Driving a London Bus! £2500 Bargain

Review of my ex-London Dennis Dart bus. KP02PVU.
Apologies for the sound.

[@Jakefletch96]

100% take this to the Nürburgring with a party of 26, would be a right laugh to see, and to see the time it would take to complete the track 😂

[@Madmark50484]

Ooh yes an original step dart that would be a lot of fun. I’m more than willing to volunteer to drive that service

[@lewis72]

You need a full PSV license to carry more than 8 passengers, I think.

[@Madmark50484]

@@lewis72 I have one already.

[@lewis72]

@@Madmark50484 OK. It was more of a general comment in reply to the OP though.

[@pacmanseven2544]

Sorry to be a party pooper but all occupied seats need seatbelts to drive on the Nurburgring

[@Jsfun]

Driver: "But this one's been updated, so the rattling's not too bad." Bus: *very load rattling intensifies*

[@teebo4041]

"Change the sign to 'Rail replacement' and park at the station" - Best line Ever Invented 😉👍 Wish I could do that with a car

[@robloxfan4271]

thats what the "taxi" roof sign is for ;)

[@LongHaulPilot]

Change the sign to “69 - The Local Pub” and you can use bus stops

[@Stanima68]

@BanneduserbanneduserThere is nothing you can do to stop it.

[@audigex]

"Change the sign to rail replacement, go and park at the station". Utter genius Lovely to see a man enjoying his bus

[@Svartez]

Wait let me get this right, he works as a lorry driver then on weekends he drives a car 40 miles to go drive around in a bus all day just for fun then he drives 40 miles back home in a car? On his day off! Legend.

[@Max040fficial]

4head

[@Jeagles]

Saw a London Dart scooting round my home town and wondered what it was doing. Now I know! Weird to see familiar roads on one of these KZbin videos. Nicely preserved bus and great video 👍

[@mrinconclusive83]

Hertfordshire guy 🖐️

[@hardworker645]

​@@mrinconclusive83mcdonald's from galleria hatfield

[@railwaystuff]

Drive it as an Uber

[@MaverickHunterDaniel]

7.8/10 not enough rattling. On a serious note, there is something oddly entertaining about buying an old bus like that and just using it as you would any other vehicle, like taking mates down to the pub and all. My dream vehicle would be an old bus on a Scania L94UB bus like a Access Flowline or Solar, purely for the sound but I think I'd gotta focus efforts on learning to drive beforehand! Great video and got a chuckle from the Senna reference.

[@Matt-di6nb]

I would get a Volvo B7RLE probably an Ex First Manchester

[@localboys7449]

@@Matt-di6nb I would get one of those hybrid Alexander Dennis buses, the ones with 2 gears 🤣

[@andicog]

'Not enough rattling' , he needs a coin dispenser to add to the noise. 👍

[@slendermanRblx]

My dream would be to get an Ex-West Yorkshire BMC 1100FE or Condor type school bus.

[@Armi144]

A dream of mine is to buy an Ikarus 260. We still have 10 of them here in Budapest.

[@adamholmes740]

As a bus driver myself, the Darts were one of the best buses to drive. Rattly and a pain to start when warm, but much better than modern buses 100%

[@davidwalsh6597]

What's bad about the modern ones?

[@adamholmes740]

@@davidwalsh6597 depressingly underpowered and unreliable.

[@andicog]

I used Dart SLf for 12 years, like you say, they were one of the best to drive, didn't have any hot start issues on the ones I was driving, had Marshall, East lancs, Plaxton and Alexander bodied at the garage I worked from, sometimes the back suspension would bang on cornering and split turbo pipes would make for a slow bus! All in all I've very fond memories, they even made a model of the exact bus I used W215 DNO, stagecoach 34215. Happy days. 👍

[@TheEcholima07]

Agree. Used to have MPD’s at my depot and now have Solo SR’s. God I hate Solo’s!

[@Sean0271]

❤

[@realhawaii5o]

I'm neither a bus driver nor British but I am quite sure a post 2000 city bus under 2.5k £ is a decent bargain.

[@hamstirrer6882]

Imagine turning it into a camper...

[@MikeTorenoCIA]

@@hamstirrer6882 I was legit thinking that.

[@idovogel9398]

@@MikeTorenoCIA me too

[@BaldMancTwat]

@@hamstirrer6882 Exactly. You'd really struggle to find a decent Long Wheelbase van for around £2500 and yet this bus is even bigger and better!

[@sasmatee]

You would have thought it would be worth more than £2500 in scrap alone

[@MattMoyes]

Haha this is legendary! 😃 You could take it to bus rallies and have it as an unofficial pub crawl bus 'cash only' 😁

[@andicog]

I was a driver for 12 years, nearly always had a Dart SLf, Marshall, Plaxton, East lancs (only a few) or Alexander bodied, the Marshall bodies liked to eject their windscreens as the body became loose and they did rattle , great to drive, much better than the Optare or Volvo B6's we also had. I'd be tempted if I had storage, that's a lot of vehicle for the money. 👍

[@declangaming24]

Honestly mate If you've got the money go on Ebay they sell lots of buses from E400s to Commanders ect depends on the price

[@insertnamehere0247]

This is what I imagine it feels like when you rob a bus on GTA V

[@ObsidianXXX]

7:20 😂 It's limited to 45 miles an hour, at this point it hits 46 mph and something instantly breaks😂😂😂

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I remember driving these in Huddersfield from 2002 to 2009 at Firstbus. We had R reg and S reg long and medium wheelbase versions. They were sluggish up hills, but were a smooth drive and were nicely lit up inside.

[@RWL2012]

being pre-October 2001 those would've had the 5.9 litre 6 cylinder 12 valve Cummins engine

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

@@RWL2012 ..easy to drive too

[@em8969]

Thanks for your service to our society mate, much respect to all the drivers

[@kevinmothers904]

@9.27 Sainsbury's diesel price of £1:48.9! Ah, those were the days Simon.

[@aarona3606]

When a bus is cheaper to tax than a 1.0 car we know the government are out to get us 🤣🤣

[@thebigbowler]

About the best single deckers to drive. We had some with the 5.9 6 cylinder. Absolute flying machine.

[@baileyharrison1030]

Can’t imagine using anything smaller in such a gargantuan vehicle. The 5.9 Cummins 6BT was used in the 90s Dodge Ram pickups and has a great reputation for making insane horsepower and torque with only minor modifications, while still giving excellent fuel economy.

[@edwardbdart]

​@@baileyharrison1030 as an owner of a bus with a 6BT.. excellent fuel economy is not a thing for us 🤣

[@LucyMichela]

This is the best re-use of an old Dart I've ever seen. Love it!

[@bartmaster1234]

I service Enviro 400’s in the US where they were only imported as tour buses, so it’s neat to see these original buses in their element.

[@birdbrain4445]

This is one of the most amusing things... as a frequent user of London buses especially. The rail replacement bit, oh my god. Also, seeing an older beaut like this is rather nostalgic for me, as one of the sorts of buses I would have ridden on when I was younger. Engine noise, rattling and all.

[@sw_charlie]

My old local bus on the R68.. lol

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa224]

Yeahh

[@LJ07EBP]

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@shacarioking5149]

The last ever dart I went on was on the 322 back in 2018

[@shacarioking5149]

I've been on darts also on the 315

[@actualartfyz]

oh

[@duggie567]

You made me smile again today. I remember that engine whine from when I used to board the 274 St John's Wood to Islington for work. Great to re-purpose for pub crawls and generally nurturing local communities that have a crap public transport system - how to fund it without getting drawn into the law? Maybe have a word with local Community transport groups. Wheelchair accessible is much needed. Could be a step up from my 7-seater GM Zafira 2008! Subscribed - go viral

[@ace-paidinfull5240]

So its true that the 274 used to be a single deck?

[@biryaniboy0427]

I miss the old busses, especially this one and the double versions of this very spec. This is legit my old 203, 235, 110 bus which I take for school growing up. This bus right here got me into learning more in depth about TFL busses generally. From there it has gotten me into becoming into becoming a car guy too Edit: The best thing about these old modelled busses were that they had legit terrible radiators for the passengers and also the driver was the only individual that would have the radiator on, in a very cold damp season of London.

[@Dodilafir]

Yep great memories, looks like you're from the neighbourhood..lol... 203, 235 was a regular ride for me as well during my college days too...Martindale Rd...🙂

[@ittibeatsjr4778]

Brings back great memories of the old 110 buses in Isleworth. Used to ferry me to and from school in Twickenham. Shame they switched to electric models.

[@alexkenton5934]

It was also on the H28 bus route too also come on hounslowians

[@Dodilafir]

@@alexkenton5934 👍 H98 as well...

[@TTony]

@@alexkenton5934 H25 as well

[@Mike_5]

It was called Dart for a reason as the acceleration out the Bus Stops was legendary

[@kbhasi]

Whoa. This reminds me of a primary school I used to attend back when I lived in Australia back in the early 2000s, as their school bus they used for excursions _(edit: at the time)_ used to belong to Transperth for one of their public bus services. The Transperth logos on the livery were removed, but there were still some stickers for warnings and such on the inside, and if I recall correctly, remnants of where the old MultiRider card reader used to be installed.

[@jaggass]

All Dart SLF's actually are 4 speed. It just sounds like it has 5 gears as it the torque converter locks up in 2nd.

[@theneonlunar682]

I own a Dennis Dart myself, it was a spare bus for Cardinal Buses in Surrey and it was Ex-Go Ahead London based, planning to convert her into a camper van soon.

[@kenjewell5619]

I am loving the smile on your face as your driving that bus you look like your really enjoying it.

[@sto1017]

Only 182 subscribers! This channel deserves alot more than 182 subs. Such an under rated account, Keep up the good work!

[@SimonSaysUK]

Thanks! Glad you like what we’re doing

[@robsmithracing]

@@SimonSaysUK what website or how did you source your bus from please?

[@sto1017]

@BorekSigar 920 now

[@RWL2012]

1.49K now :)

[@sto1017]

@@RWL2012 2.07k now

[@stu7588]

That was brilliant really enjoyed watching this !!! Should definitely do a part 2 haha

[@tallslimguy]

Driving Darts for many years in Brighton, my only complaint was that there was no where to stretch out my left leg - very cramped in that respect - Great video, thanks for posting

[@scorchio70]

Love this guy's natural delivery, I would defo be a regular view should you increase your content.

[@843Reboot]

american viewer here. ive always wanted to own a bus. like a retired C40 or something. ive always been a bus enthusiast and ive always wanted to own a bus to ride around my friends in nyc and drive on tight roads that a bus shouldnt be on. nice video!

[@themagiccartoon1306]

Sometimes you can get some retired XD 40s Online it may not be old but it’s pretty cool

[@843Reboot]

@@themagiccartoon1306 yeah but they usually retire for severe issues like engine or trans failure. i saw a 2017 LFS online for 500 and it had a dead transmission.

[@sgbuses]

The design of the Plaxton bodied Dennis Dart SLF is so timeless and common on London roads at one time, I didn't even realise that they have now started to go to private owners or preservation.

[@TMGamingish]

Love how you can see your first attempt at the roundabout at 8:43

[@EnterStationNameHere]

This gave me so much joy to watch and I’ve now decided I have to own a bus in my lifetime

[@ryanmitcham5522]

Glad that youtube randomly recommended this video and really enjoyed watching. Think it was the obvious joy in your face while you were driving and talking about the bus.

[@SimonSaysUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimtonio9363]

I passed my test in a dart, back when darts had just come off the road. Enviro 200s, euro 4 , were commonplace at the time. I had so much fun learning to drive buses in a dart. In my 8 years of being a bus driver as a 27y/o, ive only ever driven 2 darts. Shame about that. Being a learner was a cracking experience.

[@SageGamingPro]

Genius for free parking with the Rail Replacement sign... until the council finds out

[@caroldocherty6810]

My memories of the first Darts was very good but brakes were like a switch . You had to press them lightly and a adventure when roads were wet .

[@stinstoundigital]

Really enjoyed this video. Would love to see more like this!! Subscribed :)

[@ferocious5975]

as soon as I saw how happy you were with this purchase I subscribed, legend

[@al3k]

The unfailing grin on your face throughout the entire video says it all. :D What an amazing thing to have. Nice one. :)

[@altondsouza7141]

I am a bus driver in London… I am driving bus for RATP GROUP London United London sovereign…. we he’d few this buses in our garage in 2014 they were called as DPS and most of the drivers use to hesitate to drive because the brake paddle on this buses was bit and hard… … You have done a excellent video and great explanation…. 👍🏻 How is the breaking on your bus ….

[@corybrayshaw9927]

You got a dart for £2500? Fucking hell I wanna get one of these just for the childhood memories haha

[@spacekii]

I love your presenting style, keep it up lad!

[@MatthewSchoepf]

Old buses are fun! I have a 1961 Bedford SB3, 1968 Austin 2.45F, 1983 MAN SL200, and a 1986 Mercedes O305. Getting bits for all of them are a right pain!

[@CarlJohnson-wo5dn]

Smiled all the way through the video. And, the outro was dope.

[@jonboy1000]

In next weeks episode, how to get rid of annoying squeaks on a bus. Sponsored by WD40

[@robbiemorrison7085]

I remember these buses on the 239 route in London (now discontinued) I only liked these ones as the doors opened inwards and I had a massive phobia of the plug doors growing up!! 😂

[@alrightboblive]

for £2500 you've got yourself a lovely set of wheels there! Any more videos coming xDDDD?

[@UKTransport232]

Got sent this video by a friend, thoroughly enjoyed watching it and it's great that you've saved that Dart haha. Have subscribed :)

[@ComeJesusChrist]

Great video, Simon! Better than a lot of ‘professional’ KZbinrs.

[@d-animate]

you've inspired me to become a bus preservationist when I'm older, thank you!

[@DonPablo2011]

Brilliant. I've had dreams where I've bought a Double Decker and am rolling around the country exploring. Still don't understand why, but I get them.

[@Techno-Universal]

I guess that bus would be really handy for moving your friends around when you can find a place to park it or you could convert the bus into a motor home! :)

[@maritime_history1912]

These buses were my childhood bro 😢😢, banging video btw

[@l401cjf]

I used to drive these at Stagecoach, if you maxed it out in 4th and quickly slip it into neutral and back into drive with your foot on the floor it would trick it into unlocking 5th, then youd get to about 60mph - not recommended on something you have to fix yourself mind!

[@joep5080]

Yes!

[@gsmith9133]

Love this video. We need to see more of this bus

[@alicanharryreilly8353]

DP 1031 KP02 PVU 6/02 10.1m Transbus Dart SFD2BACR32GW16516, Transbus Pointer 2002/15, B30D 6/02 AH new to Armchair for E2, E8 (Brentwood) 11/04 AH taken over by Metroline 2/07 AH reseated minus tip-ups: B27D 4/07 AH repainted red, blue skirt 11/09 AH withdrawn into store 11/09 off-lease to Dawson Rentals 8481 2/10 TF acquired by Abellio London for 235 (Fulwell)

[@SimonSaysUK]

Great info! Never new that, thanks very much! Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@georgiehughes7103]

@@SimonSaysUK hey simon how did you get that bus is that your own vehicle

[@wclifton968gameplaystutorials]

@@georgiehughes7103 probably purchased from a company such as Ensignbus or some other bus and coach seller...

[@georgiehughes7103]

@@wclifton968gameplaystutorials ah ok because i was wondering if i can get one of those buses as an own vehicle

[@Anotherslowclio]

£110 to insure?! I’ll defo have to take a look at buying one, would be the ultimate camper conversion!

[@yusufayoub2709]

That's what I exactly thought tho

[@DOUBLEDTRAVEL]

Keep that thing rolling....my suggestion would be a custom destination blind for the pub crawl/stag night business

[@andicog]

Becomes complicated as he'd need pcv and all the cpc training.

[@MatthewDuffin-io2ur]

Simon the bus is cheaper to travel on then parking a car in a town centre car park and it's handy for school contracts or for wedding receptions

[@tomonabudget]

I always wondered if old city buses were for sale and if they'd make fir good camper conversions. I see the odd grey nomad in Australia tour with ancient Greyhound buses from the 70s making their rounds.

[@Mattpriddle]

You can use the bus lanes 😂😂 what a great idea!

[@Moshimulations]

I hope one day I would be able to own classical buses like the Plaxton President DAF that operated in 98 route and many different routes. For my own sanity I would add a colour skirt cause my goodness, it looks good for it.

[@transportationuk7656]

I’m wanting to buy one of Sheffield buses when I get a bus license

[@ApplePieKid]

Imagine when people see the bus, they're putting their hand out, and people are wondering why you aren't stopping.🤣🤣😁

[@johnstuart8511]

Thank you Simon for sharing your story. You living your dream. Could arrange a Pub crawl avent: Party bus. Nothing wrong in just having fun. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.

[@aldershotcoinclub]

Stagecoach surrey and hants are running busses this age and similar spec currently in aldershot and the blackwater valley with no sign of upgrading anytime soon

[@Putch100]

When the 302 used to be assigned to the bus it was the only bus I was looking forward to getting on

[@mightymqb4800]

Can't beat the old darts, easy to work on minus the awful exhaust systems, watch out for chassis rust at this age and rotten flooring

[@liamharis9246]

Im going to sub just because this video made my day lol need more vids on this bus

[@johnnyred5982]

The last model of buses where you could open the assault screen I used to drive around with it up and the passengers used to look at me like I was a gangster bus driver... If they wanted to take a swing they will welcome. They never did. Hahaha 😂😂😂

[@andicog]

Caged animal effect, your more likely to get shit if your behind the screen, CMT in Liverpool didn't use screens for this reason, Stagecoach bolted the opening screens shut!

[@hawthornselitelevel1220]

Love that mate pure gangster! That just reminded me of the local village hardman in banstead surrey. He would literally go to sleep in a bed right next to his front door, which was permanently open! Always funny seeing foxes, and hedgehogs, wandering in and out his open front door!

[@JohnSmith-hs3po]

Naebor ya weasel ye hink yer tough aye ?

[@khidorahian]

Darts still putter round my local, 481 generally but I’ve known that whine for some 6 years. I now want to do the same! Haha

[@98richben]

I thought it was the Green Man in Sandridge when I saw it! Been there a few times, will have to keep an eye out for you and the bus!

[@jhkk1269]

decent pub

[@AmazingAonYT]

Bro that's the old buses on the 235,117 and H28 ahh those memories.

[@shacarioking5149]

Wow he also drove the bus to a McDonald's drive thru

[@AmazingAonYT]

@@shacarioking5149 yh

[@MarcCarlessProductions]

5:50 I work at that station, ill definitley keep an eye out for any suspicious looking Dennis Darts 😉

[@davidty2006]

My town has Darts in active service. Despite their age they do the job well.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Love the view from the cab.

[@w0keryp0pery39]

£110/year insurance... wow

[@FateBoost]

Probs be pay per mile haha

[@stephenport4768]

The Darts were great buses when new simple control's the only issue is drum brakes have to give yourself a bit of space to progressively brake

[@TheTransportHub17]

Great video. Good choice too.

[@KarrrRep]

I just remembered a funny story about our dennus Marshall darts at first rainham. As I previously mentioned we had discussed and dml variants which one had single door and the other had twin doors. They had a talking self diagnostic system with warnings for apply handbrake and so forth well one dms with single door had an identity crisis. It used to come out with centre door open. When I first heard it I looked round out of the cab and thought hang in I'm in a dms with one door. Lol.

[@manoo9088]

Dude. This video is gonna go viral. Its sitting at 50 views per hour so expect it to reach about 50k-100k views.

[@woodant1981]

Ain't no way my 1.4 toyota diesel with a DPF bigger than the sun is Euro 4 and this is Euro 5😭

[@marrilyn.webster2669]

Great video Simon! Your Mum tells me that you've now sold the bus. Shame. Graham

[@jackyblue67same10]

You handled that big bus like a pro lol .

[@MrRobinwhatley]

I think this bloke is my new hero.

[@andrewskinner5860]

Great vid 👌 probably built that vehicle 20 years ago at adl Falkirk plant acan remember driving them brand new Great wee busses

[@INTJ82]

Do you still work there mate?

[@xempho]

You might say whats the fuel economy, I dont have a clue I just keep on filling it hahahaha words of wisdom my friend

[@sauce3memes832]

Did anyone just notice the casual fire at 3:12?

[@horstmonika9230]

This is a cool video. With a nice thumbnail and title, you might be able to earn a lot of views - driving my bus through McDonald's sounds very appealing 😂

[@KarrrRep]

I qualified in 2002 with first capital London. I learnt to drive in an ex Birmingham wmpte 1980 mcw metrobus which belonged to an outside training school. I was then allocated to rainham depot in Essex. I drove dart slfs with Marshall bodies which were registered LT 02 one I remember was LT 02 NUM. I thought it was quite apt being registered LT. I wonder if it was coincidence or first specifically asked for that being under tfl operations. We had two lengths of them DMS which were single door and DML which had two doors. They were fun to drive and ours seemed to have quite a punch to them maybe because they were new

[@dazasc3994]

ive seen the newer routemasters with LT plates so I believe its done deliberately

[@lemur2870]

Small world hey, I live only down the road from the Rainham depot

[@dazasc3994]

@@lemur2870 even smaller world, i work in rainham right next to the depot

[@KarrrRep]

@@lemur2870 indeed lovely working there with the rainham Marsh gas smell in the air. I became friends with one of our drivers who lived in grays.

[@KarrrRep]

@@dazasc3994 who operates the buses there now. When I was there in 2002 it was first London capital. Is the road through the industrial estate still full of pot holes ?.

[@kiradotee]

Amazing video mate 🙂 Great content

[@xendraven]

That would make one hell of a camper conversion

[@alexselby349]

I feel like I am back on the 235 again 😉 Great video 😎

[@jameskeeble2903]

Do more videos please!! This is quality

[@hamzah6251]

Love the commentary Hahahahah you’re a funny bloke 😂