tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58268873091175635642024-03-14T09:09:01.263+00:00Portishead Bus UpdateNews and views on all bus routes serving Portishead, North SomersetSotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-73975146222107261212016-08-08T20:05:00.000+01:002016-08-08T20:05:09.541+01:00First before regulator as too many Bristol buses officially run late<a href="http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/first-bus-brought-before-regulator-after-multiple-complaints-about-poor-service/story-29596802-detail/story.html">http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/first-bus-brought-before-regulator-after-multiple-complaints-about-poor-service/story-29596802-detail/story.html</a><br />
<br />
Worth reviving this blog briefly to link to the above story in the Post.<br />
<br />
The unreliability of First buses in Portishead is one of the reasons this blog closed down - I moved away due to the severe transport issues that Greater Bristol has. By the looks of it, things are only getting worse.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-56014472880082288452015-09-07T20:40:00.001+01:002015-09-07T20:40:26.236+01:00Service suspendedIt is with regret that I announce the closure of Portishead Bus Update.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEhzqm2Kk7p2qpvDiBUwbnVntjI7jq2PoEqnNYIQTjW3K3XCVspsMiL6sjxvwzQm6belfc8fDjkKUoK3NOfxzVruUhnwuC35131uo-A0j-Po_BGWfdIszwJfwEAMFP2aTfsKAua_Xcqk/s1600/Stop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEhzqm2Kk7p2qpvDiBUwbnVntjI7jq2PoEqnNYIQTjW3K3XCVspsMiL6sjxvwzQm6belfc8fDjkKUoK3NOfxzVruUhnwuC35131uo-A0j-Po_BGWfdIszwJfwEAMFP2aTfsKAua_Xcqk/s1600/Stop.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Previous posts will remain online for now, but readership levels haven't taken off in the way that they have on the sites I run for <a href="http://sotonbus.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Southampton</a> and <a href="http://brentwoodbus.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brentwood</a>, so it is increasingly difficult to justify the time it takes to maintain the blog.<br />
<br />
Coupled with that is the general poor quality of the bus services in the Avon region. I lived in Portishead for over a year and started this blog when I moved to the area, but ended up buying a car because the bus service was intolerably unreliable, slow and expensive compared to bus services in other areas of the country.<br />
<br />
As well as the blogs previously mentioned, <a href="http://gbbusroutes.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great British Bus Routes</a> will continue.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-953020066368244832015-07-19T19:40:00.001+01:002015-07-19T19:40:43.106+01:00First journeys to get slower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6n3_zIkDV6SsESqQL45alywJxmVink11b0c5hY-TpuwkpuvdWCdXVoRlN0Mrmvc0FHISlEIxfrI58M5kvFL3ojFTHwJ0UqDc4nHUpARAJ716tbbvFTA6f-YYSZPPESxtzaIaWTJZVPw/s1600/Slow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6n3_zIkDV6SsESqQL45alywJxmVink11b0c5hY-TpuwkpuvdWCdXVoRlN0Mrmvc0FHISlEIxfrI58M5kvFL3ojFTHwJ0UqDc4nHUpARAJ716tbbvFTA6f-YYSZPPESxtzaIaWTJZVPw/s1600/Slow.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>First </b>have announced <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/23-august-weston-super-mare-north" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">details of changes</a> to routes serving Portishead from 23rd August:<br />
<br />
<b>X2</b>: Will get slower due to a diversion via UWE Bower Ashton Campus on weekdays during term time. This will affect journeys towards Bristol only between 1000 and 1900.<br />
<br />
<b>X3</b>: The fast bit along the Portbury Hundred will be scrapped so that the X3 can dawdle along Sheepway so that the poor little mites along there don't have to make do with two buses an hour. Will get even slower due to a diversion via UWE Bower Ashton Campus on weekdays during term time. This will affect journeys towards Bristol only between 1000 and 1900.<br />
<br />
<b>X5</b>: Some journeys will be slowed down by diverting via Royal Portbury Dock. On the plus side, Sunday journeys will continue beyond Cribbs Causeway to Bristol Parkway Station and UWE.<br />
<br />
<b>X8</b>: Will be curtailed to only run between Bristol and Nailsea, so it will no longer serve Portishead.<br />
<br />
<b>A2</b>: Will be extended beyond Nailsea to Portishead, replacing the X8, but only once every 2 hours compared to an hourly service at present. This will provide Portishead with a direct bus link to Bristol Airport and quicker journeys to Nailsea & Backwell Railway Station as the A2 won't run round the pointless Hannah More Road loop in Nailsea.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-57844187906036465752015-06-25T16:30:00.001+01:002015-06-25T16:30:29.811+01:0088 extends to Congresbury / New First website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJwi7uIN29nOObPKwwfeODW6ll5PxG0U1IKGw92jfWrN4VaTyzjoP0vx60PhnzQrAntVFDsFwCET1fe69qA5jRMQ8a6g3aZm700bFIpec1UU23JAkeOYtQ16RNl4p4JyDUAT71IjbQfw/s1600/Yatton+Congresbury+Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJwi7uIN29nOObPKwwfeODW6ll5PxG0U1IKGw92jfWrN4VaTyzjoP0vx60PhnzQrAntVFDsFwCET1fe69qA5jRMQ8a6g3aZm700bFIpec1UU23JAkeOYtQ16RNl4p4JyDUAT71IjbQfw/s1600/Yatton+Congresbury+Sign.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Carmel 88</b> extends beyond Yatton to Congresbury from 19th July. See the <a href="http://www.travelinesw.com/swe/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&line=39088&lineVer=2&sup=%20&net=swe&project=y10&outputFormat=0&command=direct&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA02_51232101&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=CAR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new timetable here</a>. The local route within Portishead remains unchanged.<br />
<br />
<b>First </b>have <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">revamped their website</a> and in their wisdom have now made it impossible to find out how much the West of England Plus zone tickets cost. Some other things are now easier to look up, so it's swings and roundabouts.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-11621005578341565182015-03-29T16:04:00.003+01:002015-03-29T16:10:28.348+01:00X2, X3, X8: New timetables todayToday's the day when most of our local buses have a timetable change and the <b>X3 </b>is rerouted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/X2_X3_29march.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">See the new timetable for the <b>X2 </b>and <b>X3 </b>here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The <b>X3 </b>no longer serves Sheepway, but does now serve a new stop right at the entrance to Sainsbury's Portishead.</li>
<li>We have later buses back from Bristol on Mon-Sat evenings. The last bus from Bristol Bus Station towards Portishead used to be at 2330, but there are now two extra X2 departures at 0030 and 0130 every Mon-Sat night.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/Service_X8_X10_29march.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">See the new timetable for the <b>X8 </b>here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A couple of evening journeys have been cut, so the last <b>X8 </b>from Portishead towards Nailsea now departs from the White Lion at 1840 Mon-Sats. The last bus from Nailsea towards Portishead now departs from Stockway South at 1802 on weekdays and 1754 on Saturdays.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Miss that last direct <b>X8 </b>from Nailsea and you'll have to get the <b>X8 </b>or <b>X10 </b>to Hotwells and then change there for the <b>X2 </b>or <b>X3</b>. All in all, the journey will take about an hour and a half compared to around half an hour for the direct service.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_g5Z03YOiayC_wYaoPePJVKfRIdWWpUb9rUr2vuz8W4_WI_PJ2qaZgES5J9QX4Ww_HBj1aHb6dagewiV3NkfWWPkU8pLb0M__l5kFqh8WlL-WJY6EQELTfADz6l77De5O6PTMDIaFAI/s1600/Nailsea+&+Backwell+Station+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_g5Z03YOiayC_wYaoPePJVKfRIdWWpUb9rUr2vuz8W4_WI_PJ2qaZgES5J9QX4Ww_HBj1aHb6dagewiV3NkfWWPkU8pLb0M__l5kFqh8WlL-WJY6EQELTfADz6l77De5O6PTMDIaFAI/s1600/Nailsea+&+Backwell+Station+sign.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One does wonder whether the <b>X8 </b>would attract more passengers if it took advantage of Nailsea & Backwell railway station being the rail hub for Nailsea, Portishead and Clevedon. If it were possible to catch a bus to and from the station, without having to go on a big detour of Hannah More Road then the <b>X8 </b>would be a far more attractive option for those travelling to and from further afield. Of course it would need to run later than 6pm in order for it to be really viable, but I think some untapped potential is definitely there.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-66148930751905300802015-03-11T14:25:00.002+00:002015-03-11T14:25:38.908+00:00Sheepway to lose X3 / New later journeys on X2<b>First</b> have released the new route details and timetables for the <b>X2</b> and <b>X3</b>, which will take effect from Sunday 29th March.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/X2_X3_29march.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">See the timetable here.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiYGw4juwRGnNoPMpWzm_wQHdHPMRvHC3xcnq_wL6AoG0v6QDYDFIJleSywABy0C0IpvuPuzjntpq5CVGvqMtOyKqCFu2WXFM4Xn8M2z3FYAr7Lir3zKAb6HSmy350IIzymUCTJh-fZw/s1600/x2x3+route+20150329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiYGw4juwRGnNoPMpWzm_wQHdHPMRvHC3xcnq_wL6AoG0v6QDYDFIJleSywABy0C0IpvuPuzjntpq5CVGvqMtOyKqCFu2WXFM4Xn8M2z3FYAr7Lir3zKAb6HSmy350IIzymUCTJh-fZw/s1600/x2x3+route+20150329.JPG" height="115" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The <b>X3</b>'s route is changing so that it will no longer serve Sheepway, running instead direct via the Portbury Hundred.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmotIgc-gj1dkZC5SLdIfROe_lvfNCk_7obKQlvSUbLLNpxNg02MfP9M6kSHJBvve61NEFa4900GJ6gzBloahmwyeuWzbdWXz1aeJiXKNQVsG54uhCJdTrgFdhrJwcLjycpmnzV4VVX5I/s1600/X3+new+route+201503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmotIgc-gj1dkZC5SLdIfROe_lvfNCk_7obKQlvSUbLLNpxNg02MfP9M6kSHJBvve61NEFa4900GJ6gzBloahmwyeuWzbdWXz1aeJiXKNQVsG54uhCJdTrgFdhrJwcLjycpmnzV4VVX5I/s1600/X3+new+route+201503.JPG" height="103" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It will also serve a new stop in the car park of <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/storelocator/storelocator_detail_view.jsp?storeId=2252&bmForm=store_details" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sainsbury's</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp_8E3fIXO74S3aQ8x_-9EDfZFXQjWF34mUTC_NPybv0PQtAcLQdcBcF5G3F19a6RPSR122FLhJE4Rk2-7Aeec58EJNSK58d25ZIjriWH2372AxSzMsfzuYSeldhT5_BHU5BoQP9djvQ/s1600/Sainsburys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp_8E3fIXO74S3aQ8x_-9EDfZFXQjWF34mUTC_NPybv0PQtAcLQdcBcF5G3F19a6RPSR122FLhJE4Rk2-7Aeec58EJNSK58d25ZIjriWH2372AxSzMsfzuYSeldhT5_BHU5BoQP9djvQ/s1600/Sainsburys.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The last bus from Bristol currently leaves from the bus station at 2330 every evening. Two extra <b>X2</b> journeys will run each Mon-Sat evening at 0030 and 0130, making it possible to get the bus back to Portishead after a later night out in Bristol.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the <b>X3</b> will still serve Phoenix Way and Newfoundland Way in Port Marine, which are frankly too narrow to run a bus along and contribute to unnecessary delays across the entire route.<br />
<br />SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-69718211044240025092015-02-10T21:41:00.001+00:002015-02-10T21:41:18.528+00:00It's not just you. Portishead's live bus times don't workRegular bus users in Portishead know only too well that the digital displays at bus stops and on some mobile apps are not at all accurate on predicting when buses will arrive in and around our town.<br />
<br />
I myself notified First, North Somerset Council and my local councillor about it months ago - and was promptly ignored by all three.<br />
<br />
Now it appears that there is officially a problem after all as the <a href="http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Lack-radio-signal-causing-bus-black-holes/story-26000052-detail/story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bristol Post</a> reports. The buses are tracked by the real time system using a radio signal. That signal is particularly poor in Portishead and Pill which leads to the computer just guessing where the buses are and giving us inaccurate 'live' times at bus stops and on our mobiles.<br />
<br />
The council are planning to install a new base station for the system, which should make it more accurate.<br />
<br />
With First's timetable change on the X2 and X3 in March designed to help solve the chronic unreliability on those routes, things should hopefully start to get better for Portishead's bus users soon.<br />
<br />
Have you been left stranded due to misleading 'live' times on the bus stop displays? Leave a comment and tell us about it.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-22392485587613393612015-02-02T19:59:00.001+00:002015-02-02T19:59:30.328+00:00X2/X3 new timetable from 29th March / Meet the manager onlineFirst X2 and X3 will get a new timetable from 29th March. First are recasting the timetables on several routes in and around Bristol in order to try and make them more reliable. The Portishead routes have been particularly unreliable so hopefully the changes will work.<br />
<br />
First are holding an online meet the manager session next Monday. Details <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=25021&conf=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-39789056828110001402014-12-17T20:16:00.001+00:002014-12-17T20:16:18.470+00:00New X5 and 88 timetables published<b>First </b>have released the new timetable for the <b>X5</b>, which will apply from 11th January. It will no longer serve Kenn, Yatton or Congresbury but is extended beyond Cribbs Causeway to Bristol Parkway Station and UWE Frenchay Campus.<br />
<br />
See the new <b>X5 </b>timetable <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/Service_X5_Web.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Carmel 88</b> also has a new timetable, from 12th January. See it <a href="http://www.travelinesw.com/swe/XSLT_TTB_REQUEST?language=en&line=39088&lineVer=2&sup=%20&net=swe&project=y10&outputFormat=0&command=direct&itdLPxx_displayHeader=false&itdLPxx_sessionID=EFA01_65201382&itdLPxx_operatorCodeForTTB=CAR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. It is extended beyond Clevedon to Yatton, replacing that part of the current <b>X5</b>. It will stop right outside <a href="http://www.railwaystation.uk/index.php?station=YAT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yatton Railway Station</a>, giving Portishead's bus users a new way to connect with the rail network.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-62552963738571940592014-12-07T18:12:00.001+00:002014-12-07T18:12:23.218+00:00Christmas & New Year service levelsFirst have released details of their Christmas and New Year services serving Portishead. See them in full <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/new_news_initiatives/attach_1417098739_6661_Bristol_Xmas_Services-Web_low.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
On Boxing Day and New Year's Day, only a skeleton service will run on certain routes. For us, that means a bus every 2 hours on the X2, with no other buses running. Here's the timetable that will be in operation:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AjCN3-iZm0UREhTLwHtc4tF-qiQorwNr6w6fhf7leT7GgD2hUyMOjsqz8qCc2BCrNVA45-ZS-ARFXLCY8PTUQgf7dTrV78wHJRGlkjWcFYgUFtm3AE-jSXNqjiInD-JPNVZYEiCNf_E/s1600/X2+Boxing+Day+2014+New+Years+Day+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AjCN3-iZm0UREhTLwHtc4tF-qiQorwNr6w6fhf7leT7GgD2hUyMOjsqz8qCc2BCrNVA45-ZS-ARFXLCY8PTUQgf7dTrV78wHJRGlkjWcFYgUFtm3AE-jSXNqjiInD-JPNVZYEiCNf_E/s1600/X2+Boxing+Day+2014+New+Years+Day+2015.JPG" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-Q36KCqqsEEod4dXpXt03Aq5tyOzv_MpQU7Eq7_cafUOJ11wfO6lTacAtYyZFTIU6lOLVn5dLV2iLTibSvFKm0xLfRStqi5yPbeiEFdECaw6euG7_Z5SEDqEX55ZUCe8JFKRB1LsuHw/s1600/Xmas+2014+NY+2015+First+summary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-Q36KCqqsEEod4dXpXt03Aq5tyOzv_MpQU7Eq7_cafUOJ11wfO6lTacAtYyZFTIU6lOLVn5dLV2iLTibSvFKm0xLfRStqi5yPbeiEFdECaw6euG7_Z5SEDqEX55ZUCe8JFKRB1LsuHw/s1600/Xmas+2014+NY+2015+First+summary.JPG" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-69664262225386992432014-12-01T20:51:00.002+00:002014-12-01T20:52:18.722+00:00X5 to Bristol Parkway / 88 extends to YattonThere are some changes to the <b>88</b> and <b>X5</b> from 11th January. Details from North Somerset Council <a href="http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/News/Pages/New-Year-bus-service-changes.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The main changes for Portishead are that <b>First X5</b> will run via the M5 beyond Clevedon, making it quicker to get to Weston-super-Mare. Some journeys are also extended beyond Cribbs Causeway to Bristol Parkway railway station.<br />
<br />
<b>Carmel 88</b> is being extended beyond Clevedon to Yatton to replace the diverted <b>X5</b>.<br />
<br />
I'll post the new timetables here as soon as they have been published.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-51670973921801693232014-10-06T19:34:00.001+01:002014-10-06T19:35:15.993+01:00Extra Sunday buses to Cribbs for Xmas?First have today registered a new temporary route, the CC, to run between Weston-super-Mare and Cribbs Causeway on the four Sundays in the run up to Christmas:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDZykp5zWRVZocpbPcQUtwohbbP3dymTXVLva4kpZFMzDtxef1Kkv-BAkwV4L7HTYhSoFDzlsF-RU9F2rXT_Wr_PROsQNV5yQPrruVkNkpgl7jgHdtPssCF29w2KqWcVLoDBx-yJJdbU/s1600/CC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDZykp5zWRVZocpbPcQUtwohbbP3dymTXVLva4kpZFMzDtxef1Kkv-BAkwV4L7HTYhSoFDzlsF-RU9F2rXT_Wr_PROsQNV5yQPrruVkNkpgl7jgHdtPssCF29w2KqWcVLoDBx-yJJdbU/s1600/CC.JPG" height="88" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It looks like it's a frequency boost for the X5, which has been running on Sundays for a couple of weeks now.<br />
<br />
The fact it isn't registered as an X5 might mean it will by-pass Portishead and run from Clevedon direct along the M5 to Cribbs. As soon as First advise, we'll let you know.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-51851310603887831412014-08-10T21:50:00.005+01:002014-08-10T21:50:41.156+01:00X5 Sunday timetable / Delays until xmas / Smart cards<b>First </b>have released the Sunday timetable for the <b>X5</b>, which you can see <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/assets/pdfs/journey_planning/booklets/Service_X4-X5_Leaflet_aug2014.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQLJCKOlN-_mx07Jmq3sw5_YEQBm23ZNeZHuPWGlCnp8SMMHBV6l3OVFvZbMt4GpeToPLdI6xvPwiGRjI6H3jDmdfz7h_YXuYR8_Kt1N2Y1NPwpn0QeX9sX_xG8YrCKCuRfNSsHkxkjI/s1600/X5+Sunday+to+Cribbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQLJCKOlN-_mx07Jmq3sw5_YEQBm23ZNeZHuPWGlCnp8SMMHBV6l3OVFvZbMt4GpeToPLdI6xvPwiGRjI6H3jDmdfz7h_YXuYR8_Kt1N2Y1NPwpn0QeX9sX_xG8YrCKCuRfNSsHkxkjI/s1600/X5+Sunday+to+Cribbs.JPG" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidR-6hciTM0Rtmv-Hqk05DbjE5S5UezJp_IOaZjOMZTKLbxT25UfLjdsmAF2tu1TuAlksP0aA_Ozu7ykJzcdozbCv23x_sCUfCLMhxTJl7nBKY10_Wq6bco2kI66Xss1_zSi7vJB04H8/s1600/X5+Sunday+to+Weston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidR-6hciTM0Rtmv-Hqk05DbjE5S5UezJp_IOaZjOMZTKLbxT25UfLjdsmAF2tu1TuAlksP0aA_Ozu7ykJzcdozbCv23x_sCUfCLMhxTJl7nBKY10_Wq6bco2kI66Xss1_zSi7vJB04H8/s1600/X5+Sunday+to+Weston.JPG" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Sunday service starts from 31st August and is initially supported by North Somerset Council, so use it or lose it!<br />
<br />
The <b>X2 </b>and <b>X3 </b>will be prone to delays <i>until Christmas</i>, due to repair <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/travel_news/service_updates/?item=68871&conf=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">works on the Yanley Viaduct</a>. They don't serve the viaduct itself, but traffic affected by the closures will be diverted onto roads served by these routes, causing additional congestion. There's not a lot <b>First </b>can do about this, which is unfortunate as they will be in the firing line from passengers affected by the delays.<br />
<br />
To try and help speed journeys up, <b>First </b>have introduced their own smart card, called <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=20531&conf=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Touch</a>. At the moment, they can be used to store Bristol Outer FirstWeek and FirstMonth tickets, with other zones and tickets soon to follow.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-17364114740434442952014-06-26T18:28:00.001+01:002014-06-26T18:28:34.092+01:00X5 to run on Sundays from SeptemberNorth Somerset Council have announced that they will fund the running of First X5, which links Portishead with Cribbs Causeway in one direction and with Clevedon, Yatton and Weston-super-Mare in the other, on Sundays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mallcribbs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1MjnSXrbWB2eRzF9RgxGwAbLe4C8drot5yQXL6GnJMv1THLPo9Dbdc82ZlSfYF3Hf_j1ZwegX7fYcUxCOOymdFtunm4AF_ym-UMKAiXuoISis8lHSN7kQM4AbrWMY_aV0bUs_uz9nSI/s1600/Mall+Cribbs.JPG" height="29" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They're funding it on a kick-start basis, whereby they hope it will attract enough passengers that First will be willing to continue running the Sunday service commercially once the funding runs out. It is therefore very much a case of use it or lose it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/weston-super-mare-p500433" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ26x3fObPsf1NTFz7l3xSSQkvqw0LQv0hGPzKksLHDNHpONPJCx05Kk6W06MSkcH3rOjwMS3TAEwlB9lRAsjvENT1IlDTS0zcn5cZpbO6sOZbz_Cs2bpMj9TRbGa5FtwYVJymI42-F8/s1600/WsM.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The Sunday service will start at some point in September. The timetable has not been finalised, but we'll let you know as soon as it is available.<br />
<br />
See the current Monday to Saturday timetable for the X5 <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/journey_planning/timetables/index.php?operator=3&service=X4/X5&page=1&redirect=no" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-82538947197768223392014-06-24T20:23:00.000+01:002014-07-02T08:54:25.137+01:00Suggestions to speed up journeys to BristolWith a journey time from some parts of Portishead to Bristol approaching an hour, some people are put off using the bus. They either don't travel, go elsewhere or add to the congestion on the A369.<br />
<br />
The combined 15 minute frequency on the X2 and X3 is a great thing, but reliability is an issue (and will be covered in a future post). The biggest issue however is the apparent slowness of the journey in and out of Bristol. So how could this be solved?<br />
<br />
Well, one option is to split the X2 and X3 into a local stopping service that runs via Bristol Road, Sheepway and Pill and a proper express service that runs limited stop between the outskirts of Bristol City Centre and Portishead, still serving the loop to Redcliff Bay but without the pointless detour to the Police HQ.<br />
<br />
Currently it requires 8 buses to run the X2/X3 in their current form. So how would my suggestion shape up?<br />
<br />
The stopping service would require 2 buses to run an hourly stopping service. An additional bus could be used to give Pill an extra hourly bus to Bristol, so that they still have two buses an hour to the city. That's a total of 3 buses needed to serve Pill and provide a regular stopping service to Portishead.<br />
<br />
The express service could potentially get from Bristol to Portishead and back in an hour and a half, meaning 5 buses dedicated to this route could provide a 20 minute frequency.<br />
<br />
This would use no more buses than at present, but would provide a far faster and more attractive service to most farepayers. How about it First?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zMgJ1dgvpq7Y.kAu_vnVADl2o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the new proposed routes plotted on Google Maps. Here's a bit more detail on how I imagine the routes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Stopping</b>: As the X2 currently from Bristol, through Pill, along Sheepway then to Bristol Road and up the High Street, terminating on a loop along Cabstand/Nore Road, West Hill and Avon Way. Short journeys between Bristol and Pill only would run via the A369 from Bristol and then use the Pill loop one way towards Bristol.</li>
<li><b>Express</b>: Direct along the A369, serving stops on the main road, but not deviating from it. Once it reaches Portishead, it would run via Quays Avenue and Harbour Road, cutting out the current X3 route around Port Marine, which takes far too long, mainly due to the roads being so narrow as to really be unsuitable for a bus service. It would then run up Combe Road/Avon Way and round the existing X2/X3 loop, but not serving Weatherly Drive, which is already adequately served by the X5. This route could possibly be sped up and provide more connections by running via the Clifton Suspension Bridge into Bristol.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Here's how various sections of route would be affected:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Weatherly Drive</b>: Would lose direct buses to Bristol. Still served by the X5. Buses to Bristol a short walk away on Down Road with a shorter journey time.</li>
<li><b>Portishead loop</b>: Faster journeys to Bristol in return for a slight reduction in frequency from 4 to 3 buses an hour.</li>
<li><b>Combe Road/High Street</b>: Faster journey time to Bristol on most buses. Frequency to Sheepway and Pill cut to once an hour.</li>
<li><b>Bristol Road</b>: Would be served by the hourly slow service to Bristol, but it still has the X5 and X8. Passengers could connect at High Street for the Express service.</li>
<li><b>Port Marine</b>: Would no longer be served. Compensated for by the Express service stopping a short walk away at Waitrose and on Quays Avenue.</li>
<li><b>Sheepway</b>: Cut from four buses to one bus an hour, but how many people use these stops anyway?</li>
<li><b>Pill</b>: Would still have two buses an hour to Bristol. Only one an hour towards Portishead.</li>
</ul>
SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-53598913393898513402014-06-20T22:40:00.000+01:002014-06-20T22:56:06.473+01:00First fares change on 6th JulyFirst, who run most of the buses in Portishead, have realised that we're being slightly overcharged and are therefore cutting most of their single fares from Sunday 6th July. Full details <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/fairerfaresforall/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ_AiDGhVgS-J9Y_wXCcvVJJNB11xlxDg-MDjPU3y_IG36zRwOjwSPiBEUEdyNggy-Da1FnsWk0gcreFxqqQZHztIu4xWXdMZoW9jlHT9FPGmvkkgH9Lz88HHZnz8MAuryRQW01e74ZA/s1600/First+West+of+England.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ_AiDGhVgS-J9Y_wXCcvVJJNB11xlxDg-MDjPU3y_IG36zRwOjwSPiBEUEdyNggy-Da1FnsWk0gcreFxqqQZHztIu4xWXdMZoW9jlHT9FPGmvkkgH9Lz88HHZnz8MAuryRQW01e74ZA/s1600/First+West+of+England.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Single fares will be harmonised across the region, being based on distance rather than whatever formula they use currently. This means an adult single between Portishead and Bristol will be cut from £5.50 currently to £4.50. Local journeys within Portishead will be £1.50.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1fA2elpPA-nA3EYyuOLsHtKSQqn11ADv0SyYxcwkGJgMx5zNi3ATANNlriW4jZx1WOOT4hYOg3I54sgGgFhDT3vd38Nk_QX17cIg_jODOozeJj5T13JPIUCXTAjQ7jhE6DbKS_g4Fj4/s1600/Fairer+Fares.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1fA2elpPA-nA3EYyuOLsHtKSQqn11ADv0SyYxcwkGJgMx5zNi3ATANNlriW4jZx1WOOT4hYOg3I54sgGgFhDT3vd38Nk_QX17cIg_jODOozeJj5T13JPIUCXTAjQ7jhE6DbKS_g4Fj4/s1600/Fairer+Fares.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
There's no change to the <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/tickets/bristol/outer_zone.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bristol Outer zone</a> range of FirstDay, FirstWeek, FirstMonth and FirstYear tickets.<br />
<br />
What is new for us is the FirstTen ticket: Ten single journeys of any distance within the Bristol Inner/Outer zones on one ticket for £24. Using this to travel to/from Bristol means you'll pay an average of £4.80 return.<br />
<br />
The current South West regional versions of FirstDay, First Week, FirstMonth and FirstYear are changing to become <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/fairerfaresforall/west-of-england.html#westofenglandfaresandtickets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">West regional tickets</a> at the same price. They will no longer be valid on routes that are now branded as <a href="http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Buses Of Somerset</a>. This will only affect you if you need to travel beyond Weston-super-Mare. The £7 FirstDay West for example will still be valid on the X5 all the way to Weston.<br />
<br />
If you do want to make a journey beyond Weston-super-Mare that involves using <a href="http://www.busesofsomerset.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Buses Of Somerset</a>, then the only through ticket that will be available to you is the <a href="http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/fairerfaresforall/west-of-england.html#westofenglandplustickets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FirstDay West Plus</a> at £10, that's a rise of 42% compared with the old FirstDay South West, which is being phased out.<br />
<br />
These changes to fares take effect from Sunday 6th July.SotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826887309117563564.post-65136654165589931342014-06-20T16:20:00.000+01:002014-06-20T21:44:51.785+01:00Bus news for PortisheadWelcome to a new blog, dedicated to providing news about changes to Portishead's bus services, regardless of operator.<br />
<br />
We will also have an always-updated <a href="http://portisheadbus.blogspot.co.uk/p/local-bus-service-directory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">list of bus routes serving our town</a>, as well as details of fares and suggestions for days out by bus that you might not have previously considered.<br />
<br />
Your comments are welcome either using the forms below each post or by e-mailing sotonbus@googlemail.comSotonBushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300971557135804834noreply@blogger.com0