30 Jan 2020, 2:58 am
#507
So I just watched the live stream again as the first time I was trying to listen to it over the working NSA on the X21!
For the people who don't have Facebook or can't be bothered to watch it, here are some of the key updates
New Vehicles updates
- 15 E400MMCs ordered for X1, basically the same spec as the X30, but with a few improvements based on feedback
- StreetDecks are expected to arrive in April, still expected to recieve the first 6 cyinlder in the UK. They will be higher spec than the current ones and possibly have double height destination displays
- Yutong E10s due to arrive in July, will have special Electric livery
X9/X10 upgrade- Panther LE here for 3 week trial on the X9/X10. Unlikely that it'd be purchased due to low capacity. Double deck version may be considered
- E400 XLB not considered due to high price, nothing to cascade on to after, and unknown resale values
- E400 City not considered as they'd rather spend the extra money on a higher spec standard E400
- Scania E400s are on the cards for X9/X10 as they're more suited to motorways. Demo models not currently available
X-Lines- Whole X-Lines network should be re-branded in the next 12-18 months
- No more X-Lines routes anytime soon
- No more changes to the X21 route for the foreseeable future
Vehicle Refurbs/Upgrades- Tyne Valley Ten refurbs will be announced in July
- Connections 4 Citaro mid-life refurbs starting to be planned
- X1 B9s will be upgraded to Euro6 and will be allocated to a service that runs in to Newcastle once the E400s arrive
- Optare MetroDecker has had engine upgrade to improve reliability and emissions, will be rotated around depots in the coming months, still no plans to order any though
- No plans to upgrade Drifter 60, may get a refurb and rebrand in a year or two
- No plans to upgrade X66
- 93/94 still planned to get double deckers
Route Branding- Route brands will only be added to high frequency routes (eg. Green Arrow), trunk routes connecting key destinations (eg. Citylink) and express routes (X-Lines)
- 56 will be re-branded this year! No firm plans yet for brand name, may have internal competition for new brand name. Route changes prioritised over re-branding routes
NSAs- Pretty much all routes are programmed so any bus allocated with NSA should have working announcements
- Venture Solos to have NSA fitted this week in partnership with Durham Council
- B9 NSA's will be upgraded to new system, but awaiting upgrade parts from Hanover
East Yorkshire- Red Kite B9s still planned to move to East Yorkshire once StreetDecks arrive
- A further order of E400s will be announced soon for East Yorkshire
Other- Red Kites Streetlites to move to services around Sunderland once the StreetDecks arrive, service not confirmed yet.
- ToonTour will be back, more details soon
- Older Citaros will start to be withdrawn this year as no upgrades to Euro 6
- 6335 should enter service this week, if not, then next week as there are still a few niggles to sort out
- Night Tickets and 24 Hour tickets trial to be extended, may become permanent
- MG doesn't seem happy that Scarlet Band are driving the Solos around with Metrocentre Mini branding still on them!
Note to Dan - Please feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong!
