(06 Dec 2020, 9:51 am)Michael wrote I forgot about the X20 - would work too - as 1 board still needs to be a solo as goes on the 79? on a night.
If they've gone to Deptford to replace the Citaro's, current routes:
9 - 5 PVR
35 - 8 PVR
55 - 5 PVR
61 - 4 PVR
Only the 9 or 5 would be a straight swap - as its PVR is 5.
(06 Dec 2020, 11:40 am)Adtrainsam wrote Is there any plan for the future of the ex-Red Kite Streetlites? Surely it would be better to keep those on the X20 as they've got all the features needed for the X-lines spec, whereas the short-wheelbase versions would be a bit of a downgrade - even if they were refurbished, as they have a few less seats than the Red Kite and they're older so don't qualify for BSOG etc.
Not too sure tbh for both. There's still the problem of the LEZ in Newcastle and unless they're planning to buy more buses then they need something newer for Riverside. I do think the Solo's will eventually end up back onto the X20 though once social distancing is gone since they're not allocated anywhere else.
It could be a total co-incidence but there's been 3 Streetlites sent to CLS and there is 2 ex Red Kite's there / Consett (5418, 5419) and then originally there was 5 at Deptford for the X20 (5410 - 5414), 5415 additionally been sent to cover for 56 refurbs. They'd be a perfect fit for the 6 and 12 which in turn will send those Citaros to Sunderland to see off the non standard ones there.
Just leaves the 57 left (8310 - 8314 maybe?) since Dan kinda hinted there something is being downgraded to a midibus.