(21 May 2016, 2:22 pm)Dan wrote 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.
Have to agree with you. Yes they might be a bit slow here and there but at the end of the day, the cost of running a heavy duty single deck vehicle can't be justified in most cases as well as the increased purchase costs . As long as they remain reliable for years to come, then that should do.