(30 Nov 2021, 10:54 am)mb134 wrote Reliability issues with second hand stock does not mean they're not suitable for the route. They're arguably the most suitable vehicles for that sort of route (Stagecoach operate the exact same vehicle type on similar services, and Megabus work, without anywhere near as much issue).
Part of the reliability issues is possibly down to GNE engineering still getting used to them, their common problems, and likely having to consult with Volvo on major issues. They're unique vehicles within GNE (possibly also within GAG?), so it's not as if they'll have mountains of spare parts lying around either - and the wait time on parts at the moment is lengthy I'm led to believe.
No they wouldn't.
A Scania powered MMC or the 6 cylinder Streetdeck would be far more likely, and suitable, options.
Agree that the Scania powered Enviros would be ideal, but after the song and dance when introducing luxury/executive coaches onto the route earlier this year, I fear that reverting back to a normal service bus would be seen as a downgrade. I'd say it'd also not be as appealing to those looking to switch over from the train.
The introduction of the second-hand coaches was a good move, and takes the service to a new level in my opinion, but clearly there's a cost vs benefit argument to be had in the near-future here, and a dilemma that is of the operator's own creation.
(30 Nov 2021, 11:30 am)Train8261 wrote How long have the coaches now. You think they would have gotten used to it now
Do you work in engineering? If not, then I'm not sure how you can make sure a comment.
Perhaps you can enlighten us on how long it takes to be able to support a particular vehicle type fluently?