(27 May 2014, 9:47 pm)Dan wrote Only time will tell, I guess!
You learn from your mistakes, and if this proves to be a mistake, Go North East will have to find an alternative solution.
The allocation at Riverside/Saltmeadows is very fluid, so regardless of what's officially down on the books, you'll probably see the vehicles working both depots' services (much like Redcar/Whitby for Arriva North East).
I understand that - officially - they should have been swapped one by one, with one Volvo B10BLE heading to Saltmeadows after one Cadet returned from repaint.
The Volvo B10BLE being repainted was 4902, which is still there after I noted it whenever I did.
I can assure you that the buses do get washed at Riverside, and indeed their chassis wash alone is state of the art - with superior functionality compared to other depots.
But at least they're closer to home now. Buses can be sent out to replace breakdowns quicker than they could previously, and it's easier for 1001 to tow the broken down bus back home.
*What happens if: one Cadet breaks down in deepest, darkest Wardley?
But at the same time, another one breaks down turning right on the traffic lights outside the Three Tuns, whilst another one blows a gasket on a hill on the other side of Gateshead?
1001 will have its work cut out getting those back to the depot that day!
*inspired by Malarkeys scenario with buses, broken gear boxes/reverse selection and narrow roads in Harraton