King's Lynn - 14 Jan 2022

Friday 14 January 2022 (1001) – In its highly standardised fleet Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) has an operational fleet of 29 Optare Tempo vehicles (along with a further 8 in reserve). All are 12 metre long X1200 models except for this one, bus number 1 which is a 10.6 metre long X1060 model. (Although with such a front on view who would know it was a different length!) Lynx 1 (YJ05 JWZ) was seen picking up on London Road, King’s Lynn near the South Gate as it worked service 37 to Downham Market and Southery. The service 37 timetable at the time featured 8 trips as far as Hilgay three of which then continued to Southery and three of which continued to Ten Mile Bank. The last two trips in the late afternoon setting down by request to all points south of Downham Market.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1016) – Lynx (Coastal Red) 4 (YJ55 BKK) seen passing the South Gate in King’s Lynn as it worked the 1010 service 39 to Marham. An Optare Tempo X1200 new to Arriva Cymru (2861) in September 2005 for operation on 'Traws Cambria' services. It had subsequently been operated by Marchant's Coaches of Cheltenham before joining the Lynx fleet for the company launch in January 2015. Since then the company has grown to become a highly prominent operator in the West Norfolk area. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1157) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. Seen in King’s Lynn bus station are Optare Tempo 29 (T29 KLN) (new in June 2009 to Transdev Yellow Buses, Bournemouth registered R17 TYB), ADL Enviro400 MMC 61 (SK21 FNG) (new in April 2021) and 52 (LJ53 BFU), a Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied DAF DB250, departing on service 49a to Fakenham. The latter was new in September 2003 to Arriva London South (DW21) although the silver based livery is from the previous owner Reading Buses where it was branded for their ‘Silver Stars’ school bus services.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1109) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the North Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. Optare Tempo 28 (T28 KLN) had been new to Transdev Yellow Buses, Bournemouth in April 2009 registered R8 TYB and is seen parked in King’s Lynn bus station.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1059) – Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) 13 (YJ07 VSM) seen travelling along London Road, King’s Lynn about to pass the Norfolk Constabulary building when working the 1055 service 37 to Downham Market and Ten Mile Bank. Ten Mile Bank is a small Fenland community located close to the A10 road about seven miles south of Downham Market. (The service 37 timetable at the time featured 8 trips as far as Hilgay three of which then continued to Southery and three of which continued to Ten Mile Bank. The last two trips in the late afternoon setting down by request to all points south of Downham Market. It is an Optare Tempo X1200 that was new to Trent Barton (315) in July 2007. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising a total of 28 models of this type plus 8 more in reserve. There is also one shorter length X1060 model (bus number 1 in fact). The definition X1060 and X1200 indicates the vehicles length centimetres. In addition the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC.

Friday 14 January 2022 (0948) – In its highly standardised fleet Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) has an operational fleet of 29 Optare Tempo vehicles (along with a further 8 in reserve). All are 12 metre long X1200 models except for bus number 1 which is a 10.6 metre long X1060 model. Lynx 1 (YJ05 JWZ) was seen about to pass through the arch of the South Gate in King’s Lynn as it worked service 37 from Downham Market. The South Gate is the only surviving gatehouse for the town of King’s Lynn and dates to the early 15th century. As well as being part of the town’s fortifications it was also used to control entry into the town and until 1741 a gatekeeper was employed to collect tolls.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1030) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. Five of the Optare Tempos are seen parked at King’s Lynn bus station. Those which can be identified are 29 (T29 KLN) (new in June 2009 to Transdev Yellow Buses, Bournemouth registered R17 TYB), 17 (FD54 YJC) (new to Trent Barton in February 2005) and 14 (YJ07 VSN) (new to Trent Barton in July 2007).

Friday 14 January 2022 (1138) – Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) Optare Tempo 24 (YJ60 KAO) seen moving on to the loading stand to work the 1145 service 34 to Hunstanton. It was new to Transdev Blazefield owned Lancashire United (1308) in September 2010. Although route branded for the ‘Coastliner’ service (actually service number 36) on this trip it was working to Hunstanton on service 34. Lynx provides a bus every 15 minutes between King’s Lynn and Hunstantion featuring route minor differences. Each hour there are two service 34 trips (taking 56 minutes), one service 35 trip (taking 58 minutes and serving the visitor centre and Sandringham House) and one ‘Coastliner’ service 36 trip (a more direct service along the main A149 road taking 50 minutes). The latter continues to Wells-next-the-Sea before turning inland to travel to Walsingham and Fakenham. Lynx commenced operation of the ’Coasthopper’ service in 2018 following the withdrawal of services and retrenchment by Stagecoach/Norfolk Green. The service had previously been operated as the ‘Coasthopper’ and ran through to resorts east of Wells. Sanders Coaches of Holt took over the latter section. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. In the background is Lynx 54 (YJ05 PXA), a Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied VDL DB250 which was to Konectbus in May 2005.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1158) – Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) currently operates two Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro400 MMC double deckers (61/62) that were new in April 2021 and I believe three more are due for delivery in Spring 2022. 61 (SK21 FNG) is seen in King’s Lynn bus station showing its branding for the ‘Coastliner’ service. Note also the tinted windows! Lynx provides a bus every 15 minutes between King’s Lynn and Hunstantion featuring route minor differences. Each hour there are two service 34 trips (taking 56 minutes), one service 35 trip (taking 58 minutes and serving the visitor centre and Sandringham House) and one ‘Coastliner’ service 36 trip (a more direct service along the main A149 road taking 50 minutes). The latter continues to Wells-next-the-Sea before turning inland to travel to Walsingham and Fakenham. Lynx commenced operation of the ’Coasthopper’ service in 2018 following the withdrawal of services and retrenchment by Stagecoach/Norfolk Green. The service had previously been operated as the ‘Coasthopper’ and ran through to resorts east of Wells. Sanders Coaches of Holt took over the latter section. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC

Friday 14 January 2022 (1158) – Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) currently operates two Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro400 MMC double deckers (61/62) that were new in April 2021 and I believe three more are due for delivery in Spring 2022. 61 (SK21 FNG) is seen in King’s Lynn bus station showing its branding for the ‘Coastliner’ service. Note also the tinted windows! Lynx provides a bus every 15 minutes between King’s Lynn and Hunstantion featuring route minor differences. Each hour there are two service 34 trips (taking 56 minutes), one service 35 trip (taking 58 minutes and serving the visitor centre and Sandringham House) and one ‘Coastliner’ service 36 trip (a more direct service along the main A149 road taking 50 minutes). The latter continues to Wells-next-the-Sea before turning inland to travel to Walsingham and Fakenham. Lynx commenced operation of the ’Coasthopper’ service in 2018 following the withdrawal of services and retrenchment by Stagecoach/Norfolk Green. The service had previously been operated as the ‘Coasthopper’ and ran through to resorts east of Wells. Sanders Coaches of Holt took over the latter section. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC

Friday 14 January 2022 (1135) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. 54 (YJ05 PXA), a Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied VDL DB250, is seen arriving at King’s Lynn bus station. It was new to Konectbus in May 2005.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1201) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. This view shows two of their Eclipse Gemini double deckers. Left is 52 (LJ53 BFU), on a DAF built DB250 chassis, was new in September 2003 to Arriva London South (DW21) although the silver based livery is from the previous owner Reading Buses where it was branded for their ‘Silver Stars’ school bus services. Right is 54 (YJ05 PXA), on a VDL built DB250 chassis, was new to Konectbus in May 2005.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1128) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. These three Optare Tempos seen parked in King’s Lynn bus station carry different messages on the rear panels. Left to right they are: 24 (YJ60 KAO) was new to Transdev Blazefield owned Lancashire United (1308) in September 2010 17 (FD54 JYC) was new to Trent Barton (304) in February 2005 5 (YJ55 BKU) was new to Arriva Cymru (2865) in October 2005 for operation on 'Traws Cambria' services. It had subsequently been operated by Marchant's Coaches of Cheltenham before joining the Lynx fleet for the company launch in January 2015. A further Tempo can be seen on a loading stand in the background.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1130) – The buses operated by Norfolk based Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) carry different messages on the rear panels, this one is aimed at the student market. Lynx is one of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1205) – Hello shorty! In its highly standardised fleet Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) has an operational fleet of 29 Optare Tempo vehicles (along with a further 8 in reserve). All are 12 metre long X1200 models except for this one. Number 1 (YJ05 JWZ) seen here in King’s Lynn bus station, is a 10.6 metre long X1060 model which was new as an Optare demonstrator in April 2005. I think it has a rather cute look about it.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1059) – Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) 13 (YJ07 VSM) seen travelling along London Road, King’s Lynn when working the 1055 service 37 to Downham Market and Ten Mile Bank. Ten Mile Bank is a small Fenland community located close to the A10 road about seven miles south of Downham Market. (The service 37 timetable at the time featured 8 trips as far as Hilgay three of which then continued to Southery and three of which continued to Ten Mile Bank. The last two trips in the late afternoon setting down by request to all points south of Downham Market. It is an Optare Tempo X1200 that was new to Trent Barton (315) in July 2007. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising a total of 28 models of this type plus 8 more in reserve. There is also one shorter length X1060 model (bus number 1 in fact). The definition X1060 and X1200 indicates the vehicles length centimetres. In addition the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1118) - One of the operators that has become highly prominent in the West Norfolk area in recent years is Coastal Red Limited which trades as Lynx. A fleet list I have dated November 2021 shows quite a standardised operational fleet comprising 29 Optare Tempo single deckers (plus 8 more in reserve) whilst the double deck fleet comprises 7 Wright Eclipse Geminis (plus 2 more in reserve) and 2 ADL Enviro400 MMC. Seen loading in King’s Lynn bus station on town service 42 is 11 (YJ07 VSK) which had been new to Trent Barton in July 2007.

Friday 14 January 2022 (1002) – In its highly standardised fleet Lynx (Coastal Red Limited) has an operational fleet of 29 Optare Tempo vehicles (along with a further 8 in reserve). All are 12 metre long X1200 models except for this one, bus number 1 which is a 10.6 metre long X1060 model. (Although with an almost front on view who would know it was a different length!) Lynx 1 (YJ05 JWZ) was seen passing the South Gate on London Road, King’s Lynn near the South Gate as it worked service 37 to Downham Market and Southery. The service 37 timetable at the time featured 8 trips as far as Hilgay three of which then continued to Southery and three of which continued to Ten Mile Bank. The last two trips in the late afternoon setting down by request to all points south of Downham Market. The South Gate is the only surviving gatehouse for the town of King’s Lynn and dates to the early 15th century. As well as being part of the town’s fortifications it was also used to control entry into the town and until 1741 a gatekeeper was employed to collect tolls.