New high frequency open-top bus service to hit streets
A NEW high frequency open top seaside bus service is to hit the streets
of Bournemouth next month.
‘Seafront 12’ will run every 20 minutes between Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier for three months from June 28, 2008.
Classic Southdown Omnibuses Ltd (CSOL) has been formed to operate the service in partnership with Transdev Yellow Buses (TYB).
The new company is 50 per cent owned by Blackpool-based Totally Transport which looks after a fleet of 40 historic buses and trams.
‘Seafront 12’ will use four buses – two open top, one closed top wet weather substitute and a converted semi open top - painted in traditional Bournemouth Corporation ’plum and custard’ livery.
The buses, which date from the 1980’s, are currently being prepared at the BusWorks in Blackpool, a specialist vehicle refurbishment centre.
The new service replaces the former route 12 open top service between Christchurch and Sandbanks in Poole which was operated by TYB during the summer holidays.
The shorter route between Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth was selected after detailed analysis of previous travel patterns revealed it was the busiest section.
Philip Higgs, CSOL Director, said: “We’re looking forward to rejuvenating the Bournemouth open top service in partnership with Transdev Yellow Buses.
“By focusing on the Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth section we can run buses more frequently. This will provide a useful transport link to hotel guests and residents living along the route as well as tourists out to see the magnificent views along East Cliff.”
Derek Lott, TYB’s Managing Director, said he hoped the new dedicated ‘Seafront 12’ service would become a popular summer feature in Bournemouth’s annual calendar.
“This is an exciting venture which I think will be of great appeal to residents, visitors and bus enthusiasts alike,” he added.
Four full-time summer season drivers’ jobs will be created with the launch of ‘Seafront 12’ but part-time drivers are also welcome to apply.
Picture caption: Ready to roll: An open top bus in traditional
Bournemouth Corporation ’plum and custard’ livery which will
be running on the 'Seafront 12' service this summer.
Uploaded 30/5/2008.
