(09 Jan 2023, 10:17 pm)nova347 wrote That makes sense, but if the 97 can get new buses in like 4 years but the 60 which gets packed, and I know the 97 gets busy but the 60 which hasn't had new vehicles in 10 years can't get a repaint or get their seat re-done. 

Like even just a trial in Sunderland would be nice, whether that's a Euro 6 bus or an electric bus which is not very likely, I know Deptford doesn't have any charger facilities but neither did Chester they still trialled an electric decker although if Depford ever gets an electric bus it's more likely to be trialled on the 56.

But it would be nice for them to trial a GB Hawk (Euro 6) or GB Kite whether that's the Hydrogen or the Electric one also trial or the Volvo 7900.

But the only feasible way for some of the 'lesser' routes to get upgrades is through cascades from the more profitable routes (once again, not sure where the routes you mention fit into the scale).

The thing is though, you say a trial in Sunderland would be nice, but honestly why would they bother? It's essentially just a waste of money/effort if the vehicle is never going to be ordered for the area. The time would be better spent evaluating the vehicle where it's more likely to end up.

If the 97 does get upgraded, those 'nearly new' E200s will then end up on a route that just couldn't feasibly be run if new vehicles were ordered for it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe single deckers are expected to last 10 years, so those E200s on the 97 are already a third through their life and have likely already been depreciated down to the point where they could be moved onto another less profitable route.