(10 Mar 2014, 9:09 pm)Tom wrote Besides, I'm guessing 33101/33492 will be replaced quite soon by cascaded Darts. As Robin wants them so much, I don't see why a couple of MAN ALX300's can't head to Shields to replace the older Darts?
I'd assume this was down to the fact that ALX200s are classed as midi-vehicles (?) whereas ALX300s are full sized single deckers. You'd try your best to replace midi-vehicles with midi-vehicles, unless you're upgrading a particular service's vehicle type owing to high passenger numbers.
It's likely that the replacements for 33101/492 are likely to be sourced from Newcastle when they lose the contract for services 33/33A.