(18 Dec 2018, 4:16 pm)S813 FVK The first 3 trips (8:26/9:31 from Forest Hall, 9:12 from Freeman Hospital)

No idea what it runs off, but isn't the 391 as previously suggested. That goes onto the 1 from Byker at 8:13.

(19 Dec 2018, 4:37 pm)RBZ 5459 It would appear that E400MMC demonstrator YX68UPY has landed at Washington for usage on the X1: https://twitter.com/jeffh2067/status/1075411856267849728

Also, what I assume are the new Sunderland Connect Solos almost complete here at Optare: https://twitter.com/ATyldsley/status/1075350705320484864

(19 Dec 2018, 4:37 pm)RBZ 5459 It would appear that E400MMC demonstrator YX68UPY has landed at Washington, seemingly for usage on the X1: https://twitter.com/jeffh2067/status/1075411856267849728

Also, what I assume are the new Sunderland Connect Solos almost complete here at Optare: https://twitter.com/ATyldsley/status/1075350705320484864

(21 Dec 2018, 9:37 am)L469 YVK A thought here folks. Would GNE not be better off swapping the 7x Castles Express StreetDecks for 7x B9s from Deptford or Percy Main?

I know the B9s will be 5 year old in January but they'd handle the X21 better than the StreetDecks. Although the Fab 56 or Cobalt Clipper would end up running a mixed fleet, this could be used as an advantage with the StreetDecks being allocated to some evening & Sunday boards on them services to save fuel as well as getting BSOG funding too.

The BSOG loss wouldn't be too big as the extra evening and Sunday mileage on the 56 or 309/310 would cover that and the B9 fuel economy would be the same on the X21 due to the B9s being suited better to faster sections of road.

(21 Dec 2018, 1:24 pm)streetdeckfan While I agree about them being better suited to the faster sections as the Streetdecks sounds like they're about to explode!
But I don't think GNE would even consider it as it would be considerably downgrading the bus in terms of spec, unless they're going to do a complete refit. I honestly don't think I could live without the tables, that's the main reason I travel by bus instead of getting the car as I can get work done while travelling.

(21 Dec 2018, 3:46 pm)L469 YVK Would the loss of leather seats be a problem if GNE swapped the tables out of 6301-6307 and into the B9TLs?

(21 Dec 2018, 9:37 am)L469 YVK A thought here folks. Would GNE not be better off swapping the 7x Castles Express StreetDecks for 7x B9s from Deptford or Percy Main?

I know the B9s will be 5 year old in January but they'd handle the X21 better than the StreetDecks. Although the Fab 56 or Cobalt Clipper would end up running a mixed fleet, this could be used as an advantage with the StreetDecks being allocated to some evening & Sunday boards on them services to save fuel as well as getting BSOG funding too.

The BSOG loss wouldn't be too big as the extra evening and Sunday mileage on the 56 or 309/310 would cover that and the B9 fuel economy would be the same on the X21 due to the B9s being suited better to faster sections of road.

(21 Dec 2018, 7:39 pm)Michael Dan has some pictures of the insides of the E400 on demo...have to say, it looks really nice.

"The "Red Arrows" X1 and 921 services currently operate with a batch of Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs new in 2011 and 2012, and are now beginning to evaluate suitability of different vehicle types on these routes." 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/

(21 Dec 2018, 10:52 pm)JM03 Has the 680N AM service changed from following onto the 19 to the 11 now? Noticed a blue arrow on it 4 times on it this week and 1 corp omni (nothing new there tbh). If it has, whats the chances of clocking a decker in the morning too?

(22 Dec 2018, 12:59 am)Jordan2104 Doesnt run onto anything now so probs getting buses that are in for service that day

(22 Dec 2018, 9:05 am)JM03 So anything could be on this now?

(21 Dec 2018, 8:37 pm)streetdeckfan I must admit, the interior is pretty, especially with that colour scheme! Doubt we'd get those seats though if they did go through with ordering them.
I had a go on the Bluestar ones when I was down in Southampton and they were pretty nice to ride. If GNE were to get rid of the Streetdecks on the X21, I'd happily let them replace it with these 

(22 Dec 2018, 9:40 am)Michael I really like the seats and the flooring, i really hope it goes well, and they buy some, with all those specification haha (won't happen but you know!)

Is it the same length as the B9's?

(22 Dec 2018, 11:10 am)Dan No, a bit longer.

(22 Dec 2018, 11:51 am)Michael Ah right, cool, when will it enter service?

(22 Dec 2018, 12:04 pm)citaro5284 Its on X1's today