National Express Coaches

[DJ]

Any sort of higher capacity vehicle would need to be a double decker or overdecker style vehicle. For the UK/Ireland, other than VanHool, I can't seem to find any overdecker vehicles. Double deckers are VDLs Futura, Neoplan Skyliner and the Volvo 9700DD but I am going to guess all double deckers would have the same issues as the Boa Vistas.

Are there any other examples of anyone building overdecker/double decker coaches? I've found Ayats and Beulas building an overdecker for Europe and both have done buses for the UK/Ireland but they don't seem to be in very big numbers in the UK, not sure if there is a specific reason why though.

Plaxton offered the Elite i on a Volvo B11RT chassis, mostly taken up by Stagecoach for Megabus, but some were also purchased by other operators, although I believe it's no longer being produced. Beulas also offer the Glory which has overdecker bodywork.

As for double deckers, Plaxton also have the Panorama, Volvo have their 9700 DD, and Beulas also have the Jewel. I'm not sure if any others are still offered, but VDL also made one for a while.

[Tony]

Plaxton offered the Elite i on a Volvo B11RT chassis, mostly taken up by Stagecoach for Megabus, but some were also purchased by other operators, although I believe it's no longer being produced. Beulas also offer the Glory which has overdecker bodywork.

As for double deckers, Plaxton also have the Panorama, Volvo have their 9700 DD, and Beulas also have the Jewel. I'm not sure if any others are still offered, but VDL also made one for a while.

As said above, Plaxton are not building any coaches

[DJ]

As said above, Plaxton are not building any coaches

Ah, I must've missed that. It seems Beulas might be the only option for an overdeck style coach then, as of right now.

[Wumpty]

Aston 424 ( BV73 ZXU )  Scania K410CB6  Caetano Levante C55FT, operating a Wolverhampton - Blackpool private hire today.

[Jay71]

You can pay to reserve a seat with no legroom..  But you can't pay to reserve a seat by the emergency which does have legroom. Most strange 

[Tony]

You can pay to reserve a seat with no legroom..  But you can't pay to reserve a seat by the emergency which does have legroom. Most strange

There's no seats with no leg room on a Levante, but you only look for things to moan about. If you want extra leg room you can reserve 2a and 2b which have a massive empty space in front 

[Jay71]

There's no seats with no leg room on a Levante, but you only look for things to moan about. If you want extra leg room you can reserve 2a and 2b which have a massive empty space in front

Where have I moaned?  I asked what I considered to be reasonable question
You have two seats by the emergency exit opposite the loo. These have more legroom than the reservable seats 

[Tony]

Where have I moaned?  I asked what I considered to be reasonable question
You have two seats by the emergency exit opposite the loo. These have more legroom than the reservable seats

They don't have more leg room than 2a & 2b. It has always been the front rows that are reservable because they are easier for the driver to enforce 

[Jay71]

They don't have more leg room than 2a & 2b. It has always been the front rows that are reservable because they are easier for the driver to enforce

Thanks for clarifying the reservation system

[tphi12000]

Shocked to see 407 BV71GYP on the 134 travelling down Netherstowe Lane in Lichfield totally unsuitable for a coach to be using this narrow lane as a diversion ,  which barely wide enough for a transit .

[Tony]

BV22 VTZ & BV22 VUA have both transferred from Bruces to Woods at Aston

[ellspurs]

I saw a National Express coach being towed north up the m42 this morning between j4 and 5, about 03:30. I guess that one was a breakdown?

[Mayfield]

Noted a Levante in Leicester yesterday, could get near enough to get any details but it had a full n/s wrap of some kind, may also have been on the O/S as well, any ideas what it is for

[B61 ANDREW]

BLOTW have BV74LLK and LLM as new to Bennetts of Gloucester. Bustimes suggests that they entered service yesterday.  

[winston]

I passed a convoy of 4 x Levante 3A's unbranded heading on the A34 towards Oxford direction approx 1pm. 

Unable to ID as crash barrier was obscuring any registration plates whilst passing in the opposite direction. 

Assume they were more withdrawn 68 plates, possibly heading for Bus & Coach Centre, Oxford.