(14 Jul 2019, 5:35 pm)Storx wrote Is it really that bad though? Some right stat twisting going on here and I really don't particually like Arriva but for arguments sake GoNorthEast hasn't invested in the Northumbria region at all from 2013 apart from 6 solos at Hexham.
Least Arriva don't downgrade routes ie Indigo at Percy Main with second hand buses from down south which have never been refurbished.
The big 3 all have big issues if there's a limit of only after 2014 and E6. Stagecoach is by far in the worst position for lack of investment lately and also will be hit hardest since pretty much every bus they run goes through the area.
GoNorthEast aren't particular any better; 1, X1, 10, 56, 57, 58, Q1, Q2, 309, 310 just to name a few flagship routes affected.
I don't really use any services north of Gateshead so I can't really say much for that region. But I know most of the buses that I travel on with GNE are basically new and an upgrade would literally be the same bus on a newer plate (X21, 21, X9/X10, X66, 45/46/47)
I think what also makes a huge difference is the fact that GNE seems to actually maintain the interiors of their buses, whereas (from my experience at least) Arriva seems to just let the interiors go.
Like in my previous example, Arriva's 15 plate Streetlites that they have on the X1 are in terrible shape inside (at least the ones I've been on), the leather is dirty and ripped and the backs of the seats are all scratched, but if you look at GNE's 15 plate Streetlites, you'd easily be convinced that they were fresh from the factory.
The key thing GNE has going for it is the fact that they upgraded their fleet early on compared to both Arriva and Stagecoach, so there's no need to upgrade the buses themselves as they're still fairly new. Sure, the interiors may need refurbishing at some point, but underneath there's no need to change.
Having read about the LEZ again, it says
This table provides a basic guide as to which vehicles are likely to meet minimum emissions standards based on the date of registration.
Which could actually mean that as long as it's Euro 6 compliant, then it'll be allowed in, but I suppose it depends on how you want to read in to it. If it is the case that it only goes on the emissions, then GNE could upgrade the B9s to be Euro 6 compliant and be perfectly fine. And considering they've just spent a fair amount refurbishing the 309/310, I'd imagine that is the case.