www.buszone.co.uk
June 2007
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Another Preview
28-06-07
Another visit to East Lancs today saw the first two Scanias 835 and 836 almost ready to go with their vinyls now applied, and a third one behind the scenes. Apparently 835/6 are likely to be delivered to Reading tomorrow.
835 at East Lancs today. Thanks to Alistair Liddle for this photo.
Preview of New Vehicles
26-06-07
Production of the new East Lancs Olympus bodied Scanias for the Loddon Bridge park and ride is nearing completion, and delivery of the East Lancs Kinetec+ bodied MAN is also imminent. Alistair Liddle has paid a couple of visits to East Lancs recently and has kindly allowed some of his photos to be used here.
One of the new Olympuses for the FastTrack 500 yesterday, still awaiting the application of vinyls. Thanks to Alistair Liddle for this photo.
501 was looking almost ready for service on route 9 when photographed at the same location on 16th. Thanks to Alistair Liddle for this photo.
This rear view taken yesterday highlights the dramatic difference in height between the normal bodywork on the Scania and the super low height bodywork MAN. Thanks to Alistair Liddle for this photo.
Alistair's Fotopic site contains further and higher resolution shots from his visits.
Spectra Goes Sightseeing in Windsor
09-06-07
Former Spectra 703 continues to make the news as it has now entered service on the Windsor sightseeing tour, and its branding has been revised since last weekend.
703 in Windsor, the only part of its Stratford identity left is the fleet number 303. Thanks to James Cusworth for this photo.
The rear view of 703. The seats have been retrimmed in City Sightseeing's colours, but otherwise appear to be the same ones as originally fitted. Thanks to James Cusworth for this photo.
A Day at the Races
03-06-07
Former Spectra 703 made an appearance with City Sightseeing at the Epsom Derby yesterday. The vehicle was to be used on the Stratford tour, but following Stagecoach's take-over of Stratford Blue it was moved to Purfleet before it could enter service. It is currently awaiting allocation elsewhere, so this appears to be the first time that it has carried passengers since leaving Reading.
703 at the Epson Derby yesterday. Many thanks to Bob Stanger for this photo.
The bus still carries Stratford fleet number 303. Thanks to Bob Stanger for this photo.
Reading Rail-Bus 2007
02-06-07
Today saw the 5th annual Reading Rail-Bus railway / bus collectors fair take place at Rivermead. For the fourth year running Reading Heritage Travel operated a 20 minute service from Reading Station for most of the day using exReading Mainline Routemaster No.15, formerly known as RM999.
No.15 this afternoon with the old Station building in the background.
Related Links:
Also see the June 2004 news page.
Mortons Take Over Countywide Travel
02-06-07
The coaching side of Countywide Travel has recently been taken over by Mortons, apparently following the retirement of Countywide's owner. The change of ownership can now be seen on the coaches ("Countywide part of the Mortons Group"), although it is not yet known what will eventually happen to the bus side of the business which appears to be running unchanged for the time being.
91 has gained a Mortons logo on the front window and the lettering "Part of the Mortons Group" on each side, whilst it has lost its name Betsy. Brand new YJ07 JMO in Mortons livery is parked behind.
Related Links:
Also see the April 2007 news page.
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