Arriva Midlands

Telford based ADL Enviro 200s 2149 and 2150 have both received grey based Travel Telford livery, where Optare Solo 2504 has been withdrawn. Similar 2410 and 2491 at Hinckley, and Optare Solo SR 2522 at Shrewsbury are also withdrawn.

Now at Derby is VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 2926, the first of several to transfer from Arriva North West at Bootle, where a 15 year age limit is seeing a large swap of vehicles. VDL SB200/Pulsar 2 3768 has gone the other way to Bootle, now numbered 3230.

Now at Telford from Arriva North West are former Bootle VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 2642, now numbered 3735. Former Bolton VDL SB200/Wright Pulsar 2s 2936 and 2948, now numbered 3736 and 3737.

A number of VDL SB200/Wright Pulsars are now starting to be exchanged between Derby and Merseyside - so that Merseyside vehicles are less than 15 years old. From Merseyside to Derby are 2917 and 2926, whilst newer 3768 and 3769 have moved to Bootle depot in exchange.

Centrebus

A batch of 4 new Volvo B8RLE/MCV Evoras are being split between Centrebus and D&G’s Chaserider operation. BV73MKA and BV73MKC are reported for Leicester and carry fleet livery, fleetnumbers unconfirmed currently.

D&G Bus

New here at Cannock is Volvo B8RLE/MCV Evora 641 BV73MJY, which will be followed by another example. This carries red fleet livery.

Newly repainted are ADL Enviro 200 90 into fleet livery at Crewe, and 504 into North Western Road Car heritage livery at Crewe.

ADL Enviro 200s 22 and 99 have transferred from Cannock to Adderley Green. Centrebus liveried ADL Enviro 200 505 has transferred from Crewe to Cannock ADL Enviro 200 593 has transferred from Cannock to Adderley Green, and now carries red fleet livery, previously Centrebus.

Now withdrawn are Wright Streetlite DF 62, Optare MetroCity 144 and Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 197, all from Cannock.

Delaine Buses

Due to a shortfall in available double deck vehicles, former Dublin Volvo B7TL/ALX400 160 was temporarily returned to service in late-September.

The first ADL Enviro 400City for this operator, 176 (AD73DBL) was collected from ADL at Scarborough on 4th October 2023. After use over the Omnibus Presidential Weekend on 7th and 8th October, it entered service on 9th October.

Captured on its first day in passenger service, 9th October 2023, is Enviro 400 City 176 at Peterborough. © John Abbott.

Diamond

Wright Streetlite DFs 30165 and 32218 have transferred from Redditch to Kidderminster. Volvo B7RLE/Plaxton Centro 30880 has transferred from Tividale to Kidderminster.

Wright Streetlite DF 32236, as well as Wright Streetdecks 40832 and 40834, have transferred from Tividale to Diamond North West at Eccles, for use on the Bee Network franchised services.

Wright Streetlite DFs acquired from First Group 32284, 32285 and 32287 have transferred from Kidderminster to Preston, whilst similar 32286/288-290/293 have entered service at Kidderminster,

Loaned here during September was Wright Streetdeck Electroliner demonstrator LY71GJE. It was mainly used on route 16A West Bromwich to Birmingham from Tividale depot, and was numbered 43000 although this wasn’t displayed.

Wright Streetdeck Electroliner demonstrator LY71GJE seen in Birmingham on 14th September 2023 as it departs for West Bromwich. © Dylan Jones.

East Yorkshire

Open Top Volvo B7TL 891, which had been on loan to Go North East in connection with the North East Run was returned to Hull for storage on 10th September.

East Yorkshire has confirmed that 202 (202YTE), its 1963 Leyland Titan PD2/ East Lancs open top from its Heritage Fleet has been sold. The vehicle was formerly Lancaster City Transport 202. The bus had a rotten upper deck floor and repairs were started in early 2022 - however the scale of work required was greater than expected.

First Midlands

Wright Streetdeck 35174 has transferred from Leicester to First West of England. Similar 35937 and 35938 have transferred from York to Adderley Green, following replacement by Electroliners. Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s 36241 and 36242 have transferred from Worcester to First West of England, the only of their kind to have been allocated to this division.

Wright Streetlite DFs 47415 and 47416 have transferred from First South West to Worcester, whilst 47442 has transferred from Worcester to First West of England.

Former fleet members now sold on are Scania OmniCities 65035 to Nu-Venture, and 65039 and 65041 to Yorkshire Buses.

Now left this fleet for **First South West**, Volvo B9TL 36241 is seen in Worcester on 25th August 2023. © Dylan Jones.

Megabus/Joint Venture Operations

Transferred from the Citylink fleet with Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands) at Inverness to Stagecoach West, have been Volvo B11/ Plaxton Panorama coaches 50452/453/454. They have been replaced by Volvo B11Rs 54263/266/267 which have transferred from the Megabus fleet with Stagecoach South Wales at Cwmbran. Transferred from Cumbernauld to Stagecoach West on 20th October was Volvo B11/Plaxton Panorama 50445 and on the same day 50449 was moved from Perth to Cumbernauld prior to transfer south.

Scania/Levante 59223 with Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands) is a Reserve/Spare vehicle for Scottish Citylink operations. Transfers from Rugby (Stagecoach Midlands) to Perth (Stagecoach East Scotland) have been Volvo B11Rs 54264/265.

A Megabus unit has been established at Stagecoach North East’s Walkergate depot with Volvo B11Rs 54269/270/276 (transferred from Stagecoach South Wales at Cwmbran) and similar 54281/282/283/601/602/603 from (Stagecoach West at North Bristol). Also moved to Walkergate is Scania/Levante 59226 from Stagecoach East Scotland whilst similar 59223 from Stagecoach North Scotland has transferred to Stagecoach Midlands at Rugby although the company has immediately listed it as awaiting disposal.

Van Hool Astromega 50265 with Stagecoach East Scotland has been withdrawn and sold. Also with Stagecoach East Scotland Volvo B11R 54360 has transferred from Rennies to Perth. Van Hool Astromega coaches 50264/302/304/307 have been sold.

National Express West Midlands

Further buses debranded are Enviro 200s 811-816 (route 42/43), ADL Enviro 200 MMCs 2232-2235 (route 40) and ADL Enviro 400s 4847/4848 (route 33).

Now in for repaint are ADL Enviro 200 833 from Wolverhampton, Volvo B7RLEs 2164, 2168 and 2175 from Acocks Green, ADL Enviro 400s 4766 from West Bromwich, 4832 and 4837 from Pensnett, and 4839 from Wolverhampton. Recently completed has been Volvo B7RLE 2071 at Wolverhampton.

Scania Omnilinks 1788, 1790 and 1792 have transferred from Yardley Wood to Perry Barr, 1800 from Acocks Green to Perry Barr, and 1803 and 1806 from Acocks Green to Walsall. Dennis Tridents 4333 and 4348 have been withdrawn at Walsall. Coventry liveried Dennis Trident 4450 is now at Wolverhampton, having initially been used at Walsall. Dennis Tridents 4621-4623 have transferred from Birmingham Central to Yardley Wood. ADL Enviro 400s 4843, 4844, 4846 and 4848 have transferred from Perry Barr to Birmingham Central. ADL Enviro 400 MMC 6966 was the last of its kind to leave Coventry, now based at West Bromwich.

On loan to Walsall have been numerous Coventry Volvo B7RLEs, covering for the Wright Streetdeck Hydroliners due to issues with their refuelling facilities. These have included 2146, 2147, 2149, 2150, 2156-2159, 2161, 2162 and 2165. Also loaned to Walsall has been ADL Enviro 400 4772 from West Browmich, which had been new in Walsall but carries Coventry livery.

Birmingham Central have also had a number of Volvo B7RLEs on loan from Coventry, covering for an increased vehicle requirement at present, which will be offset later this month by route X1 being transferred to Coventry operation, where it will see full Electric double decker operation. Loaned Volvo B7RLEs have been 2148, 2154 and 2155, mainly seeing use on Chelmsley Wood services.

Despite now being based at Birmingham Central, full Coventry liveried Enviro 400 4894 is seen back home on 26th September 2023 working the soon to be transferred route X1. © Dylan Jones.

Reading Buses

Bought from Stagecoach North East are Scania/Enviro 300 (Gas) buses YP14 TGE/F/J/K/N/O (Stagecoach fleet numbers 28035-040). YP14 TGF, YP14 TGJ and YP14 TGO are the first to transfer and are understood to have initially been moved to Bus & Coach World at Blackburn. The plan is that the former 28035-038 will become Strategic Spares with Reading with former 28039/040 becoming training buses. As a result Reading Optare Solos 182 and 186 are to be withdrawn.

Select Bus Services

Correcting a previous report, the recently acquired ADL Enviro 200 MMC numbered 40 is actually registered JW65GSW. Similar GW65GSW is numbered 39, and both retain Red Rose livery at present.

Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire

The allocation of Enviro 300 27101 to Carlisle has seen 27530 transferred to Kendal. Further Enviro 300s are expected in the coming months from Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands). Three Enviro 400s, 19256/257/259, have transferred here on loan from Stagecoach Manchester and have been allocated to Morecambe. Optare Solo 47497 has transferred from Stagecoach West Scotland and is allocated to West Cumbria.

Tridents 18330/56/64/81, which have been on loan at Stagecoach Yorkshire were returned here at the end of September. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 45 44052 has moved from Reserve to the main fleet at West Cumbria whilst 44049/053 due here are currently operating with Stagecoach North East.

Scania/Enviro 400 15679 is a transfer from Morecambe to West Cumbria. Due to transfer from Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands) are Enviro 300s 27107/537/810. Two more Enviro 300s are expected to transfer from the same source. Now for disposal are open top Trident/ALX400 17489 and Optare Solo 47721.

Stagecoach East

Further former Cambridge Park & Ride Enviro 400MMC to transfer to Bedford are 10800 and 10806. The latter entered service from Bedford in Milton Park & Ride purple livery, before being a visit to the paint shop. In exchange Enviro 400s 19576 and 19705 were transferred from Bedford to Cambridge.

Enviro 400 19604 is a further recipient of ‘Local’ livery. Being VOR it was towed to/from Peterborough and the paint shop at Bedford depot. Cambridge-allocated Enviro 400 19618 has received an ‘Organ Donation’ wrap. The front retains the older fleet livery. Further repaints into ‘Local’ livery are of Enviro 400s 10011, 19617 and 19695.

Scania/Enviro 400s 15197/199/814 were transferred on short term loan to Stagecoach East Midlands in early October, before transferring, with 15198, to Stagecoach Midlands.

One of the latest repaints here - Enviro 400 10011 is pictured in Peterborough on 16th October 2023. © Luke Fisher.

Stagecoach East Midlands

Transferred here from Stagecoach Manchester are Enviro 400s 19636-640, which have been allocated to Hull. On loan from Stagecoach East for the duration of Hull Fair (early October) was Scania/Enviro 400s 15197/199/814.

New Enviro 400MMC 11687 was delivered to Hull in late September, transferred to Stagecoach Midlands, before being returned to Hull where it has now entered service. Also new here and delivered direct to Mansfield is 11627, which has been diverted from the planned Stagecoach Merseyside allocation. The allocation of the new Enviro 400MMCs is 11627/677/678/680-684 at Mansfield and 11685-696 at Hull.

Former Road Car Volvo B7RLE 21215 was due to be stood down for disposal in September but remained in service and at the start of October was transferred to Skegness. Stored 21211 has also been repaired at Scunthorpe and transferred to the operational fleet at Skegness. Returned to the main fleet at Hull have been MAN/Enviro 300s 22758/759/775. Enviro 300 27762 has returned to service following repairs and has been operating from Lincoln. Authorised for withdrawal and disposal on mid-October was Trident/ ALX400 17717, which has been replaced at Gainsborough by the transfer of Enviro 400 19018 from Hull.

Due to be delicensed at the end of September were open top Trident 17013 at Skegness and Scania/Enviro 400 15656 which had remained out
of service at Lincoln despite being officially transferred to Skegness several months ago. Now out of service are Scania/Enviro 400 15619 (collision damage) and Enviro 400 MMC 10743 (fire damage). Original body style Enviro 300 27594 has transferred from Mansfield to Gainsborough with standard Enviro 300 27880 becoming part of the main fleet at Lincoln where it had been on loan (from Hull) for several weeks.

The mass withdrawal of all but two Plaxton President-bodied Tridents is taking place with 18022/023/043/047/048/055 (at Lincoln), 18028/033/035 (at Mansfield), 18054 (at Worksop) and 18027/038/040 (at Gainsborough) all authorised for disposal. The changes leave just 18024/052 in the operational fleet which were due to transfer from Worksop to Scunthorpe. Also for withdrawal at Trident/ALX400s 18122 (at Lincoln) and 17719 (at Gainsborough) along with Volvo B7RLE 21211 (at Skegness).

Allocation changes of Trident/ALX400s are 18317-320 from Lincoln to Gainsborough; 18391/392/432 from Lincoln to Worksop, 18120 from Mansfield to Worksop and 18121 from Mansfield to Scunthorpe. Transferred from Hull to Lincoln are Enviro 400s 19054/112/113/115/116/117/118/120/121/142/146/147/148/183/184 along with Enviro 400MMCs 10746/747/748 and Enviro 200s 37201/202/203. Moving from Lincoln to Hull are Enviro 400s 19304/305/306 and three Enviro 200MMCs (37457-459). Other changes have seen Enviro 400 19124 move from Hull to Worksop, Volvo B7RLE 21224 from Scunthorpe to Skegness, MAN/Enviro 300 22869 from Scunthorpe to the Reserve Fleet at Hull, and Enviro 200 37205 from Hull to Grimsby (which is due to move on to Gainsborough). Enviro 300s 27761/782 are due to move from Mansfield to Scunthorpe.

Now in the new-style InterConnect livery is Scania/Enviro 400 15809.

Volvo B7RLE 21214 and Volvo B7TL/East Lancs Vyking 16919 have been sold to A H Hardwick (dealer). Also sold to A H Hardwick (dealer) are Tridents 18026/031/044 and Darts 34530/848, 35130/142/150.

Further allocation changes are planned for the last week of October/first week of November with Trident/ALX400 18433 being reallocated from Lincoln to Gainsborough. Gainsborough was due to lose its two Enviro 400s with 19018 moving to Grimsby and 19194 to Scunthorpe. Volvo B7RLE 21215 at Skegness is being stood down for disposal whilst also now out of service are the remaining two former Road Car Volvo B7TL/East Lancs Vykings 16916/918. Skegness depot is due to receive Enviro 400s 19686/687 on transfer from Lincoln. Open Top Volvo B7TL 16943 will be placed into the Reserve Fleet at Lincoln - the other open top vehicles are expected to follow in the coming weeks (with many of the elderly members of the fleet due to be replaced ready for 2024).

Between leaving **Stagecoach East** and arriving at its new home at We understand the time is nearly over for most of the elderly open top
**Stagecoach Midlands**, Scania/Enviro 400 15199 is seen outside vehicles at Skegness - Trident 17676 ‘Shelly the Seasider’ is seen under
Hull Fair on 7th October 2023. impressive skies in Skegness on the evening of 13th October 2023.
© Sam Boothby (both).

Stagecoach East Scotland

Due here from Stagecoach South East are Scania/Enviro 400s 15180-189/750. Tridents 18333/351 at Aberhill were taken out of use at the end of August 2023 and for disposal. Vehicles sold/scrapped are Optare Solos 47253/258/332 along with recently withdrawn Trident 18333. Donated to charity is Enviro 300 27540 whilst Trident 18098 has been donated to Police Scotland. Optare Solo 47214 has been sold to Moffat & Williamson.

Enviro 300 training bus 27529 has transferred to Rennies. Volvo B9R 53701 is due to move to the Reserve Fleet being replaced at Rennies by 53718. 53721 transfers from Perth to Blairgowrie. Enviro 200s 36193/418/420/421/743 are now at St Andrews in place of Optare Solo SRs 47955/959/960 are for repairs with 47954/958 moving to Arbroath. Enviro 400s 19038 and 19370 are now at Perth and 19170/171 now at Glenrothes. Enviro 400 19627 is at Rennies with Scania/Enviro 400 15658 at Aberhill.

Transferred from Peterhead to the Megabus/Joint Venture fleet with Stagecoach North East is Scania/Levante 59226. Transfers from Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird) have been allocated to Glenrothes (Enviro 400 19213), and Rennies (Optare Solo 47604).

For disposal is Enviro 300 publicity vehicle 27590 and Enviro 300s 27539/598. Volvo B7R 53234 has been sold.

ADL Enviro 200MMC Autonomous Bus 62004 was parked inside Stagecoach Midlands‘ Rugby depot on 22nd September.

Stagecoach London

Enviro 200s 36286/289/290, which had been in use as route learning vehicles, are now part of the main allocation at Lea Interchange which also now has 36349-361/367 on its books. Enviro 200 36665 is now at Rainham and 36669 at Barking.

Now for disposal are Scania Omnicity 15005 and Optare Solos 47993/994 whilst sold have been the remains of Enviro 400MMC Hybrid 12372 and Enviro 200MMC 37530. Enviro 200s 36280/282 are being converted for training use.

Enviro 400 open top 19135/136 have transferred to Stagecoach South East, whilst similar 19131/132/133/134 are for disposal. Following conversion to open top 19761 is allocated to West Ham. Enviro 200s 36280/282/368 have joined the training fleet whilst 36281/283/369 are being converted for training use.

Brand new Wright Electroliner 82002, noted at Birkenhead Docks on 16th September 2023. Also noted there were 82001 and 82004. © Barry McGuire.

Stagecoach Manchester

Transferred from Stagecoach North East during September and joining the Strategic Reserve Fleet are Enviro 400H Hybrids 12062/063/066/067/072/073/074/075/076/077. Reserve Fleet Enviro 400H Hybrids returned to the main fleet at Sharston are 12024/030/031. Enviro 400 19561 at Sharston has been delicenced.

By early October 19 ADL Enviro 400MMCs (11257-264/267/270/271/505/507/510/516-519/525) had received Bee Network yellow livery. The repainting continues at Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire’s Rock Ferry depot and in total 46 vehicles will receive the yellow livery. The 15 new ADL Enviro 400MMCs due for Ashton (11732-746) will be delivered in Corporate livery - with 11732-737 reported as delivered so far.

There have been a number of vehicle cascades from Wigan depot to other operating companies after Sunday 24th September when Go North West took over most Bee Network bus services in Wigan & Bolton with Diamond running Bee Network services in Salford, and parts of Bolton and Wigan. The former Wigan fleet has been dispersed to:

Sharston: Enviro 400MMCs 10442-451; Enviro 400s 19482/483/493/517-525.
Middleton: Enviro 400 19331.
Hyde Road: Enviro 400 19481.
Stockport: Enviro 400s 19356/358/359/410/411; Enviro 200s 36785-788.
Reserve Fleet: Enviro 400s 19326/329; Enviro 300 27234/235; Enviro 200s 36789-791/796-801.

Other changes within Manchester have seen Enviro 300s 27624/625/826/827 move to the Reserve fleet, and Enviro 400s 19636-640 depart for Stagecoach East Midlands. Enviro 400H Hybrids moving from Sharston to the Reserve Fleet are 12030/032/034/036-043/045-048/050-052 whilst 12024/027/031 have been sold.

Enviro 400s 19256/257/259 have transferred on loan to Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire with Enviro 300s 27207/08/29-33/36/37 and 27824/25 transferring to Stagecoach Yorkshire. Stagecoach North East has received Enviro 300s 27818-823.

Enviro 400H Hybrids 12024/027/031 have been sold to Transport for Greater Manchester.

Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire

Additional Enviro 400MMCs initially on loan here and diverted on delivery from ADL Scarborough are 11701/704. They are allocated to Preston and
are from the batch of vehicles intended for Stagecoach Yorkshire. New 11623 was delivered to Rock Ferry in mid-September, followed by 11698 (originally due to go to Stagecoach Yorkshire) at the end of September. During the third week of September new ADL Enviro 400MMCs 11626/647/649 intended for Merseyside had been delivered to Stagecoach Yorkshire’s Chesterfield depot and will remain with the Yorkshire fleet following confirmation that the new Enviro 400MMCs diverted here will now be part of the permanent fleet, with the donor operating companies receiving vehicles that were originally intended for Rock Ferry and Preston but which have been delayed in production at ADL Scarborough.

Transferred to Stagecoach Midlands are Enviro 400MMCs 10536-539 from Gilmoss. Trident 18540 has been sold while MAN/Enviro 300s 24131/73/79/81 along with Enviro 300s 27520/22 and Optare Solo 47624 have been sold to PVS.

Recent unreported transfers are Enviro 200s 36803/807 and Enviro 300s 27144/145/146 to Rock Ferry. Enviro 400 19570; Scania/Enviro 400s 15473/474/568/569/570/574/575; Enviro 300s 27255/293 and Enviro 200s 36813/821/822/861 are at Gilmoss. Chester now has Enviro 400 19143 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters 44003/004/026.

Stagecoach Midlands

Tridents 18103/106 from Northampton were initially expected to be stood down after returning to the depot on 16th September, but were back in service for a short period a few days later. 18127/149 have transferred from Northampton to Leamington.

Dart SLFs 34831/878 and 35186 are now for disposal whilst also for disposal are the last operational MAN/Enviro 300s here, 22838/839/840 from Kettering. Withdrawn from service and authorised for disposal during September were Tridents 18102/155/399/406 along with Dart SLF 34835.

Delivered to Northampton on 16th September were new Enviro 400MMCs 11651/676 (11651 is a replacement for 11663 which was diverted to Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire). These were followed two days later by 11664-669/674/675. Of note 11687 from Stagecoach East Midlands was at Northampton in late September, but was returned to Stagecoach East Midlands in October. 11672 from the original Stagecoach Midlands allocation was still outstanding from ADL Scarborough on 5th October and is expected to go to Stagecoach East Midlands as a replacement for 11687. The first of the new Enviro 400MMCs entered service at Northampton in late October and ousted Tridents 18401/403 for transfer to Leamington.

Transferred from Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire are Enviro 400MMCs 10536-541, whilst Scania/Enviro 400s 15197/198/199/814 have been received from Stagecoach East. Enviro 200 37110 returned to service at Nuneaton in late October following repairs and repaint into ‘Local’ livery.

Further repaints into local livery are ADL Enviro 200s 36944 at Leamington and 37110 at Nuneaton.

Now withdrawn Trident 18128, seen in Northampton on 10th February 2023. © Dylan Jones.

Stagecoach North East

Transferred out of this fleet to Stagecoach Manchester are Enviro 400H Hybrids 12061/062/063/065/066/067/072/073/074/075/076/077. 12078/079 are due to follow in transferring to Manchester.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 45s 44049/053 are here from Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire. Transferred here from Stagecoach Manchester have been Enviro 300s 27817-823, which are currently stored at Walkergate. Transferred from Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird) and for Hartlepool are Enviro 200s 36050 and 36197. Enviro 200s 36979 has transferred from Sunderland to Hartlepool allowing Dart SLF 34605 to transfer to the Reserve Fleet. Recently transferred from Stagecoach Manchester, Enviro 300 27822 has been allocated to Sunderland whilst 27817-821/823 have been allocated to Walkergate. Open Top Trident 17643 has been returned from loan with Stagecoach Yorkshire.

Transfers from Sunderland are Enviro 300s 27913/914 to Stockton and Enviro 400 19383 to Slatyford. Enviro 400s 19670-675 have returned to the main fleet at Walkergate with 19679 at Slatyford whilst MAN/ALX300 22409 moves to the Reserve Fleet at Hartlepool. Now in the Reserve Fleet is Enviro 400H Hybrid 12068. The return to service of Enviro 200 37310 at South Shields has seen MAN/ Enviro 200 39707 transfer into the Reserve Fleet. Previously unreported by us is the withdrawal for disposal of Scania/Enviro 300 Gas bus 28016; MAN/ALX300 22344 and MAN/Enviro 200s 39716/717/719.

Enviro 300s 27698/699 had transferred from Stagecoach South Wales. By 25th October 27699 was at Sunderland depot awaiting repaint with 27698 parked at South Shields.

Vehicles withdrawn for disposal have been MAN/ALX300s 22408/411/428 and MAN/Enviro 200s 39660 and 39727. MAN/Enviro 200s sold are 39712/725 to T Wigley (dealer) and 39714/729 to Alpha Recovery. The sale of Scania/Enviro 300 (Gas) buses 28035-040 to Reading Buses has been confirmed.

Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird)

Further Enviro 400s transferred from Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands) are 19214/215/216/219.

A reduction in vehicle requirement has seen Enviro 200s 36034/035 (from Elgin) along with 36049/202 (from Peterhead) moved to the Strategic Reserve Fleet. 36034/035 are expected to be withdrawn and authorised for disposal. 36050/197 from Peterhead are for Cascade within UK Bus.

Volvo B7TLs 16974/75/77, Volvo B9TL 16945 and Optare Solos 47601/603/605/606 have been sold, whilst Optare Solo 47604 at Stonehaven has been authorised for disposal. Enviro 400s transferring to Stagecoach East Scotland are 19170/171 from Peterhead and 19373 from Aberdeen. MAN/E300s 22780/781/785/791 are now in the Reserve Fleet (from Aberdeen).

Enviro 200s 36050 and 36197 have transferred to Stagecoach North East with 36047/068/069 being transferred to Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands). Enviro 400s 19174, 19213 and 19374 along with Optare Solo 47604 have been transferred to Stagecoach East Scotland.

Transferred from Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands) Enviro 200s 37256/257/258 and Enviro 400 19216 are at Elgin; Enviro 300s 27102/103/104/106 are at Peterhead and Enviro 400MMC 10525 is at Aberdeen.

Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands)

Volvo B9R 53703 is now in the Reserve Fleet with Volvo B11R 54304 moving from Tain to Caithness as a replacement. Enviro 300 27536 has been sold for scrap to Finnies with similar 27537 now in the Reserve Fleet. Further Enviro 400s transferred to Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird) are 19214/215/216/219.

Transfers to Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird) are Enviro 200s 37256/257/258; Enviro 400 19217 and Enviro 300s 27102/103/104/106. Received from Stagecoach North Scotland (Bluebird) are Enviro 200s 36047/069 allocated to Inverness and 36068 into the Reserve Fleet. Transfers to Stagecoach East Scotland are Solos 47748/749 and Scania/Enviro 300s 28603/646.

New Volvo B8RLE/MCV allocations are 21401/402 (Tain); 21410/412/413/414/416 (Aviemore) and 21406/409 with 39510 (Inverness).

Stagecoach South

Currently in the Strategic Reserve Fleet and stored awaiting attention/repairs are Enviro 200 36022 and Scania/Enviro 400 15988. The latter has been earmarked for transfer to Stagecoach West.

Transfers to Aldershot have been Trident 18522 and E300s 27622/652/656. Now reported as transferred to Portsmouth are Enviro 400s 10008/009 and 19886/887 along with Enviro 200MMCs 37408-411 from Guildford and 37412-414 from Winchester. Enviro 400 19900 transfers from Chichester to Guildford with Trident 18527 from Guildford to Chichester, Enviro 400 19077 transfers to Chichester, Optare Solo 47644 is at Chichester from Aldershot, and now at Winchester are Enviro 300s 27774/775.

Now for disposal are Tridents 18064/084 whilst Optare Solo 47587 has been sold. Enviro 200s 36918-920 have transferred from Chichester to Andover in exchange for Enviro 300s 27831/832/835.

Repainted into ‘Local’ livery are Enviro 400 MMCs 10434/435/436/437, Enviro 400 10001, and Enviro 200 MMCs 26142-145/150, whilst Enviro 400s 10008/009 and 19097/886 have lost their ‘Coastliner’ branding.

The full contingent of 22 new Enviro 400 MMCs have now entered service here - 11581-589 are allocated to Portsmouth and 11590-602 are allocated to Chichester. All carry a blue variant of ‘Local’ livery with ‘Coastliner’ branding.

Stagecoach South East

New Enviro 400MMCs received at Dover depot in the last week of September were 11650/652/654/656 (11650 is a replacement for 11653 which was diverted to Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire). Due to transfer to Stagecoach East Scotland are Scania/Enviro 400s 15180-189/750.

Dart 34646 is at Thanet as a replacement for 34411 now in the Reserve Fleet whilst 34438 has returned to the main fleet at Herne Bay. Trident 18186 had transferred from Ashford to the Reserve Fleet at Hastings. Following the closure of Folkestone depot, Dart SLF training bus 34658 transferred to Ashford, whilst Enviro 200 trainer 36042 (on loan from Stagecoach East) is at Thanet. Enviro 400 19662 was totally gutted by fire on 5th October.

Scania Omnicity 15111/113/123 have transferred from Herne Bay to Eastbourne, the first time the type has been allocated to Eastbourne, in exchange for Scania/Enviro 400s 15562/770/771. At Thanet are Enviro 400 open top 19135/136 from Stagecoach London. Enviro 200s 36865/868 are now allocated to Herne Bay. Optare Solo 47660 is back in the main fleet at Hastings allowing 47370 to transfer to Dover.

Sold to G Ripley & Sons (dealer) is Enviro 400 19029. Now for disposal are Trident 18160; Optare Solo 47166 along with Dart SLFs 34441/44 and 34547. Now for disposal are Enviro 400 19662; Dart SLFs 34625/46; Trident 18074 and Optare Solo 47680.

Stagecoach South West

Transfers to Exeter from Torquay are Scania/Enviro 400s 15799/800/893-901; Enviro 200s 36223/224/239-241; Optare Solos 47089/090/098/100/101; Enviro 400s 19001/002/102/321-323 and from Plymouth to Exeter Enviro 200s 37115-118 and Optare Solo 47092. Also transferred from Torquay are Optare Solos 47520/535/600/690 to Barnstaple and Scania/Enviro 400 15802 to Plymouth. Transfers from Exeter to Plymouth are Enviro 400MMCs 10500/502/503. Volvo B9R 53611 has been reinstated to the main fleet at Plymouth following use as a training vehicle. Enviro 400 19110 has been scrapped.

Reported here is Optare Solo 47658, which is being prepared for service at Plymouth. It was last with Stagecoach West.

Stagecoach UK Bus

Leyland Olympian Megadekka 14000 (F110NES), now privately-owned by Sir Brian Souter and kept at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum, has undergone overhaul at Ferrymill Motors and passed an MOT on 29th August 2023. It was latterly part of the Stagecoach East fleet but had not been operational since 2018.

In a surprising move Stagecoach has announced that it has ordered 60 Solos from Switch Mobility. The vehicles will be Euro VI diesel-powered with 28 seats. They will be of the narrow-bodied SR SlimLine design and 8.5m length. They will be used to upgrade the current Solo fleet within Stagecoach where there is a requirement for narrow-bodied and shorter length vehicles. Delivery will take place in the second-half of 2023. Switch Mobility is restarting a Solo production line for the construction of these vehicles, which will be badged as ‘Optare’ products. Additionally Stagecoach has ordered ten 9.5m Switch Metrocity electric vehicles for its London operation - which will be delivered in 2024.

Stagecoach West

Reserve vehicles back in main fleet use are Tridents 18312 (at Swindon) and 18413 (at Stroud) with Optare Solo 47297 at Cheltenham. Vehicles moved into Reserve are Dart SLFs 34837/838 and Optare Solos 47621/688 at Swindon and 47471 at Cheltenham along with Oxford Tube coach 50424. Trident 18156 from Stroud is now for disposal and Optare Solo 47658 has been sold.

There have been numerous transfers with Enviro 400 10069 moving from Oxford to Banbury and Enviro 400MMCs from Witney with 10431 to Oxford and 10686 to Swindon. Leaving North Bristol are Enviro 400MMCs 10903 to Cheltenham and 10987 to Swindon with Enviro 200s 36079 going to Swindon, 36080 to Cheltenham and 36107 to Gloucester. Optare Solo 47553 is at Swindon from Cheltenham whilst Scania/Enviro 300 28745 is at Cheltenham from Gloucester with 28685/66 leaving Cheltenham to Gloucester (28685) and Swindon (28686).

Transferred from Stagecoach North Scotland (Highlands) for Oxford Tube duties, have been Volvo B11RLE/Plaxton Panorama coaches 50445/452/453/454. 50449 was also being prepared for transfer in late-October.

Scania/Enviro 300s 28682/683/684 have transferred from Cheltenham to Gloucester in exchange for 28743/744/746.

With many thanks to Dave Russell and Deric Pemberton for much of the information provided in this section.

Stagecoach West Scotland

Transfers into the Strategic Reserve Fleet are MAN/Enviro 24191 and Volvo B13R 54102 from Dumfries and Optare Solo 47612 from Ardrossan.

Optare Solo 47497 has transferred to Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire.

The remains of MAN/ALX300 training bus 22406 have been scrapped whilst similar 22407 has moved to Kilmarnock following completion of the conversion of Scania/Enviro 300 28644 for training use and allocation to Cumbernauld.

Stagecoach Yorkshire

Further new ADL Enviro 400MMCs diverted on loan to Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire have been 11698/701/704 which will remain with the Merseyside fleet, being replaced here with 11626/647/649 which were originally intended for Merseyside. They were received at Chesterfield depot during the third week of September. Delivered to Holbrook depot has been new Enviro 400MMC 11697.

Tridents 18330/356/364/381, which have been on loan at Chesterfield have been returned to Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire. Open Top Trident 17643 has been returned to Stagecoach North East after a period on loan here when it was allocated to Chesterfield.

Enviro 400 19220 is back at Ecclesfield following completion of repairs whilst the three Enviro 300s from Stagecoach South East, 27564/565/570 have been allocated to Barnsley. Also at Barnsley is Enviro 200 36137 from Ecclesfield. Reserve Fleet Optare Solo 47725 is now allocated to Chesterfield.

Eleven Enviro 300s have transferred from Stagecoach Manchester. 27207/208/229/230/231 are allocated to Chesterfield and 27232/233/236/237/824/825 are allocated to Barnsley.

Now delicensed are MAN/Enviro 300s 22555 (from Chesterfield) and 22618/41/50/51 (from Barnsley). Enviro 200s now in the Reserve Fleet are 36179 (at Barnsley) and 36993 (at Chesterfield).

Following the entry into service of the new Enviro 400MMCs at Holbrook, Enviro 200MMCs 37610/611 transferred to Barnsley on 25th October 2023 with more examples to follow.

Wellglade Group

Brand new Enviro 200MMCs now confirmed as in service are 176 to 195 (YX73 OUA-OUH/OUJ-OUP/OUS/OUU-OUW/OUY). All carry ‘Threes’ livery, except for 176 and 177 which carry ‘Mango’ livery.

Optare Versa 821 is now stood down and awaiting disposal.

4th November 2023