15 Dec 2019, 10:58 am
#57
(13 Dec 2019, 6:03 pm)Michael Spotted this in the bus and coach magazine.
New vehicles arriving in 6-7 months for the X1
Looking to relaunch the X9/X10, which will give a cascade of vehicles on the X84/X85. (probables the B9's from the Red Arrows)
Edit:
Also confirms 2 batches of electric buses are on order, first batch (as we know, are due in July for the 53/54), 2nd batch - is for a service with more range but are still in the evaluation stage.
Edit: Won't let me add attachment.... -.-
Source from Coach and Bus world Magazine -
https://cbwmagazine.com/the-view-from-the-top/ (copy and paste job)
New vehicles
Green Arrow benefited from new Alexander Dennis Enviro200s this year. DAN GRAHAM
This year GNE has invested in 11 new high-spec Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) Enviro200s for its Green Arrow routes.
“We’re also working on raising the profile of our express routes,” Martijn said. “The North East isn’t blessed with the best rail connectivity, which means unlike in some parts of the UK, we’ve got a great network of express bus services which almost go the same way you would drive your car. They are filling the gaps in the railway network.
“Our new brand for that, X Lines, launched earlier this year on our X6, X7 and X20 routes between Sunderland, Peterlee and Durham, with high-specification Optare Solos. We’ve set a minimum vehicle standard of high-back comfortable seating, WiFi, USB charging points and next-stop audio-visual and we drape them in a classy gold colour scheme so they really stand out.
“We’ve also changed the tone and language of interior signs. For disabilities, our priority seats now note that not all disabilities are visible.”
ADL has been keen to highlight GNE’s investment in new buses from the manufacturer, which are the first orders it has received for some time from it. Asked why it has returned to ADL, Martijn responded: “I’ve run a lot of ADLs in the past and I think it’s a good product. That’s not to say that vehicles from other manufacturers aren’t, but we went through a tender process, which looked at price, fuel efficiency, build quality and support and innovation. As result, we had the confidence to try other manufacturer’s products and acquired some ADLs this year. The largest chunk of our order was still with Wrightbus – 31 double-deckers.
Engineering Director Colin Barnes added: “I think it’s fair to say we’ve not been disappointed with the Enviro200s so far. They have been faultless.” GNE’s ultimate vision is for all X routes to be at this standard. So far, the X21 and X30 have been relaunched, along with the initial X6, X7 and X20. There are plans to relaunch the Stanley and Consett routes – along with the Consett to Durham route – once the Wrightbus vehicles arrive.
“We’re ordering vehicles for the X1 to arrive in six to seven months time,” Martijn added. “In the next financial year – July onwards – we’re looking to relaunch the X9 and X10, which should give us a cascade of vehicles for the X84 and X85. In about a year’s time the whole express network should be relaunched to a very high standard. That gives us a simple proposition to get out there and sell – these are our fast, interurban buses which go right across our patch.
Electric on the way
A fleet of electric buses is also on the way to GNE’s Riverside depot, which Martijn said will be the first of their kind in the region. Two batches of nine buses are on the way, with the first – nine Yutong E10s – due to arrive by July 2020. They will be operated on the 53/54 service.
“We have funding support for a total of 18 vehicles,” Martijn said. “The order for the first batch has been placed and we are challenging Yutong as to how we can make these look more attractive and whizzy than an average bus.
“The second order will require more range and capability and therefore we are still in the evaluation phase. Battery technology is moving at quite a pace.
Colin added: “When we ordered the Yutongs a 374Kwh battery was available. Six months later, it’s been upgraded to 422Kwh, which is what we will get.”
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