DartSLF Bus Awards 2012

[H101GEV (Administrator)]

RE: DartSLF Bus Awards 2012
1) Best company of the year?
I'm not sure any company has been outstanding, but I'll plump for Arriva.

2) Best effort of the year?
Again, Arriva, for their continuing fleet modernisation.

3) Best delivery of the year?
This has been the toughest question to answer. Probably the Peoplesbus Tridents because they offer more of what Liverpool needs to desperately - double deckers.

4) Hardest goodbye of the year?
By a country mile the recent loss of 4118 to fire. Couldn't miss the Ultralows and Paladins much less, being totally honest.

5) Smartest-looking bus/buses of the year?
In general, most of Arriva Southport's fleet. They seem to keep their buses cleaner than most other depots both inside and out. Their 10-plate Pulsars put other, newer, examples at other depots to shame.

6) Rarest sighting of the year?
Manchester Airport Pulsar YJ10DJX standing at the Pier Head on the night of 20/10/12. A long way from home.

7) Surprise of the year?
Stagecoach Merseyside's 33030 (P330AYJ), which is simply the best Plaxton-bodied DartSLF I've ever ridden. It has kept remarkably well with a pleasant and warm interior, riding just as well. Another recent surprise was Versa 998 at Chester, whose ride might have been lacklustre, but that was offset somewhat by a very bright and comfortable interior.

8) Disappointment of the year?
Impera winning the Liverpool contracts probably. Always seemed a strange decision and we've seen the effects.

9) Shed of the year?
There have been a few, but I'm going to plump for 4202 (LJ51DJF). Had an awful trip last winter on it - ice cold inside and extremely rough riding. This batch of Geminis is absolutely terrible.