(01/05/2020 20:51)dounowhoiam Wrote:  My question (apologies if may be a not a wise one) is what about the number of TfGM hybrid buses.

As Diamond has a number of tenders from the closure of MCT, couldn't Diamond (in the short term) utilise these buses for the tender routes on less populated routes in a deal with TfGM? If there was an agreement for bus age for tender routes, but with the current climate and the fact they are hybrid could exceptions be made?

This wouldn't be helpful for the more popular routes (like the 8) but surely Diamond could utilise them for the likes of the 217 etc

(01/05/2020 21:07)Winston Wrote:  Not 100% sure why the Hybrids have been returned, however, I suspect it relates to the recent TfGM tender changes i.e. 640 Wigan area service no longer operated by DBNW.

I doubt there's any shortage within the existing fleet to cover the former MCT TfGM tendered routes, any re-distribution of TfGM hybrid Solo's will need to be mutually agreed by Diamond & TfGM and will ultimately depend on what spec any tenders were awarded on.

(02/05/2020 04:25)Metroline1511 Wrote:  I even wonder how many TfGM hybrids are even still being kept available for service? Apart from Free Bus with Go North West and maybe the long yellow school Versas, I can't think of any others now.

It does seem ridiculous these ex-Preston Solos still having PrestonBus instead of Diamond insignia.

(02/05/2020 11:31)Winston Wrote:  Being 1st generation Hybrids & now 9+ years old, I doubt they're very fuel efficient compared with current Euro 6 diesel equivalents & I expect they're now proving troublesome & costly to maintain with little benefits.

Bolton had been working though the repainting of ex Yourbus stock pretty quickly, only 2 x Citaros & 1 x Enviro200 left to complete. The same applies in Preston, buses up there still have Diamond branding on PB base colours & have had for some time.