(27 May 2026, 5:46 pm)PH - BQA wrote The local allocators are, and have been for a number of years, completely unable to allocate vehicles correctly. The frequency with which 1479 and the 434 Solo(s) appeared on the correct routes was always astonishingly low. 

You'd hope that, with the apparent increase in branding with the new MD, those responsible for allocating vehicles would be reminded that they don't just put stuff where they fancy without any thought to how suitable it is.

To be fair it's still a stupid allocation. Not because of the B9TL's but more the fact there's crocks around like 7530 which should be in that role.

They're not fit for purpose for anything more now and having deckers on the 1/2/57/57A is just an overallocation imo. 

It's a shame they can't bid for some more schools or something. There's enough crocks around which would be ideal for it which should be nowhere near frontline service bar last resort.

Saying that.....maybe the B9TL's are probably in better condition than some of the E400 classics.

Until now, GNE have been using 6043-48 on the 47 which is still fairly challenging, considering they were hammered up & down the A19 for 5 year then still deputising for the gutless B5TLs and trips on the 10 & 10A which are both reasonably demanding.

A quick question regarding Arrivas B9's. Am I right in saying that these were dealer stock vehicles (the same as the batch GNE acquired and then sent of to East Yorkshire)?

Also, I'm sure I read somewhere (possibly from a driver or mechanic on Facebook) that the way Arriva has the gearboxes on these set up, that 6th gear isn't used. Is this the case?

(28 May 2026, 11:26 am)morritt89 wrote A quick question regarding Arrivas B9's. Am I right in saying that these were dealer stock vehicles (the same as the batch GNE acquired and then sent of to East Yorkshire)?

Yes, they were purchased from Dealer Stock - interior wise, they more match those acquired by East Yorkshire around the same time.

Another alpha recovery heading through Guisborough believe it may have been heading to Whitby

2 more e400mmcs have arrived at Redcar taken it up to 4 now only 2 to come