Littles B5
Littles of Ilkeston picked up additional DCC contracts in October 2017, following on from the 140/1/2 and 150 they gained in October 2015. Littles now operate Matlock local routes 216 and 217 which were previously worked by TM Travel, as well as routes 143 and 144 which had been operated by McEwens. In contrast to the Enviro 200s purchased new to cover their additional work in 2015, these latest routes appear to be operated by late-life Solos.
Former NCT Optare Solo M920 V257DRB (B5) is seen here crossing the 1761-constructed Beeley Bridge at the southern end of Chatsworth Park with the 10:00 217 back to Matlock. The 217 came about in January 2015 to cover the stretch of the 218 between Chatsworth and Matlock which was largely abandoned when TM Travel increased the frequency on the rest of the 218 route. It essentially amounted an extension of Matlock town service M3 north of Hackney, and consequently does not connect well with any of the longer-distance routes it shares termini with. The Sunday service, which omits Hackney, is still operated by TM.
Littles B5
Littles of Ilkeston picked up additional DCC contracts in October 2017, following on from the 140/1/2 and 150 they gained in October 2015. Littles now operate Matlock local routes 216 and 217 which were previously worked by TM Travel, as well as routes 143 and 144 which had been operated by McEwens. In contrast to the Enviro 200s purchased new to cover their additional work in 2015, these latest routes appear to be operated by late-life Solos.
Former NCT Optare Solo M920 V257DRB (B5) is seen here crossing the 1761-constructed Beeley Bridge at the southern end of Chatsworth Park with the 10:00 217 back to Matlock. The 217 came about in January 2015 to cover the stretch of the 218 between Chatsworth and Matlock which was largely abandoned when TM Travel increased the frequency on the rest of the 218 route. It essentially amounted an extension of Matlock town service M3 north of Hackney, and consequently does not connect well with any of the longer-distance routes it shares termini with. The Sunday service, which omits Hackney, is still operated by TM.