(08 Jun 2014, 10:14 am)BJ10VUS wrote Yes, but look at the pollution levels in Beijing compared to somewhere like Newcastle or Middlesbrough. The fact of the matter is, with the new EU 'Euro 6' regulations, whatever new buses GNE buy for the TTX, they'll be 'green' whether you like it or not.
Also, while tri-axle vehicles would help with capacity, they'll be horrendous on fuel. Glasgow's Enviro 500s, for example, just drink diesel and it won't be good for a route that covers so many miles.
But with a new powerful engine, tri axile and if GNE opted to choose the correct gearbox, the reliability would be pretty good. What I've noticed is that GNE will compromise on economy where reliability will suffer. If they were that concerned about economy, they would've ordered the DB300 or E400 rather than the B9TL for many of the B9TL routes. GNE clearly statedd back in 2011 when they ordered the B9TL was that they wanted a bigger engine to improve reliability and they've done that. But all they need to do for the next step is to combine that with the correct gearing ratios and general build for long distances. The B8TL would still be Euro 6 if Volvo went ahead with it. Put it this way, a Euro 6 tri axial would use the same amount if not, slightly more fuel than a Palatine 2. But the reliability with a 280bhp engine (no turbocharging) and a good gearing and build setup would be very good.