yet again experience the lovely fleet at Southern Vectis. Here is a list of what I travelled on:
Day 1: E400 1617 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Sandown Scania 1401 - Downs Breezer Sandown - Whitecliff Bay
Day 2: Scania 1150 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Amazon World Scania 1149 - Route 8 Amazon World - Robin Hill Scania 1402 - Downs Breezer Robin Hill - Whitecliff Bay
Day 3: Scania 1152 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Ryde, St Johns Road Scania 1149 - Route 8 Ryde, St Johns Road - Ryde Bus Station Scania 1403 - Downs Breezer Ryde Bus Station - Whitecliff Bay
Day 4: E400 1591 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Newport Bus Station Scania 2007 - Route 5 Newport Bus Station - Usbourne House E400 1588 - Route 5 Usbourne House - Newport Bus Station E400 1618 - Route 8 Newport Bus Station - Whitecliff Bay
Day 5: E400 MMC 1662 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Sandown Scania 1403 - Downs Breezer Sandown - Whitecliff Bay
Day 6: E400 1590 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Sandown E400 MMC 1660 - Route 3 Sandown - Shanklin Village E400 MMC 1671 - Route 3 Shanklin Village - Sandown E400 1579 - Route 8 Sandown - Whitecliff Bay
Also spotted the rare working of 8.9m E200 2709 on the 8.
Was also nice to see Dart 3326 still running around - Seen in Newport working the 38/39.
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Post by ServerKing on Jul 10, 2019 19:13:41 GMT
Following a holiday last week on the Isle of Wight, I was able to yet again experience the lovely fleet at Southern Vectis. Here is a list of what I travelled on: Day 1: E400 1617 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Sandown Scania 1401 - Downs Breezer Sandown - Whitecliff Bay Day 2: Scania 1150 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Amazon World Scania 1149 - Route 8 Amazon World - Robin Hill Scania 1402 - Downs Breezer Robin Hill - Whitecliff Bay Day 3: Scania 1152 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Ryde, St Johns Road Scania 1149 - Route 8 Ryde, St Johns Road - Ryde Bus Station Scania 1403 - Downs Breezer Ryde Bus Station - Whitecliff Bay Day 4: E400 1591 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Newport Bus Station Scania 2007 - Route 5 Newport Bus Station - Usbourne House E400 1588 - Route 5 Usbourne House - Newport Bus Station E400 1618 - Route 8 Newport Bus Station - Whitecliff Bay Day 5: E400 MMC 1662 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Sandown Scania 1403 - Downs Breezer Sandown - Whitecliff Bay Day 6: E400 1590 - Route 8 Whitecliff Bay - Sandown E400 MMC 1660 - Route 3 Sandown - Shanklin Village E400 MMC 1671 - Route 3 Shanklin Village - Sandown E400 1579 - Route 8 Sandown - Whitecliff Bay Also spotted the rare working of 8.9m E200 2709 on the 8. Was also nice to see Dart 3326 still running around - Seen in Newport working the 38/39. Last bus I rode on the Island was a Bristol VR, they also had single deck LH's IIRC
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Post by wirewiper on Jul 15, 2019 16:34:25 GMT
The Sandbanks Ferry failed on 11th July, and has to be sent to Southampton for a re-fit. It is not expected back in service until at least 12th August.
More Bus "Breezer 50" is diverted. It will serve all stops between Bournemouth Station and Sandbanks Pavilion, and will then operate via a diversionary route to Swanage calling only at Poole Bus Station. A shuttle service will operate between Swanage and Studland (Stores). Buses do not operate on the Sandbanks Peninsula ("Breezer 60" provides an alternative service) and there is no service between Studland and Shell Bay.
More Bus is aiming to operate a 30-minute service at most times, but this will depend on traffic conditions.
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 14, 2022 13:21:56 GMT
Bluestar Update: As reported elsewhere, First Bus is closing down its Southampton-based City Reds operation* and its Portswood Depot after Saturday 18th February 2023, stating that the operation has not recovered sufficiently after covid-19 to remain viable. Bluestar has announced that it will increase its Southampton operations, and will register six new routes to commence on Sunday 19th February replacing equivalent City Reds routes. Bluestar is now mounting a recruitment campaign with drop-in sessions at a local hotel. First drivers in Southampton are particularly encouraged to apply, and will be offered contracts to start on 19th February plus a generous starting bonus. They will be deployed initially on services that directly replace or cover existing City Reds routes. This should assure the continuity of City Reds services and prevent their collapse in the final weeks of operation. Applicants from elsewhere (PCV and non-PCV licence holders) are also welcome to apply. Bluestar will be looking for around 100 extra drivers in total. Bluestar has just announced that it will be operating the following new (to them) routes from 19th February: 10 - City - Woolston - Peartree - Bitterne - Sholing. Every hour, replaces City Reds 9 13 - City - Woolston - Merry Oak - Bitterne - Harefield. Every 30 minutes, replaces City Reds 13 14 - City - Northam - Bitterne - West End - Chartwell Green - Hedge End Superstores & Rail Station. Every 30 minutes, replaces City Reds 8 15 - City - Woolston - Netley - Hamble. Every 30 minutes, replaces City Reds 6 19 - Thornhill (Hinkler Road) - Kathleen Road - Woolston - City - Shirley - Maybush Corner - Hospital - Lordshill. Every 20 minutes, replaces City Reds 3 20 - City - Portswood - St Denys - Midanbury - Townhill Park. Every 15 minutes, replaces City Reds 7 www.bluestarbus.co.uk/new-bluestar-bus-routes-19-feburary-2023www.bluestarbus.co.uk/recruitment-event-7-9-december* Solent Express routes X4/X5 between Southampton, Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth will continue to be operated by First as these routes are based at Hoeford Depot.
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Post by smiler52 on Dec 14, 2022 14:39:32 GMT
I wonder if they have enough buses to cope or they will get some from other go-ahead areas I suspect the unilink buses will be replaced in 2023 but that won't be to the summer
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 14, 2022 16:29:36 GMT
I wonder if they have enough buses to cope or they will get some from other go-ahead areas I suspect the unilink buses will be replaced in 2023 but that won't be to the summer Go-Ahead will be able to source other buses from around the Group. They may also source some from Dealer Stock and First might even sell them some of the decent City Reds stuff (although I'm not sure First disposes of vehicles to other operators). They have plenty of time to sort this out, this isn't like the rescue operation in Bournemouth.
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 15, 2022 18:17:48 GMT
Yellow Buses went into administration at the end of July 2022 and ceased services during the afternoon of Thursday 4th August. This, and the rescue operation mounted by Morebus to cover much of the network, was reported at the time in the Yellow Buses in Administration thread, but here is a summary of subsequent Morebus events:
On 4th August, Morebus announced that it intended to operate over the following Yellow Buses routes from Saturday 6th August, if it could recruit sufficient drivers:
- 1/1B Bournemouth - Christchurch every 15 mins Bournemouth-Poole is covered by More Bus routes M1/M2 operating every 7-8 mins
- 1A Bournemouth - Somerford every 15 mins Highcliffe and New Milton are covered by More Bus routes X1/X2
- 2 Bournemouth - Castlepoint via Boscombe every 30 mins, continuing to Bournemouth as route 4 - 4 Bournemouth - Castlepoint via Moordown every 30 mins, continuing to Bournemouth as route 2 Routes 2 and 4 will interwork as circular services with buses changing route number at Castlepoint, this will cover the Moordown-Iford section including Royal Bournemouth Hopsital. Route 4 will no longer operate to Christchurch. More Bus route 14 operates between Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castlepoint and Kinson.
- 5/5A Bournemouth - Kinson via Charminster every 15 mins
- 6/6A Bournemouth - Bearwood every 30 mins, continuing hourly to Wimborne (6) or Kinson (6A)
- 737 Bournemouth - Airport (limited peak hour service)
Route 3 was not taken on as it was covered in its entirety by Morebus route m2.
Morebus operated a recruitment centre at a local hotel on Friday 5th and 6th August, at which they recruited around 100 new drivers - most were former Yellow Buses staff although one or two came from further afield. This enabled Morebus to operate the full network on 6th August, plus Council-supported routes 18, 33 and 36 as well - although in a twist these three routes were then awarded to Xelabus on emergency contracts, to start Monday 15th August. Morebus redeployed drivers instead on an open-top service over the former Yellow Buses 12 route from 14th August to 18th September. The increased operation required 37 buses initially; buses which had been delivered early for Bournemouth University work were pressed into service, along with buses from the reserve fleet and loaned vehicles from Salisbury Reds and Bluestar (Southampton).
There were timetable adjustments on the former Yellow Buses routes from Saturday 28th August to reflect operating experience, a couple of extra vehicle workings were added to the rotation to improve reliability. There were also timetable changes from 19th September affecting routes m1/m2 and route X6 which was rerouted into Bearwood Estate replacing route 11 (Poole-Bearwood) which was withdrawn. Seasonal routes 12, 30, 31, 35 and D5 were also discontinued.
The Sandbanks Ferry ceased operation on 31st October for its annual refit. As has been the tradition for many years, the usual Bournemouth-Swanage service, which crosses over on the ferry, was suspended. Temporary route X50 runs two-hourly from Studland Village to Swanage Bus Station, then non-stop to Pool Bus Station, then non-stop to County Gates (Westbourne) then all stops to Bournemouth Square*. Temporary route 51 operates hourly from Bournemouth Square* to Sandbanks. Existing service 60 links Sandbanks with Poole Bus Station where passengers can change for the X50 to Swanage and Studland. Unfortunately the Ferry was damaged on its way to Falmouth and is not likely to return to service until late February.
* these services do not operate between Bournemouth Square and the Railway Station, use other services.
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 15, 2022 18:22:49 GMT
Christmas and New Year Morebus timetables - as the Sandbanks Ferry will be out of use until February the special "Ferry Out" routes X50 and 51 will operate in place of route 50. Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December - normal Saturday services right up to last buses. Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December - special services on routes m1 and m2, with m2 extended to Christchurch. Starting at 08.00 and finishing around 20.00, a half-hourly service will operate between Poole and Bournemouth continuing alternately as m1 to Royal Bournemouth Hospital or m2 to Christchurch. A special fare of £4.50 single or £7.00 return (child £3.50/£5.50) will apply for any journey and ENCTS passes and Morebus period tickets will be accepted. No service on any other route. Boxing Day, Monday 26th December - Sunday service on Bournemouth routes 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 4, 5/5a and 6, and on Poole routes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 40, 51/X50, X3 & X8 with a special timetable on routes m1 and m2. No other services will operate. Holiday Tuesday 27th December - Sunday timetable on all routes. Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th December - mostly Saturday timetables, with extra early morning journeys on Bournemouth routes 1a, 2, 5, 5a and on Poole routes 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16 & 17. Routes X1, X2, X3, X6, X8, 23, 24, 38, 112, 119, 125, 191, 193, 737, C32, C33, Bluestar 6 & Ringo will operate to normal weekday timetables as will Damory services 1, 2, 5, 6, 20, 71, 187 & X12 New Year's Eve, Saturday 31st December - normal Saturday services right up to last buses. New Year's Day, Sunday 1st January - Sunday service on Bournemouth routes 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 4, 5/5a and 6, and on Poole routes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 40, 51/X50, X3 & X8 with a special timetable on routes m1 and m2. No other services will operate. Holiday Monday 2nd January - Sunday timetable on all routes. www.morebus.co.uk/christmas
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 15, 2022 18:39:55 GMT
Christmas and New Year Bluestar timetables: Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December - mostly normal Saturday timetables, although routes 17 and 18 will have a reduced daytime service and some evening journeys will not operate on routes 16, 17 and 18. Quayconnect will operate to the Sunday timetable. Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December - the following limited services will operate between 08.00 and 20.00, no other services will operate: - 1X Southampton - Eastleigh - Winchester, every 2 hours - 17X Weston - City - Adanac Park, hourly - 18X Thornhill - City - Millbrook - General Hospital, hourly Special fares apply - ENCTS and Bluestar period tickets accepted. Boxing Day, Monday 26th December - full Sunday timetables, except route 6 (Lymington) will not operate. Holiday Tuesday 27th December - full Sunday timetable on all routes, except Quayconnect will operate a Saturday timetable. Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th December - Saturday timetables on most routes. Routes 6, 35, 36, 39, X7/X7R, H1, H2, T3 and T4 will operate their normal weekday services and route 5 will have extra morning journeys at 07.05 from Eastleigh and 07.45 from Romsey. Saturday 31st December - normal Saturday timetables including full evening services. New Year's Day, Sunday 1st January - Sunday timetables on routes 1, 2, 4, 7 and 16, special timetables on routes 9, 12, 17 and 18, also Quayconnect will operate to Sunday times starting at 08.45. No other services will operate. Holiday Monday 2nd January - full Sunday timetables on all routes. www.bluestarbus.co.uk/christmas
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 16, 2022 12:16:20 GMT
Christmas and New Year Southern Vectis timetable: Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December - normal Saturday timetables, but no night buses. Last departures on route 3 are just after 23.00 and on routes 1, 5 and 9 around 00.30-01.00. Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December - special services on routes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Boxing Day, Monday 26th December and Holiday Tuesday 27th December - full Sunday timetables. Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th December - normal weekday timetables New Year's Eve, Saturday 31st December - normal Saturday timetable including night buses. New Year's Day, Sunday 1st January and Holiday Monday 2nd January - full Sunday timetables. www.islandbuses.info/Christmas2022
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Post by wirewiper on Dec 16, 2022 13:51:13 GMT
Christmas and New Year Salisbury Reds timetables: Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December - normal Saturday timetables, but the Stagecoach-operated 21.05 departure from Andover (activ8) will not operate. Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December - no services Boxing Day, Monday 26th December - Sunday timetable on route X3 and special timetables on routes Red1, Red2, activ8 and X4. No service on other routes. Holiday Tuesday 27th December - mostly Sunday timetables. PR3, PR7, PR9, PR11 & PR15 will run to a revised Bank Holiday timetable and routes Red3, Red7 & Red11 will not run Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th December - normal weekday timetables New Year's Eve, Saturday 31st December - normal Saturday timetables, but the Stagecoach-operated 21.05 departure from Andover (activ8) will not operate. New Year's Day, Sunday 1st January - Sunday timetable on X3 and Stonehenge Tour, special timetables on Red1, Red2 and X4. No other services will operate. Holiday Monday 2nd January - Sunday timetables on most routes. PR3, PR7, PR9, PR11 & PR15 will run to a revised Bank Holiday timetable and routes Red3, Red7 & Red11 will not run. www.salisburyreds.co.uk/christmas-22
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