The Anonymous Widower

Standing on a New Bus for London

Coming back from the Angel today, I got a New Bus for London.  And it was totally packed and so I had to stand.

As I didn’t have a measure with me, I can’t be sure, but it struck me that the central aisle on the lower deck was wider.  Or perhaps those with large cases and packages had got a seat.

So I stood all the way to the stop where I got off.

I can’t say I do this often, but I felt it was easier to stand than on a normal London bus.  The handrails were in the right place and it struck me that the dynamics of the bus are better.  This could be because the bus is longer and slightly wider, but it might be that the placing of the hybrid drive train is better. It could also be that as all the seats were full and the design placed them in the right position for balance, that the passengers were making the bus more stable.

Of course all of these points could apply to any new bus design.  So I think it is true to say, that on the subject of ride and vehicle dynamics, there is a lot to be squeezed out. As I’ve said before there is a war out there and it’s the passengers, who’ll win.

As I stood there holding safely to the handrail, it got me thinking. The ride difference between the New Bus for London and the normal Wight or Dennis product, was almost like that between the old Routemaster and it’s predecessor, the RT. That difference was very marked, as the RT had a very simple suspension and a traditional body, but the Routemaster had independent front suspension and a integral body design. The Routemaster was also a lot lighter than the RT, despite carrying eight more passengers.

March 28, 2012 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Buses, London, New Bus for London