(16 Oct 2015, 4:36 pm)R852 PRG wrote If it seems Go North East are going to favour the Streetdeck over the Enviro400MMC based on fuel consumption (and possibly their history of ordering from Wrights), I personally think they will order Wright Streetdecks for the X21. I'd much rather see the Enviro400MMC on that route, as I feel it would handle much better, but I think the Streetdeck will be seen as more favourable in terms of the operating cost.
With it now seeing use on the X9/X10; it wouldn't surprise me if Streetdecks are chosen for a possible future upgrade from the Volvo B9TLs. After all, only the Streetdeck has been trialed on the X9/X10, so that appears to be the only firm contender for such an investment. With this in mind, I've thought of a possible cascade and service improvement to go with it.
7x Wright Streetdecks for X9/X10 (6 branded and 1 spare);
Volvo B9TLs 6043-6048 transfer to Washington depot, branded as ''Red Arrows'';
''Red Arrows'' service X1 improved to a frequency of every 7/8 minutes during the day between Washington and Newcastle, it's busiest stretch.
I don't think the X1 warrants a 7-8min frequency let alone 5. The only time i would imagine an increased frequency would be viable is at peak times