https://dartslf.com/forum/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:15:09 +0000 MyBB https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1631 Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:32:40 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1631 It appears to be no longer available on the Volvo website.
Thanks in advance for any help]]> It appears to be no longer available on the Volvo website.
Thanks in advance for any help]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1317 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:26:48 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1317 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1279 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 13:33:14 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1279
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N...MTL-QkqUwG

The photo was not done by me]]>
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70333100@N...MTL-QkqUwG

The photo was not done by me]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1220 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 22:22:18 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1220
The featured firm is our own late, lamented Merseybus. The livery and image is totally stunning. Please see this link:- http://www.mhdpartnership.co.uk/assets/m...nov_16.pdf

What does everyone else feel about it?]]>
The featured firm is our own late, lamented Merseybus. The livery and image is totally stunning. Please see this link:- http://www.mhdpartnership.co.uk/assets/m...nov_16.pdf

What does everyone else feel about it?]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1199 Tue, 13 Sep 2016 22:57:43 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1199
I'm not sure if this has been noticed by any other members of the forum, but I think the only customer for the Optare Versa V970 (as far as I'm aware the smallest-sized Versa available) so far has been TfGM for their green bus and Metroshuttle contracts.

So, does anybody know if there are any other operators of this size of Versa anywhere else in the UK, or if this was a model produced exclusively for TfGM by Optare? Was there a specific reason for TfGM choosing the V970? If an operator wished to place an order for V970 Versas of their own today, they would be able to?

The V970s are very similar (in terms of capacity) to the M890 Optare Solo SR, I think the most important difference is the Versa has two interior "bays", one on the offside and one on the nearside of the bus (I think the offside bay is the designated wheelchair space and the nearside one is for buggies but it isn't marked as such, they do both have tip-up seats) whereas the Solo SR has only one space on the offside, marked as the designated wheelchair bay. Perhaps the extra bay was the reason why they were selected?

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, or if these questions seem trivial.

Thanks.]]>
I'm not sure if this has been noticed by any other members of the forum, but I think the only customer for the Optare Versa V970 (as far as I'm aware the smallest-sized Versa available) so far has been TfGM for their green bus and Metroshuttle contracts.

So, does anybody know if there are any other operators of this size of Versa anywhere else in the UK, or if this was a model produced exclusively for TfGM by Optare? Was there a specific reason for TfGM choosing the V970? If an operator wished to place an order for V970 Versas of their own today, they would be able to?

The V970s are very similar (in terms of capacity) to the M890 Optare Solo SR, I think the most important difference is the Versa has two interior "bays", one on the offside and one on the nearside of the bus (I think the offside bay is the designated wheelchair space and the nearside one is for buggies but it isn't marked as such, they do both have tip-up seats) whereas the Solo SR has only one space on the offside, marked as the designated wheelchair bay. Perhaps the extra bay was the reason why they were selected?

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, or if these questions seem trivial.

Thanks.]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1198 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 23:11:51 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1198
Everytime a Concessionary Pass is used roughly how much does the bus company get for each passenger.

Is that information available anywhere?

Your thoughts everyone please :-)]]>
Everytime a Concessionary Pass is used roughly how much does the bus company get for each passenger.

Is that information available anywhere?

Your thoughts everyone please :-)]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1191 Fri, 02 Sep 2016 20:25:08 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1191
I'm curious as to how many people see this as a good thing, and how many are as dismayed by it as I am.

Whilst I accept that it does have advantages, such as being easier to keep clean and lasting longer in a visually presentable condition, I've never found the texture particularly pleasant to sit on, and I also find it difficult to ignore the fact that even synthetic leather is generally made from pulverised dead cow.

Presumably, the fact that many operators actively promote the fact that their vehicles have leather seats, would suggest that at least some of them must have done research, and found the overall positive public perception to be positive. Nonetheless, I'd be interested to see the views of contributors here.]]>
I'm curious as to how many people see this as a good thing, and how many are as dismayed by it as I am.

Whilst I accept that it does have advantages, such as being easier to keep clean and lasting longer in a visually presentable condition, I've never found the texture particularly pleasant to sit on, and I also find it difficult to ignore the fact that even synthetic leather is generally made from pulverised dead cow.

Presumably, the fact that many operators actively promote the fact that their vehicles have leather seats, would suggest that at least some of them must have done research, and found the overall positive public perception to be positive. Nonetheless, I'd be interested to see the views of contributors here.]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1101 Tue, 26 Jan 2016 07:21:25 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1101 http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/busi...2016_01_23]]> http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/busi...2016_01_23]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=982 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 11:41:52 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=982 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=950 Sat, 07 Mar 2015 08:43:38 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=950
Alexander Dennis has won the major share of Arriva’s latest fleet order including 100 per cent of the double-deck order of 165 buses. Arriva announced an investment programme worth more than £45million with Wrightbus also gaining a significant share and Optare winning an order for six Solos.

In total, ADL will be supplying 165 Enviro400 double-decks and 16 of the new Enviro200 single-decks. Wrightbus is supplying 50 StreetLites.

The first 62 Enviro400s - Euro 5s - will go into service across Arriva’s north west network and will feature free wi-fi, e-leather seating and CCTV. The deployment in the region is designed to increase capacity and the vehicles will replace a number of one- and two-year-old single-deck buses for refurbishment and redeployment elsewhere across the network in the midlands, south east and north east. A further 47 Enviro400s will enter service in the north west in the latter half of the year.

In the autumn, Arriva will launch six premium Sapphire and two interurban express MAX routes with a further 56 Euro 6 Enviro400s.

“Since its launch, Sapphire has exceeded our expectations in terms of both patronage and revenue, and plays a pivotal role in our ongoing investment strategy,” says Mark Yexley, operations and commercial director for Arriva UK Bus. “As Sapphire continues to perform well across all the routes on which it operates, we feel that both refreshing the existing fleet as well as instigating further launches will serve as an extra incentive to passengers demanding something a little different from their transport providers.

“The Enviro400s have already performed well where previously introduced by Arriva, thanks to their excellent low-weight, robust designs and powerful, economic six-cylinder Cummins EEV engines which deliver reliable low carbon emissions. We have invested nearly £500million into fleet renewal since 2008 and with the introduction of these new buses, along with the other vehicles we’re procuring this year, we are clearly highlighting our commitment to both tackling the environmental challenges we face as a transport provider in the 21st century, whilst ensuring our customers can enjoy efficient, affordable transport.”

A further 28 Euro 5 Wrightbus StreetLite Max buses, built to Sapphire specification including e-leather seating, power points and extra leg room, will be used on Durham’s route 6 and in Northfleet.

The order also includes 12 Wrightbus Hybrid StreetLite Midi vehicles for Southern Counties.

Arriva’s Wrexham, Rhyl, and Luton depots will take the new Enviro200 midibuses which include an automated manual transmission (AMT) which ADL says reduces fuel consumption and emissions by around 13 per cent, on par with hybrids.

Colin Robertson, ADL chief executive says: “We are delighted to have won 80 per cent of this huge investment by Arriva. This latest order means that we have secured 100 per cent of Arriva’s double-deck fleet replacement programme since late 2013, representing 300 vehicles.

“In addition, Arriva will also be among the first operators in the world to introduce our revolutionary new midibus.”


Arriva 2015 orders

• 165 ADL Enviro400
• 11 ADL Enviro200
• 12 Wrightbus 10.8m StreetLite Midi Hybrid
• 34 Wrightbus 11.5m StreetLite Max Hybrid
• 4 Wrightbus 8.8m StreetLite Micro Hybrid
• 6 Optare 8.8m Solo]]>
Alexander Dennis has won the major share of Arriva’s latest fleet order including 100 per cent of the double-deck order of 165 buses. Arriva announced an investment programme worth more than £45million with Wrightbus also gaining a significant share and Optare winning an order for six Solos.

In total, ADL will be supplying 165 Enviro400 double-decks and 16 of the new Enviro200 single-decks. Wrightbus is supplying 50 StreetLites.

The first 62 Enviro400s - Euro 5s - will go into service across Arriva’s north west network and will feature free wi-fi, e-leather seating and CCTV. The deployment in the region is designed to increase capacity and the vehicles will replace a number of one- and two-year-old single-deck buses for refurbishment and redeployment elsewhere across the network in the midlands, south east and north east. A further 47 Enviro400s will enter service in the north west in the latter half of the year.

In the autumn, Arriva will launch six premium Sapphire and two interurban express MAX routes with a further 56 Euro 6 Enviro400s.

“Since its launch, Sapphire has exceeded our expectations in terms of both patronage and revenue, and plays a pivotal role in our ongoing investment strategy,” says Mark Yexley, operations and commercial director for Arriva UK Bus. “As Sapphire continues to perform well across all the routes on which it operates, we feel that both refreshing the existing fleet as well as instigating further launches will serve as an extra incentive to passengers demanding something a little different from their transport providers.

“The Enviro400s have already performed well where previously introduced by Arriva, thanks to their excellent low-weight, robust designs and powerful, economic six-cylinder Cummins EEV engines which deliver reliable low carbon emissions. We have invested nearly £500million into fleet renewal since 2008 and with the introduction of these new buses, along with the other vehicles we’re procuring this year, we are clearly highlighting our commitment to both tackling the environmental challenges we face as a transport provider in the 21st century, whilst ensuring our customers can enjoy efficient, affordable transport.”

A further 28 Euro 5 Wrightbus StreetLite Max buses, built to Sapphire specification including e-leather seating, power points and extra leg room, will be used on Durham’s route 6 and in Northfleet.

The order also includes 12 Wrightbus Hybrid StreetLite Midi vehicles for Southern Counties.

Arriva’s Wrexham, Rhyl, and Luton depots will take the new Enviro200 midibuses which include an automated manual transmission (AMT) which ADL says reduces fuel consumption and emissions by around 13 per cent, on par with hybrids.

Colin Robertson, ADL chief executive says: “We are delighted to have won 80 per cent of this huge investment by Arriva. This latest order means that we have secured 100 per cent of Arriva’s double-deck fleet replacement programme since late 2013, representing 300 vehicles.

“In addition, Arriva will also be among the first operators in the world to introduce our revolutionary new midibus.”


Arriva 2015 orders

• 165 ADL Enviro400
• 11 ADL Enviro200
• 12 Wrightbus 10.8m StreetLite Midi Hybrid
• 34 Wrightbus 11.5m StreetLite Max Hybrid
• 4 Wrightbus 8.8m StreetLite Micro Hybrid
• 6 Optare 8.8m Solo]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=933 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 02:20:17 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=933
Are these DDA Compliant?
If not what makes them fail? as the examples with Arriva NW where able to carry 2 Wheelchairs at once as both areas had backrests and Ramps
Could they be converted to DDA Standards and if so would it be something small needing to be done or would it be something really costy and pointless to do?]]>
Are these DDA Compliant?
If not what makes them fail? as the examples with Arriva NW where able to carry 2 Wheelchairs at once as both areas had backrests and Ramps
Could they be converted to DDA Standards and if so would it be something small needing to be done or would it be something really costy and pointless to do?]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=923 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 15:43:19 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=923 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=898 Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:38:49 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=898 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=836 Wed, 21 May 2014 16:25:02 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=836
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsb...n-bus.html

HTH]]>
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsb...n-bus.html

HTH]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=808 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:09:28 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=808
100 will be due this year, and all will be to Euro 6 standards. 125 buses will be delivered per year until completion of the order. The buses on order are a mix of Enviro200 and Enviro400 models, but it looks like exact numbers for each type have not been mentioned yet.

Excellent news for Alexander Dennis.

BBC News Article]]>
100 will be due this year, and all will be to Euro 6 standards. 125 buses will be delivered per year until completion of the order. The buses on order are a mix of Enviro200 and Enviro400 models, but it looks like exact numbers for each type have not been mentioned yet.

Excellent news for Alexander Dennis.

BBC News Article]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=805 Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:05:43 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=805
UK REGIONAL OPERATIONS
· 69 ADL Enviro 400 Scania double-deckers
· 86 ADL Enviro 300 single-deckers
· 28 ADL Enviro 300 Scania single-deckers
· 23 ADL Enviro 300 Scania GAS single-deckers
· 26 Astromega Euro 6 double deck coaches (for Oxford Tube)
· 3 Astromega Euro 5 double-deck coaches
· 6 Van Hool Altano TDX 21 left-hand drive coaches
· 199 ADL Enviro 200 Dart 4 midibuses
· 2 ADL Enviro 200 Dart 4 Euro 6 midibuses
· 29 ADL Enviro400 Euro 6 double-deckers
· 13 Optare Solo Cummins minibuses
· 8 Plaxton Elite i Volvo B11R Euro 6 coaches
· 3 Van Hool Astromega double-deck sleepercoach vehicles

LONDON
· 32 Wrightbus Gemini Volvo B5LH Euro 6 hybrid double-deckers
· 40 ADL Enviro 400 Trident Euro 6 hybrid double-deckers
· 1 ADL Enviro 400 Trident Conventional Euro 6

It is the largest set of orders ever placed by Stagecoach and the biggest placed by any operator in Britain. It takes Stagecoach Group’s total orders of new buses and coaches for its regional bus operations in the UK to around £545m in last seven years.

More details below
http://www.stagecoachgroup.co.uk/media/n...03-03.aspx]]>
UK REGIONAL OPERATIONS
· 69 ADL Enviro 400 Scania double-deckers
· 86 ADL Enviro 300 single-deckers
· 28 ADL Enviro 300 Scania single-deckers
· 23 ADL Enviro 300 Scania GAS single-deckers
· 26 Astromega Euro 6 double deck coaches (for Oxford Tube)
· 3 Astromega Euro 5 double-deck coaches
· 6 Van Hool Altano TDX 21 left-hand drive coaches
· 199 ADL Enviro 200 Dart 4 midibuses
· 2 ADL Enviro 200 Dart 4 Euro 6 midibuses
· 29 ADL Enviro400 Euro 6 double-deckers
· 13 Optare Solo Cummins minibuses
· 8 Plaxton Elite i Volvo B11R Euro 6 coaches
· 3 Van Hool Astromega double-deck sleepercoach vehicles

LONDON
· 32 Wrightbus Gemini Volvo B5LH Euro 6 hybrid double-deckers
· 40 ADL Enviro 400 Trident Euro 6 hybrid double-deckers
· 1 ADL Enviro 400 Trident Conventional Euro 6

It is the largest set of orders ever placed by Stagecoach and the biggest placed by any operator in Britain. It takes Stagecoach Group’s total orders of new buses and coaches for its regional bus operations in the UK to around £545m in last seven years.

More details below
http://www.stagecoachgroup.co.uk/media/n...03-03.aspx]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=797 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 16:59:59 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=797
I'm sure we all have bits that others may want ???

Get posting/trading...]]>
I'm sure we all have bits that others may want ???

Get posting/trading...]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=793 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:45:22 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=793
Front: https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/h...8578_n.jpg

Rear: https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...7791_o.jpg]]>
Front: https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/h...8578_n.jpg

Rear: https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...7791_o.jpg]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=789 Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:08:18 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=789
The First bus order for 2014/15 has been announced, and is as follows:

274 Wrightbus StreetLite Micro Hybrid
60 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
27 Alexander Dennis Enviro200
27 Wrightbus Streetlites
15 Optare Solo SR
6 Optare Versa EV
6 Plaxton Coaches (Volvo based)

I had a feeling First would order more StreetLites, but not this many in one go!

BusandCoach.com Article]]>
The First bus order for 2014/15 has been announced, and is as follows:

274 Wrightbus StreetLite Micro Hybrid
60 Alexander Dennis Enviro400
27 Alexander Dennis Enviro200
27 Wrightbus Streetlites
15 Optare Solo SR
6 Optare Versa EV
6 Plaxton Coaches (Volvo based)

I had a feeling First would order more StreetLites, but not this many in one go!

BusandCoach.com Article]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=785 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 02:45:32 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=785
I myself personally always like to connect to the WiFi where avalible, through the last year where it's started to become the norm. I've noticed quite a few vehicles particularly with Arriva that the WiFi isn't working or fails to connect due to one problem or another.

Maybe we could have a log of buses that have been sampled where WiFi is working and buses where the WiFi isn't working as it should?

I was recently on Arriva Buses Wales Sapphire Enviro400's, namely 4402 and 4410 both of which the WiFi was working without fault, then I sampled ABW Sapphire spare 2799, again advertised with free WiFi although it couldn't connect. Lastly I sampled ABW Optare Versas 998 and 999 both of which the WiFi failed to connect.]]>
I myself personally always like to connect to the WiFi where avalible, through the last year where it's started to become the norm. I've noticed quite a few vehicles particularly with Arriva that the WiFi isn't working or fails to connect due to one problem or another.

Maybe we could have a log of buses that have been sampled where WiFi is working and buses where the WiFi isn't working as it should?

I was recently on Arriva Buses Wales Sapphire Enviro400's, namely 4402 and 4410 both of which the WiFi was working without fault, then I sampled ABW Sapphire spare 2799, again advertised with free WiFi although it couldn't connect. Lastly I sampled ABW Optare Versas 998 and 999 both of which the WiFi failed to connect.]]>