(17 Nov 2017, 5:18 am)Dan As an enthusiast; I'd agree that a Streetlite is a downgrade compared to a Citaro (I personally think the Mercs are one of the best buys since the Volvo B10BLEs, even if they are more expensive to run and very expensive to maintain), but from a passenger perspective, there's probably not a great deal of difference other than the fact we can assume USB charging points would be made available (bringing this service up to standard with most other routes, as it currently lacks this feature).
(17 Nov 2017, 8:33 am)Andreos1 From a financial perspective (particularly the short term one), unfortunately there's only one winner.
(17 Nov 2017, 5:18 am)Dan As an enthusiast; I'd agree that a Streetlite is a downgrade compared to a Citaro (I personally think the Mercs are one of the best buys since the Volvo B10BLEs, even if they are more expensive to run and very expensive to maintain), but from a passenger perspective, there's probably not a great deal of difference other than the fact we can assume USB charging points would be made available (bringing this service up to standard with most other routes, as it currently lacks this feature).
(17 Nov 2017, 8:33 am)Andreos1 From a financial perspective (particularly the short term one), unfortunately there's only one winner.
(17 Nov 2017, 10:44 am)mb134 I think we all know that Streetlites are cheaper to buy initially, run and to an extent maintain, than the current heavyweight vehicles available. Indeed, the Government isn't going to pay companies to operate Citaros and B8RLEs.
However my concern is that, as we've seen with multiple Arriva examples, operators are thinking short term a bit too much. Obviously, we have no evidence to base the life expectancy of a Streetlite on, but I think it fair to assume in majority of cases that it will be nowhere near as long as the vehicles they're replacing. I know it may not be the case in this instance, going back to the point Dan made about the Citaros probably not being needed on this route initially, but in quite a few cases across both companies, they have been allocated to routes where a heavyweight vehicle would probably be more suited. It also begs the question, if Stagecarriage can buy heavyweight vehicles when required, why can't 2 of the main North East operators?
Obviously, my main experience with Streetlites are with First in Aberdeen. All of which are allocated to inner-city routes, and yet at just 3 and a half years old, there are a number that feel shockingly bad to travel on. I boarded one last night, and as it dropped me off home, an alarm was ringing in the cab. About an hour later, by chance I caught it home from Morrisons and the same alarm was ringing, this time for pretty much the duration of the journey. As I got off, the driver switched it off, and then it completely failed to start up on first time of asking. Second time was alright, though it was evident something wasn't quite right.
(17 Nov 2017, 10:44 am)mb134 I think we all know that Streetlites are cheaper to buy initially, run and to an extent maintain, than the current heavyweight vehicles available. Indeed, the Government isn't going to pay companies to operate Citaros and B8RLEs.
However my concern is that, as we've seen with multiple Arriva examples, operators are thinking short term a bit too much. Obviously, we have no evidence to base the life expectancy of a Streetlite on, but I think it fair to assume in majority of cases that it will be nowhere near as long as the vehicles they're replacing. I know it may not be the case in this instance, going back to the point Dan made about the Citaros probably not being needed on this route initially, but in quite a few cases across both companies, they have been allocated to routes where a heavyweight vehicle would probably be more suited. It also begs the question, if Stagecarriage can buy heavyweight vehicles when required, why can't 2 of the main North East operators?
Obviously, my main experience with Streetlites are with First in Aberdeen. All of which are allocated to inner-city routes, and yet at just 3 and a half years old, there are a number that feel shockingly bad to travel on. I boarded one last night, and as it dropped me off home, an alarm was ringing in the cab. About an hour later, by chance I caught it home from Morrisons and the same alarm was ringing, this time for pretty much the duration of the journey. As I got off, the driver switched it off, and then it completely failed to start up on first time of asking. Second time was alright, though it was evident something wasn't quite right.
A full bus of people just got dumped off 3965 at gateshead on a busy trip to chester. A lot of confusion
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When will 6044 be repainted?
Which are the longest double deckers?
Some B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 seem to have a 'small' window (like the RMLs) - but are they the longest ones or shorter (because of the smaller window)?
Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro 400 seems to have 7 windows all the same size.
(17 Nov 2017, 9:36 pm)G-CPTN Which are the longest double deckers?
Some B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 seem to have a 'small' window (like the RMLs) - but are they the longest ones or shorter (because of the smaller window)?
Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro 400 seems to have 7 windows all the same size.
(17 Nov 2017, 9:36 pm)G-CPTN Which are the longest double deckers?
Some B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 seem to have a 'small' window (like the RMLs) - but are they the longest ones or shorter (because of the smaller window)?
Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro 400 seems to have 7 windows all the same size.
(17 Nov 2017, 9:36 pm)G-CPTN Which are the longest double deckers?
Some B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 seem to have a 'small' window (like the RMLs) - but are they the longest ones or shorter (because of the smaller window)?
Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro 400 seems to have 7 windows all the same size.
(17 Nov 2017, 9:36 pm)G-CPTN Which are the longest double deckers?
Some B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 seem to have a 'small' window (like the RMLs) - but are they the longest ones or shorter (because of the smaller window)?
Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro 400 seems to have 7 windows all the same size.
Mercedes Citaro - 5303 looks good with its Tynedale Links branding!
(19 Nov 2017, 9:58 am)thetravelman Mercedes Citaro - 5303 looks good with its Tynedale Links branding!
(19 Nov 2017, 9:58 am)thetravelman Mercedes Citaro - 5303 looks good with its Tynedale Links branding!
(19 Nov 2017, 10:02 am)Michael
Just spotted this on 3970's news:
Although originally intended to Riverside Depot for storage until the next Special Event following the end of the Sunderland Illuminations event, this vehicle has instead been retained at Deptford Depot where it is now classed as being "on loan". This vehicle is intended to cover for the "Prince Bishops" branded Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Max Micro-Hybrid vehicles which are off service to have an additional opening window installed at Saltmeadows Road Depot, providing better air ventilation following feedback received from customers.
(19 Nov 2017, 10:02 am)Michael
Just spotted this on 3970's news:
Although originally intended to Riverside Depot for storage until the next Special Event following the end of the Sunderland Illuminations event, this vehicle has instead been retained at Deptford Depot where it is now classed as being "on loan". This vehicle is intended to cover for the "Prince Bishops" branded Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Max Micro-Hybrid vehicles which are off service to have an additional opening window installed at Saltmeadows Road Depot, providing better air ventilation following feedback received from customers.
(19 Nov 2017, 10:02 am)Michael 5298 should arrive back next week, i think., so hopefully 5298 - 5302 are branded next week for the X84/X85.
Just spotted this on 3970's news:
Although originally intended to Riverside Depot for storage until the next Special Event following the end of the Sunderland Illuminations event, this vehicle has instead been retained at Deptford Depot where it is now classed as being "on loan". This vehicle is intended to cover for the "Prince Bishops" branded Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Max Micro-Hybrid vehicles which are off service to have an additional opening window installed at Saltmeadows Road Depot, providing better air ventilation following feedback received from customers.
(19 Nov 2017, 10:02 am)Michael 5298 should arrive back next week, i think., so hopefully 5298 - 5302 are branded next week for the X84/X85.
Just spotted this on 3970's news:
Although originally intended to Riverside Depot for storage until the next Special Event following the end of the Sunderland Illuminations event, this vehicle has instead been retained at Deptford Depot where it is now classed as being "on loan". This vehicle is intended to cover for the "Prince Bishops" branded Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Max Micro-Hybrid vehicles which are off service to have an additional opening window installed at Saltmeadows Road Depot, providing better air ventilation following feedback received from customers.
(15 Nov 2017, 3:55 pm)Dan Wright Streetlite 9101 has again returned to Go North East for further use. It has been in use at Washington today as a staff shuttle, but transferring to Chester-le-Street tonight (for use on service 34) in exchange for 9092 which will be used at Washington in service instead.
(15 Nov 2017, 3:55 pm)Dan Wright Streetlite 9101 has again returned to Go North East for further use. It has been in use at Washington today as a staff shuttle, but transferring to Chester-le-Street tonight (for use on service 34) in exchange for 9092 which will be used at Washington in service instead.
