Journey on Route S1, 1739, LV25WYD.

In this video, I take a ride on the S1 between Banstead, Town Centre and Sutton Station on a Kite, the new allocation for the route. In my opinion, these Kites really do suit S1. Exterior-wise to me, these electrics are among some of the best designed there is, so well done to Wrightbus. However, their interiors are a different story. While they are spacious, and I do like the raised seating at the front, especially when it comes to getting video footage of routes, I prefer the more industry standard seating layout of single-deckers with more low-floor seating at the front for the less able/accessibility. They also have pretty poor air-conditioning for an electric bus. At least the double decker equivalent does a better job at this from my experience. Bus mode aside, these buses absolutely smash the National Speed Limit section of the route between Banstead and Belmont, with buses nearly hitting speeds of 50mph, which I'm sure the Enviro200s struggled to reach, especially the troublesome batch the route received as its temporary allocation. If you remember, I did actually film this route a while back on a 10reg E200, so I do have some experience with the route, and I have also previously ridden it with Go-Ahead London as well. I say this all to say that the route has definitely benefitted from these newer vehicles. 1739 is part of the 433's batch of Kites, with the S1's fleet codes being in the 1300's. It uses shorter-length Kites as for a route of its nature, those will manage the tight turns more easily, but these work, too. Hence the reason BC allows them to stray. 26-plated Kites from the 493's batch can equally handle the route just fine as well. As I've covered this route on the channel already, I will once again keep thoughts brief, but S1 in short is a valid route. Probably my favourite S-prefix route from what I remember of the others. S1 bus rating: 9/10 BC* - Beddington Bus Garage Thanks for watching! Journey on Route S1 Banstead / Marks & Spencer to Sutton Station Filmed on 27th Jun '26 Jayden Emmanuel