<![CDATA[Forum | Merseyside Dennis Dart Website

<![CDATA[Forum | Merseyside Dennis Dart Website - The Bus Scene: Elsewhere]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 19:25:57 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[South Derbyshire/Lichfield Coaches ban and Evolve Bus]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1825 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:45:09 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1825 https://www.facebook.com/evolvebus

This seems to be a way Michael James has got around a ban, have his partner register a new bus operator, and run some of the same routes using the same vehicles.

https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-...hael-james]]> https://www.facebook.com/evolvebus

This seems to be a way Michael James has got around a ban, have his partner register a new bus operator, and run some of the same routes using the same vehicles.

https://www.gov.uk/traffic-commissioner-...hael-james]]> <![CDATA[Ridlers Coaches, Dulverton - serious incident]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1824 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:30:34 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1824
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...-collision]]>
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...-collision]]> <![CDATA[Bluestar Bus, Eastleigh]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1822 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:43:01 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1822
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2k1gy4w38nt]]>
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2k1gy4w38nt]]> <![CDATA[Leeds bus station]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1810 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:18:07 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1810
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y3gxlkqe5o]]>
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y3gxlkqe5o]]> <![CDATA[HCT YORKSHIRE and Powell’s]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1743 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 22:12:36 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1743
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E4A70D5E-9978-490D-A4B1-587A8039216C.jpeg (Size: 160.63 KB / Downloads: 7) ]]>
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E4A70D5E-9978-490D-A4B1-587A8039216C.jpeg (Size: 160.63 KB / Downloads: 7) ]]> <![CDATA[Faro airport vintage shuttle bus]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1734 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 17:37:01 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1734
I think it had some similarities with this type of vehicle but may not have been this type: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/620159811165998088/

It was a dual door vehicle but not an articulated bus.]]>
I think it had some similarities with this type of vehicle but may not have been this type: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/620159811165998088/

It was a dual door vehicle but not an articulated bus.]]> <![CDATA[Northern Ireland]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1733 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 22:00:18 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1733 Its a very differnt operation to down south and certainly differnt to the North West of England. Translink is state run and operated Ulsterbus throughout the province and Metro in Belfast. Generally buses/ coaches are in good condition and there are currently a lot of new vehicles appearing: Hydrogen and electric double deckers in Belfast, new coaches on Goldliner routes amongst the addtions. Most large towns are provided with high quality bus stations and are integrated with the train service, limited though it is. Sadly paper timetables are a thing of the past and this is particularly an issue in Belfast with its services as I can never remember where buses go..I will explain why again.

First up is the north west. The Foyle Metro fleet in Derry is due to be replaced with an all electric fleet, good, the Versas rattle like hell. I must mention that although there is a bus manufacturer based near Ballymena, Translink have regularly take Solos and Versas from Optare and Enviro 300s, as well as coaches from everyone!

[Image: DSC_0109%20%281280x718%29-L.jpg]

2283 & 2882 NW Transport Hub Derry 30 March 2022 - Foyle Metro buses are an orangey shade of red. Normall Ulsterbuses often appear on Foyle services, in this case on the shuttle to the train station.

[Image: DSC_0041%20%281280x702%29-L.jpg]

1248 & 1287 Derry Bus Station 30 March 2022

[Image: DSC_0020%20%281280x853%29-L.jpg]

1826 NW Transport Hub Derry 30 March 2022

[Image: DSC_0060%20%281280x950%29-L.jpg]

2050 Derry Bus Station 30 March 2022

[Image: DSC_0065%20%281280x974%29-L.jpg]

3180 Derry Bus Station 30 March 2022

[Image: DSC_0133%20%281280x913%29-L.jpg]

2501 Coleraine Station 30 March 2022

More here:
https://transportsceneireland.smugmug.co...arch-2022/]]> Its a very differnt operation to down south and certainly differnt to the North West of England. Translink is state run and operated Ulsterbus throughout the province and Metro in Belfast. Generally buses/ coaches are in good condition and there are currently a lot of new vehicles appearing: Hydrogen and electric double deckers in Belfast, new coaches on Goldliner routes amongst the addtions. Most large towns are provided with high quality bus stations and are integrated with the train service, limited though it is. Sadly paper timetables are a thing of the past and this is particularly an issue in Belfast with its services as I can never remember where buses go..I will explain why again.

First up is the north west. The Foyle Metro fleet in Derry is due to be replaced with an all electric fleet, good, the Versas rattle like hell. I must mention that although there is a bus manufacturer based near Ballymena, Translink have regularly take Solos and Versas from Optare and Enviro 300s, as well as coaches from everyone!

2283 & 2882 NW Transport Hub Derry 30 March 2022 - Foyle Metro buses are an orangey shade of red. Normall Ulsterbuses often appear on Foyle services, in this case on the shuttle to the train station.

1248 & 1287 Derry Bus Station 30 March 2022

1826 NW Transport Hub Derry 30 March 2022

2050 Derry Bus Station 30 March 2022

3180 Derry Bus Station 30 March 2022

2501 Coleraine Station 30 March 2022

More here:
https://transportsceneireland.smugmug.co...arch-2022/]]> <![CDATA[Stagecoach South]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1727 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 22:48:47 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1727 https://www.flickr.com/photos/thelinkdir...ateposted/]]> https://www.flickr.com/photos/thelinkdir...ateposted/]]> <![CDATA[First Bristol/West of England]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1702 Sat, 11 Sep 2021 15:24:32 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1702
If you have a First Bus ticket and see a green vehicle turn up saying "The Buses of Somerset" then even though there's no First branding on the vehicle, First tickets are accepted as "The Buses of Somerset" is their subsidiary. I only found this out because I noticed the sticker with COVID related information matched the one on First Buses on had a tiny First logo in the corner.

First tickets are also accepted on the Metrobus routes in Bristol but that is clearly advertised at bus stops. Cash fares are not available on Metrobus services.

Annoyingly First have just changed the timetables but the times on the 'next departure' displays in Bristol still show the old times and old timetables were still available to download on the First Bus website with no indication of service changes on routes like the 376.

Streetlites are used on the 8 route (Clifton circular.) They actually work well on that route with having the power to climb the steep hills and not getting up to any real speed, where they can become rattly. They are also much better presented internally than the D&G Bus examples.

The Mendip Explorer Wright Eclipse Geminis are 09-14 reg examples and all have stickers on them referring to being retrofitted with cleaner Euro VI engines. They vary internally with some having moquette seat covers and others having leather seat covers. One I was on had a next stop system but that wasn't operational, another had USB charging points. As the 376 and 126 both link towns and villages with no stations to mainline stations (e.g. linking Glastonbury and Wells to Bristol Temple Meads) there are quite a lot of large bags and suitcases carried on these routes but First haven't thought to add a luggage rack to these.]]>
If you have a First Bus ticket and see a green vehicle turn up saying "The Buses of Somerset" then even though there's no First branding on the vehicle, First tickets are accepted as "The Buses of Somerset" is their subsidiary. I only found this out because I noticed the sticker with COVID related information matched the one on First Buses on had a tiny First logo in the corner.

First tickets are also accepted on the Metrobus routes in Bristol but that is clearly advertised at bus stops. Cash fares are not available on Metrobus services.

Annoyingly First have just changed the timetables but the times on the 'next departure' displays in Bristol still show the old times and old timetables were still available to download on the First Bus website with no indication of service changes on routes like the 376.

Streetlites are used on the 8 route (Clifton circular.) They actually work well on that route with having the power to climb the steep hills and not getting up to any real speed, where they can become rattly. They are also much better presented internally than the D&G Bus examples.

The Mendip Explorer Wright Eclipse Geminis are 09-14 reg examples and all have stickers on them referring to being retrofitted with cleaner Euro VI engines. They vary internally with some having moquette seat covers and others having leather seat covers. One I was on had a next stop system but that wasn't operational, another had USB charging points. As the 376 and 126 both link towns and villages with no stations to mainline stations (e.g. linking Glastonbury and Wells to Bristol Temple Meads) there are quite a lot of large bags and suitcases carried on these routes but First haven't thought to add a luggage rack to these.]]> <![CDATA[Cymru Coaches]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1693 Sun, 30 May 2021 14:54:11 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1693 <![CDATA[Hulleys of Baslow]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1690 Thu, 20 May 2021 10:27:07 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1690 <![CDATA[Megabus]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1684 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 12:46:36 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1684 <![CDATA[Chaserider]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1673 Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:59:44 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1673 (08/01/2021 17:49)knutstransport Wrote: Day/week ticket prices for Chaserider:

All Chaserider routes
including D&G Bus services 14 and 841 within Stafford
1 day - £6.30 adult / £4.10 child
7 days - £25 adult / £18 child

Cannock and Stafford zone
including service 2 to Walsall D&G Bus 14 and 841 within Stafford
1 day - £4.20 adult / £3.80 child
7 days - £15.50 adult / £11 child

Lichfield and Burntwood zone
1 day - £4.20 adult / £3.50 child
7 days - £15 adult / £12.50 child

(07/01/2021 11:15)knutstransport Wrote: According to Quack77 the following buses have been allocated to Cannock

FN04 HTC - Scania / Wright Solar - D & G red
MX08 DHM - Optare Solo - D & G red
MX08 DGE - Optare Solo - Centrebus old
YX11 CTV - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - Red
YN62 AOH - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - D & G red
MX62 ARF - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - D & G red
MX62 AWU - Wright StreetLite DF - Compass Bus
MX62 AWZ - Wright StreetLite DF - Compass Bus
MK63 WZX - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
SN64 CVM - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
SN64 CVO - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
SN64 CVP - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
MM13 OCH - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - D & G red
YX65 RWK - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC - White
YX65 RWL - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC - White

(09/01/2021 12:32)33109 Wrote: FN04 HTC - Know for a fact that's an ex high peak solar that used to run the 199 buxton - manchester airport services. Maybe they'll cascade a couple of others as well.

ukbuses.co.uk reports they have FN04 HSL as well but they say it's awaiting disposal, so sounds like it's been used for spare parts to keep FN04 HTC usable.]]> (08/01/2021 17:49)knutstransport Wrote: Day/week ticket prices for Chaserider:

All Chaserider routes
including D&G Bus services 14 and 841 within Stafford
1 day - £6.30 adult / £4.10 child
7 days - £25 adult / £18 child

Cannock and Stafford zone
including service 2 to Walsall D&G Bus 14 and 841 within Stafford
1 day - £4.20 adult / £3.80 child
7 days - £15.50 adult / £11 child

Lichfield and Burntwood zone
1 day - £4.20 adult / £3.50 child
7 days - £15 adult / £12.50 child

(07/01/2021 11:15)knutstransport Wrote: According to Quack77 the following buses have been allocated to Cannock

FN04 HTC - Scania / Wright Solar - D & G red
MX08 DHM - Optare Solo - D & G red
MX08 DGE - Optare Solo - Centrebus old
YX11 CTV - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - Red
YN62 AOH - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - D & G red
MX62 ARF - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - D & G red
MX62 AWU - Wright StreetLite DF - Compass Bus
MX62 AWZ - Wright StreetLite DF - Compass Bus
MK63 WZX - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
SN64 CVM - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
SN64 CVO - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
SN64 CVP - Wright StreetLite DF - D & G red
MM13 OCH - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 - D & G red
YX65 RWK - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC - White
YX65 RWL - Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC - White

(09/01/2021 12:32)33109 Wrote: FN04 HTC - Know for a fact that's an ex high peak solar that used to run the 199 buxton - manchester airport services. Maybe they'll cascade a couple of others as well.

ukbuses.co.uk reports they have FN04 HSL as well but they say it's awaiting disposal, so sounds like it's been used for spare parts to keep FN04 HTC usable.]]> <![CDATA[Flixbus UK]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1619 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:40:46 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1619 https://www.businesstraveller.com/busine...hes-in-uk/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rootymasters/50069114271]]> https://www.businesstraveller.com/busine...hes-in-uk/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rootymasters/50069114271]]> <![CDATA[First Essex]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1615 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 17:47:39 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1615 https://www.flickr.com/photos/184974831@N08/50036184133]]> https://www.flickr.com/photos/184974831@N08/50036184133]]> <![CDATA[Euro Bus Expo 2018]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1599 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:05:32 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1599
Just updating my notes and was wondering if anybody who attended logged any VIN Numbers for the following (I seem to of misplaced some of mine, Doh!) Or know the registrations of the following, however I am aware some may yet to be registered. Anyway here goes;
Inside;
Grey Arriva Bus & Coach Temsa MD9
Grey Arriva Bus & Coach Temsa Safari HD
Orange Mercedes Tourismo L
Silver Mercedes Tourismo M2
Metroline Optare Metrodecker EV
White Mercedes UNVI Touring GT

Outside;
White Wrightbus Streetlite
Red Mercedes Tourismo
Yellow Mercedes Tourismo M2 'Safety Coach'
White Volvo B8R Sunsundegui SC5
White Volvo B11R Jonckheere JHV 2
White Arriva Bus & Coach Vanhool EX15
White Arriva Bus & Coach Vanhool EX16
White Scania Irizar i6S
Moseley VDL Futura 2
White Yutong TC9

---
Many Thanks to those able to assist.]]>
Just updating my notes and was wondering if anybody who attended logged any VIN Numbers for the following (I seem to of misplaced some of mine, Doh!) Or know the registrations of the following, however I am aware some may yet to be registered. Anyway here goes;
Inside;
Grey Arriva Bus & Coach Temsa MD9
Grey Arriva Bus & Coach Temsa Safari HD
Orange Mercedes Tourismo L
Silver Mercedes Tourismo M2
Metroline Optare Metrodecker EV
White Mercedes UNVI Touring GT

Outside;
White Wrightbus Streetlite
Red Mercedes Tourismo
Yellow Mercedes Tourismo M2 'Safety Coach'
White Volvo B8R Sunsundegui SC5
White Volvo B11R Jonckheere JHV 2
White Arriva Bus & Coach Vanhool EX15
White Arriva Bus & Coach Vanhool EX16
White Scania Irizar i6S
Moseley VDL Futura 2
White Yutong TC9

---
Many Thanks to those able to assist.]]> <![CDATA[TJ Walsh, Halifax]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1596 Sat, 04 Apr 2020 08:36:56 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1596 <![CDATA[Go Cornwall]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1576 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:03:11 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1576
Go Citybus as GoCornwall have won the entire tendered network for services in Cornwall, 130 buses worth of work from April for a period of 8 years, from both FirstGroup and Independents, FirstGroup will lose circa 50% of there work in Cornwall.

However as part compensation the Truro Park & Ride was not included in the net tenders and has been awarded in a separate contract to First Kernow also from April again for a period of 8 years.

In a third tender the entire schools network in Cornwall will be contracted out in a separate bid.

https://www.piratefm.co.uk/news/latest-n...lls-buses/]]>
Go Citybus as GoCornwall have won the entire tendered network for services in Cornwall, 130 buses worth of work from April for a period of 8 years, from both FirstGroup and Independents, FirstGroup will lose circa 50% of there work in Cornwall.

However as part compensation the Truro Park & Ride was not included in the net tenders and has been awarded in a separate contract to First Kernow also from April again for a period of 8 years.

In a third tender the entire schools network in Cornwall will be contracted out in a separate bid.

https://www.piratefm.co.uk/news/latest-n...lls-buses/]]> <![CDATA[National Express UK Expansion:]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1536 Wed, 17 Jul 2019 16:04:38 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1536
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/artic...rt_service]]>
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/artic...rt_service]]> <![CDATA[Yellow Buses sold by RATP]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1531 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 22:34:19 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1531 https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/1...nt-buyout/]]> https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/1...nt-buyout/]]>