(21 May 2016, 2:09 pm)Malarkey wrote By the sounds of it the Drivers dont like Streetlites at all, if this is the case from comments from various depots then why do GNE persist in continuing to purchase this vehicle in particular over other vehicle on the market
Appreciate drivers may not be fond of them, and understand this needs to be kept in mind when buying vehicles (that bus is a driver's 'office' for up to five hours at a time so an uncomfortable bus to drive would possibly demotivate the driver), but there are so many more things to consider.
The Streetlite Micro-Hybrid has proven itself to be an ideal full-size single deck model for Go North East's services. These vehicles have a significant reduction in fuel costs compared to heavy-weight models such as Mercedes Citaros, and the Streetlite Micro-Hybrid also qualifies for additional BSOG payments (6p per kilometre). There is also a maintenance cost saving, as the Streetlite Micro-Hybrid vehicle type is very reliable.
I cannot see the WF Streetlite model being selected over the Optare Solo M925 model, but the purpose of a demonstration trial is to compare it against other models.