Stagecoach MCSL - Gillmoss Depot

[H101GEV (Administrator)]

RE: Stagecoach Merseyside - Gillmoss Depot
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!