(27 Sep 2015, 2:55 pm)G-CPTN wrote This is not intended to be critical - merely inquisitive:-
How long are the MPDs expected to survive?
GNE have a significant number of yellow MPDs that service the various Tynedale Links routes.
Having so many means that there are usually spares available to cover breakdowns - I have even seen an MPD on the Tynedale Express.
IMO the MPD is ideal for the AD122 - some of the roads (particularly the one down into Haltwhistle) would be unsuitable for a full-sized bus, and, no doubt there is adequate capacity (including standees) to cope with the demand of the AD122.
I have been on an MPD when it picked-up the pax from a broken-down 685 as well as its usual pax on the (now) X84 route.
At some stops pax had to be refused access whilst at other stops some had to get off to allow others to leave.
Most of the MPD's are coming up to 13 years old in the fleet, GNE should start replacing these soon.... hopefully starting with Tynedale Link ones this year but GNE normally allow about 15 years for a bus before replacing them.
The Solo Sr's would suit the Tynedale Links routes more than anything else, due to the small roads etc, like you have mentioned above... would also look good in Tynedale Links livery... maybe change it from Yellow though...