Following the entry into service of the refurbished Mercedes Citaros on "Wear Xpress" service X5, this vehicle has transferred from Deptford Depot to Chester-le-Street. From Sunday 19th March 2017; Go North East will introduce an improved 30-minute frequency to service 13 on Monday to Saturday daytimes, and it will interwork with services 14 and X25. The revised PVR will be 10, and 8 of the vehicles allocated will be single-deck Scania L94UB/Wright Solar vehicles, which are more reliable and will reduce fuel and maintenance costs.
This vehicle has returned to Go North East following internal refurbishment and repaint into a plain maroon base livery. It is currently undergoing preparation for service at Saltmeadows Road Depot prior to allocation to Deptford Depot for "Wear Xpress" service X5 (Sunderland - Hartlepool).
Having been temporarily withdrawn from service, this vehicle has now been released for internal refurbished and repaint at Bus & Coach World, Blackburn. The extensive refurbishment work includes, but is not limited to, external repaint; deep cleaning of the interior of the vehicle; renewal of floor coverings; cleaning all seat frames and re-trimming seats into leather with USB sockets on the back of every seat; fitting blue accent lighting underneath seats to provide extra light on the gangway; and fitting Next Stop Announcements.