(01 Feb 2026, 6:29 pm)Ambassador wrote Intrigued by X66, does it actually warrant investment?

Or an easy political win because of where it serves

I doubt GNE would buy new buses themselves for it. It seems like a service that offers a wider network benefit as it carries loads of people but doesn't take much cash by itself.

(01 Feb 2026, 2:14 pm)Malarkey wrote Should be but have not entered service yet.

6384/6389/6390/6393/6394 and 6395 are also among those yet to appear at Washington. 

A lot of the vehicles have came with wing mirrors attached despite being spec'd for camera mirrors which there is a shortage of within the supply chain and will need to be retrofitted to the vehicles once they become available.

I believe the company that was due to supply the camera mirrors may have gone into liquidation which explains the delays with them.

(03 Feb 2026, 11:21 pm)Shrek wrote I believe the company that was due to supply the camera mirrors may have gone into liquidation which explains the delays with them.

Has there been a list of withdrawn buses at the depot's yet

(05 Feb 2026, 3:44 pm)ouston man wrote Has there been a list of withdrawn buses at the depot's yet

So Far - 

Riverside - all withdrawn. 
3943 
3963 
3964 
6954 
6958 

Hownsgill - All withdrawn. 
6195 
6182 

Transfers/Loans 

682 is still at Consett and has been for a while, usually on the Xlines/6 service. 
6006 has been at Consett last two days. 
6161 from Riverside to Consett, potential loan?
6366 is also on Loan at Consett.
6945 is on loan from Riverside to Deptford. 
6960/6961 both working at Consett. 
6365/6370 have both transferred from Washington to Deptford.

Expected Transfers (based on discussions on this forum)
Xlines Red Streetdecks to Deptford for the 56, with the 56 B9's being allocated to depots to withdraw the remaining older B9s from EYMS/Manchester and the older Enviros 400s.

21 Streetdecks to Percy main to replace the Streetlites which will in turn replace the Versas. 

Not sure whats happening with Deptfords B5's or the actual plan with the new Ultraliners at Consett/Riverside as they arent on the correct boards as of yet. 

Image the older solos including the Venture ones will be withdrawn and potentially see the Enviro200s in there place, temporarily with the 3 supershuttle ones being displaced off the X66.

(05 Feb 2026, 7:32 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote So Far - 

Riverside - all withdrawn. 
3943 
3963 
3964 
6954 
6958 

Hownsgill - All withdrawn. 
6195 
6182 

Transfers/Loans 

682 is still at Consett and has been for a while, usually on the Xlines/6 service. 
6006 has been at Consett last two days. 
6161 from Riverside to Consett, potential loan?
6366 is also on Loan at Consett.
6945 is on loan from Riverside to Deptford. 
6960/6961 both working at Consett. 
6365/6370 have both transferred from Washington to Deptford.

Expected Transfers (based on discussions on this forum)
Xlines Red Streetdecks to Deptford for the 56, with the 56 B9's being allocated to depots to withdraw the remaining older B9s from EYMS/Manchester and the older Enviros 400s.

21 Streetdecks to Percy main to replace the Streetlites which will in turn replace the Versas. 

Not sure whats happening with Deptfords B5's or the actual plan with the new Ultraliners at Consett/Riverside as they arent on the correct boards as of yet. 

Image the older solos including the Venture ones will be withdrawn and potentially see the Enviro200s in there place, temporarily with the 3 supershuttle ones being displaced off the X66.

I noted from looking at Bustimes.org earlier that E400MMC's 6339/6340/6341/6346 and 6350 are all currently VOR at Consett which explains the number of loans they currently have.

The new Ultraliners I would allocate to the 47 at Consett and X10 at Riverside personally. 

I presume to the other Solos will be 721/723 at Hexham that will get Withdrawn, quite mad to think we're reaching the stage already where these will be all Withdrawn over the next 2 Years

Deptford B5's I'd paint them into Prince Bishops and allocate them to Peak Time Boards of the 20/20A/X20 and 65.

Sending the remaining E200MMC's from the X66 to Consett makes sense to me, I do think services V1/V2/V4 should be merged into existing services that terminate in Consett in future services changes.

(05 Feb 2026, 7:32 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote So Far - 

Riverside - all withdrawn. 
3943 
3963 
3964 
6954 
6958 

Hownsgill - All withdrawn. 
6195 
6182 

Transfers/Loans 

682 is still at Consett and has been for a while, usually on the Xlines/6 service. 
6006 has been at Consett last two days. 
6161 from Riverside to Consett, potential loan?
6366 is also on Loan at Consett.
6945 is on loan from Riverside to Deptford. 
6960/6961 both working at Consett. 
6365/6370 have both transferred from Washington to Deptford.

Expected Transfers (based on discussions on this forum)
Xlines Red Streetdecks to Deptford for the 56, with the 56 B9's being allocated to depots to withdraw the remaining older B9s from EYMS/Manchester and the older Enviros 400s.

21 Streetdecks to Percy main to replace the Streetlites which will in turn replace the Versas. 

Not sure whats happening with Deptfords B5's or the actual plan with the new Ultraliners at Consett/Riverside as they arent on the correct boards as of yet. 

Image the older solos including the Venture ones will be withdrawn and potentially see the Enviro200s in there place, temporarily with the 3 supershuttle ones being displaced off the X66.

6974 also on loan from Riverside to Sunderland.

(05 Feb 2026, 7:32 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote Expected Transfers (based on discussions on this forum)
Xlines Red Streetdecks to Deptford for the 56, with the 56 B9's being allocated to depots to withdraw the remaining older B9s from EYMS/Manchester and the older Enviros 400s.

21 Streetdecks to Percy main to replace the Streetlites which will in turn replace the Versas. 

The 56 B9s will no doubt end up on the X5/X15 & 16/16A

I sort of agree with the SteeetLites - possibly these replace the Mercs on the 4. But if Arriva go all out and do a full re-claim of the Coast Road in reponse to GNE's agreement withdrawal, I could see GNE keeping these at Percy Main and reverting their Coast Road services back to single deckers - especially given Cobalt is nowhere near what it was before covid and GNE's only other secure sources of income are High Farm & Hadrian Park.

Only issue could be match days, but no doubt misc vehicles could be used on such boards and the StreetDecks could cover any evening or Sunday matches.

(05 Feb 2026, 10:46 pm)L469 YVK wrote The 56 B9s will no doubt end up on the X5/X15 & 16/16A

I sort of agree with the SteeetLites - possibly these replace the Mercs on the 4. But if Arriva go all out and do a full re-claim of the Coast Road in reponse to GNE's agreement withdrawal, I could see GNE keeping these at Percy Main and reverting their Coast Road services back to single deckers - especially given Cobalt is nowhere near what it was before covid and GNE's only other secure sources of income are High Farm & Hadrian Park.

Only issue could be match days, but no doubt misc vehicles could be used on such boards and the StreetDecks could cover any evening or Sunday matches.

Oh god hes back at it again. Id laugh if Arriva don't do what you think there going to do. This is getting annoying seeing it all the time. Please stop. Also why would GNE make the 307/309 single decekrs are you high or something

Are you sure the 56 B9s will end up on the 16/16A?
The E400s are 6 months younger than some of the Crusader B9s . Ive a feeling the 16 might stay as is.
Has it been confirmed that the 63 plate B9s are going on the 16?

(06 Feb 2026, 5:31 pm)Tiger5105 wrote Are you sure the 56 B9s will end up on the 16/16A?
The E400s are 6 months younger than some of the Crusader B9s . Ive a feeling the 16 might stay as is.
Has it been confirmed that the 63 plate B9s are going on the 16?

My thoughts are the same.

X5/X15 needs something as at the minute and since the hybrids were withdrawn anything has been thrown on there that has wheels. Breakdown after breakdown.

Would be good to see the X10 Enviros on there but they appear to be staying where they are?

(05 Feb 2026, 7:32 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote So Far - 

Riverside - all withdrawn. 
3943 
3963 
3964 
6954 
6958 

Hownsgill - All withdrawn. 
6195 
6182 

Transfers/Loans 

682 is still at Consett and has been for a while, usually on the Xlines/6 service. 
6006 has been at Consett last two days. 
6161 from Riverside to Consett, potential loan?
6366 is also on Loan at Consett.
6945 is on loan from Riverside to Deptford. 
6960/6961 both working at Consett. 
6365/6370 have both transferred from Washington to Deptford.

Expected Transfers (based on discussions on this forum)
Xlines Red Streetdecks to Deptford for the 56, with the 56 B9's being allocated to depots to withdraw the remaining older B9s from EYMS/Manchester and the older Enviros 400s.

21 Streetdecks to Percy main to replace the Streetlites which will in turn replace the Versas. 

Not sure whats happening with Deptfords B5's or the actual plan with the new Ultraliners at Consett/Riverside as they arent on the correct boards as of yet. 

Image the older solos including the Venture ones will be withdrawn and potentially see the Enviro200s in there place, temporarily with the 3 supershuttle ones being displaced off the X66.

Optare Olympus 6970 & 6976 are the next 2 to be withdrawn this weekend. Tracking today, but won't be in service by Monday.

(07 Feb 2026, 1:45 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote Optare Olympus 6970 & 6976 are the next 2 to be withdrawn this weekend. Tracking today, but won't be in service by Monday.

A shame. Always liked them and bizarrely, only ever ridden them to/from the match.
Whether it's been the X50 or 93/94.

(07 Feb 2026, 1:45 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote Optare Olympus 6970 & 6976 are the next 2 to be withdrawn this weekend. Tracking today, but won't be in service by Monday.

6974 also getting withdrawn this week, all Olympus heading to Go South West.

(07 Feb 2026, 1:45 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote Optare Olympus 6970 & 6976 are the next 2 to be withdrawn this weekend. Tracking today, but won't be in service by Monday.

I went out to catch 6974 on the 56 in Newcastle for it to be terminated at Gateshead as it was operating 19 minutes late. 

I always quite liked the styling of the Optare Olympus however I am glad to see these being Withdrawn as they are way past there best years with two referenced above being the worst of the small batch we got here in the North East, 6970 does not like hills as I have had it a few times on the 53 and 93 respectively going up Bensham Bank, safe to say your life was in the drivers hands.

Wouldn't surprise me if one of the London based Preservation Groups picked one up, I do hope with B7TL Gemini's also being Withdrawn that a few of these a picked up for Preservation.

Just been reading through the list of buses, I was just thinking of which vehicles need replacing in the short term that haven't already been withdrawn...

Optare Solo SRs: 641/644/645/721 & 723 at both Consett and Hexham.

Merc Citaros: 5358 - 61, 63 - 68 possible to be cascaded elsewhere?

Yutong CB12s: 5499/5500 possible to be replaced?

Volvo B9TLs/Gemini's: 6177, 6179, 6181, 6184, 6185, 6187, 6188, 6190 - 6194 & 6196

ADL E400s: 6944, 45, 47 - 50, 52, 54*, 55, 56 & 58*

Optare Olympus: 6970*/6974/6976*

Optare Versa's: 8314/8316/8321/ 8322/8324/8326/8327 & 8328.

With 6193/94 & 96 being the dedicated buses for a private school contract, I'm unsure whether these would be withdrawn, especially given they are Euro 6 compliant.

* Suggested to already be withdrawn.

The Optare Olympuses are now fully withdrawn and heading to Go South West ahead of Go-Ahead taking over First Kernow next week, I'd imagine the other Dual Door 69xx E400's will be joining them in due course.

I'm just wondering if 8355/8356 could be former Dales and District Optare MetroCity's (YJ65EPY & EPZ) as they had initially transferred to Go-Ahead West Yorkshire, although don't appear to have been used much recently.

They would be reasonable replacements to allow two Versa's to be withdrawn...

6950 has moved from Consett to Riverside.

(13 Feb 2026, 10:41 am)WestDurhamSwift wrote 6950 has moved from Consett to Riverside.

Looks like 6960/61/63 have gone the other way.

Wonder if Consett might become B9TL free?

I haven't worked it out but:
20x E400MMC
17x E400
6x Streetdeck

is surely enough for all the double decker work?

(13 Feb 2026, 8:00 pm)Storx wrote Wonder if Consett might become B9TL free?

I haven't worked it out but:
20x E400MMC
17x E400
6x Streetdeck

is surely enough for all the double decker work?

Surely Consett would rather have reliable less leggy native B9TLs over ex GAG / London classic E400s on the X5/X15 and 16/16A?

Also, GNE's route planners / schedulers need to reduce the low height decker dependency as it's far too high, and gives no flexibility.

All that is needed to solve this is for the X32 (re-routed via Shield Row) to interwork with the X73 (PVR 4) - and X31/X70/X71 (PVR 8) all interworking with X31 increased to 2bph.

Far better having only 8 boards affected by the Ellison Road bridge, as opposed to 12 which  causes a knock on effect on other services if no suitable spares available.

16/16A & X5/X15 need Evora or EvoSeti those hills arent anything to laugh at they will kill any bus which go on them.

(13 Feb 2026, 8:25 pm)L469 YVK wrote Surely Consett would rather have reliable less leggy native B9TLs over ex GAG / London classic E400s on the X5/X15 and 16/16A?

Also, GNE's route planners / schedulers need to reduce the low height decker dependency as it's far too high, and gives no flexibility.

All that is needed to solve this is for the X32 (re-routed via Shield Row) to interwork with the X73 (PVR 4) - and X31/X70/X71 (PVR 8) all interworking with X31 increased to 2bph.

Far better having only 8 boards affected by the Ellison Road bridge, as opposed to 12 which  causes a knock on effect on other services if no suitable spares available.

Assuming the Streetdeck's go onto the 301 and not the 307/309, guess it depends where you've got more of a case for investment in the future. It might be easier to convince someone that the 307/309 and Consett routes need new buses rather than other routes.

I have the feeling the 56 B9TL's might end up on the 51/52/93/94 which imo will be a hard sell. The last 2, in particular, haven't had new buses in ages. Honestly can't remember when they did tbh. The 16/17 year old vehicles need moved on though so I'd be very surprised if something doesn't end up there. Least they'll get a few years out of them on there.

So it's an effective 4 way swap.

New Buses Washington -> Streetdeck's Deptford -> 4x New Buses / B9TL Riverside -> 6x New Buses / E400 / E400 MMC Consett

(13 Feb 2026, 9:11 pm)Storx wrote Assuming the Streetdeck's go onto the 301 and not the 307/309, guess it depends where you've got more of a case for investment in the future. It might be easier to convince someone that the 307/309 and Consett routes need new buses rather than other routes.

I have the feeling the 56 B9TL's might end up on the 51/52/93/94 which imo will be a hard sell. The last 2, in particular, haven't had new buses in ages. Honestly can't remember when they did tbh. The 16/17 year old vehicles need moved on though so I'd be very surprised if something doesn't end up there. Least they'll get a few years out of them on there.

So it's an effective 4 way swap.

New Buses Washington -> Streetdeck's Deptford -> 4x New Buses / B9TL Riverside -> 6x New Buses / E400 / E400 MMC Consett

I was thinking more the 56 ones for Consett, but get what you're saying.

Also from a commercial and vehicle capability perspective, would it not make sense to have the current Cobalt B9TLs working the 301 with the StreetDecks doing the 307/309?

Especially given the western part of the 301 route is quite strong - and GNE will need to save costs where possible on the 307/309 if going fully commercial against Arriva's 306/308 with no qualifying agreement - and also the 353/354 interworkings which don't need heavy duty B9TLs being dragged around the doors.

(13 Feb 2026, 9:46 pm)L469 YVK wrote I was thinking more the 56 ones for Consett, but get what you're saying.

Also from a commercial and vehicle capability perspective, would it not make sense to have the current Cobalt B9TLs working the 301 with the StreetDecks doing the 307/309?

Especially given the western part of the 301 route is quite strong - and GNE will need to save costs where possible on the 307/309 if going fully commercial against Arriva's 306/308 with no qualifying agreement - and also the 353/354 interworkings which don't need heavy duty B9TLs being dragged around the doors.

The 353 only interworks with the 307 on certain trips during the week and all day on Sundays & 354 has one in the evening and thats it

I think there is bigger picture to look at Fleet Movements wise outside of the Go North East Fleet as I think once the likes of East Yorkshire, Brighton & Hove, Southern Vectis, Salisbury Reds & Pulhams get there EV's into service in coming months there will be a larger group wide cascade plan.

Below is what is currently on order from what I have found for other Go-Ahead Subsidies.

East Yorkshire = 40 EV's on order
Brighton & Hove = 29 EV's on order
Southern Vectis = 31 EV's on order
Salisbury Reds = 23 EV's on order
Pulhams = 15 EV's on order

Total = 138 

CBA to count through how many Go-Ahead London have on order.

Could be something or could be nothing and a total coincidence, noticed a couple of the Coaster Streetlites have their branding missing

(13 Feb 2026, 10:02 pm)Nerd4321 wrote The 353 only interworks with the 307 on certain trips during the week and all day on Sundays & 354 has one in the evening and thats it

True, but still quite an expense to be running heavy duty double deck vehicles on secondary local routes.

Also, if GNE are reducing weekend frequencies and cutting / curtailing some 307 & 309 trips notwithstanding competition from Arriva, surely it would be sensible to look at the allocated vehicle type to further reduce running costs.

Whilst the 301 has competition from the 22 between Howdon and Newcastle - the western part of the route is strong, and no doubt loads towards the Coast are decent during the summer. Plus the hill climbs around Bensham, Lobley Hill and Whickham would more than justify the extra running cost of B9TLs over StreetDecks not forgetting the overall route distance end to end.

(05 Feb 2026, 11:13 pm)Nerd4321 wrote Oh god hes back at it again. Id laugh if Arriva don't do what you think there going to do. This is getting annoying seeing it all the time. Please stop. Also why would GNE make the 307/309 single decekrs are you high or something

(13 Feb 2026, 8:00 pm)Storx wrote Wonder if Consett might become B9TL free?

I haven't worked it out but:
20x E400MMC
17x E400
6x Streetdeck

is surely enough for all the double decker work?

Maybe the 3 E200mmcs from Riverside will replace 3 deckers?

I was told a while back by someone who works at Hownsgill  that Consett would become an all ADL depot , although the 6 streetdecks and streetlites have slightly  changed the plan but all ADLs at Consett would make sense.

(13 Feb 2026, 11:56 pm)Tiger5105 wrote Maybe the 3 E200mmcs from Riverside will replace 3 deckers?

I was told a while back by someone who works at Hownsgill  that Consett would become an all ADL depot , although the 6 streetdecks and streetlites have slightly  changed the plan but all ADLs at Consett would make sense.

Aye possibly, would make sense having all the ADL vehicles together really; guess the new Streetdeck's are Cummins aswell so there will at least be some overlap in parts, better than have a few Volvo vehicles around.

Have a feeling the E200MMC's might displace the Versa's if anything though, could easily do.
3x E200MMC to Consett, 4x Streetlite to Hexham, 4x 63 Plate Versa to Riverside, 4x 11 Plate Versa Withdrawn

Would keep some consistency, so Consett aren't dealing with a random batch of Versa's.

(13 Feb 2026, 10:02 pm)Nerd4321 wrote [The solo post I can't find]

Btw I seen this the other day about Percy Main's. 

Personally wouldn't be surprised if the opposite happened and they gained more. If there's loads of Streetlite's going free they're arguably better at Deptford than Percy Main.

Could easily move 10 to Deptford, with 8339-41/48-54 moving onto the 33/62/63 releasing 662-3/673-9

662-3 going to Hexham to replace 721/3
673-4 going to Consett to replace 641/4/5 (only need 2 vehicles and they've already got 682)
675-9 going to Percy Main to replace 8314/21/22/24/25 joining the existing examples for the 333/340/341/342/356

None of these really need anything bigger but that depends on the 342 tender (it used to be Solo though). being withdrawn in the process. Would've said do the Streetlite's and Solo's the opposite way but the 10.8m Streetlite's aren't Euro 6 so are no go on the 356 and the 333 needs a Solo's. Bigger buses are a no go along the fish quay because of bad parking.