I think this year's investment will take into consideration that Quality Contracts could come into fruition in Tyne & Wear, meaning that most (if not all?) of Stagecoach's routes will form part of the scheme. Whilst I would love to see more investment in the Busways division (namely Sunderland), I'm doubtful unfortunately.
As Stagecoach in Sunderland received investment two years in a row which drastically reduced the fleet age, I think Stockton will be this year's candidate again:
Stockton Depot
- Services 10/11: 5x ADL Enviro300 - PVR 5
- Service 13: 6x ADL Enviro300 - PVR 5
- Services 14/34: 7x ADL Enviro300 - PVR 6
- Services 35/58: 4x ADL Enviro300 - PVR 4
- Services 59/61: 6x ADL Enviro300 - PVR 6
- 22011/12 replace 22214/15 at Sunderland (Reserve).
- 22013/14 replace 22462 and 22735 at Walkergate (Reserve).
- 22015/16 replace 22480 and 22675 at Slatyford.
- 22017 replaces 22734 at South Shields (Reserve).
- 22018/19 replace 22455 and 22667 at Hartlepool (Reserve).
- 22020/61-66 replace 22206, 22451/52/54/56/66, 22668 and 22733
I do also think that Stagecoach ought to dispose of the Olympians/Tridents at Stockton too, as well as the Open Top Olympians on CitySightseeing duties. Perhaps something like the following:
Slatyford Depot
- Services 62/63: 16x ADL Enviro400(Hybrid?) - PVR 14