idis making Capital inroads
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• The first of 70 new Mercedes-Benz 811D midibuses for use on inner London streets was handed over this week to London Buses as part of a plan to replace uneconomic double-decker Routemasters on selected routes with a more frequent small bus service called Gold Arrow.
"This is not just a one-off," says Peter Hendley, general manager at London Buses' Centre-West division and the prime mover behind the midibus strategy. "We are trying to get off our hind legs and do something positive instead of letting London Transport gently decline. This is the start of a new approach of tailoring the vehicle to the passenger."
At around £35,000 apiece, the midis represent a major investment, but London Buses has already ordered another 37 for introduction into the Uxbridge area early next year. At the handover chairman John Telford-Beasley hinted that he may soon introduce a midibus service into the Docklands. This could lead to a rnidibus war in the area because bus operator Harry Blundred has already applied for an 0-licence to run a 100-strong fleet of midis through a subsidiary called Docklands Transit (CM 1-7 December).
The LB midis, running on route 28 (Golders Green — Wandsworth) and 31 (Camden Town — Chelsea) will increase bus frequency by 60% at peak times. London Buses chose inner-city midibuses after studying the fortunes of Yorkshire Rider in the centre of Leeds. Following the switch to midis YR enjoyed a 28% increase in profits and a sharp decrease in vandalism.
Alexanders of Falkirk has built the vehicle bodies to London Buses' specifications for a "user-friendly" bus. These include a wide door with low steps, good handrails, a large luggage space, and large illuminated destination blinds. Each vehicle can carry 43 passengers (15 standing) and is powered by a turbocharged four-litre diesel engine.