(6 hours ago)Malarkey wrote To be fair though we all know those Streetdecks are not built for X10 Motorway Work as they're underpowered and likely overheating resulting in said breakdown.
Hopefully with some TLC upcoming they'll manage whatever work they do next, I believe they're going on the 301 which needs the additional capacity given current loadings and frequency of the service, very much doubt they'll be moving onto the 307/309 as I think there is more chance of New EV's for these services in the future so they'll keep the B9's for now.
Or maybe both services (with other StreetDecks thrown in) given that GNE are already trying to reduce costs. If going back commercially against Arriva with no partnership in place (if happening), GNE will need to reduce costs. The Saturday frequency reduction will help - as well as reducing fuel bills not running heavy duty B9TLs.
Asides, I think GNE could potentially be looking at StreetLites for the 307/309 in the not too distant future, especially if Arriva launch an all out assault and go back to every 7/8 minutes on the 306 & 308 - both of which far more likely to receive EV investment with the infrastructure already in place at Blyth.