(24 Feb 2015, 9:47 pm)Malarkey wrote Dunno there could be, who knows.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:46 pm)Tom wrote If the Crusader does get new buses, maybe the Citaros could go to the 9/17, displacing all of the Renowns at Percy Main for withdrawal?
Omnicties would move to a spare role.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:21 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Agree with Michael. I've used the Lime hundreds (possibly thousands! ) of times over the years of the brand's existence and not once seen a person with a bike on!

(24 Feb 2015, 9:47 pm)Malarkey wrote Dunno there could be, who knows.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:47 pm)Jackamcardle wrote 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!

(24 Feb 2015, 9:48 pm)Dan wrote The Citaros may be entering a more backseat role in the branded fleet now, but the 9 and 17 services are definitely not worthy of receiving Mercs...

(24 Feb 2015, 9:48 pm)Dan wrote The Citaros may be entering a more backseat role in the branded fleet now, but the 9 and 17 services are definitely not worthy of receiving Mercs...

(24 Feb 2015, 9:51 pm)Tom wrote I can't think of any services that are!

Tynedale Express? Cats Fast X35?
Solars could then go on 9/17 would work out nicely.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:53 pm)Dan wrote I'd certainly put the "Tynedalexpress" and "Coaster" routes down as being more worthy of Mercs over the 9 and 17 services.

"Fast Cats" service X35 could do with them with it being fairly long-distance, but the Scanias on there are sound really.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:48 pm)Robert wrote The 'Bike Bus' feature was introduced to service 78 only when the buses were repainted and refurbished in 2009 while service 8 ran between Chester-le-Street and Castleside only:

09-10 V989 ETN VoB10BLE-Wright 4899 of GoNE, Chester le St by delticalco, on Flickr

It wasnt until service 8 was extended to Sunderland and the Stanley - Castleside section was replaced by service V8 when the chester renowns (4850-4855 only as 4896 was part of the 78s PVR) were fitted with the cycle friendly feature.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:51 pm)Tom wrote I can't think of any services that are!

Tynedale Express? Cats Fast X35?
Solars could then go on 9/17 would work out nicely.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:53 pm)Dan wrote I'd certainly put the "Tynedalexpress" and "Coaster" routes down as being more worthy of Mercs over the 9 and 17 services.

"Fast Cats" service X35 could do with them with it being fairly long-distance, but the Scanias on there are sound really.

(24 Feb 2015, 10:01 pm)Malarkey wrote Could put 11 of the Crusader Mercs on the Highwayman 97/98/98A, then the remaining 3 become Red Spares, or Alternatively split them between The Loop 93/94 and the Fab Fifty Seven.

(24 Feb 2015, 9:55 pm)Andreos1 wrote I think the potential was there.
Whilst I understand why some of them were put into place, I think too many obstacles, rules and red tape were put in the way to make it attractive.

When hearing about the facility, it was initially of interest to me.
Started planning a trip out, but then realised it wouldn't work for us.

(24 Feb 2015, 10:02 pm)Michael wrote Stop taking my ideas  

(24 Feb 2015, 10:00 pm)Michael wrote For the Citaro's:

Tynedale Express might be a good move - 4 PVR

X30/X31/X70/X71 - Although i'm not sure of the PVR...

Highwayman - although, i'm not sure how well this does for passenger numbers? - they only need 11 on the highwayman, means the 2 spare can be moved else where. 

(24 Feb 2015, 10:03 pm)Robert wrote PVR of 9 combined (5 X30/X31 and 4 X70/X71)

(24 Feb 2015, 9:53 pm)Dan wrote I'd certainly put the "Tynedalexpress" and "Coaster" routes down as being more worthy of Mercs over the 9 and 17 services.

"Fast Cats" service X35 could do with them with it being fairly long-distance, but the Scanias on there are sound really.

(24 Feb 2015, 10:05 pm)Michael wrote Cheers Robert, i'll edit my post =D 

(24 Feb 2015, 8:58 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Thanks Micheal, I hope to be in amongst you all during this exiting time!

(24 Feb 2015, 8:59 pm)MarcTheA4 wrote Excuse my manners, welcome to the forum!

(24 Feb 2015, 9:02 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Thanks Marc, I look forward to talking will you all in the near future!

(24 Feb 2015, 10:07 pm)Robert wrote It does however mean your suggestion would work. Judging by the highwayman and how there would be two spares, there are 13 branded citaros. If my maths is correct 13 - 9 = 4 meaning you have enough for both the Tynedalexpress and the West Durham Swifts (a brand which id love to see reintroduced).

(24 Feb 2015, 10:23 pm)Greg in Weardale wrote PVR of X70/71 must be five now as although there's a theoretical  layover of two minutes at Consett there always seems to be a fresh bus depart and the incoming vehicle lays over for 32 minutes to form the next working.

(24 Feb 2015, 10:24 pm)Robert wrote I shall check and get back to you on that one.

(24 Feb 2015, 10:25 pm)Arcticrossy92 wrote Anyone no of the specifications of the new vehicles coming in, will they have Wi-Fi and are they the same layout etc of the current examples of streetlites in the fleet?

(24 Feb 2015, 10:33 pm)Michael wrote I would imagine they will all have WIFI.

Sockets/USB - Lime and Red Kite (X66 to short) 

Route Announcements - I would say, Due to DDA rules, even though the X66 only stops at Gateshead and Metrocentre, means its gonna be fun if anyone ever does half of the 8 or 78 route!

As for layout... i would go for the same way as the Drifter version. 

Citaro might be kind enough and confirm that for you   

(24 Feb 2015, 10:40 pm)aureolin wrote I remember when the Scania artics first entered service, and you got an X66 introduction, with bit of music for your journey. Robbie Williams - Millenium was one of the tunes that springs to mind!

(24 Feb 2015, 10:28 pm)Robert wrote Nope, it is just 4. Doing the calculations neccessary you end up with 3.8 which rounds up to4.