Hampshire are benefitting from the new First South Coast partnership involving the Hants & Dorset and Devon & Cornwall networks. With Ugobus cuts in Plymouth, FHD have already received Dart SLFs for Hilsea and Volvo B7RLEs for Southampton.
Two former Hong Kong Darts operate from Hilsea depot. These are former First Edinburgh 40959 (S335TJX) and former Eastern Counties 42759 (S659SNG), illustrated to the right, and are the only two Plaxton bodied Darts operated from Hilsea depot. Both have been repainted since they arrived at FHD and look very smart as they operate around Portsmouth.
Two more have just arrived at Hilsea depot - 40957 (S372SUX) and 42778 (S678SNG) - and will replace two more former London Darts that have just been withdrawn. Two more are due - and 40956 (S344SUX) - is intended to arrive. I was lucky enough to photograph 40956 last summer, in full Ugobus glory in Plymouth. However, Portsmouth and Southampton are increasingly becoming the places to visit if you wish to photograph buses which have seen service on the Ugobus network!
It's rather ironic that ex Hong Kong air conditioned buses are just arriving in the Solent area with First, because Stagecoach South is on the verge of disposing of the last of it's P registered ex Citybus SLF Darts.
ReplyDeleteThese were already a third generation of HK rejects in Portsmouth, with the step entrance Darts for the 21 having been followed by 10 Alexander ALX200 bodied and 2 Pointer bodied Volvo B6LEs, used mainly on the Havant - Waterlooville corridor.
You are absolutely correct - and I agree it is rather ironic that more Portsmouth, one way or another, always seems to have former Hong Kong buses.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea for another blog entry - I may save that one for when I'm struggling with ideas! - thanks Mr Dash!