Today we drove to York; no this will not be a
diatribe about the park and ride scheme that featured in a previous blog.
However the aforementioned park and ride does feature. On our return from the
city centre a different coloured bus turned up, the reason for its different
colour was that it was powered by electricity.
So in York City Centre began my first ride on an
electric bus. I thought that I would take the trouble to review the experience.
Externally and internally there was nothing out of the ordinary. I suppose that
the interior was a little more modern and clean, however I put that down to the
fact that the bus had only been on the road for a few days. It was when it
started that the difference was noticeable. It was very quiet so that the
rattles in the interior were amplified. I guess it is also very quiet for
pedestrians and that the drivers must take increased care in city centres. The
really big change was the rapidity of the acceleration with no noticeable gearshifts.
The braking also seemed smoother and the deceleration quicker. I think that the
interior floor was flatter with no step up over the engine. Add all this
together and it gave a very good ridership experience.
Now I think that the Bus Company and York Council
missed a trick. The fact that it was an electric bus posed all sorts of
questions. Not the least how far does it travel on one charge, is it only
suitable for short inner city routes? It would be good to know its cost
compared to a conventional diesel model, both to purchase and run. Certainly
environmentally there were no noticeable emissions. I think it is credit to
York that they are leading the way with these buses.
Another un-elated thought from today. I notice that I
have much in common with Prince Charles, the publication of his letters to
government ministers shows that he like me is concerned with the plight of the
dairy industry. However there the similarity ends, I am quite happy for my blog
to be reproduced anywhere. If you hold opinions then you should not be shy of
other people knowing about them, particularly if you have an accountable position.
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