So today I walked up from where the soon to be slashed Beccles Town Service 82 had dropped me, and on entering Borderbus's yard a bright orange thing appeared. No not the much absent sun, but a rather impressive looking bus.
Optare Metrodecker YJ65 EPU |
The first impression when you board the Metrodecker is there is a lot of blue plastic around. An awful lot of blue plastic. The rear seating downstairs looked rather uninviting, but at the same time there was a feeling of airiness and space.
Rear lower deck |
The upper deck has been very well designed, with a curved front that is almost Borismaster like, and a large rear window giving extra light. There are 51 seats upstairs but nowhere is legroom cramped, and I found it an extremely pleasant environment. I should also add there are no huge pillars at the front obstructing views like the Streetdecks do.
The front top deck |
And the rear |
The nearside located emergency door |
A nearside view |
Exterior Appearance: 9 - Nothing wrong with it, would get a 10 with a bit more wow factor
Interior Design & Comfort: 10 - a lot of thought has gone into it, and even hard looking seatts are good.
Ride Quality: 10 - can't fault it. Smooth and comfortable in every way
Acceleration: 8 - perfect for a bus but not mind blowing
Brakes: 9 - didn't notice them which says it all.
Soundtrack: 9 - quiet and unobtrusive
Build Quality: 8 - too much plastic but no rattles!
Feel Good Factor: 9 - couldn't stop grinning, loved it..
That gives an average of 9, which I feel could be hard to beat. I'd recommend a ride on this lovely bus while it's here, and it is without doubt the best bus Optare has ever produced.
I have informed by Borderbus that the Metrodecker may be out Saturday but that is to be confirmed. However from Monday it is expected to be on the following journeys, although these are subject to change. Keep an eye on Borderbus's Twitter account.
0915 Southwold - Norwich.
1050 Norwich - Kessingland
1228 Kessingland - Norwich
1340 Norwich - Kessingland
At other times it will be on school work.
Borderbus ae also experimenting with a new electronic display for their fleet of Presidents. The first one has been fitted to 206 X652LLX and looks pretty good.
The new display on 206 |
There is still no date for the delivery of the two Geminis, and as soon as I hear something I'll post it. As usual my thanks to Dave, Colin and Eric at Borderbus for inviting and letting me have a preview of the Metrodecker.
Somewhat off topic but Silcox a major bus and coach operator in South West Wales is going into administration. Not may other operators around their so who will pick the routes up who knows
ReplyDeleteUPDATE. The situation seems a bit confused but they seemed to have filed a notice that they intend to file for administration. They have 100 days to do so from filing that. Currently it appear the management are trying to find a buyer.
DeleteMeanwhile Pembrokeshire County Council have awarded all the School Contracts to Edwards Coaches. They will pick them up after the half term holiday
In addition they appear to have cancelled all day trips and holidays.
http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/14532028.School_bus_service__will_continue_as_normal__following_Silcox__financial_difficulties_/
Further Update, Now confirmed All Silcox bus services will cease. New operators will take them over from the 6th of June. I assume these are emergency contracts until they can be retendered
ReplyDeleteLink Here:http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=838,1629,839&id=33628
In answer to your question about how the emergency exit would be affected by a second door, the answer is the second door replaces the emergency exit. Current legislation only requires 2 exits so if you have a 2-door bus you don't need a separate emergency exit.
ReplyDeleteThat's correct. Paragraph 52H of the M2 & M3 Vehicle Approval Manual states, "A minimum of two doors must be fitted consisting of either two service doors or one service door and one emergency door. Every double-deck vehicle shall have two doors on the lower deck. Service door/s must be on the nearside of a vehicle".
DeleteI disagree with your review of the metrodecker. I found it deeply underwhelming.
ReplyDeleteThe world would be nothing without differences of opinion! look out for my overall review in next day or so, which does highlight some room for improvement.
DeleteI'll be interested to read your comments. Did you take a long journey on it? I travelled from Norwich to Beccles on the upper deck. A pleasant surprise to be able to do so as I use the 146 weekly (or more frequently) and used long ago to be an Optare shareholder (less said about that the better!). Is two years from launch of a new model without making sales or entering production a record I wonder? lol.
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