North East Buses

(07 Aug 2015, 8:55 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]It left a couple of people pretty confused.

Back to what you mentioned about the Stagecoach bses in Sunderland, Jimmi, when we popped into the See It Do It bus in the park, we were given maps for both GNE and Stagecoach routes. There's a copy of the stagecoach one on their (awful) website, if it's any good to you.

Wish I'd known!

The issue is more the fact that most of the routes that the gas buses do all run round council estates so I can't say I'd be particularly confident about jumping off in a random council estate, I'd really have to hope to get one on the 4 to Doxford Park really.

I do like route maps as it helps me get a sort of vision and an idea of where the bus goes rather than just guessing or reading a list of streets then have to look on Google Maps.

Never really used the Stagecoach website but from what I remember it's not great.

(07 Aug 2015, 9:06 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Wish I'd known!

The issue is more the fact that most of the routes that the gas buses do all run round council estates so I can't say I'd be particularly confident about jumping off in a random council estate, I'd really have to hope to get one on the 4 to Doxford Park really.

I do like route maps as it helps me get a sort of vision and an idea of where the bus goes rather than just guessing or reading a list of streets then have to look on Google Maps.

Never really used the Stagecoach website but from what I remember it's not great.

I used to visit Dewhirst's for work clothes, then get the bus through Pennywell into town - many years ago! i definitely wouldn't have got off.

The X36 doesn't exactly travel through the choicest parts of Sunderland. Downhill is so aptly named. And Witherwack does not deserve its comedy name. Felling was almost lovely, in comparison.

Got to admit Sunderland is one place I've never visited much of... Know bits and pieces from spending my Saturday afternoons driving Olympians around though!

(07 Aug 2015, 9:06 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Wish I'd known!

The issue is more the fact that most of the routes that the gas buses do all run round council estates so I can't say I'd be particularly confident about jumping off in a random council estate, I'd really have to hope to get one on the 4 to Doxford Park really.

I do like route maps as it helps me get a sort of vision and an idea of where the bus goes rather than just guessing or reading a list of streets then have to look on Google Maps.

Never really used the Stagecoach website but from what I remember it's not great.

Think I am one of very few on the forum who has been brave enough to take Photos of the Gas Buses around those random and most certainly rough council estates, Pennywell being a good example, guess I am made of the tough stuff and just generally not that bothered about how rough a place maybe...unless of course it goes by the name of Hendon in which I fear for my life every time I pass through on the 10 to the Eye Infirmary.

(07 Aug 2015, 10:09 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Got to admit Sunderland is one place I've never visited much of... Know bits and pieces from spending my Saturday afternoons driving Olympians around though!

I have visited Sunderland on a regular basis for a few years now but it's only in around the last twelve months or so that I have been doing more routes in the Sunderland area, I didn't use to go any further north than Fawcett Street but more recently I've been riding the likes of the 9, Stagecoach E services and X36 whereas before I would only really get the 20/20A and Arriva's Peterlee - Sunderland services but I still don't really know what areas are called though.

(07 Aug 2015, 10:13 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Think I am one of very few on the forum who has been brave enough to take Photos of the Gas Buses around those random and most certainly rough council estates, Pennywell being a good example, guess I am made of the tough stuff and just generally not that bothered about how rough a place maybe...unless of course it goes by the name of Hendon in which I fear for my life every time I pass through on the 10 to the Eye Infirmary.

You probably have some idea where you are going through whereas I wouldn't have a clue. Not done random council estates in Sunderland but I have done one or two areas that haven't been the best.

(07 Aug 2015, 10:13 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Think I am one of very few on the forum who has been brave enough to take Photos of the Gas Buses around those random and most certainly rough council estates, Pennywell being a good example, guess I am made of the tough stuff and just generally not that bothered about how rough a place maybe...unless of course it goes by the name of Hendon in which I fear for my life every time I pass through on the 10 to the Eye Infirmary.

I love my village and it's rety peaceful compared to many with a similar history, but there's bits of it I won't hang around on a Friday afternoon when all the young men seem to be out to impress each other. I don't care about the cans of lager, but the fact that they all have motorised vehicles of some sort terrifies me.

My sister lives in one of the rougher parts of Hull and the tales we hear about her neighbours make me o_O. Some people just don't know how to live without being confrontational. They're the sort of people who unnerve me. I know plenty of people who are a bit rough around the edges and lack the "soft skills" that are so prized in certain circles and most are fine, warm funny people. It's the ones who want to pick an argument with someone for looking at them wrong or who carry one beef over into an interaction with another person. It's pretty intimidating, particularly once alcohol and drugs get mixed in.

I lived near Felling Metro, as a student. My street has recently been demolished for being a blight!

I've noticed some shudders at East Durham mining villages. They're mostly nowhere near as scary as they are run down. The weirdest thing about them is that you can walk around for ages and not see a soul (so many people who can get out drive everywhere, even if they can only afford a banger). When I moved here, everyone very quickly knoew my business before I did. One thing I've found is that people are generally very accepting. People are very kind to the boys, even when one of them is having a meltdown - people have driven out from their homes to offer us a lift home, even if I barely know them. The kids at the local school are lovely (some of that evaporates once they go to secondary) and the worst crime we've experienced here is someone nicking an empty plant pot and dumping it down the road. (for all that fondness, I still think Wheatley Hill is a dump!)

(07 Aug 2015, 10:13 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Think I am one of very few on the forum who has been brave enough to take Photos of the Gas Buses around those random and most certainly rough council estates, Pennywell being a good example, guess I am made of the tough stuff and just generally not that bothered about how rough a place maybe...unless of course it goes by the name of Hendon in which I fear for my life every time I pass through on the 10 to the Eye Infirmary.

I've lived in several areas in Sunderland over the years so I am quite well acquainted with the Stagecoach in Sunderland network as a whole.

It is for that reason that I was able to take photos of these vehicles around the routes myself - so you're certainly not the only one, and I know Gary M and Peter B have done so too.

If you want gas bus bashing try Royal Hospital to Southwick Green on 16 then get off walk round to BNM catch 3 or 13 up to Bunny Hill Centre and get the other one back. 3 buses for you to try and should be allocated gas buses to

(08 Aug 2015, 7:32 am)idiot wrote [ -> ]If you want gas bus bashing try Royal Hospital to Southwick Green on 16 then get off walk round to BNM catch 3 or 13 up to Bunny Hill Centre and get the other one back. 3 buses for you to try and should be allocated gas buses to

Could do that but the issue is I don't really know Sunderland that well and have no idea where any of these places are, although I could maybe figure it out on Google Maps.

(08 Aug 2015, 7:32 am)idiot wrote [ -> ]If you want gas bus bashing try Royal Hospital to Southwick Green on 16 then get off walk round to BNM catch 3 or 13 up to Bunny Hill Centre and get the other one back. 3 buses for you to try and should be allocated gas buses to

The 3 doesn't go to the bunnyhill centre, its a 5 minute walk from Hylton Castle to it.

(08 Aug 2015, 8:02 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Could do that but the issue is I don't really know Sunderland that well and have no idea where any of these places are, although I could maybe figure it out on Google Maps.

If you want to try Southwick Green you can catch the GNE 56 from Park Lane. It runs pretty frequently during the day. I normally get off at Southwick Green and then walk over the bridge to Pallion. Badger Minibus Hire is based on the South side of the bridge. They are well worth a look at. Jim Hughes used to be based by the North side of the bridge at Wear Street before they moved to Birtley.

I've never had any trouble in the former mining towns or villages. I was at West Cornforth the other week visiting Scarlet Band's garage. The people were pretty friendly and helpful.

Charles

(08 Aug 2015, 8:40 am)Michael wrote [ -> ]The 3 doesn't go to the bunnyhill centre, its a 5 minute walk from Hylton Castle to it.

My bad, sorry. Instead of getting off at Bunny Hill get off at Hytlon Castle. Get some photos of that to
lol while since I got bus up that way!

I've been to South Shields for New Connect The Dots buses then to Sunderland via my mate Ryan's uncle gave me a lift there on 20 bus pacer to Heworth and metro home

I wrote what happened on my outing but it's in the annoying and Incidents with general public threads so pointless posting it all again especially when some of the events meant I failed to note fleet numbers and I given you all two reviews this week already.

Heading to Shildon Rally tomorrow then Peterlee for the IndiGo Solo SR's on Monday. No idea after that.

Right... here's mine! Beware there's a fair bit of reading!

I was planning on going to the family prize bingo where my grandma lives if possible this evening which would mean I'd have to finish my trip early. To make up for lost time I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to park the car in Hexham all day; this means I don't have to double-back on myself going to the bingo afterwards. It also means I have more choices to get back, I'm not stuck with 85s.
Because I was driving to Hexham and had been on early shifts at work this week, I decided I'd get the first bus from Hexham which is the 0543. Anyway, I woke up at 0430, got ready and set out.

GNE 6082 0543 10 Hexham to Newcastle Eldon Square
It was a rather nippy morning although the views coming over to Hexham were stunning with the low-lying cloud in the valley! Walked up a dead town centre to the bus station, with a TEN branded B9TL overtaking me in the process. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to work out that the only vehicle to pass me would be the one I was getting over! Whilst I waited (and the driver went into the station building along with another GNE guy who turned up in a car) I put the data into my phone to save time and hassle later on.
I was incredibly surprised to see a taxi turn up and a man get out of it to board my bus too! Mustn't be as bad as me though.
The driver was one of the old-timers, used to work for Arriva here before GNE took over, was a regular on the coaches.
Sat at the back on the lower deck and popped my phone on charge whilst I sapped the Wifi to check Facebook etc.

I was actually rather amazed to see a whole heap of people board from the east side of Prudhoe onwards, and by the time we got to Newcastle the bus was rather busy.

TWM 4078 4082* 109 0702 Monument to Sunderland Park Lane
After alighting at Eldon Square, I was rather annoyed to see that hardly any buses were around or due, at 0700! Won't be doing that first bus again! Walked over to Monument to get the Metro somewhere. The original intention was Gateshead and see what was operating bus-wise out of there however I couldn't be bothered so I continued over to Sunderland Park Lane. These Metrocars had the new announcements on and the scrolling PIS displays worked fine. I notice these too have been condensed to give clearer information which I rather liked.
Got held at Pelaw for 2N00 (0612 Hexham - Middlesbrough) to pass but after that it was plain sailing over.

GNE 5305 35A 0755 Sunderland Park Lane to Houghton-le-Spring
One of the objectives for today was to get at least one of the Gold branded Mercs (in an ideal world, 5303 with the branding!). So, after getting a Breakfast Baguette from Greggs (nom) I waited at Stand L for the 35A. One turned up and a few folk alighted; I was the only one to board. I hadn't a clue where Low Moorsley was so I looked at the timetable and noticed it goes via Houghton so I opted to go there instead. Sat at the quadrant alongside the emergency exit and the bus was just right! Performance wise, heating, state of bus, all good.
The bus slowly filled up after that, mind you, there were only about 7 or 8 on when I got off. Seen the 'lovely' bottom end of Houghton before alighting and crossing the road where all of a sudden, three GNE vehicles turned up at once: 5299 on a 36, 3980 Not in Service and a Red Arrows X1 for Newcastle.

The obvious solution was to wait and see what the Vyking was doing; I watched the driver input his route into the Hannover and seen it was destied up for the 38 to Sunderland. I knew I was doubling back on myself but boarded anyway as I didn't quite fancy going on an X1.

GNE 3980 38 0830 Houghton-le-Spring to Tunstall Village Green
Boarded this fine beast and the driver switched the engine off and had a quick smoke outside before we set off with one other person who boarded and went upstairs. I was sat on the nearside rear wheel arch looking on my invaluable Bus Checker UK app and noticed this went to Tunstall Village, so I added up some times in my head. I'd then do a 2 (-1 min connection) or 2A (+9 min connection) to Washington Galleries as I'd not previously been on the Simplicity route before. I shook my head at an MPD which was going to pick me up, and shortly after a Versa turned up on a 2 to spin round for my 2A.

GNE 8324 2A 0903 Tunstall Village Green to Sunderland City Centre
After a fair wait here (some nice houses around though) 8324 turned up (winner!) and I sat at the back seats at the emergency exit. The windows were open and there was a great breeze flowing through the bus. Around 6 others were on the bus, this level pretty much stayed the same.
I noticed we were actually going through Sunderland City Centre (I wondered why it took 50 mins from Silksworth to Washington!) so I alighted with everyone else on the main road in Sunderland.

SNE 28039 3 0918 Sunderland City Centre to Farringdon, Antwerp Lane
I looked up the road and a gas bus E300 was sitting on a 3 to Farringdon. I've previously been on a gas E300 before and wasn't keen on it, but I thought I might as well to see if it might change my mind. Was actually a pretty good vehicle, even better I had Wifi! (After having to fill out that silly questionnaire twice!). I hadn't a clue where I was going so sat tight until I realised the bus went in a loop round a rather rough-looking housing estate. Rang the bell however I rang it too late so was overcarried, but I had a brisk walk in the sunlight back to the main road.

SNE 36081 5 0941 Farringdon, Allendale Road to Sunderland City Centre
Checked the bus times here and noticed three buses were due shortly. I went for the first one to turn up which was ADL E200 no. 36081. I rather liked this route, the bus was quite good for an E200 too. Read my Stephen Fry book in the meantime, and I was in Sunderland before I knew it!

GNE 5165 9 1019 Sunderland Park Lane to North Shields Interchange
Walked up from the main street again and checked Bus Checker to see what time the next North Shields-bound 9 was, as I wanted to do the Tyne Tunnel again but northbound this time. 10 minutes the next one was due, bob on! Was hoping for a President to drop on this however it was a sodding ex-Oxford Renown. I was still going ahead though; sat at the offside quadrant where there was initially a handful on but this soon busied up. Didn't realise how much of a boring journey it was to Jarrow either! The Tunnel bit was rather good although I couldn't really see much so nothing to comment there. Eventually made it to North Shields where I was planning to get a 310 back down so I could charge my phone. To my relief, a Clipper B9TL turned up right in front of my Volvo!

GNE 6114 310 1120 North Shields Interchange to Newcastle Haymarket
Boarded this vehicle with a rather chatty and happy driver where I sat upstairs, nearside about 7 seats down. I had to open all of the windows as it was that hot! Properly peaceful journey until around the top of Wallsend where this thick dole couple (the woman looked God-awful, gives me shudders thinking!) boarded and noisily made their way upstairs and sat at the back. Otherwise it was a good journey and we touched base in Haymarket Bus Station before long where I alighted (albeit rather late when everyone else started boarding for the outbound 309). Went over to Greggs and bought a delicious Steak Bake before waiting for the Q3.

GNE 8313 Q3 1214 Haymarket to St Peter's Basin to Monument, Market Street
I hadn't seen a new Quaylink-branded vehicle in the flesh before so it was quite a nice sight, really! Sat at the back next to the emergency exit again and followed the usual route. Do love the NSAs and the screen (although couldn't read it properly from the rear seats). I must say, I think the 'real' Newcastle is down at the Quayside. Absolutely love it around here. Passed Byker Waste centre which was the main location in the recent BBC documentary series, Wastemen. Quite interesting to see it in the flesh rather than the telly!
Got to St Peter's Basin (pretty nice housing estate, a man in a suit ran to the bus and boarded before checking his Facebook and messaging a few people) where we sat for a few minutes before we were off again. I then suddenly realised there was a test train/NMT due through soon and I wished I hadn't ballsed up the times for me to go and get it.

TWM 4047 4019* 108 1251 Monument to Gateshead Stadium
I bailed at Monument where I entered Monument Metro station and got the first train (the 'Next train at' announcement played as soon as I was off the escalator!) south. I was originally planning on going to Felling, however I checked the progress on the NMT and it was 11 early through Brockley Whins. This made me panic so I alighted at Gateshead Stadium instead in hope of getting a better shot with the train passing at a slower speed for the 20mph restriction at Park Lane, Gateshead.

The sun came out at the right time and I wasn't bowled by the next South Shields Metro and I got a rather nice shot! (Shameless plug - https://flic.kr/p/x8cBwa).


TWM 4060 4036* 135 1305 Gateshead Stadium to South Gosforth
I then packed my camera away and awaited the next Metro back north which was due in 3 minutes. I then thought I might as well do the 900 from South Gosforth to Newcastle Airport due to the modernisation works (thanks Marcus for the initial heads-up of what was working them!). At South Jesmond I alighted but had no idea what the rear Metrocar number was as there wasn't one on the front side exterior nor interior. Was 4036 anyway; I then ran up to the bus stop to catch one of the 900s with seconds to spare.

ANE 7490 900 1322 South Gosforth to Newcastle Airport
One of the Metro CSAs held the bus for me as I ran towards it; I then thought it wasn't the best idea as it was full and standing. Not to worry, soon got on our way and we were soon at Regent Centre. I had to alight myself to let others off before boarding again (the driver re-asking for my ticket too(!)). The bus slowly emptied until we got to Kingston Park where we followed a JR Travel Gold Plaxton President which occupied our stop. We spun round and alighted at the X47 stand where this man and his wife came up to the driver (I was standing right next to the driver) and said he was breaking the law as he shouldn't have let another buggy on and the two Metro inspectors were stood apparently blocking his line of vision [they weren't]. He then said he worked for Stagecoach and an official report is going in. I did bite my lip at this point and it's a good job I did!

Then entered into some light conversation with the driver afterwards. I won't post on here what he said (nothing bad, just to protect his identity) but going from this I don't think anything will happen to him

Eventually got to the Airport where I hopped off and went for a stroll around. There was nothing really, had a bit walk around the terminal and went for a quick loo break but before long I was back out waiting for the next bus which eventually turned up a good 20 minutes late.

ANE 7488 900 1407 (+22) Newcastle Airport to Kingston Park
Another Volvo B7TL it was (both 7490 and 7488 didn't sound good, the engine kept 'pulsing' its revs and both were slightly rattly although I realise they're now 13 years old) and I waited in an ever-growing queue with folk pushing in. There was an Australian woman and her daughter (phoar she was nice!) and about 3-4 pushchairs, various other dregs of society and a lady with a guide dog who had an 'in training' lead on. I let this lady on in front of me and she, another passenger and I engaged in conversation. She was saying how another dog she trained up qualified and that it was a bit of a mistake going to the airport today because of the rail replacement buses. Her dog was a labradoodle too, she was saying how great they are and how popular they're becoming as guide dogs too. The dog even rested its head on my ankle however I had to leave at Kingston Park.

SNE 22409 X47 1440 Kingston Park to Newcastle, New Bridge Street
Ran across the road to see an ALX300 arriving into the stand, another well-timed trip! Sat right at the front of this and noticed how young children aren't allowed to occupy the front seat(s) any more. This can only be a good thing although I can see these notices going up after a previous incident...
This bus was a cracker, liked its kickdowns and remained rather lightly loaded. Cracking run down the A167, we were following an X78 into Newcastle too before it turned off the road.

GNE 6130 X31 1515 Newcastle Eldon Square to Stanley Bus Station
After arriving at Newcastle once again I decided what to do. I walked over to Eldon Square and waited 10 minutes for an Omnidekka. In this time I nipped to Poundland (very conveniently placed!) and got a bag of nutritious Yorkie mansize buttons and a couple of bottles of water. Also seen a red Omnicity on the 43, that would've tempted me to bash it!
Boarded the Omnidekka (thankfully not 6127) and sat the nearside quadrant (before re-familiarising myself with how much legroom is on the very rear seats...!!!!). The bus was around half-full although the rear suspension was absolutely awful. Doing 20 ish mph in Newcastle city centre was sending me flying, no joke!
At speed though it was fine, and made the banks up to Sunniside with ease. Soon we were at Stanley where I would have to alight.

GNE 6125 X31 1557 Stanley Bus Station to Gateshead Interchange
Obviously not wanting to spend longer than necessary at this bombsite, I walked across the bus station to see another Omnidekka awaiting departure on an X31 back to Newcastle. I boarded this one and sat in the exact same seat. This bus was a bit quieter but got busier around Lobley Hill area. I was wanting to go to Newcastle on this however I didn't after I noticed pretty much everyone else leaving so I did too.

TWM 4032 4027* 110 1635 Gateshead to Haymarket
Got the Metro over the Tyne and ended up in Haymarket where I'd see if anything of interest was lying around; alas it wasn't. I went to Eldon Square again and waited. Good things come to those who wait, surely...?

GNE 99993 X21 1710 Newcastle Eldon Square to Gateshead Interchange
By sheer luck this landed on the next X21 out of here. It was a necessity to bash really, even if it was only to Gateshead! To be honest, I couldn't see any difference whatsoever to a Volvo B9TL although it didn't sound as good. Should get one at higher speeds next time as today I was tied for time.

GNE 5394 X66 1723 Gateshead Interchange to Metrocentre
After alighting at Gateshead I walked around and noticed 5380 on the Q1 as well as 5332 on the Blaydon Racers. Waited for the next X66 to transport me to Metrocentre so I could attempt the 'Lemington Leap' once again to get back, although this time I hadn't a clue if I would make it or not! Luckily there was a Dart in the layover blinded up for the 7 so this was mine.

SNE 35189 7 1742 Metrocentre to Lemington Road Ends
I, however, had seemed to have boarded the inbreed express as the amount of idiots with stupid screaming kids was unbelievable! I was contemplating murdering one of the little brats but thankfully didn't. Just about managed to survive to Lemington (as did everyone else) where I alighted and walked across the road to the slip road bus stop where 5 chavs were standing.

ANE 4664 85 1758 Lemington Road Ends to Hexham
Finally, running 4 minutes late (after checking on the live map), the best of what's left, 4664, turned up with one of the city drivers in charge to Carlisle. This was a good journey, I sat near to the front on the offside (only seats available) and thought how lucky I was to not be on a bus with as bad a suspension as 6125 earlier.


I alighted at Hexham Hospital and walked down to the car before going to Tesco to get some money out and I then drove to my grandma's where we went to the social club for the bingo. Quite a productive night; I won a large storage box, various colour/size cooking bowls and a folding dish drying rack!

Thanks for reading. Until next time, cheerio!

Sean.

Had a go on my first GNE Omnidekka. It was just a short trip, but I quite enjoyed it.

It was blatantly obvious that the engine had plenty of power and seemed pretty solid too, lacking the rattles, shakes and vibrations we see on younger vehicles.

The seats were comfy, although the one I had downstairs wasn't exactly generous in its leg room.
The layout of the downstairs saloon was interesting. Glad to see Tyneside Glass windows making a return home, although it looked like the frames had some ingress in the not too distant past, with evidence of rust to the frames/sills.

Their was a family, who may fit into the category others find (and describe) as 'rough'. I can only assume that these people were 'rough', but according to other reviews of Stanley - Newcastle services, the buses seemingly teem with the 'rough' families.
This family had 3 kids (one in a pushchair) and a mother sporting a bean can fringe, tattoos and a habit of picking her nose and spots.
I am not usually in the habit of categorising people or putting labels based on perceived observations, but if someone (or the Daily Mail) can clarify what a rough family is - it would be appreciated.

The journey was canny, hit a lot of traffic - but I enjoyed it!
It was interesting to compare to the only other Omnidecker I had been on, which was a Thames Travel example earlier in the year.

(12 Aug 2015, 3:36 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]if someone (or the Daily Mail) can clarify what a rough family is - it would be appreciated.

Family with more kids than parents have teeth, kids carrying assortment of chocolate bars and greggs sausage rolls, baby of the family with red bull in a bottle and any girl over 6 in full make up and bling. Unable to converse in anything quieter than a shout.

This is a combination of all the sorts of characteristics that put big'un on edge, with a few made up for good measure.

Only two journeys in my review today, but seeing as though I haven't done one in a while, I thought I'd do a short one...


10.08 X14 Morpeth Bus Station to Newcastle Haymarket ANE 1792
After asking last night which X14 was the MPD operated trip, circumstances meant that I had no option but to suffer this to Newcastle (even more gutting was the fact I missed the 9.53 X15 by seconds, operated by 7514), I sat at the back, and regretted it almost instantly. Every time the driver accelerated it sounded like it was going to blow up, it was making an unbelievably loud noise, even just driving out of Morpeth. The free WiFi was a blessing, it made the journey slightly more tolerable. General ride comfort was okay, although I was shook half to death every time we went over a slight bump in the road. We arrived in Newcastle 2 minutes early, where 7514 was only just leaving on the X15, it seems that this run was one of few 'on time' Morpeth express runs from then on, thanks to the A1, and various other factors. I must say, the sooner the MPD runs are re-numbered 'X16' the better, 1792 was packed, I heard a few people saying later on that they were going to avoid the X14 as it was always "one of the small buses, and you can never get a seat", not a great image, especially for a supposed MAX service, they didn't really think that one through did they? I really can't see these MPD's lasting too much longer, they all sound like they're going to give up, even when trundling around a town, never mind flat out on the A1. 

A good few hours in Newcastle followed, before I returned to the Haymarket, waiting to be told whether to go to Bedlington or Morpeth

13.04 X22 Newcastle Haymarket to Bedlington Red Lion ANE 7524
The text arrived,I was to head to Bedlington to meet with my friends, as walked into Haymarket, I saw people running into the X21/22 stand, however as I was carrying a few things, and didn't really fancy running in public, I continued walking at a fairly rapid pace, I got to the stand just as 7525's doors were closing, and it headed off to Newbiggin on the 12.54 X21. I sat down, thinking I'd be waiting a good five minutes before my X22 turned up, however only a few minutes later, the headlights of my X22 shone through the windows of the vehicle in the adjacent stand. I was very happy 7524 turned up actually, as by this point my phone was down to 6% battery, and I know that the plugs on 7524 work very well. I boarded, sat at the front of upstairs (amazing leg room!), and sat back. As we got to Regent Centre, we caught up with an X10/11 duo, both hideously late, and thanks to a diversion through Wide Open/Seaton Burn, we were stuck behind the Gemini's to the Seaton Burn roundabout, how slow can they be, no wonder one was 18 minutes late! I'd take my E400 any day over one of those heaps! After we got way from the Blyth 'expresses', we thundered along the road to Northumberlandia, where we got stuck behind two lorries, meaning that we arrived in Bedlington a minute or two late. The contrast between this journey and the one on 1792 was unbelievable, 7524 seemed very capable, smooth and powerful, with the added bonus of comfortable seating and sockets, while 1792 seemed to be constantly straining, in pain almost I walked down the stairs, off the bus and watched as 7524 powered down Bedlington Front Street towards its destination of Ashington. 

 
Thank you for reading, I appreciate it was only two journeys, but at nearly 12PM(12AM?), the night before results day, I'm doing anything I can to avoid sleeping... Cheers

(12 Aug 2015, 3:50 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]Family with more kids than parents have teeth, kids carrying assortment of chocolate bars and greggs sausage rolls, baby of the family with red bull in a bottle and any girl over 6 in full make up and bling. Unable to converse in anything quieter than a shout.

This is a combination of all the sorts of characteristics that put big'un on edge, with a few made up for good measure.

In which case, this family weren't rough.
The kids were well behaved and the mam had a full set of teeth.
No food in sight!

(12 Aug 2015, 11:05 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]Only two journeys in my review today, but seeing as though I haven't done one in a while, I thought I'd do a short one...


10.08 X14 Morpeth Bus Station to Newcastle Haymarket ANE 1792
After asking last night which X14 was the MPD operated trip, circumstances meant that I had no option but to suffer this to Newcastle (even more gutting was the fact I missed the 9.53 X15 by seconds, operated by 7514), I sat at the back, and regretted it almost instantly. Every time the driver accelerated it sounded like it was going to blow up, it was making an unbelievably loud noise, even just driving out of Morpeth. The free WiFi was a blessing, it made the journey slightly more tolerable. General ride comfort was okay, although I was shook half to death every time we went over a slight bump in the road. We arrived in Newcastle 2 minutes early, where 7514 was only just leaving on the X15, it seems that this run was one of few 'on time' Morpeth express runs from then on, thanks to the A1, and various other factors. I must say, the sooner the MPD runs are re-numbered 'X16' the better, 1792 was packed, I heard a few people saying later on that they were going to avoid the X14 as it was always "one of the small buses, and you can never get a seat", not a great image, especially for a supposed MAX service, they didn't really think that one through did they? I really can't see these MPD's lasting too much longer, they all sound like they're going to give up, even when trundling around a town, never mind flat out on the A1. 

A good few hours in Newcastle followed, before I returned to the Haymarket, waiting to be told whether to go to Bedlington or Morpeth

13.04 X22 Newcastle Haymarket to Bedlington Red Lion ANE 7524
The text arrived,I was to head to Bedlington to meet with my friends, as walked into Haymarket, I saw people running into the X21/22 stand, however as I was carrying a few things, and didn't really fancy running in public, I continued walking at a fairly rapid pace, I got to the stand just as 7525's doors were closing, and it headed off to Newbiggin on the 12.54 X21. I sat down, thinking I'd be waiting a good five minutes before my X22 turned up, however only a few minutes later, the headlights of my X22 shone through the windows of the vehicle in the adjacent stand. I was very happy 7524 turned up actually, as by this point my phone was down to 6% battery, and I know that the plugs on 7524 work very well. I boarded, sat at the front of upstairs (amazing leg room!), and sat back. As we got to Regent Centre, we caught up with an X10/11 duo, both hideously late, and thanks to a diversion through Wide Open/Seaton Burn, we were stuck behind the Gemini's to the Seaton Burn roundabout, how slow can they be, no wonder one was 18 minutes late! I'd take my E400 any day over one of those heaps! After we got way from the Blyth 'expresses', we thundered along the road to Northumberlandia, where we got stuck behind two lorries, meaning that we arrived in Bedlington a minute or two late. The contrast between this journey and the one on 1792 was unbelievable, 7524 seemed very capable, smooth and powerful, with the added bonus of comfortable seating and sockets, while 1792 seemed to be constantly straining, in pain almost I walked down the stairs, off the bus and watched as 7524 powered down Bedlington Front Street towards its destination of Ashington. 

 
Thank you for reading, I appreciate it was only two journeys, but at nearly 12PM(12AM?), the night before results day, I'm doing anything I can to avoid sleeping... Cheers

I've heard rumours about new Solos to replace the MPDs but they need bigger buses on the X16!!!!!! 
Great review!

PS: 12pm is midday, 12am is midnight.

(13 Aug 2015, 5:12 pm)GX03 SVC wrote [ -> ]I've heard rumours about new Solos to replace the MPDs but they need bigger buses on the X16!!!!!! 
Great review!

PS: 12pm is midday, 12am is midnight.

I'd love to see Solo's, as I've never been on one before, however, would they be powerful enough (long term especially), and as you say capacity is a serious issue...

Cheers, for 12pm it wasn't as bad, reading back, as I thought it would be  (should have checked before I posted, or just used 'midnight')

(13 Aug 2015, 5:12 pm)GX03 SVC wrote [ -> ]I've heard rumours about new Solos to replace the MPDs but they need bigger buses on the X16!!!!!! 
Great review!

PS: 12pm is midday, 12am is midnight.

I'd say Enviro 200s would be more likely given that other Arriva divisions have gotten them instead of Solos.

Seem as I can't get on the laptop right now I can't upload the photos to Flickr, so in the meantime here is my review for today.

0932 7 Newton Aycliffe - Ferryhill (ANE 1523)
I know lame this is going to sound lame especially as I'm now 21 but for this journey I was joined by my dad who was heading to work. Switched off for this journey, didn't even connect to the WiFi until we reached Chilton. Pretty standard uneventful journey really.

0954 56 Ferryhill - Bishop Auckland (ANE 7456)
With extra buses being required at Belmont due to the Millburngate Bridge roadworks some of the allocations have temporarily changed, the 56 has seen double deckers appear recently and they often seem to be on the journey that leaves Ferryhill at 0954 so I'd thought I'd take a chance and see what turned up, thankfully 7456 was what turned up. Was quite a nice journey was pretty quiet sitting upstairs and there was only me with a mother and child plus one more passenger boarding in Coundon. One downside to double deckers on this section of the 56 is the trees striking the bus.

1022 6 Bishop Auckland - Spennymoor (ANE 1468)
Pretty average journey really, not the best it has to be said, it just sounded a little rough and not very fast, don't know what Belmont are doing to these Pulsar's, even Darlington's 09 reg examples sound better. Decided to jump off at Spennymoor as I wasn't really enjoying this journey too much.

1048 X21 Spennymoor - Durham (GNE 6038)
Wish I stayed on ANE 1468, there was water leaking from the roof which meant it was dropping down onto the seats and passengers and it felt rather damp and cold to. There was also a gap between two of the lights which is not good when you have water dripping down from the roof. Also half the panels on this bus upstairs were different shades of gray. I think it's **** poor that a bus is going around in this state and I am thinking of complaining to GNE as I was not impressed with this which is what saw me abandon ship at Durham (that and I spied 7618 on the 46 and I wanted a photo). See photos of 6038 in the GNE Latest thread.

1116 21 Durham - Chester-le-Street (GNE 6063)
Mercifully much better than 6038 although in typical fashion on the 21 the WiFi wasn't working and the announcements were barely audible, didn't even notice that it was even audible until I took my headphones out and made an effort to listen out for them. Decided to alight in Chester-le-Street in the hope of catching the X25.

1210 X25 Chester-le-Street - Newcastle (GNE 3879)
I caught the X25. Was quite pleased to get a Lolyne on this journey as I haven't been on one in a while and it meant I got to sit upstairs and I got the front seat which meant I got to see the views. Think the X25 is quite a nice route on this section, I am yet to do the Langley Park - Chester-le-Street section but I may do so one day. When we got to Wrekenton I spotted Davie walking past.

1330 X20 Newcastle - Ashington (ANE 7492)
Stupid me, for some reason I thought the X20 left at 1315 for some reason but it actually leaves at 1330, well at least it should do although this journey left a few minutes late. Quite a nice bus inside, the seats were pretty comfortable. Pretty quiet journey, must have been no more than 20 passengers on this journey. Fortunately the few minutes delay was made up and we arrived pretty much on-time.

1443 X20 Ashington - Newcastle (ANE 7491)
After getting a few photos including the Phoenix double decker on the 30 and a quick trip to ASDA to keep out of the rain for a bit and kill a few minutes I made my way for the X20 back to Newcastle. Was kind of hoping for an ALX400 as something different but sadly I got 7491, oh well! I was the only passenger to board in Ashington Bus Station and was the only passenger upstairs until we got further round the route. Was pretty quiet journey again.

1635 X21 Newcastle - Durham (GNE 9119)
Thought I'd get this back to Durham so I could sample it again. Still don't think much of it, seemed pretty slow as we were heading out of Low Fell and past the Angel, think the performance is pretty similar to the Presidents currently used on the service but at least this is nicer inside than most Presidents *cough* 6038 *cough* excuse me! I ended up getting papped as it was leaving Eldon Square although I was sat on the opposite side so it's unlikely you'll see me in that photo.

1732 7 Durham - Newton Aycliffe (ANE 1522)
Ending the day on Sapphire. Pretty standard uneventful journey home with me making use of the free WiFi on offer and zoning out and relaxed on the journey home.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to get the photos on Flickr tonight although I am unable to gain access to the laptop right now so the photos may not be up until tomorrow. Sorry about that!

Jimmi

Anyone heading north to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum tomorrow? I know many of you have mentioned that you were considering going - but not sure how many actually are?

(14 Aug 2015, 7:50 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Anyone heading north to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum tomorrow? I know many of you have mentioned that you were considering going - but not sure how many actually are?

Nah, especially as this is pretty much the first I've heard of it.

I think I'm going to be having a quiet weekend at home this weekend and maybe a quiet week with a short trip to Barnard Castle on Wednesday then possibly either Dalesbus or Moorsbus next Sunday (August 23rd).

---

Anyway, the photos from today's outing are now on my Flickr.

(14 Aug 2015, 6:49 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]1635 X21 Newcastle - Durham (GNE 9119)
Thought I'd get this back to Durham so I could sample it again. Still don't think much of it, seemed pretty slow as we were heading out of Low Fell and past the Angel, think the performance is pretty similar to the Presidents currently used on the service but at least this is nicer inside than most Presidents *cough* 6038 *cough* excuse me! I ended up getting papped as it was leaving Eldon Square although I was sat on the opposite side so it's unlikely you'll see me in that photo.

Did sit at the front seats upstairs, would of caught you if you did.

(14 Aug 2015, 8:24 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Did sit at the front seats upstairs, would of caught you if you did.

I was stood outside by the drop off stand until it arrived in Eldon Square, then I joined the queue. I was sat upstairs behind the staircase.

Did think it was you.

(14 Aug 2015, 8:27 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]I was stood outside by the drop off stand until it arrived in Eldon Square, then I joined the queue. I was sat upstairs behind the staircase.

Did think it was you.

Yeah it was me, seen it on stand as I came into Eldon Square so I darted up the top to get a Photo, I have yet to have a ride on 9119 as I have barely been out in recent weeks.

(15 Aug 2015, 10:47 pm)Adam wrote [ -> ]It’s another Saturday, time for another flurry of reviews. Whilst writing this, I’m drinking Jack Daniel’s whisky, so if my review does get a little difficult to comprehend later on, then blame the drink.

I can tell as your review says the 20A took an hour longer than it should have done to get to Sunderland and it says the 8 didn't leave Sunderland until 1308 when scheduled to depart at 1153.

Good review anyway [emoji2]