Ambassador Travel (National Express contractor) 214 (BV19 XRA) on the A11 at Barton Mills - 3 Jul 2020 (P1070065)

Friday 3 July 2020 (0921) – As a result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak National Express reduced their coach service network effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Those services ceased completely after operation on Sunday 5 April 2020 and did not re-commence until Wednesday 1 July 2020.

When services resumed the Great Yarmouth to London service (which had been numbered 813 in the temporary series) reverted to service 491 and travelled via Acle, Norwich and Thetford running non-stop to Stratford then London (Victoria). There are two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0730* and 1140 and one from Norwich (at 1715 which also serves Cambridge). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich also serving Cambridge) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1300 and 1800. These services are expected to run until 30 August 2020.

Ambassador Travel 214 (BV19 XRA), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K360 new in June 2019, is seen cruising along the A11 at Barton Mills when working the 0745 departure from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria). Having left Thetford at 0905 it was spot on time as headed for the capital. The coaches now carry a panel of safety instructions on the entrance door.

It has been many years since I took a photograph at this spot – in the 1990s I think! Back then there were no trees and it was possible to see across the fields towards the old road where Sandford’s Garden Centre and the Dog & Partridge pub were.
www.ipernity.com/doc/davidslater-spoddendale/40999764

* service departs at 0745 on Saturdays and Sundays