(14 Nov 2020, 8:47 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Aside from having a battery, what features do these Voltra buses have which are going to significantly increase passenger numbers?
I was reading an article the other day in one of the dirt-sheets which suggested more people will migrate to more individualistic modes of transportation post-Covid. As Saltwell and Bensham are relatively close to both Newcastle and Gateshead, it is feasible more people will opt to either walk or cycle to work rather than get the bus. For those working further away, then it looks likely that cars will be perceived as a safer option of travel. A new brand is unlikely to change that.
The NSA's, WiFi, USB charging, contactless payments, how frequent they are (more clearly), cheap fares, probably all things that a customer will care about more than an electric bus tbf.
Not sure about people moving to cycling though, we just don't have the infrastructure for it really and it'll take a lot to push people in the winter to cycle. People working from home will be the bigger problem though I think for public transport mind. Have a feeling we'll be getting a lot of empty office space in the future to the stage where people working from home get additional taxed (it's already been discussed).
(14 Nov 2020, 8:48 pm)Dan wrote Have you seen the First Group Yutong E10s? They’re bloody hideous inside, and outside the vinyl quality is atrocious.
Go North East’s looks far superior in the flesh, regardless of personal opinions on the design.
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To be fair I don't mind the interior, it's quite different and modern which I like. Something different instead of the usual. Reminds me of the Paris Metro a bit which like using bright colours. The First ones interior wise look pretty horrendous though, the green handrails reminds of one of ex Cowie operators down south not sure which one though who's buses ended up here with Arriva for a bit.
It's very marmite though and can imagine a few hating it aswell for the same reasons mind.