77syk7
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Post by 77syk7 on Sept 17, 2009 19:58:00 GMT 1
I am going to be accused of being a 'Victor Meldrew' - but I cannot help but notice a distinct lack of threads on the actual performance of various types of buses. Passenger comfort, reliability, performance, quietness, quality of suspension and ride etc.
To me this would be much more interesting than the endless pages devoted to when a bus strays on to another route or even more banal - if a bus has acquired another sticker!
Yes, I'm moaning. but I would like to hear the opinions of other members whether they agree with me or not!
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kendall17
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Post by kendall17 on Sept 18, 2009 9:22:36 GMT 1
Good idea,
I think we need to start a list of the buses in WY 1st or maybe just start with the larger companies and go from there.
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Post by lysander on Sept 20, 2009 12:27:35 GMT 1
I am not really a bus man. They have always just been a means of getting from A to B ...BUT....some are definitely better and more comfortable at achieving this end than others. To start it off with, can I nominate those buses( no idea of type) that are used on the Leeds Free Bus service...ouch, they really know how to throw a passenger around! !
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77syk7
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Post by 77syk7 on Sept 30, 2009 10:22:01 GMT 1
OK - I'll have a go at starting some discussion.
If we pick the 2 current most common double deckers in our region - Volvo B9/Wright and Alexander Enviro 400 - how do the compare?
I would like to hear comment from a driver's point of view as well as a passengers
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kendall17
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Post by kendall17 on Sept 30, 2009 10:46:36 GMT 1
ADL Enviro the most common? I'd actually say the ALX400 or Wright Eclipse Gemini on the B7 is more common.
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77syk7
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Post by 77syk7 on Sept 30, 2009 21:22:25 GMT 1
I think I've used the word 'common' in the incorrect sense here - What I meant to say was it would be interesting to compare the performance of the two current double deckers which are entering service in West Yorkshire - Volvo B9/Wright Gemini from First against the Alexander Enviro 400 from Arriva.
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kendall17
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Post by kendall17 on Oct 1, 2009 9:45:28 GMT 1
Ok, I can't say i've been on an Enviro of Arriva's, but i got on one in Stagecoach's manchester operation. I was impressed with it and found the ride comfort upto standard and the engine noise wasn't too loud. I was impressed. The B9 Eclipse Gemini is upto the same standard as the only Enviro 400 i've been on, although questions are raised over the height upstairs and the cramming in of seats.
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77syk7
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Post by 77syk7 on Oct 1, 2009 20:28:57 GMT 1
I've recently spent a couple of days in the Midlands and tried out one of Arriva Midland's VDL/Wright double deckers. They returned an impressive turn of speed and produce a very different sound to what we are used to with their engine/gearbox combination. I think they had 4 speed Voith transmission. My best ride was on a late evening peak short working when the female driver steered that vehicle through the heavy traffic with consummate ease! What was interesting was observing the new coloured box encouraging the driver to drive in an economical fashion - the little machine was permanently on red! (obviously not yet linked to pay!
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Post by northerner on Oct 1, 2009 22:07:24 GMT 1
I prefer the Gemini's - personally I'd say they are the best looking bus of all time. Also like the sound of the B9's although prefer the 'screaming' sound of the B7's but both seem a reliable bus as proved by the volumes in service. Not been on an Enviro but from what I've seen they look too plasticky and cheap
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77syk7
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Post by 77syk7 on Oct 2, 2009 20:24:30 GMT 1
The Enviros are about 500kg lighter than the Volvo/Eclipse and I agree they do seem less solid. I do think we are going to see lighter buses soon in the aim of improving economy.
Can anybody comment on the performance of Arriva's new Tempos - they should be impressive with their relatively light unladen weight and high output engine?
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Post by billycarne on Oct 8, 2009 1:33:05 GMT 1
The Enviros are about 500kg lighter than the Volvo/Eclipse and I agree they do seem less solid. I do think we are going to see lighter buses soon in the aim of improving economy. Can anybody comment on the performance of Arriva's new Tempos - they should be impressive with their relatively light unladen weight and high output engine? they are pretty darn powerfull for a bus. they are quick off the mark too. |
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Post by timelesstable on Oct 11, 2009 12:42:26 GMT 1
The Enviros are about 500kg lighter than the Volvo/Eclipse and I agree they do seem less solid. I do think we are going to see lighter buses soon in the aim of improving economy. Can anybody comment on the performance of Arriva's new Tempos - they should be impressive with their relatively light unladen weight and high output engine? I was on 1312 yesterday on Route 409 towards Doncaster and it held a steady 55 mph on the A19. I know flatish road only half a load but it was just cruising along without any problem at all. |
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Post by timelesstable on Oct 11, 2009 12:50:44 GMT 1
The Enviros are about 500kg lighter than the Volvo/Eclipse and I agree they do seem less solid. I do think we are going to see lighter buses soon in the aim of improving economy. Can anybody comment on the performance of Arriva's new Tempos - they should be impressive with their relatively light unladen weight and high output engine? I was on 1312 yesterday on Route 409 towards Doncaster and it held a steady 55 mph on the A19. I know flatish road only half a load but it was just cruising along without any problem at all. If you want to contrast that with the performance of one of the Volvo Eclipses 1111 which with a very full standing load was holding 57 mph from the start of the ascent from Leeds towards the right turn into Gildersome on Route 229. 1111 held this speed for a significent period of the ascent and was still over 50 when the driver had to back off for the lights. I have no real preference those were just observations make of them what you want. |
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77syk7
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Post by 77syk7 on Oct 13, 2009 20:51:20 GMT 1
Thanks for the interest shown - it is good to read about people's experiences when riding on buses.
Any drivers want to comment on the fastest accelerating bus?
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Post by billycarne on Oct 13, 2009 23:49:03 GMT 1
fastest iv known are the vdl lowlanders, not many buses allow you to feel G forces! Darts are pretty quick for as long as there arn't too many passengers or there are no hills.
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Matty
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Post by Matty on Oct 21, 2009 21:06:11 GMT 1
G503 VYE is the fastest bus I've been on, it pins you back in your seat. K414 MGN is not far behind that.
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Post by Burnside on Oct 22, 2009 6:34:37 GMT 1
Arriva's Enviros can accelerate pretty good, the VDL Lowlander is a rocket, but the quickest i've been on for a long time was the Cummins powered Solo used by First Bradford on the 747.
Re Eclipse 1111. Isn't 57mph over the limit for a bus? I thought the highest speed a bus was allowed to do on a british road was 50?
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Post by timelesstable on Oct 22, 2009 8:42:24 GMT 1
Arriva's Enviros can accelerate pretty good, the VDL Lowlander is a rocket, but the quickest i've been on for a long time was the Cummins powered Solo used by First Bradford on the 747. Re Eclipse 1111. Isn't 57mph over the limit for a bus? I thought the highest speed a bus was allowed to do on a british road was 50? I was sat there watching the digital display. The highest speed I'm allowed to drive my car on the motorway is 70 mph and in a built up area is 30 mph, and I like everyone else always stick to those limits even though the car will go a little bit faster! |
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Post by billycarne on Oct 23, 2009 1:23:03 GMT 1
Arriva's Enviros can accelerate pretty good, the VDL Lowlander is a rocket, but the quickest i've been on for a long time was the Cummins powered Solo used by First Bradford on the 747. Re Eclipse 1111. Isn't 57mph over the limit for a bus? I thought the highest speed a bus was allowed to do on a british road was 50? the vdl is a rocket and half! i have been on buses that have gone well over 50mph. most occasions on a dennis dart lol, the older slf and the cummins powered ones, depends on the driver i guess. |
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Matty
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Post by Matty on Oct 24, 2009 11:16:31 GMT 1
The Tempos are the fastest new buses I've been on.
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Post by billycarne on Jan 2, 2010 23:03:02 GMT 1
G503 VYE is the fastest bus I've been on, it pins you back in your seat. K414 MGN is not far behind that. what bus is the G503 VYE? im not very good with my registrations or my service numbers either for that matter! |
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Matty
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Post by Matty on Jan 3, 2010 11:54:25 GMT 1
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Post by billycarne on Apr 16, 2010 21:27:21 GMT 1
what are the new Wright Dl buses at selby like for performence?
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Danny
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Post by Danny on Apr 16, 2010 21:57:25 GMT 1
They are very fast & powerfull.
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Matty
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Post by Matty on Apr 16, 2010 22:00:53 GMT 1
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