(15 Nov 2015, 4:18 pm)Simmy wrote Unfortunately, 6100 is in use at Deptford as a spare bus for a branded route. If 6100 transferred, passengers of the 56 would suffer.

Got to look at it this way though. Whilst the 56 has barely any competing routes (well technically the Metro and Train but I don't think anybody would do the whole Fab 56 route from Newcastle unlike us lot), the X39, 309 and 310 have the following:

- Arriva = 306 competing with the 309/310, 308 competing with both but particularly the 309, X6 competing with the X39 and technically, the 309 has to compete with both the X4 and 308 between Seaton Sluice and Blyth.

- Stagecoach = 22 and 22X competing with the X39 and 309.

Now if Deptford only has one spare, this won't affect the Fab 56 greatly as the B9s are pretty reliable and given the extra time that has been added to the Fab 56, then unless a major incident or form of disruption kicks off along route, then the 56 doesn't need to be regulated as such and worst case, if 6099 got sent out and they needed another spare, then a Vyking could be used (or 6100 swapped with one of Percy Main's presidents or Lolynes).

If Percy Main on the other hand has to allocate a Lolyne or a President to their Cobalt Clipper services, then this means that they're losing passengers to Arriva (13/64 reg B5LH or Streetlite vs a V or W reg Lolyne or President or worse, a single decker). Not only this, but a President or a Lolyne would be far more likely to fail en route and if 6100 was used in lieu of 6101 - 6117 if needed, this would reduce the change of any further disruption en route. If the Presidents and Lolynes were constantly being relied upon, then the condition and reliability of these vehicles could deteriorate. Whilst both depots would suffer from 1 less spare vehicle, it would be far better than Percy Main having to constantly rely upon such vehicles. I would say exactly the same if any major roadworks were to happen on the 10/10A/10B routes and Riverside being in the same position needing another vehicle.