(30 Dec 2020, 11:09 am)L469 YVK wrote But the depot back then was looking at National awards back in 2013/14. Back then though, the fleet was a lot newer.

Maybe if Arriva are committed to Northumbria operations going forward, they'll buy wisely and make sure that for every 7-8 vehicles purchased that 1x spare is bought in addition.

The Blyth - Newcastle routes (okay perhaps the X8 & X9 need a bit of a rejigg) are recession proof if managed properly. They get good loads even during antisocial hours.

They have a spare for every 7 - 8 vehicles though or just slightly under? 1 Pulsar and 3 Gemini's for a PVR of 34.

Ashington has a had a nightmare on the 57/57A again this morning though with 3 dropped runs (partially) already after they've decided to put 2809 out for the first time in a month and the usual has happened - https://bustimes.org/vehicles/189805. Seems to be back going again now.

Edit according to bustimes (not sure on reliability) it appears to have broken down again and is now starting short from Delaval.