(9 hours ago)L469 YVK wrote I think the problem as well, is that modern deckers are getting the same expectations put on to them as their Cummins L10 / Gardner / Volvo D10 grandparents did - but now faced with tighter emission controls and city focussed gearing.

Even the B9TLs whilst decent, haven't got the legs / durability the Volvo Olympian had on longer distance work.

GNE although didn't always get it right, did eventually go down the route of 1x spare for every 7 or 8 new vehicles purchased in their golden era when they ordered heavily around 2013-14. 

I think Arriva need to be doing the same IMO.

Also, if Arriva do go down the ADL route, will ADL be offering the 7 speed Voith DIWA.8 NXT?

I know Wrightbus are offering this on the Ultroliner powered by Cummins - but if Volvo came to their senses and produced a new two axile B8TL with this gearbox, I reckon they'd be as good as the Leyland Olympian / MCW Metrobus!