AD ENVIRO 400 MMC ROAD TEST

Today something a little different, as aided by an Adult Day Trip ticket i experienced the AD Enviro MMC demonstrator YY64 GWX which is currently on loan to Ipswich Buses after two days on the 9/10 to Whitton/Castle Hill it has now been on the X5 to Ipswich Hospital for the last two days. When entering the bus you are overwhelmed by the sheer elegance of it all some of the highlights of the spec is that the flooring is made from plywood to make the cleaning more easier, the glazing uses the quick release glazing system which can be replaced by one person as well as a sealing system which prevents water coming through, the engine is a Cummins Six Cylinder turbo charged diesel engine to full Euro six standards. What i noticed throughout the journey was the excellent acceleration particularly up Grove Lane and it's easy ability when pulling away from stops, now i haven't been on the older Enviro 400 which by all reports suffers from rattling obviously AD have listened to the operators as all the poles are now integrated into the structure of the bus, now i often moan about seats particularly as i'm tall but the seats were amongst the most comfortable i have been on, also the legroom between seats was also good, if you can do experience because it's certainly worth it. Ipswich Buses MD Jeremy Cooper has stated that in the future they maybe interested in buying some as replacements for the older deckers, if my experience is anything to go by i would be urging the council to buy them, while perhaps not the most aesthetically design externally it's certainly catches the eye.

 The view from the top while the tables are useful for inter city services i wouldn't think most operators like Ipswich Buses would specify them, AD has an options list which include LED destinations and upper saloon tables.