tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3426163180986382422024-03-13T04:22:30.920+00:00Brentwood Bus UpdateImpartial info on all bus services serving Brentwood, regardless of operator.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-25826321673669934572017-10-10T22:09:00.002+01:002017-10-10T22:09:15.866+01:00Christmas shopping on 2nd December with Ensign<b>Ensign </b>have registered a new route, the <b>X81H</b>, which will run on Saturday 2nd December only, giving Shenfield and Brentwood a more frequent than usual direct bus to Lakeside and Grays. <a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=set&line=05X81&sup=H&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y08&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA03_71720835&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_spTr=1&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=ENSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timetable here</a>.<br />
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Also on 2nd December, running that day only, is <b>Ensign </b>route <b>X21 </b>between Ongar and Upminster via Brentwood. It'll be every half hour on that day. <a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&command=direct&net=set&line=05X21&sup=%20&itdLPxx_direction=H&project=y08&outputFormat=0&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA03_71528689&lineVer=1&itdLPxx_spTr=1&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=ENSB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timetable here</a>.<br />
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Both routes will run half-hourly throughout the day.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-56845145135639030362017-05-30T21:18:00.003+01:002017-05-30T21:18:58.298+01:00Blackmore to be cut off againEnsign 61 picked up the slack in connecting Brentwood with Blackmore after Amber 261 was withdrawn at the end of last year.<br />
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Ensign stepped in from 3rd January, but have announced that the 61 is to be withdrawn from 21st July.<br />
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We'll let you know if any replacement is announced.<br />
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With a general election next week, don't forget that more cuts are guaranteed if you vote for the current shower.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-62375611671431767072016-10-27T20:37:00.002+01:002016-10-27T20:37:17.360+01:00261 to go: Blackmore cut off<b><a href="http://www.travelinesw.com/swe/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&line=05261&lineVer=1&sup=D&net=set&project=y08&outputFormat=0&command=direct&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_66321329&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=AMBC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amber 261</a></b> is being withdrawn from 16th December, which will cut Doddinghurst and Blackmore off from Brentwood.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_5GkCYcn6c/WBJWP3hA__I/AAAAAAAAQgM/fwxOudPOLM8jQwX0Y3oKJ6AuGKX0ivCxgCLcB/s1600/261%2Broute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_5GkCYcn6c/WBJWP3hA__I/AAAAAAAAQgM/fwxOudPOLM8jQwX0Y3oKJ6AuGKX0ivCxgCLcB/s320/261%2Broute.JPG" width="117" /></a></div>
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If there's no replacement, then Doddinghurst will have just a couple of buses a day on <a href="http://www.travelinesw.com/swe/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&line=05898&lineVer=1&sup=%20&net=set&project=y08&outputFormat=0&command=direct&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_66321329&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=BRCT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">route 898</a>. Blackmore fares a little better in that it has a direct link to Chelmsford with <b><a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/TTB/EFA01__00004e5a_TP.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephenson's 32</a></b>.<br />
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We'll let you if there is to be any replacement for the <b>261</b>.<br />
<br />SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-74605564719275248052016-03-31T22:55:00.001+01:002016-04-07T22:24:34.033+01:0010th April changesMany of our local bus routes change from Sunday 10th April. Here's a quick rundown:<br />
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<b>Ensign 21</b> Brentwood-Ongar<br />
Additional weekday early evening journey added.<br />
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<b>Stephensons 71/72</b> Brentwood-Stondon Massey<br />
Timetable changes.<br />
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<b>First 73</b> Warley-Bishops Hall<br />
Renumbered 37, with a change of route and timetable.<br />
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<b>First 251</b> Warley-Southend<br />
Curtailed to only run between Warley and Wickford. Connections available in Wickford for Southend.<br />
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<b>First 351</b> Brentwood-Chelmsford<br />
New Mon-Sat timetable.<br />
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<b>BCT 898</b> Blackmore-Romford<br />
Curtailed to only run between Blackmore and Brentwood Community Hospital. New timetable.<br />
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Most of these changes are down to cuts being imposed by Essex County Council on routes which they subsidise. The bus operators have been sluggish to publicise these changes, but you can see the new timetables on <a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en&timeOffset=15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Traveline</a> and via the <a href="http://www.cartogold.co.uk/Essex_Public_Transport/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Interactive Essex Bus Map</a>SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-3703355357213330132016-01-24T19:50:00.000+00:002016-01-24T19:50:18.706+00:00County Council revives Saturday buses to OngarFollowing Townlink's demise, the 21 from Brentwood was taken over by Ensign as a weekday shuttle service to Ongar only.<br />
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Now, <a href="http://www.essex.gov.uk/News/Pages/Second-chance-for-21-bus-service.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essex County Council have stepped in</a> to maintain the Ongar link on Saturdays. A timetable should be available soon for the Saturday service, which will be operated by Ensign Bus. This will be on a trial basis, so use it or lose it if you want Brentwood to have a Saturday link to Ongar.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6243F8LBgmI/VqUq89m8QgI/AAAAAAAAN2g/vyfUXyYXeDI/s1600/Ongar%2Bsign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6243F8LBgmI/VqUq89m8QgI/AAAAAAAAN2g/vyfUXyYXeDI/s1600/Ongar%2Bsign.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-83785192299757581092016-01-11T21:16:00.003+00:002016-01-20T20:28:32.074+00:00It's Ensign to OngarTownlink's license to operate has been revoked with effect from 26th February but they've chosen to leave passengers in the lurch and have already stopped running the 21.<br />
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But <a href="http://www.ensignbus.com/route-21-new-service.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ensign Bus</a> have come to the rescue and are running a replacement 21 service between Brentwood and Ongar on weekdays only. Here's the timetable:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ensignbus.com/route-21-new-service.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Updated timetable</a> from 20th January:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NStA8Ya53oc/Vp_t5YwQd1I/AAAAAAAANkY/BbQ0DJCWkHs/s1600/21%2BOngar%2B20160120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NStA8Ya53oc/Vp_t5YwQd1I/AAAAAAAANkY/BbQ0DJCWkHs/s320/21%2BOngar%2B20160120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Other buses are available for journeys beyond Ongar. See <a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en&timeOffset=15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Traveline</a> to plan a journey.<br />
<br />SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-33983494968587703352016-01-07T20:54:00.002+00:002016-01-07T20:54:19.726+00:00Townlink license revokedTownlink Buses Ltd, which runs the 21 from Brentwood (Warley) to Ongar, Epping and Harlow, has had its license to operate revoked by the Traffic Commissioner for the East of England.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/Harlow-bus-companies-fined-25-000-licences/story-28480553-detail/story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harlow Star</a> has more details, but it isn't clear whether Townlink will stop running immediately or if there is a way to keep their routes, including the 21, running, perhaps by another operator.<br />
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We'll let you know as soon as we know more.<br />
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If you were planning to head to Ongar by bus tomorrow, it might be worth phoning Townlink on 01279 426266 before setting off, just to make sure they are still running.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-62848286976633182015-09-28T22:31:00.000+01:002015-09-28T22:31:59.831+01:00Evening, Sunday & rural routes under threatThe <a href="http://www.brentwoodgazette.co.uk/Vital-late-bus-linking-Brentwood-Pilgrims-Hatch/story-27845950-detail/story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brentwood Gazette</a> reports that Essex County Council are looking to wield their bus axe again.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWjnktMoXJ0/VgmlgQXouVI/AAAAAAAALzI/Brl1rgbuSv4/s1600/Essex%2BCounty%2BCouncil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWjnktMoXJ0/VgmlgQXouVI/AAAAAAAALzI/Brl1rgbuSv4/s1600/Essex%2BCounty%2BCouncil.JPG" /></a></div>
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This time, late evening journeys on the <b>73 </b>are under threat, but all routes funded by the council will be being reviewed to see where a cut can be made. This means all evening, Sunday and rural routes in Essex are under threat.<br />
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The County Council are still consulting on what their bus priorities should be, so make sure you <a href="http://www.essexhighways.org/Transport-and-Roads/Getting-Around/Bus/Bus-review.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">take part in their survey</a> before 21st October.<br />
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The changes currently proposed for Brentwood are:<br />
<b>21A</b>: Essex wants to withdraw this route leaving Brentwood with no link to Ongar after late afternoons.<br />
<b>73</b>: The last bus of the evening is to be withdrawn Mon-Sats. Here's the proposed timetable for subsidised journeys on Mon-Sat evenings:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2PhkYGtTao/Vgmn7aP4XzI/AAAAAAAALzU/9nvzzZhIcNo/s1600/73%2Bproposal.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2PhkYGtTao/Vgmn7aP4XzI/AAAAAAAALzU/9nvzzZhIcNo/s320/73%2Bproposal.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>251</b>: No more Sunday trips to Southend, as this route will be curtailed to run between Warley and Wickford only. Here's the proposed timetable:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1QC9J4tuEk/VgmovdcIVFI/AAAAAAAALzc/6teiyl0RgG4/s1600/251%2Bproposal.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1QC9J4tuEk/VgmovdcIVFI/AAAAAAAALzc/6teiyl0RgG4/s320/251%2Bproposal.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>898</b>: It is proposed to withdraw this route from Blackmore via Doddinghurst and Brentwood to Romford.<br />
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<br />SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-59238632706950937202015-06-25T16:09:00.004+01:002015-06-25T16:09:54.896+01:00New 9 timetable / TfL Rail lowers fares<b>First </b>have released the <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=9&routeid=2762771&operator=8&source=sp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new timetable for the <b>9</b></a>, which will apply from 5th July. Only a few morning journeys have been retimed.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm1bYm8XUyQ/VYwYnye96OI/AAAAAAAAF88/W9vvszGEB1M/s1600/TfL%2BRail%2Blogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm1bYm8XUyQ/VYwYnye96OI/AAAAAAAAF88/W9vvszGEB1M/s1600/TfL%2BRail%2Blogo.png" /></a></div>
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Not quite bus related, but you may have noticed that the trains from Brentwood station are now operated by <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tfl-rail/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TfL Rail</a> rather then <a href="https://www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Abellio Greater Anglia</a>. This is the first step of the transition to <a href="http://www.crossrail.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crossrail</a>.<br />
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For now, it means lower rail fares for some journeys as train travel from Greater London to Brentwood now uses the <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/fares" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">same fare scale as the tube</a>, rather than a premium being charged for what was a National Rail service.<br />
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The line is still technically part of <a href="http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Rail</a> however, meaning a through rail ticket to or from any other railway station in the UK is still available to/from Brentwood. A paper rail ticket is still needed in order to buy a <a href="http://www.plusbus.info/shenfield" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brentwood/Shenfield Plusbus</a> ticket.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-83609724844746748832015-05-18T19:31:00.000+01:002015-05-18T19:31:17.933+01:00Sunday Saver price riseThe <a href="http://www.essexcountystandard.co.uk/news/localnews/12952841.Bus_prices_to_rise/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essex County Standard</a> is reporting that the County Council are soon to increase the price of the <a href="http://www.essexhighways.org/Transport-and-Roads/Getting-Around/Bus/Fares-and-bus-passes/ECC-tickets.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Sunday Saver</b></a> ticket from £2.80 to £4 for an adult.<br />
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The ticket is valid on all buses that run across Essex every Sunday and even with the price rise is one of the best value bus tickets in the whole country.<br />
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Please note that the Sunday Saver is not valid on some <b>TfL </b>routes that run into Essex, including the <b>498 </b>to Brentwood.<br />
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The price rise takes place on Sunday 14th June. See the <a href="http://www.danbury-essex.gov.uk/images/documents/EssexSaverFareIncrease13.05.15.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official announcement here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-35726343188803508952015-02-11T22:20:00.002+00:002015-02-11T22:20:32.781+00:00Early evening Ongar journeys reinstated: 21AThe two weekday early evening journeys on the <b>21 </b>that no longer serve Brentwood have now been reinstated, with a catch: they are subsidised by the county council and are operated by <b>EOS</b>. <b>Townlink </b>still run the commercial daytime service and it looks like <b>EOS </b>do not accept <b>Townlink </b>tickets, so if you're not a pensioner you'll have to either pay again or use an <a href="http://www.essexhighways.org/Transport-and-Roads/Getting-Around/Bus/Fares-and-bus-passes/ECC-tickets.aspx#1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Essex Saver</b> ticket</a>, which is valid on both.<br />
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The reinstated journeys are numbered <b>21A</b> and you can see the timetable <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzJ3dkwA8g3hVGpZeTFocUx3Unc/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The main <b>21 </b>timetable is <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzJ3dkwA8g3hRUMwblFJcjhQa28/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-70027212456353697432014-12-22T21:27:00.001+00:002014-12-22T21:27:18.308+00:00First fares to rise in January<b>First </b>are putting some of their fares up from 5th January. Details <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/new_news_initiatives/attach_1419243591_6881_Basildon-Brentwood-Thurrock%20Fares%20Summary%20Jan%202015.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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For us in Brentwood, it means that a FirstDay Brentwood goes up to £3.60.<br />
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FirstWeek Brentwood will be £15.<br />
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First4Week Brentwood will be £50.<br />
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A day return to Billericay on the 9 goes up to £4.40.<br />
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There's no change to FirstDay Essex, which remains at £8 - the same price as an Essex Saver which can also be used on other bus companies.<br />
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FirstDay Basildon Outer, which includes Brentwood, goes up to £6.40.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-8698856673330768452014-12-01T20:33:00.004+00:002014-12-01T20:33:47.287+00:00Cuts to early evening buses to Ongar<b>Townlink</b> have brought in a very poorly publicised new timetable on the <b>21</b>, with the last two journeys to and from Brentwood on weekdays axed. <a href="http://www.brentwoodgazette.co.uk/Bus-service-cut-proposals-branded-disgrace/story-23305812-detail/story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Gazette</a> mentioned it last month.<br />
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The last <b>21</b> towards Brentwood on weekdays now departs Harlow at 1600, Epping Station at 1629 and Ongar Four Wantz at 1650. The last weekday <b>21</b> towards Ongar and Harlow leaves Warley at 1730 and Brentwood High Street at 1742.<br />
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The Saturday timetable looks like it is unchanged.<br />
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See the full new timetable <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzJ3dkwA8g3hRUMwblFJcjhQa28/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-86136557699030529942014-10-21T20:08:00.002+01:002014-10-21T20:08:47.573+01:00Vintage buses to UpminsterBrentwood is to regain a direct bus route to Upminster... for one day only.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TjsGgGGu1U/VEaue8fCd3I/AAAAAAAAFBI/1vTvi3m02TM/s1600/Ensignbus%2Bxmas%2Blogo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TjsGgGGu1U/VEaue8fCd3I/AAAAAAAAFBI/1vTvi3m02TM/s1600/Ensignbus%2Bxmas%2Blogo.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ensignbus.com/bus-services.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ensign Bus</a> are running some special Christmas shoppers' routes with vintage buses on Saturday 6th December. One of them is a half-hourly service on the X81 between Shenfield, Brentwood and Lakeside. The other is route X86 between Brentwood and Upminster.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXBXdshdNzg/VEavKVri9mI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/80M825fcbjA/s1600/Upminster%2Bsign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXBXdshdNzg/VEavKVri9mI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/80M825fcbjA/s1600/Upminster%2Bsign.JPG" /></a></div>
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See the full timetable for these one-day-only special routes <a href="http://www.ensignbus.com/uploads/1/5/6/5/15657682/runningday_6dec2014.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-88138694570485779542014-08-18T19:50:00.000+01:002014-08-18T19:50:04.850+01:00Gazette slams poor service from First<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFDjpsciAFo/U_JKy-5pILI/AAAAAAAAEsw/J72d9LI3c9c/s1600/First%2Blogo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFDjpsciAFo/U_JKy-5pILI/AAAAAAAAEsw/J72d9LI3c9c/s1600/First%2Blogo.JPG" /></a></div>
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The Brentwood Gazette has published <a href="http://www.brentwoodgazette.co.uk/Buses-Brentwood-slammed-absymal-service/story-22700663-detail/story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article</a> highlighting several problems with the services provided by First in our town. Route 9 is singled out as being particularly unreliable.<br />
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How do you find service levels on the routes you use regularly? Leave a comment and let us know.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-29324222042286632462014-07-11T21:58:00.000+01:002014-07-11T21:58:59.578+01:00Formal warning for First over punctualityFirst Essex has been issued with a formal warning by the Deputy Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, Marcia Davis, for running too many services behind schedule or not at all.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-OEaRjX7A4/U8BP8xAH96I/AAAAAAAAEAs/EU44TLdJgJo/s1600/First+Essex+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-OEaRjX7A4/U8BP8xAH96I/AAAAAAAAEAs/EU44TLdJgJo/s1600/First+Essex+logo.JPG" height="109" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/News/Harlow-news/Bus-company-First-Essex-receives-formal-warning-over-punctuality-of-its-services-20140711090521.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harlow Star</a> tells how bosses were summonsed to explain themselves after passengers complained to the Traffic Commissioner about buses not running to time. A bus is officially classed as not running to time if it:<br />
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<ul>
<li>is more than one minute early</li>
<li>is more than five minutes late</li>
<li>doesn't run at all</li>
</ul>
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First have pledged to improve services in Essex. The Traffic Commissioner's full written report will be out in a few days time.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-48768986130362851882014-06-24T18:37:00.001+01:002014-06-24T18:37:51.626+01:00Tour de France stops route 21 on 7th JulyThe Tour de France comes to Essex on 7th July. While it won't run through Brentwood, it will run through Epping, meaning that Townlink 21 will not be able to run on that day.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8GiFuiFP9s/U6m3ZQVbp6I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/-FOa1nfKQkg/s1600/Tour+de+France.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8GiFuiFP9s/U6m3ZQVbp6I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/-FOa1nfKQkg/s1600/Tour+de+France.JPG" /></a></div>
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All of Brentwood's other buses will be running as normal, but there could be some disruption due to traffic caused by road closures elsewhere in the county.<br />
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Check the Twitter feeds on the right for updates on the day. More details about the Tour de France in Essex can be found <a href="http://www.letouressex.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-35967548674784234882014-06-08T18:08:00.001+01:002014-06-08T18:09:40.091+01:00No cash payments on the 498 from 6th JulyIf you use the 498 to Romford, then please note that from 6th July, you will no longer be able to pay your bus fares using cash. This applies to all bus routes operated on behalf of Transport for London. Full details <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/cash-free-buses?intcmp=17374" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Passengers needing to use the 498 and other London buses after 6th July will need to either pay using a contactless bank card or get an Oyster card. Here in Brentwood, Oyster cards can be obtained from the Nisa Metro shop at 96A High Street:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEMP5_27etU/U5SXYSN6nvI/AAAAAAAADuQ/au11UONdGo8/s1600/Nisa+Metro+High+Street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEMP5_27etU/U5SXYSN6nvI/AAAAAAAADuQ/au11UONdGo8/s1600/Nisa+Metro+High+Street.JPG" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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...or from Newstime at 145 Kings Road:<br />
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You can't get a new Oyster card at Brentwood railway station, but you can top up an existing Oyster card there.<br />
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In Brentwood this only affects the 498 bus. All other buses serving our town will continue to accept cash as usual.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-53867285451465924652014-04-27T17:05:00.000+01:002014-04-27T17:05:07.023+01:00Vintage buses from Shenfield to Ongar and EppingThe heritage <a href="http://eorailway.co.uk/news/shenfield-bus-service">Epping and Ongar Railway</a> is running a vintage bus service from Shenfield Station to its main stations at Ongar and Epping every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday over the summer until early October.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KA2KPtGStKg/U10p0gqA1UI/AAAAAAAACsA/L3IOV0FQbrM/s1600/Epping+Ongar+Railway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KA2KPtGStKg/U10p0gqA1UI/AAAAAAAACsA/L3IOV0FQbrM/s1600/Epping+Ongar+Railway.JPG" height="41" width="320" /></a></div>
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Travel is free for visitors to the heritage railway, but anyone can use the bus for a single fare of £2 to Ongar or £3 to Epping.<br />
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A more frequent link to Ongar runs from Brentwood in the form of <a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/TTB/EFA03__00002388_TP.pdf"><b>Townlink 21</b></a>. It doesn't however run on Sundays, so the vintage bus is definitely filling a gap in provision there.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-89461182145886173852014-04-22T21:49:00.004+01:002014-04-22T21:49:52.819+01:00FirstWeek Essex price cut for Catch The Bus Week<b>First </b>have a <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=17991&conf=0">special offer</a> to celebrate <a href="http://www.catchthebusweek.co.uk/">Catch The Bus Week</a>, which occurs from Monday 28th April until Sunday 4th May.<br />
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During that period, you will be able to buy a <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/tickets/firstweek/"><b>FirstWeek Essex</b></a> valid on all <b>First </b>buses throughout the county for just £24 instead of the usual price of £30.<br />
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This will make it temporarily even cheaper than the <b>FirstWeek Basildon Outer</b>, valid in Brentwood, which is £25.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-3242782766928160842014-02-04T20:46:00.001+00:002014-03-17T20:13:42.417+00:00Travel with Hunny closes: Upminster cut off<a href="http://www.travelwithhunny.com/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Travel with Hunny</b></a>, who run the <b>848 </b>to Upminster and a few school buses, have ceased trading as of Friday 31st January. This is what their website currently shows:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEiACmJ_Jk/UvFIRiTOlEI/AAAAAAAACaU/3nvdRkJvw84/s1600/TWH+Closure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUEiACmJ_Jk/UvFIRiTOlEI/AAAAAAAACaU/3nvdRkJvw84/s1600/TWH+Closure.JPG" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
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This means anyone who uses the <b>848 </b>to get to Upminster (and our nearest Aldi!) will have to find another way to get there. Your quickest alternative is to get the train from Brentwood to Romford and then change there for Upminster - an adult off-peak day return is £6.50 as a paper ticket, but you're better off using <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/tickets/faresandtickets/farefinder/next/default.aspx" target="_blank">Oyster</a>, which will cost you £2.30 each way off peak and £3.00 peak.<br />
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If you still want to use the bus to get to <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/upminster.pdf" target="_blank">Upminster</a>, then you'll need to take the <a href="http://www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se/TTB/EFA03__0000266f_TP.pdf" target="_blank"><b>498</b></a> to either <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/haroldwood-a4.pdf" target="_blank">Gubbins Lane</a> and then change to the <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/tfl-bus-map/text/routeinfo.aspx?q=347&r=347&rn=1" target="_blank"><b>347</b></a>; or to <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/romford.pdf" target="_blank">Romford</a> and then change to the <b><a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/tfl-bus-map/text/routeinfo.aspx?q=248&r=248&rn=2&lon=NaN&lat=NaN" target="_blank">248</a> </b>or <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/tfl-bus-map/text/routeinfo.aspx?r=370" target="_blank"><b>370</b></a>. All of these buses are run for <b>TfL</b>, so using <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/fares-2014/29086.aspx" target="_blank">Oyster</a>, it's £1.45 per journey with a daily bus fare cap of £4.40.<br />
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Lakeside is about to get more difficult to visit too. From Monday 17th March, <b>Amber 265</b> will no longer serve Brentwood. It will continue to operate between West Horndon and Lakeside only. Our only direct bus to Lakeside after that is <a href="http://www.ensignbus.com/uploads/1/5/6/5/15657682/route-81-leaflet-jan2014_web.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Ensign X81</b></a>. The other alternatives are to take <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=2&service=9&routeid=9025801&operator=8&source=sp" target="_blank"><b>First 9</b></a> to either Billericay or Basildon and then change to <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=2&service=100X/100&routeid=9025871&operator=8&source=sp" target="_blank"><b>First 100</b></a>; or take <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/tfl-bus-map/text/routeinfo.aspx?r=498" target="_blank"><b>TfL 498</b></a> to Romford and then change to the <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/tfl-bus-map/text/routeinfo.aspx?r=370" target="_blank"><b>370</b></a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-46907745649473804212014-01-29T21:19:00.001+00:002014-01-29T21:19:10.443+00:00First 351 times change from MondayDon't forget that <b>First 351</b> to Chelmsford gets a new timetable on Monday. Most journeys are retimed. See the new timetable <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/journey_planning/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=3&service=351&routeid=2232511&operator=8&source=sp" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-13959457310871631942014-01-17T21:09:00.001+00:002014-01-25T18:57:40.822+00:00Ensign 82 withdrawn / 21 to Ongar name change<b>Ensign 82</b> ran for the last time today. As of Monday, its journeys are replaced by new journeys on the <b>81</b>, which runs the other way around the Hutton loop.<br />
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See the <b>81</b>'s full timetable <a href="http://www.ensignbus.com/route-81.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>SM Coaches </b>have deregistered route <b>21</b>, but don't worry it's not being axed. It's now being run by a company called <b>Townlink</b>, to exactly the same timetable. Shame <b>Townlink </b>don't have a website.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-38280471890551066162013-12-21T16:26:00.001+00:002013-12-21T16:27:08.090+00:00First fares up on 5th Jan<b>First Essex</b> are putting their fares up on 5th January. Full details <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=15251&conf=0" target="_blank">here</a>. Here are the main changes to tickets covering Brentwood:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Some single & return fares will rise</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/tickets/firstday/" target="_blank">FirstDay</a> Brentwood</b> will be cut to £3.50</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/tickets/firstday/" target="_blank">FirstDay</a> Basildon Outer </b>will increase to £6.20</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/tickets/firstweek/" target="_blank">FirstWeek</a> Basildon Outer</b> increases to £25</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/tickets/firstmonth/" target="_blank">FirstMonth</a> Basildon Outer</b> increases to £88</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/tickets/firstday/" target="_blank">FirstDay</a> Essex</b> remains unchanged, as do the Essex-wide weekly and monthly tickets.</li>
</ul>
SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342616318098638242.post-56511288418009809112013-12-14T19:12:00.003+00:002013-12-14T19:12:37.403+00:00New timetable for 351 from 3rd Feb<b>First 351</b> to Chelmsford is having its timetable changed from 3rd February 2014. Here are the details from <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/travel_news/service_updates/?item=10181&conf=0" target="_blank">their website</a>:<br />
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We'll link to the new timetable as soon as it is available.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0