(26 Apr 2025, 12:27 pm)L469 YVK wrote See, the main reason why I'd be more inclined to use the Cobalt B9TLs and others as part of the cascades is:
- Improved fuel economy with StreetDecks on 307/309 including the misc 353/4/5/6 workings where a B9TL is overkill. Obviously the StreetDecks would need taken off the road and properly sorted before cascade.
- 6101-17 have had very charmed lives compared to the rest of GNE's B9TLs. x8 of these would be a decent stop-gap on the X21. They'd also handle the 16/16A/47 fine too.
- Clearly the X10 is struggling to meet demand on an hourly frequency. Increasing this to every 30 minutes Ncl > Peterlee could solve some issues.
- X30s/X70s keep the E400MMCs with x2 spares covering PVR of x12. Power kept on the more challenging Derwentside > Newcastle services as opposed to chancing StreetDecks / B5TLs.
- Other than a few fiddly bits between Shotley Bridge and Consett, the X45 isn't that challenging in comparison to the X30s/X70s. StreetLites coped fine on the 45/46/47 and the B5TLs would be fine with some heavy TLC before use. Also not forgetting that they'd likely be parked on Sundays due to the 6/12/X30/X45/X72 interworking patterns which nornally use E200MMC / E400MMC. There'd also be x2 B5TL spare covering a PVR of x5.
Also and although not ideal, some of the East Gateshead B9TLs when freed from the 58 could fill any stop gaps at Consett and effectively remove E400 classics from front line work at Consett. Other than 6377, there'd also be some manufacturer standardisation too for deckers on front line service
Consett - Volvo / ADL
Riverside - Volvo / ADL / TBC (EV)
Deptford - Volvo / WrightBus integral
Percy Main - WrightBus integral
Washington - WrightBus integral
I get what you're saying but personally I'd be looking for electric funding for the 307/309 and if you're doing that then there's no point moving mid life buses across to move them again as the route who gets them next are getting life expired buses instead.
Also if you keep them on the 51/52/93/94 and the Streetdeck conversion trials go well, I'd be tempted to look at upgrading them to electrics. You kill 2 birds with one stone with more electric vehicles and getting rid of the Daimler useless engines.
The 306/7/8/9 is the sort of route which is rife for an upgrade in terms of electrics considering there's no electrics in North Tyneside or Northumberland (I'm not counting the 43) and it's arguably their turn next. With Blyth being already electrified then you're half way in terms of infrastructure aswell and the 309/10 were in an earlier bid which they didn't win so it's obviously doable.
Bit off topic for this but I'd personally be looking at doing every single bus at Blyth, similar to Stockton. They're all perfect routes for upgrades; currently have expired stock, serve important destinations including 2 major business park at Quorum and Cobalt and all serve very visible corridors to get attention ie A1/A19/A189/Coast Road. If you done all them you'd have a very good electric network North of the Tyne and they all need new vehicles anyway so I'm sure Arriva would be keen on taking part. Doing the Coast Road together also shows they're working together which gets them some more kudo points aswell.