First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* Vehicle movements have seen 4617 move fromThurmaston to Southgates then back again, 4646 Southgates to Coalville and back again!, 4647 Southgates to Coalville, 3726 Southgates to Wigston, 4769, Wigston to Thurmaston. whilst minibus 1177 has turned up at Burton.
* Coaches 3205 and 3209 have gained the Registration marks of Spectra's 4698 & 4699 now thought to carry their previos marks.
* Scania 4169 was still in service at the end of the month but all others had been withdrawn, 4183 & 4184 have both been repainted red and gone to the North East whilst 4181 has gone on loan to Derby.
* Volvo Olympians 4601/68/9 have been transferred to Derby.
* Scania Saloons 3467/9/71 have all found their way back to Southgates with 3467 coming from Derby and the other Pair from Coalville
Arriva Derby.
* Scania saloon 3467 is now back in Leicester whilst another MPD here is 2246.
* The final pair of minibuses 1159 & 1170 have been withdrawn.
* Volvo Olympians 4668 & 4669 have returned here almost 6 years after being transferred to Fox County, Also joining them is 4601. On the minus side Scania's 4191 & 4195 have been taken out of service.
* Only 2 Citybuses were left in traffic by the end of the month in the shape of 4324 & 4326 with several others of the type making their way to Ensign.
First Northampton.
* A pair of Optare Solos to arrive here from Wyvern are 53050 & 53051.
General.
* Thurmaston Bus ---> Have aquired Metrobuses POG540Y & ROX640Y from Markfield Bus, These have replaced GYE532W & LOA346X.
* Roberts ---> Another Metrobus here is B789AOC
First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* Volvo Saloons 3900-8 Entered service from Southgates on the 3rd & 4th of the month although 3901 did not appear until the 7th, 3903 was used as a type trainer previous to this, Similar 3909-13 entered service from thurmaston on the 27th.
* Scania Double Deckers are starting to leave as a result of the Vehicle cascades with short term visitors 4192 & 4193 now with Arriva Scotland West, 4177 Had Arrived at Arriva North East (as 7259) by the 3rd and was followed by 4170/72/82 which have gained Red Livery numbered and 7260/61/63 by the 18th and 4176 is now numbered 7262, Dates that vehicles were last seen in service are 3rd 4176, 4th 4170, 6th 4184, 10th 4175, 15th 4168, 25th 4183 and Still in service at the end of the month were 4169/71/73/74/80/81.
* Volvo Olympians 4607 & 4611 are now at Derby having been swopped for 3469 & 3471 Now at Coalville.
* The Last Leyland in the Fleet 4541 has been sold to Ensign.
* As part of the allocation merry go round VDL saloons 3719-26 are moving from Southgates to Wigston with approximate dates being 8th 3725, 15th 3719, 18th 3721, 22nd 3724, 27th 3722/23 with 3720/6 still at Southgates. VDL Deckers 4765 - 77 moved from Wigston to Thurmaston with approximate dates being 4th 4767/71/6, 12th 4777, 18th 4770, 20th 4768/73/75, 22nd 4774 with 4765/66/69/72 still at Wigston. Volvo Olympians have moved from Thurmaston to Southgates with 4647 11th, 4632/34/36-8 by the 18th 4633/46 22nd and 4645 on the 28th.
Arriva Derby.
* 4 Dart MPD's have been transferred from burton in the shape of 2221, 2242, 2249 & 2274 although 2215 has moved the other way.
* 15 Brand new Scania Omnicity's (3552-66) have entered service here along with 8 Optare Solo SR's (2905-12).
* Mass withdrawals have claimed both Spectra's 4698 & 4699 all Mercedes 709 minibuses and most of the Citybuses with only 4321 & 4326 being noted in service at the end of the month.
* A Couple of additional Olympians here are 4607 & 4611 as replacements for Scania Saloons 3469 & 3471. Dart 2221 has also returned here from Burton in exchange for 2215.
First Northampton.
* 66301 has returned to Leicester.
General.
* Alantis ---> MCW Metrobus B833AOP Has gained the gearbox from D933NDA (which will now be scrapped due to a cracked chassis) it is also now seat belted, fitted with a Tacho and has the registration number NEZ1121. NOA453X also has had a reg change to MEZ2281. A smart new arrival is YN54AED an Iveco with indicar 29 seat body. Vehicles out are Scania XIL5771 to T J Travel, Polesworth and Van Hool YIL1197 to Wide Horizon.
* Coachcare ---> Has a Marshall bodied MAN 11.220 saloon for use on some trips of the 81 service.
* Centrebus ---> Another Volvo citybus here is former Trent G622OTVwhich was aquired from Reliance, Sutton in Forest, this was at Hinckley for a time but appears to have been replaced by Metrobus B838AOP.
* Centrebus ---> Fleet movements have seen Dart N132XND now at Leicester it was the last step entrance vehicle at Stevenage, Optare Solo's 385 & 386 are now at Hinckley together with Vario R248XDA from the southern operation, similar vario R244XDA is now at Grantham along with several ex Leicester based Metrobuses.
* Beaverbus ---> Another Metrobus here is C891FON.
* Spencers ---> Has also joined the ranks of Metrobus owners with the arrival of A672UOE.
* Centrebus ---> 15 of the Former Woods minibuses have entered service with the vario's joining the former arriva fleet at Hinckley. Of the other 10 M231SGS, CHZ4743, LKZ3613, RIL4537, RIL4538, RIL5885 did not enter service here and CHZ5982, GNZ8153, XIL1447, XIL1448 at least recieved centrebus branding but did not stay long enough to recieve fleet numbers. LKZ3613 has also appeared on ebay !
* Centrebus ---> Metrobus A683UOE has gone for scrap whilst B870DOM has joined the Thurmaston Bus Fleet.
First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* The arrival of the Volvo saloons at Southgates will start a cascade however as a prelude Geminis 4767/71/6/7 have gone from Wigston to Thurmaston which enabled Volvo Olympians 4632/4/6/47 to head to Southgates. Also gone from Thurmaston are Scania's 4161/2 to Derby and Darts 2037/51 delicenced. Southgates has lost Lowlander 4741 to Wigston and Scania 4177 delicenced.
* Minibus 1158 has returned from Stafford and has replaced 1163 at Coalville.
Arriva Derby.
* A suprise arrival here is 2390 - V338MBV a Dart with East Lancs bodywork that started life in London !
* Eight Optare Solos are expected with YJ58CAA, YJ58CAD, YJ58CAE, YJ58CAF, YJ58CAK, YJ58CAN & YJ58CAO already here.
* More Citybuses withdrawn are 4320/9/46/50 whilst 4325/9/33/47/50 and Excel 2998 have been sold. Also gone are Trainers 9501 & 9510.
First Northampton.
* Volvo Citybuses 38123 & 38124 Have returned here.
General.
* Centrebus ---> A second Olympian to appear at Hinckley from Huddersfield is H475CEG, also from up norf is Dart R559UOT from Teamdeck and J103DUV & J126DUV have come from the Southern Operation. Although most Leicestershire vehicles carry Centrebus North details some carry Centrebus (dunstable) and Centrebus Holdings details.
* Nigel Jackson ---> Metrobus A767WVP has come all the way from . . . . Markfield bus and is a replacement for GOG263W which has gone for Scrap.
* Garratt ---> is Getting in on the MCW act with C902FON now in the Fleet.
* Alantis ---> It is thought that Metrobus D933NDA has only been purchased for its 4 speed gearbox and may not enter service.
* Macphersons ---> Another trio of Olympians have arrived here in the shape of Alexander bodied former Stagecoach examples G339KKW, G343KKW & J122AAO, It is thought that these may have replaced some of the other recent arrivals.
* G.H Watts ---> Metrobus A742WVP has arrived here from Kingsley, Birtley but is thought a short term acquisition.
First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* Hinckley depot and Town services have been taken over by Centrebus, the 158 service has been transferred to Southgates along with 2214,2354-8.
* 14 New Wright bodied Volvo saloons numbered 3900-13 are due here soon..
* Recenet fleet movements have seen 1152/3/61 have moved from Coalville to Hinckley with 1163/5 and Dart 2239 moving the other way, Dart 2219 has gone from Thurmaston to Cannock whilst Volvo B10B's 3601/2/9/10 have moved from Hinckley to Cannock in exchange for Darts 2354-7 & 2214. Scania saloons 3467/69/71 have gone from Southgates to Derby and also heading to the same destination were scania deckers 4159/60 whilst in from Tamworth are similar 4192/3 which have replaced 4698/9 at Southgates.
* Several Volvo Olympians had a Holiday in Merseyside to help out at the Tall Ships event with 4604/8/13/18/37/46/51 being involved.
* Sold minibuses 1001/2 have torned up with Central connect in Bristol.
Arriva Derby.
* Recent arrivals here are Brand new Scania Omnicitys 3810-12, minibus 1159 from Cannock, Dart 2012 from Burton, Scania powered vehicles have been reintroduced here with the arrival of 3467/9/71 from Southgates, 4159/60 from Thurmaston 4165 from Cannock and 4191/4/5 from Tamworth an additional pair of Volvo Olympians are 4648/53 from Burton and The two Spectras 4698/9 have also turned up here. Taken off the road are Fleetline 4301, Minibus 1391, Dart 2012 and Citybuses 4323/25/28/30-3/47/54 And leaving the fleet are minibus 1381, Darts 2103/98, Citybuses 4336/42/43/45/54/97 and trainer 3102.
First Northampton.
* More Lances to arrive here are 67236 from Wyvern and 60958 from Leicester.
General.
* Macphersons ---> Five double deckers have joined the fleet and in this interesting selection not one is a metrobus :-) HJB464W & RAH265W are Bristol VRT's that were latterly with Hedingham Omnibuses but started life with Alder Valley and Eastern Counties respectively, Next on the list is Olympian A512EJF best remembered as Midland Fox 4512 but latterly with Stephensons, Rochford and finally there is C46KBE & C47KBE a Pair of East Lancs bodied olympians that started life with Lincoln, originally fitted with coach seating they both now have standard bus seats and also came from Stephensons.
* Centrebus ---> Has aquired the Hinckley Depot and Town services from Arriva along with the following vehicles 1149/51/2/4/7/61/2/4/6/9/71 & 4537, these have since been supplemented by H475CEG an Olympian from the Huddersfield operation and some ex Woods and Leicester based Centrebus vehicles.
* Centrebus ---> Has also taken over the Bus services of Woods coaches along with Most if not all Mecedes minibuses, Solo's & Darts.
* Thurmaston Bus ---> C896FON has arrived here from Centrebus.
* G.H.Watts ---> ROX660Y & B840AOP are another pair of Metrobus from the West Midlands and POG529Y is also thought to be here as a source of spares.
* Steve Akiens ---> A pair of Metrobuses here are E980VUK & E983VUK both from West Midlands and now in a smart Maroon and cream livery.
* Dixon ---> A Metrobus here as well in the shape of F60XOF again from West Midlands.
* Alantis ---> More Metrobuses here as well are ex TWM B833AOP & D933NDA.
* Confidence ---> Long serving Olympian RBO510Y has gone for Preservation back in its home town. A brand new vehicle is also due here.
* West End Travel ---> Another small Dart here is EU03EUD from Irvine, Law.
* Woods ---> A new Optare Solo here is MX08DJJ.
* Paul Winson ---> Scania Decker V335EAK has been re registered HOD76 and minibus R279RAU has gone to Beeston, Hadleigh.
* Roberts ---> Open Top Olympian B514LFP has been re registered 662NKR which was on another ex Fox vehicle.
* Centrebus ---> Another Volvo citybus is G127NGN from Irvine, Law and this has joined F111TML at Grantham.
* Centrebus ---> A Trio of Scania L113's with Wright bodywork have arrived from Greater Manchester (which in turn aquired them with the Maynes business), in the form of M113SLS (which started life as a demonstrator before spending time with Nottingham), M521UTV (New to Nottingham) & N632XBU (New to Bullock, Cheadle and spending time with Beestons, Hadleigh before moving back up north).
* Alan Smith ---> The last Dominator in Leicestershire CLV42X has been scrapped.
* Fleetline ---> Olympian A234GHN has left the Fleet, an additional Parking area for this fleet is Hayhill Ind Est at Barrow.
* Wide Horizon ---> Olympian E160OMD has arrived here from C & N.
* Centrebus ---> New in June were a Trio of East Lancs Olympus bodied Scania Deckers YN08OAM, YN08OAO & YN08OAP and a Wright bodied Scania Saloon YN08OAJ.
* Roberts ---> Brand new here are PN08SVV & PN08SVW Volvo B9TL's with 110 seat Olympus bodies to coach spec.
First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* Minibuses 1167, 1175 & 1179 have gone to Fleetlink (dealer) and theSprinter duo of 1001 & 1002 are also now with dealers.
* Volvo B7TL 4005 was loaned to Tamworth depot in early April for driver familiarisation.
* Recent strange workings have seen 4181 on 48's (14/04) and Thurmaston's 4159 & 60 both working out of Southgates with 4159 spending about a week there.
* Lowlander 4721 hit the news when it rolled away along Anson road in Shepshed on the 5th April and ended up in a front garden !
* 4541 is reported to have joined 4537 at Hinckley.
Arriva Derby.
* 59 New vehicles are expected here with 23 saloons and 8 Midibuses entering service this year and 17 Deckers and 11 saloons arriving in February 2009.
First Northampton.
* Another 'Quality' Lance to enter service here is 67218 from Worcester.
General.
* Ausden Clark ---> A pair of East lancs bodied Scania deckers have arrived here from PC Coaches in Lincoln to replace the former Alan Smith Atlanteans, E708EFG & E710EFG started life with Brighton & Hove.
* Centrebus ---> A trio of East Lancashire Olympus bodied double deckers are due imminently.
* Paul James ---> A new optare Solo here is NX08DGZ.
* Roberts ---> Open top Atlantean ATK161W is currently for sale with a dealer.
* Centrebus ---> Metrobus POG498Y is another to have been stripped for spares.
* Confidence ---> A Couple more familiar Olympians have arrived here from C & N travel in the shape of B187BLG & B190GLG whilst FUM490Y has been stripped for spares.
* Centrebus ---> Interesting new arrivals here are Grantham based F111TML a Alexander bodied Volvo citybus that came from derby though also spent time with Midland Fox earlier in its career and Leicester based G101PES a similar vehicle that started life with Tayside.
* Paul Winson ---> An additional Double Decker here is V335EAK an East Lancashire bodied Scania that came from Beestons of Hadleigh but was new to Kettlewells of Retford.
* C & N Travel ---> Following the death at Christmas of Neil Taylor, C&N have ceased trading and at least one of the vehicles - E500LFL has found its way on to eBay although other vehicles found new homes in a more conventional way.
* Woods ---> A further three Neoplan Starliners have arrived here from Parrys in the shape of YN05BWA,B & C and these have replaced Volvo's CHZ4746 & Citycoach liveried NIL8649.
* Fleetline ---> An additional Metrobus here is former London example BYX236V.
First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* Following the end of the Park & Ride contract 3701-4 are now at Cannock fully repainted.
* Several loans have taken place this month with Darts 2201,2203 & 2204 appearing on Wigston duties on various dates with DAF Deckers 4754 & 4764 being noted on 127's for a few days each.
* In the driver training department, Lynx 3109 has re-appeared whilst 0003 - KX04HRG a Caetano nimbus bodied Dart painted in white has joined similar 0011 - KX04HRE here. Both were previously in London with Metrobus and others of the type are on loan to more Arriva companies.
* After a very brief stay here Olympian 4534 has departed and was last heard of at Arriva Scotland West's Inchinnan depot in the company of 4540 !
* A change round of minibuses at Hinckley has seen 1149 return from Cannock and 1154 from Coalville whilst 1167 & 1179 have been delicenced.
Arriva Derby.
*
First Northampton.
*
General.
* Centrebus ---> Metrobus POG548Y has been stripped for spares.
* Centrebus ---> Dennis Dart S466LGN has moved down to Luton whilst SN55DVC has come in the oposite direction.
* Kinchbus ---> A batch of new Volvo B7RLE's with Plaxton Centro bodies are heading this way for the Airport service, They are registered YN08 CWT-Y.
First Leicester.
Arriva Fox County.
* The number of Leyland Olympians here has gone back up to Five with the appearence of 4534 at Tamworth ex Burton, Meanwhile similar 4541 has lost its Study Linx branding.
* Jinxed Volvo B7TL 4005 has been in the wars again and was in an accident on the evening of the 10th requiring more bodywork attention !
Arriva Derby.
*
First Northampton.
*
General.
* Alan Smith ---> This long standing buisness has closed with some operations along with the three double deckers and two mini coaches passing to Ausden Clark. the rest of the fllet has also been sold although a couple have turned up with G.H Watts.
* Roberts ---> A pair of Optare Solo's here for the Hinckley to Coalville service are MX57UPD & MX57UPE.
* Powner ---> The Bristol VRT has made a comeback in the County with the appearence of former western national machine - LFJ859W here and currnetly wearing Emblings Livery.
* Paul James/Veolia ---> Have taken over the 103 Park & Ride service from Arriva and are using four Brand New Volvo B9RLE's with Plaxton Centro bodies FD57VYA, FD57VYB, FD57VYC & FD57VYE. It is thought that Dunn Line's AE54NUF will be used as a backup. Other Fleet movements have seen Tempo YJ06FXW move to lincoln and Solo W20PJC to Nottingham.
* Woods ---> Have aquired a trio of Optare Solos for contract wins in the South and North of the County, They are MX05EKT, MX05EKV & MX05ENF.
2007 News Archive