Bedford YMT Plaxton Supreme
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steep cambers of the ride and handling circuit, but the coach coped admirably with potholes and corrugated surfaces. Hill starts were no problem on the 1 in 4 gradient as the spring parking brake released immediately—but a strong smell of hot clutch lining was very evident.
Brake tests did not lock any wheels and good stopping distances were obtained. A full power stop from 40mph pulled the coach up in 85ft—far comparison nearly 20ft less than the Ford R1014 bus tested by CM last August. The coach always pulled up in a perfectly straight line with no side slew at all.
When doing full power stops from 64km/h (40mph), the oil warning light came on, indicating some oil surge in the sump.
Comfortable
The good performance of the mechanical part of the coach was matched by the comfort given by the Plaxton Supreme body. This was free from any squeaks and rattles and would give all passengers seated a comfortable and quiet ride. Small extra touches such as the steps and grab handles at at front end should please the driver anxious to clean his windscreen.
The entrance would present no difficulties for most passengers. The initial step was 419mm (16iin) from ground level and interior step heights were 241mm (9/in), 203mm (8in), and 190mm (7-iin). The entrance width with the power door open was 635mm (25in).
One cause for comment was that when the boot door was raised the top edge of the door came to rest almost touching the rear display glass.
To sum up, the Bedford YMT would seem to please operator, driver and passenger alike, thanks to its reasonable fuel economy, good performance and handling, quietness and comfortable ride.
Overall price as tested was £18,311 including radio and public address equipment, wheel discs, side lockers and air door fitted by Plaxtans. Basic chassis once is £6,781.