TridentTraveller

@njbirse Yes I believe so. But Stagecoach will have minimal input into the spec, just operating them

@Trident4386 single glazed windows? Is it Stagecoach who have been a bit mean in spec'ing these new buses?

The future of Liverpool’s buses ⚡️ On display in Southport today is one of many new Wright StreetDeck Electroliners due for Liverpool’s forthcoming franchising. Very snazzy inside and out, I especially like the city skyline found below and above windows!

Marvels of the Stockholm Metro Proving that Underground systems don’t have to be soulless tunnels of grey, here’s just a few of the incredible stations which feel closer to living art pieces than anything else!

@aussiewongm I believe so yes, these trains were previously used on the main Stockholm Metro and were modified for use on this line

@Trident4386 What's with the carriages getting wider at platform level - trains designed for narrower loading gauge so gap filling panels got added?

Stockholm’s ‘Secret’ Railway With the main terminal currently closed for reconstruction, the Saltsjöbanan is easily overlooked and lightly used (Rail Replacement also operates). If you like retro feeling electric trains however, the 1970s C stock are great fun!

Stockholm’s Sizeable Scanias Having grown up around regular sized Omnilinks, riding some of the larger kind had long been on my wish list. With almost 200 in operation, Stockholm must have the most in operation anywhere, very impressive vehicles!

Which train to Stockholm? Main reason for last week’s trip was to sample certain buses in Stockholm. Snälltåget compete with SJ on this route, with lower fares and loco hauled stock it was a no brainer. A nice if slightly repetitive journey characterised by lakes and forests!

After Copenhagen it was up to Malmö and Lund earlier this past week 🇸🇪 Services are operated under the Skånetrafiken umbrella, with huge numbers of MANs, Scanias, Solaris and some less common double deckers coaches. All very well presented and reliable!

Copenhagen’s Final Classics 🇩🇰 Another adventure this week, starting in Copenhagen seeking out some of the last ageing ‘Nordic’ buses in operation there. A fleet of 2008 Volvo B12BLEs currently operate route 300S before the Tram extension opens, great fun as expected!

Cornwall by Berkshire? Competition between First and Go-Ahead continues… Having been pushed out of Cornwall, many Enviros have been redeployed to operate M40 and X74 journeys against Carousel. Still fully branded they make an interesting sight amongst TfL buses!

Berlin Sightseeing Novelties 🏙️ As well as the all important city sights, these can be a great way to ride lesser seen and otherwise retired buses, Berlin being no exception with classic MANs and the unique VDL Citea DD employed. Live guide too from Templehofer Sightseeing!

Berlin’s Bespoke Enviros 💛 BVG has a fleet of 200 Enviro 500MMCs which have long been on my bucket list. These differ from most in featuring Mercedes engines, and the interior is best described as adapted to meet the extra low height need. Great fun to ride!

A day out with Deutsche Bahn. First time riding trains on the continent properly, with a mix of loco hauled and units across Eastern Germany. Interesting to see how much better things could be back home, albeit still not perfect!

Not many trains get featured here, but Chiltern’s Mk3 are a rightful mention. Some of my earliest trips into London catching these, all but history from today. Very classy rolling stock attracting positive comments until it’s final days 🫡

@sean_387 Really must get around to this in the warmer weather when I’m next up this way. Nonetheless you look to have striked lucky with the snow!

I came all this way to ride the route 62 from Buxton to Castleton, via Mam Tor, and it was so worthwhile... Undoubtedly one of the most stunning bus routes in the country - photos will not do it justice. And the snow of course makes it even more magical.

ZEBRA reaches Reading 🦓 Yesterday saw the latest zebra scheme Electric buses enter service in Reading, sporting 6 different liveries among them, including a suitably striped one. Very smart vehicles as to be expected from this operator!

@OhNoBlob Interesting to know, I had wondered whether all the Marcopolos were imported!

@Trident4386 Some of these old ones were assembled right here in Coimbra at the Marcopolo factory that closed in 2009

Coimbra’s Classics 🕰️ Next stop of Portugal last week was one of the lesser known cities. The buses however are of great interest, many rounded up from cities across Europe, others new here, and still running 20 if not 30 years later, the highlight being step entrance Volvos!

Portugal’s Douro Valley line 😍 One last thing on the Portuguese bucket list was this highly recommended railway line, easy to see why! Operated with classic locomotives and stock, with river and valley views throughout, its an incredible experience…

Final City visited during last weeks Portugal trip was Braga, a place I knew very little about before discovering a significant fleet of classic 28+ year old Mercedes O405s were still in operation… Great fun and a massive throwback for me from when West Midlands had them!

And some scenery from Porto, well viewed from the top deck of the 500 too!

Majority of last week was based in Porto, a few days on the STCP network found a nice variety of MANs and Caetanos, including the last batch of closed top deckers after BVG withdrew theirs. A very well presented fleet if a bit unreliable at times!