Buses to get wi-fi in £7.4m scheme (From Daily Echo)

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  AndyVD wrote:
  

  distilled wrote:
  

  AndyVD wrote:
  Must be a slow news day already... this was reported at the weekend.
  
  http://www.dailyecho
  
  
  
  .co.uk/news/9637710.
  
  
  
  500_buses_to_get_fre
  
  
  
  e_Wi_Fi_in___7_4m_re
  
  
  
  vamp/
  
  and this was my comment...
  
  I agree with everyone in that putting Wifi on the buses is a waste of time and money... here's why:
  
  1. The wifi will rely on a mobile phone signal being present while the bus is being transported. So if which ever company they use for data (probably Vodafone) has no 3G/HSPA signal in that area, the connection will either drop to 2G/GPRS/EDGE (slower than dial up!), or the chances are there will be none at all.
  
  2. Most people with smart phones have a data package on their device already, and will use that while on the bus. Some could say, that will the tiny allowances that these companies think are suitable wifi on the bus will enable them to save on that.
  
  But most of all, NO ONE is going to be silly enough to get their £300+ laptop out on a bus , you'd be crazy. The number of times I've felt intimidated by people on the bus by just using my smart phone is enough to put me off using that there. Certainly on the top deck of a bus.
  
  Overall, this money like everyone has said should be put towards improving the services, and the buses they use them.
  
  Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar because they refuse to buy new ones to replace the ageing fleet? (Spotted an ex-bluestar bus the other day with First colours on it. Clearly could see the outline where they had stuck the stars across the window)

  Is it right that First Bus buy their replacement buses from Bluestar? I'm afraid you are mistaken.
  
  There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it. Yes, some of the First fleet is ageing, but there have been some additions recently to help bring down the average fleet age and withdraw non-low floor buses (all sourced from within First group nationally - '52' plate Volvo double decks, and '05', '55' and '07; plate Volvo single decks). Rumour has it that First Southampton is also due to receive a batch of brand new buses after the Olympics have finished (many of First's new bus purchases are being used for Olympic duties before being sent on to their intended depot).
  
  As for First refusing to buy new buses - First Hampshire has just bought 14 brand new low-floor Volvo single decks for the Fareham-Gosport bus rapid transit, equipped with live stop information, leather seats and interior ambient lighting. Making an educated guess, I reckon that is an investment by First of at least £1.5million in these new buses alone.

  "There are no buses that First have bought from Bluestar, so you did not see an ex-bluestar bus with First colours on it"
  
  Since when did you have the right to tell me what I did and didn't see? I clearly saw it with my own eyes otherwise I wouldn't have made the point.
  
  The bus is an S reg Wright Cadet as it happens, and was on the 17 route.
  
  If they didn't buy it, one or the other has loaned it to the other at some point.

  Bluestar do not have any S reg Wright Cadets, nor have they ever done, on loan or otherwise.
  
  First also do not have any Wright Cadets - they have some S reg Wright Renowns. They look similar, but are completely different buses, in length and under the bodywork. First's Wright Renowns are full-size Volvo engined buses, unlike Bluestar's Cadets which are DAF/VDL and are shorter in length, referred to as a midi-size rather than full-size. First's Renowns have been part of First group since new, and have certainly not been 'loaned' to Bluestar and treated to their vinyl 'stars' at any point! Some searching on the internet will reward you with both company's fleet lists and I think you'll agree that there are no vehicles that either Bluestar or First operate that have previously operated with the other, on loan or otherwise...
  
  May I suggest that the vinyl starring you might have seen left on the First bus could have been from left over from an advert for First's Superstars staff recognition scheme??
  
  I apologise if you believe you saw differently, but I'm merely pointing out that what you saw cannot be what you claim it to be."
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