Blue Line livery revealed: First Norwich

Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini  2 36166 BD11CFK

Since the post on Friday 17th June 2016 (Exclusive Picture: First Norwich) more developments have been happening over at Simon Morris Commercial Vehicle Paintshop on the Ransomes Euro Park in Ipswich, with the unveiling of the Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 36166 which is looking extremely smart wearing the brand new Blue Line livery. 

Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini  2 36166 BD11CFK

Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini  2 36166 BD11CFK

In the yard of Simon Morris Commercial Vehicle Paintshop is also the Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse 2 36179, which is going to have the same treatment as the 36179. 

Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini  2 36179 BD11CDY

Exclusive Picture : First Norwich

This afternoon I popped over to Simon Morris Commercial Vehicle Paintshop on the Ransomes Euro Park in Ipswich and I was in luck, with First Norwich Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 36166 present under going it's repaint into the Blue livery with the new Network Norwich branding being applied, picture below. 

Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 36166 BD11CFK

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New Arrivals

Beccles Bus Station: Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU

In the last two weeks there has been exiting news for independent bus company BorderBus with three new arrivals. Firstly lets start with the Optare Metrodecker which is on loan. I could say this is a demonstrator bus however I would be wrong as it's more of a prototype. Only  four are in existence and as of yet there are none in production. The prototypes have been lent to different bus operations for appraisal and feedback. 

Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU

I caught up with the Optare Metrodecker in Suffolk on the route 144 between Norwich and Southwold. The first impression when you board is there it is very modem bus with an selection of different features. After that I noticed there was something different about the downstairs of the Optare Metrodecker, it is that the emergency exit is on the nearside of the bus. 

The nearside of the emergency exit : Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU

The rear seating downstairs looks rather awful, however at the same time it feels spacious. The seats are rather comfy with full leather and there are 32 seats downstairs, which is key for this bus. 

The lower deck front : Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU

Rear lower deck : Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU

The upper deck has been very well designed, with 51 seats and I found it very spacious. A key point to highlight is the curved front window which enables extra light into the bus. In addition I note that there are no pillars at the front obstructing passengers views, when comparing this bus to the Wrightbus StreetDecks. 

The front top deck : Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU 

Rear top deck : Optare Metrodecker YJ65EPU

The last two new arrivals for BorderBus are in the form of an ex Arriva London Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini's which will be used on the 146 route and school contracts. However only one Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini has arrived so far. Firstly it needs its vinyls applying and pre-service checks need to be undertaken it is unlikely that it will be on the road until tomorrow. My thanks go to Peter for supplying me the photographs of the first Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini for BorderBus. 

Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini LJ03MJU

Volvo B7TL Wright Eclipse Gemini LJ03MJU

Ipswich Park and Ride : All Change

Optare Versa 151 YK08EPU

Today it was announced about the future of the Ipswich Park and Ride single service between Copdock to Martlesham. The service will be axed from the beginning of January 2017 saving over £700,000 every year. Ipswich Buses will increases its volume on the service 13 to Copdock  with 9 buses per hour during day time, while the Martlesham end is due to be serviced by First Ipswich all subject to confirmation. The principle behind this deal is going to be discussed by the Suffolk County Council next week and 6 months notice has to given, before any changes will occur on the Ipswich Park and Ride service. 

Dennis Dart SLF Alexander ALX200 143 Y294FJN

Volvo B7TL Transbus ALX400 32491 AU53HKJ

Rare Spots: May 2016

Alexander Dennis Enviro200 37432 SN16OPW

It is now coming into the beginning of June so it is time for Rare Spots May 2016. It has been quite a busy month with many unusual workings and odd sighings. Firstly I am going to start with Stagecoach East, over the last month they have been introducing their brand new fleet of Coasthoopers (37431 to 37439), Alexander Dennis Enviro200s which have been spotted on the routes X29 and X8 to Kings Lynn. 

Alexander Dennis Enviro200 37432 SN16OPW

Still on the theme of Stagecoach East, it came to my attention in Cambridge that the 21226  Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse 2 which is used as a spare vehicle on the Cambridge Guided Busway was operating the service 12 between Cambridge City Centre and Ely via Newmarket.

Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse 2 21226 AE09GYW

Moving over back into Norfolk, while I was attending the Mid Norfolk Railway Vintage Bus Day I headed over to the town centre (Dereham) and I noticed the Konectbus 610 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 which is branded for the routes 3 and 6 was serving the route 11 to Watton that afternoon.

Alexander Dennis Enviro400 610 SN62AVG

It has been highlighted the First Norwich Volvo B7TL Plaxton Presidents are being withdrawn slowly due to the nine branded new Wrightbus StreetDecks in April. The Wrightbus StreetDeck 35200 was in unfamiliar surroundings of Carlton Colville during the weekend of 14th May as it was operating the Park and Ride service for the East of Anglia Transport Museum.

Wrightbus StreetDeck 35200 SK16GVZ

Finally to conclude this issue of Rare Spots in May 2016, I am going to travel back to my current home town of Ipswich. While I was leaving work I noticed the Ipswich Buses, Optare Solo M920 43 was displaying the service 174 however he was in the wrong area of Ipswich. 

Optare Solo M920 243 YN04LWJ

Suffolk Show 2016: Park and Ride Special

9 Open Top Vehicle OT 43/26D Bodywork Tachograph Buses MRT9P

The 1st and 2nd June 2016 saw the annual Suffolk Show at Trinity Park in Ipswich. During this time Ipswich Buses ran Park and Ride services 23 & 24 between the train station and Trinity Park which was every 15 minutes in peak time. A highlight for customers was the number 9, Open Top Vehicle OT 43/26D Bodywork Tachograph Bus was in operation during this time, fleet list below. 

59 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PJ53OLB 

100 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PN52XBM 

20 Dennis Trident II Alexander ALX400 Y436NHK

Ipswich Buses Fleet List, Park and Ride Service 23 and 24 on the 1st and 2nd June 2016:

9 Open Top Vehicle OT 43/26D Bodywork Tachograph Buses MRT9P

11 Dennis Trident II Alexander ALX400 LG02FCX
20 Dennis Trident II Alexander ALX400 Y436NHK

25 Dennis Trident/Plaxton President SN51AXP

54 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PF04XBO

57 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PN52XBJ
58 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PJ53OLA

59 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PJ53OLB 

100 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PN52XBM 

11 Dennis Trident II Alexander ALX400 LG02FCX

54 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PF04XBO

58 DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander PJ53OLA &25 Dennis Trident/Plaxton President SN51AXP