(18 Sep 2018, 9:21 pm)Multi21 wrote The X18 had to make do with E400s... You mean brand new not EX DEALER STOCK E400s. Christ next time someone offers me something brand new over second hand I'll have to remember to tell them I'll "Make Do" with it...

Second point... 10 and a half years old.. How old are Redcars B7s again? Duuuuuh! 

The Defence Rests!

Oh, of course! Silly me for forgetting that dealer stock buses have been ran ragged by numerous previous operators and Arriva didn't put any money into buying (and I believe upgrading) the best available vehicles for the route... 

So you're conveniently forgetting that Ashington, Blyth and Jesmond have 51/02/52 plate B7s then? Regardless of that, the B7s aren't the 'main' vehicle allocation for either route anyway.