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10537 was on the 20 this evening. 10542/3 have entered service today as well.

At least two of the new Enviro400s were on the 917 tonight while the ageing 17111 was on the 14. Unless these two were just entering service that day, it is a mystifying use of resources.

(05/05/2016 17:53)507009 Wrote: [ -> ]At least two of the new Enviro400s were on the 917 tonight while the ageing 17111 was on the 14. Unless these two were just entering service that day, it is a mystifying use of resources.

Guaranteed to be full though.

(05/05/2016 20:01)Dentonian Wrote: [ -> ]Trainer 28540 was a little off its usual haunts today. It was noted in Denton town centre. Presumably on loan to Manchester as two native B10Ms were noted a few minutes either side it.

28540 is still at Rock Ferry but tests getting done elsewhere as no one to do it on Merseyside

(05/05/2016 17:53)507009 Wrote: [ -> ]At least two of the new Enviro400s were on the 917 tonight while the ageing 17111 was on the 14. Unless these two were just entering service that day, it is a mystifying use of resources.

One of them was 10541 which I don't think has been reported as in service yet

There was problems with 17449 so 10542 got sent out instead. Running short on buses this evening so the new ones had to get used. A couple more getting prepared for service.

According to SKN Media the following have transferred away from Gillmoss:-
19034/39 to Preston
17021/272 to Chester
17491 to Rock Ferry

17021 and 17272 went to Chester weeks ago now for Schools

(05/05/2016 17:53)507009 Wrote: [ -> ]At least two of the new Enviro400s were on the 917 tonight while the ageing 17111 was on the 14. Unless these two were just entering service that day, it is a mystifying use of resources.

17111 also on the 917 last night, it was the last to start on them. Birkenhead 18152 and 17491 also on them.

I tried two of the new Enviro400s yesterday evening with mixed performances. First off, 10542 on the 14 was a nice rider and more or less what you'd expect of a new bus. A few of the roof panels made some slight noises but this is typical Alexander Dennis fare. The return from Willow Way was on 10541 which switched to a 19 and was undoubtedly poor for a brand new bus. Plenty of rattles on the upper deck, especially from the staircase panel. Having ridden examples of the second generation Enviro400 in both Liverpool and Manchester now, sadly it is safe to say they definitely aren't the 'rattle free' buses we were promised. Despite this, the suspension on the newer models feels a little bit less tight which always helps; still nowhere near the standard of the DB300 Geminis however.

Despite the flaws, they are undoubtedly a massive improvement on the Enviro300s. The interiors are actually very nice and I am converted as far as the 'Irn Bru' seating goes: it's great. The Wi-Fi worked really well on both examples without the 'twenty questions' registration rigmarole. On the 14 journey, which was in the peak, the capacity came in very useful with most seats taken upstairs after Queen Square despite an Arriva Pulsar just moments in front.

The best thing though is seeing new double deckers finally in operation with Stagecoach Merseyside. It has taken years too long for this to happen but finally things are looking up. These orders for the 14 and reportedly the 86 are a great start. I really hope the 20/21 is next to benefit as they are desperately required on such a busy corridor. Hopefully in 2017!