Fleet Movements/Changes - October & November 2010

66713 is apparantly now in Halifax.

Hudds Royale 30818 has lost its Holmfirth Connection branding, as it has been repainted into standard First livery.

Brand the Gemini's up for the Holmfirth's. That would be a wise idea.

First generally are not interested in branding anymore as it's a cost that they've cut. Only existing schemes are continuing. (such as Bradford only having 6 out of 7 lines branded)

And the 72 and X6 branded Geminis

Halifax no longer has any buses branded for the 508. Another problem with branding is making changes to it , Ie the 576 branded buses have carried on them every 10 then 15 and 12 minutes on them in the 5 years since they started on the route. Also they have advertise various types of tickets in the same period which have to altered when there is a price change

Route branding never made a lot of sense when the buses were otherwise interchangeable. When First tried it in York, all it meant was more confusion when they invariably get some buses on the wrong routes. Yes, if you have a dedicated pool of buses for a particular route - eg new ones with nicer seats, the only double-deckers in the depot, FTRs - then it may be worth branding them, but when all that you do is make it more difficult to roster vehicles on day-to-day operations, it isn't necessarily a good idea.

After some time in store at Hunslet Park, Royale 30786 is going for a new MOT today (Friday). Not sure though if it's staying in Leeds or going back to Halifax, or elsewhere.

All have now arrived according to reports on the SY forum.

Looks like First are now taking note of the increased competition from Stagecoach around Sheffield. That's not to mention the 15 Scania E400s that enter service on Monday on the revised 88 and then the 21 Hybrid E400s for the 52 that enter service on the 52 next year.

First have vacated using the Robin Wood Mill outstation that was on the road between Todmorden and Portsmouth.

The buses which were parked there are now kept at the main Todmorden depot which now has more space since the Solos left the fleet.

Yes, Hybrid Gemini 2's for First Leeds

22. Obviously will displace Olympians which will lead to ALX400s going to the schools.

I think First will up their investment in South Yorks soon, they're going to have to, I know investment has been scaled down of late but it will need to be upped.