(10 Nov 2014, 5:03 pm)Tom wrote I don't think that will happen.
To be honest with you, they could hold the X66 investment back for another year, as it probably isn't their main priority.
It's quite obvious that the Lime will receive investment, probably in the form of the 15 Wright Streetlite Max. This would allow nearly 15 B10BLE's to be withdrawn, which is more than likely what GNE want.
The 82/83/85/86 will more than likely receive investment, but I'm not sure whether it will be new buses, or cascaded buses. I reckon the latter is more than likely. To allow this, I think 12 Streetlite MAX could be bought for the 42/61. This would allow 9 Versas to transfer to Washington for 82/83. In turn, Cadets could be withdrawn.
I think the North Tyne Links could also receive investment, with 11 Optare Solos being bought for the service, as I think this will go down well with the customers. The newer MPDs could go to Petelree to replace older ones.
I also think the Crusader and Toon Link will receive investment, in the form of B5LH's. The Citaros would go to the Red Kite and X70/X71, with the Omnicties going to the 15/15A and 17. In turn, three Olympians, and 10 B10BLE's could be withdrawn. The Toon Link B10BLE's would also be withdrawn, with the B7RLE's going to the 67/69.
I also think the 57 could receive some Wright Streetlite's and replace the dual door B10BLE's.
So in turn,
15 X Wright Streetlite Max for the Lime.
12 X Wright Streetlite Max for the 42/61.
6 X Wright Streetlite Micro-Hybrid for the 57.
11 X Optare Solos for North Tyne Links.
30 X B5LH for the Crusader and Toon Link.
So 74 new buses.
In regards to the 57, I can Versas being Ordered and the 57 joining the 58 under the Citylink Branding as discussed a few months back, as for the 27, I'll stick by what I said the other day and they'll get a Silver Repaint/Rebrand, Toon Link I personally don't think justifies the usage of Double Deckers, particularly on the 31/32, again i'd go with Versas.