I can't disagee with what was remarked on.

However, a few things should be put in context. These are the first of their kind, and it was brave of Ulsterbus to go for 25 of an untried type on these islands. I think either they went with a short shopping list or were fleeced by Ayats, without seeing an example of the final product, which obviously didnt exist.

The luggage doors open on both sides (like any other bus). There is an additional door to climb into the boot, that is the door referred to be on the "wrong side".
Ulsterbus don't put radios into their service coaches. My thinking is that they will get broken too easily. The actual reason may be something to do with licencing for public performance of muzak.


The advantages (for drivers):
No passengers anywhere near the driver
No congestion at entrance door
No congestion/delays when a passenger with a wheelchair/buggy needs to board
Digital Tacho in perfect location.

They are quite aesthetically pleasing from the outside with a quite good livery applied. They hold the road surprisingly well, and were BADLY let down by stupid issues at new:
-No sun blind (shouldn't have even left the factory without this)
-Door opening whilst bus was in motion
-A VERY loud door opening warning buzzer
-Underpowered engine
-Silly electrical faults like reversing lights not going off

A lot of the original faults seem now to be ironed out making the vehicles more reliable now than a year ago. Anybody unfamiliar with driving them is usually pleasantly surprised how smooth they are to drive.

Now, would you like to name names? Or what Volvo Excalibur was he driving...690/692/1656/1657??? :)