(07 Apr 2013, 3:37 am)Andreos1 wrote RE X7. I said weeks ago, that if GNE were so determined to make this a success, newer buses would have been used.
As it is, spare vehicles from the fleet have been alocated and despite them being reliable engines, seem to be having problems. Parked up in a layby last week, one screamed past me up the incline from Castle Eden on its way to Peterlee.
If GNE continue using these vehicles, then passengers are not going to build up any loyalty towards the service. Missing Dalton Park was a mistake, using unsuitable vehicles is an even bigger mistake

Okay, explain where newer buses could have come from? Answer - nowhere. It was the B10BLEs or nothing! All other buses are already tied up with a route (and before anyone says the OmniCitys at Percy Main, those are already earmarked for the 19 and the 9). And I will repeat what I said previously, start low to aim high - otherwise the X7 will end up like the X3, up for withdrawal within less than two years after it started!
Also, missing Dalton Park wasn't a mistake. I have been through there on an Arriva 24 before at half 4 in the afternoon once, and there was nobody there waiting for either that nor the 61 that came in behind us and went straight back out again. Go North East chose the quickest route between Peterlee and Sunderland which also allowed them to cut the 202 back to Seaham.
As for the B10BLEs, give them time - it might only be teething troubles that can be easily sorted.