Diamond Bus North West

[Wright Eclipse]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(10/02/2021 17:56)Mrboo Wrote:  I am talking tenders and pre pandemic. with no running big buses on routes not getting 40+ at any one time. Deckers are for 65+ passengers often they run round with 20 passengers.

This weekend I have a very busy rail replacement from Clapham Jr to Croydon and buses will be carrying 40+ people each service. I will be loading to the 50% limit but last weekend I was given midi buses and they ran with 15 people+ if people have to wait they wait but there no law about having more people on a bus it down to the driver. but like you pointed out they are getting paid more to put on bigger buses.

In some cases it (admittedly not in the case of 171/2) it works out cheaper to use a DD on a tendered service due to interworking with a busier routes or some cases they will run a DD/Large SD on a tendered off peak only route due to them later doing a peak time board on a busier route,there are plenty of reasons why it might happen alongside the likes of Schools being previously mentioned.

Another thing to consider also is public perception of buses at the moment,whilst a lot of people won't be using them to due being furloughed/working from home,the fact that they are seeing buses (When out doing shopping or exercise) with plenty of space for passengers & social distancing could help them feel more comfortable to return to travelling on them once lockdown eases.