For the people who don't have Facebook or can't be bothered to watch it, here are some of the key updates
New Vehicles updates
- 15 E400MMCs ordered for X1, basically the same spec as the X30, but with a few improvements based on feedback
- StreetDecks are expected to arrive in April, still expected to recieve the first 6 cyinlder in the UK. They will be higher spec than the current ones and possibly have double height destination displays
- Yutong E10s due to arrive in July, will have special Electric livery
- Panther LE here for 3 week trial on the X9/X10. Unlikely that it'd be purchased due to low capacity. Double deck version may be considered
- E400 XLB not considered due to high price, nothing to cascade on to after, and unknown resale values
- E400 City not considered as they'd rather spend the extra money on a higher spec standard E400
- Scania E400s are on the cards for X9/X10 as they're more suited to motorways. Demo models not currently available
- Whole X-Lines network should be re-branded in the next 12-18 months
- No more X-Lines routes anytime soon
- No more changes to the X21 route for the foreseeable future
- Tyne Valley Ten refurbs will be announced in July
- Connections 4 Citaro mid-life refurbs starting to be planned
- X1 B9s will be upgraded to Euro6 and will be allocated to a service that runs in to Newcastle once the E400s arrive
- Optare MetroDecker has had engine upgrade to improve reliability and emissions, will be rotated around depots in the coming months, still no plans to order any though
- No plans to upgrade Drifter 60, may get a refurb and rebrand in a year or two
- No plans to upgrade X66
- 93/94 still planned to get double deckers
- Route brands will only be added to high frequency routes (eg. Green Arrow), trunk routes connecting key destinations (eg. Citylink) and express routes (X-Lines)
- 56 will be re-branded this year! No firm plans yet for brand name, may have internal competition for new brand name. Route changes prioritised over re-branding routes
- Pretty much all routes are programmed so any bus allocated with NSA should have working announcements
- Venture Solos to have NSA fitted this week in partnership with Durham Council
- B9 NSA's will be upgraded to new system, but awaiting upgrade parts from Hanover
- Red Kite B9s still planned to move to East Yorkshire once StreetDecks arrive
- A further order of E400s will be announced soon for East Yorkshire
- Red Kites Streetlites to move to services around Sunderland once the StreetDecks arrive, service not confirmed yet.
- ToonTour will be back, more details soon
- Older Citaros will start to be withdrawn this year as no upgrades to Euro 6
- 6335 should enter service this week, if not, then next week as there are still a few niggles to sort out
- Night Tickets and 24 Hour tickets trial to be extended, may become permanent
- MG doesn't seem happy that Scarlet Band are driving the Solos around with Metrocentre Mini branding still on them!
Note to Dan - Please feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong!