(14 Aug 2020, 11:35 pm)Ambassador wrote Enthusiast hat off....
If history tells us anything, especially if we look back to the last financial crisis you tend to reinvest in more profitable routes. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see new stock on the 21 etc and the cascades onto other routes as opposed to investing in new buses for routes that don’t turn a huge profit and aren’t likely to see a growth in an economic slowdown.
tbf though didn't the opposite happen haha.
With GNE didn't the 2, 35, 39 and X2 all get upgraded 2008/2009. Plus the Drifter and Saltwell Park which both badly needed upgraded regardless with the nasty Darts on both.
Arriva pretty much renewed it's whole minibus fleet in the period, can't imagine them being their most profitable routes either.
I can't comment on specific routes with Stagecoach as I don't follow them much but didn't they spend money on Hartlepool and South Shields which I can't imagine being their most profitable routes either and got new buses for the 1.
Some routes might have a better case now as Optare, Wright and Alexander Dennis will be begging for work so a new bus for some on the edge route at full price might not be viable but with a good discount might be just worth the risk.