(08 Mar 2014, 3:11 pm)VolvoMarkII wrote Its quite easy to use newer vehicles that are already in fleet, compared to buying brand new, which does need the financial backing to ensure return on investment.
The fact Arriva (trying to) use newer vehicles suggests they see the value in the service, but cant quite create a good enough case for investment just yet.
Totally agree!
If there is indirect investment via a new purchase and vehicle displacement means the x93 gets newer vehicles, that can cope with the route and loadings - then everyone is a winner and shareholders aren't looking to the sky for blue clouds like they would be with direct investment.
(08 Mar 2014, 3:15 pm)Kuyoyo wrote You can't buy new buses with fresh air, and we've had half decent summers in 2011/2, so it's not as simple as you seem to think. If this year turns out to be the same as last year then new vehicles will be ordered for next year. If not, they'll likely soruce better vehicles for next year. The income depends on the weather - and you need the income in order to make an investment so in a way, the weather is a factor in ordering new vehicles.
I am not disputing the weather is a factor - I have agreed it is.
I also said that there are a number of other factors (hardly thinking along the lines of 'simple thinking' either...).