Firstly I would like to clarify matters concerning a report of an accident to a Carousel Metrobus which I had received from a correspondent. The company wrote to decline any responsibility for the accident mentioned and notes that concerns had been expressed to Bucks County Council before the accident happened. I must apologise if any misconceptions were created by the report as published.

Tim Jones wrote with a question saying "I've just been flicking through the archive pages on your website and seen that on Monday, February 22nd 1999 there is a picture of VUD30X and ex COMS ECW bodied Leyland Leopard, pictured in South Midland livery and a note saying it is now at the Oxford Bus Museum in Long Hanborough.  However, I've not yet visited the museum, and having looked on their website, I see no mention  of it in their fleet list.

Can you confirm whether it is still there or not?"

Whilst indeed this coach used to be at the Museum, following some changes at long Hanborough this coach was moved by its owner to alternative accommodation near Charlton-on-Otmoor and is no longer part of the OBM collection.

Martyn Banham couldn't resist this shot of a six on a six.

A quiet week with no news of any import from this company.

However I had an interesting letter from a reader who says "I was impressed by the links on your website for bus enthusiasts.  I am always very interested in what is happening with our local buses, and express coach links Particularly when I see other companies in other cities improving their fleets.  I have to say I have been very impressed with the progress the Oxford Bus Company has made in the last decade, against stiff competition.

I was initially surprised by the choice to switch to Scania Irizar Centuries after seeing the Volvo Jonckheere Mistrals launch the new Airline Livery. Now I am curious as to whether we will see the new Scania Irizar PBs becoming part of the Airline and Espress fleets in the future? Or what other coaches we are likely to see eventually replacing the gradually ageing Excaliburs? It interests me how over the years (particularly since the Go-Ahead, and Stagecoach takeovers) the Espress has taken over from the Tube as the "Luxury" service to London. It would be great to see this quality gap expanded further with newer coaches in the Espress fleet. If single decker coaches will continue to be used by OBCs Espress and Airline services, then Irizar PBs should DEFINITELY be the coach of choice over Irizar Centuries to make such a quality statement, even if they do cost more than the new model Century. Of course if the Espress is going to compete head-to-head with the Tube with double-deckers, (which I think is really necessary having been stuck at Marble Arch at peak times watching FIVE New Tubes pick up passengers before an Espress came along with seats available!!) Setra S431DTs would completely outshine them. Whilst the Neoplans of the "New Oxford Tube" fleet are impressively spacious, having ridden on them they certainly feel "cheaper", and less luxurious than expected given the hype about them.

I'm also very curious to know whether we will ever see the articulated Citaro "bendy-buses", which are now such a common site in London, as part of the OBC fleet.  I vaguely remember Oxford South Midland having "bendy-buses" (on loan perhaps?) for a short time when I was a kid. The low-floor OBC fleet is generally superior to the Stagecoach-Oxford fleet, (although the non low floor OBC buses could do with being replaced - some of them are ancient!)  I'm sure more of these high quality Citaro buses on a wider variety of routes than currently used would ensure that OBC claw back considerable market share on the busiest routes.

Call me an anorak - but I would love to see these models mentioned above on the streets of Oxford.  When it comes to local travel, I generally jump on whichever bus comes first, but quality is worth waiting a few extra minutes for. Whenever I travel to Abingdon I ALWAYS get on an X3/X13, even if the X4 comes first.

Lastly, whilst seeing some of OBC's older buses painted in the newer "Citaro-style" Oxford Red livery, (801 being a common sight) I'm sure I've seen others more recently re-painted back in the OLD red, white & blue livery - why is this?  After such great new liveries on all other services, why not transform the entire Oxford Bus fleet into this stunning new look rather than repainting older buses in the older style? If they aren't going to be replaced yet, they at least deserve the new look, surely? Does one paint job really cost that much more than another?"

I quote this because it describes the local scene at this time and puts forward one persons point of view. I am sure there are many others which may agree or disagree with the writer.

I have no knowledge of plans to replace the current "espress" fleet but maybe the Irizar PB could be a choice when the time comes.

What the writer must realise is that wheel chair accessibility is to be all important for new coaches on express routes from, I believe, next year. This means that the PB will not comply once the regulations are in force and new models will doubtless come to the market.

Whatever happens the local and national scene will always be full of interest.

Heyfordian

Martyn Banham sent this picture of Heyfordian's Metrorider at the stop for the 14 service to Aylesbury last week.
This service can indeed generate some interesting vehicles.

MK Metro

Robin Clare writes "...company employees were informed this Monday, 7th February, that from a date in April 2005 to be confirmed, M K Metro would commence operation of Service X6, Oxford - Northampton on behalf of Northants C.C.

I believe I remember this as the 338, and worked it on several occasions whilst working Rest Days in Oxford."

Robin Clare