(31 Aug 2016, 10:51 pm)Jamie M wrote Which brings me to my next question of why didn't they order another streetdeck or send a B9 over from somewhere to be used?

(31 Aug 2016, 11:08 pm)Jimmi wrote They did actually buy a spare StreetDeck for the X21 but ending up increasing the PVR by 1, meaning there now isn't a spare, which results in regular appearances of old tat appearing on the service, sure enough a President was on today.

(31 Aug 2016, 10:15 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com wrote 4934 got WiFi what's stopping 03,04 plate omnidekkas getting them.
I hope 6135 gets WiFi as it'll be spare for x21s

(31 Aug 2016, 11:08 pm)Jimmi wrote They did actually buy a spare StreetDeck for the X21 but ending up increasing the PVR by 1, meaning there now isn't a spare, which results in regular appearances of old tat appearing on the service, sure enough a President was on today.

(01 Sep 2016, 5:55 am)Dan wrote Actually, the PVR was always 7 (even prior to the new vehicles being ordered). Previously it was done to accommodate an extra journey on the X21, and if my memory serves, it was related to Bishop Auckland College. I'm sure pdiddy will be able to recall.

The PVR was always intended to go to 7 during the day too with extra layover planned as well as extra running time. A spare vehicle wasn't ordered at any point. A multi-million pound company can't make decisions just like that at the drop of a hat!

The StreetDecks are some of the most reliable buses in the fleet and as I'm sure pdiddy will agree, there's only been a handful of times since they were launched where one has been VOR for a mechanical reason meaning another bus had to deputise all day. The majority of the time, they're pulled off for a journey or two so people like me can carry out repairs! This is always done off-peak, and usually between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle, in order to reduce the amount of time older vehicles spend on daytime service X21 runs. It'll happen again today, as I need to see 6301 this morning!

(01 Sep 2016, 5:55 am)Dan wrote Actually, the PVR was always 7 (even prior to the new vehicles being ordered). Previously it was done to accommodate an extra journey on the X21, and if my memory serves, it was related to Bishop Auckland College. I'm sure pdiddy will be able to recall.

The PVR was always intended to go to 7 during the day too with extra layover planned as well as extra running time. A spare vehicle wasn't ordered at any point. A multi-million pound company can't make decisions just like that at the drop of a hat!

The StreetDecks are some of the most reliable buses in the fleet and as I'm sure pdiddy will agree, there's only been a handful of times since they were launched where one has been VOR for a mechanical reason meaning another bus had to deputise all day. The majority of the time, they're pulled off for a journey or two so people like me can carry out repairs! This is always done off-peak, and usually between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle, in order to reduce the amount of time older vehicles spend on daytime service X21 runs. It'll happen again today, as I need to see 6301 this morning!

(01 Sep 2016, 11:37 am)Jamie M wrote 5296 has had it's rear window punched out.

(01 Sep 2016, 4:57 pm)Adrian wrote 684 has now been branded for 'indiGo Washington'


Go North East - 684 - NK66CWZ by aureolindn, on Flickr

(01 Sep 2016, 5:03 pm)Jamie M wrote When do the September branded threads arrive? [WINKING FACE]

(01 Sep 2016, 5:30 pm)Michael wrote A hint Dan?

*681 with "Deptford Depot" on the front.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/29386693095/in/photostream/

(01 Sep 2016, 5:32 pm)Greg in Weardale wrote I can't believe they've extended the IndiGo brand to yet another area. It was bad enough they used it in North Tyneside; extending it to Washington is beyond comprehension!

(01 Sep 2016, 5:32 pm)Greg in Weardale wrote I can't believe they've extended the IndiGo brand to yet another area. It was bad enough they used it in North Tyneside; extending it to Washington is beyond comprehension!

(01 Sep 2016, 5:32 pm)S813 FVK wrote On the topic, I wonder if 681 has been purposely split off from the rest of the red solos just to provide a little 'barrier' between the North Tyne and Washington batches?

(01 Sep 2016, 5:37 pm)citaro5284 wrote Nah, it was just the way they were painted.

(01 Sep 2016, 5:39 pm)S813 FVK wrote Me just overthinking it then - as usual!

(01 Sep 2016, 5:30 pm)Michael wrote A hint Dan?

*681 with "Deptford Depot" on the front.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/29386693095/in/photostream/

Edit:


Description:

Go North East's unallocated Optare Solo SR M925/Optare 681 (NK66 CWW), which carries a plain red base livery prior to the application of branding, is pictured here at Saltmeadows Road Depot, Gateshead, following delivery to Go North East. 01/09/16

Wonder what branding....

(01 Sep 2016, 5:42 pm)Tom wrote Black Cats maybe?

(01 Sep 2016, 5:48 pm)Michael wrote Maybe, seems more "Red Arrow" coloured ones are arriving later in the month, hopefully will make up one brand, depending how many are arriving..


Would like to see the 33/38/39/237 and 238 in "Black Cats", due to all just staying in Sunderland.

(01 Sep 2016, 7:23 am)busmanT wrote A new Streetdeck costs £225,000, so a spare can't be justified for a PVR of 7, the new vehicles are generally very reliable. It is a different business decision as the PVR gets higher.

(01 Sep 2016, 6:35 pm)L469 YVK wrote To be honest, although an extra StreetDeck might have been beneficial for the X21, got to remember that at no evening or Sunday service currently exists as of yet meaning that the buses are only out for 13-14 hours maximum and only 6 days per week in most cases.

(01 Sep 2016, 7:04 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote I'd take a guess in thinking if the 21 receives Streetdecks then Sunday X21s will move to Crook, As no fuel saving will be made as their both the same type of vehicle.
Hopefully the Durham to Newcastle section will get a hourly trial on a Sunday too if the above thing happens.

(01 Sep 2016, 7:04 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote I'd take a guess in thinking if the 21 receives Streetdecks then Sunday X21s will move to Crook, As no fuel saving will be made as their both the same type of vehicle.
Hopefully the Durham to Newcastle section will get a hourly trial on a Sunday too if the above thing happens.