(04 Aug 2020, 1:05 pm)Dan wrote It's an unpopular opinion which I share broadly similar views to you on!

It takes a particular skill to drive the Streetlites, I think, as they're very unique in the way that they do have some odd gear changes. That said it's possible to control them providing you react to the gearbox, and actually benefit from the kickdown to get the extra power you need on a hill, rather than keeping your foot planted to the floor.

It always fascinates me how fast and nimble they are, and how it feels like you're driving quite a small vehicle (especially compared to something like a Citaro, which feels huge and a bit of a chore to drive at times, especially if you get a bad one!) The brakes on them are also perfect for me, compared to other buses (Citaros, Solos, etc).

If the Streetlites had the creature comforts of air con and such that other buses such as Citaros do, and less of the odd gear changes, I think they'd be a lot more popular.

I agree as well to be fair, a good Streetlite is a joy to drive, 5375 is currently my favourite bus to drive at Deptford, it's fast, the A/C blows cold, it's quite rattly but I don't actually care on a hot day and I've got a cool fast bus.

People do seem to focus on Streetlites more than anything else though, every type of bus I've driven has had bad and good examples. Look at Citaros 5337/5338 are absolutely awful to spend 4 hours on due to the rattles on them, but get 5336, or 5358 I ended up with on Rail Replacement a few weeks ago and they're really nice to drive. Buses are hand built vehicles that lead a tough life, and it just makes them all so variable that it isn't always just down to whether they're made by Wrightbus, ADL, or even Mercedes-Benz.