(07 Oct 2015, 3:22 pm)Dan wrote A bus which is "low-floor" is one which provides step-free access to passengers between the doors and the saloon of the vehicle itself. There are very few vehicles that I know of that provide step-free access for drivers. A vehicle does not have to be equipped with a ramp to be low-floor, though if one is not fitted, it means that the vehicle will not be classed as DDA-compliant.
The Alexander ALX400 bodied vehicles in Stanley Travel's fleet are low-floor, and seem to crop up on scholars services in the Bensham area quite regularly. Some of the 03-reg President bodied vehicles sound rougher than some of Go North East's V-reg examples (and that's saying something)..!
Apologies. When i said 'up to the driver' i meant the passenger not having to step up to be in front of the driver rather than the driver itself.
I have always used the terms 'low floor', 'high floor' and 'step entrance' to describe entrances. Low floor being easy access, high floor being not easy access (which is the category id put the ALX400s in) and step entrance being the Olympian style entrance. Obviously, i have never been aware of the fact that 'low floor' can be merged with my 'high floor' category - its a lot wider than i thought.
It certainly clears that debate up anyway, thanks!