(09 Sep 2023, 8:20 pm)Arriva7446 wrote Not sure why 2837 was withdrawn as that seems to have resulted in mini solos 2601/2/3 on the 57/A which is completely inadequate. 2837 even though was an 08 plate was one of the better solos, possibly due to having an easier life on the 555. Can see why they withdrew 2856 as that was never on the 57 but they should not have allowed there to be a situation where they are having to use the mini solos. 2859 has not been used since July so don't know how good that will be if it arrives at Ashington but not happy with the current situation as was on 2603 the other day with people standing and the seats are dreadful on those ones too.

2859 replaced 2837, and has been in service all week on the 35. I imagine ensuring no issues were present with it after repairing it, before sending it away on 57 duties. It looks to have been put onto there today (tracking as 2849 at the moment), and taken off due to late running which I'd assume is likely more due to a new driver rather than a vehicle issue given it managed the first cycle fine.

Don't agree with the allocation of 2601-3 on there either, though, I was on a trip on 2603 yesterday which also had standees. Given the amount of busy/bus full trips reported even on full size Solo's recently I think it's time they bit the bullet and started to put full size saloons on there, and in the evening they can simply be swapped for 2 of 2601-3 when they have finished their 434 boards. It was arguably a perfect opportunity to do that last week, when Pulsars were freed up by the closure of Walkergate.