PHJ 955 flood2
Southend Corporation had an excellent reputation, as it ALWAYS ran the timetabled service, never turning journeys short (extra buses were added, not existing ones curtailed), and that included fog, flood and snow.
The Traffic Superintendent knew well how deep the water was, as a lorry had been stuck there and had to be pulled out first.
The Fleetlines allocated to service 8 didn't have a hope of getting through this (floodwater not draining owing to it coinciding with a high tide) so PD3/6 training bus 316 was brought out, as this had the stronger engine of the two (315 was the other). The only other half cab double-deckers that could have gone through were open-toppers, but because of the depth of the water, the lower deck floor flooded and so it was felt only one of the closed-toppers should be used.
The bus had no difficulty getting through the water, foot hard down in 1st gear all the way. It made around 8 trips through the water before high tide passed and it quickly drained away.
The bus was back on training again 2 days later on the Monday as usual without harm.
PHJ 955 flood2
Southend Corporation had an excellent reputation, as it ALWAYS ran the timetabled service, never turning journeys short (extra buses were added, not existing ones curtailed), and that included fog, flood and snow.
The Traffic Superintendent knew well how deep the water was, as a lorry had been stuck there and had to be pulled out first.
The Fleetlines allocated to service 8 didn't have a hope of getting through this (floodwater not draining owing to it coinciding with a high tide) so PD3/6 training bus 316 was brought out, as this had the stronger engine of the two (315 was the other). The only other half cab double-deckers that could have gone through were open-toppers, but because of the depth of the water, the lower deck floor flooded and so it was felt only one of the closed-toppers should be used.
The bus had no difficulty getting through the water, foot hard down in 1st gear all the way. It made around 8 trips through the water before high tide passed and it quickly drained away.
The bus was back on training again 2 days later on the Monday as usual without harm.