Electric Bus vs HST Train - Edinburgh to Dundee - Which is best?
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- Brand new Electric Bus vs. 40 year old HST Train on Edinburgh to Dundee - Buckle up for a journey comparison. Which will come out on top - Electric Bus vs HST Train.
We embark on a trip from Edinburgh to Dundee, Scotland, with two completely different modes of transport. First, we experience the cutting-edge comfort of an Ember Electric Bus boasting plush seats and ample legroom.
Then, we hop on a 40-year-old refurbished HST train, offering a touch of nostalgia with its fantastic first-class leather armchair seating. But which mode of transport wins the day on comfort and value for money? The answer might surprise you!
Join me as we explore the comfort, amenities, and overall experience of each option. This video is perfect for anyone planning a trip between Edinburgh and Dundee, or for those simply curious about the future of electric buses versus the classic charm of train travel.
Let me know in the comments below which mode of transport YOU prefer.
00:00 Starting our comparison on Ember Electric Bus and ScotRail HST Train
00:55 All about Ember and their Electric Buses
01:55 Edinburgh to Dundee and SEAT Review
07:54 I don't do TOILET reviews - BUT...
08:15 Arrival in Dundee, Airport and Tay Rail Bridge
09:54 What do we think of Ember Buses?
11:02 Quick Dundee whitle stop tour
12:57 ScotRail HST FIRST CLASS Surprise
15:27 All about the HST seats and prices
20:20 WHICH IS THE WINNER? You tell me your choice too!
#EdinburghToDundee #ElectricBus #HSTTrain #EmberElectricBus #EmberBus #TravelComparison #ScotlandTravel
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One of the things I've loved about coach travel ever since a child regularly travelling from Yorkshire to London in the 1960's - has been the reassuring sound of the engine and transmission, with each manufacturer having their own distinctive quality........but to me electric coaches are 'clean, yet completely characterless'.....with the suspension noise generated from potholed roads being considerably more noticeable. However, your video presentation style is really enjoyable!
Thanks Robert. I really appreciate your comments and agree about the "reassuring sound". 😀
Also I have been on the new Citylink YuTong 922 to Troon, very impressed with the quietness and driver was very informative
I'll check that out! 👍
Hi mate, like the video, a couple of things I’d like to mention,
First, the service from Wallyford to Dundee (E1X) Doesn’t Stop at the Same Stops as the Service from Edinburgh (E1), the E1X Only stops at Wallyford, St Andrews Square, Kinross and Dundee, Where as the E1 Stops at St Andrews Square, Haymarket Railway Station, Edinburgh Zoo, Ingliston P&R, Edinburgh Airport (Between 1am & 6am), Rosyth, Kinross, Bridge of Earn, Perth (Walnut Grove), St Madoes, Inchture, Longforgan, Dundee Riverside Drive and Dundee Railway Station. Second, Ember don’t tend to go over the Forth Road Bridge and Normally will use the Queensferry Crossing because it’s Quicker, normally if they use the Forth Road Bridge if They Skip Ingliston (Due to No Passengers), If they are running early to an extent, Heavy Traffic or Forced Diversion unless both Bridges are Shut when it’ll go round Via Kincarden and down the M9 (Only Seen it once Though) Same with all Intercity Services except for Fishers 231, 236, 258 & 262 Services which stop On the South Side of the Bridge. Third, ScotRail is one word not two. Forth, When you were on the A90 you referred to it as the Motorway, The A90 is a Duel Carriage Way due to a Lack of Hard Shoulders. And Fifth and Final thing, Not All Public Transport Vehicles can cross the Forth Road Bridge, Doubt a Train will be able to cross that or a Plane 😂
If you Find this abit Arsey then sorry, Just I like things to be Correct, bit of an autistic thing 😅
Great info, thanks. 😀
Thank you for this excellent video. The fare comparison is startling, and one can only hope Ember do well on their route to Dundee.
As for the ScotRail HST, they are nice to ride in, especially in 1st Class, as you found. However, on the several HSTs I have used on the route from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, there has been no onboard service at all , and I travelled 1st Class also ! The refurbishment of the ScotRail HSTs has been carried out very well, but the 1st class carriages came from GWR, who had refurbished them earlier with leather seats, and to a very high standard.
With all the fuss about the alleged poor crashworthiness of the HST power cars, it will be interesting to see how long ScotRail continue to use them.
Thanks Anthony. I hope the HSTs stay around for a while yet - but I guess we're only looking at another 5-ish years? 🤔
Oh first class on the HST is such a treat eh? Compare that seat to what you get on LNER!!! What a great day you got for it
Tragic that we'll probably never see a seat as good on the UK network again. Cheers, Steve.
Gotta be HST as a treat
@Trond_travels We need to treat ourselves before they disappear forever!
Good video - thanks. Worth noting that those of us who are Scottish, living in Scotland and are over the age of 60 can apply for a free bus pass. This allows totally free bus travel all over Scotland and its cities and the great news is that we can also use these on Ember journeys. If you live in Fife the bus pass also allows train journeys (that start and end in Fife) to be made for only £1 each journey.
Thanks 🙏🏻
Should also mention that u22s get free busses as well then
Nah I didn't want to mention them 😂
Really great video as always, Roger. Both journeys were great!
Many thanks for watching. 😀
I’m glad you were impressed by Embers service. We have new coaches about to enter service that are a cut above the comfort and experience of the one you were on. Hopefully you could do a review of one of those, I’m sure you’ll love them
Cheers Jim - looking forward to seeing the new coaches! 😀
The new Perth city centre service looks very interesting.
When the HSTs run on the Glasgow line stopping at Stirling it’s hysterical, and frustrating, as the trains invariably arrive Stirling outskirts 5 minutes early and have to stop a few minutes so arrive in Stirling only just early (2 mins or below). Sort the timetable out!
Glasgow - Stirling in 25 mins quite achievable.
Nonetheless my heart sings when after a day in Glasgow does end with the gift of an HST home.
High speed train train
Those entrances above the station used to lead to music practicing/recording spaces when I lived in Dundee - they haven't been a part of the train station itself since before the previous rebuild that was replaced with the current rebuild.
Thanks so much for that! 😀
I'd be more than happy to give the Ember service a go when summer comes a-calling. Very impressive vehicle. 👍
Great stuff! Let me know what you think once you’ve had a go! 😀
Terrific video as always, really enjoyed this. As another commenter has said with advance booking the train ticket prices are very close and with any Railcard might actually beat it The seats on ScotRail HSTs are great, even in Standard.
Keep it up Roger, love them!
Thanks so much. Agree about Standard Class on the HST. They did a good job with the refurbishment. It’s very comfortable. 😎
Really nice travel comparison vlog there Roger! Enjoyed following this!
Cheers Jett! It was a fun day out! 🚅🚌
@@RogEdwardsTV You going to try and pull off easyJet vs Ryanair travel vlog sometime?
I’ve had some truly dreadful experiences with RyanAir over the years. I do tend to avoid them to be honest and (probably irrationally) I’m not keen to fly in a B737MAX. But yes a comparison video would be worth doing at some stage…😀
@@RogEdwardsTV Bit like the American public with their Spirit Airlines, or the Australian's with Jetstar... Not had any majorly bad experiences with budget airlines to date, my worst flight experience goes to BA ironically!
It was Extended to Wallyford for the Charging Facilities at the Park and Ride
Thanks. 😀
Like the idea of an electric bus, but the train journey wins for me - hands down.
Thanks Chris! Those iconic HSTs are hard to beat!
Good comparison Roger between the bus and train. Must admit, I prefer the train everytime, but for a short journey(plus the price involved), the bus could be an option. The train normally, just gets you there quicker! I always feel more relaxed on a train for some reason! Agree that I wouldn't pay first class train price usually! The bus price admittedly was good though, but wasn't that busy! Thanks for highlighting the two, and another interesting vlog! 😊 👍
Cheers Alan! 😀
Excellent video again.... thanks for putting Ember on the map.... that's a coach service ide love to use in future.... hope it survives and is not short lived.... yes them HSTs are great but as For catering it's a very big let down.
Nice one Roger.....
Richard Turnbull in Newcastle upon Tyne 😀
Cheers for watching, Richard.
Ember have lasted almost 4 years so far, getting busier each week and preparing to expand from Edinburgh and Glasgow
I know we should be going green these days, but that HST has to win hands down, such a design icon (product of the 70s not 80s!). I know they are not so reliable these days but not bad for something that's about 50 years old now.
We have to cherish the HSTs whilst they’re still around. Won’t be for much longer I guess.
train journey for me !!!
Thank you! 😀
I've just done a video on my own personal channel of this route personally I thought it was very nice enjoyable especially as most of the way it was just me and the driver lol
That’s great. Thanks for sharing! 😀
Great video. I love your positive attitude. Ember is my winner.
I can imagine given its a new service many people will have had booked for the existing E1 so the new route hasn't entirely filled up just yet. I'm sure it'll grow in due course
Many years ago I went up to Dundee on an HST and returned... on an extremely full 170
Thanks so much for your comments. I tried quite a few times over the last few years to get on a ScotRail HST and up until this video they always substituted a Class 170 at the last minute! 😵💫
Great video, Rog!
Those first class seats on the HST look so comfortable from first glance! Pretty overpriced though!
Cheers Reece. At those prices it’s very disappointing there’s no catering in FC either! 🤔
So far enjoying these buses. Fun Fact the 60 70 plates have no onboard loo and the 22 and 72 plates do
Think I prefer a loo on a long trip TBH. 😀
Train all day long for me, cheapest I found Dundee to Wallyford was £10.40 standard and £30.20 in First booking 1 month in advance.
Yeah, I only decided to do the trip last minte so as paying top whack on the train! Thanks for watching.
Ember 100%
Thanks 🙌
Love your videos I must correct you on the hst's they were built from the mid 70s
Thanks very much! 😀
The thing I found scary about walking the forth road bridge was that I was being battered by extremely high winds and somewhat heavy rain
Walked the Forth Bridge many times and I agree about the wind. Was also lucky to be chosen to walk the Queensferry crossing a couple of days b4 it opened to traffic. It was great.
@thatsme1268 that must have been epic!
I was fortunate it wasn’t windy the day I did it. It was scary enough with there being wind! 😵💫
I travelled on an HST between Aberdeen and Glasgow recently in standard class for only £13. I had a railcard that took a third off so without it I would’ve paid roughly £18 but I think that’s great value for money for a journey of almost 3 hours. A train from Glasgow to Edinburgh can cost almost the same
Thanks Joshua. 😀
@@RogEdwardsTV surprisingly for a diesel HST I didn’t find them that noisy either. But then again I was travelling around the centre of the train so maybe it would be a different story if I was in the front coach. They are rather squeaky though
Yes, the squeaking is very noticeable! Even in the video! 😂
The coach can do upto 250 miles on a full charge and they run 24 hours a day along with the E3 which runs from Dundee to Glasgow Via Perth Broxden Stirling Castleview and Cumbernauld
Great info, cheers. 🙌
I have used Ember a number of times. Drivers are always great and the coaches are good. Never been in one that has had more than a dozen passengers. One must wonder how long they can keep running like that. Great video though
Totally agree! Whilst it was great to have so much space, I want them to succeed and for the passenger numbers to increase so they can expand their services.
Ember are doing quite well, passenger numbers are increasing. During busy periods, additional buses are put on and the weekends can be really busy.
Great to know. Thanks for sharing. 🙌
This is only a duplicate express service running a couple of times a day. The main service uses many more stops, runs hourly and is usually fully booked at peak times and weekends.
@joeydeacon1977 🙌 Cheers.
I'll take the HST
👍
The coach is a Yutong T12
👍
Ember bus building a charging station in Inverness down by the harbour. Believe they building another charging station in Aberdeen. Ironic as FlixBus have landed in Inverness running to and from Edinburgh & Glasgow. I find ScotRail just so expensive now and basics such as lack of catering, air conditioning not working making very uncomfortable journeys sadly
Thanks! Good to hear that Ember is expanding it's network. The lack of catering on a ScotRail principal route in First Class is very disappointing. Do they have a trolley on the Edinburgh Glasgow services - I can't remember?😰
Not sure, but on long journeys say from Inverness to Edinburgh the catering is very rare. For what you pay the very least some kind of catering is what you would expect. I’m now using the new FlixBus which is superb and so cheap
@@walterfillingham I will have to give Flix Bus a try. I think you can buy the seat next to you to keep it free which would be good on a long journey. 🚌
It wont too long to replace HST by use class 385 for most of Scotland once electric overhead extension from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Abetdeen and Inverness veru soon...
Will be a shame to see the HSTs go. 🥲
Huge fan of ember only coa h whefe i can sleep the full journey
The recline of the seats will certainly help! 😂
Thanks Roger ... yet again you've made a novel comparison between these two modes. Personally the HST wins every time ... these electric buses have zero character !
Thanks Alex. I don’t know how long ScotRail intend to use the HSTs but I guess they’ll get retired eventually so we have to cherish them until they’re gone. 😀
Just came across your channel after being recommended after watching Steve marsh and wow I love your videos! Binge watching a load 😂
Thanks @ryanmeston07 - I really appreciate your support! Cheers! 😀
@@RogEdwardsTVhave you ever met and/or done a video together?
We both used to work at Meadowbank Sports centre in Edinburgh many years ago and then recognised each other when we became CZcamsrs! 😀
@@RogEdwardsTV oh wow
I am not a coach or bus fan. For me it's train anyday. Prices for on the day sames fine to me.
Thanks very much!
why was there no youtube video this saturday rog edwards tv
Read the community post, Harvey! 🤔
@@RogEdwardsTV I would just ignore him he’s saying this 36 will be extended to West Craigs
Saying HST train is basically saying high speed train train
True! 😂
Think tay rail bridge was built a bit before 1966
The caption at 15:37 was about the Tay ROAD Bridge which built in 1966. There’s an earlier caption at 08:58 about the Rail Bridge that was built in 1887. ☺️
I was on an ember bus today that crashed
Oh no! I’ve not seen anything about that. Hope you’re okay! ☺️
The HST was actually built in the early 1970s so they are 50 years old. They have had multiple refurbishments during that time
The current ScotRail HSTs are ex GWR trains , refurbished and sliding external doors fitted
And yes ScotRail customer service is pathetic
The same journey on LINER first class would have given you free tea and coffee, possibly also food
Are they still using COVID as an excuse
Thanks so much for watching and for commenting. So many companies are still using Covid as an excuse. ScotRail haven't reinstated catering on their trains since the pandemic which is a real shame. The HST have a proper "shop" section in the FC carriage which is always closed. They could make these HST journeys really special in FC with a little bit of effort.
Train by far
👍Thanks for watching.
where your youtube video today rog edwards tv at 12pm?
All will be revealed, later! 😀
lol.. of course the toilets are clean,, it's brand new,, still a nice coach tho' but definitely not a bus...I would still rather let the train take the strain though, after an hour on a coach I just want to get off!!
😂Cheers!
That bus has been in service for a few years so not brand new. We take pride in keeping our busses clean 😜
👍
I am comparing this.with my recent Greyhound Bus trip from Portland, Oregon to Seattle. There was a pile of human excrement on the sidewalk in front of the termimal...
And the trip went downhill from there. Greyhound is an embarassment
Oh Kelly that sounds awful. What are the best buses in the US as an alternative to Greyhound? 🤔
Greyhound is now owned by Flixbus so you should see some improvement.
With a rail card booking a week in advance £6.70 one way on the train
Cheers.
It doesn’t go to the Busbridge it’s because it doesn’t serve the park and ride
👍