Whippet Coaches Universal service

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1043) – Electric buses took to the streets of Cambridge in 2023 with the two main operators placing quite different types in service examples of which are seen here in Trumpington Street. Stagecoach East (Cambus) received thirty MCV bodied Volvo BZL electric double deckers numbered 86001-86030 that commenced regular service on the Cambridge Park & Ride services on Sunday 14 May. 86010 (BV23 NRX) is seen here on a journey of service PR3 from the Trumpington Park & Ride site. Whippet Coaches received nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric single deckers numbered WG112-120. WG112 is seen on a journey of service U1 from the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) to Eddington and Girton Corner on the north west side of the city.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1044) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG112 (UN14 BUS), initially registered MX23 LCU, was seen about to turn from Trumpington Street to Silver Street when working the 1001 service from the Biomedical Campus to Girton Corner. According to the Bus Times website it had departed from the Biomedical Campus late (at 1013) arriving at Girton Corner at 1107 (due there at 1040). It appeared to then run out of service back to the Biomedical Campus to get back on track and work the 1145 (departing 1150) service U2 to Eddington. The 1058 U1 trip from Girton to the Biomedical Campus did not appear to run. The combined U1/U2 services give a 15 minute service frequency and between these two U2 departures there had been the 1134 service U1 (which had originated at Girton Corner at 1127) worked by WG111 (BT66 MVL), a Wright Eclipse 3 bodied Volvo B8RLE new in December 2016, one of the original buses for the Universal service. The difference between routes of the two services occurs between the University Rugby Ground on Grange Road and Queens College (Silver Street). Service U1 travels via West Road and Queens Road and service U2 travels via Barton Road and Newnham Road. The latter requiring about three minutes more in the timetable.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1045) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG112 (UN14 BUS), initially registered MX23 LCU, was seen slowly passing a construction truck in Silver Street when working the 1001 service from the Biomedical Campus to Girton Corner. According to the Bus Times website it had departed from the Biomedical Campus late (at 1013) arriving at Girton Corner at 1107 (due there at 1040). It appeared to then run out of service back to the Biomedical Campus to get back on track and work the 1145 (departing 1150) service U2 to Eddington. The 1058 U1 trip from Girton to the Biomedical Campus did not appear to run. The combined U1/U2 services give a 15 minute service frequency and between these two U2 departures there had been the 1134 service U1 (which had originated at Girton Corner at 1127) worked by WG111 (BT66 MVL), a Wright Eclipse 3 bodied Volvo B8RLE new in December 2016, one of the original buses for the Universal service. The difference between routes of the two services occurs between the University Rugby Ground on Grange Road and Queens College (Silver Street). Service U1 travels via West Road and Queens Road and service U2 travels via Barton Road and Newnham Road. The latter requiring about three minutes more in the timetable.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1134) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG112 (UN14 BUS), initially registered MX23 LCU, was entering the area where the bus stops are located that is controlled by rising bollards. According to the Bus Times website it had worked the 1001 service from the Biomedical Campus (departing late at 1013) to Girton Corner (due there at 1040 but arrived at 1107). It appeared to then run out of service back to the Biomedical Campus to get back on track and work the 1145 (departing 1150) service U2 to Eddington. The 1058 U1 trip from Girton to the Biomedical Campus did not appear to run. The combined U1/U2 services give a 15 minute service frequency and between these two U2 departures there had been the 1134 service U1 (which had originated at Girton Corner at 1127) worked by WG111 (BT66 MVL), a Wright Eclipse 3 bodied Volvo B8RLE new in December 2016, one of the original buses for the Universal service. The difference between routes of the two services occurs between the University Rugby Ground on Grange Road and Queens College (Silver Street). Service U1 travels via West Road and Queens Road and service U2 travels via Barton Road and Newnham Road. The latter requiring about three minutes more in the timetable.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1134) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). Two examples are seen at Eddington. Left is WG119 (MX23 LRZ) which had arrived on time at 1125 with the 1045 service U2 from the Biomedical Campus. It would work the 1147 service U2 to the Biomedical Campus. On the right is WG112 (UN14 BUS), initially registered MX23 LCU, was passing through out of service. According to the Bus Times website it had worked the 1001 service from the Biomedical Campus (departing late at 1013) to Girton Corner (due there at 1040 but arrived at 1107). It appeared to then run out of service back to the Biomedical Campus to get back on track and work the 1145 (departing 1150) service U2 to Eddington. The 1058 U1 trip from Girton to the Biomedical Campus did not appear to run. The combined U1/U2 services give a 15 minute service frequency and between these two U2 departures there had been the 1134 service U1 (which had originated at Girton Corner at 1127) worked by WG111 (BT66 MVL), a Wright Eclipse 3 bodied Volvo B8RLE new in December 2016, one of the original buses for the Universal service. The difference between routes of the two services occurs between the University Rugby Ground on Grange Road and Queens College (Silver Street). Service U1 travels via West Road and Queens Road and service U2 travels via Barton Road and Newnham Road. The latter requiring about three minutes more in the timetable. Access to the road through the area where the bus stops are located is controlled by rising bollards. The Citroën car within the restricted area was being used by the bus drivers for shift changeovers.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1209) – A view through the ventilation window of Whippet coaches WG119 (MX23 LRZ) showing sister vehicle WG112 (UN14 BUS originally MX23 LCU), two of the nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses new in September 2023 for the re-launched Universal services. WG112 was passing the Royal Cambridge Hotel in Trumpington Street as it worked the 1145 (departing 1150) service U2 to Eddington. According to the Bus Times website it had previously worked the 1001 service from the Biomedical Campus (departing late at 1013) to Girton Corner (due there at 1040 but arrived at 1107). It then appeared to run out of service back to the Biomedical Campus to work the 1145 service. WG119 was working the 1147 service U2 from Eddington to the Biomedical Campus which ran on time throughout. The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). The combined U1/U2 services give a 15 minute service frequency and between these two U2 departures there had been the 1134 service U1 (which had originated at Girton Corner at 1127) worked by WG111 (BT66 MVL), a Wright Eclipse 3 bodied Volvo B8RLE new in December 2016, one of the original buses for the Universal service. The difference between routes of the two services occurs between the University Rugby Ground on Grange Road and Queens College (Silver Street). Service U1 travels via West Road and Queens Road and service U2 travels via Barton Road and Newnham Road. The latter requiring about three minutes more in the timetable.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1040) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG115 (MX23 LRO) is seen turning from Silver Street to Trumpington Street heading to the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions). Note the protruding guide wheels used when the bus is operating along the guided busway. A construction truck was parked alongside The Pitt Building and banksmen were assisting with traffic control.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1040) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG115 (MX23 LRO) is seen passing The Pitt Building in Trumpington Street heading to the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions). The tower of Pembroke College Chapel stands beyond. The Pitt Building, now a conference centre which originally housed The Cambridge University Press, was constructed in 1831 with part of surplus funds subscribed for a statute of William Pitt (Prime Minister 1783-1801/1804-06 and MP for the University).

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1145) – A view through the ventilation window of Whippet coaches WG119 (MX23 LRZ) showing sister vehicle WG115 (MX23 LRO), two of the nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses new in September 2023 for the re-launched Universal services. The location is Eddington, Cambridge. WG119 was about to depart on the 1147 service U2 to the Biomedical Campus which ran on time throughout. Across the road WG115 had arrived as the 1100 service U1 from the Biomedical Campus which was due here at 1135. Having departed at 1101 it was now running 10 minutes late. The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM).

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1053) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG116 (MX23 LRU) is seen outside Pembroke College in Trumpington Street heading to the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions).

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1124) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG119 (MX23 LRZ) was just arriving at Eddington on the 1045 service U2 from the Biomedical Campus (on time, due at 1125). It would work the 1147 service U2 to the Biomedical Campus. Access to the road through the area where the bus stops are located is controlled by rising bollards.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1128) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG119 (MX23 LRZ) had recently arrived at Eddington on the 1045 service U2 from the Biomedical Campus (on time, due at 1125). It would work the 1147 service U2 to the Biomedical Campus. Access to the road through the area where the bus stops are located is controlled by rising bollards. The Citroën car within the restricted area was being used by the bus drivers for shift changeovers.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1231) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG119 (MX23 LRZ) was seen at Addenbrooke’s Hospital having arrived with the 1147 service U2 from Eddington and was now returning to Eddington and Girton Corner (1230 service U1).

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1125) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG119 (MX23 LRZ) was at Eddington having arrived as the 1045 service U2 from the Biomedical Campus (on time, due at 1125). It would work the 1147 service to the Biomedical Campus. There are three lights/buttons on the rear nearside panel which I regret not taking more notice of. The wording for them is not clear in my photograph. (What might appear as ‘go faster stripes’ or some form of livery embellishment alongside the rearmost window is body damage).

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1142) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). On board WG119 (MX23 LRZ) at Eddington prior to departure to the Biomedical Campus on the 1147 service U2. It ran on time throughout.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1142) – On board Whippet coaches WG119 (MX23 LRZ), one of the nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses new in September 2023 for the re-launched Universal services, at Eddington prior to departure to the Biomedical Campus on the 1147 service U2 which ran on time throughout. . The buses have air-conditioning. All the ventilation windows were fitted with a budget lock operated by a tee key and all were locked closed. The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM).

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1127) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). WG119 (MX23 LRZ) was at Eddington having arrived as the 1045 service U2 from the Biomedical Campus (on time, due at 1125). It would work the 1147 service U2 to the Biomedical Campus.

Wednesday 18 October 2023 (1129) – The ‘Universal’ bus service in Cambridge, provided by the University of Cambridge and operated by Whippet Coaches, had originally commenced in July 2016. In September 2023 it was re-launched with the delivery to Whippet Coaches of nine Mellor Sigma 12 electric buses. The service links Eddington (a relatively new community on the north-west side of the city which is still growing) with the Biomedical Campus (a large site to the south of the city which houses Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a growing number of medical institutions) travelling via various academic properties on the west side of the city. The nine buses carry fleet numbers WG112-120 with registrations MX23 LCU/V/W; MX23 LRO/U/V/Y/Z/LSC although cherished registrations were soon applied to WG112 (UN14 BUS) and WG113 (UN14 CAM). The Mellor name appears beneath the rear window of the buses along with other lettering. WG119 (MX23 LRZ) was seen at Eddington having arrived on time at 1125 with the 1045 service U2 from the Biomedical Campus. It would work the 1147 service U2 to the Biomedical Campus.