I think, as rapid, says they're a very functional choice and quite sensible and one hopes some sense continues in franchising decisions.
Where the beenetwork has been a success I look at some routes that barely required a Solo (Ashton's 336/7 circular services) which since franchising are now operated by Volvo BZL deckers which cart around fresh air for 90% of their runs.
I suspect the same will happen here as the operator will be getting paid to whack a shiny new electric on there
RE: Northstar
Wistfully stuck in the 90s