A Saturday Single Trip

As some of you will know I recently had a mishap involving a hairpin bend and a field, which resulted in a requirement for a replacement car, though thankfully no replacement limbs. I wanted a similar car, and found one that caught my eye near Skegness in Lincolnshire. That's some distance from me, and when I saw the train fare I gulped.

A single from Norwich to Boston, where I'd catch the bus from to the small village of Friskney, was £51. Yes £51! So I got my fare splitting head on (btw I recently co-wrote an article on fare splitting for the excellent Dawlish Beach website - to see the article click here), and by splitting the fare at Peterborough got it down to £29. Then I had one of those light bulb moments. If I had to get the bus either side of the train journey why couldn't I get the bus all the way? Turns out I could, so that is what I did.

I started in Halesworth catching the 0631 Konect service 87 to Norwich, which goes via everywhere. 90 mins Halesworth - Norwich isn't going to encourage anyone, as was proved with only 5 passengers, including myself on the entire trip. However, it was one of the last surviving ex Anglian drivers I know, which helped. The Scania Omnilink, now 7 years old was ok and did the job.

Konectbus 454 Scania Omnilink YT11 LVF at Halesworth

Arriving at Norwich on schedule it was time to switch to the XL, formerly X1, to Kings Lynn. My dislike for the E400's on the route is not a secret, and is the main reason I've rather neglected West Norfolk in recent years. Give me one of the old B9's any day. However, needs must, and soon 33813 pulled up on the stop, with a pleasant driver greeting everyone.

First Excel 33813 YX63 YKA at Norwich Bus Station

One of my earliest gripes - ok moans about the E400's were the ridiculous route vinyls blocking the lower part of the top deck windows. So it's very pleasing to report they have finally gone, and it makes the world of difference.

Clear windows make such a difference

But I still don't like them. The driver couldn't have driven it any better, but numerous rattles, and whoever on earth designed that air chill system to give nothing one side and a howling gale the other needs putting in the stocks and pelting with rotten tomatoes! It was a very long hour and fifty minutes to Kings Lynn!

But arrive at Kings Lynn we did, and I transferred onto one of only 2 surviving routes still operated by Stagecoach out of the Norfolk town - the 505 to Spalding. Another E400, but this one had, in my view, far more comfortable seats, didn't rattle, and gave a better ride. Why this is I don't know, but there has to be a reason.

Stagecoach 10010, E400 AE12 CKA at Kings Lynn Bus Station

Two things of note to report on the journey to Spalding. Firstly, it was good to see one of the original Norfolk Green 13 plate E400's operating the route, and secondly, in Long Sutton, arguably the sturdiest bus shelter seats I've ever seen. None of your flimsy narrow plastic balance beams here!

Now they are bus shelter seats!

Arriving at Spalding Bus Station, still on schedule, I had one of those swooning moments. Parked up, obviously in service was an Ollie. Not just an Ollie but a Leyland Ollie! Was that my next bus? Please, please!!!

Fowlers of Spalding Leyland Olympian L276 YEY

Alas the 43 runs to Wisbech, and that wasn't where I was going. I was waiting for the Brylaine Buses B13 to Boston, and I certainly wasn't expecting what rolled in. I can now say I've been on a BMC Falcon, and I have to say I was extremely impressed by the quality of the body - to find a 13yo single decker with next to no rattles is a rare find indeed, so top marks for that. However, that's where the praise ends. The seats are woefully hard and uncomfortable, and the engine was making some alarming noises, including a perpetually screaming belt, not to mention some interesting smells. But it was a bus, and it took me where I wanted to go, and these days that's really all that matters.

Brylaine Buses BMC Falcon BX55 NZU at Spalding Bus Station

Lunch in Boston, which is a strange place with little evidence of town planning, and it was time for my final bus, the Stagecoach East Midlands Interconnect service 57 to Friskney. I had no idea what to expect, but a 14yo East Lancs bodied Volvo B7 wasn't top of my guesses. I have to say I love the livery, comfortable seats but more rattles than a 1930's football crowd! That, however, was overshadowed by the scenery, which I caught on a good day. I'm not sure I'd like to ride that route in mid January with driving ran and a howling northeasterly! Clearly the driver thought the same, as he told me he only drives in the Summer!

Stagecoach 16914 East Lancs Volvo B7tl FX54 AOD at Boston Bus Station

 So precisely 8 hours after leaving Halesworth we pulled up at my stop in Friskney bang on time, and as I stepped off the bus I could see my new car 10 yards away. Every bus ran, on time, and the connections were seamless. I can't fault the journey in anyway. Yes, of course I'm being churlish in criticising some of the buses, but that's just me.

However, it did highlight one of the reasons bus travel is declining. Had I not liked the car I couldn't have got home by bus. Nowhere near, in fact. I know my journey was an extreme example, but it is typical of the way it is outside big towns and cities. You can get there by bus, but not necessarily home unless you leave at silly early times. Take Southwold - the place has been packed in recent weeks, but if you fancy a day trip from Norwich the last Konect service to Norwich leaves at 1658, the last Borderbus service even earlier at 1645. Where is the incentive there if you have to start packing up halfway through the afternoon? This issue really has to be addressed by both operators and local authorities if the downward turn of bus travel is to be reversed. Bus travel is brilliant, it really is, as Saturday proved, but if you can't get back without cutting your day short it's simply shooting itself in the foot.

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