BorderBus Fleet Numbers Confirmed

Thanks to BorderBus, we can bring you full details of BorderBus' fleet numbering. The list is as follows:

101 BB14BUS at EATM's Hop On A Bus Day

101 BB14BUS

102 BB59BUS

103 BB09BUS

104 BB62BUS

105 BB07BUS

201 X641LLX

202 X643LLX

203 X647LLX

204 X662LLX

There are a few aspects to the way the fleet has been numbered that remind me of the old AnglianBus. Management have chosen not to start numbering from the number one rather than zero at the end and there seems to be no particular order regarding the age fo the vehicle. Thanks again to my contact at BorderBus for the continued updates and support with the blog.

Free WiFi for the Blue Line

Here is a press release from First's website announcing that a free WiFi service is to be introduced on Norwich's Blue Line service, as well as all buses which operate the X1 route.

"Bus passengers in Norfolk are now able to surf the internet on their commute thanks to new technology on First Eastern Counties buses.

Free WiFi is now available to passengers on the sixteen Blue Line (25/25A) buses, which run from the UEA to Norwich Rail Station.

Steve Wickers, Commercial Director of First Eastern Counties, said: 

"Following a successful trial on our X1 service, we are pleased to introduce WiFi on our Blue Line university services in Norwich.

"We are committed to delivering better journeys for life and we hope the free WiFi enhances our passengers experience when using this service in the City.'

This new benefit represents an investment of £25k from First Bus, and follows a close working relationship with the UEA and acts upon feedback from a recent passenger survey.

Dawn Dewar, Transport Co-Ordinator at The UEA said:

"The introduction of WiFi on UEA bound services allows our staff and students the opportunity to use their smart phones, tablets and laptops to work on-line or be entertained while travelling on the bus; this is something which I am sure will prove popular with all our bus users and further encourage use of buses as an alternative to the private car' 

In addition to the improved Norwich Blue Line services, all buses that operate the First Bus X1 service will also be fully equipped with free WiFi.

Connection to the free WiFi couldnt be easier. It only takes a minute to sign up to the free portal on your device. After that, connection is automatic. It's your time - use it your way."

Text courtesy of www.firstgroup.co.uk.

Scania Bendy Buses Sighted

As previously mentioned, my driving instructor is a bit of an enthusiast himself and he texted me earlier this afternoon to tell me he had seen two bendy uses heading east-bound on the A14 between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. He says "no livery, silver/grey primer type colour all over, they were about 10 years old."

If anybody has any information, please do get in touch at zak.nbp@gmail.com.

BorderBus Service Begins

Just a quick reminder that BorderBus' new service 146 between Norwich, Beccles and Southwold commences today. Timetables are available on their website; www.border-bus.co.uk

Fleet Update ~ BorderBus

East Norfolk Bus Blog reports that a third Enviro200 has emerged from the paintshop in BorderBus's colours, ready for thursday's launch of the 146 service between Norwich and Southwold. BB62BUS was previously registered MX62AOH and was operated by Ace Travel of Liverpool. For a photo, see ENBB.

Fleet Update ~ Freestones Coaches

Not a company we report about too often, but Freestones Coaches have recently acquired a 2004 Setra S315GT-HD for touring and Megabus services. BU04EYT sports a new look fleetnames and was sighted on Saturday working the M37 service towards Cambridge.

Fleet Update ~ Anglianbus: UPDATED

Photographic fleet list now online! (via Fleet Lists tab)

I ventured out to Norwich, Beccles, Yarmouth and Lowestoft yesterday in a bid to catch up with the latest goings on in the bus world which I seem to be missing more and more of due to work commitments. Hopefully this may soon change as I also passed my theory test yesterday and thanks to a cacellation, I could be holding a full licence by this time next week which should broaden my bus spotting opportunities!

Anyway, whilst out and about I noticed an increasing amount of Anglian vehicles now carrying the new fleetnames. I spotted 904 MX53FDM and 456 AN61BUS and managed to photograph 905 MX53FDO and 455 AN61LAN, also now wearing the new logo. I was also unaware that MAN 18.270 EcoCity 106 AU62DWN has joined sisters 111 AU13FBK, 102 WX62HHF and 108 AU62DWG in also sporting the new look.

Fleet Update ~ FirstIpswich

Clive from Ipswich Bus Blog has updated me with the current situation regarding Ipswich's 32479 AU53HJV. The bus has been away for a refurb and a repaint into a heritage livery, however the process has been delayed and is unlikely to return until at least August. The Transbus ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL was due back on Thursday this week, and will wear Eastern Counties' post office red livery upon it's eventual return. 

Thanks to Clive for the update.

Fleet Update ~ FirstBus

As mentioned yesterday, two Scania Irizars will be used for rail replacement works in Ipswich later this month. First have now confirmed that the two coaches will remain with FirstHampshire and will be listed as loanees to the Suffolk Town. They are expected to go remain in Ipswich until early September. For a photo of one of the coaches, check out Ipswich Bus Blog.

Fleet Update ~ FirstBus

I'd like to inform you that following the previous delays around the Ipswich area on the railway AbellioGreaterAnglia have taken the decision to hire four coaches as part of five week contract from First, although 2 of the buses are yet to transfer.

20514 WV02EUP and 20515 WV02EUR are two of the buses to be used. Hired from the Norwich depot, they are both Plaxton paragons previously operating for National Express & Ex-FirstGreatYarmouth. 20514 us currently unavailable as she's at her MOT so 37562 FJ08FYN- a Volvo Gemini, has stepped in.

Earlier we were informed by First's twitter that the other two buses are both transferring from Southampton. They are Scania Irizar PB coaches:

23312 YN54NYT and 23314 YN54NYV.

The coaches will be on general standby from 0600 until around midnight and will be dispatched from Ipswich rail station forecourt if needed.

~ Harry