(13 Feb 2026, 9:11 pm)Storx wrote Assuming the Streetdeck's go onto the 301 and not the 307/309, guess it depends where you've got more of a case for investment in the future. It might be easier to convince someone that the 307/309 and Consett routes need new buses rather than other routes.

I have the feeling the 56 B9TL's might end up on the 51/52/93/94 which imo will be a hard sell. The last 2, in particular, haven't had new buses in ages. Honestly can't remember when they did tbh. The 16/17 year old vehicles need moved on though so I'd be very surprised if something doesn't end up there. Least they'll get a few years out of them on there.

So it's an effective 4 way swap.

New Buses Washington -> Streetdeck's Deptford -> 4x New Buses / B9TL Riverside -> 6x New Buses / E400 / E400 MMC Consett

I was thinking more the 56 ones for Consett, but get what you're saying.

Also from a commercial and vehicle capability perspective, would it not make sense to have the current Cobalt B9TLs working the 301 with the StreetDecks doing the 307/309?

Especially given the western part of the 301 route is quite strong - and GNE will need to save costs where possible on the 307/309 if going fully commercial against Arriva's 306/308 with no qualifying agreement - and also the 353/354 interworkings which don't need heavy duty B9TLs being dragged around the doors.