A Stagecoach in Sunderland driver who is in a relationship with my sister has just told her that there are some vehicles that have just arrived at Sunderland's depot having their 'stickers taken off'.
I have no idea which vehicles these are, as it seems strange that those ex-Hull Tridents would receive maintenance work at Sunderland. Seems even stranger than they've arrived already, actually.
Another thought which passed through my head was that it was the new vehicles for Stagecoach in Sunderland - but seems early for those to have arrived too. And why would they need stickers to be taken off? Surely it'd be the other way...
Anyone have any definite info?
(17 Mar 2013, 1:57 pm)Daniel wrote [ -> ]A Stagecoach in Sunderland driver who is in a relationship with my sister has just told her that there are some vehicles that have just arrived at Sunderland's depot having their 'stickers taken off'.
I have no idea which vehicles these are, as it seems strange that those ex-Hull Tridents would receive maintenance work at Sunderland. Seems even stranger than they've arrived already, actually.
Another thought which passed through my head was that it was the new vehicles for Stagecoach in Sunderland - but seems early for those to have arrived too. And why would they need stickers to be taken off? Surely it'd be the other way...
Anyone have any definite info?
Could be some of the Tridents, considering most of them are still branding 'Frequento'. Although, why they've bypasted Stockon and gone to Sunderland when Stockton could easily have debranded them in-house (did it last year with 22064) is somewhat a mystery unless the example there is going straight in for a repaint.
Wow everyone's jumping to conclusions!
My thinking would be one (or more) of Newcastle's 1 branded E400's as the branding is due to be removed from these I understand.
(17 Mar 2013, 4:43 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Wow everyone's jumping to conclusions!
My thinking would be one (or more) of Newcastle's 1 branded E400's as the branding is due to be removed from these I understand.
That was my first inklin' as its very strange for the Hull Tridents to go to Sunderland. Plus theres been no reports from Hull that they're E400's have appeared. But yes the 1's are already in the process of branding removal, with some already having been debranded for a month or two now and having received 'partial' repaints (in-house I presume), although a select few have been treated to a fresh full coat, which it does sound the case for whatever has appeared at Sunderland(!)
(17 Mar 2013, 1:57 pm)Daniel wrote [ -> ]Another thought which passed through my head was that it was the new vehicles for Stagecoach in Sunderland - but seems early for those to have arrived too. And why would they need stickers to be taken off? Surely it'd be the other way...
Wishful thinking there Dan
Due the very back end of the year.
Can't for the life of me remember bus that is was on, but the mega value writing and 2 circles had being took up... Presume it is for the annual increase.
(17 Mar 2013, 5:21 pm)idiot wrote [ -> ]Can't for the life of me remember bus that is was on, but the mega value writing and 2 circles had being took up... Presume it is for the annual increase.
I think all of Newcastle's buses have lost these now, including the "Mega Value". Waste of money and effort! Other Stagecoach regions have posted their fare revisions, haven't heard anything from the NE although its normally this time of year.
Shame they not due till end of the year.
so it is confirmed Sunderland are getting 21 E200's (hopefully like the E's Enviros and there seating layout) and Gas buses if they get the green fund?
(17 Mar 2013, 5:32 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Shame they not due till end of the year.
so it is confirmed Sunderland are getting 21 E200's (hopefully like the E's Enviros and there seating layout) and Gas buses if they get the green fund?
21 E200s yes, same seating layout as South Shields' examples deliveried in late 2011/early 2012. (The ones on the Es are E300s)
Thanks, The seating is good on the E's.
Wonder how many gas buses Sunderland will get IF they get the funding.
Did a quick sweep of the Wheatsheaf depot and couldn't spot a single double decker in there.
The only way there could have been is if it (or they) were in the pits. You can't see behind closed doors!
Nevertheless, there is one or more "new" vehicles in there apparently, and they are said to be 'in service' by next week - whoever they're for.
(17 Mar 2013, 5:46 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Thanks, The seating is good on the E's.
Wonder how many gas buses Sunderland will get IF they get the funding.
17 are on order, they should get them, as they have solid scheduled delivery dates.
Although coincidently seen Kuyoyo quote 19 on the Merseyside Dart forum. I can only count 17...(!)
(17 Mar 2013, 7:30 pm)mattdw92 wrote [ -> ] (17 Mar 2013, 5:46 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Thanks, The seating is good on the E's.
Wonder how many gas buses Sunderland will get IF they get the funding.
17 are on order, they should get them, as they have solid scheduled delivery dates.
Although coincidently seen Kuyoyo quote 19 on the Merseyside Dart forum. I can only count 17 on the order :L
That's me getting my numbers mixed up :L It's been a busy few weeks that made me a bit tired and confused.
Least theres 17 on order not just a few.
Will it be the same for the gas buses.. Delivered near end of the year, same as the E200?
(17 Mar 2013, 7:45 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Least theres 17 on order not just a few.
Will it be the same for the gas buses.. Delivered near end of the year, same as the E200?
As I understand, they're due mid-late November.
Still a while then...
can i ask how did u count 17?
(17 Mar 2013, 7:51 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Still a while then...
can i ask how did u count 17?
Yeah as late as mid-December for when the last one arrives. E200's are earlier though if that's any consolation!
Hmm... Its all about who you know I'm afraid
(17 Mar 2013, 7:44 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]That's me getting my numbers mixed up :L It's been a busy few weeks that made me a bit tired and confused.
No probs
Ah oh well, the ex south shields darts are rubbish.
I know a few driver's but don't really ask.
(17 Mar 2013, 5:29 pm)mattdw92 wrote [ -> ] (17 Mar 2013, 5:21 pm)idiot wrote [ -> ]Can't for the life of me remember bus that is was on, but the mega value writing and 2 circles had being took up... Presume it is for the annual increase.
I think all of Newcastle's buses have lost these now, including the "Mega Value". Waste of money and effort! Other Stagecoach regions have posted their fare revisions, haven't heard anything from the NE although its normally this time of year.
While out today, the only one I saw with remains of it was 22038 as seen in
this photograph.
Prices must be going up then... lol
All North East vehicles are having all the company branding or notices removed or replaced. To narrow it down to one type I will use an Enviro 400 as an example of what is being changed or removed.
Exteriour CCTV notice removed from next to the entrance door and applied to bottem left of the first window, mega value and bulls eye price spots removed from near-side window's with no replacement. CCTV notice removed from rear with no replacement. CCTV notice removed from offside of vehicle with no replacement.
Interiour small CCTV notice and ADL PDI notice removed from windscreen with no replacment. Welcome Aboard notice removed from cab door and replaced with Hello notice. No standing forward of this point plate removed. All CCTV notices removed with one applied to rear of stair pannel. All no smoking notices removed with one applied to rear of stair pannel and one applied to top centre of upper deck windscreen. Standard fare notice replaced with new style standard fare notice. All internal company pannel coving removed apart from UniRider advertising. Wheel chair and Buggy information notices replaced with new style notices.
They is a few more but I cant picture the list at the minute after a few shandy's.
Its basically a notice/information refresh with all notice information and position becoming uniform.
Number 1 branding has been removed from 19430, 19432 and 19439 this was done after body work modifications. The rest of the branded number 1 vehicles did not need as much work so the branding was saved as only a partial repaint was needed.
Thanks for info. I've noticed the new interior stickers, look quite smart
The Teesside fleet had all of the new notices for a while! Good to hear the overkill on CCTV notices is coming to an end... The new style notices are far better than the old crap, it's cringeworthy when I get on a Newcastle bus and see all of the old style.
Just overheard a driver telling a passenger. Sunderland Megarider is increasing to 12 pound from April 1st. If I heard correctly, he was telling another driver on the bus that Sunderlands 34*** series will be moving to Slatyford later in the year, displaced by the E200's I assume. I don't have access to the fleet cards on my phone and I can't remember if Sunderland even do have any 34***, but I'm just wondering if these are the MAN E200's. I just thought this was worth a mention, but remember that it was a driver talking so shouldn't be taken as gospel! ;p
(18 Mar 2013, 6:23 am)Brandon wrote [ -> ]Just overheard a driver telling a passenger. Sunderland Megarider is increasing to 12 pound from April 1st. If I heard correctly, he was telling another driver on the bus that Sunderlands 34*** series will be moving to Slatyford later in the year, displaced by the E200's I assume. I don't have access to the fleet cards on my phone and I can't remember if Sunderland even do have any 34***, but I'm just wondering if these are the MAN E200's. I just thought this was worth a mention, but remember that it was a driver talking so shouldn't be taken as gospel! ;p
They are the Dennis Dart SLF Alexander Pointer 2 bodied Dennis Dart SLFs that were originally with South Shields. These were displaced from South Shields following the arrival of the Enviro 300s.
34608-15.
Pity - I've always loved those Darts as you needn't worry about that blasted destination blind coming out! :L
MAN Enviros - 39xxx.
Thought it wouldn't be long before the megariders go up. (if they are going up).. can i ask is there is a mega-weekly pass so we can use it in both Sunderland & Newcastle for example.
I think only the Dayrider will let you travel in both operating areas unfortunately. I've often thought about doing the E1/E2/E6 Sunderland to Marsden - then X34 to Newcastle but never got round to doing it - bit of a long way round!
You have to be careful on the E's though because there's the choice of a South Shields Megarider or a Sunderland Megarider. I'm sure I heard somewhere before about a driver who couldn't refund a passenger in Sunderland who was mis-advertently sold a South Shields Megarider because she didn't check her ticket before she alighted.
Stagecoach usually out fares up on 1st April in the North East.
Explorers are going up too, Adult will be £9.30, Concession £8.30 and can't remember the Family price.
First of the ex-Hull Tridents is expected to arrive at Stockton this afternoon after Hull received the first of their ex-Manchester E400s.