(02 Nov 2025, 12:10 am)Storx wrote [ -> ]Aye definitely, guess it depends if it was an extension though I suppose - don't think they need to do a survey for positive changes.
The 113 is the one which is standing out though, unsure when the tender is up though.
8 -> 8A/113 -> X21 -> X21 -> 17 (and vice versa) would pretty much work on paper and I know Arriva were looking at expanding their services so who knows? Agreed with the cuts in that part though.
Durham contracts are up for renewal in 2026, providing extentions are applied to the current tenders.
Times work although the 8 & X21 would be running around 10-15 minutes apart which isn't ideal but then again, the withdrawal of the X21 left a gap in what was previously a roughly 7/8 minute combined frequency between Darlington and Aycliffe, although the 7 running a 20 minute frequency on a Saturday had already impacted that.
(02 Nov 2025, 7:59 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Durham contracts are up for renewal in 2026, providing extentions are applied to the current tenders.
Times work although the 8 & X21 would be running around 10-15 minutes apart which isn't ideal but then again, the withdrawal of the X21 left a gap in what was previously a roughly 7/8 minute combined frequency between Darlington and Aycliffe, although the 7 running a 20 minute frequency on a Saturday had already impacted that.
Had a feeling they were up soon, the 10-15 minutes could be an issue.
Who knows, but definitely wouldn't be surprised to see some changes around there personally - hopefully positive for once though. It's been awhile tbh.
Just been reading that First Group are planning to close Kernow in February next year, and rumours that seasonal and infrequent bus routes that don't make money during the winter period are expected to take a hit depending on how the budget from the gov goes.
Got me thinking with respects to the X93 currently getting funding to run evening buses between Whitby and Scarborough, when that drys up, one would assume Arriva will have no interest or intention of continuing that for the single figure passengers that likely use it during the winter. There's not really anything left to cut in Whitby apart from completely throwing the 95 in as a commercial route & cutting frequencys on the X4/X93, which can't really be done as even in the winter they carry healthy loads during the day.
I have a gut feeling if it's not service cuts, the fare cap may be removed with only the LA Local Fares remaining alike Sunderland to Durham for £2.50, although things like Newcastle to Carlisle on the 685 I very much expect to be hiked up to what was originally being charged, around £9 - £10 for a single I'd say...
(21 Nov 2025, 10:25 pm)S830OFT wrote [ -> ]Just been reading that First Group are planning to close Kernow in February next year, and rumours that seasonal and infrequent bus routes that don't make money during the winter period are expected to take a hit depending on how the budget from the gov goes.
Got me thinking with respects to the X93 currently getting funding to run evening buses between Whitby and Scarborough, when that drys up, one would assume Arriva will have no interest or intention of continuing that for the single figure passengers that likely use it during the winter. There's not really anything left to cut in Whitby apart from completely throwing the 95 in as a commercial route & cutting frequencys on the X4/X93, which can't really be done as even in the winter they carry healthy loads during the day.
I have a gut feeling if it's not service cuts, the fare cap may be removed with only the LA Local Fares remaining alike Sunderland to Durham for £2.50, although things like Newcastle to Carlisle on the 685 I very much expect to be hiked up to what was originally being charged, around £9 - £10 for a single I'd say...
The fares have already been committed until, at least, March 2027. Not sure if you knew.
(21 Nov 2025, 10:25 pm)S830OFT wrote [ -> ]Just been reading that First Group are planning to close Kernow in February next year, and rumours that seasonal and infrequent bus routes that don't make money during the winter period are expected to take a hit depending on how the budget from the gov goes.
Got me thinking with respects to the X93 currently getting funding to run evening buses between Whitby and Scarborough, when that drys up, one would assume Arriva will have no interest or intention of continuing that for the single figure passengers that likely use it during the winter. There's not really anything left to cut in Whitby apart from completely throwing the 95 in as a commercial route & cutting frequencys on the X4/X93, which can't really be done as even in the winter they carry healthy loads during the day.
I have a gut feeling if it's not service cuts, the fare cap may be removed with only the LA Local Fares remaining alike Sunderland to Durham for £2.50, although things like Newcastle to Carlisle on the 685 I very much expect to be hiked up to what was originally being charged, around £9 - £10 for a single I'd say...
The later evening journeys on the x93 where summer only - they have been continued commercially throughout the winter as well as half hourly X4’s on a Sunday and a slightly later Sunday service on the X4 from Whitby
(21 Nov 2025, 10:25 pm)S830OFT wrote [ -> ]Got me thinking with respects to the X93 currently getting funding to run evening buses between Whitby and Scarborough, when that drys up, one would assume Arriva will have no interest or intention of continuing that for the single figure passengers that likely use it during the winter. There's not really anything left to cut in Whitby apart from completely throwing the 95 in as a commercial route & cutting frequencys on the X4/X93, which can't really be done as even in the winter they carry healthy loads during the day.
The evening journeys added in the summer of 2025 were not funded in any way. They are genuine attempts at growing the market, similar story for the X4 Sunday frequency being retained. Incremental service improvements that don't stretch the driver position all in one go.
Complaints about services in Pegswood. The article states Arriva is going to do away with the current 35/X21 link. Arriva said its long-term solution to improve the service included "revised timetables and wider network changes". Unfortunately it does not give a proposed date. If this is in the wrong thread then would one of the moderators please move it?
Pegswood buses leaving people stranded and late for school - BBC News
(29 Jan 2026, 4:10 pm)XQ Zero wrote [ -> ]Complaints about services in Pegswood. The article states Arriva is going to do away with the current 35/X21 link. Arriva said its long-term solution to improve the service included "revised timetables and wider network changes". Unfortunately it does not give a proposed date. If this is in the wrong thread then would one of the moderators please move it?
Pegswood buses leaving people stranded and late for school - BBC News
Probably be March changes. Odd to see Arriva not do any in January
Is this the thin edge of the wedge. Stockton are acquiring service 81 currently worked out of Dormanstown.
It will become an extension of the current service 28 trips worked by Stockton.
Now, and thinking about it, given the route the 28 takes currently its gonna be one hell of a journey start to finish and can a round trip be done in the 4 hours suggested?
And looking a bit deeper, come the end of March, what else have Arriva got up their sleeves?
(02 Feb 2026, 4:41 pm)robisdave4554 wrote [ -> ]Is this the thin edge of the wedge. Stockton are acquiring service 81 currently worked out of Dormanstown.
It will become an extension of the current service 28 trips worked by Stockton.
Now, and thinking about it, given the route the 28 takes currently its gonna be one hell of a journey start to finish and can a round trip be done in the 4 hours suggested?
And looking a bit deeper, come the end of March, what else have Arriva got up their sleeves?
Ohh really?
I remember the 28 used to go all the way to Saltburn years upon years ago via Charltons, Boosbeck, Lingdale, Skelton Green and Skelton. It used to arrive at Skelton at the Same time the X3 did so people could swap and go to Redcar. Since then the 28 has been cut to hourly and its route was halved and only terminates at Guisborough. Unsure why Redcar would lose the 81 considering they have to run the 5A atm which was the 28's replacement to Lingdale. Theres soo many easier options Arriva could do to fix routes and stuff but they always choose to make it difficult.
Stagecoach and maybe other operators might see all these changes going on with Arriva atm and offer their own services to replace Arriva in some areas.
Services 28 and 81 are being merged. Given that they both terminate at Guisborough, it makes sense to combine them and allow through journeys. It also provides an element of flexibility for moving work between locations if needed. Having one or two services that all drivers know, provides resilience too, allowing it to flex.
Stockton will operate two boards and Redcar will operate two boards, exactly as the 28 and 81 are split at present. Redcar is therefore not losing the 81, as has been suggested, they will just run as 28 instead.
I am aware of other plans though, including a withdrawal of one service completely.
Thanks for that reply. I'm afraid I'm something of an outsider when it comes to such things and it's good to hear from someone who has more knowledge and information. Always good to be able to pass on this information to those who think, as was what I was hearing on the 81 yesterday, that Arriva are simply out to lose services.
When I think about it potentially more inter-working between depots is probably not a bad thing. Could it save some possible dead mileage where vehicles have to travel light to start services or have Arriva got that boxed off?
(03 Feb 2026, 4:16 pm)robisdave4554 wrote [ -> ]When I think about it potentially more inter-working between depots is probably not a bad thing. Could it save some possible dead mileage where vehicles have to travel light to start services or have Arriva got that boxed off?
Given the amount of Stockton vehicles that travel 45 mins to Easington at the start or end of their day I don’t think you need to worry about the odd trip here and there!
Is it wrong i miss Arriva and its network in Tyneside
Service 10 in Darlington getting changes from April. Here's what it says. Its on the Tees Valley website. Sadly I looked through Facebook so cant send the link but this is what it says
Service 10: an extension of the current commercial service 10 from Whinfield in Darlington once an hour via Great Burdon, Sadberge, Little Stainton, Bishopton, Redmarshall, Carlton, Thorpe Thewles, Stillington and Great Stainton in an anticlockwise loop, returning to Sadberge and rejoining Service 10 at Whinfield.
(05 Feb 2026, 1:06 pm)Nerd4321 wrote [ -> ]Service 10 in Darlington getting changes from April. Here's what it says. Its on the Tees Valley website. Sadly I looked through Facebook so cant send the link but this is what it says
Service 10: an extension of the current commercial service 10 from Whinfield in Darlington once an hour via Great Burdon, Sadberge, Little Stainton, Bishopton, Redmarshall, Carlton, Thorpe Thewles, Stillington and Great Stainton in an anticlockwise loop, returning to Sadberge and rejoining Service 10 at Whinfield.
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/news/sadber...d-to-july/
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
(05 Feb 2026, 1:06 pm)Nerd4321 wrote [ -> ]Service 10 in Darlington getting changes from April. Here's what it says. Its on the Tees Valley website. Sadly I looked through Facebook so cant send the link but this is what it says
Service 10: an extension of the current commercial service 10 from Whinfield in Darlington once an hour via Great Burdon, Sadberge, Little Stainton, Bishopton, Redmarshall, Carlton, Thorpe Thewles, Stillington and Great Stainton in an anticlockwise loop, returning to Sadberge and rejoining Service 10 at Whinfield.
Timetable for that and the revised 29/29A, which sees one journey an hour during the day revised to serve Coulby Newham Parkway Centre (presumably via Ash Hill) are also to be found on there
10 journeys to the Villages only
29/29A
(05 Feb 2026, 1:37 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Timetable for that and the revised 29/29A, which sees one journey an hour during the day revised to serve Coulby Newham Parkway Centre (presumably via Ash Hill) are also to be found on there
10 journeys to the Villages only
29/29A
I might be wrong here but is the 29A not doing what the Stagecoach 10 already does for part of the route.
(06 Feb 2026, 12:04 am)col87 wrote [ -> ]I might be wrong here but is the 29A not doing what the Stagecoach 10 already does for part of the route.
The 29A will run to the Parkway Centre from Martin Shops via Gunnergate Lane - last served as far as I can recall by Leven Valley’s 18 and 19. From the Parkway Centre to Cypress Road, it will presumably operate along Stainton Way. Journeys will interwork at Cypress Road - buses operating out of Middlesbrough as 29s return as 29As and vice versa.
Changes to Arriva services are
X7/X8/X9/306/308/X10/X11 & 419
We also have a brand new service starting which will be numbered the 3 and run from Blyth Bus Station to Bebside Station
Im gonna give my theory on them
X7 "unsure maybe timetable change"
X8 "made to stop inside Newsham station car park since according to maps at the station it is meant to stop at the bus stop"
X9 "I know there was talk of the X9 serving the station so maybe the X9 will serve Bebside station but I wonder if this new 3 service will replace the X9 between the station & Blyth and the X9 goes straight on instead of serving the housing estate"
X10/X11 "probably timetable changes cant see much to change on them"
419 "believe this will to send the service back on its normal route as its been of its route since I believe October last year"
3 "obviously its a new service. Taking what route is unsure but id bet its what I mentioned before. Replacing the X9 through the housing estate. Least it gives people a chance to not walk ages to the main road"
Are there any changes expected to happen in redcar
(09 Feb 2026, 8:35 am)Ryland wrote [ -> ]Are there any changes expected to happen in redcar
Only thing I know of is the 81 being renumbered 28. Probably timetable changes to line it up with the 28.
As for Redcar depot one 64a will be extended every hour to Guisborough via Flatts Lane.
If that number 3 service in Blyth is standalone it would be good use of a single decker, but it will probably work with the Newcastle services.
(09 Feb 2026, 11:34 am)Arriva7446 wrote [ -> ]If that number 3 service in Blyth is standalone it would be good use of a single decker, but it will probably work with the Newcastle services.
If it is Standalone then this would be another route for Blyth to use if they have a bus that cant enter town and the 553 already has it allocated for the day
(09 Feb 2026, 11:07 am)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Only thing I know of is the 81 being renumbered 28. Probably timetable changes to line it up with the 28.
As for Redcar depot one 64a will be extended every hour to Guisborough via Flatts Lane.
And a Sunday 62 service!
(09 Feb 2026, 11:07 am)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Only thing I know of is the 81 being renumbered 28. Probably timetable changes to line it up with the 28.
As for Redcar depot one 64a will be extended every hour to Guisborough via Flatts Lane.
Taxpayer funded?
(03 Feb 2026, 12:05 pm)robisdave4554 wrote [ -> ]Thanks for that reply. I'm afraid I'm something of an outsider when it comes to such things and it's good to hear from someone who has more knowledge and information. Always good to be able to pass on this information to those who think, as was what I was hearing on the 81 yesterday, that Arriva are simply out to lose services.
(09 Feb 2026, 6:45 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Taxpayer funded?
Be Section 106 with all the new houses I’d imagine
Just read the Arriva response to the Pegswood councillor. Reading between the lines, I can't see anything but frequency cuts coming for the Ashington routes - "We are also working on revised timetables...even where faster resolution would be preferable in this case".
Looking at the network over the past few years, it's clear that the current staff do not know how to grow a network. There have been no frequency improvements in Northumbria that haven't been council/BSIP funded. Indeed, I can't think of a single Arriva Northumbria route which has got better (commercially, not subsidised) over the past 10 years?
My expectation is that, given Ashington have barely ran any services for the past year on the 35, X21, and X22, they'll see reduced passenger numbers and assume reduced demand - and slice the frequencies of at least some of these routes. I'd be fairly confident that they keep the 35 every 20 minutes and slice the other two (a minimum of one of them). They don't have the intellectual capacity to realise that passenger numbers will be reduced due to services not running - and definitely don't have the capacity to realise that reducing the frequencies will put even more people off using the services.
It's a shame really, I'd have hoped the new investment and new overall leadership would have seen a change in approach - but it seems the managed decline of Arriva NE will continue.
(09 Feb 2026, 6:45 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Taxpayer funded?
Do the ANE commercial team know how to extend a route without some form of subsidy?