What they do need to do is to invest in research as to how to prevent rattly panels and grab poles. That needn't make the vehicle heavy, it just needs damping in the right places, and for operators to be bothered to maintain it properly. (Clue: shoving a bit of tissue paper into the gap or sticking it down with a sticky-backed weekly ticket wallet is not "maintaining it properly")
As usual, Stagey is ahead of the others at getting this kind of thing right, just like you almost never see one of their buses with a mismatching or dented side panel.
Yes they aren't bad. I have used them when in Cardiff (N.A.T have some running around there) and the ride is quite good.The StreetLite is also being impeded by Optare's Metrocity product which seems to be getting quite a lot of orders from other operators.
Optare is doing well eniugh with its MetroCity because as a manufacturer it is very good with the retail market - that is, the smaller independent operators who will take two, three, four or five of them. That is the same reason why the Solo is popular among small operators.The StreetLite is also being impeded by Optare's Metrocity product which seems to be getting quite a lot of orders from other operators.
Indeed, but I am sure it was no coincidence that the supplier of all of them was Arriva Bus and Coach, the former Hughes DAF establishment at Cleckheaton - so in a way it was buying them off itself...Arriva has used lightweight vehicles for a long time, they are the main user of the lightweight VDL SB200 with Wrights Pulsar bodywork
Optare is doing well eniugh with its MetroCity because as a manufacturer it is very good with the retail market - that is, the smaller independent operators who will take two, three, four or five of them. That is the same reason why the Solo is popular among small operators.
ADL is working to get a piece of this retail demand, but there is often a perception that it and Wrightbus are interested mainly in the big orders from Stagecoach, First, Hong Kong and so on. Optare is not distracted by such requirements and thus it can give retail buyers its full attention, which they appreciate.
The Optare product is often maligned and criticised, but in terms of fuel efficiency it is top notch.
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Indeed, but I am sure it was no coincidence that the supplier of all of them was Arriva Bus and Coach, the former Hughes DAF establishment at Cleckheaton - so in a way it was buying them off itself...
STAGECOACH ORDERS 2016 - 2017.
10655 - 10663 ADL Enviro 400 MMC for Barnsley.
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Nice, anyone a clue which route these will operate?
They are for service 66.
Ok, thanks! Any idea where the current enviro 400's on the 66 will go? I'm guessing the 59, to get rid of those dingy Scania's?
I don't know unfortunately.
First of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter City 45's are for East Kent apparently.
What work are they for? Standard urban mini work? Rural?
What work are they for? Standard urban mini work? Rural?
Have any arrived yet if so do you have any links to photo's please?
Try this. Most will be delivered to Eastbourne first before moving to Ashford. Seven have arrived so far:
http://www.stevenknightmedia.com/fleet-news-ramblings/previous/2