[Archive] Arriva North West - Speke Depot

[BHA]

RE: Arriva North West - Speke Depot

(01/02/2013 19:33)507009 Wrote:  For the second day running, it was all B7TLs on the 500. Doing the honours today were 4108, 4112 and 4115. Sensible allocating in my book with all three boasting luggage racks.

Couldn't agree more with the Bendi sentiments. The novelty has indeed worn off: unreliable, rough-riding and distinctly uncomfortable sheds for the most part I'm afraid. There are a couple of decent ones (6006 and 6014 spring to mind) but in general, the rest are a step down from what they replaced, simple as that.

Have to take issue with you on the Bendis. I have never ridden on the ANW ones but I visit Leicester fairly regularly and was there yesterday. I rode one of the Unilink Bendis 5002. It was in reasonable condition, a bit rattly and bumpy but that's what you get with a Bendi. All 5 were in service on the 80 Uni service and the driver I spoke to, whilst not gushing, was complementary. They are of course like the 699 only used in bulk in term times so in holidays they can be more sparely used. But the same applies to the NW ones. They came from the same source, London route 73, so perhaps Leicester could share their tlc technique.