(05 Feb 2021, 5:30 pm)Dan wrote The dual-door buses were re-trimmed into Go-Ahead London's moquette shortly before being acquired, which was one of the main reasons nothing was ever done with them. They were, and still are, in very good condition.
The Scania OmniDekkas on the other hand were incredibly poor quality, but, as normal, were rushed out into service as quickly as possible, due to the business requirements at the time. There was a long-term project to re-trim the seats in all the Scania OmniDekkas on a rolling basis.
Cannot deny that the quality of the refurbishment on Arriva's pre-owned vehicles is sublime - alas the downside to this is that the cost of the refurbishment (including centre-door conversion) would have been more than the cost of the bus, and as such they're probably lumbered with those buses for many years to come now (whereas Go North East's examples are close to being fully depreciated so could, in theory, be easily disposed of, should newer stock become available).
The first 57-plate ex-B&H OmniDekka is due back from repaint next week - I wonder how the interior will be presented?
As much as I'd love to agree with you on scholars being the 'customers of the future', unfortunately I'd have to disagree in this instance as very few show any kind of regard for the buses that they're using. Most vandalise them.
That, or operators factor into the cost of their bid the cost of undertaking significant refurbishment work, coming at the expense of the taxpayer (I'm sure that wouldn't be popular, either!)
I'd imagine, as you've eluded to, it's ultimately a balancing act. Arriva's second hand stuff is generally presented very well, but does this take away from the pot for presentation for the rest of the fleet? GNEs isn't at the same standard but then they can turn them over quicker, and their dedicated front line fleet gets repainted more than once a decade.
If that 57-plate doesn't have high back genuine leather seats, all with USB chargers and armrests, along with NSAs and mood lighting you'll have a word with Saltmeadows I assume?
I wonder if that vandalism is because they see the buses as a bit rough around the edges anyways? I can't speak from much experience, as my bus to school was a normal public service, but generally back when I caught the bus to school there was little to no vandalism. That said we were on, at the time, end of life Olympians and then DAF DB250s so I can't imagine they were immaculate either.