(22 Mar 2024, 7:37 pm)Storx wrote I'd say the 10 personally, it's long overdue some form of upgrade and is a busy little corridor.

The tables etc would actually be useful. The 56 imo would be ideal for electrics if anything.

Bar the fact that the TVT B9TL's have been worked like dogs and quite a few of them making regular appearances on the X9/X10 and at times lack of suitable spare vehicles, they're a decent enough vehicle.

The 307 & 309 on the otherhand, B9TL's have always been overkill especially the 307.

Better option would be StreetDecks on the 307 & 309 with the Cobalt & Coast B9TL's (which have had a very charmed life in comparison to other B9TL's) moved onto the Tyne Valley Ten. Could be done at minimal cost with a partial re-paint (Green & Silver).

Then the current TVT B9TL's take a more back seat role or stick with more local work.

The fuel savings with StreetDecks on the 307 & 309 as opposed to the 10/10A/10B would be quite significant.

Bar the Voith ALX400 Tridents (which were considered lightweight for vehicle standards back in 2000).........the 10 and 602 has always been operated using a mid-heavy duty vehicle (Optare Deltas, Leyland / Volvo Olympians, Volvo B10BLE's, Merc Citaro's, Volvo B9TL's)