(18 Jul 2015, 3:32 pm)Dan wrote I think the StreetDeck could cope for a few years on the X21, but the vehicles would have to move to a much lesser role a lot quicker in my opinion. I personally can't see Go North East moving away from Wrights, as the entire Go-Ahead Group seems to have quite a good relationship with Wrights and show this by continuing to opt for vehicles manufactured by Wrightbus. Only time will tell.
I wouldn't think too much about that. First Bus over the last 2 or 3 years have ordered a mixture of ADL and Wrightbus. Although GNE have a good relationship with Wrightbus, they would not risk putting an underpowered and unreliable vehicle on a relatively challenging route just to save a few quid and keep good ties.
If they really want to test the Streetdeck, they should send it upto Hexham for a fortnight on the TEN (no fluid boards though!) and the Hexham Drivers (particularly ex Arriva and NMS) would be able to tell straightaway whether or not it could hack any such routes.