(24 Feb 2015, 9:07 pm)Dan wrote The issue is that, on Monday - Friday and Sunday daytimes, a PVR upgrade wouldn't be necessary. I'm inclined to suggest that something needs to be done about peak times, as I've seen standees from the front of a single deck to the back. Saturday daytimes seem to cope fine at the moment with single deckers, but every seat always seems to be occupied. Peak times, same story.
Wonder if it would be possible to retain the current PVR but drop red buses onto the X66 at peak times to keep things moving?
The Commercial Team realised this was an issue, and that's why the mitre vinyl which covers the windows towards the back of the vehicle was replaced with contravision in the recent re-branding of the Scania L94s to allow customers to see out of the windows easily.
See the photo below - you can see the colour difference when the sun shines on it:
Go North East: 4969 / NK53UNV by danielgrahamm, on Flickr
I think they'll attend, but just in a limited capacity. A couple of buses, similar to Arriva's recent presence at the Metrocentre. Think that was the point of sending so many last year.
This may not seem a good idea but perhaps the X66 get some new double deckers like a few geminis and make the service every 10 minutes, or pull this not work as well...?
(24 Feb 2015, 9:07 pm)Dan wrote The issue is that, on Monday - Friday and Sunday daytimes, a PVR upgrade wouldn't be necessary. I'm inclined to suggest that something needs to be done about peak times, as I've seen standees from the front of a single deck to the back. Saturday daytimes seem to cope fine at the moment with single deckers, but every seat always seems to be occupied. Peak times, same story.
Wonder if it would be possible to retain the current PVR but drop red buses onto the X66 at peak times to keep things moving?
(24 Feb 2015, 9:08 pm)Racer_Experience wrote Scania Ominicity to Toon Link Eclipses to red Renowns to Withdrawn
(24 Feb 2015, 9:11 pm)Robert wrote As previously discussed, there are not enough omnicities to replace all the Toon Link branded vehicles. It looks like just the Renowns will be replaced since they need to be withdrawn before January 2016 because of DDA requirements.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:07 pm)Dan wrote I think they'll attend, but just in a limited capacity. A couple of buses, similar to Arriva's recent presence at the Metrocentre. Think that was the point of sending so many last year.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:19 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote I'd like to see at least 3 vehicles from the GNE fleet attend. And perhaps one could even be a B10BLE? I understand that they aren't exactly the newest things out there, but they are loved by enthusiasts, and despite it being advertised as a bit of a family day, the rally is generally aimed at bus enthusiasts, from a perspective.I'd love to see the only Plaxton Concept, but I'm not sure that that will be there!
As citaro5284 said the vehicles are expected for March-May, I reckon each month we will get a new batch of vehicles (March - X66, April - Lime, May - Red Kites, just at a guess) I'm predicting...
1.) An X66-branded (if it continues as a brand!) Streetlite
2.) A Lime-branded Streetlite
3.) A Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown
A cheeky 4.) Possibly an Olympian? (Hoping they last until May!)
I'd also like to see some shuttles again, they seemed very popular last year!
Anyway, back on topic...
(24 Feb 2015, 9:20 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Anyway, moving onto the limes, do you think that they will still keep it as the bike bus, or will they scrap that?
(24 Feb 2015, 9:21 pm)Michael wrote I think they will scrap it, i don't think anyone used it when all the B10's were on the lime.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:20 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Anyway, moving onto the limes, do you think that they will still keep it as the bike bus, or will they scrap that?
(24 Feb 2015, 9:21 pm)Michael wrote I think they will scrap it, i don't think anyone used it when all the B10's were on the lime.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:28 pm)Dan wrote Wrightbus offer the Streetlite Max with and without Micro-Hybrid technology.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:29 pm)Michael wrote That's good
It looks like it will be the Streetlite Max on the X66, Lime and Red Kite.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:31 pm)Tom wrote New buses for a Percy Main route hopefully. Possibly Solos for the North Tyne Links.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:39 pm)Tom wrote I reckon an additional Citaro would be nice at Deptford, possibly 5332, as a spare for the 35/36 and 61.
(24 Feb 2015, 9:44 pm)Michael wrote I think the rest of the orders will be Deckers.
Double Decker routes (NOT Confirmed) - 22 - buses - Style of bus not confirmed.
Crusader - 13 (+1 spare)
Pronto - 6 (+1 spare)
Single Decker routes = 31 buses (including spares) - Streetlites - Confirmed!
Red Kite - 9 (+1 spare)
X66 - 5 (+1 spare)
Lime - 13 (+2 spare)
Total 53 buses
(24 Feb 2015, 9:44 pm)Michael wrote I think the rest of the orders will be Deckers.Do you think the Crusader needs double decker, i was on it at a 'peak' time recently and it filled up but didn't overcrowd, also, they are very frequent!
Double Decker routes (NOT Confirmed) - 22 - buses - Style of bus not confirmed.
Crusader - 13 (+1 spare)
Pronto - 6 (+1 spare)
Single Decker routes = 31 buses (including spares) - Streetlites - Confirmed!
Red Kite - 9 (+1 spare)
X66 - 5 (+1 spare)
Lime - 13 (+2 spare)
Total 53 buses