Arriva North East

[kuyoyo]

RE: Arriva North East
New details announced recently is the lost of the Durham Park & Ride contract back to Scarlet Band (off whom Arriva won the contract back in 2009). As such, 2852-61 will be withdrawn upon the end of the contract (Saturday 25th October 2014) for repaint ready to return to the leaser.

The following fleet moves will take place over the next few months (the first of which will happen when 'Sapphire' X21/X22 is launched):

Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown: 4501/2/5/6/8/9 Ashington to Stockton, 4504/7/10/1/2 Jesmond to Redcar, 4513/5 Ashington to Redcar (leaves 4514 as the only Wright-bodied B10BLE north of the Tyne)
Optare Solo: 2803/4/5/7/8 Durham to Darlington (replaced by the Streetlites)
Scania OmniCity: 4643/6 Durham to Darlington (via Blackburn for 'MAX' refurbishment), 4648/9/50/1/5 Redcar to Darlington (via Blackburn for 'MAX' refurbishment), 4663 Durham to Jesmond (via Blackburn for standard refurbishment), 4659 Stockton to Ashington (for trials on the X15 ahead of being joined by a sister in 'MAX' refurbishment)
MPD: 1760/2/7/91/8 Darlington to Blyth
Dart SLF/Plaxton Pointer: 1305-8 Redcar to Darlington (yes, they are going back)

61 vehicles are due to be replaced this year.