(Yesterday, 12:54 pm)Adrian wrote Yes, moving the Angel Streetdecks would sort that issue out, if there's brand new vehicles for the 21, but with the other stuff you're just moving the problem around.

GNE have an ageing fleet in some parts, especially amongst the single-deck fleet. It's not been helped by the fact they bought so many new buses between 2013-15, as it means you've just as many needing replacing at the same time.

Replacing tat with slightly better tat is that problem, when what really should be happening is a constant flow of real investment in fleets.

I wouldn't say the problem would get moved around though.

- 56 & 307/309 were all earmarked for GKN mods back in 2014 (didn't happen), clearly indicating the B9TLs were (and still are) overkill and heavy on fuel for such routes. The StreetDecks with some TLC should handle these routes fine.

- 6086-17 have had far easier lives compared to other native GNE B9TLs. Still plenty of life left in them and would handle the 16/16A & X20 fine. Much better than the E400 classics on the Diamonds.

- 6308-14 whilst far from perfect, would fill some of the PVR gaps at Consett. 7x with 5x covering the X45 and 2x spare would be perfect and they have good capacity too especially if upseated (tables removed). These on the X45 would greatly help out on the X30s/X70s keeping 4x E400MMC spare rayher than the current mish-mash on the X45 and the mad scramble for singles or other bus swops if an E400MMC goes VOR.