Why the)f?
Page 28
Page 29
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
This was the question we put to four large operators who run Bedford 'Y' Series bus and coach chassis. Here are some of their illuminating replies.
First Harry Hill of Hills of Tredegar who has 25 Bedford 'Ys'.
”. Operating costs are very good. On some runs we are getting up to 14 or 15 miles per gallon. With power-assisted steering they're excellent.There are no complaints at all from drivers. Excellent to manoeuvre in and out of tight situations.°, All round I think it is an excellent chassis; were certainly going to stick with them.!, 80% of Tricentrol Coaches Limited's fleet are Bedford 'Y.' Director and General Manager John Head and Workshop Manager Gordon Hoar put it this way.
,e Bedford saves us money on our total operating costs particularly with the cost and availability of spares. !!!!‘
•• They are one of the most straightforward vehicles to service and repair. We are able to do a full service on a Bedford 'Yin two hours in the morning before it starts work. Most other makes take much longer.
t" We have a much better braking performance and brake wear record with Bedford than with competitive makes. Against one particular make our brake wear performance is at least three times better with Bedfords.t4,
Two of our 500 engine 'Ys have each done 30,000 miles in three months and we've had no major problems whatsoever. '"'"' The Whittle Coach and Travel Group's fleet of 54 vehicles has been almost exclusively Bedford for the last 14 years. Ron Whittle explained.
During these 14 years we've tried various other chassis but on balance we've found no good reason for changing from Bedford." " The two areas where we think the Bedford 'Y' is far superior to any of its competitors is in quality of ride and noise levels...substantially better. And this obviously makes for happy passengers. The power boost from the 500 engine on the YMT is a boon. "
Price and availability of Bedford spares compares favourably with all the other makes. And we find the network of PSV dealers very helpful. Ken Barton of Barton Transport Ltd. the largest private bus and coach fleet operator in the UK had this to say.
" We have works service, general public service and long distance express routesso we get all sorts of operating conditions." "!* From the point of view of passenger comfort we are very pleased with them. The 'Y' has always been a very nice vehicle in this way, and the 500 engine gives it much improved performance. "
" The drivers like the new engine very much. a),