22 Jan 2018, 8:44 pm
#280
(22 Jan 2018, 6:23 pm)Michael Probables one of the South Tyne versa's, as Chester are getting all 8 of them
in case anyone hasn't seen it, here is 8303's replacement with the information from Dan.
![[Image: 24968086687_ed47671bd1_c.jpg]](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4675/24968086687_ed47671bd1_c.jpg)
Go North East: 9084 / YJ64DZM by
Daniel Graham, on Flickr
Go North East's unallocated Optare Versa V1170 Hybrid/Optare 9084 (YJ64 DZM), which carries the base livery of Go North East's corporate livery, is pictured here in the yard at Saltmeadows Road Depot, Gateshead, whilst being prepared for service. 22/01/18
This vehicle was one of two new to Courtney Buses of Finchampstead in September 2014 for the 126 - 129 group of services, operating between Reading, Twyford and Wokingham. Carrying a 'coffee and mint' livery, these two Hybrid Optare Versas continued the 'coffee theme' for services in Wokingham.
Thought to be returned to Optare in April 2015 owing to ongoing reliability issues, the pair have been used by Optare as demonstration/loan vehicles since. This example is thought not to have seen use since 2015, whereas sister YJ64 DZL has been slightly more active, seeing use with Richard Bros and latterly BL Travel.
With "Lambton Worm" branded Optare Versa V1110/Optare 8303 (NK09 FCD) having sustained severe fire damage due to an electrical fault whilst operating the final journey of the day on "Lambton Worm" service 34A on 17th August 2017, Optare have supplied this vehicle as a courtesy vehicle on long-term loan to cover for it. Numbered 9084 in Go North East's fleet for the duration of its stay, it is expected to be allocated to Riverside Depot.
It has additionally been repainted into Go North East's corporate livery, and will be treated like one of Go North East's own vehicles during its loan period, being fitted with standard fleet livery vinyls, advertisement frames, and a cab area assault screen, prior to entering service.
Despite many vehicles in Go North East's fleet featuring colour route-number front displays, the company never invested in full front colour LED destinations. This vehicle is unique in having one fitted - a display type not spec'd by many operators.
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