(26 Sep 2016, 3:32 pm)Adrian wrote They wouldn't last 5 minutes. The B9TLs are already dying a slow death, and they're not even 5 years old.

(26 Sep 2016, 3:46 pm)Jimmi wrote I feel the X9/X10 needs some form of low floor coach, like what is used on the Oxford Tube. Could probably get 10 years out of them on there before they need replacing where they could then possibly be sold on or keep them for school contracts.

Think performance wise the MetroDecker is better than the StreetDeck although I am unsure if it would be a better buy long-term though.

(26 Sep 2016, 3:57 pm)Dan wrote I don't think low-floor coaches would be appropriate for the Tyne Tees Xpress. 

Adrian and I were at Showbus yesterday, and we had a snoop around one of Trent Barton's new coaches used on the Red Arrows service. The driver was answering questions about the coach and one of the things he told us was that the wheelchair lift takes ten minutes to operate. If a wheelchair user wished to use the Tyne Tees Xpress, it would add 20 minutes onto the journey time (10 mins for the wheelchair user to get on, then 10 mins for the wheelchair user to get off). The current timetable does not allow for this sort of increase in journey time.

In addition to this, this type of coach costs approximately £100,000 more per vehicle. That would be an additional £700,000 to replace all six branded Volvo B9TLs and 6084. Although they may last ten years on this route, they may not. You'd then have the issue of which route you'd cascade them to, as Hexham wouldn't be able to accommodate anything larger than the tri-axle Scania Levantes that they're now using on scholars contracts. It would be difficult to sell them given they'd accumulate a very high mileage in ten years.

(26 Sep 2016, 3:57 pm)Dan wrote I don't think low-floor coaches would be appropriate for the Tyne Tees Xpress. 

Adrian and I were at Showbus yesterday, and we had a snoop around one of Trent Barton's new coaches used on the Red Arrows service. The driver was answering questions about the coach and one of the things he told us was that the wheelchair lift takes ten minutes to operate. If a wheelchair user wished to use the Tyne Tees Xpress, it would add 20 minutes onto the journey time (10 mins for the wheelchair user to get on, then 10 mins for the wheelchair user to get off). The current timetable does not allow for this sort of increase in journey time.

In addition to this, this type of coach costs approximately £100,000 more per vehicle. That would be an additional £700,000 to replace all six branded Volvo B9TLs and 6084. Although they may last ten years on this route, they may not. There's always a degree of uncertainty in buying new vehicle types as it's impossible to tell what they'll be like later down the line, but it's an expensive gamble if the coaches aren't still completely reliable after ten years in service.

When they do need to be replaced; you'd then have the issue of which route you'd cascade them to, as Hexham wouldn't be able to accommodate anything larger than the former National Express tri-axle Scania Levantes that they're now using on scholars contracts. It would be difficult to sell them given they'd accumulate a very high mileage in ten years.

(26 Sep 2016, 5:10 pm)GMitchelhill wrote Optare Metrodecker - This pleases me and I shall be forking out for a day Rover on my week off next week so I can sample it.

Though typical, its like the Metrocity all over again, I wait for ages to get a decent photo and the multiple oppotunities come along in quick succession.

(26 Sep 2016, 5:18 pm)Jamie M wrote Just spend a day at costa del washy galleries!

(26 Sep 2016, 1:41 pm)Dan wrote Optare MetroDecker 9099 (YJ16 DFG) has been acquired by Go North East for a period of use of up to 4 months.

It will first be allocated to Washinfor use on the X1 for four weeks.f

(26 Sep 2016, 5:42 pm)a718abb wrote Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the design of the Optare Metrodekka is very bland, in particular the upper windscree n and dome area. Traditionally, Optare products have been futuristic. In my opinion the Delta for example was way ahead of its competitors, and current single deck Optare designs, still bare a striking resemblance to the Delta. But the Metrodekka design falls far short of these designs. I know the current wrightbus gemini 3 is an aquired taste, but it does have style and character, but I am still undecided about it myself. I have never been a lover of Dennis products, or ADL deckers but i am loath to admit that the ADL e400Mmc is the most  attractive double deck design on the market. I am only talking about the bodywork design, not the engine or drivetrain. And dont mention the New Routemaster (Borismaster). I care not to use bad language on this forum lol.

(26 Sep 2016, 3:05 pm)streetlite5402 wrote Allocated to scholars service 885 this afternoon.

(26 Sep 2016, 6:12 pm)Dan wrote Which runs onto service X1. Photos below:

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

(26 Sep 2016, 5:29 pm)S813 FVK wrote He tends to stay away from bus stations and other built up areas so i guess that will certainly be something we won't see him do 

(26 Sep 2016, 6:16 pm)Michael wrote I don't like that back bottom window at all, other than that it looks alright.

(26 Sep 2016, 3:57 pm)Dan wrote I don't think low-floor coaches would be appropriate for the Tyne Tees Xpress. 

Adrian and I were at Showbus yesterday, and we had a snoop around one of Trent Barton's new coaches used on the Red Arrows service. The driver was answering questions about the coach and one of the things he told us was that the wheelchair lift takes ten minutes to operate. If a wheelchair user wished to use the Tyne Tees Xpress, it would add 20 minutes onto the journey time (10 mins for the wheelchair user to get on, then 10 mins for the wheelchair user to get off). The current timetable does not allow for this sort of increase in journey time.

In addition to this, this type of coach costs approximately £100,000 more per vehicle. That would be an additional £700,000 to replace all six branded Volvo B9TLs and 6084. Although they may last ten years on this route, they may not. There's always a degree of uncertainty in buying new vehicle types as it's impossible to tell what they'll be like later down the line, but it's an expensive gamble if the coaches aren't still completely reliable after ten years in service.

When they do need to be replaced; you'd then have the issue of which route you'd cascade them to, as Hexham wouldn't be able to accommodate anything larger than the former National Express tri-axle Scania Levantes that they're now using on scholars contracts. It would be difficult to sell them given they'd accumulate a very high mileage in ten years.

(26 Sep 2016, 6:12 pm)Dan wrote Which runs onto service X1. Photos below:

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 9099 / YJ16DFG by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

(26 Sep 2016, 8:47 pm)mb134 wrote Not liking the look of the back of that at all, not just the window, it all looks quite weird. Having said that, the rest does look impressive, particularly internally. Also loving the amount of leg room that the seats just behind the staircase seem to have.

I think I prefer it lookswise to the Streetdeck, which I still find myself unable to warm to. 

Has anyone been on it(/one) yet to see how it performs in comparison to the B5TL/Streetdeck/E400 MMC?

(26 Sep 2016, 9:03 pm)V514DFT wrote Venture solo 651 is up at Bells 5311 is still there too

(26 Sep 2016, 7:23 pm)Malarkey wrote Myself personally I would purchase 6 Plaxton Elite i's as they can seat up to 75 Passengers, 71 Upperdeck and 4 Lower with 1 Wheelchair which doesn't require a lift which takes 20 Minutes to get a wheelchair user on and off, as it has roll on/roll off accessibility, alternatively you have the Van Hool TDX Astromega.

(26 Sep 2016, 1:41 pm)Dan wrote Optare MetroDecker 9099 (YJ16 DFG) has been acquired by Go North East for a period of use of up to 4 months.

It will first be allocated to Washington for use on the X1 for four weeks.

(26 Sep 2016, 9:38 pm)Ambassador wrote Ange please.

Optare feels the spiritual home for the 21

(26 Sep 2016, 9:56 pm)Michael wrote Hopefully its on a few double decker routes, as its here up to 4 months.

Wonder if they would try it on routes like the 27.

(26 Sep 2016, 9:56 pm)Michael wrote Hopefully its on a few double decker routes, as its here up to 4 months.

Wonder if they would try it on routes like the 27.

(26 Sep 2016, 11:10 pm)Ambassador wrote Give it to Chester

(26 Sep 2016, 9:07 pm)L469 YVK wrote I think a coach operation might work but cost is a big factor as Dan mentioned.

P.S Dan / Citaro, if a TTX broke down within a 31 mile radius of Newcastle (Northbound), would the driver recovering the service with a replacement vehicle (if necessary) be covered by domestic rules or E.U rules?

(27 Sep 2016, 5:49 am)NK53 TKT wrote This may soon no longer be a factor though...

(26 Sep 2016, 8:47 pm)mb134 wrote Not liking the look of the back of that at all, not just the window, it all looks quite weird. Having said that, the rest does look impressive, particularly internally. Also loving the amount of leg room that the seats just behind the staircase seem to have.

I think I prefer it lookswise to the Streetdeck, which I still find myself unable to warm to. 

Has anyone been on it(/one) yet to see how it performs in comparison to the B5TL/Streetdeck/E400 MMC?