fbb is accused of many things; living in the past, writing rubbish, being out of touch, not understanding the realities of bus operation, being fat; etc. etc. Only one of these can be applied to the old man without reservation or denial.
But he enjoys very much praising bus operations where praise is due.
But he enjoys very much praising bus operations where praise is due.
Back in the 1990s his local operator had a much wider network than today.
In 1995 the main road routes between Sidmouth and Seaton were lost when Stagecoach started their 52/52A, later extended to Lyme Regis, thus removing Axe Valley's Axmouth runs. First's X53 Jurassic Coaster (now expired) removed the previous service to Lyme Regis. The town bus was with Cookes, later Stagecoach, and now Hatch Green. Stagecoach also runs the present service 20 to Honiton.
But Axe Valley is still an important presence in Seaton.
From 2018 it has three services as we shall see.
But first, come with fbb to Axminster Station and there, at the booking office window earlier this week, ...
... stocks of the excellent Devon County book for the local area are readily available. EXCELLENT. But to the left of the glossy "Marshwood" mag is a pile of Axe Valley leaflets. Even more EXCELLENT. All the information is in the Devon book, but one simple leaflet is easier to pop in the pocket.
As did fbb, which is why the pictures show a significant amount of crumple. Actually the old man snaffled a second, uncrumpled, copy which travelled to Sheffield and back last weekend. Sadly a bottle of milk emptied itself in the capacious fbb bag and turned the smooth leaflet into a glutinous smoothie!
There is the 885 timetable, recently linked with the service to Beer to offer the first ever "integrated" through route from Axminster Station beyond Seaton. EXCELLENT.
Next comes the service to Sidmouth. There are four journeys Monday to Friday, three on Saturday, using the narrowest and wiggliest of Devon lanes to go via Branscombe ...
... which is a fun ride by anyone's standards.
The other journeys on this table are part of a large collection of schooldays trips, available to the public, of course, but whizzing via the main road. They are much less fun!
The recent addition is the 52 operating on tender to Devon Council. It provides a shoppers and hospital visiting bus offering a minimalist replacement for the vanished remnants of First's pathetic and persistent pruning of the Jurassic Coaster.
It gives nearly three hours at the hospital, more than enough time for beside chat and lunch in the caff; also 2½ hours to enjoy the delights of Exeter's shopping paradise.
The back page lists some ticket options but no prices.
It is a simple leaflet without pretence, but it does the job well. A map might encourage exploratory rides for Summer visitors but the routes have been stable enough to mean that local advice is plentiful and accurate.
Now come with fbb to Musbury.
Axe Valley stops on the main Road ...
... a replacement for the narrow Axminster Road which takes you into the village proper as per the 1919 map below.
The Post Office and Shop ...
... closed in 2011 after 111 years of loyal service to the village - to be replaced by the functional and less atmospheric garage shop near the bus stops.
Axe Valley (small but EXCELLENT) has recently installed its own "flags" by sticking vinyl over what previously existed.
In the frame is the expected 885 timetable ...
... with a clear "on the opposite side of the road" label, as there is only one pole, flag and frame.
Below the 885 is the 899 service via Branscombe ...
... complete with a "connections are available" header. EXCELLENT.
All this stuff is cheaply and professionally produced in house (or maybe in a nearby house?) and shows just what can be done with negligible money, a little common sense and a lot of desire to keep passengers informed and happy.
And, please note, they are TIMETABLES, not departure lists. EXCELLENT.
Whenever friends come to visit or stay, fbb always recommends a ride on the 899 via Branscombe. Some visitors of nervous disposition close their eyes on the narrow bits ...
... where the gap can be about six inches less that the width of the bus! And go in Summer to enjoy the flowers.
Don't worry, the bus will go slowly - it's another very narrow bit.
Branscombe also offers an ancient but working forge ...
... plus the old bakery ...
... with its nearby tea room!
Of course, the telling question asks: if a small company can do so well, why are some of the big and wealthy (?) operators so slack with their publicity?
if blog readers have a favourite bus route or experience particularly good publicity, please forward details to fbb@xephos.com
As did fbb, which is why the pictures show a significant amount of crumple. Actually the old man snaffled a second, uncrumpled, copy which travelled to Sheffield and back last weekend. Sadly a bottle of milk emptied itself in the capacious fbb bag and turned the smooth leaflet into a glutinous smoothie!
It is a simple leaflet without pretence, but it does the job well. A map might encourage exploratory rides for Summer visitors but the routes have been stable enough to mean that local advice is plentiful and accurate.
Now come with fbb to Musbury.
Below the 885 is the 899 service via Branscombe ...
All this stuff is cheaply and professionally produced in house (or maybe in a nearby house?) and shows just what can be done with negligible money, a little common sense and a lot of desire to keep passengers informed and happy.
And, please note, they are TIMETABLES, not departure lists. EXCELLENT.
Whenever friends come to visit or stay, fbb always recommends a ride on the 899 via Branscombe. Some visitors of nervous disposition close their eyes on the narrow bits ...
Branscombe also offers an ancient but working forge ...
Of course, the telling question asks: if a small company can do so well, why are some of the big and wealthy (?) operators so slack with their publicity?
if blog readers have a favourite bus route or experience particularly good publicity, please forward details to fbb@xephos.com
Next Sabbath Sundries blog : Sunday 22nd July
I found today's blog really interesting. Beer Cross is also a great example of good AVMT roadside information.
ReplyDeleteLots of pluses re the scenery and bus info, but on the "could do better" side - why no fares or route maps on the timetable leaflets? Why a does different name appear on timetables and bus stop flags from what's on the actual buses? When are there going to be any evening buses (even if just for summer?) And (PS) why improve the service by having through journeys between Beer and Axminster, only to then have less than half the journeys serve one of the main tourist attractions en route, and include excessive waiting times at Seaton seafront?
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