June 3rd 2020: Fleet Ramblings

© Theo Freeman

Stagecoach Oxfordshire
It has been very many years since double decks were used on Town Services in Banbury. For many years the depot only had single deck vehicles on its books, that was until the recent allocation of Enviro 400 10067. Normally used on the 500 service, 10067, had recently been seen working on the B5 and B6 routes.
We understand that a recent attempt to transfer Scania/Enviro 400 15613 to Stagecoach South Wales was unsuccessful and it remains at Oxford with the transfer to Stagecoach South Wales at Cwmbran still to take place.
Our records show that Scania/Enviro 400 15533 has not been observed with any other Stagecoach UK Bus operating company - is anyone able to confirm whether it remains out of service in the Stagecoach Oxfordshire fleet?

Stagecoach UK Bus
With Social Distancing in place onboard bus services we welcome the move by several companies to have programmed destination blinds which can be set to show ‘Bus Full’. An example of best practice is this example from Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire which also includes the route number. We understand that this is the display being used by most Stagecoach operating companies.
We have, however, seen an example that carries the same message but using less than a third of the destination screen without also showing a route number. That could bring total confusion for intending passengers waiting at a bus stop served by several different services.
With the current maximum loadings of double decks around 20 passengers and with more people returning to work and having to use public transport they need to be given as much information as possible. So ‘Bus Full’ information is welcomed.
 What should be remembered is that public transport should continue to be used only where absolutely necessary.

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