North East Buses

(19 Jun 2014, 7:23 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]6037 has broken down in Croxdale on a Bishop Auckland bound journey.

Looks like I got off at the right time
Didn't sound too bad this morning either.

Thought it would be good to perhaps use this thread for multi-purpose. I'll keep track here of any Pronto branded vehicles that appear on Scholars for Park View Academy (my school ), as they appear so often it's almost pointless putting it in the Rare and Odd workings section.

So, today 6041 worked the North Lodge straight to Bournmoor evening run on the 888.

Can we not just use the Latest or odd workings threads? This one hasn't really taken off as it's too restrictive in topic.

(23 Jun 2014, 8:11 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]Can we not just use the Latest or odd workings threads? This one hasn't really taken off as it's too restrictive in topic.

Yeah sure - I'll report anything I see in there

Re the Pronto X20. It started as an experiment and I would say it did quite well between Durham and Sunderland, however, there was little through traffic across Durham, save for the odd concessionary pass holder having a ride out. That is what led to its demise.

What I did notice however, is that people from Houghton were reluctant to use it and it was because they were under the misconception that it was limited stop along Durham Road. I remember many times pulling into Houghton and a 20 would appear behind, and everybody would go for that. Also remember being waved past at the Board Inn and Lidl heading into Sunderland, so they could catch the 20?!?!

I'm not going to comment on the condition of the Pronto Presidents, although I will point out that having spent most of their lives plodding around London they do, by and large, cope with this demanding route well. I will concede that the interior layout is not perfect but from a drivers viewpoint they are a doddle to drive; comfortable and light with excellent visibility.

The best buses, in my opinion, to be used on this route are the K-reg Olympians that OK bought (they became 3808-10 with GNE). They were the last bespoke design for this service, uprated engines and high back seats with high capacity. Oh for the days of simple engineering!