(28 Nov 2013, 10:10 am)gtomlinson wrote Slight side note 430 jobs going at Npower Rainton Bridge and cost cutting reviews continuing. Potential effect on the 921
Following a number of requests, discussion on the Npower Rainton Bridge Job Losses has been moved to the off-topic section of the forum. Further comments can be found here.
(28 Nov 2013, 10:29 am)Michael wrote I can see it being all lo-floor, How many spares would they require for the depot?
Yes, as can I - it would certainly make sense, wouldn't it?
Each depot usually carries an approximate 20% spare vehicle allocation.
(28 Nov 2013, 12:49 pm)CatsFast101 wrote Exactly the point. Winlaton got rid of there's and Gateshead have kept there and even replaced one recently. Which could suggest they may keep theirs. The contract isn't by nexus and requires no advert vehicles which may mean Gateshead keep theirs for this contract. GNE are also receiving a lot of complaints about some of the Stanley depot run service about the use of high floor vehicles, as the Olympians often end up on front line service something which I seen less at Percy Main & Gateshead.
I think you're missing the point...
Winlaton and Gateshead are to combine in the new "Riverside" depot. Work has already started on Winlaton being a low floor depot (and indeed has been successful), with Gateshead to follow in January. After 3826 took a turn for the worst prior to withdrawal, 3811 had to be sent from Winlaton to cover for Gateshead's loss. It is not yet an appropriate time to take away the Olympians from the fleet, for there are several contracts which still do require them (the recently discussed Jewish scholar contract being just one). When the "Pronto" branded Presidents are relieved of their X21 duties and are repainted red, who is to say that adverts will need to be applied to them?
As Go North East's biggest depot, surely it is the wisest decision for Go North East to ensure that this depot is low-floor? This was first achieved by Deptford - as Go North East's previous largest depot - back in October 2012 (at a rough guess), wouldn't it be sensible to follow suit at the new depot?