I caught a bus again last month.
Regular readers of this diary will know that I haven't been very impressed by First Eastern National in Colchester so far, so it was with some trepidation that I caught the 66 from the bus station to the recreation ground in June.
As mentioned previously, the driver of the 66 needed a break at the bus station and promptly disappeared. To his credit, he did at least let passengers board (including me) before disappearing for the obligatory 10 minutes in the rest room. Another driver appeared to take over the bus and seemed unfamiliar with the electronic ticket machine, enlisting the support of a couple of his colleagues to log on. This was eventually accomplished without the need for re-installation of the operating system and we were underway.
Before reaching the bus station entrance, the ex First Capital Volvo B6 failed, necessitating a change of vehicle. Just as I was beginning to become annoyed, I noticed that one of the ticket machine experts had gone to fire up a Bristol VRT - things had suddenly taken a turn for the better.
It's some time since I've been on a Bristol VRT (which Southbus devotees will know is one of my favourite buses). Some weeks ago, I went on a photography expedition to capture Colchester's last VRTs so I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity of riding on one.
I was in for a shock. 3103 was very much the worst for wear and it appeared to me that all but essential maintenance had been abandoned. The engine sounded like it was full of sand and the internal decor looked particularly worn. For some reason, the coloured strips along each side of the ceiling (a feature unique to ECW) had been removed - I couldn't think of a reason for this so I have to assume that it must been Eastern National policy. The bus struggled up Military Road to the Rec where we parted company.
It was a fairly sad experience in all. I remember riding on brand new VRTs in Maidstone and Hastings and thinking what superb machines they were. This Eastern National bus was rattling and creaking and was obviously on its last legs. I suppose I should have been grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye but it's rather soured my impressions of one of Britain's greatest buses. For me, the VRT is up there with the RT, RF and RM. I hope someone is looking after at least one of the survivors.
Heyday. Eastern National Bristol VRT 3100 on Debden Estate in 1986