RE: Go North East: Upcoming Service Changes
(16 Apr 2016, 1:41 pm)JP6004 wrote With the omnis (+2 red spare?) going to Washington, are there any plans to relocate some of the presidents? Surely 7 back up deckers are not required for the X1
No red OmniCitys are transferring to Washington - that's just something which has been incorrectly suggested by enthusiasts! The Optare Versas and Scania L94 4935 will transfer to Riverside tonight.
Remember that 6040 is only at Washington in a float/reserve capacity, and as soon as the modifications to the Red Arrows Volvo B9TLs are complete, 6040 will either be withdrawn or transferred to another depot to serve a similar purpose (Percy Main would be a good shout - to cover for 3859 which has been withdrawn).
Three of the six (excluding 6040) Volvo B7TLs are allocated to scholars/misc works boards, meaning that just three are actually spare. Really, these are covering a PVR of 18 (15 for Red Arrows X1, 3 for scholars), and as Go North East usually allocate one spare vehicle for every 8, it's probably about right having three spare B7s at Washington, especially given their age.
The three Scania L94s at Washington will provide cover for a PVR of 29 (11 for Connections4, 11 for Whey Aye Five 0 and 7 for 82/82A). The Volvo B7s are likely to pick up the shortfall on the Whey Aye Five 0 and 82/82A, when all three Scania L94s have been allocated.