(27 Jan 2015, 9:54 pm)Dan wrote Think the Volvo Hybrids serve their purpose on the Angel, if I'm honest. The start-stop nature of the route means that the buses are never going too fast to start with.
Let's not forget that, if Go North East so wished, they could have opted for Volvo B9TLs at the same price they got the Volvo B5LHs for. The Green Bus Fund made up the difference between a Volvo B9TL and a Volvo B5LH. They clearly thought the Hybrid would cope (and I'd argue they do cope?)
Can't deny that, as an enthusiast, I would have a Volvo B9 over a Volvo B5 every day of the week, but if it got them some good PR..!
Yeah I think they are okay for most of the route as between Newcastle and Chester it is very stop, start so it doesn't get up to much speed, especially in Birtley with the 20mph speed limit, it's just the bit between Chester and Pity Me and a bit of Low Fell near the Angel where it has to go down at 50mph limit and part of the being national limit. I don't think they are that bad although I'd much sooner opt for the X2 or X21 although this is more for the faster journey time.