IPSWICH BUSES ARTICLE IN COACH AND BUS WEEK

Part of the last ordered buses came towards the end of Malcolm Robson's term seen here in the Hybrid livery of Turquoise/Green is Enviro 200 YX63 LGE which unusually saw itself as one of two single deckers on the usually Double Decker operated 7 to Thorrington Park.

In brief below is the main points of the article from last weeks Coach and Bus week.

4 Optare Versa's have had their MAN engines replaced so far with Cummins in the last 18 months, which should last a further 10 years.

4 East Lancs Dennis Darts not as previously stated as six are being refurbished, two 93/98 have already been done, 4 are being replaced by the ex Lothian Darts, one of which 136 entered service today on the X5, three have already been scrapped, 3 Mercedes Citario's have been ordered for delivery in September with 65 plates.

Optare Spectra's 51-53 and Dennis Tridents 18/19 are to be upgraded with wheelchair spaces and ramps.

X3 and other routes in the vicinity of John Lewis have accrued double digit growth, current PVR is 72 buses of a total of 86, which is a large increase during the last few years.

Finances are very healthy and profitable, the battle with First particularly over the Greenwich X1 and Chantry/Pinewood  route 13 haven't hit as hard as what they thought.

Full article can be found at http://coachandbusweek.com/ and you may just be able to pick up a full copy still in WH Smith,

Two further pictures seen above are ALX 200 Dart 142 Y292 FJN in X5 branding seen on Trident 20 or 21's regular turn on the 98 to Shotley Marina and below that thanks for the tip off Kieran is Dart 137 SN53 AVP  seen at Hants and Dorset trim, copyright Mike https://www.flickr.com/photos/59115230@N06/18164113618/