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Thanks Bob.  Using the new style registration era as a cut off point, despite the Ulster style registrations of some Wardle minibuses, I reckon TEN Mercedes minis need replacing.  However Wardle seem to be involved in special needs transportation so most if not all the minibus fleet will NOT be in general passenger service so I won't be counting these among the last step entry buses.  Arriva Midlands are nearly there anyway!

sconehead85

Looking at the excellent fleetlists section on the last update , barring mini/midi buses and coaches there are the following step entry buses.  How long have they got?

10  Volvo Olympians
3   Leyland Olympians (4545-7)
6   Scania single decks
1   Dennis Dart 2038 (M100 PHA)

I have left out Mercedes minibuses because Im not sure to the extent that they are used in regular public service, but many of those need replacing.

sconehead85

Why are First hanging on to these buses long after they should have retired?  The sad fact is the youngest of these is now 20 years old and surely with the Scottish reductions there must be enough spare Volvo Olympians around to take over those duties which dont yet merit a LF decker.

The Volvo Citybuses have THREE STEPS and First have only six left (as well as open toppers). These really should go now. (  Im not against their preservation BTW.)

While there are 200 double deckers due to leave London after the Olympic Games there is no guarantee they will directly or indirectly oust the oldest buses First have.

First still have some G-XRE reg Leyland Olympians , now 23 years old and its time they were retired (or preserved).

sconehead85