When it does finally get to that time for replacing them, what are they even gonna be replaced with?
They don't really have an abundance of options given the capacity needs for the 1&2
There are actually pretty decent options available but nothing the company say it would buy given that they don’t want to buy anymore diesels.
With the change in university usage since COVID there is really only a need for a high capacity service on the 1 and 2 for 10 weeks a year, so it is likely normal double deckers will suffice.
In part, that is certainly true, which is why both the 1 & 2 do not both need something particularly high capacity.
A mixed approach would work best.
Enviro400XLBs likely would have issues getting around RGU, Balgownie and Ashwood.
Nope..RGU & Balgownie would both be fine with XLBs.
Ashwood most likely would require a 3 point turn with an XLB if it were the full length 13.4m model.
If only Volvo were able to fit rear wheel steering to tighten the turning circle on those.
In the short term the replacements are most likely going to be E400MMCs cascaded from Glasgow, however in the long term it really depends what happens with Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART) and if it actually goes ahead.
Not enough seats down stairs on those short 400MMC vehicles.
Deckers (including the E500s) don't really suit the 1/2 in my opinion artics work much better, although the B7LAs were far better laid out internally than the Citaros are. Despite the 1/2 having been primarily Enviro500 operated for seven and a half years now you still find more often than not that the E500s will run with the lower deck fully seated and with standees meanwhile upstairs will be 1/3rd full if that, in contrast those same people that refuse to go upstairs on a decker will happily go right up to the back of an articulated bus.
Even in Edinburgh and Glasgow the lower deck most likely is full before the top deck is, to simplify this in Aberdeen most people are likely going a shorter distance therefore it easier just to stay down stairs.
For as long as bendy buses have been known to Aberdeen there rear door arrangement doesn’t work well on todays streets due to street furniture occasionally in the way, even when they are open the company seems to have no ambition on making sure the majority of people alight at the rear door.
Personally I find that Route 1 is particularly suited to the Enviro 400XLB even at 13.4m whilst Route 2 could easily operate a long 11.5m Enviro 400MMC.
The XLBs at 13.4m can accommodate a decent seated capacity on the lower deck even whilst a space for a wheelchair bay, a separate buggy space and even a small luggage rack for students suitcases going from King St whilst having a dual-door set up that would not be nearly as prone to issues with street furniture given those exit doors are in the middle of the vehicle.
