Why are old buses reappearing in service?

[bignosemac]

Over the next few weeks, many folks in the Shires will be seeing older buses on their usual routes. This is particularly so in areas where Stagecoach Bus operate.

The reason? Newer buses have been sent to London (and other Games venues across the UK) for Olympic™ duty, ferrying athletes, members of the media, Games staff and spectators around venues. Stagecoach were awarded the lion's share of this work.

Bus operators are filling the gaps in their fleets by bringing strategic reserve vehicles back into use.

So you may experience less comfort over the next few weeks as those low-floor, air conditioned buses you are used to are replaced, ironically in some cases, with 20+ year old Leyland Olympians!

[TerminalJunkie]

Over the next few weeks, many folks in the Shires will be seeing older buses on their usual routes.

It's happening with First down this way, but for a different reason!

[welshman]

There ain't no substitute for a Gardner engined omnibus. 

[anthony215]

First seem to be sending a good number of their newer vehicles to London to cover the olympics.

This has led to problems if a vehicles is withdrawn there may not be any available low floor vehicles within the group to replace them.

We have seen this where First cymru has received at least 2 step entrance Dennis Darts which has annoyed some OAP's in Swansea (Although us bus enthusiasts are not complaining)

[eightf48544]

We've apparently got new double deckers for the Slough Windsor racecourse shuttle.

Not sure who operator is presume First.

[bobm]

According to Buszone First are providing 40 new vehicles for the rowing shuttles and Reading Transport 18 from their existing fleet.  These 18 shouldn't affect services in Reading as they run a reduced service during the school holidays anyway.

[bobm]

Meanwhile hydrogen-fuelled taxis being used for the Olympics are making a 130 mile round trip to refuel...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-19049209

Hydrogen-fuelled taxis, introduced in London for the Olympic Games, are being transported on a 130-mile round trip to Swindon to refuel.

The fleet of three low-emission cabs was introduced to ferry VIPs and officials during the Games.

But the hydrogen fuelling station, at Lea Interchange near the Olympic Park, has had to close for security reasons.

The consortium HYTEC, which provided the taxis, said a new station was expected to open at Heathrow soon.

In the meantime, the taxis are loaded on a transporter to make the trip to the nearest filling station at car manufacturer Honda's plant in Swindon.

(more on the link)