Go North East (GNE) will mark the impending end of its fleet of Scania L94s on Sunday (15 December) with a running day based on Saltmeadows Road depot in Gateshead.
The type first entered service with GNE in March 2001. Its fleet of L94s peaked at 87, including four articulated L94A examples. Major investment has seen that number reduce to 18, in Gateshead and Sunderland. They will all be withdrawn over the coming months.
As part of the event there will be a bus-themed ale on sale at the Central Bar in Gateshead. A free shuttle bus will connect the bar, Saltmeadows Road depot and Gateshead Interchange.
GNE staff are giving their time for free and donations for Gateshead Foodbank will be collected.
Says GNE Managing Director Martijn Gilbert: “These buses have been the backbone of a sizeable part of the company’s operations for many years.
“They are being replaced by the next generation of more efficient and low emission buses to ensure that our services keep pace with today’s trends and technology.”