(13 Apr 2015, 7:06 pm)Jimmi wrote People are probably going to dismiss this as rubbish but part of me is thinking that the Red Arrows B9s could potentially go on the X21 and some other services next year and the X1 could maybe get new stock next year as don't GNE usually like to repaint their buses every 5 years which is how old the older examples will be next year, also does the X21 really justify brand new double deckers when on evenings and Sunday's the X21 interworks with the 21 using the Angel Hybrids. With the DDA deadline approaching GNE will probably have to find some double deckers from somewhere as I can't see the likes of the 14/X22, X25 and short 9s really justifying brand new double deckers. There may be more cascades coming before the end of 2016 but there may not, we'll just have to wait and see.
And now everyone probably thinks I've gone mad again.
I totally agree with you. Also, how come GNE have tested a Volvo B5TL on the 47 yet, went ahead and got B9TLs instead?
I think that it'll be down to these things:
- Power
- Fleet commonality
- Familiarity
- Lower cost
- Proven technology
After this, I think GNE will move over to the E400 MMC bodywork with either the Cummins / ADL Chassis or Scania N230UD chassis. I think bar the TTX, the integral E400 MMC could probably just about cope with anything if GNE looked after them.