(23 Jul 2026, 3:20 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Wonder how suited these would be for the 685, albeit they would have to be cascaded from Fife. Mind I do suspect their could be issues due to the length of these vehicles using the bus station at Eldon Square and Carlisle. Along with using other parts of the routes though small villages and would be unsuitable for other local services.
The Volvo B8RLET / Plaxton Panther LE - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...0544748236
Alternatively they could get a new batch of these to split between Cumbria and North East. It be another new type for the NE and NW fleets, but are in use elsewhere in Stagecoach and with operators elsewhere including Arriva NE and can be used to cover local work if needed.
The Volvo B8RLE / MCV EvoRA - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...2975538050
I wouldn't worry about the length as the X9//X10 had demonstrators of Panther LEs through Eldon Square in like 2019 I think it was...
These vehicles would be ideal for the following services around the North East which would be far too long distance for all of the new angel network electric investments coming with franchising....
X10 Newcastle to Middlesbrough
X12 Newcastle to Middlesbrough
685 Carlisle to Newcastle
X15/X18/X20 Berwick/Alnwick to Newcastle