Nothing else new to report from the last few days – but we do have a few new timetables starting this weekend – Left until now as the timetables have now appeared on Traveline – who also seem to have fixed the future timetables issue so I have been able download a few more in advance – not that there is a lot coming up (so far)
Timetables changing this week
First South West Ltd
The new Dartmoor Explorer for the summer season. Now pretty much the old 82 from Plymouth to Exeter.
| Licence | Route | Start Point | End Point | Effective | Notes |
| PH0004983.622 | Dartmoor Explorer | Exeter Bus Station | Postbridge, opposite National Park Visitor Centre | 09-Jul-2023 | Daily Every three hours |
| PH0004983.623 | Dartmoor Explorer | Plymouth, Royal Parade | Postbridge, National Park Visitor Centre | 09-Jul-2023 | Daily, every three hours |
N Eastwood – Royal Buses
| Licence | Route | Start Point | End Point | Effective | Notes |
| PH1086607.005 | 33 | St Ives, Royal Square | Higher Penderleath Caravan & Camping Park | 09-Jul-2023 | Timetable variation |
Taw & Torridge Coaches
| Licence | Route | Start Point | End Point | Effective | Notes |
| PH0004727.022 | 31 | Ilfracombe, St James Place Gardens | Woolacombe Sands | 10-Jul-2023 | Variation to timetable |
Quick Question
Why do operators still feel the need to just name their services rather than give them route numbers? I can kind of understand the name Dartmoor Explorer as a brand – but it could quite easily have been service 82 and given the name as well as the number – a concept that works well with routes up and down the country.
Why is it such an issues? well if you are trying to search for the Dartmoor Explorer on Traveline what you do type in?
Dartmoor Explorer? No
DE? No
Dartmoor? No
DME? No – although in previous seasons that worked
Actually the way to get the timetables for this service is to type DART. Took me a while to find it – and only then by searching by location – which you really shouldn't need to do!
The Atlantic Coaster – try ATL
Sun Seeker – try SUN
Exmoor Coaster? EXMO
How many intended passengers would just give up?
Its not just Traveline that has issues. Go the First’s own timetable search page
and search for Tin Coaster
There is the Adventures By Bus site which offers as nice simple page – but the Dartmoor Explorer isnt listed – the news and service updates page though offers this
After reviewing Dartmoor Explorer, we have identified that the route is commercially viable in the summer months and needs to allow for extended visits to Dartmoor. Therefore, the daily service will pause from 2 April. It will return with a revised route and enhanced timetable between Sunday 9 July, and Saturday 9 September inclusive. Further details will be published nearer the time.
I assumed that nearer the time would mean before the start of the service – but looks like I was wrong.
Maybe, just maybe, if the service was better promoted, easier to find timetables for then maybe, just maybe it would be more commercially viable? I mean it is a stunning route so they should be shouting out about it.
Meanwhile…
We're hiring for Boardmasters Ground Staff!
— Plymouth Citybus (@plymouthbus) July 5, 2023
Interested? Click here for more info: https://t.co/lGpTKGncny pic.twitter.com/R3iXJQEO79
MTT 658 (DR658) was 1 of 14 Weymann-bodied AEC Regent IIIs delivered to Devon General in 1951. They were the first 8 feet wide vehicles in the fleet. DR658 is seen here at Exeter Paul Street Bus Stn awaiting departure on Service 2 to Newton Abbot.
— Devon General Society (@devongeneralso1) July 8, 2023
Picture credit: DGS collection pic.twitter.com/Ba7UVn236p
