(19 Apr 2014, 10:42 am)Dan wrote Precisely - there is a lot of evidence to suggest that Go North East could have a number of plans for those Versas, and their plans aren't just limited to service 39. Obviously if Go North East are unsure, they're not going to waste money by branding them "SimpliCity" only to take them off there a few weeks later to brand them as something else! A lot of work has to go into decision-making - most of it is behind the scenes and we don't get to appreciate it, but I tell you what... Glad I don't have to do it.
It could be argued that 8319 was a spare for the "Sunderland Connect" as well as "SimpliCity" 42/61; although the former does still have its dedicated spare (628), there have been a number of instances in recent weeks where a "SimpliCity" branded vehicle has had to be used and that has caused problems later down the line as the latter hasn't got a branded spare anymore.
I have always said that I've disagreed with leaving the "SimpliCity" network with no dedicated spare vehicles. The number of 'red spares' appearing on the "SimpliCity" network (including service 39) has increased dramatically since it has been without any spares.
I didn't get it why they included the 61 and i still don't, fair enough people know the buses on the route now but to me it should be a Sunderland based brand only.
38/39/42 should be under Simplicity
Then you wonder what could be used on the 61... which is a hard decision now since its using a set of euro 5 buses?