North East Buses

(01 Sep 2017, 3:34 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]The latest batch of Volvo B5TL MCV Evosetis have started to enter service with East Yorkshire:
https://flic.kr/p/Y6KVWz

The allocation of the vehicles is as follows:

804-806: Scarborough (branded for 121)
807-811: Hull (branded for 121)
812-813: Hull (branded for X46)
814: Pockington (branded for X46)
815: Bridlington

812-814 being branded for service X46 has allowed Volvo B9TLs 791-792 and Volvo B5TL 793 to be debranded.

The latest East Yorkshire fleet news on their website lists 815 as for use on Bridlington's 45/46 workings.

Transdev

It has been mentioned elsewhere that five further Volvo B5TL/Wright Gemini 3s are on order for Coastliner, with a Winter delivery date. These will replace the 2011 batch of Volvo B9TLs (421-4). Rumours are circulating that they will be replacing 3608-12 on CityZap.

(12 Sep 2017, 9:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Transdev

It has been mentioned elsewhere that five further Volvo B5TL/Wright Gemini 3s are on order for Coastliner, with a Winter delivery date. These will replace the 2011 batch of Volvo B9TLs (421-4). Rumours are circulating that they will be replacing 3608-12 on CityZap.

Possibly more B5TLs on order than that if true as the 36 is being increased to every 10 minutes from next month.

(12 Sep 2017, 9:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Transdev

It has been mentioned elsewhere that five further Volvo B5TL/Wright Gemini 3s are on order for Coastliner, with a Winter delivery date. These will replace the 2011 batch of Volvo B9TLs (421-4). Rumours are circulating that they will be replacing 3608-12 on CityZap.

(13 Sep 2017, 3:03 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]Possibly more B5TLs on order than that if true as the 36 is being increased to every 10 minutes from next month.

Certainly is, the Harrogate Observer newspaper reports 3 additional B5TLs are due for the 36 when the frequency is increased to every 10 minutes between Leeds and Harrogate next month (no mention of any change to the Ripon to Harrogate section so looks like some Ripon journeys will end up with 5 minutes extra layover in Harrogate on the way.

(13 Sep 2017, 10:04 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Certainly is, the Harrogate Observer newspaper reports 3 additional B5TLs are due for the 36 when the frequency is increased to every 10 minutes between Leeds and Harrogate next month (no mention of any change to the Ripon to Harrogate section so looks like some Ripon journeys will end up with 5 minutes extra layover in Harrogate on the way.

I noticed that there was no mention of frequency changes on the Ripon to Harrogate section which could mean it will remain as 15 minute operation on this section, however I think it's possible that they will drop the Ripon stretch to 20 minute operation and they've just decided to keep that part quiet to the press, because let's face it, the positive publicity of the frequency increase on one half of the route could be outweighed by the frequency decrease on the other half of the route and I doubt Transdev will want as little criticism as possible, especially after all the negativity in the Harrogate area following the cuts to service 24.

That's just my theory anyway, I could be way off.

Arriva Yorkshire 1805, an Optare Olympus, now carries the interim Arriva livery.

Stagecoach Yorkshire

New X10 Timetable

Starting 28th October, Barnsley depot will be operating this new service, linking Barnsley to Leeds on an hourly frequency. This will be operated by Volvo B9R/Plaxton Elites 53714-6 currently used on National Express work at Chesterfield but due to be replaced shortly by new Volvo B11R(T)/Caetano Levante 2s 54401-3 (BV67 JXX/Y/Z).
Stagecoach in Yorkshire 53714 (YN60 ACJ) by Tony Kuy, on Flickr

Following service changes at the start of September, there's been a few major fleet movements:
Enviro200s
36414/5/718/9: Rawmarsh to Ecclesfield
36985: Chesterfield to Ecclesfield
Scania N230UD
5 examples have moved from Ecclesfield to Chesterfield
Enviro400s
19104: Chesterfield to Ecclesfield
MAN E300/ADL E300s
4 examples (including 22630/3) have moved from Ecclesfield to Rawmarsh in exchange for the previously mentioned E200s

There's been a few route allocation changes as well:
57: Previously operated by Scania E400s or standard E400s when interworking with the 265 (along with the occasional MAN) and an E200 on a night (running off the SL1/SL1a), the new 57/201 interworking is now allocated E200s due to a weight-restricted Bridge in the Stocksbridge area (an age improvement for the 201 - which was previously allocated a Dart)
72 (Chesterfield): This now interworks with the 44, meaning the allocation of E200s on the 44 is now joined by the MAN E300s and the ADL E400s used on the 72
50 (Chesterfield): Now mainly Scania E400s
220/221/222: Now allocated MAN E300s (220/221 have always been allocated MAN E300s, 222 has been E200s since it was cut back to Mexborough)

Due soon are 6 new ADL E200MMCs for Barnsley. Unlike previously examples of the type for this region, these are the normal midibus examples for use on 'Townlines' 1 (Barnsley Interchange to Staincross) replacing 5 year old 'classic' examples 36713-8 which are presently being repainted to remove the original branding.

East Yorkshire

Scarborough Open Top B7TL 882/5 (152 FKH, 165 DKH) have reverted back to their original registrations of X588/94 EGK following the sale of the private plates.

Similar closed top 596 (PJ02 RBV) has gone on-loan to TM Travel to cover for increased requires with the start of the new University year (as well as allowing the in-refurbished Omnidekkas to be refurbished).

Full fleet movements from Sunday available here - key one sees 887 move into reserve from Scarborough (of course, the Skipper ended at the end of August).

(30 Aug 2017, 7:30 am)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Slight update on this:

YX64 TXW became 44942 and replaced 44938, which was rejected. 44940/1 are now at Doncaster and have been joined by longer sisters YY16 YJT and MX14 FUH - which is of course ex-Stagecarriage 11.
Stagecarriage 11 (MX14 FUH) by Tony Kuy, on Flickr

Owned E200s 44925-7 have been earmarked for transfer to Somerset for well over a year - and this is finally due to take place during September. 44925 has recently been back at Olive Grove working alongside the loan examples, while 44926/7 have been withdrawn and re-instated at Doncaster in recent weeks. Also due to be cascaded from Doncaster are Solos 53401 (TO54 TRU), 53703 (LK05 DXR) and 53807/8/10 (WX05 RSV/Y, RTO), also bound for Somerset. In exchange, Manchester's longer Solos 53143-50 are to transfer to Doncaster from Oldham. These were originally new for the Metroshuttle routes in the City Centre before being cascaded to the Ashton and Oldham areas for minibus work there.

Also, for any eagled eyed locals who don't fancy the trek down to Sheffield etc for First's fleet - following the closure of the Commerical Operation side of Rotherham's operation, all South Yorkshire repaints are now taking place at Thorntons.

An update on this:

MX14FUH has been numbered 44637.
YX14RZG has also now joined the growing list of loan E200s at Olive Grove

The transfer of Doncaster's Solos and E200 to Somerset has been cancelled and these will now be swapped like-for-like with the Solos from Manchester. So far, 3 Solos have been swapped between the two divisions but due to the shortages with South Yorkshire, further cascading has been put on hold.

Moving now to the West Yorkshire side of First, the 34 new Streetdecks due for Leeds for services 1 and 6 will introduce a new Leeds Livery of two-tone green applied in the Olympia 2 style (think the coloured route branding within the West Yorkshire area) with a different coloured relief swoop for the different corridors - these will feature a red relief.

(29 Sep 2017, 9:02 am)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Stagecoach Yorkshire

Following service changes at the start of September, there's been a few major fleet movements:
Enviro200s
36414/5/718/9: Rawmarsh to Ecclesfield
36985: Chesterfield to Ecclesfield
Scania N230UD
5 examples have moved from Ecclesfield to Chesterfield
Enviro400s
19104: Chesterfield to Ecclesfield
MAN E300/ADL E300s
4 examples (including 22630/3) have moved from Ecclesfield to Rawmarsh in exchange for the previously mentioned E200s

There's been a few route allocation changes as well:
57: Previously operated by Scania E400s or standard E400s when interworking with the 265 (along with the occasional MAN) and an E200 on a night (running off the SL1/SL1a), the new 57/201 interworking is now allocated E200s due to a weight-restricted Bridge in the Stocksbridge area (an age improvement for the 201 - which was previously allocated a Dart)
72 (Chesterfield): This now interworks with the 44, meaning the allocation of E200s on the 44 is now joined by the MAN E300s and the ADL E400s used on the 72
50 (Chesterfield): Now mainly Scania E400s
220/221/222: Now allocated MAN E300s (220/221 have always been allocated MAN E300s, 222 has been E200s since it was cut back to Mexborough)

Due soon are 6 new ADL E200MMCs for Barnsley. Unlike previously examples of the type for this region, these are the normal midibus examples for use on 'Townlines' 1 (Barnsley Interchange to Staincross) replacing 5 year old 'classic' examples 36713-8 which are presently being repainted to remove the original branding.

The latest Yorkshire fleetcard confirms the full movements:
15689-92 are the Scania E400s transferred from Ecclesfield to Chesterfield - effectively returning home
19103 (not 19104) is the officially transferred E400 from Chesterfield to Ecclesfield
22629/30/3/4 are the examples that moved from Ecclesfield to Rawmarsh
MAN ALX300s 22423/7 and 22450 have been removed from fleet at Ecclesfield - 22450 takes the place of 22441 in the reserve fleet, while 22423/7 are listed for disposal
Also now listed for disposal are Pointer Darts 34574-8 from Barnsley - who have gained slightly younger examples 34722 from Chesterfield and 35227 from Rawmarsh, who have also lost E200s 37105/8 to Barnsley
In additional to the E200s from Rawmarsh and Chesterfield, Ecclesfield are now home to Pointer Dart 34723 (joining sister 34724), and have lost Solos 47465-7 to reserve following the end of the SL2

(12 Sep 2017, 9:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Transdev

It has been mentioned elsewhere that five further Volvo B5TL/Wright Gemini 3s are on order for Coastliner, with a Winter delivery date. These will replace the 2011 batch of Volvo B9TLs (421-4). Rumours are circulating that they will be replacing 3608-12 on CityZap.

The B9's off of the Coastliner will be going into CityZap Livery, however will be allocated to a new service which will operate between Leeds and Manchester - https://twitter.com/cityzapbus

(01 Oct 2017, 3:30 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]The B9's off of the Coastliner will be going into CityZap Livery, however will be allocated to a new service which will operate between Leeds and Manchester - https://twitter.com/cityzapbus

I would wait on that score - there's rumour that the as-yet-unallocated ex-Mainline B7RLEs will be used on CityZap 2.

(01 Oct 2017, 3:45 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]I would wait on that score - there's rumour that the as-yet-unallocated ex-Mainline B7RLEs will be used on CityZap 2.

Would've thought that the B7RLE's would replace the B10's in the Transdev Fleet.

(01 Oct 2017, 3:30 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]The B9's off of the Coastliner will be going into CityZap Livery, however will be allocated to a new service which will operate between Leeds and Manchester - https://twitter.com/cityzapbus

I think 421 has been running from Burnley for a while. Btw, is there any indication of what fares will be on this new CityZap?

(13 Sep 2017, 3:03 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]Possibly more B5TLs on order than that if true as the 36 is being increased to every 10 minutes from next month.

(13 Sep 2017, 10:04 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Certainly is, the Harrogate Observer newspaper reports 3 additional B5TLs are due for the 36 when the frequency is increased to every 10 minutes between Leeds and Harrogate next month (no mention of any change to the Ripon to Harrogate section so looks like some Ripon journeys will end up with 5 minutes extra layover in Harrogate on the way.

(13 Sep 2017, 10:30 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]I noticed that there was no mention of frequency changes on the Ripon to Harrogate section which could mean it will remain as 15 minute operation on this section, however I think it's possible that they will drop the Ripon stretch to 20 minute operation and they've just decided to keep that part quiet to the press, because let's face it, the positive publicity of the frequency increase on one half of the route could be outweighed by the frequency decrease on the other half of the route and I doubt Transdev will want as little criticism as possible, especially after all the negativity in the Harrogate area following the cuts to service 24.

That's just my theory anyway, I could be way off.

More details on the change to the 36 have been posted on the Company's website:

• Harrogate to Leeds is increased to every 10 minutes
  

• Ripon to Harrogate is reduced to every 20 minutes during the week but will be increased to every 20 minutes on Sundays (all journeys therefore will run between Leeds and Ripon on Sundays rather than two an hour). Improved peak time operation to Ripon as well - double the amount of journeys to Ripon on an afternoon peak compared to now
  

• The afternoon peak journeys to Jennyfield and Bilton are being removed - these will instead run to either Ripon or Starbeck. The morning journeys remain upchanged for now
  

• An additional £750,000 spent on additional vehicles for the service
  

(01 Oct 2017, 4:34 pm)Tamesider wrote [ -> ]I think 421 has been running from Burnley for a while. Btw, is there any indication of what fares will be on this new CityZap?

The fares have not been released yet, they seem to be gradually releasing information on social media with an article with everything in it later.

The new route will run every hour, 7 days a week.

(01 Oct 2017, 3:45 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]I would wait on that score - there's rumour that the as-yet-unallocated ex-Mainline B7RLEs will be used on CityZap 2.

(01 Oct 2017, 3:49 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Would've thought that the B7RLE's would replace the B10's in the Transdev Fleet.

And now confirmed - two examples at Thorntons in CityZap livery: https://www.facebook.com/154596505895381...95/?type=3&theater

(03 Oct 2017, 4:15 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]The fares have not been released yet, they seem to be gradually releasing information on social media with an article with everything in it later.

The new route will run every hour, 7 days a week.

Thanks. I've got a copy of the registered timetable, and it is indeed generally hourly - slightly bigger gaps at peak times. Unfortunately, it mimics NatEx in stopping on Chadderton, Broadway rather than somewhere more central (Failsworth) or a connecting point (Newton Heath). I hope it won't be archetypal De-reg and undercut NatEx walk up fares by something pathetic like 10p.

(03 Oct 2017, 8:25 pm)Tamesider wrote [ -> ]Thanks. I've got a copy of the registered timetable, and it is indeed generally hourly - slightly bigger gaps at peak times. Unfortunately, it mimics NatEx in stopping on Chadderton, Broadway rather than somewhere more central (Failsworth) or a connecting point (Newton Heath). I hope it won't be archetypal De-reg and undercut NatEx walk up fares by something pathetic like 10p.

How long is it scheduled to take just out of interest? I've had discussions with people and we have thought around 1 hour 30 if it spends the majority of time on the M62 (which is likely).

(03 Oct 2017, 9:11 pm)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]How long is it scheduled to take just out of interest? I've had discussions with people and we have thought around 1 hour 30 if it spends the majority of time on the M62 (which is likely).

For most of the day:

Leeds - Manchester: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Manchester - Leeds: 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Timetable can be found here:  https://my.tfgm.com/#/timetables/?servic...onal:B_ZAP&mode=BUS&date=2017-11-05

(03 Oct 2017, 9:16 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]For most of the day:

Leeds - Manchester: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Manchester - Leeds: 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Timetable can be found here:  https://my.tfgm.com/#/timetables/?servic...onal:B_ZAP&mode=BUS&date=2017-11-05

Thanks - didn't even think to check the TfGM website.

New 36 timetable

Looks like vehicles will stick to either Harrogate shorts or Ripon runs during the day - unless they are only giving a minute turnaround in Leeds (which I doubt). Short runs appear to be getting 7 minutes in Harrogate.

Transdev are in Shipley today launching their new 'Aireline' branded Optare Versas for service 60 (Keighley - Leeds)
http://keighleybus.co.uk/news.jsp?newsID=2135

The vehicles enter service tomorrow (8th October).

(07 Oct 2017, 9:33 am)S813 FVK wrote [ -> ]Transdev are in Shipley today launching their new 'Aireline' branded Optare Versas for service 60 (Keighley - Leeds)
http://keighleybus.co.uk/news.jsp?newsID=2135

The vehicles enter service tomorrow (8th October).

Indeed, three of the four new Versas have entered service today. They are:
274: YJ67 FZA
275: YJ67 FZB
276: YJ67 FZC
277: YJ67 FZD (only one not in service)

Former K7-branded 242/3 (YJ16 DWL/M) are due to be repainted into Aireline livery, while the third former K7-branded example 240 (YJ16 DWG) is to be the spare for both the Daleway and Aireline services (and is indeed allocated to the Aireline today along with 2 B7RLEs).

Transdev
Fleet News

The only un-refurbished ex-Coastliner B7RLE 455 has left Keighley depot. It is to be refurbished for use at Blackburn depot replacing Optare Tempos when the lease on those expires. Also transferred from the Yorkshire side is Harrogate's 1700 (BU03 SXK).

Harrogate now have former 'Mainline' B7RLEs 1853-60. 1854-60 are all branded for the 70/71.

The last of the new Solos for Keighley, 154, is registered YJ67FZE (following on from the 'Aireline' Versas). It is also due to be branded 'Keighley Jets' and is the same as the 2016 batch.

MPDs 715/20 have transferred from Burnley - 720 is for Keighley and will be the first 'Wharfdale Links' MPD in the two-tone Green 'Keighley Bus Company' livery ready for the company taking over full operation of the 965 (Otley Town Service) from First next weekend. 715 is to be allocated to York depot for use on service 42 (York to Drax via Cawood and Selby) also from next weekend.

The B7RLEs for 'CityZap2' between Manchester and Leeds are 1868-71, which are to be re-registered ML03/04/05/06ZAP, with 'Pride of the North' spare 1867 being ML02ZAP.

All information from West Yorkshire Information Service Fleet List

Connexions (Tockwith)
Added to the fleet are 4 Optare Tempo's from Stagecoach Norfolk - YJ55BKO, YJ06YSP, YJ56ATU & YJ57EHX

Squarepeg (Leeds)
Added to the fleet are two former Transdev Volvo B10BLE's Y162HRN & Y169HRN in preparation for their takeover of service 9 White Rose Centre - Seacroft from First which starts tomorrow.

(22 Oct 2017, 4:23 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Squarepeg (Leeds)
Added to the fleet are two former Transdev Volvo B10BLE's Y162HRN & Y169HRN in preparation for their takeover of service 9 White Rose Centre - Seacroft from First which starts tomorrow.

I've heard that on top of those two, they are also supposedly getting Y166HRN, Y167HRN, Y173HRN and Y174HRN. Y162HRN entered service yesterday on the 9/22 and looked to be the only one out again today along with Dart SF04RHJ and at least one E200.
SquarePeg: Y162HRN by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

ConneXionsbuses have had demonstrator Enviro200 MMC YX17NNM on trial for the last week or so.
ConneXionsbuses: YX17NNM by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

1869 - ML04 ZAP (FJ58 LUA) in CityZap2 Livery - https://www.flickr.com/photos/northernso...14130@N06/

1870 in full CityZap2 livery - and is out today on route learning duties
The Burnley Bus Company 1870 - ML05ZAP by Gregg Collins, on Flickr

(22 Oct 2017, 1:29 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Transdev
Fleet News
MPDs 715/20 have transferred from Burnley - 720 is for Keighley and will be the first 'Wharfedale Links' MPD in the two-tone Green 'Keighley Bus Company' livery ready for the company taking over full operation of the 965 (Otley Town Service) from First next weekend. 715 is to be allocated to York depot for use on service 42 (York to Drax via Cawood and Selby) also from next weekend.

720 is in fact branded for 'Otley's 965' - no mention of 'The Keighley Bus Company' whatsoever
Keighley Bus Company720 YJ04LYF by jonathon, on Flickr