I’m becoming increasingly distracted by the transition of the number 2 service from double to single decker buses (at least outwith peak times). Why, Lothian Buses, why? In my mind it’s quite clear that the bus was given that specific numeric reference (2) because it has two decks, and because its occupants almost invariably smell of shit. Farewell, double decker number 2 buses. I’ll miss you. *sob*
While I’m ranting on about buses, no one has yet offered me a reasonable explanation as to why the number 15 is more red than the other buses. It really is at least ten Pantone levels redder. That’s really quite red.
No wonder it’s getting confusing on the number 2. Regarding the number 15, it is a marketing thing(!), really. No other reason. Seems like a waste of time to me, though…
The one thing I do like about the 15, is the long strip to press the bell on the upper deck — far better than the small buttons.
I play football with a guy that worked for LRT and I quizzed him on the number 15 colour scheme a while back. His answer was it was an early attempt at marketing the route that lead to the current crop of playing card references on several other routes.
@Martin – The long strip to press the bell is good but most important is that it is actually a bell and not a buzzer
I think I prefer the ‘more red’ approach to bus route marketing than the silly playing card branding. Or perhaps if they named all the routes after types of seabird.
my understanding of the number 15 is this. The service was totally cancelled about 5 years ago and only re-instated, a couple of years ago, thanks to the interest generated by the Da Vinci Code for Roslin Chapel. LRT brought out of service the oldest of the fleet which weren’t the current colour scheme – they seem to have stuck with it.
Roslin Chapel, eh? I knew as soon as I saw those buses that there was some eldritch Rosicrucian conspiracy afoot. I’ll wager that underneath the driver’s seat of the number 15 lies the grail itself.
The playing card references, I just don’t get. They’re not individual enough to remember. I’ve never advised someone to get the Queen of Hearts to the Gyle, instead of the 37 [yes, those are made up names and numbers] Waste of time in my humble experience.
Perhaps all buses should be a unique colour. Going to the airport? You need mossy-hill-at-night green. Ocean Terminal? Washed-out-denims.
@chrys – I can believe more that the colour was just ‘what they had’.
@rodti – LOL on the grail under seat!
Are you more likely to get shot on the ‘ace of spades’ bus?
No, just more likely to meet Motörhead.
Not sure about the Holy Grail, but the printed timetable for the 15 has the message “Break the Da Vinci Code – visit Rosslyn Chapel on Service 15″ Not overselling the service at all