Today saw First Eastern Counties take over Ipswich Park & Ride services from Ipswich Buses. A new timetable, extended route to Rendlesham, and a fleet of 5yo Enviro 3oo's painted in Ipswich Town Blue. I understand Ipswich was a hive of photographers so I didn't go there. I went to the P&R side at Martlesham where a group of First managers were overseeing the first day, and wondering where all the buses had got to. A big gap had appeared and no one knew why. Body armour was needed as passengers were not keeping opinions to themselves, and I felt quite sorry for the managers who had no influence or control over the situation, but had to field the questions and comments as best they could.
After what must have seemed a lifetime to them a bus finally arrived from Rendlesham in the form of 67763 SN62 AUK
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| 67763 at Martlesham |
Very soon a Rendlesham bound bus arrived, disgorging some very unhappy bunnies, who again took it out on the managers who still didn't know what had caused all the delays. This time it was 67776 SN62 AXU, which I was to ride later.
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| 67776 at Martlesham |
Next up was the latest addition to the Ipswich fleet, 67406 SN13 CKC which only arrived from Bolton last week in exchange for Volvo B7rle 66983. It will eventually and up with a blue front but will be used on all routes if the rest of the P&R fleet is on the road. It still awaits its new destination screen.
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| 67406 at Martlesham |
It was time to drive to Rendlesham, where I planned to ride a couple of the E300's to Woodbridge and back. First up was the aforementioned 67776. It was still running very late so had to abridge the journey at Melton. Comfy seats, decent legroom, but a serious rattle coming from I think the emergency door spoiled the ride. I hope that rattle gets identified and rectified soon. A 10 minute wait at Melton during which one of Ipswich's excellent decker fleet came along on the back to hourly 64. they maybe the best part of 14 years old now but these B7tl's still look and ride great. Here is 32486 AU53 HKD
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| 32486 at Melton |
No sooner had tat departed than my next E300 arrived. 67775 SN62 AXO was the vehicle and I have to say this bus is lovely. No unnatural rattles and goes like the clappers! A thoroughly enjoyable round trip via Rendlesham to Woodbridge, and a decent friendly driver too. This is the standard the other buses should be.
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| 67775 at Woodbridge |
It was at Woodbridge I noticed what was advertised on the side of the buses. Now I have been known to comment on the ride quality of buses starting with E, indeed have described my insides being re-arranged on some, so I think this is extremely appropriate advertising, even if on a bus that gave a relatively decent ride.
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| Says it all really! |
Soon my final P&R bus of the day came in. 67773 SN62 AXH. This was between the other two in terms of quality, not as rattly as 67776 but not as quiet as 67775. This also needs tightening up in places but I'm sure Barry and his team will sort them out in time as they get to know the buses. Another friendly driver who was happy for me to take a pic at the Rendlesham terminus - a location I'm willing to bet no one else bothered to go to today.
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| 67773 at Rendlesham |
There are always teething troubles with a new service, and today was no exception, but I have confidence the service will settle down if the constant Ipswich roadworks let it. One problem I do see is the Rendlesham extension. If a bus is late out there it will be late back, causing a kink in the system. Some thought needed to overcome that from the team methinks, but on the whole a thumbs up. Those E300's are much nicer than the Versas they replace anyway.
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