Robertj21a
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Why, it seems ideal for certain routes ?
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London to try a tri-axle ‘decker
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Why, it seems ideal for certain routes ?
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90sWereBetter
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Eurgh, BCIs. Horrid buses, First Eastern Counties trialled a couple on the X1 Excel last year, needless to say I don't think they were impressed given they've decided to keep the current E400s for a while longer.
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class387
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Don't know why you think this. They have the smoothest ride out of any decker on the market - far superior to an Enviro400.
I think it's highly unlikely that the air con would fail and I don't know why you think there will be little or no take up of these buses but we shall see.
Robertj21a
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Very strange. Others have commented on how good they are.
Busaholic
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Because most of the routes on which they might be considered suitable are operated by TfL-owned LTs. Tri-axle buses are hardly novel,, any more than articulated buses, but voluntary take-up by the operators has been almost non-existent. As for air con failing, I have little knowledge on the likelihood of that: what I do know from so many official and unofficial reports is that battery (as opposed to diesel) usage on LTs is worryingly small, no doubt contributing to the disastrous emission figures for Oxford Street which were a precursor to depriving this famous street of its bus services in the near future. In short, bus manufacturers' promises must sometimes be taken with a pinch of salt.
What promises should be taken with a pinch of salt? The closure of Oxford Street is because of pedestrianisation which is long overdue and not emissions. I can think of a few routes that could be suitable that aren't currently operated by LT's and even if they were the LT's could be moved to another route if need be.
Cesarcollie
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I think the most likely reason for this is that Group won't agree the capex for a new Excel fleet....
edwin_m
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To be fair I think both are contributory factors, given the concern about pollution and quotes like this one:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/lon...l-limit-just-four-days-into-2015-9959849.html
PermitToTravel
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The wheelbase doesn't look all that much bigger than the NBfL's (if any, tbh!) and it'll have rear steering. Its manoeuvrability should hopefully be considerably better than that of the NBfL!
Robertj21a
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I'm sure Ensigns will have checked that thoroughly.
There has been talk elsewhere of these being considered for former bendybus routes. My speculation is that this means any or all of routes 18, 25, 29 or 207 which were converted to conventional buses rather than New Routemasters - I don't think any LT routes would be converted because of the loading/unloading time advantage. Bigger buses means they would run slightly less frequently.
They would also be a good fit for the 607, and possibly the X26 if extra luggage racks were installed on the lower deck. These could be paid for by charging a premium fare on these routes (say, £2 or £2.50) which would also encourage some short-hop users to switch to parallel all-stops services.
They would also be a good fit for the 607, and possibly the X26 if extra luggage racks were installed on the lower deck. These could be paid for by charging a premium fare on these routes (say, £2 or £2.50) which would also encourage some short-hop users to switch to parallel all-stops services.
New pics from today including new kind of digital destination display (more pics of moquette, chargers, and seat display from earlier on the link).
Source: https://twitter.com/newman_ross
Source: https://twitter.com/newman_ross
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Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Crikey, that's an ugly monstrosity, is it not?
The display doesn't look digital to me?
The display doesn't look digital to me?
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That destination display is incredibly clear!
Sam
I expect TfL were holding out for technology to improve sufficiently so that digital blinds look indistinguishable from paper blinds.
Robertj21a
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Quite. This is the latest digital screen from Hanover.
It's certainly not the bonniest double-decker I've seen - the front panel doesn't look quite right. Perhaps the bit under the windscreen would look better painted black, to give the impression of a deeper screen (anyone with photoshop skills?)
The destination screen looks great. I've never really been a big fan of the electronic screens and always preferred blinds, but this looks almost like the real thing.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
What tech is it? High resolution LED, e-ink or something else?
Robertj21a
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I've only seen it referred to as LED and 'absolutely superb' !
There was something in the Facebook comments which stated that they would no longer be used on the X68 and instead on the 12. No idea how much truth there is in that.
Sam
Sam
PermitToTravel
Established Member
That nearside mirror arm looks massive! Anyone taking bets on how long it keeps its mirrors for?
They are finally out!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/randombusesgirl/43930715090/in/feed (Not my photo)
Sam
https://www.flickr.com/photos/randombusesgirl/43930715090/in/feed (Not my photo)
Sam
Jordan Adam
Established Member
Split windscreens.... I thought that was something we had left in the 90s!
Nice to see Tri-axles in use though, even if it's the wrong vehicle choice imo.
Nice to see Tri-axles in use though, even if it's the wrong vehicle choice imo.
Mikey C
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Bizarre to be trying a Chinese tri-axle when we make our own. Indeed Berlin have just ordered Enviro 500s!
https://www.alexander-dennis.com/me...-berlin-contract-for-new-double-decker-fleet/
Jordan Adam
Established Member
ADL currently don't offer the E500 in the UK and won't unless a major operator puts forward a large order.
Although this is about to change as the introduction of Volvo's B8L Tri-axle chassis in the UK has seen a change of heart. ADL, MCV & Wright have been confirmed as offering bodies for the chassis to the UK market.
Busaholic
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In that case, it's surely Russian built rather than Chinese.That bus is so big, it can carry another one inside!
Is it LHD only or are they selling it in Hong Kong?
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