Yap, I think that's the mean reason why SBST don't want to
purchase the bendy but preferred the double decker. The rear pair
of the wheels is providing the propulsion for the whole bus.
The reason why SBST did not acquire bendies after SBS998Y and
SBS999U is because of infrastructure in SBST's
depot/interchange constraints even though the supposed
benefits outweigh the cons. TIBS however, had
another constrasting view, they recongised the potential
benefits of the third exit door at the trailer and higher
capacity/ accessiblity of the bus. DDs need to climb stairs,
not so good for elderly people.
And bendies do not have any height restrictions, and they can be
deployed rather easily on high capacity routes without too much
turns and bends. But they do take up road space and are a bit more
tricky to maneuveur
For both the DD and bendy, the rearmost axle is the one powering
the bus forward.
