Last updated: 19 July 2021

July’s Photo of the Month comes from the Isle of Wight, featuring ADL Trident 32767 (WJ55CTE) on the seafront at Ryde. Fear not; First Solent have not expanded their commercial operation to the opposite shore, but 32767 is one of two similar buses in service on the island on loan from Hoeford depot for the recent increase in Rail Replacement requirements. 32767 and sister 32768 have moved over to the island, joining the mixture of on-loan Bristolian Enviros and Scanias, to give additional capacity.

With the relaxation of lockdown requirements in May, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway reopened to passengers. However, due to the temporary closure of the Island Line, access to the steam railway is not possible via Smallbrook Junction. The Southern Vectis route 9 serves Wootton railway station at a frequency of every twenty minutes, but a direct link to Havenstreet, the main centre of the heritage railway has been introduced. This link required further buses, hence the temporary transfer of the two Tridents, of which are some of the highest capacity buses in the fleet.

32767 was one of thirteen similar vehicles delivered to First Devon & Cornwall in 2005. The first five were introduced to Plymouth, branded in pink for the Torpoint Ferry routes. One of that batch – 32759 – is in service at Hoeford. The next three were introduced to Falmouth outstation for the 89/90 service, connecting Falmouth with Newquay, via Truro. One of this batch is also at Hoeford, in the form of 32763. The final five were new to Barnstaple for the Atlantic Goldline service, connecting Barnstaple with Bideford and on to Westward Ho! and Appledore. All of this batch have Hoeford as their home depot.

The rail replacement services have been extended to finish at an undefined date. Originally due to finish at the end of March, the services are now likely to continue into the summer holidays, with some sources believing it may not be until autumn before the railway is open again.

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