SOUTHERN ENGLAND BUS PHOTOGRAPHS

Tue Nov 30 1999

Tuesday 30 November 1999:

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PREVIOUS (71) - Hythe and Totton

Fri Nov 6 2009

Friday 6 November 2009: Photos from Hythe and Totton today, mainly of the BlueStar operations on routes 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, H and T. There are also a couple of Wilts & Dorset Solos, ex-Southern Vectis Olympian 740, and a couple from First Hants & Dorset. Most of the BlueStar buses have poppies on for Remembrance Sunday. Contains: Wilts & Dorset BlueStar First Hants & Dorset

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1 - November Notes

Mon Nov 2 2009

Monday 2 November 2009: This collection contains all the photos I have taken in November that have been random snaps, or a few from an area - basically those not in large batches. This is much like my "October Observations" collection of the previous month, now listed as 'Previous (72)'.

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PREVIOUS (71) - Gosport Ferry

Tue Oct 27 2009

Tuesday 27 October 2009: Photos from about an hour and a half from the Gosport Ferry - mainly Darts, as Gosport is these days. I tried a few new angles - South Street, and then I sat on the grass banks and tried to get a different angle on some shots - some of which worked. Contains: First Hants & Dorset

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FHD Dart SLF / Pointer 2 - S---XCR/S---KTP/T---REU (Hoeford)

Sat Jan 31 2004

Saturday 31 January 2004: This collection contains the following batches of Dennis Dart SLF - all allocated to Hoeford depot: 42124-34 (S624-34KTP) acquired new 42135-42 (S635-42XCR) acquired new 42728 (T728REU) acquired in 2005 from First S&A 42124/5 were former red line 1 livered buses, and now joine 42728 being unbranded. All other buses in this collection are branded with Gosport-Fareham Connection branding for routes 82, 83, 85 and 86.

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FHD Dart / Alexander Dash

Mon Oct 12 2009

Monday 12 October 2009: First Hampshire & Dorset acquired 7 second hand Darts with Alexander Dash bodywork from First Leeds back in 2005. All were initially allocated to Portswood, but since then 40623 has moved to Hoeford. Now only 5 remain (1 in reserve), 40623 at Hoeford and 40616/28/9 at Portswood.

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PREVIOUS (72) - October Observations

Sat Oct 10 2009

Saturday 10 October 2009: Random Observations from October. This gallery contains photos that do not warrant their own collection due to their low number - ie. shot visits to areas or quick snaps. Included are: - Portchester piccies - various from Portswood - an a few from Hedge End

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PREVIOUS (73) - Waterlooville revisited

Wed Oct 7 2009

Wednesday 7 October 2009: I've visited Waterlooville today, mainly to get the new Volvo B7RLEs in service, but also to document the introduction of the new route X42 from The Hard to South Downs College. I had a good day, which included me finally getting Merc 52559 in service (my last remaining one to photograph at Hilsea). Contains: First Hants & Dorset Stagecoach South

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PREVIOUS (74) - Isle of Wight & Southsea

Sat Oct 3 2009

Saturday 3 October 2009: I managed to get across to the Isle of Wight for the first time this year, and this gave me a chance to photograph the new Scania Omncity double deckers, along with ex-Wilts & Dorset Citaros 479 and 480 now in use on route 9. Also contains some photos from Southsea. Contains: Southern Vectis First Hants & Dorset Stagecoach South

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PREVIOUS (75) - Random September Photos

Sun Sep 27 2009

Sunday 27 September 2009: A few random September photos that I have taken - seen in Portswood, Totton, Velmore and Hedge End. Contains: Wilts & Dorset BlueStar First H&D Stagecoach South

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FHD Dart SLF / Caetano Nimbus

Sun Sep 6 2009

Sunday 6 September 2009: First Hants & Dorset operate one Dart SLF with Caetano Nimbus bodywork - it operates from Weymouth depot and predominantly operates route 2 or route 8. It has had previous spells with First Midland Red, Potteries and Bath.

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Sureline

Sun Sep 6 2009

Sunday 6 September 2009: Sureline operate in Weymouth and Portland, using mainly a fleet of second hand Dennis Darts and Mercedes Minibuses on various services. I ignored the company back in 2004, but decided to grab some photos on my latest trip to Weymouth.

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PREVIOUS (76) - Day Trip to Weymouth

Sun Sep 6 2009

Sunday 6 September 2009: After 5 years, I finally returned to Weymouth on Friday 4th September, to document the fleet changes since my last visit, and have a ride on the sole remaining Bristol VR in regular service in First, MOD571P. It was a very successful day, and all of my photos are stored here. Contains: First Hants & Dorset Sureline Wilts & Dorset BlueStar

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PREVIOUS (77) - Winchester

Wed Sep 2 2009

Wednesday 2 September 2009: Photos from about 90minutes worth of photography in Winchester. I went up mainly to photograph BlueStar's new Omnicitys, but have also some of the Optare Solos on the E1, along with many photos of Stagecoach operations within the city. Contains: BlueStar Stagecoach South

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PREVIOUS (78) - First H&D land - Portsmouth, Gosport & Fareham

Mon Aug 24 2009

Monday 24 August 2009: I have managed a few local First Hants & Dorset photos from Hoeford and Hilsea depots since I have been back. Photos were taken on 19th August in a very sunny Gosport & Portsmouth, and again 24th August in the Highlands at Fareham where I took a few photos. Contains: First Hants & Dorset

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First D&C Dennis Dart SLF / ALX200

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First Devon & Cornwall operate 10 Dennis Darts with Alexander ALX200 bodywork, now obsolete. These entered service 'back in the day' in Barnstaple on route 308, and in Cornwall on the X14/X18 (now 14 and 18). Now most are allocated to Falmouth depot for use on the 41s and 88s, although there are still at least one knocking around in Barnstaple.

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First D&C Dennis Dart SLF / Marshall Capital

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First Devon & Cornwall do not operate any Dennis Darts with Marshall bodywork at the moment, but following route changes back in 2003 when an effort was made to renew and modernise the network, many were brought in second hand from First in London. I have managed to capture a good number of these on camera when they were in service - most now operate from First in Cymru.

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First D&C Dennis Dart (Step Entry)

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: This collection contains all of my photos of step entrance Darts in service with First in Devon & Cornwall. The majority of these buses have been withdrawn since I took the photos with the shift to use of low floor buses. A variety of Darts with different bodyworks and origins have seen service with FDC.

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First D&C Mercedes-Benz Varios

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: This collection contains all of my photos of the Mercedes-Benz Vario in service with First Devon & Cornwall. A small batch were acquired new by the former First Red Bus operation from Barnstaple, but the majority are second hand examples - a lot from First Midland Red.

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First D&C Optare Solos

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First D&C operate a small variety of Optare Solos- the original V and W reg batch operate in small numbers throughout the company from Plymouth and Camborne. A slimline example operates on Penzance town service - 53801 - previously with FHD. There are also some former First in Essex examples in the fleet, with the former Truronian examples complementing these.

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First D&C Volvo B6BLEs

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First Devon & Cornwall have operated various types of Volvo B6BLEs in their history: - a W reg batch new to First Western National at Plymouth - various N reg ex-Sheffield examples - some appear in this collection - various former York examples as a "51" or "02" registration - some ex-First in Bristol examples. Some of all the above are photographed in this collection.

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First D&C Volvo Citybus and misc. deckers

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: This collection contains all photos of the various Volvo Citybus in service with First in Devon & Cornwall, along with any other miscellaneous double deckers I have photos of. The gallery presently contains: Volvo Citybus --- Leyland Atlantean

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First D&C Leyland + Volvo Olympians

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: Containing photographs of both Leyland and Volvo Olympians. First Devon & Cornwall have operated many different types of Olympian in their history despite not being renown for being Olympian friendly - very few have been original to Western National - with most being acquired to the operation.

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First D&C ADL Trident 2 / Enviro400

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First Devon & Cornwall operate two batches of ADL Trident 2/Enviro 400s - the largest are in Plymouth which are specially dedicated vehicles for the Park and Ride contracts. There are also 3 in North Devon for the X9, between Bude and Exeter, which I have yet to photograph.

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First D&C Dennis Trident / Plaxton

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First Devon & Cornwall operate a variety of ex-First in London Dennis Tridents on various routes throughout the company. There are a few down in Cornwall, operating the 88, 89 and 90, with a few more in Barnstaple operating routes 1 and 2. However, the largest concentration is in Plymouth, where the type predominantly operate route 93 - some wearing a special livery for the service.

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First D&C Dennis Trident / East Lancs

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: First Devon & Cornwall is the Dennis Trident / East Lancs capital of First, with many in service from Plymouth (routes X80 and 81) and Barnstaple (routes 1 and 2). They operate the premier double deck services in the company and all but 3 are illustrated in this collection.

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PREVIOUS (80) - A Day Trip to Plymouth

Sat Aug 22 2009

Saturday 22 August 2009: 136 photos from my few hours I spent in Plymouth while on holiday in the South Hams. I got a good overview of the operations in the city, which can be quite hard to take good sunny photos in! Contains: First Devon & Cornwall Stagecoach Devon Plymouth Citybus Target Travel Western Greyhound

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PREVIOUS (81) - Brixham and Totnes

Thu Aug 20 2009

Thursday 20 August 2009: More photos from my South Hams trip now, with photos from the towns of Brixham and Totnes. Brixham is mainly served by Stagecoach in Devon, operating their route 12 trunk route to Newton Abbot, via Torquay and Paignton. Countrybus also operate a few town services. Totnes is served by many different operators, but I would say the main route is route X80, from First D&C, connecting Totnes with Plymouth, Paignton and Torquay. Contains: First Devon & Cornwall Stagecoach in Devon Countrybus Tally Ho! Riverlink

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SC Devon Mercedes-Benz Minibuses

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Stagecoach Devon have operated various Mercedes-Benz 709Ds and Varios throughout their history and I have been lucky enough to catch some of these on camera. Photos from Lyme Regis and Exeter in 2006, and some from the Brixham town services in 2009.

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SC Devon Volvo B6BLE

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Photos from a couple of Volvo B6BLE/Alexander ALX200 that I managed to capture in Exeter back in 2006, on the city services.

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SC Devon Optare Solos

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Photos of various Optare Solos that I have captured on camera in Exeter, back in 2006. Most are seen on city services by the bus station or along the high street.

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SC Devon Volvo B10M Coaches

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Stagecoach Devon operate a batch of Volvo B10M coaches which are used on express routes between major cities and towns, such as the X38 between Exeter and Plymouth. I have photographed 52342 in Bude outstation (the Hookways depot), which was one of a couple that were outstationed here back in 2006/7. I'm not sure if this is the same today.

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SC Devon Dennis Dart SLF

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: ... and all later Transbus + ADL examples. Stagecoach Devon, after scarcely operating a low floor Dart, took large numbers 2005-6 for predominantly Exeter and Barnstaple depots, although Torquay also received a number for routes such as route 32. They are predominantly the Pointer 2 bodied Dart SLF, but there are also some examples of Pointer 1, Marshall and ALX200.

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SC Devon Dennis Dart (step entry)

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Stagecoach Devon operates a large number of Dennis Darts all over the fleet, which see use on the majority of the town to town routes that do not see the most trade. There are various Darts in the fleet all of which have varying origins.

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SC Devon ADL Trident 2/Enviro400

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Some of the latest additions to the fleet have been brand new and second hand ADL Trident 2s with the Enviro400 modelling. They have primarily gone onto route 2 (Exeter - Newton Abbot) as the route was given a makeover and improved. Some have been acquired from Stagecoach in Manchester - identified by the MX registrations.

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SC Devon Dennis Tridents

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: ... and Transbus Tridents and ADL Tridents after that! Stagecoach Devon operates many many Dennis Trident buses from all of its depots. They are the main double decker in operation with Stagecoach Devon. Branded examples can be found operating route 1, 12, 319 and many other routes. In Stagecoach Devon terrotary, you won't ever be far away from a Trident.

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SC Devon Step Entry Double Decks

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: Stagecoach Devon have obviously operated a large amount of step entry double deckers in the past, but I haven't managed to catch many of these on camera. This collection contains those that I have managed to catch on camera from my visits to Devon. Photos from Exeter and the South Hams predominantly. Leyland Olympians - Volvo Olympians - Scania N113DRB/Alexander - Volvo Citybus

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PREVIOUS (82) - Dartmouth + Torcross

Mon Aug 17 2009

Monday 17 August 2009: While in the South Hams I photographed the bus operations at Dartmouth and Torcross. Dartmouth's main services are First's 93 to Plymouth, and Stagecoach's 111 to Torquay. These are supplemented by First town services (90, 90A, 90B) and a Tally Ho! Park & Ride service. Contains: First Devon & Cornwall Stagecoach in Devon Tally Ho!

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PREVIOUS (83) - Kingsbridge and surrounding villages

Sun Aug 16 2009

Sunday 16 August 2009: This collection holds my photos from my trip to the South Hams of the town of Kingsbridge, and its surrounding villages - namely photos also taken in Salcombe, Modbury and Frogmore. First's 93 cuts the whole area, which is supplemented by Tally Ho! and Stagecoach services. Contains: First Devon & Cornwall Stagecoach in Devon Tally Ho!

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Tally Ho!

Sat Aug 15 2009

Saturday 15 August 2009: Tally Ho! are based at Kingsbridge, in the South Hams, Devon. The company operates a number of Kingsbridge town services, Park & Ride for Salcombe and Dartmouth, and route 164 which connects Totnes and Kingsbridge. The company operates a variety of older minibuses and new low floor single deckers.

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Riverlink

Sat Aug 15 2009

Saturday 15 August 2009: Riverlink operate 2 services in Devon - the 100 connecting Totnes with Paignton, with the 25 which is a Paignton town service. The company operates a variety of second hand buses - I managed to photograph two in Totnes.

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Country Bus (Alansway)

Sat Aug 15 2009

Saturday 15 August 2009: A few photos from the Country Bus operation in Devon - operated by Alansway. They tend to operate services tendered by Devon CC such as those recently given up by First. However, they do operate 5 commercial services and other routes. The fleet seems to be a mix of new and old buses.

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FHD Volvo B9TL

Tue Oct 13 2009

Tuesday 13 October 2009: In Summer 2008, First Hants & Dorset took a delivery of their first Volvo B9TL double deckers. These numbered 8 and are for use on route X53 from Poole to Exeter, via Wareham, Weymouth, Bridport and Lyme Regis. They replaced Scania Omnidekkas in the process, which moved onto route 31. I've managed a couple of photos thus far but hope to improve on this in the future.

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PREVIOUS (79) - Lyme Regis + Charmouth

Fri Aug 14 2009

Friday 14 August 2009: Photos from an hour's trip to Lyme Regis and an hour's trip to Charmouth. Photos are not taken on the same day - with those in the sun at Lyme Regis taken on 7th Aug, and those in the cloud at Charmouth taken 14th Aug. Mainly the repainted Omnidekkas, new Volvo B9TLs, new Solo for the 71, and an ex-Manchester Volvo B7 on route 31. Contains: First Hants & Dorset

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Cardiff Bus Enviro 300

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: Cardiff Bus operate a sizeable batch of Enviro300s on various city routes that require a bigger bus than a Dart SLF. These were delivered as '04' registrations, and are painted in the older green+cream colour scheme. This collection contains all of my photos of the Enviro 300s.

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Cardiff Bus Dart MPD

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: This collection contains Cardiff Bus' smaller Dart SLFs - the Mini Pointer Darts which operate Cardiff's services more suited to minibus operation. These buse are generally registered from W-02, but fit in alongside batches of larger Darts. The MPDs are the lowest numbered Darts in the fleet.

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Cardiff Bus Full Size Single Deck

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: Cardiff Bus operate three types of full size single deck bus: - Enviro 300s - of the original style - Scania Omncity - in two liveries (new in 2008) - Scania / Wright Solar - the most recent batch All buses see service over a variety of different routes in Cardiff. The Enviro 300s are located in their seperate individual gallery. The newer batches of Scanias wear the new orange and green livery, although (not featured here), Cardiff do also operate Scania Omnicities in a two-tone 'Capital City Green' livery. Also held in this collection are the now-withdrawn Leyland Lynx photos that I managed back in 2007. Some are now in service on a Bournemouth-Weymouth service, with a new operator.

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Cardiff Bus Scania Omncity artic

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: Cardiff Bus operate a number of Scania Omncity artic bendybuses, which are branded for "capital city red" routes 17 and 18, or the "baycar" route 6. There are also 2 that are unbranded. None of these services enter the bus station, although they do depart very closely to the bus station. Photos are taken in various locations around Cardiff.

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Cardiff Bus Double Deckers

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: In 2008, Cardiff Bus took on a delivery of a number of brand new Scania/Optare Olympus double decker buses. These replaced all the existing Volvo Ailsa double deckers which had served Cardiff Bus so well. They are in the new orange and green livery, and see use on various services around the city. In 2007 I managed to photograph some of the existing Volvo Ailsas in service, and these are also held in this collection to act as a comparison.

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Cardiff Bus Dart SLF

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: This collection contains photos of Cardiff Bus' vast number of Dart SLFs. From early S reg examples to late 54registered examples, Cardiff Bus have a huge number of Dart SLFs which see service on pretty much any service. They are now starting to be repainted into the new Orange and Green livery and out of the green and cream livery. Please note the MPDs in service with Cardiff Bus are located in a seperate collection.

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PREVIOUS (84) - Trip to Cardiff

Thu Aug 6 2009

Thursday 6 August 2009: In early August 2009, I went up to Cardiff for a day trip and managed 2 hours or so photography where I attempted to document the changes since I last visited in summer 2007. Photos include various new buses for Cardiff Bus, along with the new ex-Manchester Volvo B7RLEs for First Cymru's X2, with many new MAN/Enviro300s for Stagecoach. Contains: First Cymru Cardiff Bus Newport Bus Stagecoach South Wales

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2009 - Stokes Bay

Mon Aug 3 2009

Monday 3 August 2009: Photos from the 2nd August 2009 - the 2009 Stokes Bay rally.

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LATEST - Millbrook route 17 + 18

Wed Jul 29 2009

Wednesday 29 July 2009: ***RECENTLY UPDATED*** - Two batches of photos from Millbrook held in this collection - the new ones are replacing some of the older, poorer duplicates. Includes some of the DAFs on route 18 that I never seem to have photographed for one reason or another. Contains: BlueStar First H&D

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PREVIOUS (86) - Day Trip to Bath

Wed Jun 17 2009

Wednesday 17 June 2009: 144 photos documenting many of Bath's bus operations, taken on June 15th. This collection gives a good broad account of bus operations in Bath, all with glorious sunlight to aid the photos. All comments welcome. Contains: First in Somerset & Avon Bath Bus Company Faresaver Wessex Connect

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First S&A Volvo B7RLEs

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: Replacing Lynxes, Lances and Volvo B10BLEs have been these very impressive Volvo B7RLE single deck buses, which is regarded as one of the best buses of the modern age. First S&A use these on all their long country routes, such as X39, 173, 375, 376 and 377. A variety of First S&A depots use these buses, and most pictured here, see service from Bath.

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First S&A Leyland Lynx + Dennis Lances

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: For many a year, the Leyland Lynx and the Dennis Lance were the mainstay of the First Badgerline fleet, operating the majority of the "big bus" routes in the company. However, the Lynxes have gone and the Lances reduce further and further in number, which is rather sad from an enthusiast's point of view. Here are my photos of these traditional Badgerline buses in service.

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First S&A Volvo B10BLEs and B10Ms

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First Somerset & Avon, in the past, operated a large number of Volvo B10BLEs, and these were the premiere vehicles on services such as the X4, X5, X39, 376 and 377. However, they have all been displaced on the route by newer buses, and now the number dwindles. Photographed here are one I found in Glastonbury, and a couple of ex-Aberdeen ones I found in Bath. Also contains my Volvo B10M photographs.

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First S&A Optare Solos

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First in Bath operate a large batch of Optare Solos, all new in 2005, for their core city network of old minbus routes. They replaced various Mercedes-Benz minibuses, which were previously on these routes. Furthermore, a number of Solos are operated at Yeovil, on their town services, but I haven't managed to capture these on camera yet.

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First S&A Mercedes Minibuses

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First Somerset & Avon once used the Mercedes-Benz 709D as the main minibus, supplemented by the rare Vario. Now, while Varios have remained rare, the 709D has decreased heavilly in number and now very few remain. This collection documents the various examples I have photographed in service. The photos are from a trip to Avon in 2003, a trip to Bridgwater in 2007, and Bath in 2009.

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First S&A Darts (step entry)

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First Somerset & Avon operate an ever diminishing number of step entry Darts, but in the past this number has been very high, with them providing the mainstay of the midibus fleet. They are being replaced with more modern low floor vehicles. Photos here from a trip to Avon in 2003, a Dart on route 300 in Lynton (now no longer operated by First), and a few from Bath in 2009.

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First S&A Dart SLF

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First S&A operate large numbers of Dart SLFs of all guises and ages - from brand new Enviro 200 examples in Bath and Taunton, to older N and P reg examples elsewhere in the fleet. A variety of bodyworks are also featured, all illustrated in this collection. Photos come from a short trip to Bridgwater back in 2007, with a variety of the rare East Lancs Spryte bodied examples operating the 21 and 21A. The second batch of photos is from a trip to Bath in June 2009, illustrating a variety of 9.2m Darts and full size examples.

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First S&A Volvo B6BLEs

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First Somerset & Avon operate a number of Volvo B6BLEs - some of which have been recently acquired from York. Six examples - 40588-94 - were originally operated by Taunton, but now are at Bath.

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First S&A Volvo B7TLs

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First in Somerset and Avon operate various types of Volvo B7TL double deckers- I managed to photograph two different batches in Bath. Firstly, the ALX400 batch photographed was recently transferred in from Bristol. The second batch with Wright bodywork are for Bath Park & Ride duties.

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First S&A Coaches

Wed Jun 17 2009

Wednesday 17 June 2009: Photos of various coaches in service with First Somerset & Avon. This gallery also includes coaches in service with First Bristol or with the First Coaches operation, that operates many National Express services.

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First S&A Volvo B7LAs

Tue Jun 16 2009

Tuesday 16 June 2009: First in Somerset and Avon operate a batch of Volvo B7RLA artics on routes 18 and 418 in Bath, branded as the "Bright Orange Bendy Bus". Routes 18 and 418 connect the universities in Bath with the city centre.

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Wessex Connect

Mon Jun 15 2009

Monday 15 June 2009: Photos from a very tidy Wessex Connect operation. The company seems to mainly serve Bristol, operating the two main Park & Ride routes, but has recently introduced a new University contract competing with the bendy buses on First's route 18 in Bath, along with running some other service such as the 20A/C. A company that seems to be growing and growing - definately on the up.

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Faresaver

Mon Jun 15 2009

Monday 15 June 2009: Photos from the Faresaver operation in Bath. It seems to be operated predominantly by minibuses, competing with First on some routes (such as route 14), while also introducing some other routes. The appearance of the buses could be better with regard to destination displays and the like.

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Bath Bus Company

Mon Jun 15 2009

Monday 15 June 2009: Bath Bus Company operate several Open Top Tours around Bath using these very impressive vehicles... here are 5 photographed from a day trip to Bath.

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PREVIOUS (87) - Cosham Services

Mon Jun 1 2009

Monday 1 June 2009: Today I visited Cosham, Southwick and Portchester, intending to photograph some of the recenty bus allocation changes with First Hants & Dorset. I managed to get some of the new Volvo B7RLE single deckers, along with the Scanias now having moved to Hoeford. The Scanias at Portchester are illustrated in a "new" location, with very few Hilsea services ever serving Portchester, and none operated by Scanias. Contains: First Hants & Dorset Stagecoach South

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Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250 / NC Palatine 2

Sat May 30 2009

Saturday 30 May 2009: Photos of Wilts & Dorset's DAF DB250/Northern Counties Palatine 2s that operate on route 50 between Bournemouth and Swanage predominantly. These are due to be replaced by Scania/Optares in the near future. There is a link at the bottom for Wilts & Dorset's DAF DB250s with Optare bodywork.

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PREVIOUS (88) - Swanage

Fri May 29 2009

Friday 29 May 2009: Wilts & Dorset are in the process of receiving brand new buses for routes 40 (Swanage to Poole) and 50 (Swanage to Bournemouth), so I decided to get the existing stock in service one last time before they are replaced. Here are various photos taken at a number of locations around Swanage. Contains: Wilts & Dorset

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PREVIOUS (89) - Romsey

Wed Apr 29 2009

Wednesday 29 April 2009: Photos of about an hour and a half in Romsey Bus Station with a few thrown in from Portswood as I didn't know where else to put them. The sun was good and photos came out reasonably well, although Romsey bus station is rather boring these days, and I don't think I will be visiting again this year. Contains: First Hants & Dorset BlueStar & Unilink Wilts & Dorset Stagecoach South

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Wilts & Dorset Scania Omnicity

Wed Apr 22 2009

Wednesday 22 April 2009: Wilts & Dorset received batch of new Scania Omnicity double deckers early in 2009 for various routes - X3 (Bournemouth-Salisbury, 5 and 6 in Salisbury, and 8 (Andover-Salisbury). I have managed to get a few of them in their early days in service - more to follow in the future!

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PREVIOUS (90) - SALISBURY

Wed Apr 22 2009

Wednesday 22 April 2009: Photos from a spur of the moment trip to Salisbury - my second time visiting Salisbury for photos. An hour and a half or so's worth of photos documenting many of the Volvo B7RLEs, Citaros and a few of the brand new Scania Omnicity double deckers at Wilts & Dorset. Contains: Stagecoach South Wilts & Dorset

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Brijan Tours Open Day

Sun Apr 19 2009

Sunday 19 April 2009: Photos from the open day of Brijan Tours' depot. Various preserved buses also attended the day which had fair to good weather and many friendly faces. A good use of a Sunday afternoon!

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NORDCAT, Dorset

Sat Apr 18 2009

Saturday 18 April 2009: North Dorset Community Accessible Transport - NORDCAT - the county owned operator that runs bus services all over Dorset in the more rural areas or routes that are infrequent. Photos of a few of their buses from operations in Wimborne.

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PREVIOUS (91) - Wimborne trip

Sat Apr 18 2009

Saturday 18 April 2009: Photos from a few hours spend in Wimborne Minster, in Dorset. Mainly Wilts & Dorset operations on route 3 (to Poole) and 13 (to Bournemouth) with new low floor single deckers. Various new buses added to the gallery which haven't appeared beforehand. Contains: Wilts & Dorset Nordcat Preserved

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PREVIOUS (92) - Bridgemary photos

Wed Apr 8 2009

Wednesday 8 April 2009: Photos from a visit today (8th April) and last Thursday of a visit to Bridgemary, mainly documenting the Gosport-Fareham services as I realised I haven't got any photos of the Connection Darts for a few years! Photos from Bridgemary and Gosport. Contains: First Hants & Dorset

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FHD Volvo B7RLE

Mon Oct 12 2009

Monday 12 October 2009: First Hants & Dorset operate two batches of Volvo B7RLEs. * The larger batch is allocated to Hilsea depot. 22 examples were new to FHD, replacing Scania Omnicity single deckers on route 40/1. They have begun to enter service at the end of March (week beginning 23/3). The route 41 examples will have branding, but it is unknown whether any branding for route 40 will be worn. Photos of the full batch to come. * Secondly, 8 ex-First Manchester examples operate from Weymouth depot on route 1 from Weymouth to Portland. I've managed to catch all but two now - one off route on route 31 in Charmouth, and the rest on route 1 in Weymouth.

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PREVIOUS (93) - Waterlooville

Fri Mar 27 2009

Friday 27 March 2009: On Thurs 26th March I went to Waterlooville for an hour and a half. The aim was to get some of the Scania Omnicitys still in service on the 40 and 41, which are about to move to Hoeford, along with some of the first pictures of the Volvo B7RLEs in service. It didn't disappoint, as can be seen here. Illustrates nicely the changes going on at FHD Hilsea at present. Contains: First Hants & Dorset Stagecoach South

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PREVIOUS (94) - The Changing Face of Route 16

Tue Mar 17 2009

Tuesday 17 March 2009: Route 16: Southampton - Hamble via Woolston & Netley Route 16A: continues Hamble - Hedge End First Hampshire & Dorset's route 16/16A is to receive a delivery of 4 Enviro200 Dart SLFs for operation from mid-March. All 4 have arrived and 2 were in service on Monday 16TH, with 2 VOR'd. They are numbered 44507-10 and replace Dart MPDs which transfered to First Essex. Photos have now been completed and illustrate their full intergration into service. Contains: First Hants & Dorset

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FHD Enviro200 Dart SLFs

Mon Oct 12 2009

Monday 12 October 2009: First Hants & Dorset acquired 4 brand new ADL Enviro200 Dart SLFs for route 16 (Southampton to Hamble, with 16A extending to Hedge End & Eastleigh) early in 2009, intended to replace previous ADL Dart MPDs already operating on the 16. They received branding at the start of April, and now all are in service. I have photographed every bus in the fleet thus far.

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FHD Volvo B10 buses- non B10BLEs

Sat Mar 7 2009

Saturday 7 March 2009: First Hants & Dorset took in 5 Volvo B10M single deckers from First Sheffield late in 2008, replacing the Lynxes. Some received repaints and internal refurbishments, which suggests that we will have the pleasure of these buses for a few more years. So far I have 60522 and 60527 in service and a couple in the depot- hopefully more to follow.

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PREVIOUS (95) 27/03/09 - Southsea SPP

Sat Mar 7 2009

Saturday 7 March 2009: Photos from my trip to Southsea (South Parade Pier) on Friday 6th March. These are my gains from around 2 hours of photography, whereby you will see most of the workings on First's route 3, 6 and 40. I missed a few buses due to logistical reasons (not standing in the right place!) but all in all a good day's work. Enjoy- comments welcome. Contains: Stagecoach South First Hants & Dorset

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Velvet Volvo D10M Citybus

Mon Mar 2 2009

Monday 2 March 2009: The first buses acquired by Velvet were Citybuses F303 and F309MYJ - both from Stagecoach back in 2007 with their debut to service entry (for Velvet) in 2008. These were joined by sister bus F302MYJ later on in the year, and are usually allocated to college contracts and route 500 at the time of writing. They are numbered according to their registration (302 - F302MYJ etc.).

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Velvet buses on loan (Dart SLF, Iveco)

Mon Mar 2 2009

Monday 2 March 2009: Velvet have acquired 5 Dennis Darts in their short history on loan from Dawson Rentals. The first 4 arrived with the start of route A, shortly after its take over from BlueStar. One returned along with a brand new example (to Velvet) in early 2009 as Velvet took over the operation of route C from BlueStar. Photos appear here - from late 2008 Velvet buses have fleetnumbers; thus the early Darts were too early to acquire fleet numbers. Further vehicles on loan include Iveco TurboDaily 445 (L445FFR), previously with Stagecoach Devon and Southern Vectis. Photos from a very rare outing on route 500.

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Velvet Leyland Olympian

Mon Mar 2 2009

Monday 2 March 2009: Black Velvet Travel acquired 3 Leyland Olympians with Alexander bodywork from Lothian back in 2008. When first introduced they mainly only saw operation on route B and college contracts, but have gradually become more involved in Velvet operations and you can regularly find an Olympian out to photograph. They are numbered 841/3/51 (J841/3/51TSC).

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Velvet DAF SB220 / East Lancs Myllennium

Mon Mar 2 2009

Monday 2 March 2009: Black Velvet Travel own 4 DAF/East Lancs Myllennium low floor single deckers for their day services. These are mainly found on the Fair Oak Flyer, route A and route C at the time of writing, although, as my gallery illustrates, have been used for other purposes in the past. The buses are numbered 507/11-4 (V7/11-4GMT) and were acquired from London Central in 2008.

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PREVIOUS (96) 26/02/09 - Chandlers Ford Changes

Thu Feb 26 2009

Thursday 26 February 2009: Recently, Chandlers Ford's two services have changed. I went up the road to Fryern Hill, to take photos of these changes. Firstly, BlueStar 1 (Winchester-Southampton) has recently been upgraded with a fleet of 7 Scania Omnicity double deckers, 6 of which are noted here. Secondly, route C (Eastleigh-Hiltingbury/Valley Park) has changed hands from BlueStar to Velvet, and the change is also photographed here. Contains: BlueStar Velvet First HD

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PREVIOUS (97) 02/02/09 - Snow Photos

Mon Feb 2 2009

Monday 2 February 2009: Photos from 2nd February in the snow! I got a BlueStar Solo along Botley Road, a couple down in Hamble where the snow was melting quickly come lunchtime, and a Dart in Old Netley. Contains: BlueStar First Hants & Dorset

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PREVIOUS (98) 30/01/09 - Fair Oak

Fri Jan 30 2009

Friday 30 January 2009: Photos from today of about an hour and a half in Fair Oak village, recording the operations of BlueStar's 2 and F, along with Brijan's 8, Stagecoach's 69 and the brand new Fair Oak flyer from Black Velvet Travel. Also contains photos of Velvet's A to Boorley Green, a recent extension. Includes: BlueStar Velvet Stagecoach Brijan Tours

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BlueStar Scania Omnicity saloons

Wed Jul 30 2003

Wednesday 30 July 2003: BlueStar received some Scania CN230UB Omnicity single deckers for Unilink contracts in late 2008. These predominantly operate Unilink routes U2, U6 and U9, and replaced a fleet of Caetano bodied Dennis Dart SLFs. Hopefully all will appear in this gallery in the future, but for now...

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PREVIOUS (99) 07/01/09 - Last Weeks of the B

Wed Jan 7 2009

Wednesday 7 January 2009: Photos from the last week of the operation of the B and Beep!Bus B operation. This generated a lot of press coverage but the last day of Velvet's operation in Saturday, with BlueStar ending their operation of the route on 21st February. Photos mainly from Velmore of two different day's worth photography. Contains: BlueStar Velvet

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PHOTOS OF 2009

Fri Jan 2 2009

Friday 2 January 2009: Gallery containing photos new to 2009 - the older "Bits & Bobs" collection will be deleted in the coming weeks. Random/individual photos will appear here - where I take larger batches of photos these will still appear in seperate collections. Includes: FHD Unilink Stagecoach South BlueStar

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BlueStar Scania Omncity deckers (incl. Unilink)

Wed Jul 30 2003

Wednesday 30 July 2003: BlueStar, during 2008 and 2009 have taken/will take two deliveries of Scania Omnicity double deck buses. The first batch will operate the Unilink contract, recently won from Accord. The buses tend to operate the U1, but sometimes deviate onto the U9. A later batch entered service in BlueStar livery, destined for BlueStar 1 (Southampton - Winchester). 1125 is the extra bus and sometimes deviates off route, but thus far during the daytime the Omnicities stick to BlueStar 1 (I have seen a late evening Scania on a 4 to Romsey, which interworks with the 1).

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FHD Dart SLF / Pointer 2 - R---GHS/R---DUS (Glasgow Originals)

Sat Jan 31 2004

Saturday 31 January 2004: First Hants & Dorset received two batches of Dennis Dart SLFs from First in Glasgow during 2006. The first batch that entered service was 40822-7 (R642-7DUS), with 40823/4 going to Hoeford immediately and the others to Portswood. Since then, all remaining DUS examples have moved to Hoeford depot. The others were a larger batch, made up of 40784-95 (R288-99GHS), of which all are allocated to Portswood. Various examples appear in this collection, although I haven't managed to photograph them all yet.

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Transdev Yorkshire Coastliner

Sat Aug 23 2008

Saturday 23 August 2008: When I visited York, I managed to get various vehicles in service that operate Yorkshire Coastliner's routes, connecting the east coast of Northern England primarily. These mammoth bus journeys are operated by Volvo B7TL and B9TL double deckers and are really excellent.

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Transdev Lancashire United

Sat Aug 23 2008

Saturday 23 August 2008: Transdev Lancashire United operate an a hourly X80/280 service linking Blackburn with Skipton, so when I went to the Yorkshire Dales and in particular Skipton, I managed to get a few shots. All comments welcome.

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Transdev Keighley & District

Sat Aug 23 2008

Saturday 23 August 2008: Keighley & District have also recently been taken over by Transdev. As the name suggests, K&D primarily operate services around Keighley but service 66 extends to Skipton and the 66A to Grassington on Sundays. Photos of Volvo B7RLEs operated to Skipton were photographed and found here. Comments welcome.

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