(26 Oct 2018, 9:03 am)Michael wrote Wonder if we will see an investment in the Sunderland Connect next year as its 6 and 7 years since the hybrid Solo's first entered service.
I think the buses were joint funded by the Uni and Council?, so would be interesting to see what would happen to them...
Part of the new contract, which came into effect last month, was for the operator to supply 3x Euro 6 vehicles.
Dispensation is allowed to permit time for an operator to buy these vehicles (as they won't be owned by the council this time around), but yes, I'd certainly expect to see three new Solos for the Sunderland Connect some time within the next few months.
Go North East will be able to buy the Hybrids at a reduced rate given they've been maintained by the company since new, but given how expensive their parts are when they're out of warranty, I'm doubtful they will be bought.