(28 Apr 2015, 3:07 pm)Dan wrote The Volvo B9TLs aren't brand new, remember, they're dealer stock. Most dealer stock vehicles are painted white and it's then the responsibility of the bus operator who buys them to paint them.
The other two have already been painted red and are currently in storage around the side whilst being prepared for service. White destinations fully set up - just the little square at the back (like older B9s in the fleet), rather than the full size rear.
As long as the bus is clean and reliable for the route served, that is what matters most. I'd rather take a B9 over a B5TL or Streetdeck anyday.
And infact, I've grown to like E400s bar the 57 reg batch at Ashington and with the exception of the TTX, the only reason why 'Cummins' breakdown for is either due to poor maintenance or wrong setup (putting economy before power). GNE do neither wrong and would look after them well. I remember one person in the days of Arriva bod when 7501 - 7506 (2 1/2 year old at the time) were at Blyth and he mentioned that the engine bay was a disgrace on them and this was when they were only tiddling up and down the Coast Road at the time.