(15 Aug 2020, 11:11 am)Michael wrote I'm also sure it was confirmed, the 58 would get the next batch of electric buses, but what make, wasn't confirmed, i would imagine these will be ordered as part of the next order.

I think we're likely to see mainly Mini/single deckers than double deckers on the next order, mainly Solo's and something to replace the Citaros, the Omnicities at Washington has to remain in service due to having the Euro 6 upgrade... so they'll hang around abit longer.

I don't know if they'll be buying from Optare for the minibuses. Given that Reading Buses recently cancelled their order for Metrodeckers because they were taking too long, even before COVID - 19, I doubt they'd want to wait a year or so for some Solos, where E200s can be made and delivered within a few months. 

Most routes can easily handle the mini E200 MMCs, and with the Green Arrow buses & new X-lines E400 MMCs, there would be more common parts, so easier to replace etc. if more E200s were bought. Plus the E200 MMCs feel like a bigger bus than the solo, something that people often prefer! Slightly bigger E200s might have more seats for better social distancing even if COVID doesn't last for too long.