Last of the Southern National Mercedes Minibuses

A little piece of history has occured this week that has largely gone unnoticed. The last Mercedes-Benz minibus new to Southern National in service with the Hants & Dorset part of the company has been withdrawn.

Mercedes-Benz 709D 51281 (M281UYD) was transferred up to Hilsea depot back in 2007 as a replacement for Iveco Turo-Daily minibuses. It out lived three younger Mercedes-Benz Varios (R501/2/5CPR) also transferred west. However, last week it was withdrawn following minibus shuffles with the introduction of Solo minibuses at Hoeford depot. She is seen here looking extremely smart Southsea, at South Parade Pier, having received a recent repaint when this photo was taken. She lasted on some mainstream routes to her end - this shot shows her on Overground route 6 in May this year. 51281 was the only 709D at Hilsea to have Alexander bodywork.

Minibus fans will be glad to hear Taunton and Bridgwater still operate a number acquired with the Southern National takeover by First. However, further Solo and Dart cascades along with service changes is seeing this number dwindle further. I'm not particularly nostaglic for the van-derived minibus, but it has played an important role in the history of privatisation and subsequent development of particularly urban bus networks. Certainly they add variety for the enthusiast when visiting towns where these are still in service, although the usually bumpy ride doesn't do too much for the passenger. Here is 51682 (P182LYB), seen in Taunton town centre.

Just to end, a quick summary of the remaining 709Ds in First H&D show...

* Hilsea - 7 still in service (50206, 50215, 51710, 51723, 51726, 51727, 51728)

* Hoeford - 4 still in service (51711, 51713, 51714, 51716)

* Portswood, Weymouth and Bridport - nil