The Major Model Change, Part 1

I don't know whether its a coincidence that the Enviro 400 MMC is first in service on University services, but that's what has happened, first with Oxford Bus Company running their versions on the Brookes University bus routes (U1, U5, NU1, U5X). Afterwards, Reading Buses have very recently received some for the 21/21a, which run to Reading University. The Au covered both the Reading and Oxford ones on the same day, this post covering the Oxford examples.

Oxford Bus Company 610 on Route U1, Oxford Carfax


Passenger Information Display inside Oxford Bus Company 612
The Oxford ones have next stop displays + announcements + a route map as shown for the route it goes on. For example, this is for the U1.


Oxford Bus Company 612 on Route U1, Oxford Station


Rear of Oxford Bus Company 610 on Route U1, Oxford Station
The distinctive Enviro 400 MMC rear end is clearly show with the tiny rear windows, large grilles and angular styling.


Oxford Bus Company 604 on Route U1, Oxford Station
Notably, as per usual with Oxford Bus Company, all the buses have the "OXF" ending with the numberplates.


Oxford Bus Company 603 on Route U5, Oxford Queen's Lane


Oxford Bus Company 614 on Route U5, Oxford Carfax

Overall, they do, barely, keep their promise as a rattle-free bus, but the squeaks are already heard, there is no new bus smell and the front information screen does really take a lot of visibility out of the front upper deck! The ride is notably slightly harder than previously, but then again, this is the first versions of the new bus and hopefully things will pick up with ADL, especially with the late deliveries of many buses, causing notable effects from Reading right to TfL work! Oxford Bus Company have so far seem to have done well with their Enviro 400 MMCs.

Meanwhile, here's a teaser to see the comparison between the rear ends of Enviro 400 non-MMC and MMC, albeit Reading Buses style with full rear destinations: