(24 Jun 2014, 5:48 pm)Dan wrote Services M2/M3 are currently operated by midi-sized vehicles. This was done to 'upgrade' the services in terms of capacity, as well as to keep the Cadets somewhat more local than before on the South Tyne (due to the fact they're renowned for their unreliability). I don't think we'll see Go North East downgrade services M2/M3 back down to mini-sized vehicles again - a backward step, don't you think?
Why bother with Citaro cascades for the Lime when it can justify direct investment? As for the Laser in general, although it was strongly suggested six months ago and pretty much has been ever since, something makes me think that GNE are holding off on investment for the Laser for now... The fact that the Volvo B5TL isn't in-line to be trialled on the Laser services at Deptford certainly reiterates this too.
If it was the 9.7m Variant of the Solo SR, Then yes it maybe a Justifiable Replacement for the Cadets, only is with the SR's is they only have one Wheelchair Bay, So I think either Versas or Citaro K's would be a better option, and I wouldn't even bother buying Streetlites as they are just a Modern Day Cadet.