David's Photographs http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/ 31 rows en-gb 60 Huddersfield Bus Company http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1759521.html Buses of the Huddersfield Bus Company. Part of the CentreBus group it was formed in April 2008 when Stagecoach sold the Huddersfield depot of Yorkshire Traction. Saturday 25 July 2009: Buses of the Huddersfield Bus Company. Part of the CentreBus group it was formed in April 2008 when Stagecoach sold the Huddersfield depot of Yorkshire Traction.

Huddersfield Bus Company Plaxton Centro bodied VDL SB200L 724 in Go Green livery at Denby Dale railway station. Huddersfield Bus Company East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6BLE 538 parked at the Waterloo depot. Huddersfield Bus Company VDL SB200L 725 runs in fleet livery rather than the Go Green colours. It was photographed at Waterloo depot. Huddersfield Bus Company Plaxton Centro bodied VDL SB200L 721 in Go Green livery at the Waterloo depot. Photographed at the Waterloo depot is last surviving Yorkshire Traction Scania K92, Huddersfield Bus Company 728 which has Wright Endurance body. Huddersfield Bus Company has the five Yorkshire Traction East Lancs Myllennium bodied DAF SB220Ls. This is 733 on Wakefield Road, Waterloo. Huddersfield Bus Company East Lancs Myllennium bodied DAF SB220L 735 on Wakefield Road, Huddersfield. Huddersfield Bus Company East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL 925 on Wakefield Road, Huddersfield. It was imported from the Irish operator, Circle Line. There are seven VDL SB200Ls in the Huddersfield Bus Company fleet with Plaxton Centro body. Six are painted in the Go Green livery; this is 719 on Wakefield Road, Huddersfield. Huddersfield Bus Company uses the Centrebus livery of cream, orange and blue. Here East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6BLE 532 makes its way along Wakefield Road. Huddersfield Bus Company VDL SB200L 723 in Go Green livery on Kirkgate, Huddersfield Huddersfield Bus Company Volvo B6BLE 523 is one of eight buses in the fleet in overall green livery promoting their environmental credentials. It is seen here on Kirkgate, Huddersfield. Huddersfield Bus Company Volvo B6BLE 536 in overall advert livery for Eldon Electricals on Lord Street, Huddersfield. Photographed on Lord Street, Huddersfield is Huddersfield Bus Company Leyland Olympian 804 running in Yorkshire Traction's traditional dark red livery at the time of this July 2009 photo. Huddersfield Bus Company is part of the Centrebus group, formed in April 2008 from the Yorkshire Traction operations in the area. This is Optare Solo 336 on Lord Street in Huddersfield town centre. Huddersfield Bus Company Volvo B6BLE 535 in overall advert livery for Furniture Direct on Kirkgate, Huddersfield. Huddersfield Bus Company VDL SB200L 720 in Go Green livery turns onto Kirkgate, Huddersfield. Huddersfield Bus Company run into Barnsley twice on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Leyland Olympian 803 is seen here at Barnsley Interchange.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat Jul 25 2009 All this months photos (November 2009) http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1541274.html First photos of the month from Cheltenham. Selection of West Midlands area photos added. Monday 7 July 2008: First photos of the month from Cheltenham. Selection of West Midlands area photos added.

First Midland Red Volvo B7RLE 66 977 on Foregate Street, Worcester. Worcester's second Park & Ride site opened in October 2009 at Sixways. Worcestershire County Council operates new route W2 from there to the Royal Hospital and County Hall, Mercedes Citaro BN09FWR is seen here at Sixways. Worcestershire County Council Mercedes Citaro BK08NAO at Sixways Park & Ride site. Worcestershire County Council Optare Solo VX04UMV working route W2 at Sixways Park & Ride. Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2 2729 on Livery Street, Birmingham. Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2 3014 working route101 on Colmore Row, Birmingham. First Eastern Counties Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B9TL 37 568 at Peterborough bus station in excel livery for the x1 from Peterborough to Lowestoft. Gordons Van Hool T917 Acron YJ54CKO, the Barnsley FC team coach for the away match at Peterborough United on October 31st 2009. Stagecoach Gloucester Caetano Levante bodied Scania K340EB 59 301 at the Royal Wells bus station in Cheltenham. Stagecoach Cheltenham Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident 18 127 on the Promenade, Cheltenham. Stagecoach Swindon Plaxton Premiere bodied Volvo B10M 52 300 on the Promenade, Cheltenham. Stagecoach Cheltenham Scania N230UD 15 531 on the Promenade, Cheltenham town centre. Stagecoach Cheltenham Scania N230UD 15 527 in Stagecoach Gold livery leaving Montpellier Gardens on 2nd November 2009. Stagecoach Cheltenham Alexander Dennis Enviro400 bodied Scania N230UD 15 528 working route94 near Montpellier Gardens. Stagecoach Cheltenham Dennis Trident 18 128 working route A on the High Street, Cheltenham. Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2 2721 in Birmingham City Centre working route14, November 7th 2009. National Express West Midlands Mercedes 0.405N 1661 in Birmingham. It was one of a small number of buses painted overall white during a period when there was a real prospect that National Express may have been split up and the bus business sold to Stagecoach. National Express West Midlands Mercedes 0.405N 1658 on Colmore Row, Birmingham in the interim overall white livery used in October 2009. Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2 3071 working on route101 in Winson Green, November 2009.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Mon Jul 7 2008 National Express West Midlands http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1468825.html Welcome to the new world of National Express West Midlands. Photographs of buses in the fleet as they appear in the new colours. Tuesday 1 January 2008: Welcome to the new world of National Express West Midlands. Photographs of buses in the fleet as they appear in the new colours.

National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4769 entered service in this interim livery with route branding for the 997. New to National Express West Midlands during January 2008, Scania OmniLink 1846 in the interim livery used prior to launch of the National Express West Midlands identity. Refurbished Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 4073 on Colmore Row, Birmingham painted in interim livery with interim fleetname. Volvo B7TL 4118 in National Express West Midlands livery but the older Travel West Midlands fleetnames. Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4775 turning off Carrs Lane, Birmingham became the first bus in the full National Express West Midlands livery. National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4746 on route50, carrying no fleetnames except on it's destination blind. National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4748 with route branding for the 50 outside Moor Street railway station, Birmingham. 50 branded Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4751 of National Express West Midlands in Birmingham. National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4750 in Wythall, Good Friday 2008. National Express West Midlands Volvo B7RLE 1750 climbing away from Dudley bus station with the castle behind. The first Mercedes 0.405N repainted red and white, 1527 photographed at Oldbury. Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 4674 working the Outer Circle, on Sandon Road, Bearwood. Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 4039 at Old Square, Birmingham city centre. Volvo B7TL 4038 at Stourbridge Junction after repaint into the new livery using the brighter shade of red. National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4773 in Birmingham. National Express West Midlands Mercedes 0.405N 1591 in the Coventry version of the livery. National Express West Midlands Volvo B10L 1416 approaching Merry Hill bus station. National Express West Midlands Volvo B6LE 606 in Dudley. National Express West Midlands Scania OmniLink 1845 on rail replacement work outside Birmingham Snow Hill railway station. Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 4668 with branding for the 11. Photographed on the High Street, Bearwood. National Express West Midlands Volvo B7TL 4645 with route branding for the 11. Photographed on Bearwood High Street. National Express West Midlands Volvo B10B 1369 with Wright Endurance body leaving Wolverhampton bus station. National Express West Midlands Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 4105 with replacement headlights on Colmore Row, Birmingham. National Express West Midlands Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL 4266 on Bull Street, Birmingham. National Express West Midlands Mercedes 0.405N 1519 approaching Old Square, Birmingham. National Express Coventry Mercedes 0.405N 1561 at Pool Meadow, Coventry. National Express West Midlands Alexander Ultra bodied Volvo B10L 1504 on Corporation Street, Birmingham. National Express West Midlands Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident 4346 on Corporation Street, Birmingham. National Express West Midlands Optare Solo 308 on route637, Stoney Lane, Quinton. National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4774 at Dale's End, Birmingham with 997 route branding. National Express Coventry Optare Solo 311 picking up passengers for route11 in central Coventry. National Express Coventry Volvo B7TL 4421 leaving Coventry bus station, September 2008. National Express West Midlands Scania OmniLink 1848 at 2008 Euro Bus Expo. At the Euro Bus Expo2008 event was the National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro300. The first National Express West Midlands painted Optare Spectra/DAF DB250L 4006 at Five Ways on route9. National Express West Midlands Dennis Trident 4369 at Solihull Station on new route5 introduced in January 2009. National Express Coventry Scania OmniLink 1875 in Coventry city centre. National Express Coventry Mercedes 0.405N 1569 at Mill Street, Bedworth. National Express West Midlands Optare Excel 714 at Wolverhampton bus station. National Express West Midlands Volvo B7TL 4226 at West Bromwich bus station. National Express West Midlands Scania Omnilink 1883 at the 2008 Sandwell Rally. National Express West Midlands Volvo B7TL 4283 in Birmingham with megarear advert for the Creme Egg Twister. National Express West Midlands Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 3608 at Sandwell & Dudley railway station. National Express West Midlands Dennis Trident 4188 at Solihull Station. National Express West Midlands Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident 4201 at Solihull railway station. National Express West Midlands Volvo B6LE 680 at West Bromwich with a megarear advert for Sandwell Fostering. The rear route branding on National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4809 at Stourbridge bus station. National Express West Midlands Alexander Dennis Enviro400 4809 on Broad Street, Birmingham with Hagley Road branding. National Express West Midlands Dennis Trident 4452 at Coventry Pool Meadow bus station. National Express West Midlands Mercedes Citaro 6019 in the Coventry livery approaching Coventry's Pool Meadow bus station.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 First South Yorkshire http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1442150.html Buses of the First South Yorkshire fleet. Tuesday 1 January 2008: Buses of the First South Yorkshire fleet.

Turquoise Line branded Volvo B7L 60 713 leaving Sheffield Interchange. Volvo B7L 60 731 with joint mauve and salmon line branding, photographed on Snig Hill, Sheffield. Branded for the Lime Line, Wright Eclipse Metro bodied Volvo B7L 61 194 on the High Street, Sheffield. First South Yorkshire Alexander PS bodied Volvo B10M 60 511, Waingate, Sheffield. First South Yorkshire Volvo B7L 60707 on the Haymarket, Sheffield in advertising livery for Sheffield Technology Parks. First South Yorkshire has in the past operated a number of minibuses. This is 50 204, a Mercedes Vario with Plaxton Beaver2 body leaving Sheffield Interchange. First South Yorkshire Volvo Olympian 34 241 working from Rotherham depot at Sheffield Interchange. First South Yorkshire had Alexander R bodied Volvo Olympians for a while but all have now been replaced. This is 34 234 at Sheffield Interchange. First South Yorkshire Plaxton Pointer bodied Volvo B6 40 476 leaving Rotherham Interchange. First South Yorkshire 40 503, one of a pair of Alexander Dash bodied Volvo B6s operated from Rotherham depot. Rotherham based Dennis Dart SLF 40 535 arriving in Rotherham with Yellow Line route branding. First South Yorkshire Alexander R bodied Dennis Dominator 30 507 leaving Doncaster's South Bus Station. First South Yorkshire has Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs in Sheffield. This is 31 787 on Haymarket, Sheffield with Orange Line branding. First South Yorkshire added Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs for Indigo Line 60 in the summer of 2006. This is 37 146 making it's way up the High Street in central Sheffield. First South Yorkshire 50 207, a Plaxton Beaver1 bodied Mercedes L709D leaving Sheffield Interchange. First South Yorkshire 30398 was the companies final Dennis Dominator. It is seen here at the 2006 Meadowhall bus rally with suitable lettering. First South Yorkshire has Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLFs at Rotherham and Doncaster depots. This is Doncaster's 40 513 with Pink Line route branding. First South Yorkshire Brown Line branded Dennis Dart SLF 40 540 in Doncaster town centre. Doncaster depot has Wright Crusader bodied Volvo B6LE and B6BLE. This is a B6LE, 40 480 in Doncaster town centre. First South Yorkshire Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL 31 776 on Duke Street, Doncaster. First South Yorkshire Volvo B6BLE 40 502 with Lime Line branding leaving Doncaster Interchange. First South Yorkshire had a number of Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts in service until recently. This is 40 506 leaving Doncaster Interchange. First South Yorkshire Dennis Dart SLF 40 516 in Doncaster. Doncaster's Brown Line has route branded Dennis Dart SLFs. This is 40 539 leaving Doncaster Interchange. First South Yorkshire Alexander PS bodied Volvo B10M 60 612 leaving Meadowhall Interchange. First South Yorkshire Wright Eclipse Metro bodied Volvo B7L 60 730 turning onto the Haymarket in Sheffield. Red Line branded Volvo B10BLE 60 685 on the Haymarket, Sheffield. First South Yorkshire Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL 31 783 on Haymarket, Sheffield. First South Yorkshire has a small number of Northern Counties Palatine2 bodied Volvo Olympians based in Sheffield. This is 30 551 turning onto Haymarket in central Sheffield. Wright Eclipse Metro bodied Volvo B7L 60 707 on Commercial Street, Sheffield in advert livery for Weston Park Museum. First South Yorkshire's Sheffield allocated Volvo B10BLE 60 654 working a cross city route in Sheffield. Wright Reknown bodied Volvo B10BLE 62 235 at Castle Square, Sheffield. First South Yorkshire Volvo B7TL 37 153 passing the Town Hall in central Sheffield. Yellow Line branded Volvo B10BLE 60 701 on Leopold Street, Sheffield. First South Yorkshire Volvo B7L 61 205 on Leopold Street, Sheffield with a super square advert for the Bradford & Bingley Building Society. Volvo B7L 61 193 with Lime Line branding on Leopold Street, Sheffield. Olive Line branded Volvo B7L 60 728 passing Sheffield Interchange. Brown Line branded Volvo B10BLE 60 665 passing through Sheffield Interchange. First South Yorkshire Dennis Dart SLF 40 975 of Rotherham depot, leaving Sheffield Interchange. Wright Eclipse Metro bodied Volvo B7L 60 712 with Turquoise Line branding for routes 13 and 14. Alexander PS bodied Volvo B10M 60 543 in central Sheffield on route1. First South Yorkshire Volvo B10M 60 472 on Flat Street, Sheffield with the route branding used for route80 during 2006/2007. First South Yorkshire Plaxton Pointer bodied Volvo B6 40 462 on Flat Street, Sheffield. A Wright Crusader bodied Volvo B6BLE, 40 496, swinging out of Doncaster's Interchange. First South Yorkshire Volvo B10M 60 546 leaving Doncaster Interchange. First South Yorkshire Optare Solo 50 239 leaving the Doncaster Interchange. First South Yorkshire Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 34 098 swings out of Doncaster Interchange. Two of the Volvo B6BLEs carried AirLink livery for a while to promote route91 between Doncaster and the Robin Hood Airport. This is 40 499 leaving Doncaster Interchange. First South Yorkshire Dennis Dart SLF 40 518 in advert livery for the Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster. First South Yorkshire Volvo B9TL 37 258 of Rotherham depot, ready to work an X78.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 The Beautiful South http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1361509.html A miscellaneous collection of photos from the south of England. Most recent pictures from June 2009. Sunday 2 September 2007: A miscellaneous collection of photos from the south of England. Most recent pictures from June 2009.

New to First Hampshire & Dorset during 2004 was this Scania/East Lancs Omnidekka for route x53 between Bournemouth and Exeter. 36 003 is seen at Gervis Place before working an x53 but only as far as Weymouth. Southdown 34 453 is a Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer2, new in 2004 for an upgrade of route21 and is seen at Havant bus station. Emsworth & District Dennis Dart J539GCD at Havant bus station on June 10th 2004 Southdown Leyland Olympian 13 621 at Portsea before working up to London on the Mega Bus service. Tellings Golden Miller took over the x27 service between Portsmouth & Southampton using two Volvo B10M's in a Solent Clipper livery during 2004. This is W627UMV at Portsea on June 10th 2004. First Southampton 34 530 is a stylish Roe bodied Leyland Olympian that was new to Bristol as 9531. Stagecoach Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 059 at Southsea, South Parade Pier. Southdown uses the fleetname Stagecoach in Portsmouth for routes 21, 22 and 23. This is Dennis Dart SLF 33 057 with 23 branding at South Parade Pier, Southsea. Tellings Golden Miller upgraded the x27 in 2005 with Volvo B10BLE's being brought in. This is 903 at Clarence Pier. Southdown launched new route 800 in late 2004, as the Coastliner Express, here Volvo B10M 52 476 is seen leaving The Hard Interchange. Former Southampton Leyland Atlantean 111, OCR155G, was abandoned in Cowes for a time. AL-Vac Bristol VRT3 HUD477S stored at the Yellow Buses Mallard Road depot. Royal British Legion Leyland Atlantean SRJ756R stored at the Yellow Buses Mallard Road depot. Not so mobile cafe YAM870T, a Bedford YRT with Duple Dominant Bus body in the East Cliff picnic area off the A36 near Salisbury. Stagecoach heritage fleet Bristol VRT3 15 760 making a surprise appearance on Portsmouth route21 to coincide with International Festival of the Sea. At the International Festival of the Sea was The Bus Stop catering Leyland National1 PCG920M, new to Provincial as number20. Stagecoach Volvo Citybus 15 202 repainted into the late 1980's Southdown livery it was new in to mark 90years of Southdown. First Hampshire & Dorset Scania Omnidekka 36 006 arriving in Poole with an x53 express to Exeter. Stagecoach Southdown received a new fleet of Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Tridents for the 700 route during 2006, this is 18 514 in central Portsmouth. Local Haunts operated a tour of Portsmouth during the summer of 2006 using AEC Routemaster RM994, which they named Alf. It is seen at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth. Stagecoach Dennis Trident 18 519 at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth showing the rear livery layout on the 700 branded buses. Triple door Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 H396SYG is used by Baileys Buses for the shuttle bus from Portsmouth's Ferry Terminal to the Hard Interchange, where it was photographed. Ensign Alexander Royale bodied Volvo Olympian 129 at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth on rail replacement work. Southdown Alexander R bodied Leyland Olympian 13 640 at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth on rail replacement work. Stagecoach Hampshire Bus Alexander Dennis Trident 18 502 at Tidworth in Activ8 livery. Brijan Tours Bristol VRT3 67 at Southampton railway station on Southampton FC shuttle work from Saint Mary's. During 2007 Tellings Golden Miller took over the Hovertravel shuttle service between Portsmouth City Centre and Clarence Pier using Alexander Dennis Dart SLF LK55KZZ photographed at Clarence Pier, Southsea. The University of Portsmouth operate it's own internal bus service and buses operated include Plaxton President bodied DAF DB250L T136AUA photographed on Saint George's Road, Old Portsmouth. Southdown Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Citybus 15 202 on Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. Marchwood Motorways Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250L 821 at Portsmouth & Southsea railway station on rail replacement work. Sussex Coaches Scania N113 H208LOM, ex Travel West Midlands 3208 at Portsmouth & Southsea railway station on rail replacement work. Stagecoach Coastliner branded Dennis Trident 18 526 passing Southsea Common photographed from the Holiday Inn. Stagecoach in Portsmouth Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 054 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth in overall advert livery for The Quay FM. Stagecoach Portsmouth Volvo B10M 20 607 carries this special rail link livery for the Waterlooville to Petersfield rail link. On New Years Eve 2007 it was deployed on Portsmouth route21 instead. Stagecoach Dennis Dart SLF 34 414 at The Hard Interchange with somewhat basic route branding for the 21. Southdown introduced this new route branding for the 21 route in Portsmouth during 2008. This is Dennis Dart SLF 34 448 at Portsea, The Hard Interchange. Discover Dorset now operate route A1 from Bournemouth Town Centre to the Airport. Here Optare Versa YJ57EHY is seen on Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. Shamrock Alexander R bodied Leyland Olympian 832 parked on Avenue Road, Bournemouth. Shamrock operate a number of contracts around the Bournemouth & Poole areas. Here Leyland Olympian 310 is parked at Bournemouth Triangle. Shamrock ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 313 passing 310 at the Triangle, Bournemouth. Mortons Travel introduced Hampshire Pullman route100 in the summer of 2008 using Bristol VRT3 VDV140S First Southampton East Lancs bodied Leyland Olympian 34 989 on route 10A, Above Bar Street, Southampton. Black Velvet Travel DAF SB220L V11GMT with East Lancs Myllennium body, Vincents Walk, Southampton. Accord Southern ran the Southampton Unilink network until 2008 when their contract expired. This is one of the Scania Omnidekkas, number 34 Black Velvet Travel Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Citybus F309MYJ at the 2008 Gosport Rally. Brijan Tours operate in south Hampshire. Number 87 is an ECW bodied Leyland Olympian photographed at the 2008 Gosport Rally. Brijan Tours MCW Metrobus2 94 at the 2008 Gosport Rally. First Southampton Volvo Olympian 31 825 at the Gosport Rally 2008 in advert livery for Radio Hampshire. First Hampshire & Dorset Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B9TL 37 581 in Coastlinx X53 livery at the 2008 Gosport Rally. First Hampshire & Dorset Scania L94 65 704 at the 2008 Gosport Rally in single deck version of the Jurassic Coast linx livery.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sun Sep 2 2007 Blackpool Business (Trams) http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1327153.html Photographs of the Blackpool Transport tram fleet. Most recent photographs from September 2009. Monday 16 July 2007: Photographs of the Blackpool Transport tram fleet. Most recent photographs from September 2009.

Balloon car 706, Blackpool Transport Balloon Car 702 passing along Blackpool promenade. Tram 707 is one of four rebuilt as Millennium cars. It is seen here at Manchester Square. Blackpool Transport Balloon Car 712 has been repainted into the 1960's style of green and cream. It is seen here at Manchester Square. Brush car 636 at the depot open day in the Metro livery. Balloon car 700 at the September 2004 depot open day. It has been restored to almost original condition. Note that the tram has a trolley to connect to the overhead lines. Progress Twin Car 685 is prepared for the paint shop. The most unexpected sight at the September 2004 open day at Rigby Road depot was Balloon car 713 in the body shops being rebuilt. Blackpool Transport Brush Car 625 inside the truck shop at the September 2004 depot open day. A view inside the tram shed at Blackpool Transport's Rigby Road depot, with trams in a variety of liveries. A second view inside the tram shed at Rigby Road depot. Trams on view include from the left, Boat Car 602, The Rocket 733, Rail Coach 679 and Brush Car 637. 648 was the last East Lancs bodied Brush to be refurbished. It is seen here still in almost original condition at Gynn Square. Brush 647 in central Fleetwood. Brush 642 shortly after leaving the Cabin on the afternoon of December 31st 2004 East Lancs bodied English Electric 761 in Wilkinsons advert livery, approaching the Cabin on New Year's Eve Brush 643 in Grosvenor Casino advert livery between Gynn Square and the Cabin. Rebuilt East Lancs bodied Brush 646 approaches Talbot Square. Boat car 602 in Handybus inspired yellow and black livery at the North Pier. Millennium Car rebuild 709 at the North Pier in overall advert livery for The Sea Life centre. Open single deck tram 605 at the North Pier, with similar 602 in the background. English Electric English Electric 680 at the North Pier in overall advert livery for Central Pier attractions. English Electric English Electric/Brush English Electric Millennium car 707 again in the summer of 2005 in overall advert livery for Coral Island. The fourth Millennium rebuild, 724, at the North Pier in red Metro Coastlines livery. Brush 646 again from a window of the Clifton Hotel, behind is English Electric 680. Brush car 630 in yellow overall advert livery for Karting2000 on the North Promenade. Brush car 626 in overall advert livery for Blackpool Zoo on the North Promenade with a service to Cleveleys. Brush car 622 in Glyngary Windows advert livery being used for driver training on July 25th 2005. English Electric Brush 644 has this yellow advert livery for Fleetwood Market, it is seen here approaching the North Pier. Balloon car 713 again having returned to service in an overall white livery, it is seen southbound at the North Pier. There are three English Electric single cars in the fleet, this is 678 in heavy rain at the North Pier. Brush car 633 approaching the North Pier is made out to represent a fishing boat and advertises Fisherman's Friend. Loading passengers at the Pleasure Beach is Balloon car 711 in Lambrini overall advert livery. Tram 736 seen working an Illuminations Tour is made out to be a pleasure boat. It is seen here near Harrowside on November 5th 2005. Photographed at the North Pier is Balloon car 722 in largely original condition and in overall advert livery for the Transport & General Workers Union. The third of the Millennium rebuilds, 718 in overall advert livery for Vodka Kick drinks at the North Pier. Balloon car 713 at the North Pier again, in ASDA overall advert livery. Rebuilt Balloon car 701 in overall advert livery for The Palm Beach Hotel approaching the North Pier. Highest numbered tram is East Lancs bodied English Electric 762, seen here at the North Pier in Unison advert livery. During 2006 Brush Car 622 was given this overall advert livery for Pontins, it is seen here at The Tower. English Electric 680 in advert livery for the Merrie England Bar. It was actually outside said bar when photographed. Rebuilt balloon car 723 in McDonalds advert livery passing boat 602 at the North Pier. Blackpool Transport balloon car 703 in 1980's livery, I'll leave you to figure out the location for this photo. Brush car 641 at the Pleasure Beach in overall advert livery for Orion Bingo.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Mon Jul 16 2007 First North Devon http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1311099.html Buses of the First Devon and Cornwall fleet allocated to the "North Devon" depot at Barnstaple. Most recent photographs from July 2009. Sunday 24 June 2007: Buses of the First Devon and Cornwall fleet allocated to the "North Devon" depot at Barnstaple. Most recent photographs from July 2009.

First Volvo Olympian 34 116 at Ilfracombe bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Trident/East Lancs Lolyne 32 754 leaves Barnstaple on August 27th 2004. First Devon & Cornwall operate Dennis Tridents with East Lancs Lolyne bodies on routes 1 and 2. This is 32 751 at Barnstaple bus station. First Dennis Trident 32 752 sets out into the rain on August 27th 2004. First's Dennis Trident/East Lancs Lolyne 32 755 was new during 2003. It is seen here leaving Barnstaple on August 27th 2004. Rear view of Dennis Trident 32 753 leaving Barnstaple bus station. Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympians 34 115 is seen at Ilfracombe bus station after repaint into First group livery. Five more East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Tridents joined the First Devon & Cornwall fleet during the Autumn of 2005. This is 32 764 in Bideford. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Trident 32 768 crossing the River Torridge in Bideford. First Dennis Trident 32 751 again, this time in Bideford with Atlantic Goldline branding for routes 1 and 2. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Trident 32 765 leaving Barnstaple bus station showing it's Atlantic Goldline route branding. Plaxton Beaver2 bodied Mercedes Vario, 52 532 at The Strand, Bude. Dennis Darts 46 662 on The Strand, Bude working on route285. Dennis Trident 32 752 at Westward Ho! with the new Atlantic Connection branding introduced with timetable changes in June 2007. Dennis Trident 32 755 again at Appledore in June 2007 with new Atlantic Connection branding. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer1 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 432 at Barnstaple bus station. Volvo Olympian 34 116 again at Barnstaple bus station after repaint and minor refurbishment. First Dennis Trident 32 767 passing Stagecoach Optare Solo 47 444 at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 46 663 at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 43 849 at Barnstaple bus station. It is shorter than the similar buses and is allocated to route303. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 783 at Barnstaple bus station. Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 34 117 at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer1 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 438 at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Trident 32 766 at Barnstaple showing the Atlantic Connection branding introduced in June 2007 to replace the Atlantic Goldline branding. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer1 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 433 at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer1 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 436 at Ilfracombe bus station. Plaxton Pointer1 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 433 at Hele Bay. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 779 at Ilfracombe bus station. New for First Devon & Cornwall's Barnstaple operation during 2008 were three Alexander Dennis Enviro400 buses. Kept at Bude outstation they have Atlantic Coast Express branding for the X9 route. 33 420 is seen leaving Exeter for Bude. First Devon & Cornwall Alexander Dennis Enviro400 33 422 at Exeter bus station after a run from Bude. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 452 at Barnstaple. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 449 with Plaxton Pointer2 body leaving Barnstaple. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 459 at Barnstaple. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 463 in Barnstaple on route1. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 440 with Plaxton Pointer1 body at Barnstaple. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 462 also at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 461 waiting in Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall 42 456 at Ilfracombe's decaying bus station on route 3B to Woolacombe. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 464 at Barnstaple bus station on route4, which was introduced as part of service changes in October 2008. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42453 leaving Barnstaple on route2. First Devon & Cornwall now has Plaxton President bodied Dennis Tridents allocated to Barnstaple depot. This is 32 861 leaving Barnstaple on route1. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 46 440 at Barnstaple bus station. This is the only surviving bus of a pair of early build Dennis Dart SLF new to North Devon Red Bus. First Devon & Cornwall Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident 32 874 at Ilfracombe bus station.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sun Jun 24 2007 Travel Ludlows http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1169029.html Photographs of Travel Ludlows, an independently owned bus company based in Halesowen before it was taken over by Rotala in 2008. Wednesday 27 December 2006: Photographs of Travel Ludlows, an independently owned bus company based in Halesowen before it was taken over by Rotala in 2008.

Travel Ludlows Scania L94/Wright Axcess-Floline V331EAK leaving Halesowen. Ludlows Scania Omnicity N1EOS on Harborne High Street on the 004 to Merry Hill. Ludlows second Scania OmniCity, YN05HGC in Harborne on it's way to start a 004 to the Merry Hill shopping centre. Ludlows took a further Scania OmniCity during September 2005, registered YN55RCF it is seen here at the 2005 Showbus. New to Ludlows for summer 2006 was VDL SB120L YJ06LFW with Wright Cadet body. Ludlows Dennis Dart SLF P863PWW at Halesowen bus station in advert livery for Chapmans Electrical store. DAF SB120L YJ51EKM joined Ludlows in time for Christmas 2006, it is seen here at Halesowen bus station. The Travel Ludlows depot at Gorsty Hill, just outside Halesowen. Wright Cadet bodied VDL SB120L YJ07JLU in Oldbury on route417.

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]]> Wed Dec 27 2006 First Provincial http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1086073.html Buses of the First Hampshire & Dorset fleet allocated to the "Provincial" depots at Hilsea and Hoeford. Most recent photographs from June 2009. Sunday 17 September 2006: Buses of the First Hampshire & Dorset fleet allocated to the "Provincial" depots at Hilsea and Hoeford. Most recent photographs from June 2009.

First Provincial Volvo B10BLE 66 178 carried this distinctive overall advert livery for a Portsmouth City Council recruitment campaign during 2004. First Provincial Mercedes L811D/Marshall 51 056 is the only such bus in the fleet and is seen in Portsmouth city centre. First Provincial Dennis Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41 641 has Blue Line route branding for the 6 route and is seen at Portsea. First Provincial Volvo B10BLE 66 179 shows it's nearside super square advert for Portsmouth's recycling campaign. First Scania OmniCity 65 021 with Green Line branding at South Parade Pier. First Scania OmniCity 65 015 at South Parade Pier, Southsea on June 10th 2005. First Scania OmniCity 65 020 in Southsea with Green Line route branding for the 40 service. First has twenty Scania OmniCity buses at Portsmouth, which were used on routes 40 & 41 from 2005 to 2009. This is 65 006 at The Hard Interchange in Zip livery for route41. Photographed at The Hard Interchange is First Provincial's Blue Line branded Dennis Dart SLF 41 136. First Iveco 59.12 52 104 arriving at The Hard Interchange with HMS Warrier in the background. First Mercedes L811D 51 720 leaving The Hard Interchange with HMS Warrier behind. First promotes the services between Fareham & Gosport as the Connection, Dennis Dart SLF 42 139 arrives at Gosport. First Dennis Dart SLF 42 141 at Fareham bus station. First Mercedes L811D 51 726 at Fareham in overall advert livery for Ross Records. First Mercedes L811D 51 711 parked at Fareham bus station. First UVG bodied Dennis Dart 47 306 at Fareham bus station in the latest First group livery. First Scania OmniCity 65 018 on Commerical Road, Portsmouth on route40. First Dennis Dart SLF 42 119 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth with Red Line branding. First Scania OmniCity 65 009 in The Zip livery on Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. First Scania OmniCity 65 008 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth on route41. First Iveco 59.12 52 099 passing along Southsea Common with the Spinnaker Tower behind. Leaving South Parade Pier on route40 is First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 022. Setting out from Commercial Road is First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 024. First Volvo B10BLE 66 205 on a peak hour express to Fareham. First Optare Solo 53 151 at Commercial Road, Portsmouth. First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 023 in The Zip livery at The Hard. First Scania OmniCity 65 019 at The Hard on route17. First Scania OmniCity 65 016 at South Parade Pier with green line branding for route 40. First Provincial has four Optare Solo's, this being 50 277 in Gosport. First Provincial Zip branded Scania OmniCity 65 007 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth. When new this Optare Solo, YJ05XOP, fleetnumber 53 140 seen on Commercial Road was gift wrapped. First Scania OmniCity 65 013 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Loading passengers on Commercial Road is First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 025. First Provincial 52 016, one of it's last pair of Mellor Duet bodied Iveco 59.12's at South Parade Pier. Orange Line branded Provincial Volvo B10BLE 66 195 in Portsmouth city centre. Recently added to the Provincial fleet are a number of Plaxton Beaver2 bodied Mercedes Vario's. This is 50 299 on Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. First Provincial Leyland Lynx1 62 641 on Edinburgh Road with a service to Eastney. Provincial Mercedes L709D 51 583 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Rear view of First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 017 on Commercial Road, Portsmouth. First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 012 turning onto Edinburgh Road has Green Line route branding for the 40. First Provincial Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 46 321 on Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. First Provincial's Mercedes Vario 52 601 leaving The Hard Interchange. First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 010 in Zip livery leaving The Hard Interchange. First Provincial Scania OmniCity 65 011 at The Hard Interchange in Zip livery. Provincial Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLF 41 634 at South Parade Pier, Southsea. Photographed from the Royal Beach Hotel. A busy scene at South Parade Pier during the heatwave of July 2006. Provincial Volvo B10BLE 66 156 is seen on it's usual Red Line work. First Provincial Leyland Lynx2 62 681 passing through Southsea. Provincial ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 34 810 in central Southampton. Provincial ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 34 814 arriving in Southampton on the run from Fareham. First Provincial Volvo B10BLE 66 196 at Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth in wet conditions.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sun Sep 17 2006 Southern Vectis http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1013230.html Buses of the Southern Vectis fleet, part of the Go - Ahead group. Most recent photographs from June 2009. Wednesday 5 July 2006: Buses of the Southern Vectis fleet, part of the Go - Ahead group. Most recent photographs from June 2009.

ECW bodied Bristol VRT3 682 at Newport bus station on an Isle of Wight Festival shuttle service. New to Southern Vectis for 2005 were several Dennis Dart SLF's, this is 313 in Newport town centre. Bristol VRT3 683 leaving Newport bus station on June 13th 2005 to work shuttles from the Isle of Wight festival campsites. Southern Vectis Bristol VRT3 683 later on June 13th 2005 arriving in Ryde with a full load of festival goers. Southern Vectis Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Leyland Olympian 735 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 715 Leyland Olympian 726 Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Leyland Olympian 738 Southern Vectis Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 191 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 739 Southern Vectis Volvo B7TL 193 Arriving in Newport is Leyland Olympian 737 Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 195 Southern Vectis Volvo B7TL 196 Southern Vectis Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 192 Photographed in Newport is Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian 755 Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian 758 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 740 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 727 Arriving at Ryde bus station is Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 751 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 741 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 717 Plaxton President bodied Volvo B7TL 194 Southern Vectis also ran three Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts that were new to Brighton Borough Transport. This is 900 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 718 Leyland Olympian 726 at Ryde bus station with megarear advert for the Isle of Wight festival. Photographed leaving Ryde bus station for the south of the island on route3 is Volvo Olympian 754 Photographed in Ryde bus station is all Leyland Olympian 716 Southern Vectis withdrew it's last Bristol VRT's during 2008. They were 681,682 and 683. This is is 681 at Ryde bus station. Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian 749 Southern Vectis Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 753 Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian 752 Leaving Ryde bus station on route14 is Dennis Dart 902 The Southern Vectis fleet of Volvo Olympians are now all in the new livery, this is 746 Southern Vectis Dennis Dart SLF 316 Southern Vectis Leyland Olympian 724 Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian 748 Southern Vectis Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Leyland Olympian 736 Southern Vectis all Leyland Olympian 714 Dennis Dart SLF 315 Southern Vectis open top Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 641 Southern Vectis Volvo B7TL/Plaxton President 190 Rear view of 602 in Newport town centre on May 12th 2007. Southern Vectis's well known Bristol K, 602 Southern Vectis Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 750 Southern Vectis partial open top Volvo Olympian 639 The new style of Southern Vectis bus stop outside the Wetherspoons in central Ryde. Southern Vectis buses tend to have a caterpillar alongside the fuel cap. This is the illustration on Leyland Olympian 739. Southern Vectis Mercedes Citaro 457 Southern Vectis Volvo Olympian 638

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Wed Jul 5 2006 Solent Blue Line http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c1013228.html Buses of the Solent Blue Line fleet, part of the Go - Ahead group. Most recent photographs from March 2009. Wednesday 5 July 2006: Buses of the Solent Blue Line fleet, part of the Go - Ahead group. Most recent photographs from March 2009.

Solent Blue Line Volvo B7TL/East Lancs Vyking 787 had just left the paintshops in Newport when photographed and was nabbed for Isle of Wight festival shuttle services. All of Solent Blue Line's Dennis Trident's now have Blue Star branding, this is 773 in Southampton city centre. Solent Blue Line colours on Ikarus bodied DAF SB220L 507. Solent Blue Line Dennis Dart SLF 573 at Hedge End. Solent Blue Line East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 777 at Eastleigh bus station. Solent Blue Line Dennis Dart SLF 575 leaving Eastleigh bus station. Solent Blue Line Dennis Trident 775 with Blue Star branding leaving Eastleigh. Solent Blue Line East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL's 780 (right) and 784 (left) pass at Eastleigh. Solent Blue Line has a number of Dennis Dart SLF's for routes around Eastleigh. This is 571 in the town centre. East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 774 leaving Portsmouth dockyard on International Festival of the Sea shuttle work. Solent Blue Line East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL 783 on an International Festival of the Sea Park & Ride service. Solent Blue Line Mercedes Citaro 446 on the approach to central Southampton. Solent Blue Line Mercedes Citaro 445 outside Southampton's West Quay shopping centre. Passing the West Quay shopping centre in central Southampton is Ikarus Citibus bodied DAF SB220 504. Solent Blue Line has ten Mercedes Citaro's for Blue Star routes 8 and 9 from Southampton to the Hythe area. This is 441 in central Southampton. Original fleetnumbers as shown in these photographs were 401 to 410. Blue Star branded Mercedes Citaro 448 arriving in central Southampton. Solent Blue Line East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 776 in central Southampton. Photographed arriving in central Southampton is Mercedes Citaro 442. Rear view of Solent Blue Line Mercedes Citaro 449 showing promotional message and destination equipment. Solent Blue Line East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL 782 in central Southampton. Solent Blue Line's Volvo B7TL's all have rear promotional messages for the companies ticket deals to Southampton FC matches. This is 785 in central Southampton. The Mercedes Citaro's carry distinctive route promotions on their rear panels as demonstrated by 444 in central Southampton. Solent Blue Line has a batch of eight East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Tridents. This is 772 approaching Eastleigh bus station. Original fleetnumbers for these buses were 742 to 749. September 2006 saw the Eastleigh town routes given the name Solent Blue Line Mercedes Citaro 443 in central Southampton. Blue Star branded Solent Blue Line DAF SB220L 508 in Southampton. Solent Blue Line Optare Solo 2634 in Southampton during February 2007. Solent Blue Line DAF SB220L 506 with Ikarus 481 body on Castle Way, Southampton. Solent Blue Line Volvo B10B 625 arrives in Southampton on February 17th 2007. Solent Blue Line Volvo B7TL 781 on Castle Way, Southampton. Solent Blue Line Mercedes Citaro 450 in Southampton showing it's rear promotion. Solent Blue Line Ikarus Citibus bodied DAF SB220 505 in plain blue on Castle Way, Southampton. Solent Blue Line uses Optare Solos on routes30 and 31. This is 2633 in central Southampton. Mercedes Citaro 447 outside the West Quay Shopping Centre, July 2007. Optare Solo 2668 on route31 arriving in Southampton. Wright Cadet bodied DAF SB120L 556 in Southampton in Blue Star livery on July 18th 2007. Solent Blue Line Dennis Trident 779 approaching Southampton city centre on July 18th 2007. East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 778 at Hanover Buildings, Southampton. Solent Blue Line Wright Cadet bodied VDL SB120L 553 on Above Bar Street, Southampton. The Solent Blue Line fleet has nine Optare Solos. This is 2603 in Southampton. For the New Forest Tour Solent Blue Line has two convertible East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TLs that were new to Wilts & Dorset. 408 is seen leaving Poole depot having had it's roof fitted. Optare Solo 2669 in Red Rocket livery at Eastleigh bus station. Dennis Dart SLF 576 at Eastleigh bus station in Red Rocket livery. Solent Blue Line Wright Cadet bodied VDL SB120L 557 parked up in Southampton city centre. Solent Blue Line Optare Solo 2604 working Totton local routes on April 8th 2008 carrying the Baby Blue Star fleetname introduced earlier in 2008. DAF SB120L 558 at Southampton railway station on April 8th 2008. Solent Blue Line DAF SB120L 560 has been fitted with electronic destination blinds. It is seen here on route18 near Southampton station. Solent Blue Line has Wright Cadet bodied DAF SB120Ls for cross Southampton route18. This is 551 outside Southampton station. Solent Blue Line DAF SB120L 564 at Southampton railway station. Solent Blue Line DAF SB120L 563 leaving Southampton railway station.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Wed Jul 5 2006 First Midland Red http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c978886.html Buses of the First Midland Red fleet. Photos added as there are changes to the fleet and allocations. Saturday 3 June 2006: Buses of the First Midland Red fleet. Photos added as there are changes to the fleet and allocations.

First Midland Red Dennis Lance 67 251 at a foggy Bromsgrove bus station. First Midland Red uses Optare Solo's in Hereford, Kidderminster and Worcester. This is 53 040 when new at the City Bus Station in Hereford. Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 47 008 turning into Hereford's Country Bus Station. First Midland Red Dennis Dart SLF 42 220 in Redditch, shortly after joining the fleet. First Midland Red's Plaxton Pointer1 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 641 seen in central Worcester. First Midland Red Transbus Enviro300 67 604 arriving at Worcester when new. Branded for the Connection services between Worcestershire Hospitals is Dennis Dart SLF 42 893, seen here at Kidderminster bus station. First Dennis Lance 67 256 when it had purple line route branding for the 28 service. For a while First Midland Red route 74 in Hereford was promoted as the Red Line with route branded Dennis Dart's like 47 004. Yellow Line branded First Dennis Dart SLF 42 219 leaving Worcester. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 651 at Evesham. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 631 at Evesham in Midland Red livery. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 636 in Redditch with Get Around in Redditch lettering. First Midland Red Dennis Dart SLF 42 892 with route branding for the Connection. Two Alexander Dennis Enviro300's were painted in Worcester Express livery from 2005 to 2008 for the W1 route. This is 67 652 outside Foregate Street station in Worcester. First Midland Red Optare Solo 53 046 outside Foregate Street station in central Worcester. First Midland Red Dennis Dart SLF 42 353 outside Foregate Street station in First Midland Red Dennis Lance 67 253 in Worcester following repaint. First Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 657 in the Crowngate bus station on the 144 run to Birmingham. First Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 664 arriving at Worcester on the long route 144 from Birmingham. First Midland Red Dennis Dart SLF 42 891 on Foregate Street, Worcester. This bus never carried The Connection route branding. First Midland Red Dennis Dart SLF 42 354 on Foregate Street, Worcester painted in the W3 version of the Worcester Express livery. Six Alexander Dennis Dart SLF Pointer2 buses joined First Midland Red in February 2005. When these were photographed they were allocated to Kidderminster for routes x33 & 303 and carried Connection route branding. This is 42 889 outside Kidderminster town hall. First Midland Red Volvo Olympian 34 289 sunbathing in Worcester bus station. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 661 in Droitwich. During 2005 34 Alexander Dennis Enviro300's entered service with First Midland Red, this is 67 632 in Redditch. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 633 with mega-rear advert for Synergy studio. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 638 in Redditch. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 645 at Evesham. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 647 at Evesham. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 648 at Evesham. Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 653 on Foregate Street, Worcester on the Worcester Express route W1. First Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 656 arriving in Worcester on the 144 route. Passing through Redditch town centre is First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 641. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 643 arrives in Redditch. First Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 640 on Church Green, Redditch. First Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 644 on Church Green West, Redditch. First Midland Red Dennis Lance 67 254 working route44 to Great Malvern on October 13th 2005. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 659 arriving in Worcester on the long route 144 from Birmingham. First Midland Red's first Transbus Enviro300's were four for the Worcester to Hereford service. This is 67 601 from that batch at Worcester bus station. First Midland Red Optare Solo 53 047 entering Crowngate bus station in Worcester with Orange Line branding. First Midland Red Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 655 on Angel Street, Worcester. First Midland Red Dennis Lance 67 208 in Bromsgrove on route93. Midland Red no longer run any Bromsgrove town routes. First Alexander Dennis Enviro300 67 663 passing through Bromsgrove on November 19th 2005. First market Worcester route35 as the Yellow Line and for a time three Dennis Dart SLF's had yellow branding. This one, 42 217 is seen entering Worcester bus station. Optare Solo 50 296 joined First Midland Red in September 2005, it is seen here outside Worcester bus station. First Midland Red Wright Pathfinder bodied Dennis Lance SLF 67 318 outside Worcester bus station in the original livery carried by these buses. First Midland Red Dennis Dart SLF 42 356 passing The Paul Pry on Worcester Express route w3. Caetano Nimbus bodied Dennis Dart SLF 42 351 climbing The Butts in the now discontinued Worcester Express livery. Several of First Midland Red's Dennis Lance SLF's were dual door to allow wheelchair access. This is 67 321 on Shaw Street in Worcester with a green line working to Warndon.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat Jun 3 2006 Stagecoach in Yorkshire http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c835368.html Buses of the current Yorkshire Traction fleet. Saturday 21 January 2006: Buses of the current Yorkshire Traction fleet.

Yorkshire Traction Volvo B6LE 31 030, in Barnsley town centre. It was the first bus painted in Stagecoach livery. The first new bus for Yorkshire Traction after the takeover, a standard Stagecoach Alexander ALX300 bodied MAN 18.220, 22 366 arriving in Barnsley. Volvo B6BLE 31 933 in Barnsley town centre. Transferred over from Roadcar, Optare Solo 47 272 picking up passengers on Market Hill, Barnsley. Alexander ALX200 bodied Volvo B6LE 31 347 in Barnsley. Yorkshire Traction Volvo B6LE 31 031 at Barnsley Interchange. Yorkshire Traction MAN 14.220 39 625 in Barnsley shortly after being painted into Stagecoach livery. East Lancs Myllennium bodied MAN 14.220 39 623 on Eldon Street, Barnsley. Yorkshire Traction Optare Solo 47 283 picks up passengers in central Barnsley. Two Optare Solo's moved from Roadcar to Yorkshire Traction in March 2006. This is 47 271 on Eldon Street, Barnsley. Yorkshire Traction has two East Lancs Vyking Myllennium bodied Volvo B7TLs. This 16 937 on Kendray Street in Barnsley. Yorkshire Traction Optare Solo 47 281 on the North Bridge, Doncaster. Yorkshire Traction East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6BLE 31 939 at Rotherham Interchange, with unusual livery application around the headlights. Yorkshire Traction MAN 14.220 39 626 in Barnsley. Yorkshire Traction MAN 14.220 39 624 at the Interchange in Barnsley. Photographed in Barnsley Interchange is 20 237 a Volvo B10M new to Sheffield Omnibus. Yorkshire Traction Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 16 875 on Eldon Street, Barnsley. Parked in Wath upon Dearne is Yorkshire Traction's East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6BLE 31 946. Yorkshire Traction East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6LE 31 027 in Barnsley town centre. Yorkshire Traction BMC Condor 29 711 in Metro MyBus livery for school work is caught on camera at Barnsley Interchange. Yorkshire Traction East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6LE 31 026 leaving Barnsley. Added to the Yorkshire Traction fleet during Autumn of 2006 was all Leyland Olympian 14 523, seen leaving Barnsley on November 4th 2006. Yorkshire Traction East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6LE 31 028 photographed leaving Barnsley on a trip to Wakefield. Seen at EuroBus Expo2006 is this MAN 14.220 with MCV Evolution body for Yorkshire Traction. Ordered before the Stagecoach takeover the bus became 39 611 and is allocated to Rawmarsh depot. Yorkshire Traction MAN 11.140 39 627 leaving Barnsley on 2nd December 2006 under a clear blue sky. Yorkshire Traction Optare Solo 47 289 leaving Barnsley Interchange on 2nd December 2006. Yorkshire Traction Wright Reknown bodied Volvo B10BLE 21129 leaving Barnsley Interchange. Yorkshire Traction Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35 233 on Greasbrough Road, Rotherham. Yorkshire Traction Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35 230 is caught in the sunlight on Greasbrough Road, Rotherham town centre. New buses for Yorkshire Traction at the end of November 2006 were 10 Alexander Dennis Dart SLF Pointer2's. This is 35 227 in central Rotherham. Yorkshire Traction Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35 228 on Greasbrough Road, Rotherham. Yorkshire Traction initially used their Alexander Dennis Dart SLF's on routes 1, 108 and 109. This is 35 234 on now discontinued route1 at Rotherham Interchange. MCV Evolution bodied MAN 14.220 39 616 outside Barnsley depot on the morning it was delivered. Yorkshire Traction Scania N94/East Lancs Omnidekka 15 411 at Barnsley Interchange, Christmas 2006. Yorkshire Traction MAN14.220 39 621 at Barnsley Interchange at Christmas 2006, one year after the takeover was announced. Yorkshire Traction East Lancs Myllennium bodied MAN 14.220 39 629 outside Barnsley Interchange. Wright Reknown bodied Volvo B10B 21 134 of Barnsley depot on route325. Yorkshire Traction has four Alexander ALX200 bodied Volvo B6LE's. This is 31 341 leaving Barnsley Interchange. Parked up at Shafton depot is Yorkshire Traction BMC Condor 29 712. A rear view of the last of Yorkshire Traction's East Lancs Myllennium bodied MAN 14.220's, 39 631 taken at Barnsley depot. Rear view of Wright Reknown bodied Volvo B10BLE 21 130 at Barnsley depot. Fleetnames on Scania Omnidekka 15 411, the legals show Yorkshire Traction. Parked up at Rawmarsh depot is Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35 231. The spirit of Yorkshire Traction lives on in the destination of MAN 14.220 39 613 photographed at Rawmarsh depot. Yorkshire Traction Volvo B6BLE 31 948 with East Lancs Spryte body at Rawmarsh depot. Yorkshire Traction Volvo B6LE 31 358 at Rawmarsh depot. A rear view of Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35 235 taken at Rawmarsh depot. A rear view of Yorkshire Traction Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 35 232 taken at Rawmarsh depot. Yorkshire Traction's East Lancs Spryte bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 257 leaving the Frenchgate Interchange in Doncaster. Twelve Alexander ALX300 bodied MAN 18.220's joined Yorkshire Traction in February 2007. This is 22 083 approaching Barnsley Interchange with Skyline branding for the central Manchester to Airport service.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat Jan 21 2006 Worcestershire World http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c681184.html Photos taken of the mix of bus companies in the world of Worcestershire. Tuesday 6 September 2005: Photos taken of the mix of bus companies in the world of Worcestershire.

R&B has this Optare Alero with Worcestershire County Council easyLINK lettering for use on the 291 route to Tenbury Wells. Yarrantons long wheelbase Transbus Enviro300 SN04EGC making it's way through central Worcester. Yarrantons operate the hourly route from Worcester to Tenbury Wells. Hollands operate Ford Transits like N20PFB on routes in Kidderminster. It is seen leaving on route 291 to Tenbury. 2006 saw the Go-Ahead group buying Diamond Bus and People's Express and forming Go West Midlands, trading as Diamond. The preceding Diamond Bus operation is recalled by Dennis Lance P452BPH passing Kidderminster library. Castleways operate route 559 from Evesham to Willersey, using Dennis Dart SLF VU02UVM, seen here in Evesham bus station. N.N.Cresswell still uses Bedfords on services into Evesham, this is B180TVJ, a Plaxton Paramount3200 bodied Bedford YLQ in Evesham. Whittle has a number of routes in Worcestershire, here Optare Solo VX05LKM is passing through Birdsgreen on the 297 route. Dudley's Volvo B10M H630UWR in Stratford upon Avon on the companies once a week service to Pershore. Choice operated tendered and commercial services around Kidderminster until 2007. This is Optare Solo 62 at the town's bus station. The Aston Coaches fleet included Scania L94 YN51MGU in Worcestershire County Council Newbury Coaches fleet included Optare Solo YG52DHC for the 675 route from Ledbury to Great Malvern, where this photo was taken. The 675 is now operated by Malvernian Tours. MHS operated services in Droitwich using buses such as Mercedes L811D G10MHS, seen here on September 20th 2005 but lost the contracts in 2009 and no longer provide local bus services. Zaks Worcestershire routes included the 145 from Bromsgrove to Cotteridge, this is Dennis Dart SLF Y36YVV in Barnt Green. A & M Group operate tendered services on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, some of which cross into Worcestershire. This is Mercedes Vario YN54DCX in the Warwickshire People's Express Dennis Dart SLF Y211HWJ seen here in Redditch. People's Express operated commercial tendered services in Redditch before being taken over by Go Ahead and merged with Diamond. Worcestershire County Council Rohill bodied Renault Master VO52XVD in Redditch. Hardings operate tendered and commercial services in the Redditch area, including the 77 and Mercedes L709D DSK593, which was new to Thames Transit. Hardings Mercedes Vario S343JBA in central Redditch. Johnsons operate bus services in Worcestershire under the Midland Rider buses serve Worcestershire for a time operating route 177. Dennis Dart 1012 is seen here passing Wythall station. LMS operate the route from Pershore to Pinvin with this Dennis Dart SLF, VO03PLV, in Worcestershire County Council easyLINK livery, seen here passing Pershore station. Stagecoach in Warwickshire operate into Worcestershire from Stratford upon Avon. Leyland Olympian 14 517 is seen here at Evesham. Clearway operate the 99 route in Bromsgrove. Their 2006, an Iveco 49.10 is seen in the town centre. Worcestershire County Council itself operates routes in the County. This Rohill bodied Renault Master, VO52XUC, is seen at Worcestershire County Hall. Bromyard Omnibus Company operate in Worcester and the Malvern Hills, their fleet includes Leyland National Greenway 195 seen on Angel Street, Worcester. The First/Wright Streetcar demonstration bus at Worcester North Park & Ride. Front view of the Wright Streetcar demonstration bus that First are showing to local authorities. It is seen here on show at Worcester North Park & Ride. Birmingham Motor Traction ran route 627, which crossed into Worcestershire. Dennis Dart SLF T468HNH passes along Rednal Hill Lane. Ludlows Scania L94 S371SET hill climbing in the Lickey Hills. Ludlows operated two routes between Bromsgrove and Halesowen but in 2008 were taken over by Diamond and their services merged into the Diamond business. Cofton Coaches Mercedes 413 MX53ZKR leaving Bromsgrove on route97. MRD has routes in Bromsgrove. Mercedes L709D L327YKV is seen in Bromsgrove still in Stagecoach livery. Until June 2006 Rogers Coaches offered two departures on route310 to Shelsley Beauchamp on Tuesdays & Fridays. Toyota Coaster K196SFH works the 1.40pm departure on December 23rd 2005. LMS Optare Solo YJ55YHA at Worcester bus station on it's first day in service. The Wright Streetcar demonstration vehicle at Worcester County Hall. The FTR First/Wright Streetcar at Worcester County Hall during it's second visit to the County. Worcestershire County Council owned Optare Alero YR02YRW with 'temeLINK' fleetnames at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on loan to ACE Travel. Until 2009 Swanbrook ran route351 into Worcestershire. Former Zaks Optare Solo V845OOF is seen approaching Upton on Severn town centre. The route was taken over by Astons in March 2009. Henshaws operate route552 from Evesham, on February 9th 2006 Volvo B10M F660RTL was called on to operate the service. Photographed when First Midland Red ran the parishLINK route308 is Worcestershire County Council owned Mercedes 411CDI VX04KWM. It is seen here at Worcester bus station. Abbey Cars Saturdays route388 crosses south Worcestershire. Optare Solo YJ54UWZ is seen crossing the Mitre Bridge near Tewkesbury. Hansons is another West Midlands bus company operating over the border into Worcestershire. Dennis Dart J119HGF is seen here approaching Hagley on the 318 from Bromsgrove to Stourbridge. Astons of Kempsey also operate Scania N113's with East Lancs Cityzen bodywork. This is W475DAB on Foregate Street, Worcester. Coniston Coaches operate route213 in Stourport. Toyota OptimaV C20BUS is seen here turning from York Street in Stourport. Until June 2006 Woodstones Coaches operated the Sundays & Bank Holidays service from Worcester to Stratford on Avon. This is Volvo B12B FJ06BNX on London Road, Worcester on one of the final days of Woodstones operation. Malvernian Tours has Optare Solo VX04JZT for the Hills Hopper route around the Malvern Hills. It is seen here at Wyche. Herefordshire based DRM have some tendered services in Worcestershire. This is Scania OmniCity UK02DRM passing through Hallow on a Bank Holiday working of route758. Astons Mercedes Citaro, OK51BUZ in Worcester. Astons operated contracted and commercial services for a number of years in south Worcestershire. LMS operate routes in Worcester and Pershore. This Optare Solo MX56NLL is seen during it's first week in service on routes 26 and 27. Travel West Midlands route 50A crosses into Worcestershire. Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident's were used until 2008 and 4393 is seen here in Wythall with 50 route branding. Bromyard Omnibus Leyland National Greenway 195 outside Worcester's Crowngate bus station, May 2007.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Tue Sep 6 2005 Black Country Tours http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c625560.html If you go down to the Black Country at night.......... Friday 22 July 2005: If you go down to the Black Country at night..........

Black Country Tours operate six former Nottingham buses on their boozy do's, this is ARC638T, known as Archie, a Leyland Atlantean with Northern Counties body to the Nottingham style. Seen here at the Sandwell Rally 2004. East Lancs bodied Leyland Atlantean BTV650T at Cheltenham Racecourse for the National Hunt festival. Jim, a 1981 Leyland Atlantean with Northern Counties body makes a call in Langley. The Black Country Tours depot, Northfield Road, Netherton. The oldest bus in the fleet is Emily, a 1975 Northern Counties bodied Daimler Fleetline. Rosie in Old Hill. Rosie is a Leyland Fleetline with Northern Counties body. Elsie May, the companies Roe bodied Leyland Atlantean photographed in Old Hill. Leyland Titan CUL180V in Old Hill painted as The Celebrations Bus.

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]]> Fri Jul 22 2005 Wilts & Dorset http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c589472.html Buses of the Wilts & Dorset fleet, part of the Go - Ahead group. Most recent photos from June 2009. Thursday 23 June 2005: Buses of the Wilts & Dorset fleet, part of the Go - Ahead group. Most recent photos from June 2009.

Wilts & Dorset Bristol VRT 4417 at the Basingstoke bus depot open day, enjoying the sunshine. Wilts & Dorset Bristol VRT3 4422 is painted in a sky blue version of Wilts & Dorset livery to mark 100 years since trams began running in Poole. It is seen here at the 2004 Basingstoke bus depot open day. Wilts & Dorset Optare Excel 3612 leaves Bath on the long express service to Salisbury on June 5th 2004 Before 3131 Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250/Optare Spectra 3132 carried Guide Friday livery for the Stonehenge tour, it was photographed at Stonehenge on Sunday June 6th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3184 parked up at Amesbury bus station on June 6th 2004. Wilts & Dorset Optare Metrorider 2236 and Leyland Olympian 4902 at Amesbury bus station on June 6th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3164 enjoying afternoon sunshine at Lymington bus station. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3166 at Lymington bus station Lymington bus station on June 6th 2004 with DAF DB250L 3165 spending the day resting. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3163 at the Lymington bus depot Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3174 with X3 route branding at Bournemouth Triangle on June 7th 2004. Wilts & Dorset Optare Excel 3602 at Bournemouth Triangle between turns on the x33 between Bournemouth and Southampton. Wilts & Dorset DAF/Optare Spectra 3175 picks up passengers for Poole at Bournemouth Triange on June 7th 2004. Classic action as Wilts & Dorset Bristol VRT3 4430 arrives in Bournemouth with a morning service from Poole. Wilts & Dorset DAF/Optare Spectra 3179 at Bournemouth Triangle on route x3 to Poole. During Spring 2004 Wilts & Dorset Volvo B10M 3235 was transferred from Oxford to assist in the upgrade of the x33 route. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250/Optare Spectra 3140 at Swanage Station on June 7th 2004 having completed a 150 service from Bournemouth. Wilts & Dorset Leyland Olympian 4922 was converted to open top following a low bridge accident and is seen here on June 7th 2004 at Poole after arriving on route 152 Wilts & Dorset Bristol VRT3 4432 leaves Poole bus station in a blaze of glory Wilts & Dorset X3 branded DAF DB250L 3172 strays onto route133. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3176 at Poole bus station before an afternoon trip to Wimborne on route 132. Wilts & Dorset Bristol VRT3 4417 was their oldest bus at the time of the 2004 visit, being 25 years old. It is seen here entering Poole bus station. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3169 at Poole bus station before taking up a duty on route 101 to Bournemouth Wilts & Dorset Optare Solo 2663 was one of a number with branding for the Canford Heath services until they were relaunched under the Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3185 is the last of the companies large fleet of Optare Spectra's and the only one of the fleet with an Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250 3153 at Poole bus station with route branding for route150 between Bournemouth & Sandbanks Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250 3101 whilst painted in a white overall advertising livery for the Castlepoint Shopping Mall near Bournemouth Wilts & Dorset has the largest fleet of Optare Spectra buses in the world. 3171 seen on Gervis Place, Bournemouth is one of 31 of the low floor variation the company uses. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3162 at Bournemouth Triangle on June 8th 2004. Wilts & Dorset low floor Optare Spectra bodied DAF DB250L double decker 3177 at Poole bus station. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3167 picking up passengers for route 123 to Lymington in central Bournemouth on June 8th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3178 in central Bournemouth on June 8th 2004. Wilts & Dorset Bristol VRT3 4432 giving some extra market day capacity on route 105 to Ringwood on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset Optare Spectra 3161 at Ringwood on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3170 of Poole depot at Ringwood on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3180 leaving Salisbury on route44 on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3156 arriving in Salisbury on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3181 engaged on the Bemberton Heath group of services on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset 3139 is one of four DAF DB250/Optare Spectra's that ran in dual purpose livery. It was photographed in Salisbury bus station. Wilts & Dorset Optare Spectra 3183 in the centre of Salisbury on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset Optare Solo 2619 in central Salisbury on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L 3160 having arrived in Salisbury City Centre from Bemberton Heath on June 9th 2004. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3155 leaving Salisbury on the long route to Andover. Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3158 from the second delivery seen leaving Salisbury bus station. Wilts & Dorset Optare Metrorider 2240 in route68 livery leaving Salisbury bus station. Wilts & Dorset Optare Spectra 3182 in central Salisbury on June 9th 2004. Rear view of Wilts & Dorset DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 3154 arriving in downtown Salisbury on June 9th 2004. Rear view of Volvo B7RLE 117 in central Bournemouth. Wilts & Dorset Optare Spectra 3173 in central Bournemouth. Wilts & Dorset

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]]> Thu Jun 23 2005 Bath Time http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c587792.html Photographs of buses in Bath when mini adventures have taken us there. Small number of Bristol area photos also included. Selection of photos added from June 2008. Friday 17 June 2005: Photographs of buses in Bath when mini adventures have taken us there. Small number of Bristol area photos also included. Selection of photos added from June 2008.

One of Plainglobe's pair of ECW bodied Leyland Atlanteans, TRN469V is seen parked outside Bath Abbey. First Somerset&Avon had Volvo B10LA 10 033 allocated to Bath during 2004 for route18. Plainglobe were operating in Bath using three buses under the name First Somerset&Avon Volvo Olympian 39 920 was converted to open top for the 2004 season and is seen on Grand Parade at the end of a Panoramic Tour. ABus Faresaver DAF DB250L R222AJP was the first low floor double decker bus to enter service in the United Kingdom. It is seen here providing a free bus service from Thornbury to the Walmart store at Cribbs Causeway. Bristol based First Leyland Olympian 34 549 was painted into the National Bus Company leaf green livery it carried when new. It is seen here at Patchway ASDA. A-Bus Optare Spectra AP53BUS was painted into ASDA livery when it was new for use on services to the Patchway ASDA hypermarket. Photographed on Union Street, Bristol is A-Bus VDL DB250L/Optare Spectra AP04BUS. A First Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL crossing the River Avon in Bristol by Redcliff Bridge. The NBC liveried First Leyland Olympian 34 549 crossing Bristol Bridge. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 381 outside Bath Abbey. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 273 on York Street, central Bath. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 372 with full open Ayats Bravo bodywork. As well as the Classic City Tour Ryans also operated the 768 route using Mercedes Vario, Y139RDG. Bath Bus Company Ayats Bravo bodied Volvo B7L 274 outside Bath Abbey. Bath Bus Company is part of the Ensign group and is focused on providing City Sightseeing Tours of Bath and Bristol. This is Ayats Bravo bodied Volvo B7L 272 in central Bath. First Volvo B10LA 10 106 with Wright Fusion body on Railway Street in the Bright Orange livery used to promote University services. First also bought new Optare Solo's for Bath services during 2005. This is 53 816 on Pierrepont Street. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 273 turning onto North Parade. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 381 was new during 2004 and differs in certain ways from the 2005 buses. This photo was taken on Grand Parade. First Somerset & Avon Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 42 900, seen on Dorchester Street. This bus being one of the longer examples. First added a significant number of new buses to it's Bath services during 2005 including Alexander Dennis Dart SLF's to two lengths. 42 555 is one of the shorter buses, seen on route13 on Dorchester Street. First also brought in Wright Eclipse Urban bodied Volvo B7RLE's for the x39 route during 2005. These are painted in First's Rail Link livery and 66 729 is seen on Corn Street. For a time First operated Park & Ride services in Bath using East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Tridents. This is 32 717 on Corn Street. First's X39 branded Volvo B7RLE 66 732 joining Corn Street on June 18th 2005. Scarper operated a Bath to Stonehenge tour using Mercedes Vario Sprinter Y503HWC, seen picking up passengers by Bath Abbey During 2005 Plainglobe was responsible for the City Sightseeing Stonehenge Express using Ford Transit CU04KGE, seen on Grand Parade. First operates a number of bendibuses in Bath on services to the University. This is Volvo B10LA 10 105 on Grand Parade during 2005. Bath Bus Company's Volvo B7L 372 on Grand Parade whilst undertaking a City Sightseeing Tour. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 373 in Royal Victoria Park, Bath. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 374 passing through Royal Victoria Park, Bath. First Bristol still had 24 Roe bodied Leyland Olympian's in the summer of 2005, this is 34 542 in City Line blue, red and yellow. First Bristol Leyland Olympian 34 550 on Union Street, Bristol. The final Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L of the 2005 buses, number 375 in central Bath. Later Volvo B7RLE's entered service in standard group livery, this is 66 961 in central Bath on August 27th 2006. A 2006 view of Alexander Dennis Dart SLF 42 557 with The second Bath Bus Company bus used in Bristol is MCW Metrobus1 385 seen here at The Centre, Bristol. Bath Bus Company has two buses for the Bristol Tour. Scania N113 345 is seen here on June 17th 2007 passing through Clifton Downs. Volvo B7L 383 joined Bath Bus Company in 2007, it is seen here leaving Royal Victoria Park. First's fleet replacement programme for Bath saw these Wright Eclipse Fusion bodied Volvo B7LA's brought in for the Bright Orange. This is 10 179 outside the City of Bath college. Bath Bus Company Volvo B7L 275 has generic City Sightseeing lettering. It was photographed on North Parade. The current buses on Bath Park & Ride services are Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL's. This is 32 684 on Westgate in Bath. First Somerset & Avon Alexander Royale bodied Volvo Olympian 34 202 passes through central Bath. It was new to Yorkshire Coastliner. London Bus Export Company Leyland Titan PD3 FTE630B at Bristol Centre with the National Trust. First Bristol Dennis Trident 32 702 at the Centre in Park & Ride livery. First Somerset & Avon Alexander PS bodied Volvo B10M 60 599 outside Minehead WSR station. It was new to South Yorkshire Mainline.

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]]> Fri Jun 17 2005 Molly goes to the Peak District http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c511113.html Collection of photos of buses taken in the Peak District National Park. Friday 22 April 2005: Collection of photos of buses taken in the Peak District National Park.

Hulleys Dennis Lance number18 at Meadowhall, it has Plaxton Verde body and was new to Longstaff, Dewsbury as P2JJL. Number5 in the Hulleys fleet is ex East Yorkshire Optare Excel P273NRH, seen at Meadowhall coach park. Hulleys number 2, a Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart in Winster. Hulleys 14, a MAN 11.180 with Optare Vectra body in Winster. New to Hulleys in April 2005 was this MAN 14.220 with MCV Evolution body, number 16 seen crossing the River Wye in Bakewell. Andrews Leyland Lion VIL2983 in Bakewell town centre. It was new as F383GVO. Hulleys Optare Vectra 17 in Bakewell town centre. The green grass of England. Hulleys Optare Vectra 17 passes through Chatsworth Park. Hulleys number12, an ex Trent Optare Sigma bodied Dennis Lance at Hulley's Baslow depot. For a time Hulleys 8 was a Caetano bodied Dennis Javelin, photographed at the Baslow depot. It has since been sold. Parked up at the depot in this photo are Mercedes L709D number1 and Volvo B10M number10. Both have since been sold. Hulleys operate local services, contracts and coach work from their base at Baslow. This Mercedes L709D was number1 from 1996 to 2006 and is seen at the Baslow depot. Hulleys Dennis Javelin number6 at the depot in Baslow. Hulleys number4, a Plaxton Premiere bodied Dennis Javelin at their Baslow depot. Hulleys Dennis Dart 19 on the Fridays only service 276 at Baslow. Hulleys MAN 14.220 16 in Baslow. First South Yorkshire Volvo Olympian 30 557 passes through Calver on the 240 route. Yorkshire Terrier MCW Metrobus2 1743 (ex TWM 2499) passes through Calver on a schooldays working of route240. Molly and friend in Bakewell. Andrews of Tideswell use a variety of double deckers on school works around the Peak District. Leyland Titan B118WUV is seen in Bakewell. Andrews Leyland Olympian TPD128Y in Bakewell on Lady Manners School work. Andrews Leyland Lion VIL4686 leaving Bakewell on an afternoon school journey. It was originally F386GVO. Hulleys Optare Sigma bodied Dennis Lance number11 in Bakewell town centre. An unidentified Volvo B10M of First PMT crosses the River Wye in Bakewell. This one time Merseyside PTE Leyland Panther is now a cafe at the side of the A6 near Whatstandwell. Hulleys last Leyland: Their Lynx number20 passing through Great Longstone. Hulleys number3, a Van Hool Alizee bodied Scania K93 at Ye Old Shakespeare Inn, central Sheffield having returned from a fishing trip. Hulleys replaced Leyland Lynx 20 during Autumn 2005 with a second MCV Evolution bodied MAN 14.220, also number20 and photographed in Bakewell. Hulleys had Plaxton Beaver2 bodied Mercedes Vario 7 in their fleet, this photo was taken in Bakewell. Hulleys Mercedes Vario, number9 loading passengers outside Bakewell Co-op for route2. Trent Wright Solar Urban bodied Scania L94 686 in Bakewell on route 6.1 to Derby. Trent operate several services across the Peak District including the TransPeak service from Manchester to Derby. Volvo B10M 56 pauses in Bakewell during Christmas 2005 with a Derby bound service. Hulleys number1, an Optare Solo at Sheffield Interchange. Hulleys Optare Solo number10 on route64 from Clay Cross to Matlock approaching Ashover on Good Friday 2007. Hulleys Optare Sigma bodied Dennis Lance 15 at their depot in Baslow. The Hulleys depot in Baslow. Molly and friend at Sickleholme service station. A second view of the two mini's at Sickleholme service station. First South Yorkshire Volvo B10BLE 60 625 at Bamford station on the 272 route. Hulleys of Baslow Wright Cadet bodied DAF SB120L number7 arriving in Sheffield Interchange. Hulleys number3, a Plaxton Centro bodied MAN 14.240 arrives in Bakewell on Easter Saturday 2009. Hulleys of Baslow number9 is now this Optare Solo. It entered service in April 2009 and was photographed in Bakewell.

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]]> Fri Apr 22 2005 Travel West Midlands & Travel Coventry http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c431019.html Pictures I have taken of Travel West Midlands and Travel Coventry buses, includes former company vehicles. Sunday 13 February 2005: Pictures I have taken of Travel West Midlands and Travel Coventry buses, includes former company vehicles.

Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 4234 on Colmore Row, Birmingham. Dudley Castle is the well known backdrop to Dudley bus station. Leyland Lynx 1161 passes through on the 311 to Stourbridge. 2252 was the only mark1 Metrobus given route branding for the 101. It is seen here on New Street, Birmingham. MCW Metrobus2 2749 at Five Ways, Birmingham. TWM MCW Metrobus2 2872 on Colmore Row, Birmingham in the colours of Birmingham City Transport. Autumn colours in Bournville as Leyland Lynx 1080 takes a 35 through. During 1998 Travel West Midlands tried a Park & Ride service from Wolverhampton racecourse to the city centre. Mercedes Vario's 249 and 250 were used in this grey livery. Leyland Lynx 1260 with 994 route branding on Bull Street Birmingham. TWM Optare Solo 285 in Harborne Hopper colours at the University station. Mercedes 0.405N 1537 with 404 route branding at Walsall Bradford Place. DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 4020 passes through Wooten Wawen on the x20 from Stratford upon Avon to Birmingham when TWM held the contract to operate the route on Sundays. Sunset in Bearwood. 66 branded Mercedes 0.405N 1698 when new. A picture of Volvo B7TL 4119 when it was new and was branded for the routes between Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, the Pete's Travel Dennis Dart SLF V266BNV and TWM Volvo B6LE 503 at Stourbridge bus station. Snow in Centenary Square as MCW Metrobus2 2831 arrives on route258. 21/29 branded Dennis Trident 4153 at Five Ways during it's first few days in service. During the last days that TWM ran MCW Metrobus1's 2350 calls at Bearwood on the Outer Circle. 2400 was the last MCW Metrobus1 to operate for Travel West Midlands, it was withdrawn during January 2003. When new Dennis Trident 4355 had special lettering indicating the 50th anniversary of the conversion of Bristol Road services from tram to bus. It is seen at the official launch of the Jubilee Line Dennis Tridents. The official launch of the Jubilee Line took place in Centenary Square using Dennis Trident's 4355 and 4356, seen here looking smart if soggy! MCW Metrobus2 2650 with offside advert for The Thomson Local Directory on Margaret Street, Birmingham. During Autumn 2002 Travel West Midlands bought it's 1,000th low floor bus and to mark the occasion Dennis Trident 4370 received special lettering. Travel Coventry colours as applied to Dennis Trident 4399. Travel West Midlands Optare Spectra 4001 in original livery in Harborne. 4424 is one of ten Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL's painted in Travel Coventry colours. Optare Solo 318 in Travel Coventry colours. MCW Metrobus1 2028 taking Wolverhampton Wanderers on their victory tour of Wolverhampton after they had won the Division 1 play-offs and had been promoted to the Premier League. Volvo B7TL 4107 with McDonalds advert TWM MCW Metrobus2 2939 takes West Bromwich Albion on their victory tour of West Bromwich after the team had been promoted to the Premier League. Volvo B7TL 4090 with Nokia advert MCW Metrobus2 2877 with offside ad for O2 business service on Harborne High Street Volvo B7TL 4510 at the NFBU Surgery, Victoria Square, Birmingham on May 25th 2004 Volvo B7TL 4511 at the NFBU Surgery, Victoria Square, Birmingham on May 25th 2004 Ex TWM Scania N113 3238 on the Headrow, Leeds with Black Prince Ex TWM Scania N113 3235 in action with Black Prince in Leeds on May 29th 2004 TWM DAF DB250L/Optare Spectra 4006 in Harborne on June 28th 2004. TWM MCW Metrobus2 2540 with Venus Mega-rear advert on June 29th 2004. TWM MCW Metrobus2 2620 with offside advert for the Think Tank passing through Birmingham City Centre on June 29th TWM MCW Metrobus2 2976 with Spiderman2 offside advert on Corporation Street, Birmingham on June 29th 2004. Rear view of (from the left) BU04BTF, S1TWM, BU04BTZ, BU04BUE and BU04BSZ Scania BU04BTV waits for it's turn in the workshops The front of BU04BTZ, S1TWM and BU04BTF TWM Scania bendibus 6024 has vinyls applied in the Scania workshop at Worksop. Rear and offside view of BU04BSZ Emma has a look in BU04BTF TWM Volvo B7TL 4086 with rear advert for Reebok on Corporation Street, Birmingham on July 17th 2004. TWM Volvo B7TL 4105 with mega-rear advert for Oakley sunglasses. Mercedes 0.405N 1605 with offside super square advert for Total Body Wellbeing. TWM Volvo B6LE 593 in Coventry Park & Ride South livery on August 11th 2004. Volvo B6LE 586 with mega-rear advert for Henley College.

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]]> Sun Feb 13 2005 Chester Collection http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c289195.html Photographs of buses in the Chester City Transport fleet covering the period from 2004 to the First Group takeover in June 2007. The collection includes photos from June 30th 2007, the penultimate day of operation before take over. Saturday 11 September 2004: Photographs of buses in the Chester City Transport fleet covering the period from 2004 to the First Group takeover in June 2007. The collection includes photos from June 30th 2007, the penultimate day of operation before take over.

Waiting at Chester station is open top Daimler Fleetline 998 in City Sightseeing colours. New in 2000 were a batch of seven Dennis Dart SLF's with Marshall Capital body, this is 368 outside the station. Chester's Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian number2 leaving the city on route15. Leyland Olympian 9 from the pair new in 1988 on Foregate Street on a Park & Ride service. Chester Leyland Olympian number 3 picks up passengers on Foregate Street. Wright Axcess Ultralow bodied Scania L113CRL 85 on Frodsham Street. Marshall Minibus 249 on Foregate Street in Blue Diamond livery. Dennis Dart SLF 372 with Marshall Capital body picks up passengers on Foregate Street. A grey livery was used for the Park & Ride buses in the fleet, here Scania L113CRL 83 turns from Frodsham Street into Foregate Street. BMC Falcon 92 on Frodsham Street. Optare Solo 365 in Vale Rider livery passes along Frodsham Street. Rear view of BMC Falcon 93 on Frodsham Street. Blue Diamond Dennis Dart SLF 373 helps out on Park & Ride work in central Chester. Daimler Fleetline 992 picks up sightseers on Frodsham Street. Chester Dennis Dart 60 on Frodsham Street in the city centre. Chester Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer 58 passes along Northgate Street on September 11th 2004. Taking a break at the Bus Exchange is Dennis Dart SLF 374. Chester Dennis Dominator 109 alongside Leyland Olympian 1 at the Bus Exchange. Until the ChesterBus name was introduced the brand name Marshall Minibus 250 leaves the Bus Exchange. Dennis Dart 65 in Aaron Blinds overall advert livery leaves the Bus Exchange. It was the only Chester City Transport bus to run in an overall advert livery. The Bus Exchange was the focus for many Chester City Transport services. Number 11, an all Leyland Olympian waits at stand4. Leyland Olympian number 10 passes beneath the North Gate into central Chester. New in 2004 were four Dennis Dart SLF's with Marshall Capital body from the Halton fleet. This is 341 starting down Northgate Street. BMC Falcon 90 in Park & Ride livery turns off Canal Street. The second of two ex London General Marshall Minibuses in the fleet is 248, seen turning onto Northgate Street. Dennis Dart 54 has Reeve Burgess Pointer body and is seen here turning onto Northgate Street. At the time of the First Group takeover Chester ran 7 open top buses. Picking up passengers at the side of the River Dee is Daimler Fleetline 990. Open top Roe bodied Leyland Olympian 980 at Chester station. It was new to West Yorkshire PTE. Molly at Broughton Heath Park & Ride site alongside the A41 into Chester. Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLF 371 picks up passengers on Frodsham Street. Scania L113CRL 84 on Park & Ride service 30 on Frodsham Street. BMC Falcon 94 picks up Park & Ride passengers on Frodsham Street. Scania L113CRL 86 on the 32 Park & Ride service on Frodsham Street. Chester Dennis Dart 59 on route 15 on Foregate Street. Blue Diamond branded Dennis Dart SLF 343 waiting for signals on Foregate Street. BMC Falcon 91 at the City Centre stop of the 33 Park & Ride route. Winter in Chester: Northern Counties bodied Dennis Dominator 105 leaving the city on route35. This bus was the last Dominator used in service and was withdrawn during June 2007. Chester also ran four Optare Solos in Vale Rider livery on route41. This is 363 on the hourly 41 service to Whitchurch. Chester City Transport ran six Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympians. This is number4 photographed on the 9th December 2004 at the Gorse Stacks. Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian number6 was new to Derby City Transport, it is seen turning off Canal Street. Reeve Burgess Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 252 at Chester Bus Exchange. It was originally number 52 and was later restored to that number. Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 64 takes a break at the Bus Exchange. Daimler Fleetline 79 picks up passengers for route1 at the Bus Exchange. It was new to Lancashire United as 583 before becoming Greater Manchester PTE 6960. It was withdrawn during May 2007 after suffering a minor component failure and sold for preservation. Chester City Transport had 17 Dennis Darts. This is Reeve Burgess Pointer bodied 51 leaving the Bus Exchange. BMC Falcon 89 at the Bus Exchange involved in Park & Ride route31. Reeve Burgess Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 53 passes through the Bus Exchange. Dusk in Chester as Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 56 picks up passengers for Huntington. Vale Rider Optare Solo 364 picks up passengers on Foregate Street in central Chester. Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian 5 outside the Old Queen's Head, in the City Centre.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat Sep 11 2004 Claribels Corner http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c282897.html Photographs of buses in the current Claribels fleet. Friday 10 September 2004: Photographs of buses in the current Claribels fleet.

Claribels Wright Commander bodied DAF SB200L YD02RCY on Corporation Street, Birmingham. Claribels was the first UK operator of the DAF SB200L bus. This is YD02RCX at Old Square, Birmingham. Optare Excel V390KVY arrives in central Birmingham. New in 2003 was this VDL SB200L/Wright Commander, YJ53VDL. It was exhibited at the Coach & Bus Show that year and is seen leaving Birmingham on route 94. Claribels DAF SB200L/Wright Commander bus YD02RCZ in central Birmingham on route 94. Claribels Optare Excel V385KVY with mega-rear advert for Fortune Inn Cantonese Restaurant. Claribels Optare Excel V387KVY at Chelmsley Wood on September 10th 2004. Claribels Optare Excel V388KVY at Chelmsley Wood on route 72. Claribels bought nine Optare Excel's in 2000, of which four have since been sold. This is V386KVY on Bull Street, Birmingham. An unusual bus in the fleet is the Caetano Nimbus bodied Dennis Dart SLF X92FOR, seen here at the Claribels depot. Claribels VDL DB250L/East Lancs Lowlander YJ54CKL on Bull Street, Birmingham. Claribels YJ54CKL, the companies first ever double decker at Dale End, Birmingham. Claribels Wright Commander bodied VDL SB200L YJ54CEN on Albert Street, Birmingham during it's first day in service. Wright Commander bodied VDL SB200L YJ54CEO at Dale End on it's first day in service. Wright Commander bodied VDL SB200L YJ54CEF on Bull Street, Birmingham. First day in service for YJ54CEK, a Wright Commander bodied VDL SB200L. Claribels put five Wright Commander bodied VDL SB200L's into service on route 94 during February 2005. This is YJ54CEA in Birmingham City Centre. New to Claribels during October 2005 was further Wright Commander bodied VDL SB200L YJ55KZX. A further two VDL SB200L's joined Claribels during Autumn 2006, this is YJ56JXX, which has Wright Commander body. Claribels Wright Commander bodied DAF SB200L, YJ03PKA, seen loading passengers in central Birmingham. The second VDL SB200L, YJ56KCV, is more unusual as it has Plaxton Centro bodywork. It is seen here at the Claribels depot. The Claribels depot at Tile Cross. Claribels Wright Pulsar Urban bodied VDL SB200L YJ57BOH in Birmingham City Centre. Added to the Claribels fleet in late 2007 were two Wright Pulsar Urban bodied VDL SB200Ls in a new livery style. This is YJ57BOF arriving in central Birmingham. New to Claribels in February 2009 was VDL SB200 YJ58FDV with Wright Pulsar Urban body. It was photographed on Bull Street, Birmingham. Claribels T290ROF, a former Volvo B6BLE demonstrator photographed at their depot.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Fri Sep 10 2004 Molly goes to Ilfracombe http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c272480.html Photographs taken on mini advertures to North Devon. Includes pictures from places on the way and surrounding area. More pictures added from July 2009 illustrating recent developments. Sunday 29 August 2004: Photographs taken on mini advertures to North Devon. Includes pictures from places on the way and surrounding area. More pictures added from July 2009 illustrating recent developments.

First Somerset & Avon has six of these stylish Roe bodied Leyland Olympians to convertible design. This is 39 911 at Sand Bay. First open top Leyland Olympian/Roe 39 914 arrives at Sand Bay. Open top services in Weston Super Mare are now marketed as the Coastrider. This is 39 914 at the Sand Bay terminus of the route. This replica of a London General B-type was used during 2004 on tours of Ilfracombe and a service to Watermouth Castle. It is seen here parked outside the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe. Lancaster Leisure borrowed Bristol VRT3/ECW UWV607S Violet during August 2004 for use on shuttle services between the companies holiday camps. It is seen here in Woolacombe. The website is a reference to the annual air tattoo at RAF Fairford. First Mercedes Vario/Plaxton Beaver2 52 652 arrives in Woolacombe. It was withdrawn after the Autumn 2006 route changes. BJG672V, an ECW bodied Bristol VRT3 at Golden Coast holiday camp. Parked up at the Golden Coast holiday camp is former Aberdeen Leyland Atlantean 114, now an open top shuttle bus. First Volvo Olympian 34 002 was working from Ilfracombe outstation during August 2004 in an overall advertising livery to encourage smokers to quit. It is seen here at Ilfracombe bus station. First Devon & Cornwall had three Alexander AL bodied Leyland Atlantean's allocated to Barnstaple depot at the time of the August 2004 visit. This is 38 338, which was painted in First Aberdeen livery. Devon County Council was evaluating this Caetano Nimbus Slimbus bodied Dennis Dart SLF during 2004. It is seen at Barnstaple bus station on August 27th on loan to First. At the time of the August 2004 visit Optare Solo 53 002 was branded for the TownLinx 10 service. First Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties Palatine1 34 004 leaves Barnstaple bus station on August 27th 2004. In 2004 First Devon & Cornwall operated the Barnstaple Park & Ride service with two Mercedes L709D's in a red and white livery, this is 51 246. First Devon & Cornwall ran five Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 buses from Barnstaple depot until the Autumn 2006 changes. This is 42 474 at Barnstaple. An unusual bus in the First Barnstaple allocation during 2004 was this 16 seat Trucksmith bodied LDV. It is seen at Barnstaple before working the Fridays only service to Petrockstowe. The service and bus subsequently transferred to BeaconBus. This Landtrain can be caught from Ilfracombe's harbour to the Landmark theatre for £1. First Mercedes Vario/Plaxton Beaver2 52 569 at Combe Martin. It was also one of the six retained at the end of 2006, however four of the six, including this bus were withdrawn in mid 2007. First Mercedes Vario/Plaxton Beaver2 52 523 approaches Berrynarbor on August 28th 2004. It was new to Midland Red West. Molly and the deep blue sea. Just off the A339 between Hele Bay and Watermouth Cove. First Devon & Cornwall operated several Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian's in North Devon. This is 34 001 passing along Ilfracombe Promenade. Quantock Motor Services took over the 300 route for 2005 doubling the frequency and using route branded Dennis Javelin's. This is N808CVP leaving Ilfracombe. Alexander R bodied Volvo Olympian 34 335 of the Devon & Cornwall fleet sets out from Barnstaple. It has since been withdrawn. For 2005 First Devon & Cornwall had two Mercedes Vario's in this revised Barnstaple Park & Ride livery. The first was 52 522. Volvo Olympian 34 115 at Barnstaple bus station in Red Bus red/cream livery. An April 2005 view of First Devon & Cornwall Leyland Olympian 30 065 in PMT red/yellow livery. First Optare Solo 53 002 in Barnstaple again with new During April 2005 First Devon & Cornwall had ECW bodied Leyland Olympians allocated to Barnstaple. This is 30 048 in advert livery for Manchester Metropolitan University's Cheshire campus. Quantock Dennis Javelin N808CVP approaching Hele Bay. Quantock Dennis Javelin N808CVP leaving Hele Bay on the 300 to Minehead. Filers took over Ilfracombe area services 33-36 from First for the summer of 2005 using Mercedes L811D P224LKK, seen here on Saint James Place, Ilfracombe. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart 46 670 with offside super square advert for Modern Apprenticeships leaving Ilfracombe. It was withdrawn following the Autumn 2006 service changes. Filers Mercedes L811D P224LKK at Lee Bay. First Devon & Cornwall Optare Solo 50 276 in Barnstaple. Following the Autumn 2006 service changes it moved to Plymouth. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 477 at Barnstaple bus station. First Devon & Cornwall Mercedes L709D 51 378 in Bideford Town Linx livery. All of the Mercedes L709D's allocated to Barnstaple were withdrawn by October 2006. First Devon & Cornwall Mercedes L811D 51 719 was new to Provincial as number 719. It is seen in Barnstaple bus station painted in Western National blue & white. It was withdrawn following the Autumn 2006 service changes. First Devon & Cornwall Wright Handybus bodied Dennis Dart 46 084 leaving Barnstaple bus station. It was withdrawn following the Autumn 2006 service changes. First Optare Solo 53 013 at Barnstaple. First Devon & Cornwall Optare Solo 53 003 leaving Barnstaple. First Mercedes Vario 52 570 in the latest First group colourscheme leaving Barnstaple. Withdrawn after the service changes in Autumn 2006. First Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42 476 at Barnstaple bus station. First Mercedes Vario 52 537 was also painted in revised Barnstaple Park & Ride livery. First Mercedes Vario 52 568 in the latest First group colourscheme at Ilfracombe. It was another of the six retained Vario's. Coastrider Volvo Olympian 39 920 outside Weston Super Mare Grand Pier. Stagecoach Devon Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident 18 112 with Culm Valley Connect branding calls at Tiverton Parkway station on October 26th 2006, the 20th anniversary of the deregulation of bus services in Great Britain. Stagecoach Devon Scania N113 15 325 'Sir Philip Bowes Vere Brooke' at Tiverton Parkway station on route1. First Devon & Cornwall Mercedes Vario 52 567 at Ilfracombe bus station. It was one of six still in use at the end of 2006. First Devon & Cornwall used a small number of Marshall Capital bodied Dennis Dart SLF's in North Devon. This is 41 151 outside the boarded up Ilfracombe bus station buildings. A view of the decaying buildings of First's Ilfracombe outstation. The outstation closed after service on March 31st 2007.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sun Aug 29 2004 Road Car Report http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c262886.html Photographs from a visit to Skegness on Wednesday August 18th 2004 and an hour in Scunthorpe on Saturday April 2nd 2005. Wednesday 18 August 2004: Photographs from a visit to Skegness on Wednesday August 18th 2004 and an hour in Scunthorpe on Saturday April 2nd 2005.

MCW Metrobus2 770 at Skegness Bus Station on route 90 to Mablethorpe was previously Travel West Midlands 2580. Road Car 687 is one of a pair of East Lancs Pyoneer bodied Volvo Olympian's in the Road Car fleet. New in 2004 for Skegness Super Buzz services were six Optare Solos. This is 116 at Skegness bus station. Road Car's Skegness depot operates two Volvo B6's with East Lancs EL2000 bodies. This is 327 at the bus station. Road Car 651 is a Leyland Olympian with Alexander R type body that was new to Sheffield Omnibus. It is now allocated to Grimsby depot and is seen at Skegness bus station. A general view of the workshops at Skegness depot. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 781 at Skegness depot was Travel West Midlands 2541. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 768 unloads passengers on Lumley Road whilst on the 97 route from the Butlins complex. It was TWM 2438 and was allocated to West Bromwich depot. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 782, ex TWM 2582, on Lumley Road with Skegness clock tower behind it. The open top MCW Metrobus2 is 741, ex TWM 2571. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 742, ex Travel West Midlands 2492 picks up passengers for a run up the coast on Lumley Road. MCW Metrobus2 794 turns onto Lumley Road on August 18th. It was new to West Midlands PTE as 2514. Open top MCW Metrobus2 744 at the Chapel Saint Leonards terminus of route 99 after I'd got off. New to West Midlands PTE as 2591. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 743 at Chapel Saint Leonards on August 18th, previously Travel West Midlands 2495. Coastal service 90 from Skegness to Mablethorpe is popular during the summer holiday season. On August 18th 2004 Road Car MCW Metrobus2 758, ex TWM 2448, pauses at Chapel Saint Leonard's with an afternoon service to Mablethorpe. Parked up at Skegness bus station on the afternoon of August 18th is Road Car MCW Metrobus2 774, ex TWM 2464. Recently Road Car has built up a fleet of East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TLs. This is 906 at Skegness bus station in Connect6 livery. Two of Road Car's large fleet of ex Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2s at Skegness bus station. On the right 766 was TWM 2436 and on the left 781 was TWM 2541. A rear view of Road Car MCW Metrobus2 792, ex TWM 2542, at Skegness bus station. At the time of the visit Road Car had 14 ex Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2's allocated to it's Skegness depot, four of which have been converted to open top. This is 741, one time TWM 2571 at Skegness bus station. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 773 at Skegness bus station, was new to West Midlands PTE as 2553 and was initially allocated to Selly Oak depot. One of six long wheelbase East Lancs R bodied Volvo Olympian's in the Road Car fleet is 686, which is allocated to Gainsborough. Road Car ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 620 at Scunthorpe. A line up at Scunthorpe bus station includes Road Car MCW Metrobus2 757, new to West Midlands PTE as 2547. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 798 was new to West Midlands PTE as 2528. Optare Solo 102 at Scunthorpe bus station. Scunthorpe depot uses East Lancs Spryte bodied Dennis Dart SLF's on it's Super Buzz routes. This is 525 at the bus station. Road Car MCW Metrobus2 766 again at Scunthorpe on April 2nd 2005. Road Car MCW Metrobus2's 757 and 762 at Scunthorpe. These are ex TWM 2547 and 2593. Road Car Leyland Olympian 661 at Scunthorpe bus station between turns on the 350 route to Hull. Road Car's Plaxton Paramount3200 bodied Leyland Tiger 441 at Scunthorpe bus station. Seen here at Showbus 2005 is Wright Eclipse Urban bodied Volvo B7RLE 831.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Wed Aug 18 2004 Blackpool Business (Buses) http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c247456.html Photographs of the Blackpool Transport bus fleet. Most recent photographs from September 2009. Sunday 1 August 2004: Photographs of the Blackpool Transport bus fleet. Most recent photographs from September 2009.

Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 115 on route6 on Church Street, Blackpool. Optare Metrorider 507 on Dickson Road, working the now discontinued 2A service variation. Initially the Volvo Olympians ran in Line11 livery. This is 377 on Talbot Road, Blackpool. The ECW bodied Leyland Olympians ran in Line11 livery for a while. This is 406 at Cleveleys bus station. Optare Solo 266 in the blue livery used for route3 on High Street, Blackpool. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 133, new to Fylde Borough Transport, on Corporation Street, Blackpool. Optare Solo 271 in the dark blue colour used for route4 on Church Street, Blackpool. ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 409 is seen here passing along the promenade between the North Pier and Gynn Square. A dark blue colour is used to distinguish route4, 265 is one of the Optare Solo's used, seen leaving Church Street for Mereside. Route3 is operated by blue Optare Solo's, some of which like 260 seen here were new during 2004. ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 402 is seen here on Corporation Street on July 29th 2004. Dennis Trident 324 is seen here on Corporation Street on it's way to Cleveleys. 375 was the first of the Northern Counties Palatine2 bodied Volvo Olympians to be painted in the pool black and yellow livery, it is seen here on the busy 11 route on July 29th 2004. Dennis Trident 315 was new during 2003 and is seen here turning off Market Street on July 29th 2004. Routes 5 and 20 received buses in Metro Coastlines livery during 2004, route5 getting a batch of brand new Optare Solo's like 250. Optare Metrorider 502 is seen here passing Blackpool Tower on route10 to Mereside in the original pool livery. It is now painted in Line2 green. Route11 has seen a number of different bus types allocated to it, this is one of the Volvo Olympian's with Northern Counties Palatine2 bodies, 379 passing the tower with an 11 to Cleveleys. The LifeStyle Line was introduced during 2003 and was funded by an Urban Bus Grant. Blackpool Transport won the contract to operate the service and used red and cream Optare Solos like 282 seen outside Rigby Road. When funding ran out the route was incorporated into Line16. Four of Blackpool Transport's six East Lancs R type bodied Leyland Olympian's are painted in pool livery, here 371 picks up passengers on Lytham Road. On July 29th 2004 Optare Excel 218 in the pool livery was on route7. Optare Excel 214 is seen turning off the Promenade on July 29th 2004. Roe bodied Leyland Olympian 367 picks up passengers at Talbot Square. Note the picture of Mike Sheron, then a striker with Blackpool FC and promoting school bus travel. In 2004 Blackpool Transport won the Lancashire County Council contract to operate new route70, the Kirkham Roamer, around Kirkham. New Optare Solo 285 was delivered in this special colourscheme and is seen here at Kirkham Square on July 29th 2004. Following service changes in September 2006 this bus has been painted in the Line2 green livery. There are three East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident's in the pool livery. This is 317 on Market Street. Optare Solo 276 in the pool black livery at Talbot Road bus station. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 124 outside Talbot Road bus station when painted in the original pool livery of Black, yellow and olive. Blackpool Transport bought Dennis Tridents with East Lancs Lolyne bodies in olive and yellow for route14 during 2002 and 2003. This is 302 at the Fleetwood Freeport terminus of the route. Most buses on route1 are former Trent ECW bodied Leyland Olympians, this is 404 approaching Talbot Square, photographed from the window of the Clifton Hotel. Leyland Olympian 405 on the North Promenade on July 25th 2005. ECW bodied Leyland Olympian 410 approaching Gynn Square. Leyland Olympian 407 on the North Promenade on route1. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 122 on Corporation Street, central Blackpool. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 126 on Corporation Street, Blackpool. ECW bodied Leyland Olympians 401-403 were painted in this lilac version of the Metro Coastlines livery for route20 but are now in Line1 orange. 401 is seen unloading passengers on Corporation Street. Route11 also has a batch of Dennis Trident buses with East Lancs Lolyne bodies. This is 322 turning from Church Street to Corporation Street in central Blackpool. East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 323 turns off Market Street. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 119 on Church Street in central Blackpool. Just two buses remain in the Blackpool Transport fleet from the Fylde Blue Buses company. This is one of them, Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 132 turning onto Church Street in central Blackpool. Optare Excel 221 outside Blackpool Tower. Northern Counties Palatine2 bodied Volvo Olympian 378 on the Promenade. Dennis Trident 326 on the Promenade on the 11 route. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 118 on Lytham Road working route11 to Cleveleys. Route 11 Dennis Tridents pass on Lytham Road, with 327 forming a service to Lytham. Blackpool's route11 liveried DAF SB220 125 on Lytham Road on July 25th 2005. A number of Blackpool Transport's Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 single deck buses are painted sky blue to work on route11. This is 116 in south Blackpool. Roe bodied Leyland Olympian 366 at the Pleasure Beach. The arrival of new buses in 2004 saw the conversion of route7 to low floor Optare Excel buses like 210, seen here on Market Street. Optare Delta bodied DAF SB220 127 picking up passengers for a southbound 11 on July 25th 2005. Optare Excel 220 on Corporation Street showing it's rear destination display. Caught in the rain on Market Street, Blackpool is East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident, 325.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sun Aug 1 2004 Cheltenham & Gloucester Country http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c232263.html Photographs of buses in the Stagecoach West fleet. Most recent photographs from Cheltenham in September 2009. Thursday 15 July 2004: Photographs of buses in the Stagecoach West fleet. Most recent photographs from Cheltenham in September 2009.

Cheltenham District Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 33 977 calls at Cheltenham Spa station on the morning of July 15th 2004 Gloucester depot has several former Stagecoach London Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties Palatine1 buses, this is 16 110 leaving Gloucester bus station on the hourly service from Gloucester Hospital to Dursley. Photographed on loan to Gloucester is Stagecoach in Cheltenham Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 929. Gloucester depot 32 319 is an Alexander Dash bodied Dennis Dart that was new to Stagecoach London and joined Stagecoach West in 1998. Volvo Olympian/Alexander R 16 126 of the Gloucester fleet is seen leaving Gloucester bus station on the lunchtime link to the Cheltenham & Gloucester Building Society offices. Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 509 loads outside Gloucester bus station on route10. Gloucester Alexander PS bodied Volvo B10M 20 818 at Gloucester bus station. Gloucester has two Volvo B10M's with Plaxton Premiere body for the express service between Gloucester and Cheltenham. 52 396 leaves Gloucester on the 12.15pm departure. Gloucester Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer2 33 511 has been painted in dual purpose Bristol country area livery carried by single decker buses in Gloucester in the 1950's and 1960's. 2004 was the 75th year since the formation of Cheltenham District and to celebrate this Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer2 33 506 has been painted in the maroon and cream livery used by the companies single deck buses in the 1950's and 1960's. Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 18 089 shows the nearside 94 route branding as it leaves Cheltenham on an afternoon trip to Gloucester. Dennis Trident 18 084 loads on The Parade on July 15th 2004. Cotswolds Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 33 812 in Stroud on October 23rd 2004. Cotswolds Volvo Olympian 16 128 on route 46. Wye & Dean Alexander R bodied Volvo Olympian 16 204 at Hereford Country bus station. Wye & Dean Volvo Olympian 16 205 leaving Hereford on the 38 route. Wye & Dean Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 34 402 leaves Gloucester bus station. Wye & Dean received this Alexander ALX400 bodied Dennis Trident, 18 200, in February 2005 following a grant from Herefordshire Council. It is seen arriving at Gloucester bus station to work the 11.15am 31 service to Coleford. New to Cotswolds in late 2004 were two Optare Solo's in route37 livery. 47 121 is seen here in central Stroud. Alexander R bodied Volvo Olympian 16 129 of the Cotswolds fleet swings into Stroud. Cotswolds Volvo Olympian 16 127 arriving in Stroud. Dennis Trident 18083 passing Montpellier Rotunda on May 17th 2005. Dennis Trident 18 086 passing the statue of King Edward 7th in Montpellier. Dennis Trident 18 091 approaches central Cheltenham on the morning of May 17th 2005. 33 958, a Cheltenham District Dennis Dart SLF with Alexander ALX200 body, on Clarence Street, Cheltenham. Cheltenham District Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 973 on Portland Street, Cheltenham. Dennis Dart SLF 33 957 on the E, Clarence Street, Cheltenham. Dennis Dart SLF 33 962 on Cheltenham High Street on route A. Dennis Dart SLF 33 955 on the C route on Cheltenham High Street. Passing along Clarence Street, Cheltenham is Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 941. Dennis Dart SLF 33 940 on Portland Street, Cheltenham with non-standard livery application. Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 938 on the A on Clarence Street, Cheltenham. Plaxton Pointer2 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 510, with route branding for the 41 in Cheltenham. Dennis Dart SLF 33 972 prepares for the off on route A in Cheltenham. Dennis Dart SLF 33 930 from the 1998 delivery loads on Cheltenham High Street. Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 953 on Portland Street, Cheltenham. Most of the Dennis Trident's have route branding for the 94. This is 18 085 in Montpellier, Cheltenham. Dennis Trident 18 088 pulls away from Montpellier Gardens on the 94 to Gloucester. New for Cheltenham District in 2004 were ten Dennis Tridents with Alexander ALX400 bodies. This is 18 082 passing Montpellier Exchange. Dennis Trident 18 087 approaching Montpellier on May 17th 2005. Cotswolds Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 33 811 in Stroud on June 18th 2005. The second Optare Solo, 47 122 having arrived in Stroud on June 18th 2005. Stagecoach buses allocated to Ross on Wye use the Wye & Dean name, this is Volvo Olympian 16 203 pausing in Coleford. Wye & Dean Alexander R bodied Volvo Olympian 16 207 picking up passengers for the 33 to Gloucester at Ross on Wye. Wye & Dean also has Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF's, this is 33 979 in Ross on Wye town centre. Wye & Dean Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 980 in Ross on Wye. Wye & Dean Volvo Olympian 16 206 at Ross on Wye. Wye & Dean Dennis Dart SLF 34 403 at the Ross on Wye depot, alongside is Volvo Olympian 16 208. Parked outside Ross on Wye depot are Volvo Olympian 16 208 and Dennis Dart SLF 34 403. Gloucester Alexander ALX200 bodied Dennis Dart SLF 33 917 on Clarence Street, Gloucester.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Thu Jul 15 2004 Stratford Blue Selection http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c221285.html Buses of the Stratford Blue fleet including City Sightseeing and County Links buses during the Ensign period from 2002 to 2007. The operation was sold to Stagecoach who took over on February 1st 2007. Thursday 1 July 2004: Buses of the Stratford Blue fleet including City Sightseeing and County Links buses during the Ensign period from 2002 to 2007. The operation was sold to Stagecoach who took over on February 1st 2007.

Mercedes Citaro X438KON was one of a pair that were used on rural services around Stratford upon Avon under contract to Warwickshire County Council, who owned the bus, until January 2005. It is seen here on Wood Street, Stratford upon Avon. Stratford Blue 265 was an ex South Yorkshire PTE MCW Metrobus1. It is seen at the Pen & Parchment terminus on 7th August 2002. MCW Metrobus1 350 carries Wolverhampton Wanderers FC around central Wolverhampton after they had been promoted to the Premier League in May 2003. Volvo Citybus/East Lancs 348 was acquired from Arriva Midlands and is seen here at the Pen & Parchment on April 18th 2004. MCW Metrobus1 350 EWF450V was new to South Yorkshire PTE as 450 and is seen in the rain at the Pen & Parchment on April 18th 2004. The third of the Transbus Enviro300's, 403 at Moor Street, Birmingham on June 29th 2004, it's third day in service. Stratford Blue ran three of these Transbus Enviro300 buses in Warwickshire County Council Dennis Dart 699 arrives at Wood Street on July 3rd 2004. It was originally registered H167NON and came from Anglian. Dennis Dart/Carlyle 688 is seen on Wood Street on July 3rd 2004. Stratford Blue bought it from White Rose, Surrey during 2003. MCW Metrobus1 205 is seen at the Pen & Parchment terminus of the tour. Now registered GVV205 it was originally London Transport M255 BYX255V. MCW Metrobus1 219 passes along Bridge Street, Stratford upon Avon. It was new to London Transport as M219. The second Mercedes Citaro X439KON picks up passengers on Bridge Street for the 21 route on July 3rd 2004. Dennis Dart 529 was new to London Transport as DT29 and was used initially by Stratford Blue for tours to Warwick Castle and the Cotswolds. It is seen here on Rother Street before working the 2pm Cotswolds Tour. Stratford Blue bought this bus from Phoenix Travel, Essex. Dennis Dart 698 is seen at Wood Street on cross town route1 and was originally registered H139MOB. MCW Metrobus1 266 was new to South Yorkshire PTE as 490 and this makes it hellfire. It is seen on Wood Street in Stratford upon Avon town centre on July 3rd 2004. Stratford Blue Transbus Enviro300 402 during it's first week in service on Wood Street, Stratford upon Avon. MCW Metrobus1 370 at Mary Arden's House, Wilmcote on August 8th 2004. The bus was new to Newport Transport in 1980 as their number 70. Volvo B7L/Ayats Bravo 384 EU04CZR at Mary Arden's House, Wilmcote on August 8th 2004. Rear view of Ayats Bravo bodied Volvo B7L 384 at Wilmcote on August 8th 2004. Dennis Dart SLF 400 entered service during August 2004. It is seen in Birmingham City Centre on August 11th 2004. Plaxton Paramount3200 bodied Leyland Tiger 767 was used on school services for Warwickshire County Council. It is seen here at the Avenue Farm depot. Parked up at Avenue Farm depot is Stratford Blue's MCW Metrobus2 147. It was new to Reading Transport for the Reading to London Stratford Blue had two Dennis Dominator's, this is 105 (F75TPU) inside the Avenue Farm depot. Stratford Blue had AEC Routemaster RML2565 on fleet strength for private hire and special work. It was painted in 1960's Stratford Blue livery and is seen inside the company's depot. Wadham Stringer Portsdown bodied Dennis Darts were rare and Stratford Blue ran two, this is 608 inside Stratford Blue's depot. Stratford Blue's depot was at Avenue Farm Industrial Estate. Stratford Blue Dennis Dart 697 was one of three used with Carlyle bodies but Plaxton Pointer fronts. It is seen on Bridge Street on April 6th 2005. It's original registration was H899LOX. Stratford Blue's second Dennis Dominator, 106 (F76TPU) on the x20 in Digbeth. This unusual Iveco Euro Midi with Indcar body was used on the Cotswold Tour for a while. Number 592, it is seen here outside Stratford upon Avon Civic Hall. It's original registration was S398SKK. Stratford Blue's ran two Volvo B7Ls, 275 was the second, entering service during August 2005 and it is seen here at the Pen & Parchment. AEC Routemaster RML2565 at the 2005 Showbus, Duxford. Stratford Blue's second Wadham Stringer Portsdown bodied Dennis Dart 652 in Stratford upon Avon town centre on a rather cold January 28th 2006. Northern Counties Paladin bodied Dennis Dart 630 photographed in Stratford upon Avon town centre. Dennis Dart 529 was repainted blue & silver during 2006 for use on route19. It is seen here on Wood Street in Stratford upon Avon town centre. The last addition to the Stratford Blue fleet before the takeover by Stagecoach was Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart 634, seen here in Birmingham on the day after the takeover was announced. During 2006 Stratford Blue acquired Optare bodied Leyland Olympian 159 for a contract for Property Finder. It is photographed here outside the Bull Ring shopping centre in Birmingham.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Thu Jul 1 2004 Yellow Buses http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c204453.html Buses of Yellow Buses (Bournemouth), part of the Transdev group. Photographs added from June 2009. Saturday 5 June 2004: Buses of Yellow Buses (Bournemouth), part of the Transdev group. Photographs added from June 2009.

Dennis Dart 467 outside Bournemouth Library at The Triangle. East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL 428 at The Square, Bournemouth. Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 182 next to Alexander AL bodied Daimler Fleetline 140 at the 2003 Ringwood rally. Yellow Buses Volvo Citybus 207 carried this overall advert livery for Dorset Taxi's for a while. This photo was taken at Bournemouth Triangle. New to Yellow Buses in 2004 were three Volvo B7TL's with East Lancs Vyking body. This is 110 at the Triangle on June 7th 2004. Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 431 was new in 2002 and can be converted to open top. It was painted gold to celebrate the centenary of the company although in this picture it's special lettering is covered by adverts. In Autumn 2004 Yellow Buses six Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL's were given pink Volvo B7TL 431 again at The Square, after repaint into an overall advert livery for Bournemouth town centre, with front in Yellow Buses colours. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF 482 at The Square, Bournemouth in overall advert livery for the Jack & The Beanstalk panto. Yellow Buses East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL 430 at The Square. Yellow Buses Volvo Citybus 211 in the companies paint shop at the Mallard Road depot. The roofs of the Yellow Buses convertible buses stored at Mallard Road depot, in the foreground is that of 431. Dennis Dart SLF 482 in a revised advert livery for Bournemouth shows at Mallard Road depot. The Yellow Buses workshops at Mallard Road depot with Volvo B7TL 420 outside. New to Yellow Buses in 2005 were three Volvo B7TL's with East Lancs Vyking body. This is 113 at the Triangle on June 15th 2005. Yellow Buses Volvo Citybus 430 at Christchurch Civic Centre in 2005 open top bus livery. The third of Yellow Buses's convertible Volvo B7TL's, 432, on East Overcliff Drive. Volvo B7TL 431 in central Bournemouth in open top format. East Lancs Lolyne bodied Dennis Trident 276 at Bournemouth Square advertising bus driving opportunities. Yellow Buses 417, an East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL at the Square Volvo B7TL 113 again with a megarear advert for the companies travelcard range. Yellow Buses Dennis Trident 277 at The Square in advert livery for The Isaacs Practice. By early 2006 Volvo B7TL's 110-115 had received route22 branding. This is 111 in Gervis Place, Bournemouth. Rear view of Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 432 during March 2006, showing summer route branding but roof in yellow & blue. Passing Bournemouth Pier is Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 426 on March 3rd 2006. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF 480 passes Bournemouth Pier on March 3rd 2006. New to Yellow Buses in the summer of 2005 were four VDL SB120L's with Wright Cadet bodywork in this radical livery interpretation, this is 500 approaching Bournemouth Pier on March 3rd 2006. Yellow Buses Volvo Citybus 213 at Boscombe bus station on March 3rd 2006. East Lancs EL2000 bodied Dennis Dart 466 at Boscombe bus station. Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 115 on Gervis Road, Bournemouth. Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 422 on Gervis Road, March 2006. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF 479 turns off Holdenhurst Road on March 4th 2006. Yellow Buses Dennis Trident 275 turning off Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth. Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 415 turning off Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth. Volvo B7TL 414 at Gervis Place in spring sunshine. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF with East Lancs Spryte body 477 at The Square. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF 478 at The Square, Bournemouth. Basked in spring sunshine, Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 427 sets off on a morning trip. Yellow Buses Volvo Citybus 212 in Gervis Place on March 4th 2006. Parked at The Square, Bournemouth is Yellow Buses Volvo B7TL 424. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF 493 with Plaxton Pointer2 body on Stony Lane, Christchurch. Yellow Buses Dennis Dart SLF 154 turning onto Stony Lane, Christchurch on the Mondays only route. Yellow Buses Wright Crusader bodied Dennis Dart SLF 155 on Stony Lane, Christchurch. Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TL 183 turning onto Stony Lane, Christchurch. East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL 412 at The Triangle. Parked up on Avenue Road, Bournemouth is Dennis Dart 468. Yellow Buses East Lancs Spryte bodied Dennis Dart SLF 488 at The Square. Yellow Buses has 19 East Lancs Vyking bodied Volvo B7TL's, this is 411 at Gervis Place. Yellow Buses VDL SB120L 503 at The Square, with stripes removed.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat Jun 5 2004 Rally Season http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c190622.html Photographs of buses at running days and rallies throughout England. Most recent photos from the Cheltenham Stagecoach Gold launch running day, September 2009. Sunday 9 May 2004: Photographs of buses at running days and rallies throughout England. Most recent photos from the Cheltenham Stagecoach Gold launch running day, September 2009.

Birmingham City Transport Leyland Tiger PS2 2245 JOJ245 at the 2004 Sandwell Rally. This pair of West Midlands PTE MCW bodied Daimler Fleetline's have entered preservation. 6875 and 6876 are seen at the 2004 Sandwell Rally. West Midlands PTE Daimler Fleetline 6971 was amongst the last to enter service. It entered the 2004 Sandwell Rally in as withdrawn condition. Devon General Leyland National2 2883 at the 2004 Wedgewood Rally looking superb in Devon General livery from the Transit Holdings era. PMT Bristol VRT DVL731 at the 2004 Wedgewood Rally. It has been restored to the red and yellow livery used from privatisation. This Bristol LH/ECW with flat front was new to Southern Vectis and preserved in the guise of a travel shop. It is seen at the Wedgewood Visitor Centre. Looking superb is hellfire Portsmouth Leyland Atlantean/Alexander 262 VPT262L at the 2004 Wedgewood Rally. Crosville Bristol Lodekka FS DFG38 at the Wedgewood Rally. Part of a growing trend to paint 1960's buses in 1970's National Bus Company livery. Another 1960's bus restored in a 1970's livery, this superb Bristol RELH/ECW was Southern National 1468 and is seen at the 2004 Wedgewood Rally. Birmingham City Transport Metro Cammell bodied Daimler CVG5 1107 at the 2004 Wedgewood rally. City of Chester Guy Arab 36 is also preserved and seen at the 2004 Wedgewood Rally. PMT Bristol VRT DVL709 has been bought for preservation and so far retains First Group livery. It is seen on the x66 shuttle service from the Wedgewood rally site into Hanley. Yellow Buses Bournemouth Daimler Fleetline is now kept in Wolverhampton and is seen leaving the 2004 Wedgewood rally Former PMT Bristol VRT DVL667 has been restored to full National Bus Company livery and looks superb as it pulls out from the Wedgewood visitor centre. Former London Transport AEC Regent RTL1214 leaving Wedgewood on it's way home. Molly poses outside the Wedgewood Visitor Centre on her way home. Stagecoach Hampshire Bus Bristol VRT 15 762 at Basingstoke bus depot before leaving on a local tour. Up from the island for the Basingstoke bus depot open day was Southern Vectis Bristol Lodekka FS 570 parked outside the Basingstoke depot. Newnham Coaches sent former Southern Vectis Bristol VRT's 671 and 674 to the 2004 Basingstoke open day. Former Stagecoach Hants & Surrey Leyland National 1180 parked outside Basingstoke bus depot. One of my favourite buses at the Basingstoke bus depot open day was former Hants & Dorset Bristol RELH/ECW 1651, now in National Bus Company poppy red and white dual purpose livery. The last of the Routemasters, RML2760, at the 2004 Basingstoke depot open day. At the time it was part of the Stagecoach London fleet and was kept in a 1960's style livery. Stagecoach Volvo B10M 52 298 was one of a number of buses from the Basingstoke depot allocation at their open day event. It was painted in megabus.com colours as a relief bus for the south coast megabus services. This Leyland National2, Provincial no1 is now in preservation in First group Provincial livery. Southdown 465 is an unusual dual purpose Northern Counties bodied Leyland Leopard. New in 1966 it has been preserved in 1970's National Bus Company leaf green and white. Stagecoach Bristol VRT3 15 763 in new Stagecoach livery spent the entire afternoon of the Basingstoke depot open day going backwards and forwards through the bus wash at Basingstoke depot. A fine line up at Basingstoke bus depot. From the left: Wilts & Dorset 4455 KRU855W, Southdown 603 TPN103S, Wilts & Dorset 4448 KRU848W, Timetrak FDV818V, Alder Valley LFS296F, Southdown 276 JWV976W and Southern National 1075 BFJ175L. RM1562 and RM121 at Golders Green bus station on July 21st 2004. At Victoria Bus Station on July 24th are RML2330 on the 73 and RML2494 on the 38. Arrival London RML2692 passes through Piccadilly Circus on the 159 route on July 24th. The end of Routemaster operation also means the end of large scale operation of half-cab, forward entrance, rear exit, two person operated buses. The 14 is operated by London General and RML2570 is seen here at Piccadilly Circus on July 24th. A rear view of Arriva London's RML2452 on Shaftesbury Avenue. RML2524 was one of a pair of buses painted into special liveries as part of an initiative involving Transport for London and Saint Martin's College. It is seen here on July 24th near Piccadilly Circus. Laying over at Piccadilly Circus is RML2422. There were eleven routes being operated by Routemasters on the Saturday of the event. One of those was the 12 and RML2270 is seen here in Trafalgar Square. Routemaster50 took place over the weekend of July 24th and 25th 2004 and celebrated 50years since the first prototype Routemaster ran in service and the coming to an end of Routemaster operation in London after 45years. RML2600 dates from 1967 and is seen here on the 9 at Trafalgar Square 37 years later. The 73 was converted to one-person, easy access Mercedes Citaro bendybuses on September 5th 2004. Seen here before then on July 24th is RML2267 heading east along Oxford Street. Approaching the Marble Arch on 24th July is RML2277, part of the Arriva London fleet on route73, which was withdrawn during September 2004. Metroline AEC Routemaster RML2713 takes a break at the Marble Arch on July 24th. There were still short length Routemasters in service in central London, this one is part of the London Central fleet that works the cross London route36. It is seen here on Park Lane. It was possible to travel to the gathering at Finsbury Park by Routemaster on the 19. This is RML2512 at Finsbury Park station just after I had got off! RM1368 was converted to single decker after an arson attack destroyed the top deck of the bus, it was used as a development bus after conversion rather than returning to public use. All of the Routemaster prototypes were at the rally, this is the third, RML3, which has Weymann body and Leyland engine. RM275 has been painted to resemble the triple decker bus seen in the Harry Potter films. RML880 was the first Routemaster to be built to the longer specification and carries the fleetnumber ER880, which it carried for a short time. It is now part of the London United fleet and is painted in similar colours to the London United trams of the 1920's. RM1101 is now owned by Wirral Museums and used by them on a shuttle service between the various museums. Stagecoach painted RML2665 into it's corporate livery when route8 was converted to low floor double deck buses in June 2004. RM10 appeared at the gathering disguised as a Dalmation dog! RM1989 was part of the Blackpool Transport fleet from 1988 to 1997 and has now been preserved as Blackpool Transport 530. RMC1510 is part of the First London fleet and is used for special services and exhibitions.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sun May 9 2004 Molly goes to Oxford http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c182406.html Photographs from mini adventures to Oxford. Most recent photos date from December 2008 and include the new Mercedes Citaro and Volvo B12B coaches. Saturday 15 May 2004: Photographs from mini adventures to Oxford. Most recent photos date from December 2008 and include the new Mercedes Citaro and Volvo B12B coaches.

Molly ticks Oxford Pear Tree Park & Ride. Oxford Volvo B10B/Plaxton Verde 636 loading on Magdalen Street. Oxford Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 107 on Magdalen Street. Full Circle Tours MCW Metrobus2 Noah, ex TWM 2451 on Saint Giles East. Oxford Mercedes Citaro 826 on Saint Giles East. Stagecoach MAN 18.220/Alexander ALX300 22 929 on Saint Giles East. Oxford Volvo B10M/Plaxton Excalibur 17 leaving Gloucester Green bus station. Tappins Leyland Atlantean/Northern Counties OTO549M leaves Gloucester Green bus station. Stagecoach Volvo B10M/Plaxton Premiere 52 481 at Oxford Station. Stagecoach Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 18 133 at Oxford Station. Oxford Mercedes Citaro 837 at Park End Street. Offside detail of Oxford Mercedes Citaro 837. Oxford Mercedes Citaro 834 at Park End Street. Oxford Volvo B10BLE/Wright Reknown 819 leaves Park End Street. Stagecoach Dennis Trident/Plaxton President 18 053 pauses on New Road. Tappins Leyland Olympian/Alexander R MUI7852 on Saint Aldates. Arriva The Shires Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties Palatine2 5156 loading on Saint Aldates on route280. Oxford Dennis Dart SLF/Wright Crusader 408 on route13 on Saint Aldates. Stagecoach Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer2 34 469 taking a break on High Street. Rear promotion on Oxford Scania K114 number5. Stagecoach MAN24.350/Jonckheere 50 054 loading for London on High Street. Oxford Dennis Trident/Alexander ALX400 105 calls on the High Street. Stagecoach MAN18.200/Alexander ALX300 22 279 at the Carfax Tower. Oxford Volvo B10B/Northern Counties Paladin 648 on Queen Street. Stagecoach MAN18.220/Alexander ALX300 22 935 on Queen Street. Oxford Volvo B10BLE/Wright Reknown 801 collecting passengers on Queen Street in a trial livery. Oxford Mercedes Citaro 830 on Queen Street. Stagecoach Dennis Dart SLF/Alexander ALX200 33 650 on Queen Street. Swans and cygnets on the Thames outside the Head of the River pub. Oxford Scania K114 59 on New Road. Worths have owned this Bedford SB/Duple Vista from new in the 1950's. It is currently patiently waiting for a full restoration to it's original condition. Worths are based at Enstone in Oxfordshire. This Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer2 is seen at their depot on June 12th 2004. Four Volvo B10M coaches at Worths depot on June 12th 2004. Worths have this Mercedes Citaro in their fleet. BU53ZWZ is seen at their depot on June 12th 2004. Worths Optare Metrorider G780WFC at their depot on June 12th 2004. It was new to Oxford Bus Company. Rear view of Worths Mercedes Citaro BU53ZWZ at their depot on June 12th 2004. Oxford Mercedes Citaro 825 on Blackpool's Middle Walk at the finals of Bus Driver of the Year 2004. Stagecoach Oxfordshire upgraded it's Oxford Tube services during the summer of 2004. 50 106 is one of the Neoplan Skyliners that are now used, seen here in Victoria, London Village with a northbound tube service. Oxford uses Mercedes Citaros on Park and Ride route 500. 823 loads passengers outside the Randolph Hotel. Dennis Trident 105 again on the 2nd March 2005, now in Park & Ride livery and like the other Park & Ride Dennis Trident's with a mega-rear advert for the Espress service to London. Jonckheere Mistral bodied Volvo B12B 53 of Oxford leaving Gloucester Green coach station on the Airline service to Heathrow Airport. It has since been renumbered 31. Oxford uses a batch of Irizar Century bodied Scania K114 coaches on it's Espress service to London. Number 3 is photographed at Gloucester Green coach station. United Counties route X5 was relaunched during late 2004 as the Cross County express. Volvo B10M 52 436 is seen leaving Gloucester Green coach station for Cambridge. Plaxton Excalibur bodied Volvo B10M 70 of Oxford in Airline livery. Mercedes Citaro 837 again, on Saint Aldates on March 2nd 2005. Mercedes Citaro 836 on Saint Aldates on route15. Arriva The Shires relaunched their 280 route as the Line Two-Eighty during late 2004, the Volvo Olympian's being repainted into this coach version of the Arriva corporate colours. Volvo Olympian 5159 in the new Line Two-Eighty livery on Saint Aldates. Oxford Mercedes Citaro 838 at speed on the High Street. Oxford's second batch of Mercedes Citaro's came in red for the upgrade of it's services to Abingdon. This is 828 on the High Street.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat May 15 2004 Midlands Mix http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c172693.html Various photographs I've taken around the West Midlands. Friday 7 May 2004: Various photographs I've taken around the West Midlands.

Broad Street, Birmingham is unusually quiet as Diamond Bus Dennis Dart/Plaxton Pointer J403XHL approaches Five Ways on July 3rd 2001. This Volvo B10M with Northern Counties Paladin body joined Diamond Bus from Tillingbourne during July 2001 and is seen on Broad Street, Birmingham. Diamond Bus L104EPA was a Volvo B6 with Northern Counties Paladin body. It is seen on Colmore Row, Birmingham. Travel De Courcey operate in Coventry and in the past have used a number of ex Travel West Midlands buses. This is former 2379, an MCW Metrobus1. Travel De Courcey's Rural Rider fleet included a batch of Caetano Nimbus bodied Dennis Dart SLF's such as HV52WTD. Chase Leyland National1 62 at Walsall Saint Pauls on December 14th 2002. Ex TWM Scania N113 3203 in Gloucester after joining Bennetts. Ex TWM Scania N113 3203 in Gloucester after joining Bennetts. A view of the yard of Terry's, Coventry with Bristol VRT3 XAK902T and Leyland National2 AAE650V. Bristol VRT3 XAK902T was new to Yorkshire Traction as their 902. It later joined Terry's of Coventry and is seen at their yard. Yellow Buses Daimler Fleetline 132 entered perservation during 2004 in the Midlands but was a surprise choice for the West Bromwich Albion promotion tour that year. Richard Kirk, TWM Private Charter manager at the time, at the controls of Yellow Buses Daimler Fleetline 132. Wheels Nuneaton Bristol VRT VDV135S. Nice blinds. Some mutant upstairs on the back seats. Close up of the mutant bird on the back seat on Bristol VRT VDV135S. Leyland Titan OHV715Y in Walsall town centre on June 23rd 2004 operating for Timeline Travel. University of Wolverhampton use a number of these Volvo B6BLE/Wright Crusader buses. This is T626SOA in Walsall town centre on June 23rd 2004. West Midlands Police MCW Metrobus1 BYX301V, ex London Buses M301 at Harborne Carnival, June 27th 2004. Looney - Tour bus at the Harborne Carnival, June 27th 2004. Dunn - Line Scania L94 S350SET running for Flights of Birmingham on the first day of the short lived and little used X1 Star City to Birmingham City Centre Park and Ride service. National Car Parks use a batch of these MAN 14.220 buses with MCV Stirling bodies. This is 1006 at Terminal2 on July 17th 2004. On July 17th 2004 APHoffers were using Mercedes Vario/Plaxton Beaver2 KX03HYM between Birmingham Airport and surrounding car parks. Parked up at Birmingham Airport on July 17th 2004 was 1008, one of eight DAF SB220L single deck buses with Plaxton Prestige bodies in the NCP fleet at that time. National Car Parks MAN 14.220/MCV Stirling 1001 and 1003 at Birmingham Airport on July 17th 2004. During 2004 AirParks were using Optare Solo KX03EXG at Birmingham Airport. It is seen here filling up with returning tourists on July 17th 2004. Passing through Birmingham International on rail replacement work on July 17th 2004 was Roberts of Leicester Scania N113/East Lancs Cityzen X399WYO. Silverline took over the Solihull Park & Ride service at the beginning of 2004 with new Optare Solo YO53OUG. It is seen here on Poplar Road on July 17th 2004. Hardings of Redditch operated route 175 into Solihull until losing the contract in 2008. The usual bus was DAF SB220L/East Lancs Myllennium JR03HCR seen here on July 17th 2004 in Solihull town centre. Preserved by Bill's of West Bromwich is this 1952 Lee bodied Bedford MLC, photo taken inside the shed at their depot on July 18th 2004. Pete's Travel Volvo Citybuses lined up at Hill Top depot West Bromwich on July 18th 2004. From the left G112NGN, G123NGN, G124NGN, G122NGN and G850WGN. Pete's Travel Dennis Darts lined up at Hill Top depot West Bromwich on July 18th 2004. From left KU52RYM, KU52RYG, KU52RYO, R91XNE, V386JWK and W902JNF. Former Lincolnshire Roadcar ECW bodied Bristol VRT 1943 KTL26V has been converted into a mobile party bus and is kept at the Railway Pub, Lye. It has been fitted with leather seats, bar upstairs and a television. Stagecoach in Warwickshire Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 20 560 with x17 route branding at Millennium Square, Coventry. Warwickshire County Council has it's own fleet of coaches for schools work. This is W56XGA, a Volvo B7R with Plaxton Prima body outside Stratford upon Avon college. RM1643 was stored for a period at the Scania dealership in West Bromwich, where this picture was taken. National Express Irizar PB bodied Scania K124EB first appeared in the West Midland during 2004. This is YN04GPK at Wolverhampton on October 16th 2004. Flights ran Birmingham central area circle service 77 from October 2004 to March 2005 using Dennis Dart SLF's. This is P3FTG turning onto Priory Queensway. North Birmingham Busways Leyland Atlantean 25 in overall advert livery for Easyetrader.com at Old Square, Birmingham. Pete's Travel operated the Park & Ride North service in Coventry using a pair of Optare Solo's. This is Y868PWT in Lady Godiva Square. Travel De Courcey MCW Metrobus A102WVP Stagecoach in Warwickshire Volvo B10M 20 202 was painted into traditional Midland Red livery during 2004. It is seen here at Millennium Square, Coventry. Chase Leyland National1 56 seen in Aldridge on Route 67, 12th February 2005. West Midlands Police also owned this Leyland National1, JHJ149V, photographed at the Newtown Shopping Centre doing crime prevention work. For a few years Birmingham City Council owned open top Daimler Fleetline EOF261L. It is seen here at the 2005 Saint Patrick's Day event at Millennium Point. It was new to West Midlands PTE as 4261. Brum Bus offered an upmarket mobile hospitality product using ex London Buses MCW Metrobus M701. It is seen here at Cheltenham Racecourse for the National Hunt festival. Stagecoach in Warwickshire Volvo B10M 20 221 in central Coventry with 86 route branding. Stagecoach Neoplan Skyliner 50 141 unloading passengers at Selly Oak during the time that the Birmingham to London MegaBus called at Selly Oak and Cotteridge. Central Logistics competed with TWM on route17. This is Iveco 49.10 P656ROU in central Birmingham. Elcock Reisen Volvo B10M EIL1607 on the companies once a week service from Wolverhampton to Much Wenlock. National Express Scania K124EB YN04GPF ran with green lettering highlighting National Express's relationship with the Irish community in Birmingham for a while. Former WMPTE Daimler Fleetline 4235 parked in a yard near Longbridge station.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Fri May 7 2004 Traction Action http://DaveBalme.fotopic.net/c168459.html Photos of Yorkshire Traction group buses in and around South Yorkshire capturing the last two years of this once proud, traditional and independent operator. Saturday 1 May 2004: Photos of Yorkshire Traction group buses in and around South Yorkshire capturing the last two years of this once proud, traditional and independent operator.

Yorkshire Traction's last ECW bodied Bristol VRT3 941 at Barnsley bus station. Optare Solo 514 at Barnsley on May 1st 2004 shortly after moving from the Barnsley & District operation. MAN 14.220 230 at Barnsley Interchange, May 1st 2004. During the early part of the summer of 2004 Yorkshire Traction used this Scania Omnidekka/East Lancs demonstrator, which took fleetnumber 802. It is seen at Barnsley Interchange on May 1st 2004. It was later bought by Yorkshire Traction becoming 807. MAN 14.220 231 at Barnsley Interchange on May 1st 2004. Leyland Olympian 650 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st 2004. Volvo B6BLE 146 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st 2004. MCW Metrobus2 712 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st 2004. Leyland Olympian 659 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st 2004. Leyland Olympian 649 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st 2004. Yorkshire Terrier MCW Metrobus2 1740 (ex TWM 2512) at Meadowhall Interchange on May 1st. 2004 saw Yorkshire Traction coaches appearing in the new National Express livery introduced in 2003. This is DAF SB3000 42 at Meadowhall Interchange on May 1st 2004. Leyland Olympian 668 also had a mega-rear advert for the Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership. Scania K112's 216 and 217 moved from Barnsley & District to Yorkshire Traction during the Autumn of 2003, 216 is seen leaving Barnsley Interchange on May 1st 2004. At the end Yorkshire Traction had six former Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus2's in service. This is 721 (ex TWM 2602) arriving in Barnsley on May 1st 2004. Leyland Olympian 632 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st. Leyland Olympian 639 at Wath upon Dearne on May 1st. Volvo B6BLE/East Lancs Spryte 153 leaves Leeds on the x62 route to Huddersfield on it's first day as a Yorkshire Traction bus. Yorkshire Traction withdrew it's Leyland Lynx's during 2004, this is 282 at Barnsley Interchange with Barnsley Council recycling scheme nearside super square advert. New buses for Yorkshire Traction during April 2004 were three MAN 14.220's. 229 is seen at Barnsley Interchange on June 16th 2004. Optare Solo 513 at Wath upon Dearne Nearside of Optare Solo 513 in Wath upon Dearne showing ShuttleBus200 lettering. Yorkshire Traction bought Volvo B12M's with Plaxton Paragon bodies for National Express work. This is 68 leaving Golders Green northbound on July 21st 2004. The last of four Volvo B12B's new to Yorkshire Traction during June and July 2004 is 73, seen here at Golders Green bus station shortly before setting off for Victoria Coach Station. Volvo B12B 72 picks up passengers for the 4pm 560 National Express service from Golders Green to Barnsley on July 21st 2004. Yorkshire Traction Volvo B12M 69 was one of a pair new in 2002 seen here shortly after arriving in Golders Green from South Yorkshire. Volvo B12B 71 makes an unexpected appearance in Blackpool on National Express route351 from Sheffield on July 29th 2004. Yorkshire Terrier MCW Metrobus2 1741 (ex TWM 2589) leaving Meadowhall on September 4th 2004. Added to the Yorkshire Traction fleet in early 2004 were six Volvo B10B's with Wright Endurance body. This is 246 on route 246. Yorkshire Terrier's six Northern Counties Paladin bodied Dennis Dart's moved to Yorkshire Traction during the Autumn of 2004. 445 was the first and is seen outside Barnsley Interchange. New for the summer of 2004 were four Volvo B12B's. Number 70 is seen leaving Barnsley Interchange. Yorkshire Traction Scania Omnidekka 806 leaving Barnsley in the purple and yellow livery. 2004 and 2005 saw Yorkshire Traction's big fleet of Leyland Olympians being phased out. This is 621 in Barnsley on it's final day in service. Scania Omnidekka 803 leaves Barnsley on the x19 limited stop service to Doncaster. Scania Omnidekka 804 leaving Barnsley on the 226. Rear view of Scania Omnidekka 805 at Barnsley Interchange. Dennis Dart 446 N106CET joined Yorkshire Traction during Autumn 2004 and was allocated to Shafton depot. New to Yorkshire Traction in October 2004 were six Scania Omnidekka's. This is 801 at Barnsley Interchange. They attracted attention particulary because of their Bournemouth inspired livery rather than a traditional red scheme. Northern Counties Paladin bodied Dennis Dart 447 arriving at Barnsley Interchange. Scania Omnidekka 807 differs slightly from 801-806 as this is the former demonstrator that previously ran for Yorkshire Traction as 802. It is seen here at Barnsley Interchange. Scania Omnidekka 802 arriving at Barnsley Interchange on the x19 from Doncaster. Added to the Yorkshire Terrier fleet during 2004 were East Lancs Spryte bodied Volvo B6BLE's from London Traveller. This is 2506 on the High Street, Sheffield. Former Yorkshire Traction Leyland National2 213 appeared in Torquay coach park during December 2004. Leyland Olympian 671 at Barnsley Interchange with supersize school bus sign. The x32 branding on Volvo B7TL's 905 and 906 was removed during December 2004. This is 905 leaving Barnsley. Northern Counties Paladin bodied Dennis Dart 448 leaves Barnsley for Doncaster. Dennis Dart 450 leaving Barnsley Interchange. The main activity during 2005 was the introduction of a batch of former London General Volvo Olympian's. These were extensively refurbished at the Yorkshire Traction central works. 607 was the first to enter service at Christmas 2004. MCW Metrobus2 729 in Doncaster South bus station, it was formely Travel West Midlands 2565. Northern Counties Palatine1 bodied Volvo Olympian 607 seen leaving Barnsley on the x32 route.

Published in David's Photographs

]]> Sat May 1 2004