04 May 2013

Incoming Citybus 434

With the new timetables coming in to force this weekend Plymouth Citybus are finally putting their recently acquired double deckers on the road. 434 was caught on camera by Tom looking very smart in full swoops. Plymouth Citybus Ex-Stockwell PVL 434 X546EGK is seen departing Plymouth High School for Girls on her first day of service on the 127 School service to Tavistock. Plymouth Citybus Ex-Stockwell PVL 434 X546EGK is seen on her first day of service on the 127 School service to Tavistock. ©Tom Michaels

14 comments:

  1. Where will the new deckers fit in, and how will Citybus manage without them until they arrive? Nice pic Tom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All of the double deckers from the 27/28 and 29/34 have been removed and placed onto the 21/A. I assume (and hope!) that this is a temporary measure until the new Enviro 400s arrive. 5 more double deckers are on the road, so we can assume five of the Ex-Stockwell PVLs will be in service from tomorrow.

      Delete
  2. Have we any news yet on when the Enviro 400's are due?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Last I heard was towards the end of June / early July - but this was a while ago!

      Delete
  3. What's the handle on the top right corner for?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. tree / branch deflector. Very useful in Plymouth at the moment

      Delete
  4. The Enviro 400s are due early July and once fitted out will hit the streets together at a launch event at the end of July

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the difference between first and citybus. citybus seem to be investing in newer buses unlike first.

      Delete
  5. Great picture
    great livery
    what a mess on the door conversion again Wilts and Dorset ones are done properly why can Citybus who have better engineering than them not do the same!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just to echo the previous post, that's not exactly the neatest or most professional centre door conversion, on most conversions you wouldn't even be aware a centre door was ever there!
    Still if it helps to drive First out of town so be it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's down to cost mate. The window you see costs £300. A bespoke one to fit the conversion is £1500. It's simple economics, passengers are not particularly bothered about the aesthetic appearance of something like an odd window, whilst we enthusiasts see these details our hearts rule our finances and that not going to satisfy an accountant. It's not really a major issue it, they are smart, corporate and on time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Assuming, say a ten year life in Plymouth, that's £120 pa extra over the life of the vehicle. That really is inconsequential for the sake of a bit of "detail"! Given that I've not seen this messy conversion elsewhere I'm obviously not the only one who thinks that..

      Delete
    2. While I agree the windows towards the rear do look a bit scruffy and out of alignment, personally it looks a lot better than the naff job done on 404. Though I had no idea a 'proper' size window cost 5 times a generic stock size one! If it was only £100 odd quid or so different then they should have a proper size window fitted, though a £1200 difference per bus, that alone completely justifies it for me. Yes it looks a bit scruffy though the fact doing it this way is five times cheaper than having a bespoke size window made alone makes it completely justified.

      Delete

Have something interesting to say? Please share it here!

(Moderation is currently switched on so please allow a short while before your comment appears on the site. This is only to cut down on spam - not to cut out people who disagree with me!)