(05 Apr 2021, 4:23 pm)Dan wrote The infrastructure is one of the largest costs associated with the procurement of electric buses.

To get more 'bang for your buck', it may be that because Go North East already have the infrastructure (and are set up to accommodate up to 30 electric buses), that they could stand a better chance. In addition to the current nine, Go North East already have funding for a further nine buses, so this would take them to 18 of the 30 capacity they currently have for electric buses at Riverside.

A route like Go North East's Q3 has a PVR of 9, so a spare would be ordered, and this would take them to a capacity of 28/30 for electric buses at Riverside. It would also tick your box for Gosforth High Street.

I cannot see Arriva North East being particularly interested in this funding - don't forget that this funding only covers 75% of the difference between a diesel bus and an electric bus: so if a diesel single-deck bus is £160k, and an electric bus is closer to the £300k mark, the company would still be investing c.£200k per bus themselves. We're all aware of the reasons for the alleged lack of investment at Arriva, and I cannot see this funding changing things.

I do however agree with Adrian that it would be great for the Durham Park & Ride tender, which is up for renewal next year, to stipulate the use of electric buses (regardless of whether this funding could be used for that or not).

Some good points made, I literally just changed the post there to add in about the Quaylink because of Gosforth High Street and I agree with you tbh. Guessing you's will be looking at getting some of the money (obviously don't expect a reply as you can't).

Fair points about Arriva ngl I'm not sure how strict the funding is in terms of the infrastructure is but I was thinking they might milk it to get some money for their new depot which is supposedly replacing Jesmond / Blyth especially Blyth which has plans to be demolished. Believe Sandy Lane / Cramlington have been rumoured. Whatever they want to do they'll need to invest at some point as they can't keep dragging 15 year old Enviro's and 12 year old Gemini's on frontline services forever.

Agreed with the Durham P&R though, the cathedral service would be a good shout for it aswell when it comes round for renewal.

(05 Apr 2021, 4:44 pm)Adrian wrote Its minibus because that's what the current contract stipulates, but there's absolutely no reason why full size buses could not be used on the service.

Its worth noting that Policy 21 of the County Durham plan states: "5.228 It is very important that we plan to enable the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and also actively discourage the number and frequency of single occupancy car journeys through the provision of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and car sharing bays. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and car sharing bays will be required in the Parking and Accessibility SPD. We will also support taxi and bus operators to switch to alternative fuel vehicles by identifying and helping with suitable funding opportunities."

So I'd be extremely surprised if the next P&R contract isn't for an all-electric service.

Yeah valid points tbf, wasn't too sure on the service whether there was any points where they'd struggle with anything bigger. I've never used it before tbh. It's definitely a service which would make sense being electric.