(18 Jun 2014, 6:38 pm)Panasonic44 wrote Couple of things regarding 27 topic.
I only suggest trailling it , to see how it would perform/ running costs compared to citras now for future. To see if the 27 needs really needs Deckers (sometimes it does at peak/school times) or GoNE needs to resort timetablet to stop buses running in 2s and people waiting over 20mins for the next.
Since GoNE downgraded from Volvo B10 their has been less room for people to get on and replace with Citraos Euro 2.
I think the company should have swapped with Scaina Omncity 1 or 45/46 service which would have been a far better improvement with space and engine quality for upgrade.
I totally disagree. When Go North East introduced the albeit odd 10/11 minute frequency, reliability saw a massive increase. While the Citaros have a few less seats, the increase in reliability has meant that there are less standing overall.
Also, the Scania Omnicitys are Euro 4 if I recall correctly, whereas the Citaros are Euro 5? Plus, they're not the best-known for reliability! There's no point changing the 27 just so new vehicles can be brought to the South Tyneside area when the 27 is fine with what it has.
I'd say the only disadvantage is the lack of set times on the timetable. I think a 12 minute timetable would be more beneficial, rather than a 10/11 minute, but that's just me?