IpswichBus News Page 2007
From Sep07 the news will be done in Weeks but maybe updated day by day.
W/C - 17th December:
22/12 - Ipswich Buses have a 49, ex-Galloway MUH287X, been here least a week. IB 40 is being prepared for Repaint.
21/12 - 50 on 11/15's - 238 did a turn on 5's - 32494 involved in Accident.
IB 231 was involved in an RTA up Ransomes - by sounds it has bad side damage after a lorry hitting it, Thanks Bryan
IB 197 broke down and needed towing back to Depot, but was fixed and back on the road 1-2 hours later. (was at end of day though)
FEC 48086 has made it back from withdrawal due to shortage of vehicles.
Ipswich 500 still here and on 13s normally, Beestons have purchased it and are awaiting for IB to say theyve finished with it.
IB 182 acts as a spare and does see service on many town routes, including 13, 5, 7 etc - IB 183 still withdrawn.
W/C - 26th November:
FEC 48089 totally withdrawn, 48086 also withdrawn.
IB 72 makes its way back to Ipswich after a couple of Months.
W/C - 19th November:
IB 181, 184 & 169 on loan to FET (Going to be painted into Far East Travel Livery)
IB 72 is still away.... Most OmniCitys are gaining more Accident Damages and more vynils missing.
FEC 65548 and 60813 both on 66's (19/11)
Beestons purchase YN07EXP, will arrive with them mid December after Ipswich Buses have used it.
Beestons Cancel new OmniCity Decker Order, because Scania refuse to fit Seatbelts.
W/C - 12th November:
IB 182 is to stay with Ipswich Buses, also looks like 184 will do too. 169 and 183 to FET?
IB 39 finally has its name scroll applied, been named 'Western Hussar' a while back but not officially applied to vehicle.
BMC 501 went backl on Thurs/Fri, Not a gd write up on it.
Three Scanias are now at Norwich, 3 Volvos at Ipswich, this is all which is to be swapped at this time.
BMC 501 still here unfortuntly. IB 181 on long term loan to FET,
W/C - 5th November:
Congratulations to Konectbus for winning UK Bus Awards: Independant Bus Operator of the Year 2007.
FEC 65569 (S569TPW) is now in Norwich, 60767 (S657RNA) is now in Ipswich.
IB 170 on 801 on the 7th. FEC has withdrawn the 55 service from Mid December.
IB 41 Did a least one trip on the 7S On the 6th
Fireworks buses out in Action with all Lowlanders on Town Routes to cope with Demand, norm 801 Lowlanders, and half amount of buses on 800/2, 61 on 3's. FEC had 32492 on 61s.
New IB Demo started service on 3rd November on 800/2, Not good write ups on it.
W/C - 29th October:
Far East new Service 55 started today, using the Enviro200, Enviro300 and the Beavers, From what id seen it has been popular for about 5 people on each bus each trip, the maximum i have seen on a bus was 10 people, all have free passes except one person. Most buses carried 4-5 from Hospital to the town centre, all these having the free passes. Today the service didnt effect the 5. Services on the 55 is suppose to run every 30 Minutes, today they were every 30-45 minutes, the buses previous works the 97/8 route then straight onto the 55 so time is going to be a problem, really the 55 needed more planning, with using paper and cards in the winderscreen, it just isnt proffessional.
First 65569/70/86/7 are due to be transferred to Norwich for B10's. 60297 is also due to leave Ipswich for Norwich soon.
Recently five OmniCitys have been avaliable for Service so 500 has been working Route 12.
W/C - 15th October:
First 34872 is on loan to Lowestoft for a week, Bury dart is covering for it at Ipswich.
Ipswich Buses 500 (YN07EXP) is here from Beestons, It takes over the role of YN56EZV which is here still to cover for Warrenty work on the '13' OmniCitys. 72 has been gone for two months or so now. PIC HERE
Ipswich Buses 89 (X89LBJ) now carrys the new livery, noted on the 13 16/10/07 covering all day for an omnicity,
In afternoon peak 89 decided to brake down. PIC HERE
Only three! '13' OmniCitys were avaliable for Service today (16/10/07)
Ipswich Buses 92 (X92LBJ) is not being repainted, just has a new front.
Ipswich Buses 197 now finally been named 'Melissa' PIC HERE
First 60812 on 66s PIC HERE, First 32487 (AU53HKE) now supports an EasyJet back MegaAd.
W/C - 1st October:
Beestons have Scania OmniCity on loan to cover for Warrenty work to YN56EZX/X.
Ipswich Buses loose the Advent Contract to beestons due to reliability of IB older vehicles.
Ipswich 89 and 92 being repainted.
FEC 47208 is back from getting a new engine, 48070 is now back from Accident damage repairs.
W/C - 17th September:
Beestons have purchased ex EYMS Volvo Olympian (LWB) Alexander Royale (N597BRH) It is to enter the Coach fleet. Cedrics are purchasing Leyland Olympian (G285UMJ)
Ipswich Buses 231 has recieved an all-over advert for COES. Ipswich Buses 89 is the next for Repaint.
Carters L405BFX has been sold back to Ensign
Ipswich Buses 52 in new livery PIC HERE
Ipswich Buses 188 on Training duties PIC HERE
Showbus 2007 Pictures CLICK HERE
W/C - 10th September:
Ipswich Buses 52 (X152LBJ) Optare Spectra is now in the new livery.
Carters have a new Dart, Ex GNE Marshall bodied registered N117WBR.
01/09/07
Ipswich Buses 137 is back from repair and repaint.
First Ipswich 47208 is temporary, Ipswich should be expecting a couple more B10BLEs or perhaps B10Bs from norwich or elsewhere?
Anglian AO57BDY is No.311 - noted in Norwich, others are expected to enter service Soon.
28/08/07
First Ipswich now have 47208 (M208VWW) in place of 48070, another Dart is due to replace 48012.
25/08/07
First 48070 withdrawn after minor RTA PIC HERE
Ipswich Buses 188 Trainer is multi Purpose, can be a trainer and stay in service. PIC HERE
RE 1546 (SVW274W) and VR287 (VEX287X) attended Carters RE Running Day.
First 34925 (G125YEV) has been at Ipswich to cover for 48012 which was withdrawn, its here because of Ipswich garage vehicle shortage, it will go back to bury when Schools Start.
13/8/07
First 43435 has been repainted into Corp First Livery (Supports larger First logo than others at front and has no side vynils ie Leaf)
Far East Also have an Optare Solo on loan/Demo - YJ07VRK
10/8/07
Anglian News:
Currently, DAF DB250/Plaxton President T139AUA, Scania N94UD OmniDekka YN55NDY, Optare Solo PL06TFX, Dart MCV Evolution PL06TGF are on loan.
Optare Tempos YJ55BLX & YJ06FZK have both been purchased.
New Scania double Deckers are due
in October for the 588.
Nine brand new Solos (MAN) are due, 8 in Aug and 1 in Oct.
Also Anglian have purchased an Ex Trent Barton Optare Excel2 (Kinchbus).
The Volvo Olympians have been sold.
Info Thanks from Sam
Wickham & Andrew at Anglian Coaches.
24/7/07
Ipswich 196 Starts Service on 202 with Advert Branding. The 202 did look popular on its first day.
First 43436 P436NEX has been Repainted PIC HERE
Ipswich Buses Deckers have been againing more Advert Frames, (These include: 60-2, 51, 53, 54 and 58-9)
18/7/07
First new B10BLEs are: 60766 R644CVR & 60812 S663RNA (click on Reg for Pic)
Ipswich Buses 196 has been repainted into New Livery.
Ipswich Buses 169 is on loan to Far East (183 has returned to IB after 2 weeks)
Beestons Have SN56AWW on loan PIC HERE
Beestons have sold PJI5631 to Liddells Coaches in auchinleck.
Beestons L212TWM has been sent off for full refurb and Repaint.
Beestons - Just travel at York have agreed to buy Scania vanhool NCZ1912 and Leyland Olympian
G285UMJ is likely to go to Fords of althorne.
6/7/07
Far East Travel new Acquision is a Transbus Enviro 300 SN03WKV, Ex Southdown PSV. In use on 98s today
5/7/07
Ipswich Buses new Demo is Alexander-Dennis Enviro400 (SN56AWW) PIC HERE
Three OmniCitys fit for Service, with 501 and 193 on 13's. (yesterday 501 and Dart on 13)
3/7/07
Ipswich Buses Extra Park and Ride services for Rod Stewart Concert at ITFC. PICS HERE
Ipswich 184 noted on the 1, 40 noted on the 7 with 50.
28/6/07
Beestons VIB1835 (B869XYR), Volvo B10M-61 Plaxton Paramount has been withdrawn and will be scrapped.
A Short tem Purchase by Beestons is PJI5631 a Volvo B10M EastLancs Decker, this will be used on School Private Hires.
25/6/07
First keep having an Old Decker on the 66s recently. 34928 is the regular bus. PIC HERE
22/6/07
Ipswich 94 is the latest to be repainted into New Livery. PIC HERE
Ipswich 184 being prepared to be re-instated.
21/6/07
Ipswich new Demo is Optare Tempo X1260 (MAN) YJ07EGD in use on 800/802 only.
Ipswich 183 returns to the road and is on loan to Far East Travel.
14/6/07
Ipswich 137 has been involved in an RTA on Tacket Street today. (pictures on request)
Ex Ipswich 180 H180HPV is with Jones, Llanfaethlu - Picture Click Here
25/5/07
Ipswich Buses 169 has been re-instated.
24/5/07
The next Ipswich Buses Demo is 503 - This time a Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse, numbered 503 and started on Route 13.
Solo 245 back on FreeShuttle, with 243 on extra.
Previous news: Dart 46014 (J514FPS) has been withdrawn, and so has 46380 (M380YEX) from s/s. It is expected that 46015 (J515FPS) will not enter service at Ipswich. The Demos left with IB are 501 and 503.
17/5/07
Ipswich Buses Gets another Demo - this time Alexander-Dennis Enviro300 SK07DYA, numbered 502. On 802.
10/5/07
Carters G523VYE has been Disposed of after 8 years of service.
Carters K310FYG is back from Repaint, This replaces C664LJR which has been sold to Rallybeam.
08/5/07
Ipswich Buses new Demo - Scania OmniCity YN56EZV, replaces the Esteem as 501.
30/4/07
Other Ipswich Demo arrives! Scania Omnitown EastLancs Esteem YN06TGE.
24/4/07
43463-43467 All are now at Lowestoft
46014 (J514FPS) LOW-IPS
46015 (J515FPS) LOW-IPS
46041 (K741JAH) LOW-YCR
46042 (K742JAH) LOW-YCR
46380 (M380YEX) IPS- W/D *Temp Withdrawal*
48001 (L101PWR) YCR- W/D (Collected by Wigley)
48011 (L101WYS) YCR-IPS
48014 (L104WYS) YCR-IPS
48071 (M871DYS) IPS- Scrap (Collected by PVS)
48088 (M588ANG) IPS - Scrap (Collected by PVS)
48091 (M591ANG) IPS - W/D
Recent Movements in First Eastern Counties. (Courtsey of Grahame Bessey)
18/4/07
Ipswich Buses have MAN 18.240 East Lancs Kinetic Demo on loan for a month, with Scania Omnitown East Lancs Esteem coming soon, These are to cover for the OmniCitys which will go away for Warrenty work, The MAN is here for a month.
14/4/07
Ipswich 245 YJ05XNY has returned to Ipswich, expected to enter Service on the 38 in May.
12/4/07
Recent News:
Ipswich Buses have been Awarded Routes 90 and 95 on Sundays.
First 48091 is the lastest one to be withdrawn, L101WYS 48011 re-joins Ipswich.
First 42450 arrives at Ipswich from Yarmouth.
Beestons Purchase ex Metroline Olympian L212TWM, this replaces C671LJR.
Carters new ADL200 has operated Route 92.
CitySightseeing has started again for 2007 for 2 weeks for Easter, Good Old No.9 back doing the rounds.
2/4/07
Recent News:
Beestons sell
Olympian C671LJR to Rallybeam, EIG1356 (N631XBU) to Harrogate, B620CKG to Snowdon Coaches.
First Ipswich Training Coach has been on loan to Yarmouth and seen in Norwich.
Carters Spectra K310FYG to recieve Repaint before Entering Service.
Far East Travel still only have the one Transbus Dart in use, other one has been delivered and is in Green.
16/3/07
News From Past week:
Carters Purchase: Dennis Lance Oe Sigma M204DRG and DAF DB250 Oe Spectra K310FYG From Ensign. and sell RM2270.
IB 193 been on 13 for a couple of Days. 181 was also noted on 16.
Only one new Dart has Arrived for Far East Travel. Other one Due.
FEC 48071 (M781DYS) has been Withdrawn. All B6s remain in the Depot.
FEC 65570 has returned after sustaining Accident Damage.
05/3/07
Carters recieve their brand new Enviro200 - registered AY07CUA.
L101 and L118HHV has been sold to Stafford Bus Centre.
02/3/07
Carters have Acquired another Dart - N762SAV a white Marshall Bodied one - pic on Fpic site.
22/2/07
First 65570 was involved in an RTA. 46380 has been re-Licenced.
Ipswich Buses 186 on Extra FreeShuttle.
Beestons Volvo B6 Plaxton EIG1355 (L203HYE) has been sold to ECH travel of Langar, Nottinghamshire.
19/2/07
Ipswich Buses 194 on 13, due to OmniCity braking down with no Battery Power and Spare probably off with Door Problems.
18/2/07
Dart 46380 (M380YEX) has been De-licenced. Decision pending to be withdrawn completely
Olympian 34872 (F172LBL) is on Loan to Outstation Bury.
16/2/07
Network Colchester has Recieved an Optare Solo M870 from Classic Buses. This is due to stay and not go to Burtons.
Not Just the Ipswich Scanias are having problems with their Doors.
13/2/07
Still News about the Service and Cuts with Ipswich Buses. These wont happen (If Do) Til Spring 2008, The Labour Party are Strongly against this and are Looking to stop the Cuts. www.saveipswichbuses.org.uk
Far East new Enviro200 Proto Darts should Start Service 97/98 soon.
07/2/07
Still not all Scanias Operating the 13, 6/2/07 noted 95, 191 and even 192 at one Stage all on the 13 route in place of the OmniCitys.
The Article below from Recent Press, Wont happen (If Does) untill Spring 2008 a the Earliest.
1/2/07
Some First Ipswich and Bury movements - See Fleetlist for the movements.
31/1/07
BUS services across Ipswich are facing the axe as the borough prepares for a near £1 million raid on their own company's profits.
Some routes could lose their services altogether, others could see the number of buses cut dramatically as the council squeezes Ipswich Buses profits.
All this comes just weeks after the council said it wanted more people to use public transport - especially around the Waterfront.
And the news, contained in a briefing note to councillors from Ipswich Buses boss Malcolm Robson, comes just days after the bus company unveiled a fleet of new buses aimed at attracting fresh passengers to its route through Chantry.
Now it has warned it will be unable to buy any more new vehicles for the next four years. There could also be job losses.
Ipswich council has owned the company since it was formed following the deregulation of the bus industry in 1986.
However in all that time it has never taken a profit out of the company - preferring to see any earnings reinvested in new buses and services.
This has meant Ipswich now has one of the most modern and successful urban bus fleets in the country. The cuts were defended by Ipswich council's Conservative leader Liz Harsant.
She said: “The bus company has already had a £3.5 million subsidy from the council when the former administration filled its pension black hole a few years ago.
“We wanted to get some of the money back from the company for the council taxpayers. Don't forget not everyone in Ipswich is served by them - there are large parts of the St Margaret's area that see hardly any Ipswich Buses and in this part of the town (Holywells Ward) they are all First Eastern Counties.”
She said the bus services that were facing the axe were not well used - while those which were facing a reduction in services were not the busiest in town either.
The Labour opposition was furious about the proposed cuts, and promised to make it a key issue in the run-up to May's local council elections.
Labour group leader David Ellesmere said: “It is unbelievable that the council has taken this money out of the company at this time - just as the government and everyone else is talking about the importance of high-quality public transport.
“We've have the Stern Report and the Eddington Report into the future of planet and sustainable transport and both say it is important to get people out of their cars - now the council is planning this.
“It shows that the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Ipswich are not concerned about the party leaders' calls for more green policies.”
N. How will the changes affect you? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
MAIN points of a briefing note sent out from Ipswich Buses managing director Malcolm Robson to borough councillors:
Dividends of £975,600 built up over recent years will be paid in cash to the council. The company will have to pay dividends of £162,600 a year until 2009.
The bus company which currently pays a peppercorn rent to the borough for its Constantine Road headquarters, will have to find rent of £55,000 a year.
When the company moves to new headquarters in Hadleigh Road in 2009 it will have to pay rent of £500,000 a year - but no further dividends.
The company needs to make savings and efficiencies of £400,000 a year to meet its new financial targets.
No new vehicles for normal operations (excluding park and ride) will be ordered for at least four years.
Three jobs could be lost in administrative or mechanical posts.
Services will be cut to save costs.
The day rover has already gone. Other cuts are likely to be introduced later this year or next year - if they do not succeed in cutting costs further “changes” could be necessary.
ROUTES facing cuts are:
Number 5 (Foxhall Road), 7 (Chantry), 11 (Rushmere) and 15 (Maidenhall) - reduced from four an hour to three an hour during the day. Reduced from two an hour to one an hour during the evenings and on Sundays.
Number 2 (Gainsborough): reduced from two an hour to one during the day.
Number 12 (Cambridge Drive): reduced from three an hour to two during the day, from two an hour to one during the evening and on Sundays.
Number 16 (Halifax): reduced from three buses an hour to two.
Numbers 14 (Chantry), 19 (Castle Hill), 22 (Brunswick Road): cut altogether.
(Evening Star source)
30/1/07
Ipswich Buses Hire a Demo - A Mercades-Benz 0503 Citaro Evobus, Registered BX56VTP and Fleet No, 500. This is to be used on Route 12 only. Picture on Front Page.
29/1/07
Ipswich Route 13 starts with Scanias in Service, All Scanias have been used with one spare at TR which gets used often due to lateness, Also 89 noted on 13 earlier.
More MPDs to go Kings Lynn from Ipswich (Bury) and Rreg Darts and Older Step Darts Replace them!
Another B6 Withdrawn is 48093.
The new Scanias seem to have gone down well with Passengers, Most People calling them 'Posh'. 189 on the 800, 244 on extra 38.
26/1/07
Beestons have purchased Ipswich 216 - M216EDX, which will be used as a Spare.
20122 P732NVG
Volvo B10M Plaxton is now the Trainer.
43801/2 are/have moved to Kings Lynn in return for 43488 and another Rreg Dart.
Ipswich Buses uses 41 and 500 on 801 to cover for the Lowlanders.
23/1/07
Ipswich Buses use 242 and 244 on sunday rota on 13's.
Scanias are to start Service on Monday 29th January.
17/1/07
Beestons seem to be un-happy with Scania Bus and Coach, with their last order for the two OmniCitys.
Scania seems to be more interested in the bigger companies than smaller independants. Since Beestons became an Scania customer they have purchased 7 new vehicles, 3 ex demonstrators and 8 second hand. But recently the Customer Relations from scania has been apalling. So does Scania want Independant Bus orders, or just the bigger groups. It seems that most of the Independants orders are delayed to make room for bigger orders, With Beestons their new OmniCitys arrived in plain white instead of Fleet livery, they were also 8 weeks late. Also they were problems with the paperwork so Beestons couldnt tax the vechiles and use them. With most orders recently, most have been delayed like Ipswich Buses OmniCitys and Reading Buses Euro4 Spec ones. It doesnt look like Scania are having a good relationship with their Valued Customers. So will Companies and Beestons continue to Buy Scanias???????
So perhaps Scania should re-think their position in the bus market as Orders from Independants and Municipals are Just important than Big Group company. Now Beestons are Looking to purchase from Volvo than Scania, due to this matter, so this looks like a Valued customer lost, I have spoken to Tom Munson from Beestons and he is looking for a Volvo Demostrator and for further Orders. Also to add to this Mr Munson told me that at the NEC Bus and Coach show 06 he went to place and order with Scania for a new 13 metre Tri Axle Vanhool Coach. Scania turned him down! It looks like they seem rather to sell and target on their Irizar range, So This looks like Scania dont want Little Orders. I would think that all orders should be dealt with however big, small or unique. So what are Scania trying to do?
16/1/07
Beestons - YN04ANX, YN56EZX/Z have been repainted into new Livery.
N634XBU Sold to Harrograte, with sister vehicle N631XBU to go soon.
Scania N113DRB East Lancs Cityzen V335EAK and Leyland
Olympian G285UMJ have been put up for sale. Vanhool Double Deck Coach is due in march.
15/1/07
Ipswich Buses OmniCitys are due to enter service on Monday 22nd Jan, This probably will be later.
Also the Bawdsey contract is being Re-tendered.
2/1/07
IB OmniCity 72 has been at TR today, photo's on Fpic site.
Solo 231 was on 31 as 216s withdrawn, 234 on 14, 186 did do 38.
Solo 244 enters Service after 18 Months.
32487 AU53HKE, is in service on 66 with no displays working.
2006 NEWS |
