As we enter the new year, Richard Sharman shares his thoughts on some of the rare types and older buses that are still in service with some of the big groups in 2024
A lot can happen in 20 years or more. The world is a completely different place now compared to 2004, but despite the advances in technology, Euro VI emissions and electric buses, the workhorses of two decades or more still soldier on in many areas of the UK, where operators cannot afford to replace them, or haven’t been successful in funding plug-in replacements.
When it comes to the big groups, the concentration is always focused on the shiny newer buses entering the fleet, but in reality, the difference between operating companies in some of the groups can sometimes be night and day, with those with lower revenue earning depots often having to keep older buses in service much longer.
The older the better?
It is certainly something that is open for debate, but the general consensus seems to be amongst some in the industry that older buses are a lot less complicated to operate and work on because they have less to go wrong in terms of electronics.
From a driver’s point of view, the leap forward in technology under the bonnet doesn’t always transfer to the drivers cab. As a former Senior Controller and Forward Duty Allocator at a major bus group, this was something I experienced first hand from the people who could spend 10 hours a day behind the wheel.
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