Artic Turns - Part 2

Each of the big five groups has subsidiaries operating articulated buses. This would’ve been unheard of seven years ago. Indeed, there are now considerable numbers of bendy buses on England’s urban streets. Operators realise at least in principle the benefits of swift loading and low floor accessibility for large numbers of passengers, when compared to a double deck.

Double decks themselves make efficient use of road space but modern, DDA regulation-compliant deckers have the draw back that there are now fewer seats in the lower saloon. Elderly people benefit from easy access but increasingly are forced upstairs, because of the lack of vacant seats below. The artic solves this problem. But, passengers in Britain also dislike standing.

Yet at 18m long – roughly double the length of two Routemasters – critics especially in London argue that they contribute towards traffic congestion, by blocking junctions. Lay-people also feel that they are less manoeuverable when in fact their articulation helps. And cyclists don’t like 'em, either; they get caught on corners.

Operators are concerned about revenue loss (three doors). Transport authorities bulk at providing appropriately extended infrastructure – bus stations and stops may not cope with artics.

So, what *is * the future? To be continued…