(18 Nov 2020, 12:10 pm)Driver9*** wrote Arriva will be waiting to see how all this covid carry on plays out into next year before they even consider spending a penny on new or upgrading current buses.

Up to now the new depot mooted for 2022 appears to still be on the table, along with the proposed SE Northumberland rail link, both of which will have impacts on future service levels. I predict a reduced service requirement that will see the end of minibus operations. Lets face it, most are already overdue for replacement (Darts) or will be in a few years (Solos). I imagine as usual they will find older stock from down south to replace the B7s.

Someone else suggested this in another thread. I don't necessarily think the re-opening of the line is guaranteed to have a negative effect on the bus network. 

If you look at all of the railway lines which feed in to and out of Newcastle, there is (or appears to be) a solid, reliable bus network of services which complements the rail network.

Hexham - Newcastle.
Prudhoe - Newcastle. 
Blaydon/Metrocentre - Newcastle. 
Middlesbrough - Newcastle. 
Sunderland - Newcastle. 
Durham - Newcastle.
Chester le Street - Newcastle.
Morpeth/Cramlington - Newcastle.
Plus the metro. 

To an extent, Alnmouth/Alnwick and Berwick to Newcastle.

I don't see why it would be different in SE Northumberland.