(01 Sep 2016, 5:55 am)Dan wrote Actually, the PVR was always 7 (even prior to the new vehicles being ordered). Previously it was done to accommodate an extra journey on the X21, and if my memory serves, it was related to Bishop Auckland College. I'm sure pdiddy will be able to recall.
The PVR was always intended to go to 7 during the day too with extra layover planned as well as extra running time. A spare vehicle wasn't ordered at any point. A multi-million pound company can't make decisions just like that at the drop of a hat!
The StreetDecks are some of the most reliable buses in the fleet and as I'm sure pdiddy will agree, there's only been a handful of times since they were launched where one has been VOR for a mechanical reason meaning another bus had to deputise all day. The majority of the time, they're pulled off for a journey or two so people like me can carry out repairs! This is always done off-peak, and usually between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle, in order to reduce the amount of time older vehicles spend on daytime service X21 runs. It'll happen again today, as I need to see 6301 this morning!
Yes the PVR was seven... as the 7th used to do Spennymoor to Framwellgate Moor college . Which later was given to Chester , then the 7th bbs did Durham to Bishop College.
And YES the streetdecker (NOT streetdeckers eh Citaro) have been very reliable, in 3 month we've only had 1 problem on route which has resulted in lost mileage.
Most of the drivers were sceptical, having heard bad reports about Streetlights. But the streetdeck has proved very reliable and all the drivers like them.
Ps Just need shot of 571 and 572 now
