(13 Apr 2014, 12:01 pm)Davey Bowyer wrote I'd say that if no suitable euro 6 double decker is on the market when 6043 to 6048 come to be replaced,, then the TTX would actually justify Astromegas:
- Life span of 15 years.
- Initial outlay would be higher and midlife refurb would be needed but the above point would mittigate it.
- VERY FEW breakdowns and improved reliability.
- Appropriate gearing ratios.
- Easy Access.
- Good Capacity.
- Very Comfortable and would give train a good run for money.
- Vehicle built for long distance purposes.
- Fuel consumption not much more than a Palatine 2.
Not sure on the "very few" breakdowns and good reliability. Megabus have been suffering from low availability over the last few months (just see how many times the M12 has been covered from Newcastle!) and that's on a far less intensive service than the X9/X10 are!
I reckon we're just going to have to live with the fact that nothing sustainable is available and they're going to have to make the best of what they've got. Buying new double decks every few years may turn out to be the best idea but that is expensive over time.