Battle Buses 2024

[MotCO]

The major parties have now launched their Battle Buses for this year's General Election.

• The LibDems have a an Hool T917 Astron (28WT) on hire from Westway
• The Tories have a 68-plate Mercedes Tourismo, formerly the Oxford United team coach
• The Labour Party have a coach from Nova Bussing, Rye, probably a new Yutong
• Meanhile, Angela Rayner has an 11-year-old Yutong coach

So none are going for a British-built coach, nor, despite their Net Zero claims, are any using an EV coach.

 

[stevieinselby]

I would imagine that availability at short notice will have been a factor in deciding what they went for.
How many electric coaches are there on the rental market right now, and what charging infrastructure would be in place to enable them to tour round the country?

 

[Gloster]

Just think of the headlines if the bus either ran dry of juice or was unable to recharge somewhere, particularly if it was Labour or the Liberal-Democrats’ one. Even if it was the Conservative bus there would be criticism, although the target would be Sunak’s so-called ‘green‘ fig leaves.

 

[MotCO]

I would imagine that availability at short notice will have been a factor in deciding what they went for.
How many electric coaches are there on the rental market right now, and what charging infrastructure would be in place to enable them to tour round the country?

Surely Pelican Bus & Coach could source one quickly - think of the good (free) publicity. Or borrow one from Ember or Newport Council. Think how it would boost their green credentials - or was it just weasel words?

 

[transportphoto]

Surely Pelican Bus & Coach could source one quickly

They could only give it a go if they were given a chance!

 

[Bristol LHS]

Ironically, the Lib Dem’s had an electric coach last time: Lib Dem electric bus driving green campaign, says Swinson

 

[Flange Squeal]

The Reform UK party have also been out in their open top Ayats Bravo City-bodied Volvo B7L (so a blend of Spanish and Swedish), reg LX05 KOA. I understand that they actually own this though, rather than it being hired by them.

 

[ANDREW_D_WEBB]

I would imagine that availability at short notice will have been a factor in deciding what they went for.
How many electric coaches are there on the rental market right now, and what charging infrastructure would be in place to enable them to tour round the country?

Another factor is the internal layout. These ‘battle buses’ are often mobile offices so come equipped with galleys and lounge type seating areas to brief journalists etc. Conventional rows of seats probably don’t work for this type of contract.

In terms of availability I’m sure all three major parties had prebooked these with the understanding they would be required within a certain number of days of Rishi visiting the King.

 

[507021]

Angela Rayner doesn't have her own battle bus, she's using the Yutong GT12 (YD73 FPY) which was launched on Saturday. I understand there was a short delay before departure because she needed to make sure Boris Johnson wasn't hiding in the on board fridge.

 

[MotCO]

Angela Rayner doesn't have her own battle bus, she's using the Yutong GT12 (YD73 FPY) which was launched on Saturday. I understand there was a short delay before departure because she needed to make sure Boris Johnson wasn't hiding in the on board fridge.

Presumably looking for some birthday cake . After all, it will shortly be his birthday (19 June if you're going to send a card).

 

[spyinthesky]

I am sure Rishi will be along shortly with his Bus replacement helicopter

 

[MotCO]

I am sure Rishi will be along shortly with his Bus replacement helicopter

Or Starmer with his private jet (with carbon offset however that works).

 

[mangad]

Ironically, the Lib Dem’s had an electric coach last time: Lib Dem electric bus driving green campaign, says Swinson

Frustratingly I can't find the link, but I read in the Guardian that that vehicle wasn't available this time, hence why they're on a diesel powered coach.

Update with source:
"There will be a battlebus, but not the electric one used in 2019 – it’s not available this time."
https://www.theguardian.com/politic...-parties-what-will-be-their-campaign-messages

 

[joieman]

Reform UK were using a turquoise Ayats Bravo open-topper, LX05 KOA, not so long ago, shortly after Ashfield MP Lee Anderson defected to them from the Conservatives.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Reform UK were using a turquoise Ayats Bravo open-topper, LX05 KOA, not so long ago, shortly after Ashfield MP Lee Anderson defected to them from the Conservatives.

As per post 7, I can confirm this is still in their hands and been out and about for this current campaign.

Further to this though, there’s also whisperings that open top Alexander RV bodied Volvo B10M Citybus reg D705 GHY has been painted in this same blue scheme ready for branding to be applied, after the vehicle failed to sell for continued preservation recently. I’ll stress that I can’t back that up with any firm evidence though, but it seems a very specific/random thing to be made up.

 

[Busaholic]

Ironically, the Lib Dem’s had an electric coach last time: Lib Dem electric bus driving green campaign, says Swinson

Didn't win her party many votes in Cornwall, in fact continued the retreat from the LibDems almost total dominance in 2010. Then, green is considered an unlucky colour here. especially among fishermen and their families.

 

[joieman]

The front cover of the current issue of Private Eye has photographs of Sunak, Starmer, the Lib Dem leader (whatever his name was) and Farage in front of their respective battle buses.