(04 Oct 2025, 9:12 pm)Storx wrote The Streetdecks and B5TL's would be horrid at Consett imo. They're shot to bits and wouldn't last a day in service when they can't do simpler work like the 21.
I'd image the Fab 56 B9TL's will end up there instead and are more suitable imo.
Imagine the Streetlites might replace the Mercs over the 63 Plate Versa's though since they're fuel hungry etc.
Something like:
12x to Washington, Mercs and Versa's withdrawn
4x stay at Percy Main, Versa's withdrawn
X66 Electrics at Riverside, Versa's withdrawn
Having all the 17 Plates at Washington would massively help them with the ULEZ issues, especially now with rumours the 8 is heading to Riverside which will mean they'll lose even more E6 single deckers which they need for the 28/29 unless they want new open top buses.
It's a shame that the 21 StreetDecks are to replace the Coaster StreetLites....as both the Cobalt & Fab 56 B9TLs would sort Consett's decker issues including the ex-X9/X10 B9TLs on the 47.
IMO......the StreetDecks should go on the 307/309, they'll be suited to pottering around Mullen Road, Battle Hill Drive, Addington Drive, Norham Road and Meadowell as opposed to Bensham Bank, Lobley Hill and around Whickham. The B9TLs will give as good service on the 301 as the B/C reg Leyland Olympians did back in the day!