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There is a new training vehicle at Worcester, I think it is 69320, but don't quote me on this, and it has Leicester legal lettering. Unsure if this is a temporary or permanent transfer, but Worcester's usual bus has a number of defects, and may not be worth spending any money on it.

Bustimes list 69380 and 69381 as driver training vehicles with First Leicester - both new to First Hampshire and Dorset. I'll keep a look out.

Training bus 66940 in a mainly yellow livery seen in Bromsgrove at around 09.30 this morning on the '144 route' heading towards Catshill. Rather weird that drivers are learning on a vehicle type that will soon be eliminated from the fleet, or is it a case of "a bus is a bus" ??

ANDREW wrote: ↑

19:34 Wednesday 25th September 2024

Training bus 66940 in a mainly yellow livery seen in Bromsgrove at around 09.30 this morning on the '144 route' heading towards Catshill. Rather weird that drivers are learning on a vehicle type that will soon be eliminated from the fleet, or is it a case of "a bus is a bus" ??

Buses are very expensive and need to earn their keep. Carrying passengers is top priority until the depreciation is paid off, they they can be released for tasks that don't bring in so much cash.

Thinking back, the training vehicles have often been slightly different to most of the fleet, the object being to pass the PCV test in a 12 metre vehicle. Passed-out drivers surely taken out by a qualified instructor to familiarise them on various different types, especially double-deckers which need additional training to make sure potential drivers are fully aware of overhanging buildings, street furniture and of course those very low bridges which abound in eastern parts of Worcester city!

Also note that modern double-decks can not be used for PCV instructing or testing because the location of the stairs creates a huge blind-spot for the instructor or examiner.

66940 now showing on Bustimes.

Not new but Bustimes have 69333 back at Worcester after a 3 week stay at Ravenhill Depot / First Cymru.