Visits to the Halland region in September 2011 and May 2012, covering the towns of Halmstad, Falkenberg and Varberg. Principal operators are Arriva and Nobina, with Karlssonbuss operating as an Arriva subcontracter.
A visit to Jönköping on 16th June, 3 days before Arriva ended their operation there. And boy can you tell. Arriva have surrendered this contract 5 years early, claiming losses. No doubt the substantial financial penalties imposed by JLT over the last two years for poor operation have something to do with it.
The quality of the operation was indeed shocking (as you will see from the photos) even by Arriva standards. Destination displays seem to be an optional extra. Nice to see Arriva being professional to the end of a contract isn't it? I'm sure that the people of Jönköping (and JLT) are now very happy Keolis are their local operator.
Return visits to Jönköping in September 2011 and May 2012 to see the changes since Keolis replaced Arriva.
What a difference. Admittedly they couldn't be any worse but it was like visiting a different place. As well as on the road Keolis have also invested in new depot facilities and staff training and the results are there to see.
Visits to southern Dalarna in September 2011 and March 2012, covering the towns of Borlänge, Falun and Avesta where just about everything is operated by Nobina. This is one of the few areas that still operate Scania Omnicity.
Falun is a fascinating place, having been the centre of the world Copper industry for many years so there are many slag heaps around but the contents are being put to very good use.
Trips in mid-June and September 2011 to the Skåne region of Sweden. All 10 Stadsbuss (green bus) networks were visited - Eslöv, Helsingborg, Hässleholm, Kristianstad, Landskrona, Lund, Malmö, Trelleborg, Ystad and Ängelholm. A few Regionsbuss (yellow buses) were also seen around and about.
Trolleybus operation was suspended during my first visit due to roadworks and not for the first time. Just proving that trolleybuses are not the way forward, especially for new systems. The CNG buses replacing them were just as green.
A visit to the SL area in September 2011. There were 3 significant contract changes in the summer and quite a few new buses took to the roads, transforming the scene in some areas. Even Arriva have some new buses!!
A few shots from around the county during March. Final days for some MaxCi and the first days for some Lion's City.
Photos starting with X are at a bus dealer in Järfälla. Photos starting with Y are at Volvo Huddinge.
Another 2012 visit to Stockholm, this time in October. Since my last visit, Arriva have taken over two contracts.
Photos starting with X are at Busmarket Sweden. Photos starting with Y are at Volvo Huddinge. Photos starting with Z show the changes around Älvsjö Station.
Working in Stockholm gives me the opportunity to add a few more pictures. Another major contract change took place in January and pictures will be added as I get time to go out and take them!
2011 was the 100th anniversary of bus operation in Sweden. To celebrate this, the Swedish Railway Museum had an event which was supported by Nobina, the direct successor to the original operator.
This collection features shots from the trip to/from Gävle of various historic vehicles as well as from the Museum itself.
It was a very enjoyable day.
Visits to the lovely city of Uppsala in September 2011 and March 2012 to catch up with the great Neoplan buses now in their 13th year. Also there was a quick pop into Enköping.
A visit to parts of the huge Västra Götaland region in September 2011. All the major players in Sweden operate here (except Arriva) as well as a few smaller companies. Gothenberg is the major city in the region but many other towns feature. There is a varied collection of vehicles including 24m double articulated Volvo B9s and Scania/Van Hool double deck coaches.
Another March visit, this time to Östersund and Stadsbussarna running local services with a fleet of Scania Omnilink. Also featured are buses of various operators running the provincial services.