(12 Oct 2021, 8:03 am)Storx wrote The 20 mostly spends it's time in Sunderland so doesn't really benefit Durham much and doesn't touch any high emittion areas ie. Tyne Bridge and is probably too long for electric buses (route wise).
X20 maybe but it's not that busy really.
X21 will be too long for electric buses.
50/65 are both secondary.
16/16A maybe but it's no different to the X5/X15 really and the second is xlines so is more premium.
It's not really about what's best but which routes are most attractive for funding. They could put a bid in to do all the Solos in the fleet but there's not a cat in hell chance they'd get the funding. There has to be a case about it and I'm guessing they're focusing on the Newcastle LEZ and a corridor in Durham (outside hospital maybe?)
I don't think we'll see the X21 get electrified for a very long time. The only way I could see it going electric any time soon is if GNE invests in some hydrogen StreetDecks for it, and I don't think they'd want to invest in the infrastructure unless they go all in on Hydrogen