(08 Aug 2014, 8:24 pm)Kuyoyo wrote No. When 7491 appeared on the X22 on Tuesday, it replaced a late running 7501 (which came in about 20 minutes late, behind 7509 which was the 1130 from Ashington).
As for an extra spare, I think people need reminding that 'Sapphire' funding comes from Arriva UK's special funding pot, unlike 'MAX' which comes from ANE's own pot. So, the funding for either a brand new spare or to refurbish one of 7514-21 (whichever ones don't get done for the X14/14) would require the Sapphire team to release extra funding for it. And I think that will also count for one being done to Sapphire specification internally (much like 1512 for Stockton).
I understand what you're saying, but maybe that's a flaw in the Sapphire business plan? Either that, or the attitude has been taken that the depots can cope, by sticking whatever is going free, out to cover.