Volvo B7RLE 69389 (HY09AUO) has been swapped with Volvo B7RLE 69387 (HY09AUW) at Hoeford. This is only a temporary move. 69389 will be allocated as permanent spare at Hoeford depot once it has returned from the MOT.

Hoeford based Dennis Dart SLF 42135 (S635XCR) has been branded for "Solent Ranger" services 4, 4A and X4. The Dart has also revealled services from at least Hoeford depot will be branded as First Solent. The new symbol for the website is:

Hoeford based Dennis Dart SLF 41515 (R415WPX) has temporarily been allocated to Hilsea depot.

Dart 46322 (M322YOT) has been reinstated to service at Hoeford depot.

Southampton based Dart SLF 42524 (R424WPX) has become the first Dart in First to receive the new livery and has also been the first bus in First to gain branding on that livery. It now carries branding for the Millbrook Flyer - the new X2 route - and can be found on the fleetlist with this new symbol:

Darts 46324 (N324ECR), 46367 (N467ETR) and 47015 (N615DWY) have not been withdrawn yet. All have been in service today.

From yesterday's list of buses to be withdrawn, the ones in red have left Hoeford depot.

47015 is withdrawn - stored at Hilsea at present. 34078 is withdrawn with an expired engine and still at Hoeford, as far as I am aware. 34078 will not see service again.

Hoeford and Hilsea

Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse 2 69457 (WX59BZL) has been acquired on short term loan for Hilsea depot. This bus covers the transfer of 69389 (HY09AUA) to Hoeford depot to act as a temporary spare to the new Hoeford BRT. The loan is only expected to last for a week. 

Buses withdrawn - to be confirmed. These buses are being replaced by the brand new Volvo B7RLEs at Hoeford.

Dorset and Somerset:

• Weymouth has received Dennis Dart SLF 42717 (R717BAE) from First Cymru. It was new to First Bristol. It will be primarily allocated to school routes in Poole.
• Weymouth has also received Volvo Olympian 34072 (P572EFL) from Hoeford, which has covered the withdrawal of Olympian 34062 (P562EFL).

Southampton:

• Southampton has received Dart 46325 (N325ECR) from Hoeford to cover for repaints.
• So far three buses are in the new First livery - these being Volvo B7TLs 37161 and 37162, alongside Volvo B7RLE 69246.

Hoeford:

New Volvo B7RLE/Wright Eclipse Urban 2s have arrived - these are: 

They are being prepared for service as we speak. See Hoeford fleetlist for full details.

Dart 46325 (N325ECR) has moved to Southampton. Dart 46327 (N327ECR) has moved to First Somerset & Avon at Taunton. Dart 47302 (N602EBP) has moved on to Bristol, although we believe it will eventually end up in Devon or Cornwall.

Hilsea:

• No changes of note.

42717 (R717BAE) now in service in Poole. It is pictured here arriving on a short X53 in Poole bus station (pictured 4th April).

Dorset and Somerset:

• All coaches are now allocated to Bridport and, at present, out of service since the Dorset Tender changes. All are stored withdrawn out of use and are likely to be sold on.
• Yeovil Mercs withdrawn - 51212 (L652CJT), 51593 / 51594 (N593/4HWS) and 51745 (P445KYC).
• On loan from First Bristol to Weymouth is Volvo B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 37351 (WX57HLN).
• The Dart SLF fleet seems to change around between the three depots quite regularly. At present former Yeovil based Dennis Dart SLF 46263 (P263PAE) is at Weymouth, with 42829 (T829APX) at Yeovil.
• Since the Dorset tender changes, some Solos have moved on from Yeovil. 53009/53014 (W809/14PAF) have moved to Weston-super-Mere, with 53012 (W812PAF) moving to Southampton.

Southampton:

• The Basingstoke school contracts have been lost, which has meant that 3 school buses have moved on. For the full YSB fleet, see the Empress Road fleetlist.
• All Mercedes-Benz Varios have now been withdrawn - that means 52584 (V434GTW) and 52555 (S955RWP) are withdrawn.
• As said above, Southampton has received Solo 53012 (W812PAF) from Yeovil. This is expected to lead to the withdrawal of Dart 46365 (N465ETR), but this has not been confirmed as actually happened yet.
• Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 2s from Hoeford to Southampton: 42109 (R609YCR), 40823-6 (R643-6DUS inclusive).

Hoeford:

• Volvo B10BLE 66164 (W364EOW) has received a new coat of paint and looks fantastic.
• Former Hong Kong Dart SLF 42780 (S680SNG) is now in service, and has also been repainted since arrival and looks fantastic.
• Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 60529 (H687THL) has been withdrawn - this is the last one of the H reg Volvo B10Ms now out of service. The 3 ex-Glasgow examples have not yet entered service, and it appears these are on the disposal list rather than entering service in the future.
• Dennis Dart SLF/Pointer 2s from Hoeford to Southampton: 42109 (R609YCR), 40823-6 (R643-6DUS inclusive).

Hilsea:

• Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41633 (R633VLX) has been repainted and looks excellent. Looks like this one may be around for a while longer!

Dorset and Somerset:

• Volvo Olympian 34062 (P562EFL) has been repainted into corporate First livery rather than 34020 (P530EFL) - this still retains it's orange all over advert livery.

Hilsea to Hoeford transfers:

• Dart SLF/Pointer 2 40956 (S344SUX), 40957 (S372SUX) and 42783 (S683SNG) rather than 42778 (S678SNG) which has not been transferred.
• Dart/Pointer 46367 (N467ETR) has returned to Hoeford from it's loan spell at Hilsea.

Dorset and Somerset:

• Allocations between Yeovil, Weymouth and Bridport are very fluid at the moment, and realistically any Solo or Dart could turn up anywhere across the network.
• IN: 53012 (W812PAF) is definitely in service from D&S, ex- First Devon & Cornwall
• IN (loan): 32766 (WJ55CSV) and 32767 (WJ55CTE), on loan from First Devon & Cornwall
• REPAINT: I seem to have missed it on here - but Volvo Olympian 34020 (P530EFL) has been repainted and is now in corporate First livery.
• SERVICE CHANGES: It has been confirmed First have lost the emergency tenders for the Dorchester routes - the 101 and 216 - and have cancelled a number of their other services, such as the 71 (Lyme Regis town service) and 210. We wait to see what operator is providing the replacement.

Hoeford:

• IN: Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 2 42232 (T32JCV), 42234 (T34JCV) and 42780 (S680SNG), all ex- First Devon & Cornwall. Into service is Dart SLF 42773 (S773SNG). 42232 and 42234 were new to Truronian, whereas 42780 is a former Hong Kong Dart.
• PENDING IN: 42778 (S678SNG) ex- Hilsea - to be transferred to Hoeford but going via Southampton.
• OUT: 40842 (R642DUS) to Southampton, 40827 (R647DUS) has been reported to have gone too.
• OUT (loan): Dart/Pointer 46367 (N467ETR) to Hilsea on loan; Optare Solo 53006 (W806PAF) to Southampton on loan.
• REPAINT: Volvo B10BLE 66157 (S357XCR) into corporate livery.

Hilsea:

• IN: Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41147 (P247OEW), 41346 (V346DLH), 41348 (V348DLH) and 41387 (X387HLR), all ex- First Cymru and new to First London. 41348 and 41348 are MPD versions - 25 seaters, while 41147 is a 31 seater - 41387 being a 10.2m example and a 33 seater.
• IN (loan): 47367 (N467ETR) from Hoeford.
• PENDING OUT: 42778 (S678SNG) to Hoeford, along with 2 other examples.
• REPAINT: Dart SLF/Marshall Capital 41165 (R165TLM) into corporate livery.

Southampton:

• IN: 40822 (R642DUS) confirmed and 40827 (R647DUS) suggested to have returned to Southampton from Hoeford depot. The others in the "DUS" batch are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
• IN (loan): 53006 (W806PAF) on loan from Hoeford depot.
• SERVICE CHANGES: Route 17/17A to every 7 or 8 minutes from 12th June, a revised 11 and 12 from Southampton to Sholing, with route 11 running via Bitterne at every 10 minutes, and route 12 running via Woolston at every 20 minutes. Route 7A has been cut, meaning the 7 returns to its 3-bus PVR and 20 minute frequency.

Dorset and Somerset:

• One more week until the Yeovil operations are transferred from First Somerset & Avon over to First Hants & Dorset. Upon this change, I will most likely transfer the Yeovil buses over to the Dorset fleetlist because allocations will be flexible. No definite news of what is to happen yet though.
• Another Solo suggested to be at Weymouth - 53012 (W812PAF) - can anyone confirm?
• Bristol VR 39971 (MOD571P) is destined for a new life in Swansea rather than returning to the Weymouth coastline - we wish her well!

Hoeford:

• Recent Volvo B10BLE repaints - 66201, 66203 and 66203 (S801/2/3RWG respectively).
• Former Hong Kong and Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLF 42757 (S657SNG) has entered service at Hoeford. The fourth - 42773 has not yet - nor have any of the new Volvo B10M/Alexanders.

Hilsea:

• Dennis Dart/Alexander Dash 40620 (M248VWW) has been transferred across from Empress Road. No news to the reason why/whether this is a loan etc. Dart 46367 (N467ETR) has been suggested to have been transferred over as well - no confirmation yet on this.

Southampton:

• No changes at Empress Road since the last update.

Dorset and Somerset:

• Two further Optare Solos have been acquired from First Devon & Cornwall. These are 53009 and 53014 (W809/14PAF) and are to help with the service increase caused by the new Dorchester routes. Won following Nordcat's demise, the 101 Dorchester - Crossways town service and 216 Dorchester - Yeovil route will require 3 more buses. 53002 (V802KAF) has gone to Yeovil depot for the 216, and 2 of the Weymouth Solos will operate the Weymouth allocated end of the 216 and the 101.
• 46313 (L313RTP) has been scrapped.

Hoeford:

• Another former First Glasgow Volvo B10M has arrived - this time 61405 (N137OGG). It is in Hoeford depot being prepared for service. 
• Dart SLF 40961 (S474TJX) has also arrived, and is being prepared for service.

Dorset:

• Withdrawals: 20055 (NTL655), 46313 (L313RTP), 46734 (N634ACF), 46737 (N637ACF) and 50391 (S826TCL). One possible additional withdrawal could be Optare Solo 50271 (S302EWU) although this is listed as VOR at the moment.
• On the fleetlist, I've added on-loan Volvo B7TL V124LGC.

Hilsea depot:

• No changes since last update (last change: withdrawal of 51727/8).

Hoeford depot:

• Withdrawals: 60523 (H681THL), along with all Mercedes-Benz 709D - none of this type now operate from Hoeford depot. 51714 (N714GRV) was the last one in service.
• In: Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 61397 (N129OGG) and 61472 (N984LSU) ex-First Glasgow - being prepared for service, along with Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 2 40961 (S474TJX), 42754, 42757 and 42773 (S653/57/73SNG). Only 42754 is in service at the time of writing - see the forum for a shot of it in use from Malcolm.

Southampton depot:

• To reserve: Volvo Olympians 31825/34249 (P825RYO/N547LHG), BMC schoolbuses 68553/6 (HX05BUJ, MX55NWC).

Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Expressliner 2 20410 (R310JAF) has arrived at Weymouth from First in Devon & Cornwall. It has been seen out in service on school services, and I've added it to the fleetlist.

Autosan 68302 (BX06NZT) has been transferred to Hoeford depot, swapping with BMC Schoolbus 68564 (SF55TXA) which returns to Empress Road.

Mercedes-Benz Vario 52555 (S955RWP) has returned to service at Empress Road, but has since suffered a reoccurrence of the initial fault and is again off the road.

Volvo Olympian 34249 (N539LHG) has been withdrawn from Empress Road, Southampton, apparently ready for open top conversion for the summer season. Expected allocation to be allocated to Weymouth.

Withdrawals - Hilsea based 51727/8 (P727/8KCR) [thanks Oliver and Matt], and Empress Road based 68563 (HX55AOK) [thanks Richard].

Yeovil depot:

It has been suggested that from 17th April, there will be major changes to Yeovil services.

• The depot will close. 
• The town services will be operated from a First Hants & Dorset owned outstation in the town
• The depot will pass to First Hants & Dorset as an outstation of Weymouth.
• The country services (52, 57 and 58) will cease to be operated by FSA.

The following services will be operated by First Hants & Dorset in Yeovil:

• Town Routes 1, 2 and 3
• County Routes 47, 52, 57 and 58
• Route 54 will move to Taunton depot with up to two buses outstationed in Yeovil from Taunton each night.
• Route 377 will continue to operate from Wells, with 1 Volvo B7RLE outstationed each night.
• Route 47 will continue to be operated by Bridport.
• Town route 4 has been cut, along with some other journeys (such as the 54B).

First in Dorset will takeover the Yeovil depot with it being operated similarly to Bridport. Yeovil will have an allocation of buses which is open to change as swaps are made between the depots for maintenance and other issues dictate. I will include Yeovil in the Dorset allocations from 17th April.

Apologies for the wrong information - as stated previously there was a lot of rumour and speculation - and I was only reporting what was doing the latest rounds.

Southampton Depot:

• Volvo B7TL 32039 (W809EOW) has been repainted recently and is looking very smart.

Click here to see a photo of 32039 in its recently repainted state.

Volvo Olympian 34033 (P543HMP) is now at Hoeford depot. Go to the forum to see one of Malcolm's photos of 34033 in Stubbington on the 34.

I've corrected some minor issues with last week's update - it should now be 95% accurate if not more.

Just acquired at Empress Road according to sources is 42754 (S653SNG) from First Devon & Cornwall. This is not confirmed, but could be one of three more former FDC Darts expected for Hoeford depot.

Firstly Happy New Year to all of my visitors - sorry there has not been an update this year. It has simply been down to time constraints. 

Hilsea depot:

• The last bus withdrawn was 50300 (S406GUB). No further Dennis Darts have been withdrawn.
• No further arrivals thus far - the last arrival was ex-Essex and Southampton based 52585 (V485GTW), which was transferred over at the back end of last year.

Hoeford depot:

• Volvo B10M/Alexander PS 60522 and 60524 (H680/2THL) have both been withdrawn. This leaves only 60523 and 60529 in service from this batch.
• Four former Devon & Cornwall Dennis Dart SLFs are expected very soon at Hoeford, although their numbers have not yet been confirmed.
• Dennis Dart 46367 (N467ETR) has returned to Hoeford depot from Empress Road.
• Repaints into fleet livery: 42121 (R621YCR), 42136 (S636XCR - retains connection branding), 66151 (S351NPO), 66201 (S801RWG), 66203 (S803RWG)

Empress Road depot:

• Withdrawals include Dennis Darts 40616 (M244VWW) and 40628 (M259VWW), leaving only 3 step entrance Darts in service from Empress Road now. Mercedes-Benz Vario 52584 (V484GTW) is also VOR'd - it isn't clear whether this will be repaired and returned to service.
• As far as I am aware there have been no further Volvo Olympian transfers out of Empress Road.
• Hamble connection branded Dart SLF 42509 (R409WPX) has also been unbranded along with the others.

Weymouth & Bridport depots:

• Two new Leyland Olympians in at Weymouth are 34623 and 34629 (K623/9LAE) - formerly of Cityline, Bristol and First Devon & Cornwall. This has resulted in the withdrawal of 34335 (J135YRM).
• Sources report that former First Devon & Cornwall Optare Solo 53002 (V802KAF) has arrived at Weymouth.
• Weymouth depot are operating Volvo B7TL V124LGC as alterations are made on the Volvo B9TL fleet. We aren't sure of the number yet. The bus appears to be on loan from Volvo - First Leeds have a similar example numbered 32000.
• Sources report that Waterside branded Dennis Darts 46734 and 46737 (N634/7ACF) have been placed into reserve - presumably for the winter - and that Volvo Olympian 34062 (P562EFL) has been repainted - not sure if this is into fleet livery or another summer resort livery. [Correction]
• Volvo Olympian 34021 (P541HMP) has moved on to First Devon & Cornwall.

All Volvo Olympians with registrations PYO and LGH have been transferred to Devon & Cornwall except 31825 (P925RYO). 34259 and 34261 (N533/42LHG) have also been transferred. 

All Volvo B7TLs acquired recently from First London are now in service. All 10 Volvo B7RLEs acquired recently from First Devon & Cornwall are now in service - 66881 is due for transfer up to Empress Road from Weymouth when Volvo Olympian 31825 goes the other way. Olympians 34044 and 34249 are also due for transfer from Southampton to Weymouth.

Empress Road depot have acquired two former Truronian Autosan Eagle schoolbuses - 68301 and 68302 (BX55NZP/T).

All Orange Line 3 and Red Line 10 Dart SLFs have been debranded.

Withdrawn from Empress Road are Darts 40620 and 40629 (the latter has been disposed of). Withdrawal of the remainder will follow soon- 40250, 47367 and the Alexander bodied Darts are to be scrapped - 47365 to transfer back to Hoeford. Mercedes-Benz Vario 52585 (V435GTW) has also moved to Hilsea depot recently, with Optare Solo 50278 (W309DWX) moving in the opposite direction on loan.

Moving onto Hilsea depot, the following former Hong Kong and Devon & Cornwall Dart SLFs have entered service: 40956 (S344SUX), 40957 (S372SUX), 42778 (S678SNG), 42783 (S683SNG). The following buses have been withdrawn from Hilsea depot: 41137 (P137NLW), 41635 (R835VLX), 50300 (S406GUB).

Further arrivals from First Devon & Cornwall include Dennis Dart SLFs 42449 and 42452 (R449/52CCV respectively) for Empress Road depot and Weymouth depot respectively. 42449 has moved up the coast to replace fire victim Volvo B10BLE 66129 (S119JTP) while it is being repaired.

Volvo Olympians 31821 and 31877 (P921RYO, R277LGH) have been withdrawn and left Empress Road, pending transfer to Devon & Cornwall.

All Volvo B7TLs are in service at Empress Road except 32258 and 32259, which should enter service soon once engineers have finished preparing them. All Volvo B7RLes are in service at Empress Road except 66881 which is due to transfer up from Weymouth this month.

Dennis Dart SLF 41136 (P136NLW) has been withdrawn from Hilsea.

Volvo Olympians 31820, 31826, 31828, 31830 and 31878 (P920/6/08/30RYO, R278LGH) have all left Empress Road depot. 31828 has paused at Weymouth on transfer to Cornwall (although this may be the one to remain at Weymouth), where the others have all reached Devon. Some have been in service on a special event in Tavistock this week.

32254 (LT52WVZ) has entered service at Empress Road.

52540 (S540RWP) has entered service in Weymouth.

Dennis Dart SLF 42828 (T828AFX) has lost its blue line 2 branding, following forthcoming frequency changes to route 2. The weekday frequency will reduce from 6 buses an hour to 5 an hour.

A repaint I'd completely missed - 42112 (R612YCR) has been repainted again into Barbie fleet livery. Volvo B7TL 32039 (W809EOW) has also been repainted.

Volvo B7RLE 66885 (MX05CLF) is out in service in Southampton. Volvo B7TLs 32253-7 are also at Portswood now, but not in service yet.

Yellow School Bus 68553 (HX05BUJ) has transferred from Hoeford to Empress Road. School bus 68564 (SF55TXA) has gone the other way, and has also been fitted with an LED display for schools services, contracts, special events and other things.

Withdrawn Volvo Olympians now include: 31820, 31826, 31828, 31830, 31878 (P920/6/08/30RYO, R278LGH). Dennis Dart 40629 (M260VWW) has also been withdrawn.

I've missed a couple of repaints, but to confirm the following Volvo B10BLEs at Empress Road are in the new livery (with accompanying black headlights): 66122, 66128, 66129, 66130, 66154 (S122UOT, S127/8/20JTP, S354NPO).

Volvo B7RLEs 66882 (MX05HHR) and 69248 (YJ07WFP) are both in service from Empress Road. Volvo B7TLs 32251 (LT52WVO) and 32252 (LT52WVP) are also both in service from Empress Road.

Route 16A is to be cut - replaced by extensions of route 26 from Fareham. Route to be primarily operated by Optare Solos.

Dennis Dart 46313 (L313RTP) transferred down to Dorset, not sure if this is a loan or permanent yet. 46320 (M320YOT) has returned to Hoeford.

Volvo B7TL 32041 (W811EOW) has recently been repainted.

Volvo B10M/Alexander 60521 (H679THL) has been withdrawn from Hoeford depot - this was back in August but we've only just received confirmation.

Finally, Bristol VR 39971 (MOD571P) was retired from service yesterday. She operated 3 round trips of route 501 during the day, and I'm sure the trips in the Autumn sunshine were enjoyable (if a little freezing!).

32251 (LT52WVO) at Hedge End Rail Station, Sat 25th September.

The 10th Volvo B7RLE from Devon & Cornwall that is destined for Empress Road is 69245 (YJ07WFM), again new to First West Yorkshire. Sister 69248 has already arrived at Empress Road.

Mercedes-Benz 709D 51710 (N710GRV) has been reported now with an LED display - suggested that this has been removed from 51725 (P725KCR) which is now expected to be withdrawn. Confirmation of 51725's withdrawal would be much appreciated, thanks all. On the same lines, sister 51711 (N711GRV) has moved back up from Dorset and is now at Hoeford.

It has been confirmed that Empress Road are to receive 10 Volvo B7RLEs from First in Devon & Cornwall to replace step entry vehicles. Although it is not known what these buses will replace yet, it has been confirmed that the Volvo B7RLEs to move East are:

• 66881 - MX05CXP - ex-First Manchester & Devon and Cornwall - presently at Weymouth
• 66882 - MX55HHR - ex-First Manchester & Devon and Cornwall
• 66883 - MX55HHP - ex-First Manchester & Devon and Cornwall
• 66884 - MX55HHO - ex-First Manchester & Devon and Cornwall
• 66885 - MX05CLF - ex-First Manchester & Devon and Cornwall
• 66886 - MX55LHL - ex-First Manchester & Devon and Cornwall
• 69246 - YJ07WFN - ex-First West Yorkshire & Devon and Cornwall
• 69247 - YJ07WFO - ex-First West Yorkshire & Devon and Cornwall
• 69248 - YJ07WFP - ex-First West Yorkshire & Devon and Cornwall
• plus one more yet to be confirmed Volvo B7RLE

Please remember that all plans are subject to change. None of the above have arrived at Empress Road yet. As such, this information is reliable at the time of publishing and I will update with any forthcoming changes and arrivals over the coming weeks.

Further Volvo B7TLs have been delivered to Empress Road (nearly wrote Portswood there!) - 32251 and 32253 are now on site. 

Dennis Dart 46320 (M320YOT) and Volvo Olympian 34021 (P541HMP) have moved to Weymouth from Hoeford on loan I believe.

Empress Road is now open as First Hants & Dorset's Southampton depot replacing Portswood. I've updated the Southampton fleetlist to remove most of the references to Portswood - the other 3 have yet to be done. If you see any "Portswood" that needs replacing with "Empress Road" please contact me; I will get to the changes soon, however.

Empress Road based Volvo Olympian 31825 (P925RYO) has been repainted out of an advert livery into Barbie. This was the last repaint to be done at Portswood depot.

Former London Volvo B7TL 32252 (LT52WVP) has arrived at Portswood. Seating is B45/25F. The others are expected 2 a week over the next few weeks, and will probably enter service once all 9 have arrived.

Merc 709D info... 51710 has moved from Bridport to Hilsea ... 51711 has been scrapped ... 51715, 51717 and 51721 have been deleted from the fleetlist as I think I've missed their scrappings - if you find one of these still in service contact me!

Former Midland Red and First Devon & Cornwall Vario 52540 (S540RWP) has arrived at Weymouth - we are unsure as to its purpose at the mo - spares or service.

Former Manchester and First Devon & Cornwall Volvo B7RLE 66881 (MX05CKP) has also arrived at Weymouth and is the vehicle from another company sourced for the X43. Previous plans would say that 69393 would return to Hilsea, but this may no longer be the case with the traffic chaos experienced down in Weymouth at the moment.

All of the former First Devon & Cornwall Optare Solos are now in service at Hoeford.

Weymouth Dart SLFs 42818, 42821, 42822 and 42827 (S818/20/1KPR, T827AFX) have lost their Overground branding.

The coming bank holiday weekend will see transfers begin from Portswood to Empress Road, as First Hants & Dorset's brand new depot opens up. I will be changing the fleetlist name to "Southampton" once it is fully up and running.

One I missed back in April - Mercedes-Benz 709D 51722 (P722KCR) was withdrawn from Hilsea back in April, and scrapped. Sister 51711 (N711GRV) has been transferred from Hoeford depot to Bridport depot, following the arrival of the Solos at the former.

Volvo B7TL 32036 (W806EOW) has been repainted into an allover white livery, awaiting an advert which will be applied.

Solos 53006 and 53013 (W806/13PAF respectively) are in service - 53001 may be, but there have been no sightings yet.

Volvo B7RLE 69393 (HY09AZD) has been transferred on loan to Weymouth to cover the introduction of the new X43 service. This should move back to Hilsea when another B7, sourced outside of First HD arrives.

Solo 53008 (W808PAF) is now in service at Hoeford. 

Mercedes-Benz 709D 51729 (P729KCR) has been withdrawn from Hilsea.

A quiet month or two has just jumped into life over the last few days. With various arrivals from Devon and imminent arrivals from London, July hopefully will be interesting.

Headline news are 8 more arrivals from Devon & Cornwall on top of the Darts that arrived at Hilsea last month. These are:

• Volvo Citybus 38015 (E215BTA) - now in service from Weymouth depot on route 501
• Two Volvo B7Rs - 20305/6 (T305/6JBC) now replacing older coaches at Weymouth
• Four Solos - 53001/6/8/13 (V801KAF, W806/8/13PAF) to enter service at Hoeford.

Dart 46311 (L311RTP) and Olympian 34628 (K628LAE) are also being transferred down into Weymouth - from Hoeford and Portswood respectively. Olympians 34502 and 34627 are now withdrawn.

Furthermore, Hoeford based 51720 (N720GRV) has been withdrawn at Hoeford.

Future happenings include various withdrawals/transfers of Mercedes-Minibuses at Hoeford and Hilsea and the Volvo B7TL arrivals from London - but these have not occured yet.

Two new Dennis Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer 2 at Hilsea depot - 40959 (S335TJX) and 42759 (S659SNG) new to Hong Kong, then Edinburgh/Eastern Counties respectively, followed by First Devon & Cornwall.

Apart from the above and a few internal refurbs (see forum for details), there isn't too much to report. No sign of the ex-London Volvo B7TLs for Portswood yet.

Volvo B7TL 32046 (W816EOW) has had its Southern Electric advert removed and has received a full body repaint.

Route news - although several changes in Portsmouth and Weymouth are to be confirmed in one way or another, First and Wilts & Dorset have confirmed the new X43 service, connecting Weymouth with Swanage during the summer. You can find the route timetable here, and the service starts on 24TH July.

None of Portswood's Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 double deckers now wear Green Line 17 branding - all have been either repainted out of it, or had it removed.

Dennis Dart/Pointers 46365/7 (N465/7ETR) and 47015 (N615DWY) have all been repainted into fleet livery, which means that no bus wears Barbie 2 livery any longer. All are in fleet livery or in their respective special liveries. 46365 and 46367 are still on loan to Portswood from Hoeford.

Open Toppers Olympian 34258 (N528LHG) and Bristol VR 39971 (MOD571P) have now returned to Weymouth for Summer season '10 - they are apparently to be joined by a newly converted Volvo Citybus to bring the number of open toppers to three. It is not yet clear where this bus will be sourced from.

Mercedes-Benz 51713 (N713GRV) moved from Hoeford to Hilsea on tempoarary loan but is now back at Hoeford. Furthermore, Vario 52533 (S533RWP) has transferred to Hilsea from Portswood. 

Dennis Dart/NC Paladin 40250 (M106DRJ) has been reinstated into service at Portswood depot.