In Defence of the 'Tram-style' Designed Single-deck Buses

Photo by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

I'm aware that on social media there have been objections to the 'tram-style' buses, whether they are articulated (bendy) or not, which also includes 'trackless trams' Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART).

Recently, the Liverpool City Region Mayor unveiled a tram-style bendy bus (Van Hool Exqui.City) leased from Translink in Northern Ireland for demonstration of a new bus rapid transit service in Liverpool, which is part of the Steve Rotheram mayoral manifesto commitment. I'm also aware there's a similar concept in Brisbane, Australia, where they expect to launch a new rapid transit service on 21st October 2024, branded as Brisbane Metro.

Arriva helps Wirral passengers stay connected during track renewal works

I’ve just come across the following news story - Arriva has purchased up to 30 brand new hybrid buses for their Liverpool service.

From Arriva

If you think you know rail replacement buses, think again; a dedicated fleet of up to 30 brand new Arriva hybrid buses will be taking Merseyrail passengers cross-river during the Wirral Loop Line track renewal works, between January and June 2017. This comes as part of a £340m investment in the Liverpool City Region's railways, which will see Network Rail’s engineers working day and night, 40 metres underground, replacing the track and concrete.