<p>

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>Tbh, I can't see anything new but&nbsp;something needs to be done about the ammount of euro 3 and 4 viechles in the fleet and even the 2 euro 2 buses and euro 1 trainers maye something like lithian's bus 2020 scheme. Here Is my plan:</p><p>Conversions:</p><p><br></p><p>1760/66/68/73/91&nbsp;converted to Euro 6</p><p>1800/1 converted&nbsp;to Euro 6</p><p>1923/4 converted to Euro 6</p><p>7453-6 converted euro 6</p><p>4660-1 converted to Euro 6</p><p>7501-9 converted to hybrid</p><p>The rest of the euro 4 E400s converted to Euro 6</p><p><br></p><p>Cascades and withdrawn:</p><p><br></p><p>4660-2 repainted to corp and sent to Stockton after their conversion in trade for 1534-6</p><p><br></p><p>1534-6 will be the new allocation for the 685</p><p>4660-2 taking over the role of 1534-6 at Stockton</p><p><br></p><p>1767 withdrawn due to being unreliable</p><p>Route 58 withdrawn by NCC due to low passenger numbers</p><p>This will rerelease&nbsp;1767 to withdrawn</p><p><br></p><p>Yorkshire Tiger 664-7 to be sent over to ane in trade for 2801/02/10/16/21</p><p>664-7 re-numbered 1537-41 they will also receive a repaint to arriva and a refurbishmental to add: free WiFi,&nbsp; USB charging points &amp; E-leather seats</p><p>These buses will see use on the 2</p><p><br></p><p>1401-3 withdrawn and replaced by yorkshire tiger 620-621 which will be re-numbered 1542-4 these will receive the same treatment as 1537-41</p><p>These buses will have the same role has 1401-3</p><p><br></p><p>What do you all think</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>

<br></p><p><br></p><p>
<!--StartFragment-->The only place 1760 - 1801 should go is the scrap yard. Anyone would be
mental to spend any money on them, totally shot and unpleasant to ride
on especially one of 1800/1801 which has the horrendous banging at the
back left corner (it's much more than a rattle). Not to mention to smell
of damp from the fact they've been leaking for god knows how long.<!--EndFragment-->&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Similar story with converting 7501 - 7509 to Hybrid, total waste of money. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Might aswell just get some more castoffs from London, probably about the same price and they're newer vehicles.<br></p>

<p>

</p><p></p><p><br></p><p>Tbh, I can't see anything new but&nbsp;something needs to be done about the ammount of euro 3 and 4 viechles in the fleet and even the 2 euro 2 buses and euro 1 trainers maye something like lithian's bus 2020 scheme. Here Is my plan:</p><p>Conversions:</p><p><br></p><p>1760/66/68/73/91&nbsp;converted to Euro 6</p><p>1800/1 converted&nbsp;to Euro 6</p><p>1923/4 converted to Euro 6</p><p>7453-6 converted euro 6</p><p>4660-1 converted to Euro 6</p><p>7501-9 converted to hybrid</p><p>The rest of the euro 4 E400s converted to Euro 6</p><p><br></p><p>Cascades and withdrawn:</p><p><br></p><p>4660-2 repainted to corp and sent to Stockton after their conversion in trade for 1534-6</p><p><br></p><p>1534-6 will be the new allocation for the 685</p><p>4660-2 taking over the role of 1534-6 at Stockton</p><p><br></p><p>1767 withdrawn due to being unreliable</p><p>Route 58 withdrawn by NCC due to low passenger numbers</p><p>This will rerelease&nbsp;1767 to withdrawn</p><p><br></p><p>Yorkshire Tiger 664-7 to be sent over to ane in trade for 2801/02/10/16/21</p><p>664-7 re-numbered 1537-41 they will also receive a repaint to arriva and a refurbishmental to add: free WiFi,&nbsp; USB charging points &amp; E-leather seats</p><p>These buses will see use on the 2</p><p><br></p><p>1401-3 withdrawn and replaced by yorkshire tiger 620-621 which will be re-numbered 1542-4 these will receive the same treatment as 1537-41</p><p>These buses will have the same role has 1401-3</p><p><br></p><p>What do you all think</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>

</p><p>Darts not worth even trying</p><p>E400s to Hybrids as someone has stated will be a waste</p><p>1534-1536 on 685????????? What.</p><p>These are no where near the spec and would be highly uncomfortable for the length of the 685.</p><p>Why remove/Split the Centros up from current bases with no overall gain?</p><p>Why would Arriva NE trade recently repainted Solos for MCV Evolutions? There’s no point what so ever. 2 probably doesn’t really need them anyway.</p><p>You then withdraw 3 buses for 2. Commanders need to go in fairness. But to be replaced by Wright Cadets? Really.&nbsp;</p><p>What do I think? I think you just want lots of type to of vehicles to go on and take pictures.</p>

Darts not worth even trying
E400s to Hybrids as someone has stated will be a waste
1534-1536 on 685????????? What. These are no where near the spec and would be highly uncomfortable for the length of the 685.
Why remove/Split the Centros up from current bases with no overall gain?
Why would Arriva NE trade recently repainted Solos for MCV Evolutions? There’s no point what so ever. 2 probably doesn’t really need them anyway.
You then withdraw 3 buses for 2. Commanders need to go in fairness. But to be replaced by Wright Cadets? Really.
What do I think? I think you just want lots of type to of vehicles to go on and take pictures.

Pleased someone else has said something as I'm starting look a bit of a dick being the only one picking these suggestions apart.

There's no restrictions on Euro ratings coming in anytime soon for the North East (think Newcastle is 2023) so vast majority of the suggested buses would never be converted especially as some ain't far off withdrawal (some are beyond their shelf life)

<p>

Pleased someone else has said something as I'm starting look a bit of a dick being the only one picking these suggestions apart.

</p><p><br></p><p>I shouldn't worry about that - I've always found your comments and posts to be informative and well thought-out.
</p>

With very little investment planned in the North East, and with the proposed Clean Air Zone in Newcastle a small proposal to have some 2014 + Euro 6 buses in the Zone.

Services:
X9: This service will be operated by Jesmond depot, therefore ensuring a Euro 6 bus is allocated.

X18/X30 will terminate at Regent Centre, with connections available to other services into Newcastle.

X12: This service will only run between Middlesbrough and Durham, with a guaranteed connection to and from Newcastle on service X13.

X13: This service will operate between Newcastle and Durham using Euro 6 buses, this service will also be operated out of Jesmond depot to ensure Euro 6 spare vehicles are available, should they be required.

X14 will only operate between Morpeth and Thropton, with service X16 increased in frequency to allow connections. This service will operate at a frequency of up to Every 2 Hours.

X15: This service will only run between Newcastle and Alnwick, ensuring this service uses Euro 6 vehicles. Service X17 will be introduced to continue the Berwick service, aswell as operate to and from Thropton replacing service 15 which will cease operating from the 31st July...

This service will continue to operate with it's current frequencys between Newcastle and Alnwick.

X16 will be increased to Every 30 minutes between Newcastle and Kirkhill, operating with Euro 6 compliant vehicles.

X17: This new service will operate between Thropton and Berwick up to Every 2 Hours, opening up new travel opportunities, aswell as offering Cross-Town links in Alnwick.

The vehicles allocated to this service will interwork with service X14 to and from Morpeth.

X18: This service will commence at Regent Centre, although will retain it's current timetable.

X30: Journeys on this service will commence at DWP Benton replacing service 552 between DWP and Regent Centre, then operate to Blyth.

This change will offer employees a direct bus to Blyth and surrounding areas.

1602 - 1614:

1602 will be used as a dedicated spare for MAX services X9/X13/X16 using Euro 6 vehicles.

1603/1604/1605 will operate on service X16, which will be increased to operate Every 30 minutes, replacing service X14 between Morpeth and Newcastle.

1606 - 1609 will operate on service X9, which will be operated by Jesmond depot.

1610 - 1613 will be used on contracted services 6/553, replacing 2601 - 2603 & 2825.

1614 will be dedicated spare for contracted services, replacing 2846.

7541 - 7552:

7541 - 7544 To Jesmond for service X13 between Durham and Newcastle.

7545 - 7547 will remain at Ashington, although will be allocated to service X15.

7548 - 7551 will also remain at Ashington and be used on service X20.

7552 will remain at Ashington as the dedicated spare bus.

Service X21 | X22 will receive 17x New Euro 6 Buses releasing their current fleet.

Vehicles released:
1408/1411 to Darlington replacing 1602/1603.

1419, 1481 - 1483 to Darlington replacing 1604 - 1607.

1480/1495/1496 To Darlington, replacing the Scanias allocated to the X75 to operate on services 1/5/5A.

1493 to Darlington replacing 1608.

1502, 1504 & 1505 to Jesmond replacing 4660 - 4662 on Cross Pennine.

2601 - 2603 will transfer to back to Selby with 2826/2831 returning, along with Optare Solo SR 3050.

2825/2826 & 2831 to Blyth replacing 1401 - 1403.

2837/2846 to Ashington replacing 1800/1801 to Blyth, ensuring that service 57/57A have the same type of vehicle allocated.

3050 will transfer to Jesmond for exclusive use on service 555, this will release 2837 to be used elsewhere.

4653/4659 & 4664 to Darlington replacing 1609 - 1611.

4660 - 4662 to Darlington replacing 1612 - 1614.

All "MAX" Gemimis will be withdrawn...

7511 - 7517 to Jesmond for service 306.

7524 - 7527 to Jesmond replacing 7501 - 7504 to Belmont replacing 7453 - 7456 to disposal.

7528 will act as a dedicated spare for service 685.

7608 will remain at Blyth, replacing 1493 to Darlington.

Darlington:
Services 1/5/5A will have to be downgraded with MAX Pulsar 2s, and MAX & Cross Pennine Omnicitys forming the allocaton.

<p>

With very little investment planned in the North East, and with the proposed Clean Air Zone in Newcastle a small proposal to have some 2014 + Euro 6 buses in the Zone.

Services:
X9: This service will be operated by Jesmond depot, therefore ensuring a Euro 6 bus is allocated.

X18/X30 will terminate at Regent Centre, with connections available to other services into Newcastle.

X12: This service will only run between Middlesbrough and Durham, with a guaranteed connection to and from Newcastle on service X13.

X13: This service will operate between Newcastle and Durham using Euro 6 buses, this service will also be operated out of Jesmond depot to ensure Euro 6 spare vehicles are available, should they be required.

X14 will only operate between Morpeth and Thropton, with service X16 increased in frequency to allow connections. This service will operate at a frequency of up to Every 2 Hours.

X15: This service will only run between Newcastle and Alnwick, ensuring this service uses Euro 6 vehicles. Service X17 will be introduced to continue the Berwick service, aswell as operate to and from Thropton replacing service 15 which will cease operating from the 31st July...

This service will continue to operate with it's current frequencys between Newcastle and Alnwick.

X16 will be increased to Every 30 minutes between Newcastle and Kirkhill, operating with Euro 6 compliant vehicles.

X17: This new service will operate between Thropton and Berwick up to Every 2 Hours, opening up new travel opportunities, aswell as offering Cross-Town links in Alnwick.

The vehicles allocated to this service will interwork with service X14 to and from Morpeth.

X18: This service will commence at Regent Centre, although will retain it's current timetable.

X30: Journeys on this service will commence at DWP Benton replacing service 552 between DWP and Regent Centre, then operate to Blyth.

This change will offer employees a direct bus to Blyth and surrounding areas.

1602 - 1614:

1602 will be used as a dedicated spare for MAX services X9/X13/X16 using Euro 6 vehicles.

1603/1604/1605 will operate on service X16, which will be increased to operate Every 30 minutes, replacing service X14 between Morpeth and Newcastle.

1606 - 1609 will operate on service X9, which will be operated by Jesmond depot.

1610 - 1613 will be used on contracted services 6/553, replacing 2601 - 2603 &amp; 2825.

1614 will be dedicated spare for contracted services, replacing 2846.

7541 - 7552:

7541 - 7544 To Jesmond for service X13 between Durham and Newcastle.

7545 - 7547 will remain at Ashington, although will be allocated to service X15.

7548 - 7551 will also remain at Ashington and be used on service X20.

7552 will remain at Ashington as the dedicated spare bus.

Service X21 | X22 will receive 17x New Euro 6 Buses releasing their current fleet.

Vehicles released:
1408/1411 to Darlington replacing 1602/1603.

1419, 1481 - 1483 to Darlington replacing 1604 - 1607.

1480/1495/1496 To Darlington, replacing the Scanias allocated to the X75 to operate on services 1/5/5A.

1493 to Darlington replacing 1608.

1502, 1504 &amp; 1505 to Jesmond replacing 4660 - 4662 on Cross Pennine.

2601 - 2603 will transfer to back to Selby with 2826/2831 returning, along with Optare Solo SR 3050.

2825/2826 &amp; 2831 to Blyth replacing 1401 - 1403.

2837/2846 to Ashington replacing 1800/1801 to Blyth, ensuring that service 57/57A have the same type of vehicle allocated.

3050 will transfer to Jesmond for exclusive use on service 555, this will release 2837 to be used elsewhere.

4653/4659 &amp; 4664 to Darlington replacing 1609 - 1611.

4660 - 4662 to Darlington replacing 1612 - 1614.

All "MAX" Gemimis will be withdrawn...

7511 - 7517 to Jesmond for service 306.

7524 - 7527 to Jesmond replacing 7501 - 7504 to Belmont replacing 7453 - 7456 to disposal.

7528 will act as a dedicated spare for service 685.

7608 will remain at Blyth, replacing 1493 to Darlington.

Darlington:
Services 1/5/5A will have to be downgraded with MAX Pulsar 2s, and MAX &amp; Cross Pennine Omnicitys forming the allocaton.

</p><p><br></p><p>All fell apart at the end, when you suggested the downgrade of Darlington 1/5/5A. Won't happen.</p>

There's still plenty of time before the clean air zone stuff comes into effect, I'm sure some investments will be made between now and then, possibly some new stuff and can see younger stuff like VDL Gemini's and E400's being converted to Euro 6

Replacing the Mini-solos especially with big streetlites will be overkill, why 2601 retained while 2602-3 was in Yorkshire. Need solos at Desmond, not so much Streetlites unless you're displacing Pulsars.

<p>

Replacing the Mini-solos especially with big streetlites will be overkill, why 2601 retained while 2602-3 was in Yorkshire. Need solos at Desmond, not so much Streetlites unless you're displacing Pulsars.

</p><p>If we focus on the current situation, it seems the North East will only recieve cast-offs, and PVR reductions might occur frequently in order to withdraw vehicles, i.e. Cadets at Stockton.</p><p><br></p><p>One that hasn't been talked about is the 2001/2002&nbsp;Geminis on School work, aswell as frontline service at Ashington and Blyth, I wonder how these will get replaced with nothing but 6x ADL E400s coming into the North East this year. And I would expect the E400s to replace the MAX Geminis...</p>

<p>Ooooo I know!! Pick Me!!

As of now. No cast offs however something has been ordered for arrival September/October.

Can't disclose any more just yet however this has come straight from the top dog!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Oh... And they are for Jesmond!&nbsp;</p>

---

<p>

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>All fell apart at the end, when you suggested the downgrade of Darlington 1/5/5A. Won't happen.</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>That's the only bit it fell apart on...? Went for me with the connection between the X12 and X13 being garenteed&nbsp;with two separate buses. Impossible!&nbsp;</p>

<p>

</p><p>Ooooo I know!! Pick Me!!

As of now. No cast offs however something has been ordered for arrival September/October.

Can't disclose any more just yet however this has come straight from the top dog!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Oh... And they are for Jesmond!&nbsp;</p><p>

---

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>That's the only bit it fell apart on...? Went for me with the connection between the X12 and X13 being garenteed&nbsp;with two separate buses. Impossible!&nbsp;</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>I'm agreeing with you about the connection between the X12 &amp; X13</p><p>The X12 is prone to delay and (tbh) is usually more than a few minutes late</p>

<p>

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>I'm agreeing with you about the connection between the X12 &amp; X13</p><p>The X12 is prone to delay and (tbh) is usually more than a few minutes late</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>It's not just that the connection is guaranteed because its the same bus. No way a separate service would work with a guaranteed connection. Would have to run separate from each other. Which to be honest wouldn't be profitable north of Durham&nbsp;</p>

<p>

</p><p>Ooooo I know!! Pick Me!!

As of now. No cast offs however something has been ordered for arrival September/October.

Can't disclose any more just yet however this has come straight from the top dog!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Oh... And they are for Jesmond!&nbsp;</p><p>

---

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>That's the only bit it fell apart on...? Went for me with the connection between the X12 and X13 being garenteed&nbsp;with two separate buses. Impossible!&nbsp;</p><p>

</p><p>My guess is that they are Streetdecks for the 306.</p><p>One Yorkshire is getting Streetdecks for the 110 so just putting two together.</p><p>Second on the 306 there are Gemini’s in need to go and Pulsar 2s which could potentially replace any ALX300s left and the commanders at Blyth.</p><p>Third it’s on a competitive corridor and would match the same spec as the 308.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

8x ADL Enviro 200MMCs - Redcar FOR relaunched "Coastal Direct" service X4.

Services X3 & X3A will remain allocated Wright StreetLites.

1440 will remain at Redcar as an appropriate spare for all services, with 1560 - 1566 remaining to operate services X3 & X3A, with 1566 as the dedicated spare for these services.

1567 - 1573 To Belmont, this will allow services 22/23/24 to all operate under the same "Sapphire" brand.

1412/1413/1465/1466/1498 To Ashington for services X21/X22, this will ensure all vehicles allocated are the same brand, and offer the same advertised features.

1506/1507 will also transfer as dedicated spares, although will release 1579 & 1580 to Jesmond.

1579 & 1580 will transfer to Jesmond, this allows the withdrawl of 7491 & 7492.

7524 - 7526 will transfer to Darlington for Sapphire 7, this releases 1514 - 1516 to Stockton for service X22.

7527 & 7528 will transfer to Belmont for Sapphire 7, this will ensure all Journeys are Double Deckers allocated, and releases 1522 & 1523 to Jesmond.

7493 & 7494 will be withdrawn as a result of the transfer of 1522 & 1523.

1444 - 1446 will transfer to Blyth, this allows the withdrawl of 1401 - 1403.

<p>

8x ADL Enviro 200MMCs - Redcar FOR relaunched "Coastal Direct" service X4.

Services X3 &amp; X3A will remain allocated Wright StreetLites.

1440 will remain at Redcar as an appropriate spare for all services, with 1560 - 1566 remaining to operate services X3 &amp; X3A, with 1566 as the dedicated spare for these services.

1567 - 1573 To Belmont, this will allow services 22/23/24 to all operate under the same "Sapphire" brand.

1412/1413/1465/1466/1498 To Ashington for services X21/X22, this will ensure all vehicles allocated are the same brand, and offer the same advertised features.

1506/1507 will also transfer as dedicated spares, although will release 1579 &amp; 1580 to Jesmond.

1579 &amp; 1580 will transfer to Jesmond, this allows the withdrawl of 7491 &amp; 7492.

7524 - 7526 will transfer to Darlington for Sapphire 7, this releases 1514 - 1516 to Stockton for service X22.

7527 &amp; 7528 will transfer to Belmont for Sapphire 7, this will ensure all Journeys are Double Deckers allocated, and releases 1522 &amp; 1523 to Jesmond.

7493 &amp; 7494 will be withdrawn as a result of the transfer of 1522 &amp; 1523.

1444 - 1446 will transfer to Blyth, this allows the withdrawl of 1401 - 1403.

Replacing 2 deckers (7491/2) is not a good idea. Most Desmond services are prone to be too packed on most routes, especially at peak hours and match days. Would not be a good idea, i get on streetlights on routes like the 53 sometimes and they can barely take any more, this cannot happen</p>

Having experienced the Wright StreetLites on the X4 and other Teeside services, I must admit they need to be removed ASAP as they are significantly unreliable.

Allocaton Plan:
Stockton: 1550 - 1559 To Belmont
Stockton: 1524 - 1533 From Belmont
This will be a straight forward swap, with Pulsars on the 5/5A, and StreetLites on the 6.

Redcar: 1560 - 1573 To Belmont
Redcar: 1412/13/65/66/98/1506/07/17 - 23 From Belmont.
This will see service 22/23/24 receive a full Wright StreetLite allocaton, along with Belmont service 7 journeys also allocated some.

Additionaly, the Pulsars will ensure reliability, and a better quality service with 50% of them having reliable USB changing points.

1440 will remain allocated at Redcar, this will ensure services X3/X4 continue to have an appropriate spare vehicle.

<p>

Having experienced the Wright StreetLites on the X4 and other Teeside services, I must admit they need to be removed ASAP as they are significantly unreliable.

Allocaton Plan:
Stockton: 1550 - 1559 To Belmont
Stockton: 1524 - 1533 From Belmont
This will be a straight forward swap, with Pulsars on the 5/5A, and StreetLites on the 6.

Redcar: 1560 - 1573 To Belmont
Redcar: 1412/13/65/66/98/1506/07/17 - 23 From Belmont.
This will see service 22/23/24 receive a full Wright StreetLite allocaton, along with Belmont service 7 journeys also allocated some.

Additionaly, the Pulsars will ensure reliability, and a better quality service with 50% of them having reliable USB changing points.

1440 will remain allocated at Redcar, this will ensure services X3/X4 continue to have an appropriate spare vehicle.

</p><p><br></p><p>I like nowt better than 1440 rocking up on my X3/X4 trips, but having been on the Streetlites many a time - I have yet to see them prove unreliable.</p><p><br></p><p>Which one/s are unreliable?&nbsp;</p>

<p>

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>I like nowt better than 1440 rocking up on my X3/X4 trips, but having been on the Streetlites many a time - I have yet to see them prove unreliable.</p><p><br></p><p>Which one/s are unreliable?&nbsp;</p><p>

</p><p>1562/1564 have been unreliable quite recently...</p>

<p>

</p><p>
</p><p>1562/1564 have been unreliable quite recently...</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>Not sure if I've been on either of those two (last trip out on the X3/X4 was a fortnight back).</p><p>Will keep my eyes open for them though.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>What sort of unreliablity problems have they had?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p>

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>I like nowt better than 1440 rocking up on my X3/X4 trips, but having been on the Streetlites many a time - I have yet to see them prove unreliable.</p><p><br></p><p>Which one/s are unreliable?&nbsp;</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>Have to agree with you.</p><p><br></p><p>The Streetlites aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if nothing else, they're a pretty darn reliable bus. Send them out in the morning and they're usually alright to operate a full day's service without having any major issues.</p><p><br></p><p>Arriva do seem to have more issues with them though - Darlington had all manner of problems with the MAX Streetlites, and of course there was the time where Stockton did not allocate a number of Streetlites to the 5/5A for a while due to "reliability issues".</p>

<p>

<br></p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>Have to agree with you.</p><p><br></p><p>The Streetlites aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if nothing else, they're a pretty darn reliable bus. Send them out in the morning and they're usually alright to operate a full day's service without having any major issues.</p><p><br></p><p>Arriva do seem to have more issues with them though - Darlington had all manner of problems with the MAX Streetlites, and of course there was the time where Stockton did not allocate a number of Streetlites to the 5/5A for a while due to "reliability issues".</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>Stockton’s swap was due to the Streetlites struggling to keep to time on the old 5/5a timetable. A swap with the Pulsars off 15s was to see if Pulsars could keep to time. When they also struggled, the new revised timetable was drawn up. A couple of Streetlites were also local only due to being fitted with&nbsp;new engines. A couple are still ‘local’ only due to issues but one should be on S1s for now while there’s one 5a board on weekdays and two on Saturdays which only work&nbsp;5As so that could be classed as local only.</p>

<p>

</p><p>
</p><p><br></p><p>Have to agree with you.</p><p><br></p><p>The Streetlites aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if nothing else, they're a pretty darn reliable bus. Send them out in the morning and they're usually alright to operate a full day's service without having any major issues.</p><p><br></p><p>Arriva do seem to have more issues with them though - Darlington had all manner of problems with the MAX Streetlites, and of course there was the time where Stockton did not allocate a number of Streetlites to the 5/5A for a while due to "reliability issues".</p><p>

</p><p>
</p><p>I find the Streetlites on the X4 quite ok. My heart sinks when a Temsa appears which is usually a 1 in 8 chance!</p>

Despite what some suggest, the Lites on X4 etc seem okay, not perfect but they do the job most the time, some are better than others 1561 is a dog but then 1563? flies. Something that hasn't been considered is the fact they can frequently appear on the likes of the 63 or X93 in place of it's intended route(s) and then one is robbed on weekends to fulfil Redcar's Moorsbus output.

Pulsar's are more comfortable IMO but seemingly don't perform any better as trials on 5/5A proved and no repeated wibble from enthusiasts is gonna change that FACT, seriously how many times have I said this now? [emoji19]

<p>

Pulsar's are more comfortable IMO but seemingly don't perform any better as trials on 5/5A proved and no repeated wibble from enthusiasts is gonna change that FACT, seriously how many times have I said this now? [emoji19]

</p><p><br></p><p>The Pulsars are definitely more comfortable like, one of the main downsides of the Streetlite (and Streetdeck to a degree) is the firm ride, which I'd guess is down to the more efficient tyres.</p><p>Having said that, I still prefer the Streetlite as it feels a lot more open inside, and the styling is a lot nicer as well IMO.&nbsp;</p><p>I'd be willing to bet that 9 times out of 10, the average passenger will pick the Streetlite over anything else Arriva has (but that's not really saying much!)</p>

<p>

Despite what some suggest, the Lites on X4 etc seem okay, not perfect but they do the job most the time, some are better than others 1561 is a dog but then 1563? flies. Something that hasn't been considered is the fact they can frequently appear on the likes of the 63 or X93 in place of it's intended route(s) and then one is robbed on weekends to fulfil Redcar's Moorsbus output.

Pulsar's are more comfortable IMO but seemingly don't perform any better as trials on 5/5A proved and no repeated wibble from enthusiasts is gonna change that FACT, seriously how many times have I said this now? [emoji19]

</p><p><br></p><p>I often wonder if capacity is a problem on the X4. Many a time I've seen a standing load into/out of Whitby and again on the Boro-bound approaches to Redcar.</p><p>The narrow feel to those Streetlites certainly doesn't help*.</p><p><br></p><p>Vehicles with a bigger capacity may be an idea at certain times, but I'm pretty sure the X4 isn't unique in that aspect.</p><p><br></p><p>*I think I've posted the dimensions of the Streetlite previously and compared them to others, so I won't do it again (someone else feel free though), but there is a couple of mm difference in width&nbsp;between that and a Solar though. Saves costs innit?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

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</p><p><br></p><p>*I think I've posted the dimensions of the Streetlite previously and compared them to others, so I won't do it again (someone else feel free though), but there is a couple of mm difference in width&nbsp;between that and a Solar though. Saves costs innit?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>Yep, Streetlites are definitely narrower, makes them great for driving through congestion though, you can squeeze them through anywhere.</p>

I often wonder if capacity is a problem on the X4. Many a time I've seen a standing load into/out of Whitby and again on the Boro-bound approaches to Redcar. The narrow feel to those Streetlites certainly doesn't help*. Vehicles with a bigger capacity may be an idea at certain times, but I'm pretty sure the X4 isn't unique in that aspect. *I think I've posted the dimensions of the Streetlite previously and compared them to others, so I won't do it again (someone else feel free though), but there is a couple of mm difference in width & between that and a Solar though. Saves costs innit?

Maximum capacity on Arriva Lites are around 67 (I think) vs 72 on a Pulsar (73 on 1513-23) but god they are unpleasant to stand on at times especially on a hot day, thought I was gonna pass out the time I got one from Boro to Saltburn on a hot day sitting with a full standing load on.

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</p><p><br></p><p>Yep, Streetlites are definitely narrower, makes them great for driving through congestion though, you can squeeze them through anywhere.</p><p>

&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Whether it's the seats or gangway or a combination of both, it's de</p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">finitely noticeable from a passenger perspective imo.&nbsp;</span><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;"><br></span></p><p>

Maximum capacity on Arriva Lites are around 67 (I think) vs 72 on a Pulsar (73 on 1513-23) but god they are unpleasant to stand on at times especially on a hot day, thought I was gonna pass out the time I got one from Boro to Saltburn on a hot day sitting with a full standing load on.

</p><p><br></p><p>I've been fortunate enough to have ever had to stand in that direction.&nbsp;</p><p>However, forgetting the couple of seats and&nbsp;going back to the width issue, the difference in dimensions may have been noticeable.</p><p><br></p><p>The Pulsar is approx&nbsp;<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">2.50 metres wide.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">The Streetlite is approx 2.45 metres wide.<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, &quot;Nimbus Sans L&quot;, Arial, &quot;Liberation Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">5cms across the width of a bus on top of the 45 cm length difference,&nbsp;can add up.&nbsp;</span></p>

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</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Whether it's the seats or gangway or a combination of both, it's de</p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">finitely noticeable from a passenger perspective imo.&nbsp;</span><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;"><br></span></p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>I've been fortunate enough to have ever had to stand in that direction.&nbsp;</p><p>However, forgetting the couple of seats and&nbsp;going back to the width issue, the difference in dimensions may have been noticeable.</p><p><br></p><p>The Pulsar is approx&nbsp;<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">2.50 metres wide.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">The Streetlite is approx 2.45 metres wide.<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, &quot;Nimbus Sans L&quot;, Arial, &quot;Liberation Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(216, 216, 216); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">5cms across the width of a bus on top of the 45 cm length difference,&nbsp;can add up.&nbsp;</span></p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>I haven't noticed a difference in the width of the seats, they both seem the same to me, but the gangway is definitely narrower. It's basically impossible to carry a bag on a Streetlite and not hit the people sitting down.</p><p><br></p><p>It also seems like they've tried to cram far too many seats in on the Streetlites as there physically isn't enough legroom for me to sit down, unless I perch on the edge of the seat with me knees pointing down, but I'm fine on the Pulsars. But I suppose that isn't a fault of the bus, but bad planning&nbsp;</p>

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</p><p><br></p><p> I haven't noticed a difference in the width of the seats, they both seem the same to me&nbsp;, but the gangway is definitely narrower. It's basically impossible to carry a bag on a Streetlite and not hit the people sitting down.</p><p><br></p><p>It also seems like they've tried to cram far too many seats in on the Streetlites as there physically isn't enough legroom for me to sit down, unless I perch on the edge of the seat with me knees pointing down, but I'm fine on the Pulsars. But I suppose that isn't a fault of the bus, but bad planning&nbsp;</p><p>

</p><p><br></p><p>Exactly that.&nbsp;</p><p>If the seats are the same, but the overall width is smaller - then by virtue, that gangway is going to appear narrower and you're gonna get that bag whacking in to you.</p><p><br></p>