(24 Jan 2015, 2:21 pm)Malarkey wrote While I agree there is no logic behind it if there not going to be used on the X21 unless the X21 gets Brand New Vehicles between March and May, but it does look increasingly likely that with Services in London being converted to Borismasters, and whatever else they decide to purchase down there, that Ex London Vehicles will be coming up North in future, whether that be in the summer or not time will only tell, must also bare in mind the ELC Lolynes and B7TL Presidents are up for Withdrawal this year, so how else would you replace "X" amount of Vehicles as I doubt GNE would Purchase a load of New Deckers for use on Scholars as it wouldnt justify the Investment.

I forgot to reply to this earlier.

You seem to be forgetting that the 15-year life span is only a general guidance and this is the expected life of the vehicle when they are purchased new. The remaining Volvo Olympians in the fleet were new in 1998 and hence were due for withdrawal in 2013. They still see active use in the fleet, and if the Pronto does not receive investment this year, there will only be opportunities to get rid of a handful. Likewise, the RxxxPRG Volvo B10BLEs. Although these are guaranteed to go this year, they were also due to go in 2013.

Someone else may be able to confirm or suggest otherwise, but I believe Go North East's Volvo B7TLs are DDA-compliant (this being the reason why the Vykings are dual-door). By 1 January 2017, Go North East has to dispose of any non-DDA compliant double deckers in the fleet, and this does include the Dennis Trident/East Lancs Lolyne vehicles. For any DDA-compliant double deckers, it's just a case of when Go North East can afford to purchase replacements. These will undoubtedly be second hand vehicles, but there's certainly no rush, unless Go North East wishes to maximise the sale value of these vehicles.