A vehicle 11/13 years old will have little value whether being sold to a dealer or traded in - SPD Darts were making only a few thousand last year. I haven't seen any Cadets advertised recently, but I'd guess they may be worth £10000 for an independent operator to buy one, if in good nick, though companies like Ensign seem to charge considerably more than smaller dealers. Being DDA will carry some premium as smaller operators with non DDA vehicles on service work may be getting desperate now with the January 2016 deadline for single deckers approaching.
Can't remember where I saw it but somebody mentioned about the possibility of Streetlite MAXs on the 58 in the future? I think that the next step for the 58 would be deckers and the Versas would then go on the 27. Also if Citylink got deckers, the 58x could be withdrawn (passengers could change onto the 309 / X39 at the Civic Centre) and in the afternoons to reduce the likelyhood of GNE having to allocate Lolynes and B7s onto main 309 / 310 services, the 1605 X39 could continue to be Lolyne / B7 operated and the 1635 and 1705 X39 runs could be provided by Citylink deckers with the 310 continuing to be docked between Norham Road and Newcastle to provide extra 309s between Cobalt and Newcastle. Also, providing stand occupancy wouldn't be an issue at Haymarket, the Citylink deckers could also do the morning X39 runs to Cobalt allowing either the 310 to run more frequently or provide extra 309s between Newcastle and Cobalt.
I know it's a bit long winded but:
- It would increase capacity on the 58 to prevent overcrowding.
- All Cobalt to Newcastle services would have better punctuality.
- Extra buses to and from Cobalt on service 309.
- Reduced likelyhood of a significantly lower standard vehicle being allocated to a main 309 / 310 service like what the 1610, 1640 and 1742 services are currently allocated from Haymarket.
- PVR reduced by 3 buses saving on fuel, wages, dead mileage and other costs.
- Despite the direct link between Gateshead and Cobalt being dropped, customer satisfaction would improve particularly on the profitable yet competitive Coast Road corridor.
I reckon that an order will be placed in the coming months for the 2015/2016 orders so the new vehicles can be placed into service before the DDA regulations come into place.
I think the Streetlites would work on the 57 as Malarkey suggested. Mainly because the route isn't that long so won't be putting any heavy work onto a light weight vehicle. I think we can also all agree that it is about time that the Pronto gained new buses whether that be direct replacements or replacements through cascades from the X1 or whatever it may be.
(25 May 2015, 9:27 am)DaveyBowyer Can't remember where I saw it but somebody mentioned about the possibility of Streetlite MAXs on the 58 in the future? I think that the next step for the 58 would be deckers and the Versas would then go on the 27. Also if Citylink got deckers, the 58x could be withdrawn (passengers could change onto the 309 / X39 at the Civic Centre) and in the afternoons to reduce the likelyhood of GNE having to allocate Lolynes and B7s onto main 309 / 310 services, the 1605 X39 could continue to be Lolyne / B7 operated and the 1635 and 1705 X39 runs could be provided by Citylink deckers with the 310 continuing to be docked between Norham Road and Newcastle to provide extra 309s between Cobalt and Newcastle. Also, providing stand occupancy wouldn't be an issue at Haymarket, the Citylink deckers could also do the morning X39 runs to Cobalt allowing either the 310 to run more frequently or provide extra 309s between Newcastle and Cobalt.
I know it's a bit long winded but:
- It would increase capacity on the 58 to prevent overcrowding.
- All Cobalt to Newcastle services would have better punctuality.
- Extra buses to and from Cobalt on service 309.
- Reduced likelyhood of a significantly lower standard vehicle being allocated to a main 309 / 310 service like what the 1610, 1640 and 1742 services are currently allocated from Haymarket.
- PVR reduced by 3 buses saving on fuel, wages, dead mileage and other costs.
- Despite the direct link between Gateshead and Cobalt being dropped, customer satisfaction would improve particularly on the profitable yet competitive Coast Road corridor.
(25 May 2015, 9:27 am)DaveyBowyer Can't remember where I saw it but somebody mentioned about the possibility of Streetlite MAXs on the 58 in the future? I think that the next step for the 58 would be deckers and the Versas would then go on the 27. Also if Citylink got deckers, the 58x could be withdrawn (passengers could change onto the 309 / X39 at the Civic Centre) and in the afternoons to reduce the likelyhood of GNE having to allocate Lolynes and B7s onto main 309 / 310 services, the 1605 X39 could continue to be Lolyne / B7 operated and the 1635 and 1705 X39 runs could be provided by Citylink deckers with the 310 continuing to be docked between Norham Road and Newcastle to provide extra 309s between Cobalt and Newcastle. Also, providing stand occupancy wouldn't be an issue at Haymarket, the Citylink deckers could also do the morning X39 runs to Cobalt allowing either the 310 to run more frequently or provide extra 309s between Newcastle and Cobalt.
I know it's a bit long winded but:
- It would increase capacity on the 58 to prevent overcrowding.
- All Cobalt to Newcastle services would have better punctuality.
- Extra buses to and from Cobalt on service 309.
- Reduced likelyhood of a significantly lower standard vehicle being allocated to a main 309 / 310 service like what the 1610, 1640 and 1742 services are currently allocated from Haymarket.
- PVR reduced by 3 buses saving on fuel, wages, dead mileage and other costs.
- Despite the direct link between Gateshead and Cobalt being dropped, customer satisfaction would improve particularly on the profitable yet competitive Coast Road corridor.
I haven't done mine yet so here they are:
We don't know how many for this order but i'll for around 50, same as this years, i think we'll get more Omnidekkas to.
------------------
Crusader - 15 deckers (not sure which decker's they'll go for)
Highwayman - 12 Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrids
North Tyne Links - 9 Optare Solo SR
Fab 57 - 5 Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrid
Loop - 9 - Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrid
Total 50 new buses
--------------
Omnidekka's - To replace the Lolynes
---------------
Sorry Malarkey most of mine are the same as yours!
(25 May 2015, 12:28 pm)Michael I haven't done mine yet so here they are:
We don't know how many for this order but i'll for around 50, same as this years, i think we'll get more Omnidekkas to.
------------------
Crusader - 15 deckers (not sure which decker's they'll go for)
Highwayman - 12 Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrids
North Tyne Links - 9 Optare Solo SR
Fab 57 - 5 Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrid
Loop - 9 - Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrid
Total 50 new buses
--------------
Omnidekka's - To replace the Lolynes
---------------
Sorry Malarkey most of mine are the same as yours!
.(25 May 2015, 12:28 pm)Michael I haven't done mine yet so here they are:
We don't know how many for this order but i'll for around 50, same as this years, i think we'll get more Omnidekkas to.
------------------
Crusader - 15 deckers (not sure which decker's they'll go for)
Highwayman - 12 Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrids
North Tyne Links - 9 Optare Solo SR
Fab 57 - 5 Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrid
Loop - 9 - Wright Streetlite 11.5m Micro Hybrid
Total 50 new buses
--------------
Omnidekka's - To replace the Lolynes
---------------
Sorry Malarkey most of mine are the same as yours!
.
(25 May 2015, 1:19 pm)Malarkey Bet you didnt even type out half of that post, bloody copy and pasted from mine no doubt
Im going to stick with 80 New Vehicles due to the amount of Vehicles which need to be Withdrawn over the next 18 Months.
44 - MPDs
18 - Cadets/Merits
59 - Renowns
25 - ELC Lolynes
11 - Palatine 2s
Total = 157 Vehicles
**Note Vehicles that have already been Withdrawn have been deducted from the above Total**
(25 May 2015, 1:19 pm)Malarkey Bet you didnt even type out half of that post, bloody copy and pasted from mine no doubt
Im going to stick with 80 New Vehicles due to the amount of Vehicles which need to be Withdrawn over the next 18 Months.
44 - MPDs
18 - Cadets/Merits
59 - Renowns
25 - ELC Lolynes
11 - Palatine 2s
Total = 157 Vehicles
**Note Vehicles that have already been Withdrawn have been deducted from the above Total**
To get my money's worth:
- ''Citylink'' service 58 receive Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Micro-Hybrids - 12 branded and 2 spare - allowing ''Citylink'' Versas 5377-5388, along with 5389 and 5390, transfer to Stanley and branded for the ''Diamond'' services, as the 14 Versas would make up the current PVR of 14 on those services. The 14 Mercedes Citaros are divided up into the following: 5x (5293-5297) to Chester-le-Street for use on ''Waggonway'' services 28/28A, allowing 4956-4960 to be repainted into the fleet livery and put into a less-demanding role; 9x (5284-5292) remain at Riverside, but instead branded for ''Loop'' services 93/94, allowing ''Loop'' branded Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 5219-5226, possibly to serve as direct replacements for the soon-to-be withdrawn Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renowns remaining at Riverside depot, in the corporate fleet livery.
- ''Fab57'' service 57 receive Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Micro-Hybrids - 5 branded - possibly one of the first services to receive investment, to allow the 5 branded Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown to be withdrawn ahead of their death sentence of January 1 2016. Direct replacements, with no cascading.
- ''The Highwayman'' services 97/98/98A receive Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Micro-Hybrids - 11 branded and 1 spare - allowing ''The Highwayman'' branded Scania L94UB/Wright Solars 4932/33/28/40/41/47/48/67 and 5218/27/28 to be repainted into the corporate fleet livery, and consequently transferred to whichever depots require these. Possibly serve as direct replacements for withdrawn Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renowns, so yet another service which could receive investment early.
- ''Blaydon Racers'' services 49/49B/49C receive Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Micro-Hybrids - 10 branded and 1 spare - allowing Mercedes 0530N/Mercedes Citaros 5275-5283, along with 5331, to be put into the fleet livery, as after 5337 and 5338, they are the oldest Citaros in the fleet (unless I've missed something!). Unsure of where they could go, possibly spaced out to each depot to alleviate shortages, etc. Either 5331 or 5332 transfers to Hexham to displace 5229 (serving as the red spare) to another depot, to fit in with the next cascade.
- ''Wear Tees Express'' service X7 receives Wright Streetlite DF/Wright Streetlite Micro-Hybrids - 4 branded - allowing the 4 Mercedes 0530N/Mercedes Citaros 5333-5336 to be transferred to Hexham for ''Tynedale Express'' services X84/X85, fitted with all of the provisions the present Solars (5230-5233) have to maintain the standard of customer experience. Citaros are generally, although my opinion is not the same, viewed as luxurious vehicles, so one could assume they would be seen as an upgrade from 5230-5233.
As for double deck vehicle routes, such as the ''Pronto'', I'm not sure what could be a suitable replacement. The Volvo B9TL/Wright Gemini 2s currently on their present routes aren't really in need of cascading to another service or route, but the main double deck services that, in my opinion, are worthy of an upgrade (the first more than the second!) are the ''Pronto'' service X21 and ''Crusader'' service 27. The ''Pronto'' would require 8 of the vehicles (7 branded and 1 spare) and the ''Crusader'' would need 15 examples (13 branded and 2 spare).
Well, that's all I've got. I rarely put anything in a predictions thread, so hopefully some of this makes sense, haha.
Marcus
(25 May 2015, 9:45 pm)DaveyBowyer Micro Hybrid version is good but ideally, need something heavy duty for the WTX.
(25 May 2015, 9:45 pm)DaveyBowyer Micro Hybrid version is good but ideally, need something heavy duty for the WTX.
If the X7 ever was to receive an upgrade, if the engineering was up to standard at Deptford (home depot) and Peterlee, then Streetlite Micro Hybrids could be an option. I know that the lightweight chassis isn't as comfortable as a full on heavyweight chassis but, in terms of reliability, it would depend on how GNE looked after them and if they did, then there'd be none or very few issues.
Mind you though, I'd still say heavyweight deckers (Scania) when it comes to replacing 6043 - 6048 in a few years time due to the sheer amount of passengers being carried and the tougher operating and driving conditions that are encountered.
(27 May 2015, 4:21 pm)DaveyBowyer If the X7 ever was to receive an upgrade, if the engineering was up to standard at Deptford (home depot) and Peterlee, then Streetlite Micro Hybrids could be an option. I know that the lightweight chassis isn't as comfortable as a full on heavyweight chassis but, in terms of reliability, it would depend on how GNE looked after them and if they did, then there'd be none or very few issues.
Mind you though, I'd still say heavyweight deckers (Scania) when it comes to replacing 6043 - 6048 in a few years time due to the sheer amount of passengers being carried and the tougher operating and driving conditions that are encountered.
(27 May 2015, 4:21 pm)DaveyBowyer If the X7 ever was to receive an upgrade, if the engineering was up to standard at Deptford (home depot) and Peterlee, then Streetlite Micro Hybrids could be an option. I know that the lightweight chassis isn't as comfortable as a full on heavyweight chassis but, in terms of reliability, it would depend on how GNE looked after them and if they did, then there'd be none or very few issues.
Mind you though, I'd still say heavyweight deckers (Scania) when it comes to replacing 6043 - 6048 in a few years time due to the sheer amount of passengers being carried and the tougher operating and driving conditions that are encountered.
(27 May 2015, 4:30 pm)Michael I'm not sure what would replace the Citaro's on the X7, The Irizar i3 seems a decent bus... whats that other model with the 8 in its name... my mind has gone blank!
Mirco-hybrids might need replacing after about 5 or so years though, they might replace them with the Euro 6 model of the Citaro in the next few years.
Would you think that buses on the X9/X10 would last longer if they only went at 30mph on the A19? ?
(27 May 2015, 4:30 pm)Michael I'm not sure what would replace the Citaro's on the X7, The Irizar i3 seems a decent bus... whats that other model with the 8 in its name... my mind has gone blank!
Mirco-hybrids might need replacing after about 5 or so years though, they might replace them with the Euro 6 model of the Citaro in the next few years.
(27 May 2015, 4:31 pm)Robert Would you think that buses on the X9/X10 would last longer if they only went at 30mph on the A19? ?
B8RLE i think youre thinking of.
(27 May 2015, 4:31 pm)Robert Would you think that buses on the X9/X10 would last longer if they only went at 30mph on the A19? ?
(27 May 2015, 4:31 pm)Robert Would you think that buses on the X9/X10 would last longer if they only went at 30mph on the A19? ?
(27 May 2015, 4:38 pm)Jimmi Probably, but would cause traffic on the A19 which will result in dangerous overtakes and other dodgy moves and would also add a considerable amount of running time onto the service because it would take longer to get there because of the slow speeds.
(27 May 2015, 4:38 pm)Jimmi Probably, but would cause traffic on the A19 which will result in dangerous overtakes and other dodgy moves and would also add a considerable amount of running time onto the service because it would take longer to get there because of the slow speeds.
