04 Feb 2017, 11:18 pm
#59
(04 Feb 2017, 10:27 pm)S813 FVK I think the only reason that the TEN has been suggested for an investment is because there are not enough vehicles with the same features to cover the PVR. Percy Main do have enough, it just means losing one of their spares.
Not for or against any particular route receiving investment and I'd actually be sad to see the B9TLs go and be replaced by Streetdecks.
But, it would be like Arriva back in 2013 buying B5LHs for the X10/X11 instead of the 308 which is a more urban style route with more stop start and fewer demanding sections of route.
Although the TEN isn't too challenging of a route between Newcastle and Crawcrook, the sections between there and Hexham as well as between Greenside and Blackhall Mill can get a bit choppy and that is what the B9TL is suited for. Using a Streetdeck on them sections of route will only save a small fortune as opposed to a more urban style route with fewer challenging sections and more 'plonking around the doors'.
Plus, why did GNE intend to retrofit flywheels on brand new vehicles? Although they were new vehicles at the time, GNE only ordered deckers from Wrightbus and considering what was on the market at the time the orders got placed around the summer of 2013 (production of liightweight DB300s coming to a close and no Streetdeck or B5TL Gemini 3 established and latter would only in testing stages), the B9TL was the only vehicle available to order from Wrightbus and that alone with GNE's relationship may (although not certain) have had some influence on the order.
At the end of the day, it would work out either way whatever route provided a cascade (if any) but one option would additionally release extra spare vehicles for Riverside / Hexham (as well as making up TEN PVR) and allow an additional year or two 'grace period' for suitable replacements for 6043-48 to be found with extra suitable spare vehicles available in the short term.
I'll leave it at that and see what materialises between now and May if anything.
