First Eastern Counties 36171 (BD11 CFU) and 36173 (BD11 CFX) in Mildenhall - 5 Dec 2023 (P1170137)

Tuesday 5 December 2023 (1110) – First Eastern Counties Buses 36171 (BD11 CFU) and 36173 (BD11 CFX) seen during a short stopover in Mildenhall bus station.

The two Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B9TLs, new in June and July 2011 respectively, were operating a staff contract for Traditional Norfolk Poultry and had made a call to enable passengers to get some shopping.

This was the first time in about two years that I had seen buses on the contract myself although my wife’s friend has seen them parked in the bus station in recent weeks. At the time I saw them (in November 2019) they were passing straight through Mildenhall heading, I believe, towards Ely.

The buses carry lettering and branding for Norwich city service 13. During October 2023 FEC received the first of its new electric buses for Norwich city services which has possibly resulted in these older buses now being available for contract work.