Trivia: Buses with novel features which aren't branded on the outside

[py_megapixel]

It seems usually when a bus company introduces buses with new features, they are noted on the livery outside. For example:

• When Stagecoach introduced their first hybrids, they had a special version of the beachball livery with the normal red, orange and blue replaced with two-tone green, and the text "ELECTRIC HYBRID" next to the destination displays
• Arriva Sapphire buses usually state on the outside what special facilities the route or bus has (for example "USB charging", "tickets on your mobile")
• Many companies have decals with some variant of "We accept contactless", or display the contactless logo prominently on the front of their buses

I'm interested in examples where a novel or non-standard passenger feature is present on a bus, but not advertised prominently on the outside. For example:

• The new-spec blue and grey Stagecoach interiors have automated announcements and USB charging, neither of which are advertised on the livery
• First Manchester's "Vantage" buses have high-backed seats around tables on the upper deck, which are prominently advertised on the lower deck but not mentioned on the outside

 

[Ianno87]

On bus wi-fi is often available, but commonly not advertised.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I'm interested in examples where a novel or non-standard passenger feature is present on a bus, but not advertised prominently on the outside. For example:

• The new-spec blue and grey Stagecoach interiors have automated announcements and USB charging, neither of which are advertised on the livery

Some of them do https://www.flickr.com/photos/westy...brzo-2jLbsjp-2jLbrUr-2jLf21D-2jLbrZb-2jLf2q1/

Credit to photographer

 

[py_megapixel]

Some of them do https://www.flickr.com/photos/westy...brzo-2jLbsjp-2jLbrUr-2jLf21D-2jLbrZb-2jLf2q1/

Aah - I didn't know that. I first saw the new spec ones in Oxfordshire, and then in Manchester, and neither of those have the branding, so I (seemingly wrongly) assumed that none of them did

 

[507021]

Bus Vannin's hybrid Citaros don't carry any branding to promote their credentials.

It's particularly surprising as they were very keen to promote the fact they're hybrids when they arrived.

 

[lxfe_mxtterz]

Some of the electric buses in London (such as the Enviro 200 EVs, if I recall correctly) - just the standard red livery, with nothing to inform you that the bus is electric.

 

[Arriva Fan]

Bus Vannin's hybrid Citaros don't carry any branding to promote their credentials.

It's particularly surprising as they were very keen to promote the fact they're hybrids when they arrived.

And 'Micro Hybrid' StreetLites actually had Branding removed.

 

[py_megapixel]

And 'Micro Hybrid' StreetLites actually had Branding removed.

To be fair, from a passenger perspective, "Micro Hybrid" means pretty much nothing - unlike an actual battery electric hybrid where one can usually expect a smoother, quieter ride and where the aim is improving air quality, the main benefit of the flywheel system is fuel savings for the operator.

That said, though, Wright's Street series vehicles are known to be - well - temperamental, so we might as well extoll what virtues they have!

 

[507021]

And 'Micro Hybrid' StreetLites actually had Branding removed.

242 was the only MicroHybrid as far as I know, the rest were standard diesels.

 

[Arriva Fan]

242 was the only MicroHybrid as far as I know, the rest were standard diesels.

Yes, and I don't think she made it into Service with the Branding.

 

[507021]

Yes, and I don't think she made it into Service with the Branding.

It didn't, the branding was removed prior to delivery.

I've just remembered Bus Vannin's buses don't have branding for their WiFi or USB charging points either.

 

[Arriva Fan]

It didn't, the branding was removed prior to delivery.

I've just remembered Bus Vannin's buses don't have branding for their WiFi or USB charging points either.

Yeah, I've also just remembered 242 was on Display at Port Erin Depot Open Day, during 2014 Transport Festival. This was before she entered Service, no Branding, no Ticket Machine or Radio either and with Protective Floor Covering.

 

[busesrusuk]

Actually London Buses do announce that they are electric but its very discreet. Here are a couple of pics showing the very small sticker. On the E400 its behind the roundel whilst on the E200 its behind the rear wheel arch:

GAL Ee51 May21 | Walthamstow Central, May 2021 | Keith Wood | Flickr
London Utd BE37007 May21 | Sth Kensington Stn, May 2021 | Flickr

Buses with USB charging facilities have the blue logo nearby. Personally, they would be much better if placed over the front door so you can see it when boarding...

 

[lxfe_mxtterz]

Actually London Buses do announce that they are electric but its very discreet. Here are a couple of pics showing the very small sticker. On the E400 its behind the roundel whilst on the E200 its behind the rear wheel arch:

GAL Ee51 May21 | Walthamstow Central, May 2021 | Keith Wood | Flickr
London Utd BE37007 May21 | Sth Kensington Stn, May 2021 | Flickr

Buses with USB charging facilities have the blue logo nearby. Personally, they would be much better if placed over the front door so you can see it when boarding...

Fair enough, but as you say, they certainly are very discreet! I've never noticed them before, so I guess that goes to show their worth.

The first time I went on a London Enviro 200 EV, I had no clue it was electric until we started moving.

And yes, I'd agree that having these logos where you can actually see them would be useful!