I've struggled to get out this week so far, so I'm afraid its a bit of a slow news day. Today's blog entry sees us remember some of the transfers to First Hants & Dorset from First PMT, and one that got away back up north.
First Hampshire operated two Leyland Olympians that were new to PMT - the first was 30050 (MTU124Y), which entered service at Hoeford as a VR replacement, initially on the Asda Havant contract. She is pictured here in full Asda livery in Fareham bus station on route 31, pictured 2nd April 2004.
Two Mercedes minibuses were transferred to Hoeford in summer 2003. These were the first buses to operate in FHD with the new national numbers - fleet number 50088 (L556LVT) and 50107 (N591CEH). Despite the 'numbers for life' being applied, 50088 became 51056 for a time and then returned to 50088, where 50107 permanently became 51691 as First Hants & Dorset was renumbered. 50088 is pictured first, on one of its first days of service in July 2003 the south is 50088, with an old yellow on green People's Provincial blind, again in Fareham bus station. 50107, as illustrated, entered service in the PMT red and yellow livery, remaining this way for over a year before it was repainted. 50107 is pictured in Stubbington in September 2003.
The second double decker to arrive was 30056 (A157UDM). I remember 30056 as it took me ages to find, and this shot (from August 2006) was taken not long before it was withdrawn from service, replaced by younger Volvo Olympians. Pictured again on route 31 departing Fareham bus station.
I thought I'd include one from Dorset - here is Leyland Lynx 62557 (H657GRE). First Southern National acquired a few former PMT Lynxes over the years, but following merger of Weymouth and Bridport with Hampshire, it became the only former PMT example in FHD. Pictured outside Weymouth Debenhams on route 8.
And finally, the one that got away. Scania L94UB 65704 (YN04GNU) was the single decker allocated to the X54 Exeter - Colyton for many a year, but following the introduction of new Volvo B9TL double deckers in 2008, it was repainted into fleet livery and then transferred up north. I believe it now operates the Chester - Liverpool service mainly, but I could be wrong.Thanks for viewing - this list was by no means meant to be exhaustive but I thought it would be of interest.
Both MTU 124Y & A157 UDM were new to Crosville as DOG124/57 - passing to PMT when the English half of Crosville splintered after privatisation. As I remember it Crosville was sold to "ATL" who amongst other things imported Neoplan coaches to the UK. They also purchased Yelloway of Rochdale, tried to turn them into a bus company instead of a coaching business. All ended badly and Crosville was split between PMT and British Bus.
ReplyDelete