(29 Oct 2024, 5:35 pm)PH - BQA wrote Apologies if it’s been mentioned elsewhere, but I’ve noticed on Facebook that GNE are allocating the Durham Diamond E400s on Metro replacement work this week.
17 year old ex-Manchester B9s seem to be taking their place on the 16. Yet another example of mental decision making, and annoying those actually paying for your service.
Not entirely sure I understand the logic of the swap either.
Presumably barring some early morning and late evening journeys, the Metro Replacement service was outside of the CAZ, and therefore didn’t need to be allocated Euro 6 buses.
So, with a bit of competent vehicle allocation, Riverside’s own Euro 6 buses could have been allocated to boards operating within the CAZ, and Consett’s Euro 4 buses (which were used on the 16 this week) could have been used on the Metro Replacement service during the daytime between South Hylton and Gateshead.
When such a big song and dance was made about the Durham Diamond vehicle upgrade just a couple of months ago, the temporary re-allocation of its fleet to a contracted service is questionable!