I heard GNE paid £5,000 for each citaro artic. maybe less not sure. the 57reg arn't that bad minus the screeching noise from the part of the bus. but as said before the 54reg ones are dreadful.
As for these demos hitting the road soon, how close is soon, just I've this sort of question before and it's been like 7 months aways, which to me is ages way.
I would also love to know what GNE have bid for through the Green Bus Fund.
RE: Go North East