(21 May 2022, 11:22 am)L469 YVK wrote Volvo B9TLs on the X5/X15 would allow 6x B5LH to be withdrawn leaving 8x for the 16/16A + 1x spare.Why on earth would you withdrawn just 10 year old vehicles. Send them to Deptford for X20 or something.
Also, StreetDecks (a mix of G1 16 plates, G2 67 plates and new G3s) were originally planned for the X21 pre covid. E400MMCs would be ideal on the X21 but given the need for flexibility at Consett for any low height interworking patterns particularly early morning, evenings and Sundays and as well as the fact that the G2 & G3 StreetDecks have been fairly good as a whole, StreetDecks would be the best option for the X21.
And no disrespect but although the 47 it's a popular route, it doesn't warrant such high spec vehicles such as 6356-61. Given their early history on the X9/X10 and their age, 6308-13 would be ideal on the 47 also given the fact that Riverside are familiar with the vehicle type should any breakdowns happen at the Metrocentre or Newcastle end of the route.
Leave the 47/X5/X15/16/16A Alone Don't Touch it. They've been done like this year.
X21 could send 3 Streetdecks down. But maybe when de-branding spares, maybe spend it on some new routes.
I wish the E400 MMC USB were more reliable does anyone know if the drivers have to turn them on?