Actually I think the NTA is doing a good job, licence applications are getting processed quicker which is a good thing.  I agree with Stevek211 also, newer buses can work out cheaper in the long run, less maintenance, more efficient, better image etc.  I agree that it looks odd to be withdrawing the AVs, but as KD191 says, it won't be for a while and the AVs will be 12 years old by then.  Time moves on, very little difference between AV1 and EV100, but the current trend is for Hybrids and improved fuel consumption so that is the way forward. 

The 'bus' retains an image problem, no matter what colour you paint it and add rtpi, there is still a group of people who won't use the bus.  12D or 12C regs could help?