(14 Aug 2020, 9:07 pm)Storx wrote I really can't see any new deckers for a while personally. The minibus fleet is aging badly and will need replacing by 2022 and there's also the Omnicities, Citaros and early Versas all due or starting to be due by then. Realistically no deckers really need to be replaced before 2026 now which are in frontline work.

Minibus fleet? The Little Coasters Solos are not the best, and whatever Optare Solos there are elsewhere, but the SRs are fine. Sprinters 729/720 are new. Lots of SRs on Venture, Little Pinks, Little Coasters, Tynedale Links and not sure what else, they seem fine. Which ones do you think need replacing? Agree no deckers are really needed, but doubt the minibus fleet will be replaced next year.

(25 May 2021, 8:22 pm)L469 YVK wrote My prediction for 2022/23

- New vehicles for the Angel & few extras for XLines (depending on network changes)
- StreetDecks cascaded to Percy Main for Cobalt & Coast
- Cobalt B9's partially repainted and allocated to TVT
- Current TVT B9s either cascaded within GNE or wider GAG

Tbh the 21 doesn't need new buses as tge current ones are only turning 4 this year so are still relatively new, the C&C was just refurbished so doubt those B9s will be off those routes for a good few years. The Tyne Valley Ten probd needs new buses going off whats been in the mentioned on the thread regarding break downs on those services maybe order some OM936 streetdecks for the X9/10, maybe if the elites continue with their reliability issues GNE should prehaps find some more suitable coaches for the X9/10 (maybe even 7111/7128/30/32/35-37 with 7108/10 being spares) if the elites don't shape up soon.

(25 May 2021, 8:31 pm)GNE6312 wrote Tbh the 21 doesn't need new buses as tge current ones are only turning 4 this year so are still relatively new, the C&C was just refurbished so doubt those B9s will be off those routes for a good few years. The Tyne Valley Ten probd needs new buses going off whats been in the mentioned on the thread regarding break downs on those services maybe order some OM936 streetdecks for the X9/10, maybe if the elites continue with their reliability issues GNE should prehaps find some more suitable coaches for the X9/10 (maybe even 7111/7128/30/32/35-37 with 7108/10 being spares) if the elites don't shape up soon.

Don't forget, the 21 is GNE's 'flagship' route (or one of them) so would no doubt be a good candidate to receive the newest vehicles.

StreetDecks on Cobalt & Coast (3yr since refurb in 2022) would reduce running costs over fuel hungry B9TLs "knocking around the doors". Yes I know that scenario also applies for the 27, 58, 93/94 but they were intended cascades and upgraded from single decks.

TVT B9TLs are still ok (6071-83 most likely) although in need of TLC. Moving the Cobalt & Coast B9TLs would potentially reduce refurbishment & repainting costs as well as speed the process up.

(25 May 2021, 8:29 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Minibus fleet? The Little Coasters Solos are not the best, and whatever Optare Solos there are elsewhere, but the SRs are fine. Sprinters 729/720 are new. Lots of SRs on Venture, Little Pinks, Little Coasters, Tynedale Links and not sure what else, they seem fine. Which ones do you think need replacing? Agree no deckers are really needed, but doubt the minibus fleet will be replaced next year.

AFAIK the tynedale links services are contracted. NCC may stipulate euro 6 buses for these routes which would mean either new buses or upgrade to current solos

(25 May 2021, 8:29 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Minibus fleet? The Little Coasters Solos are not the best, and whatever Optare Solos there are elsewhere, but the SRs are fine. Sprinters 729/720 are new. Lots of SRs on Venture, Little Pinks, Little Coasters, Tynedale Links and not sure what else, they seem fine. Which ones do you think need replacing? Agree no deckers are really needed, but doubt the minibus fleet will be replaced next year.

That was August last year

Back then it was 698 - 705 (possibly more can't remember if the 58 plates had gone by then). Most are gone now though. Something does need upgrading for the 74 though if the upcoming LEZ comes in as they're only Euro 5 bar the Cathedral 3.

(25 May 2021, 8:53 pm)L469 YVK wrote Don't forget, the 21 is GNE's 'flagship' route (or one of them) so would no doubt be a good candidate to receive the newest vehicles.

And also don't forget that before the Hybrids, it was running around on ex-London B7TLs, before being replaced by even older ex-London B7TLs...

Legitimate question here, why does everybody seem to be obsessed with getting heavier duty vehicles (like the E400MMC and 6 cylinder StreetDeck) for routes that a lighter duty vehicle (like the 4 cylinder StreetDeck) would be more than adequate for?

Just because a route is currently run with B9s, it doesn't mean it needs to be replaced with a vehicle of equivalent power.
Take the 10s for instance, now granted I haven't used them for a while for obvious reasons, but I don't think there is a part of the route that a 4 Cylinder StreetDeck would struggle (I may be wrong on that though)
From my experience the StreetDecks used on the X1 seem to be perfectly fine.
And I think we can all agree that the B9s on the Cobalts are beyond overkill!

(26 May 2021, 8:42 am)streetdeckfan wrote Legitimate question here, why does everybody seem to be obsessed with getting heavier duty vehicles (like the E400MMC and 6 cylinder StreetDeck) for routes that a lighter duty vehicle (like the 4 cylinder StreetDeck) would be more than adequate for?

Just because a route is currently run with B9s, it doesn't mean it needs to be replaced with a vehicle of equivalent power.
Take the 10s for instance, now granted I haven't used them for a while for obvious reasons, but I don't think there is a part of the route that a 4 Cylinder StreetDeck would struggle (I may be wrong on that though)
From my experience the StreetDecks used on the X1 seem to be perfectly fine.
And I think we can all agree that the B9s on the Cobalts are beyond overkill!

I used the X20 yesterday. First time since the vehicles were upgraded from Solo.

Versus the Streetlites on it prior and the Solos which haven't long been displaced, the 11 year old Merc was a much nicer experience.
Obviously it's the heavier of the 3, but the ride quality was better and the rattles fewer.

Some people may be obsessed with engine power or torque and it may be that a lower spec engine is suitable for that route.
However build quality and the structure of the vehicle is just as important if not more important - from a passenger perspective.

A Streetlite may be powerful enough to work the Durham - Stanley route and it may save the operator a few quid in fuel costs. But is the on-board experience and ride quality worse or better than when the Mercs ran it?

(26 May 2021, 9:30 am)Andreos1 wrote I used the X20 yesterday. First time since the vehicles were upgraded from Solo.

Versus the Streetlites on it prior and the Solos which haven't long been displaced, the 11 year old Merc was a much nicer experience.
Obviously it's the heavier of the 3, but the ride quality was better and the rattles fewer.

Some people may be obsessed with engine power or torque and it may be that a lower spec engine is suitable for that route.
However build quality and the structure of the vehicle is just as important if not more important - from a passenger perspective.

A Streetlite may be powerful enough to work the Durham - Stanley route and it may save the operator a few quid in fuel costs. But is the on-board experience and ride quality worse or better than when the Mercs ran it?

I see where you're coming from with the Citaro and StreetLite, but from a passenger perspective, the new 4 cylinder StreetDecks are equivalent or better than an E400MMC (in terms of comfort and experience), and equal to the 6 cylinder StreetDeck (since they're the same vehicle).

But equally, if Wright had actually put some effort into the StreetLite, improved the build quality and the suspension like they have with the new StreetDecks, the Streetlites would be a much nicer experience.

I suppose it comes down to looking at each vehicle on it's own merit

(26 May 2021, 9:30 am)Andreos1 wrote I used the X20 yesterday. First time since the vehicles were upgraded from Solo.

Versus the Streetlites on it prior and the Solos which haven't long been displaced, the 11 year old Merc was a much nicer experience.
Obviously it's the heavier of the 3, but the ride quality was better and the rattles fewer.

Some people may be obsessed with engine power or torque and it may be that a lower spec engine is suitable for that route.
However build quality and the structure of the vehicle is just as important if not more important - from a passenger perspective.

A Streetlite may be powerful enough to work the Durham - Stanley route and it may save the operator a few quid in fuel costs. But is the on-board experience and ride quality worse or better than when the Mercs ran it?

You must have been lucky to get a none rattly Merc!

(26 May 2021, 9:52 am)streetdeckfan wrote I see where you're coming from with the Citaro and StreetLite, but from a passenger perspective, the new 4 cylinder StreetDecks are equivalent or better than an E400MMC (in terms of comfort and experience), and equal to the 6 cylinder StreetDeck (since they're the same vehicle).

But equally, if Wright had actually put some effort into the StreetLite, improved the build quality and the suspension like they have with the new StreetDecks, the Streetlites would be a much nicer experience.

I suppose it comes down to looking at each vehicle on it's own merit 

And I think that's what is a key element in making a route successful or at least maintaining its success.

The 35 was apparently making more money than the 20 a few years back, but has seen the vehicle allocation change, its route change and then its frequency reduce.
Coincidence?
It's now allocated the same sort of vehicles it attracted as new 10+ years ago.

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(26 May 2021, 10:45 am)deanmachine wrote You must have been lucky to get a none rattly Merc!

Ah there were rattles. Just fewer than a Streetlite. Mind, part of that was down interior paneling not being attached properly. Rather than any down to the rattles that are part of the Streetlite's make-up and design.

(26 May 2021, 10:45 am)deanmachine wrote You must have been lucky to get a none rattly Merc!

While the Citaros rattle, they're nothing compared to the door on the StreetLite

(26 May 2021, 10:59 am)Andreos1 wrote And I think that's what is a key element in making a route successful or at least maintaining its success.

The 35 was apparently making more money than the 20 a few years back, but has seen the vehicle allocation change, its route change and then its frequency reduce.
Coincidence?
It's now allocated the same sort of vehicles it attracted as new 10+ years ago.

Sound familiar?,the Little Coasters,they were successful until they shoved the current buses on there

(26 May 2021, 11:28 am)V514DFT wrote Sound familiar?,the Little Coasters,they were successful until they shoved the current buses on there

Any chance of Little Coasters getting allocated something else? Maybe even put the new Solos back on? Personally I'd like to see NSAs back on the 42/42A because some parts of the route are rural, and NSAs improve accessibility for disabled passengers, and those unsure of the route (the 74 should have NSAs introduced for the same reasons).

(26 May 2021, 11:02 am)streetdeckfan wrote While the Citaros rattle, they're nothing compared to the door on the StreetLite

Maybe it's just rattles in the drivers cab then, because they're getting worse than (some) Streetlites now.

(26 May 2021, 11:02 am)streetdeckfan wrote While the Citaros rattle, they're nothing compared to the door on the StreetLite

A lot of work has been put into resolving the door rattles especially on the coast & country streetlites, you might be surprised at the rattle free experience of the likes of 5406.

(26 May 2021, 8:42 am)streetdeckfan wrote Legitimate question here, why does everybody seem to be obsessed with getting heavier duty vehicles (like the E400MMC and 6 cylinder StreetDeck) for routes that a lighter duty vehicle (like the 4 cylinder StreetDeck) would be more than adequate for?

Just because a route is currently run with B9s, it doesn't mean it needs to be replaced with a vehicle of equivalent power.
Take the 10s for instance, now granted I haven't used them for a while for obvious reasons, but I don't think there is a part of the route that a 4 Cylinder StreetDeck would struggle (I may be wrong on that though)
From my experience the StreetDecks used on the X1 seem to be perfectly fine.
And I think we can all agree that the B9s on the Cobalts are beyond overkill!

I largely agree, especially that the B9s on the Cobalts are overkill, but I think time will tell for the X1. It seems to be coping ok at present when I've used them, but the section between Gateshead and Wrekenton is a killer. 

(26 May 2021, 9:30 am)Andreos1 wrote I used the X20 yesterday. First time since the vehicles were upgraded from Solo.

Versus the Streetlites on it prior and the Solos which haven't long been displaced, the 11 year old Merc was a much nicer experience.
Obviously it's the heavier of the 3, but the ride quality was better and the rattles fewer.

Some people may be obsessed with engine power or torque and it may be that a lower spec engine is suitable for that route.
However build quality and the structure of the vehicle is just as important if not more important - from a passenger perspective.

A Streetlite may be powerful enough to work the Durham - Stanley route and it may save the operator a few quid in fuel costs. But is the on-board experience and ride quality worse or better than when the Mercs ran it?

I used them the other week, and completely agree in terms of Citaros. Even though I think the quality of the refurbishment they received a couple of years ago is starting to show.

Of course your average customer simply doesn't care about the mechanics behind a bus. Only that the bus gets them from A to B and that it is as enjoyable of a journey as possible. The Streetlite isn't a good passenger experience for me; you feel every bump, hear every rattle and only a small child would find themselves with enough leg room. The E200MMCs on the 97 are streets ahead of the Streetlite, and I think it's pretty much the same bus underneath!

(26 May 2021, 8:42 am)streetdeckfan wrote Legitimate question here, why does everybody seem to be obsessed with getting heavier duty vehicles (like the E400MMC and 6 cylinder StreetDeck) for routes that a lighter duty vehicle (like the 4 cylinder StreetDeck) would be more than adequate for?

Just because a route is currently run with B9s, it doesn't mean it needs to be replaced with a vehicle of equivalent power.
Take the 10s for instance, now granted I haven't used them for a while for obvious reasons, but I don't think there is a part of the route that a 4 Cylinder StreetDeck would struggle (I may be wrong on that though)
From my experience the StreetDecks used on the X1 seem to be perfectly fine.
And I think we can all agree that the B9s on the Cobalts are beyond overkill!

I'd say on a per route basis, they need the following (these are NOT order suggestions but more more a vehicle to route match):

OM934 Cylinder StreetDeck:
- 21, 27, 56, 58, 309/310/311/X39, X45, X46

OM936 StreetDeck:
- X9/X10 (if returned from Coaches in future), X21

ADL E400MMC:
- 10/10A/10B/10X, X1, X30/X31, X47, X70/X71

(26 May 2021, 4:46 pm)L469 YVK wrote I'd say on a per route basis, they need the following (these are NOT order suggestions but more more a vehicle to route match):

OM934 Cylinder StreetDeck:
- 21, 27, 56, 58, 309/310/311/X39, X45, X46

OM936 StreetDeck:
- X9/X10 (if returned from Coaches in future), X21

ADL E400MMC:
- 10/10A/10B/10X, X1, X30/X31, X47, X70/X71

Removing the interdecks from the X9/X10 would be a massive backward step.

(26 May 2021, 4:46 pm)L469 YVK wrote I'd say on a per route basis, they need the following (these are NOT order suggestions but more more a vehicle to route match):

OM934 Cylinder StreetDeck:
- 21, 27, 56, 58, 309/310/311/X39, X45, X46

OM936 StreetDeck:
- X9/X10 (if returned from Coaches in future), X21

ADL E400MMC:
- 10/10A/10B/10X, X1, X30/X31, X47, X70/X71

The X47 is hardly a demanding route, I think the 4 cylinder StreetDeck is more than adequate. The only part I would consider anywhere near demanding would be the bank from Blackhall Mill to Chopwell

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(26 May 2021, 7:12 pm)Adrian wrote Removing the interdecks from the X9/X10 would be a massive backward step.

Now they've made such a fuss about them getting coaches for the X9/X10, it'd be a PR disaster to replace them with anything but another coach!

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(26 May 2021, 1:04 pm)Stanleyone wrote A lot of work has been put into resolving the door rattles especially on the coast & country streetlites, you might be surprised at the rattle free experience of the likes of 5406.

I'll have to give them a try, but I've used the 49 quite a few times today and yesterday and they were absolutely awful!

Are GNE going to scrap 9055 when duplicates are no longer required? 9054 is on loan from Metrobus, unlike 9055 which they had withdrawn I believe and it carries the only colours.

I like 9055, and have been attempting to get a video and photo of it, but never know where it's going to be. The duplicates use the same buses, just allocated to different services each day.

(26 May 2021, 8:20 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Are GNE going to scrap 9055 when duplicates are no longer required? 9054 is on loan from Metrobus, unlike 9055 which they had withdrawn I believe and it carries the only colours.

I like 9055, and have been attempting to get a video and photo of it, but never know where it's going to be. The duplicates use the same buses, just allocated to different services each day.

What service did u get 9055 on thought they only done school duplicates

(26 May 2021, 8:50 pm)GNE6312 wrote What service did u get 9055 on thought they only done school duplicates

Yes, 9055 is only doing school duplicates. Just been attempting to video/photograph it passing on a duplicate. Usually does the service 1 duplicate. Would be nice to ride it, but sadly it will never happen!

(25 May 2021, 9:56 pm)Storx wrote That was August last year

Back then it was 698 - 705 (possibly more can't remember if the 58 plates had gone by then). Most are gone now though. Something does need upgrading for the 74 though if the upcoming LEZ comes in as they're only Euro 5 bar the Cathedral 3.

Sincere apologies for my stupid mistake! What kind of upgrade for the 74? Just upgrade the current fleet to Euro 6? I'd like new buses on the 42/42A and 74, with NSAs. Minibuses are perfectly adequate for those services, and I guess Solos are the best minibuses. Was surprised to see a StreetLite on the 74 yesterday.

We know GNE have ordered 8 more E10's Presumably for 57. 

But do you think GNE will announce any other orders this year or in 2022. Personally I think they need to replace the OmniDekka GNE relays too heavy on them especially how they are over 15 years old.

No orders this year and a very slim chance next year, 2023 is looking more optimistic but it has been said that no more diesel decker's will be ordered so it will be zero emission vehicles like electric (which a decker is currently on trial) to get the company carbon zero, until then it will be second hand newer vehicles sourced from elsewhere if the older vehicles are no longer economically feasible to repair, in 15 years the whole fleet will probably be electric powered

(10 Aug 2021, 10:27 pm)Keeiajs wrote We know GNE have ordered 8 more E10's Presumably for 57. 

But do you think GNE will announce any other orders this year or in 2022. Personally I think they need to replace the OmniDekka GNE relays too heavy on them especially how they are over 15 years old.

I agree the 57 is now a candidate for the extra electric buses - no doubt they'll be Yutong, as the current ones are really liked.


Lets hope GNE get some of this funding from the ZEBRA programme, they would replace quite a few buses on the routes.

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(11 Aug 2021, 7:46 am)N1cholas wrote No orders this year and a very slim chance next year, 2023 is looking more optimistic but it has been said that no more diesel decker's will be ordered so it will be zero emission vehicles like electric (which a decker is currently on trial) to get the company carbon zero, until then it will be second hand newer vehicles sourced from elsewhere if the older vehicles are no longer economically feasible to repair, in 15 years the whole fleet will probably be electric powered

Not surprised at all, everyone's in the same boat - would be good to see more electric buses around the North East so lets hope they get some of those 73 buses from the ZEBRA programme.

(11 Aug 2021, 7:50 am)Michael wrote I agree the 57 is now a candidate for the extra electric buses - no doubt they'll be Yutong, as the current ones are really liked.


Lets hope GNE get some of this funding from the ZEBRA programme, they would replace quite a few buses on the routes.

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Not surprised at all, everyone's in the same boat - would be good to see more electric buses around the North East so lets hope they get some of those 73 buses from the ZEBRA programme.

If I was GNE I would think of replacing the 03/54/55/04/56/ vehicles next those have to go hopefully a large order in 2023.

So while up in Edinburgh. I had a ride on a Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora. They are really decent buses. Would Gne ever consider getting these.

For my guess putting them in service Would be the 6/12/12A

https://flic.kr/p/2mrZyZu (My photo from Edinburgh)

Was up in Edinburgh myself a week ago, didnt get on these vehicles but did get on the tram to the airport and the Airlink 100 back. Also took a spin on lothian 1130 all white at present and the new all electric E400 city 293.

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