(18 Apr 2016, 9:44 am)scania driver wrote I may have been a little critical with my comments regarding Arriva and it's X93. Ineed Kuyoko does have a poiint in that it is difficult to justify bringing in additional new BTL9's for just the summer period when revenue is, to a certain degree, dependant on the weather; a simple calculation of the earning potential for the route would demonstrate that it isn't exactlly a high earner and thus justification has to made in terms of what vehicles can be acquired and used. On the flip side, as Cock Robin says, any new vehicles purchased could be transferred in and out of the X93 route as is prevelant with the use of the likes of the 748x series BTL7's. It is a difficult call. Hopefully they are going to get 1808 back of VOR to continue the trials.
Comparing the the X93 to the X4/4, one has had new vehicles purchased and the other is constantly recieving second hand ones.
However the revenue generated on the slower X4, by virtue of it going around the doors possibly justifies the newer vehicles.
The question could be how the X93 can increase its revenue, whilst maintaining the express element - which is the attraction for door to door punters.
The Gateshead X66 has lost its non-stop attraction and maybe it will suffer as a result.