Yes its the second time I have used this photo of the first bus in Plymouth to carry the new ‘Steel Blue’ livery for Stagecoach. Like many people out there I have expressed fairly negative opinions of it, but we now get to see what Stagecoach themselves say. Its really quite something….
- Stagecoach, the UK’s leading bus operator, has unveiled new-look buses, featuring a revolutionised passenger experience, which will be rolled out across its entire network.
- https://media.stagecoachgroup.com/news/stagecoach-rolls-out-new-look-buses-across-its-network
The new dark blue colour scheme and livery is a true step-change for the business, and is reflected on board too, with a completely redesigned interior that focuses on putting passenger needs first.
The redesign follows extensive passenger research, consultation and insights, to provide an experience passengers need and want. The new experience on board offers USB charging ports, leather-effect seats and a streamlined colour scheme putting the focus on passenger experience and convenience. Space has also been cleverly considered, with wide accessible aisles making access easier for all passengers, especially wheelchair users and those with prams.
Safety and security were big considerations for Stagecoach when it came to the redesign, and this is reflected across the entire customer experience.
Larger windows and a well-lit cabin make the vehicle easily recognisable at night and ensure passengers can judge capacity before they board.
CCTV is present across the bus and non-slip surfaces ensure passengers stay safe in wet weather. Stagecoach has also proudly introduced dementia-friendly flooring in vehicles, enhancing accessibility and has implemented the addition of arm rests across multiple seats, offering passengers that extra sense of security on their journeys.
Debra Goodwin, Chief Customer Officer at Stagecoach said:
“This redesign is a bold new direction for Stagecoach, not only is the new livery distinctive, but the changes inside are the biggest we’ve ever made.”
The new design reflects the operator’s ongoing commitment to providing a quality service for passengers, as the business looks to improve customer experience across all touchpoints, including upcoming improvements to its app and ticketing methods.
Goodwin added: “We really care about our customers experience, and a huge portion of our customers use Stagecoach services every day. We want to make sure our offering and experience reflects their needs and that we provide a quality and reliable service.”
The new livery is just one step in Stagecoach's commitment to improving the on-bus experience, with more to come. The business is continuously listening to feedback and making enhancements to ensure buses offer the best possible experience for those who depend on the services day-to-day.
This transition to the fleet will occur gradually as vehicles are upgraded or replaced. However, Stagecoach aims to have at least 30% of its fleet updated within the next 12 months.
I'm really not sure where to begin here. Of course SC will want to present their choice of livery in a positive light, and I guess there is a case to call it distinctive and maybe these buses will all be refurbished to a new high standard inside (are they all being refurnished though like it seems to suggest?) but the line that stands out for me is about larger windows and a well lit cabin making easy to see at night so they can judge how full it is before they board?
They clearly are not fitting any buses with larger windows, and from what I have seen the new buses they are buying are standard designs with the same size windows that everyone else is buying.
Just for comparison here is 37141 back in the days when it must have been harder for passengers to see inside because it wasnt dark blue – the windows clearly the same size)
Personally I suspect passengers would see the older version coming in the dark well before they see it in dark blue.
I can understand the need for one corporate livery instead of the various versions of the last few years. First Group have shown how that can be done in a classy way. Hopefully new buses joining the fleet will be internally fitted out to a new higher standard as promised. Maybe even some will be refurbished to the new higher standard. Maybe the livery will grow on me?
Do we presume that all the new electrics due for Devon will appear in the new livery? Would seem silly not to unless they have already been built.
In the meantime I hope the team that wrote the blurb for this get well paid by SC as they have clearly gone above and beyond for the operator!
