(24 Jun 2014, 6:22 pm)Dan wrote Possibly, but looking at the bigger picture, I'm still doubtful.
The Lime is pretty much guaranteed an upgrade this year. Currently it is strongly suggested that it will be through direct investment. The repainting of Volvo B10BLEs 4896-4902 in the "Lime" batch suggests that these vehicles will remain in the fleet this year, while the Volvo B10BLEs up to and including 4855 will be withdrawn (the 4896-4902 batch will assist with the withdrawal of any "Northern" branded B10BLEs in the batch under 4855).
If the dual-door B10BLEs aren't being replaced this year, then I'd suggest Go North East are perhaps looking at replacing all of them next year instead. The expected 'shell life' of the dual-door B10BLEs meant that they were expected to be withdrawn this year, with 4896 upwards due for withdrawal next year.
The Scania L94s are the most suitable replacement for Volvo B10BLEs. Next year, if Go North East decided to directly invest in the routes which Scania L94s are allocated to, or services which will allow cascades to free up Scania L94s, then next year's concentration could be on withdrawing all of the Volvo B10BLEs.
Doing it in little batches here and there over this year and next mightn't be the best way to approach the situation.
The way things are shaping out, apart from the Lime, it looks like the Toonlink, Pronto and X66 which will get new buses this year.
That's me just taking a guess.
I also expect the duel door B10's in service until next year.