John Shaw (far left) infront of the bendy-bus

The dashboard features a fairly large speedometer. The pushbuttons for the automatic gearbox are on the dashboard, but for me a slightly awkward stretch forward was needed to operate them.

The handbrake is to the far right of the dashboard and to my immediate right are the buttons to operate the passenger doors.

The view of the outside world is pretty impressive - a huge single piece windscreen gives the driver a clear view of the road ahead.

Large deep wing-mirrors provide a clear eye-line to the rear of the bus.

The bend in the middle of the bus

On starting it the lack of noise from the engine is a little disconcerting - there was more noise from the air and electronic systems immediately before ignition!

Once the drive-gear is engaged and the handbrake off, I couldn't wait to feel the thing move. A slight touch on the accelerator and there was an equal response from the engine.

With a bit more pressure the bus started to move more convincingly. Then we were really moving and the automatic gears changed quite quickly and very smoothly.

Every bump change of camber on the road surface was handled effortlessly by the bus suspension and the cornering was first class.

Every slight touch on the steering wheel was met with a reassuring change in the desired direction. Power steering is standard fare on buses these days and it was of featherlight quality.

The main thing is that the distinct lack of noises or rattles means that you become extremely sensitive to begin with.
But as you settle into the ride, you forget that you're handling an 18 metre articulated bus.

The acceleration is commendable and the noise levels are virtually non-existent. For the passengers, bus travel in Nottinghamshire is just about to get smiles better. I'd recommend that everybody (including car drivers) take a ride on this impressive piece of kit if you have the chance.