Just thinking out loud to add to what I said last night and other comments, but if GNE aren't happy with Optare, they have had numerous issue's with the Deckers from Wrights and they weren't happy with the seating layouts on the Mercs.
The MAN bus they had on trial led to nothing and there was the major falling out with Scania re the Omnicity's.
And on top of that they allegedly won't touch the Alexander's.
Stick an accordian onto the Citaro bendy buses and no-body will be any the wiser of those squeaks!
Unless these builders can convince GNE to pick their vehicles over the next few years, in what is likely to be a spell of significant vehicle investment - we will have to make do!
RE: Go North East