(23 Feb 2025, 6:39 pm)L469 YVK wrote I don't disagree, but would StreetLites & StreetDecks not work together at Percy Main depot for frontline work (with B9TLs still existing for misc workings)?

I can't see how Percy Main could get the infrastructure for a ZEBRA bid. And I doubt GNE would want the hassle of potentially closing down Percy Main depot and re-locating to Riverside.

Honestly, I don't think GNE will be around when the bid would go in for it. It's the sort of flagship route which would be done for the franchising imo and why it's better since the 306-309 are now one and we can do stuff without 'pointless' competition or whatever nonsense they come out with.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Arriva dodge the 306/308 either as it would be a bit of a nightmare for electrics with the interworking etc if things went wrong. I do think something will be done in Northumberland in a bid soon as there's no electrics in the area bar the fringe 43 which I'm not counting. The GNE 10 or ANE X21/X22/35 would be my bets though tbh.

The B9TL's are ideal until 2028 imo.