(20 May 2015, 8:31 pm)mb134 wrote Without wishing for this to turn into an ANE string of posts, I'd argue that Ashington seem more competent than Blyth when it comes to looking after vehicles. All the Gemini's I was on at Easter were awful, even compared to the 57 reg Enviros. 

Let's not forget that up until 2012(ish), Ashington had an Olympian dominated fleet, complimented by B10BLE'S, and although the buses were obviously better vehicles, to look after a fleet that age must take some doing, especially to operate on the routes they operated on. Blyth meanwhile had brand new VDL Geminis, I'd like to see performance figures from early 2012 to see the difference 

Well according to a Blyth driver, the engine bays on 7501-7506 when only 2 1/2 year old were a disgrace and they were crawling along the Coast Road on the 308. None of the E400s from 7514 onwards have had any trouble at Ashington compared to Blyth's Geminis though. 

If GNE were to ever order E400MMCs, they'd be very well looked after and for most routes, would have a spare for every 7 or 8 purchased

(20 May 2015, 8:48 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Well according to a Blyth driver, the engine bays on 7501-7506 when only 2 1/2 year old were a disgrace and they were crawling along the Coast Road on the 308. None of the E400s from 7514 onwards have had any trouble at Ashington compared to Blyth's Geminis though. 

If GNE were to ever order E400MMCs, they'd be very well looked after and for most routes, would have a spare for every 7 or 8 purchased

Makes you wonder doesn't it. 

I know I've said this before, but, when I get the X21, I can say with a fair degree of certainty what bus it will be depending on how late it is, generally, 7522-8 are near enough on time, 7507/8/9 also manage to be on time most days when I get them (7509 is shot though), 7501-6 are the ones I experience the most problems with. 

I don't think GNE would have a problem with E400's at all, even Euro5 variants if they're still available, if I'm honest, had Ashington had all the Enviro's since 2008 I'm sure there'd be far less problems than there currently is with them 

What do you think GNE will do for future fleet orders? I think that they'll do this:

Minibus = Optare Solo
Midibus = Wright Streetlite 10.2m
Full size Single Deck = Wright Streetlite 11.5m or E200MMC
Lightweight Double Deck = Wright Streetdeck or just ADL E400MMC
Hybrid Double Deck = Volvo B5TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 3
Normal Double Deck = ADL E400MMC
Heavy Duty Double Deck (TTX only) = Scania N250UD / E400MMC

(21 May 2015, 9:52 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote What do you think GNE will do for future fleet orders? I think that they'll do this:

I think they'll order stock on a case by case basis, depending on what the requirement is. As simple as that.

(20 May 2015, 3:48 pm)Greg in Weardale wrote According to Buses the 14 new vehicles are Optare Solos to replace MPDs on East Durham routes at Peterlee. If that is correct, and not more speculation, it's a pity it's confirmed in a magazine who must have been told a couple of weeks ago, at least, rather than here.

Also according to the latest Buses magazine that Arriva Northeast pulsars "1512-23" to be put on Sapphire service 24.