Minibuses – Where Next?

The Mercedes Benz minibus was once the backbone of many a small town garage, for those routes where capacity wasn’t much of an issue or where penetration was important. These second-generation mini- or midi-buses gave that bit more flexibility to operators – they were wider and longer and consequently replaced both smaller minis and larger conventionals, all over Britain. And they were robust, too, especially in Mercedes 0709 and 0811 forms.

The successor Mercedes Vario came with a few engineering problems, though, but nothing especially poor. They carried on the tradition of flexibility and familiarity – both for drivers, fitters and passengers.

Conventionals and SLFs such as the MPD or Solo have already replaced many of the some 50,000 Varios produced, and much of the remainder are now almost life expired. While operators have received a shock in terms of increased fuel consumption (by some 40 per cent), there’s no technical problem with SLFs where the road network is up to accommodating these larger vehicles.

It’s all very well having SLFs capable of delivering improved access (which in turn can bring more passengers) but what happens when you can’t use one for fear of grounding or because narrow roads constrain operations?

Optare’s so-called Baby Solo is one such product, with its reduced width and length. The Optare Alero’s probably too small as a direct Vario replacement but, anyway, its good looks cannot compensate for early operational failings.

Another is the new Plaxton Primo. If placed side-by-side with a Plaxton Beaver bodied Vario, the Primo’s almost identical in length. The Primo’s wheelbase is good and its hard to imagine a bus with such a shorter rear overhang. It’s light in weight. It’s light ‘n’ bright inside. And with virtually all its 28 seats accessible to all, and with fixed rather than the usual tip up seats behind the driver, this product seems attractive, even there are problems such as the unusual one-piece door which protrudes when open.

In all these, price remains an obstacle. And narrow country lanes with unexplained, bizarre cambers mean that the Vario may still have a limited future. It’s still available in Beaver form. To make it disability access regulations compliant, there’s an intrusive and time-consuming lift along the side, consequently four less seats and still two steps for those who aren’t disabled but otherwise struggle to get aboard. A limited market it may have and it might not be ideal today, but for some, there’s probably no other choice.