(31 May 2022, 5:23 pm)col87 wrote I think what I would do is this.
Split the remaining Alexander 300 between Hartlepool and Stockton depot. Hartlepool can use them on the 1 6/7 routes and Stockton on the 10/12/13/14 and 39 and cover on the 36/37/38 services.
Move all remaining darts to Hartlepool as well. Any darts at shields would be swapped with enviro 200 making it easier for Hartlepool and Shields to mostly have one type of midi bus.
This would then be the order for the north East
13 Enviro 200 MMC
3 For Hartlepool
5 For Newcastle
5 For Stockton.
10 Enviro 400 MMC
5 Slatyford
5 Walkergate
Older enviro 400 where possible split between remaining depots.
This should not just help with CAZ but also see off some of the Manviro 200s which are very unreliable.
Can't see that personally. I think all the crap with just be sent down to Stockton and Hartlepool with the newer buses heading North for the LEZ.
There's very very likely going to be some of Hydrogen order in the next couple of years down there as part of their BSIP which they got funding for which will see off all the older buses. I believe the 36 is one of the first routes getting done with no doubt PVR reductions because of the end of COVID funding in some areas anyway. No way will some routes survive as they are now.