(04 Oct 2020, 12:06 pm)Dan wrote Excluding school buses (which, on paper, should only be on scholars), the average age of the fleet at Percy Main is actually 8.2 and the youngest bus is actually 6 years old (the 63-plate Volvo B9 which were new in 2014). There is quite a substantial difference between an average age of 8 and 11.

And not forgetting that 6099-6117 have been extensively refurbished and were only 5-5.5 year old when completed. 

At least Go North East do their refurbs properly unlike Arriva who just take an ex London Gemini and tart it up as a premium 'express' bus. Although Go North East are refurbishing 6001-6007 and 6049-6055 which are 8-9 year old, they are a 'heavyweight' vehicle type and subsequently have a long shelf life left in them. Probably wouldn't surprise me if they were kept in front line service until about 12-15 year old.