(09 Apr 2014, 3:04 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote In regards to the last that's I was relating to, just couldn't remember exactly what it was, I agree it perhaps shouldn't of hit the public domain, obviously I don't know what Go-Ahead's or Go North East's Policies and Procedures are, but that could be classed as Breach of Social Media if they have such a Policy, Which basically why got the Sack from 0800 Repair as Breached that Policy for making a Post on Facebook.
Getting Back to the 2014 Orders hopefully we'll here something soon as I for one am Intrigued to find out what Go North East are going to Order, I suppose it makes sense holding off for a Month or Two, as Optare are due Unveil there New Integral Double Decker, and Alexander Dennis are Rumoured to be Unveiling the New Enviro 400 in May, which is only a few weeks away.
Perhaps Go-Ahead/GNE are waiting to see what these Buses are like before making a Confirmed decision on what Double Deckers, if any they are going to Order This Year, as at the Moment there is only the B5TL/B5LH Available on the Current Market, And You and I both know the problems Lothian have had with the B5TL don't we, on our recent Trips to Edinburgh, So again it would make sense to wait.
As for Single Deckers there is a Wide Range of Choice on the Market including: Wright Pulsar/Eslipse 2 - Wright Streetlite - Mercedes Citaro/Citaro K - Optare Versa - Enviro 200/300 and the Scania i3(Not sure if it's available in the UK though), So possibilities are Endless on what the New Arrivals will, and as you said still plenty of time for change to orders, just at Arriva over past few weeks for that.
I think it's more to do with Go-Ahead's financial year end being at the end of June or beginning of July each year, rather than Go North East and other bus operators held within the Go-Ahead group holding off to see which new buses enter the market.
You are right about there being a lack of suitable double deckers on the market at present, though. Some demonstration vehicles are required to make a fair judgement, and I hope these are unveiled shortly.