First’s Colchester depot has taken delivery of a number of Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B9TLs, made surplus when First closed its Galashiels operation.
It is partially repainting them, by applying a solid green front and route branding for route 62 (and 62A/62B).
This competes with Go-Ahead-owned Hedingham’s route 87 between Colchester and Brightlingsea.
First’s extension of its route 62 into Brightlingsea prompted Hedingham to retaliate, by registering a route X76, between Clacton and Colchester, against First’s route 76.
First has responded by route branding some vehicles. In addition, there have been various ticket price reductions by both operators.
