Yeovil trip - non-First bits!

Yesterday, I visited Yeovil in Somerset in an attempt to get the First Somerset & Avon fleet in service from Yeovil before the changes in April. I'll post the First bits and bobs tomorrow, but for now I thought I'd focus on the other bus companies.

First up at Stagecoach's operations - the remnants of the former Cooks Coaches bus network. Stagecoach South West now only operate into Yeovil on route 99/99A from Chard and Taunton, using a fleet of these 2009 registered Optare Veras. Carrying Connect branding, here is 25251 (WA09KWH).

Go South Coast also operate into Yeovil on a couple of Damory routes. The 368 connects Yeovil to Blandford, and in turn Wilts & Dorset service X8 which continues to Poole. 2636 (T636AJT) was new to Wilts & Dorset, and is pictured carrying the latest version of the Damory livery.

South West Coaches are the largest independent operator in service in Yeovil, and their fleet is a mix of smart silver buses and slightly worn white coaches. Here is one of the former - MAN/MCV Stirling CU04AMK, arriving in Yeovil on route 81.

I'm not really sure if route 1 (Yeovil - Shepton Mallet) has a regular bus allocation, because during my visit the departures were a Solo, a Versa, a Volvo B10M coach and this, a Volvo B10M/Alexander Strider, registered N506HWY.

Last year, South West Coaches reintroduced the weekday bus link between Yeovil Junction and Yeovil Pen Mill stations in the form of route 68. It is operated by two Solo - YJ10MGY has been acquired specifically for the route. It is £3.30 from Yeovil Junction to the town centre return, or £2 single, which I think is decent value considering the only other alternative is private transport or taxi. The Solos also cope well in terms of passenger loads and hills - whether something bigger is needed with the peak time train arrivals I do not know. YJ10MGY is pictured in Yeovil Junction train station car park.

Finally, here's one South West Coaches' Optare Versas in use on route 81. The cloudy conditions on offer yesterday don't really do justice to the brightness of the livery on YJ08PGZ, or the route branding. It is pictured in Yeovil town centre (Yeovil Borough).

I shall be posting First photos and a report tomorrow, including what services FHD will operate in the town from 17th April. FSA have confirmed the cuts on their website. Thanks for viewing.