Matthew Wharmby
Metrobus Irizar ie.tram IE 15 (LJ74 BPZ), Crystal Palace 23/11/2024
After a long, long wait for the ownership of the land underneath the pantograph charging infrastructure to be clarified and the equipment fitted, the 358 has at last started operating its ie-trams, classified IEs by Metrobus. Today got to see the filthiest weather London could throw at them, plus massive crowds, as the 358 is a lot busier than when it started. In fact, it could benefit from being split in half, say across Bromley with the 261 restored to Orpington. This particular bus had a sticky front door and the first pushchair that got on couldn’t get between the first row of seats, so those problems will need addressing. They are also unabashedly weird-looking, but distinctive enough to attract attention, even from civilians, which doesn’t normally happen!
Metrobus Irizar ie.tram IE 15 (LJ74 BPZ), Crystal Palace 23/11/2024
After a long, long wait for the ownership of the land underneath the pantograph charging infrastructure to be clarified and the equipment fitted, the 358 has at last started operating its ie-trams, classified IEs by Metrobus. Today got to see the filthiest weather London could throw at them, plus massive crowds, as the 358 is a lot busier than when it started. In fact, it could benefit from being split in half, say across Bromley with the 261 restored to Orpington. This particular bus had a sticky front door and the first pushchair that got on couldn’t get between the first row of seats, so those problems will need addressing. They are also unabashedly weird-looking, but distinctive enough to attract attention, even from civilians, which doesn’t normally happen!