(06 Dec 2014, 6:23 pm)Andreos1 wrote @MichaelI don't think the solars will be replaced this year, maybe next year but i agree, the South Shields - Sunderland part is going from Citaros/scania's to all scania's.... Even with the laser citaro's moving over to the 20/20A they're wont be enough and we have to remember the new 2/2A will need more citaro's, only place they can really get them from is the Laser, i don't think GNE will want a mixture of buses on the 2/2A.
The new vehicle types is an interesting one, but the removal of a strong brand between Shields and Sunderland and replacing it with another (remember, it isn't just about numbers these days - but brand names), will be one to bear in mind.
GNE have built the 35 up on a mix of historical services, frequency, modern vehicles and a brand name.
To replace it with a service number (and brand) that has no significance to passengers - possibly with an older vehicle type...
It's like renaming a chocolate bar or drink. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Unless they're replacing the Solars earlier than we thought?
Although iv'e just thought, the B7RLE's could be available for the 20/20A if the Toonlink get the new buses, that means they won't have to be repainted!