(18 May 2014, 3:45 pm)Tom wrote Here are my predictions:
37/73 Doxford Park - Coach Road - Sunderland - Go North East
38C Sunderland - Tunstall Bank - Compass
88 Lukes Lane - South Shields - Go North East
96/96A Metrocentre - Lobley Hill - Arriva (evening)
135/136 Sunderland - Hylton Circulars - Go North East
515/558 Heworth - Hebburn/Seaburn - Arriva
643 Metrocentre - Watergate Estate - GCT
R3/R4/R6 Clara Vale - Blaydon - Rowlands Gill local services - Go North East
I personally think that the 38C will be operated by Go North East, providing they can see a profit in doing so. I'm sure a SimpliCity Versa could be arranged for low running costs.
I was just discussing this with someone else earlier - take a look at this photo. Compass' fleet isn't exactly immaculate, and although I haven't seen a non-compliant vehicle (i.e. van) on the service yet, it doesn't present neither Go North East nor Nexus in a good light when a bus as scruffy as that turns up.
Also think that the 96/96A will stay with Go North East, purely because they've operated it fairly well and can put in a cheap bid with their Euro 5 Versas.
Not sure about the 515/558. I think an independent could get it, rather than Arriva.
Think Arriva are more likely to get the R3/R4/R6 - don't think GNE have any resources to accommodate these, but Arriva might?