Lothian Group discussion (Lothian City, Lothian Country Bus and East Coast Buses)

[CN04NRJ]

It’s a demonstrator. Lothian is going to use it on trials for a few days.

It's on 23s from Sunday, it'll be here for more than just a few days.

 

[Lothian285]

There's an article about it on the Lothian website now: https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2022/02/metrodecker-on-trial-with-lothian/

Lothian is currently trialling a zero-emission double deck electric bus from Switch Mobility.

The Metrodecker is the lightest double decker in its class. Seating up to 84, the low floor vehicle has capacity to carry up to 99 customers and has a range on a single charge (subject to duty cycle and equipment options) of approximately 155 miles.

The vehicle will be on the streets of Edinburgh from this Sunday (6 February) for a few weeks to allow our engineering colleagues the opportunity to see the bus in action as part of our ongoing work to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of Lothian’s fleet.

Dylan Dastey, Chief Engineer for Lothian, said: “Our business will play an integral role in the future success of Edinburgh and the Lothians by providing world class environmentally-friendly and socially inclusive transport.

“We’re delighted to be trialling the Metrodecker as part of our continued investigations into the latest technologies to make sure our services exceed the needs and expectations of our customers.”

 

[Highland050261]

I wonder if it’s been given the normal demo fleet number of 299.

 

[Bus9120UK]

I wonder if it’s been given the normal demo fleet number of 299.

Tracker 5005, also used for such vehicles, has popped up. I would expect this to be the more likely option.

 

[Graeme Duncan]

I was thinking of 2 fleet numbers for the demonstrator either 295 or 699.

 

[Bus9120UK]

Special Rugby X12's operating today. 434/5/6 & 927 look to be the buses that will be operating the service.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

Special Rugby X12's operating today. 434/5/6 & 927 look to be the buses that will be operating the service.

If that be the case, I find it hard not to be impressed given current shortages of drivers.

 

[CN04NRJ]

If that be the case, I find it hard not to be impressed given current shortages of drivers.

Lots of drivers work overtime, plus anybody else in the company with a PCV that wants to help out.

 

[Lothian_Bus]

A few extra 22's as well today I assume.

 

[Bus9120UK]

A few extra 22's as well today I assume.

Extras for several services serving the Murrayfield Area (12, 22, 26, 30, 31)

 

[FP transport v]

I have uploaded some photographs of Metrodecker demonstrator YJ19HVC (attached below).

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

I have uploaded some photographs of Metrodecker demonstrator YJ19HVC (attached below).

How do you find it?

@FP transport v

 

[GALLANTON]

How do you find it?

@FP transport v

Stand at a bus stop and wait for it I'd imagine? Or use a tracker.

 

[Bus9120UK]

How do you find it?

@FP transport v

Wait for the 23 that doesn't properly show on the app (should have an * next to it).

 

[FP transport v]

How do you find it?

@FP transport v

If you use the TFE app or or look on any tracker there is a bus on the 23 that isn't showing the fleet number, and that's it

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

If you use the TFE app or or look on any tracker there is a bus on the 23 that isn't showing the fleet number, and that's it

I’m meaning, “How is the bus to drive”…

Not as in how to find the vehicle on route, I stay in Glasgow

 

[FP transport v]

I’m meaning, “How is the bus to drive”…

Not as in how to find the vehicle on route, I stay in Glasgow

Oh, I misunderstood. I'm not the driver lol

 

[GALLANTON]

I’m meaning, “How is the bus to drive”…

Not as in how to find the vehicle on route, I stay in Glasgow

Would've helped if you said that originally.

 

[VioletEclipse]

The demonstrator was replaced by a Gemini 2 in the mid afternoon today.

 

[SpeedbirdA350]

One thing that I like about the bus is the display. It looks like the e-ink display, though not sure if it is.

 

[90019]

The demonstrator was replaced by a Gemini 2 in the mid afternoon today.

Apparently the heater stopped working during the afternoon, so it was changed for 394.

One thing that I like about the bus is the display. It looks like the e-ink display, though not sure if it is.

It has roller blinds.

 

[ScotRail158725]

One thing that I like about the bus is the display. It looks like the e-ink display, though not sure if it is.

They’re normal blinds like was in the normal Lothian fleet, just these are in the TfL font

 

[Vectron383]

378 has a smashed emergency exit door window

Got on the demonstrator today and the ticket shows fleetnumber 998

 

[CN04NRJ]

Got on the demonstrator today and the ticket shows fleetnumber 998

Correct

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1142 has been operating from Central for a few days now, 1141 come up from Marine last night. Both are on the 10 today.

 

[stantheman]

Followed 23 east on the A7O in Currie ..would this be coming back after work or repair somewhere ?

 

[Willie622]

Are there going to be any service change for Lothian buses this month?

w Scott

 

[Bus9120UK]

Are they going to be any service change for Lothian buses This month w Scott

I don't believe there are any plans for a change in service this month. Keep an eye out just in case.

 

[CN04NRJ]

Can't quote @stantheman , but it would be one of the Mk2 7900s that have been away for battery replacements (11-50 are to be done, apparently).

 

[Busman757]

Enviro 215 is on Service 43.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

Is that why they don’t stop anymore when stationary?

Possibly.