National Express at Butlins

From 11 April, the seasonal National Express services commenced operating to Butlins (Ingoldmells). They operate on Mondays and Fridays only until 3 November. Unusually, no reference is made in the timetable to them operating on peak summer Saturdays in 2008, as they have done in previous years. We are currently seeking verification on this.

Further to our previous report, the 663 (Newcastle - Butlins) is indeed running, although is back in the hands of Go North East (previously Rowell of Prudhoe).

Illustrated to the left is Go North East 7081 (Y781 MFT), a Volvo B10M-62/Plaxton Paragon, at Butlins in Ingoldmells prior to returning on service 663 to Newcastle today.





To the right and also taken today at the same location is John Shaw/Travellers Choice PO55 OWY, a Volvo B12B/Plaxton Panther initially purchased for the then solitary NX diagram they won from Stagecoach in November 2005 (Service 570), arrives operating service 664 from Preston. We believe that this is the first time a vehicle in National Express livery has been used on this service.

Photos will enlarge if clicked on.

EDIT 22.04.08: Unlike previous years, Butlins will not have a changeover day on a Saturday, consequently this has lead to the National Express routes not operating there on this day (other than the daily 449 Mablethorpe-London).