(10 Feb 2015, 7:50 pm)aureolin wrote I'm confident that they know why, but fixing the issue is another matter. The cash to replace rolling stock isn't there, and it's unlikely to be in the near future. Nexus can only work on further funding bids, and there's absolutely sod all that the operator can do about it unfortunately.
The issue, judging by the posts on Social Media, is related to the reliability of rolling stock. Bus operators see that they are having issues with the reliability of their rolling stock and make attempts to fix it. Clearly, as you say, Nexus (and other associated parties) are not in a position to replace the rolling stock on the Tyne & Wear Metro system, so the problems are going to be ongoing for the foreseeable future.
I wouldn't wish to spark a huge debate in this thread as it's not completely relevant, but at the moment, bus operators can pace themselves and replace their rolling stock over time. The oldest stock is kept in a reserve role and doesn't usually see frontline service on demanding work. Under the Quality Contracts Scheme, the operators would not have this control. I think it's a fair enough assumption to suggest that most contracts will stipulate a Euro 5 allocation, yes? This means that the operators will either have to replace the stock completely (to retain a similar level of work as they currently have) or SCRT-fit their fleet with Eminox modifications. Both incur a cost - but the operators will have to do it regardless... Just doesn't seem like a level playing field in my eyes?