North East Buses

(28 May 2014, 4:51 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]On the upstairs??

Sorry, I was making an assumption that it was downstairs.

(28 May 2014, 5:16 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]Ouch, but wait for the next one!

Was on time when I got that one on its way to Newcastle, says its 30 minutes late now must have ran into a problem (16.46 from Ashington)

Hang on, that over 30 mins late X20 still hasn't pulled out unless it was interworking:

(28 May 2014, 5:29 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]Hang on, that over 30 mins late X20 still hasn't pulled out unless it was interworking:

Looks like its moving along now

(28 May 2014, 2:40 pm)VolvoMarkII wrote [ -> ]Just because a registration change has been submitted, does not mean a complete overhaul?

I'm told, for example, that the vast majority of the changes are around revisions to peak running time, which means that whilst it appears the Teesside network is being recast, in reality, the majority will see little change.

It just looks significant with the registrations that have gone in.

The new X5 does seem interesting? Another step in the right direction?

Spot on - these are just minor tweaks as a result of feedback from customers and drivers. The new X5 will be all stops from Easington to Skelton then non-stop to Middlesbrough, giving a much reduced journey time from East Cleveland to Middlesbrough at peak times. There will be 2 trips each way per day, as a bolt on, in addition to the Sapphire 5/5A's. The X5s will operated by Sapphire drivers too.

Does anyone in the know have any further details of the Redcar services 63, 81 mainly.

Hopefully cut a bit of running time on morning services out of Redcar, a total of 20 mins dwell at certain stops is excessive, but that the nature of the unpredictable route.

Hopefully pulsars back on after the delivery of Sapphires!

(28 May 2014, 11:36 am)Michael wrote [ -> ]Today on VOSA - THERE IS ALOT!

PB0002032/376 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitley Bay and Briardene given service number W2 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route.

PB0002032/445 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Great Park and Quorun Business Park given service number 554 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002032/471 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Marden Estate and Backworth Castle Park given service number 359 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route.

PB0002032/476 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Regent Centre
Finish Point: Freeman Hospital
Via:
Service Number: 553
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 20-JUL-2014
Other Details: Monday-friday Half Hourly Service

PB0002717/300 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Kingsmead given service number X17 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/301 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stockton and Hartburn given service number 6 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/303 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and New Marske given service number 64/64A effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/304 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Ings Farm given service number 22 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/306 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between New Marske and Stokesley given service number 81/81a effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/307 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Redcar given service number 63 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/308 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitby and Loftus given service number 4 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/314 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Overfields given service number 9 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/315 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Lingdale given service number 28/28b effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/316 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Stokesley given service number 29/29a effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/317 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stockton and Yarm Willey Flatts given service number 7/7A effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/318 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between North Tees Hospital and Ingleby Barwick given service number 15 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/320 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Netherfields and Middlesbrough given service number 27/27A effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/321 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Kingsmead given service number 17/17A/17b effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/353 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Redcar and Lingdale given service number 3 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/354 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Lingdale given service number X3A/X3 effective from 20-Jul-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/370 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Middlesbrough
Finish Point: Easington
Via:
Service Number: X5
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 20-JUL-2014
Other Details: 4 journeys per day, Monday to Friday

'Tin Rocket' 4653 working the 0635 Carlisle this morning. Yes, decent haulage to work!

(29 May 2014, 7:33 am)northern156 wrote [ -> ]'Tin Rocket' 4653 working the 0635 Carlisle this morning. Yes, decent haulage to work!

Too lucky for your own good!

(29 May 2014, 7:33 am)northern156 wrote [ -> ]'Tin Rocket' 4653 working the 0635 Carlisle this morning. Yes, decent haulage to work!

Make the most of it, it won't be on there come the end of the year.

Someone got on at Brampton and went ahead to apply deep heat to themselves, absolutely horrible smell with no windows open...

Indeed, will we be seeing 4663 on 685 duties later this year then? Or another member of the class?

(29 May 2014, 5:00 pm)northern156 wrote [ -> ]Indeed, will we be seeing 4663 on 685 duties later this year then? Or another member of the class?

4643-51/6/7 are on the 'MAX' refurbishment list (unless things have changed)
4652-4/8/9 weren't down on any refurbishment list
4660-4 were on the 'standard' refurbishment list

Make of that what you will

(29 May 2014, 5:11 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]4643-51/6/7 are on the 'MAX' refurbishment list (unless things have changed)
4652-4/8/9 weren't down on any refurbishment list
4660-4 were on the 'standard' refurbishment list

Make of that what you will

Typical Arriva. Totally ignore the fact that several not down for refurbishment have not received a repaint since new (eg 4654/8/9), while how many repaints has the likes of 4650 already had?

(29 May 2014, 5:26 pm)Roland Pratt wrote [ -> ]Typical Arriva. Totally ignore the fact that several not down for refurbishment have not received a repaint since new (eg 4654/8/9), while how many repaints has the likes of 4650 already had?

Who isn't to say 4652-4/8/9 aren't going to be refurbished, just at present that is how they are (at present, the list has changed once before with 4652-4/8/9 listed as for 'MAX' refurbishment).

(29 May 2014, 5:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Who isn't to say 4652-4/8/9 aren't going to be refurbished, just at present that is how they are (at present, the list has changed once before with 4652-4/8/9 listed as for 'MAX' refurbishment).

Does this 'list' exist?

4660 - 4664 probably would have been better off not refurbed!

(29 May 2014, 5:36 pm)northern156 wrote [ -> ]4660 - 4664 probably would have been better off not refurbed!

Ah but what about the moaning passengers on the 685 who don't like the leather seats?
As far as I know all Omnicities will be getting a refurbishment, just specific vehicles will getting Max refurbishments for the X15, X26/X27 and X66. Obviously the 685 will just be to standard specification, whilst it looks likely that there will be very few of the 05 plates left in standard, they may well all go to "Max" specification!

Bad news if these Omnicities are for the X15. Only 40/42 seats compared with 51 on the DAF coaches which are frequently standing room only in school holidays and summer. This service badly needs deckers and room for luggage to cope with holidaymakers to Berwick and Haggerston.

(29 May 2014, 7:33 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Ah but what about the moaning passengers on the 685 who don't like the leather seats?
As far as I know all Omnicities will be getting a refurbishment, just specific vehicles will getting Max refurbishments for the X15, X26/X27 and X66. Obviously the 685 will just be to standard specification, whilst it looks likely that there will be very few of the 05 plates left in standard, they may well all go to "Max" specification!

Hahaha, 685 being 'standard' (in all meanings of the word) has always been the way with Arriva!!

(29 May 2014, 11:32 pm)coldav wrote [ -> ]Bad news if these Omnicities are for the X15. Only 40/42 seats compared with 51 on the DAF coaches which are frequently standing room only in school holidays and summer. This service badly needs deckers and room for luggage to cope with holidaymakers to Berwick and Haggerston.

Exact same with 685, on a lot of journeys. We can't get dockers though (low trees at Corbridge, sigh - not as if many people use that part of the route anyway! Yet because it is east of Hexham, ANE are lovey dubby with it because it's where the competition is). Grumble grumble...

(30 May 2014, 7:14 am)northern156 wrote [ -> ]Hahaha, 685 being 'standard' (in all meanings of the word) has always been the way with Arriva!!


Exact same with 685, on a lot of journeys. We can't get dockers though (low trees at Corbridge, sigh - not as if many people use that part of the route anyway! Yet because it is east of Hexham, ANE are lovey dubby with it because it's where the competition is). Grumble grumble...

No, deckers are banned due to a low bridge somewhere along the route between Carlisle and Hexham as I understand it.

(30 May 2014, 11:38 am)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]No, deckers are banned due to a low bridge somewhere along the route between Carlisle and Hexham as I understand it.

Think the low bridge was at Gilsland which the 685 no longer serves?

(30 May 2014, 7:14 am)northern156 wrote [ -> ]Hahaha, 685 being 'standard' (in all meanings of the word) has always been the way with Arriva!!


Exact same with 685, on a lot of journeys. We can't get dockers though (low trees at Corbridge, sigh - not as if many people use that part of the route anyway! Yet because it is east of Hexham, ANE are lovey dubby with it because it's where the competition is). Grumble grumble...

To be fair at least they don't use bog standard service buses like Stagecoach the last few times I've seen it.

No suitable deckers for the X15 unfortunately. The E400 can sort of cope with the X18 OK due to the speeds not being continuous but the X15 would be too much for them. Unless Arriva Yorkshire or West Midlands wanted to exchange a few of their B9TL's for a few of Ashington's deckers.

(30 May 2014, 2:25 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]No suitable deckers for the X15 unfortunately. The E400 can sort of cope with the X18 OK due to the speeds not being continuous but the X15 would be too much for them. Unless Arriva Yorkshire or West Midlands wanted to exchange a few of their B9TL's for a few of Ashington's deckers.

Refurbish the Lowlanders (7453-6) and they should do shouldn't they?

(30 May 2014, 2:25 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]No suitable deckers for the X15 unfortunately. The E400 can sort of cope with the X18 OK due to the speeds not being continuous but the X15 would be too much for them. Unless Arriva Yorkshire or West Midlands wanted to exchange a few of their B9TL's for a few of Ashington's deckers.

Funny, when they've been used on X15s in the past (was an example on there last Saturday and they're normally in regular use on there on Sundays).

(30 May 2014, 2:55 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]Refurbish the Lowlanders (7453-6) and they should do shouldn't they?

Not enough - X15 has a PVR of 5 so be one short (much like the E400s for the X18, PVR 6 yet only getting 5 working that one out!)

(30 May 2014, 2:57 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Funny, when they've been used on X15s in the past (was an example on there last Saturday and they're normally in regular use on there on Sundays).


Not enough - X15 has a PVR of 5 so be one short (much like the E400s for the X18, PVR 6 yet only getting 5 working that one out!)

Lowlanders and one E400? See which E400 is in the best shape mechanically, then use that perhaps, at least we know that 4 of the vehicles allocated will be up to it?

Two out of the 4 57 reg Lowlanders have been restricted to local work only.

(30 May 2014, 3:27 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote [ -> ]Two out of the 4 57 reg Lowlanders have been restricted to local work only.

Which and why?

(30 May 2014, 12:07 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Think the low bridge was at Gilsland which the 685 no longer serves?

Tyresmoke has it bang on. Arriva don't serve the bridge any more.

(30 May 2014, 12:25 pm)Roland Pratt wrote [ -> ]To be fair at least they don't use bog standard service buses like Stagecoach the last few times I've seen it.

I would certainly call these Omnicities bog standard! The E300s Stagecoach use are 10x better than these.

Love all this uninformed speculation... They couldn't source coaches for whatever reason (I assume Shires getting back into Luton Airport has something to do with this) so we will have to choose the next best thing from within the current North East fleet.

The X15 will therefore have to be operated with whatever is available in the current fleet which doesn't really leave many suitable vehicles. I understand it will be a mixed route with Omnicities and E400s employed. The X18 will run with a PVR of 5 once funding cuts strike in Northumberland hence why it is only getting 5 new vehicles, and not 6.

(30 May 2014, 4:24 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Love all this uninformed speculation... They couldn't source coaches for whatever reason (I assume Shires getting back into Luton Airport has something to do with this) so we will have to choose the next best thing from within the current North East fleet.

The X15 will therefore have to be operated with whatever is available in the current fleet which doesn't really leave many suitable vehicles. I understand it will be a mixed route with Omnicities and E400s employed. The X18 will run with a PVR of 5 once funding cuts strike in Northumberland hence why it is only getting 5 new vehicles, and not 6.

So could you have, for the X15, five of 7514-21 (whichever are in the best condition) and one Omnicity as a spare?