For various reasons, (holidays, work etc.) I have not been able to get into Derby recently so I thought it about time that I had a look at the new ‘Sapphire’ specification buses that‘ Arriva’ have introduced on the 38 to Sinfin.
They are 7 Alexander Dennis Ltd. E400’s numbered 4400 to 4406 registered
YY14 LHD, E, F, G, H, J and K.
In view of the YY prefix I wonder if the crews or local enthusiasts will nickname them ‘Delilah’.
The ‘Sapphire’ standard is new to Derby but has been used elsewhere for some time. I photographed some in Oxford 6 months ago. The advertising ‘copy’ seeks to be
“making your everyday journey sparkle”
Similar in concept to ‘Stagecoach Gold’ standard which employs an entirely different livery to their norm.
I think that the ‘Sapphire’ livery is a clever blending of colours that with the lighter coloured text looks good and fits in well with the ‘Arriva’ fleet standard.
Inside it is clean, light and functional with plenty of hand rails and bell pushes. The seats are comfortable although personally I prefer moquette to the leather type seats provided. I find moquette warmer and you don’t slide around as much.
Apart from the spoken announcements at each stop, there is this monitor positioned at the stair head on which ‘Arriva’ gets its message across.
The high seat backs would at one time have given these vehicles at least ‘Dual Purpose’ if not quite Coach status.
All in all, a worthwhile exercise in raising the standard of bus comfort and information.
I am sure that the management at ‘Arriva’ are pleased with the way that ‘Sapphire’ their ‘gem’ of an idea has ‘sparkled’ to fruition.
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