Newer doesn't neccessarily mean better. Obviously it may vary depending on who you ask, but if i was to name the crappest few buses at Hartlepool starting with the worst- 36467, 36464, 36462. Of course I'm coming from a drivers view rather than engineering, but in my opinion some of the newest buses are the most problematic in service.

In terms of cuts... I can't see any coming for the 1. Especially the long 1's as it would leave the Clarences without a bus, barring 1 journey a day on Stockton's 58A. The short 1's are actually set to improve with the reintroduction of an evening bus! Route 3 could theorectally be chopped north of ASDA where they aren't especially busy. 6 and 7 would be the most obvious target for a frequency reduction. Hartlepool is of course to gain an extra bus for it's forthcoming County Durham school contract meaning an extra spare on weekends at least!