Thursday 17 February 2011

Stagecoach Versa in Bude

Stagecoach in Devon operate two routes into the north Cornish town of Bude - a very early morning route 85 journey from Bude to Barnstaple (via Holsworthy and Bideford), with an evening peak return, and summer Sunday only route 319, with two return journys from Barnstaple to Bude, via Bideford and Hartland. The 85 is usually operated by Dennis Dart SLFs, but the 319 often throws up something more interesting...

Last summer while I was on holiday, I managed to photograph the afternoon arrival of the 319 from Barnstaple. It was operated by Optare Versa 25258 (WA09KWP), one of four originally for Devon's route 380 (Axminster - Exeter) that were swapped for North Devon Darts. The 4 Versas tend to stay on route 308 (Barnstaple to Croyde), with some workings also on the 71/72 (Barnstaple to Torrington). However, due to the availability of 25258, it found its way to Bude. I'm not sure if the summer Sunday 319 is usually Versa operated or if this is a one off - but it certainly was a highlight of last year's holiday.

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