(25 Jun 2026, 9:07 pm)TransitObserver wrote Stagecoach is very unlikely to invest in any fleet within the NECA area (Walkergate, Slatyford, South Shields & Sunderland) until the franchising is sorted or until they at least know where they stand in all of it. Until then all 4 depots will just have to put up with the old poorly maintained buses.
It’s interesting that some of Hartlepool fleet once the electrics are ready could end up going back to South Shields and Newcastle. I wouldn’t be surprised if some electric buses currently at Newcastle and Sunderland made up some of the Hartlepool fleet. I am hoping though as unlikely as it might be that some of the order will be double deckers.