(14 Sep 2024, 10:10 am)Dan wrote On the subject of E400MMCs…But it's the sheer issue the last management back in 2022 and the current management haven't given thought to any of this!
Following the recent BSIP-funded enhancement, I’m told the PVR increased such that the requirement for low-height X-lines E400MMC increased, meaning there is no longer an equivalent-specification spare bus available.
- 2022 - X30/X31 could've been done with remote reliefs in Stanley rather than interworking with X45 = more E400MMC available for routes where power & durability is needed
- 2024 - Current changes go contrary to trying and avoid remote reliefs and still in no better position
Whickham, Sunniside and Dunston does not warrant a 20 minute frequency using deckers! And neither does the X20 warrant B5TLs given the fact it can't sustain a full evening & Sunday service.
All that literally needs to happen is the X31 dropped, X70 via Lobley Hill Est and X32 increased to 2bph and via Lobley Hill Road. That's a lot of issues sorted and in some ways, an actual improvement for passengers including more buses from Stanley to Gateshead.