(22 Feb 2026, 10:16 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]To be fair, perhaps they do! But it's disappointing expecting a GCT service just for it go back to Stagecoach. More importantly, it's not good value for taxpayers with the higher cost of paying Stagecoach to run it compared to GCT.
Especially ridiculous 2 years running.
Strange there was already rumour of Stagecoach getting EVs for the 32/32A, so it was predicted they would keep it and presumably expected it would be awarded to GCT and given back. At least positive to see GCT have retained the 35 which has largely been operated well this year by GCT.
To be honest, bus services are a good and valid use of tax payers money so I don't think anyone would be really bothered about it as long as the service is reliable, which the 32 usually is under Stagecoach. GCT have a habit of going the wrong way randomly at times and just improvising. A few year back when the 19 route changed quite significantly in the Shields area, we pulled up to the Ferry and the driver asked passengers if they knew the new route 'cause he hadn't been shown it despite asking the depot. They just give him spoken directions which is very easy to forget if you're a visual learner. And luck was on the drivers side that day too because I was the only person who knew the new route.
(23 Feb 2026, 6:09 pm)SN69 ZRC wrote [ -> ]To be honest, bus services are a good and valid use of tax payers money so I don't think anyone would be really bothered about it as long as the service is reliable, which the 32 usually is under Stagecoach. GCT have a habit of going the wrong way randomly at times and just improvising. A few year back when the 19 route changed quite significantly in the Shields area, we pulled up to the Ferry and the driver asked passengers if they knew the new route 'cause he hadn't been shown it despite asking the depot. They just give him spoken directions which is very easy to forget if you're a visual learner. And luck was on the drivers side that day too because I was the only person who knew the new route.
That sounds very neurotypical for GCT...
(23 Feb 2026, 4:09 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]I know it's probably not right in some ways but personally wouldn't be surprised if Hartlepool came an outstation of Stockton at some point with a full fleet of electrics.
Would solve out all the issues with the buses not being able to be maintained at Hartlepool.
It's not like they're a million miles away from each other.
Similar discussion with South Shields and Wheatsheaf
And apparently the Depot Manager of Stockton already oversees Hartlepool
(23 Feb 2026, 4:09 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]I know it's probably not right in some ways but personally wouldn't be surprised if Hartlepool came an outstation of Stockton at some point with a full fleet of electrics.
Would solve out all the issues with the buses not being able to be maintained at Hartlepool.
It's not like they're a million miles away from each other.
Similar discussion with South Shields and Wheatsheaf
Cannot see it happening with Shields and Sunderland
They attempted it a few years back when the
E1, E2, E6, 30, X20 and X34 all got transferred to Sunderland along with half the depot and 30, X20 and X34 all got transferred back
If franchising went ahead I can see the likes of the 24, 25 and 26 becoming part of same group of Shields franchises as the Stagecoach routes and if that happens this would mean expansion. But on the other hand remember that depot is ancient now. I know the public transport started in 1883, was that when the depot opened also, it's still got the tramlines inside so possibly. That would make it 143 year old ......REALLY!!!!!
(22 Feb 2026, 10:16 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]To be fair, perhaps they do! But it's disappointing expecting a GCT service just for it go back to Stagecoach. More importantly, it's not good value for taxpayers with the higher cost of paying Stagecoach to run it compared to GCT.
Especially ridiculous 2 years running.
Strange there was already rumour of Stagecoach getting EVs for the 32/32A, so it was predicted they would keep it and presumably expected it would be awarded to GCT and given back. At least positive to see GCT have retained the 35 which has largely been operated well this year by GCT.
You were upset about Northstar losing the 599 to GCT, but now seem bothered about GCT not winning the 32/32A? . GCT were much cheaper than Northstar, but now you question SNE’s higher costs than GCT. The best option IMO is that the no services ever go to the cowboys of Gateshead.
(23 Feb 2026, 6:52 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]And apparently the Depot Manager of Stockton already oversees Hartlepool
Didn't know that makes even more potentially likely then.
(23 Feb 2026, 7:35 pm)LVK 404L wrote [ -> ]Cannot see it happening with Shields and Sunderland
They attempted it a few years back when the
E1, E2, E6, 30, X20 and X34 all got transferred to Sunderland along with half the depot and 30, X20 and X34 all got transferred back
If franchising went ahead I can see the likes of the 24, 25 and 26 becoming part of same group of Shields franchises as the Stagecoach routes and if that happens this would mean expansion. But on the other hand remember that depot is ancient now. I know the public transport started in 1883, was that when the depot opened also, it's still got the tramlines inside so possibly. That would make it 143 year old ......REALLY!!!!!
That was a merger last time wasn't it rather than an outstation?
Must admit I haven't looked into how EV buses work but I know with EV cars there's very few moving parts so there's no changing the oil, fuel filters and all that sort of stuff.
Just not sure they'll actually need the engineering there bar basic stuff like changing a tyre.
If they're similar to cars, there's just nothing to really do unless it has severe issues. It's one of the pros of EV vehicles.
Wouldn't be surprised to see the same with others either with one major place dealing with all the big issues then everywhere else being down to the bare minimum. Any £££ they'll jump at it.
(21 Feb 2026, 8:34 pm)Busesinnewcastle wrote [ -> ]They were knackered within the first few months of having them. Drivers up here just abuse them
19673 is now at Slatyford
And 10639 to walkergate
10642 back at Slatyford and 10639 not out from walkergate. Supprised Slatyford have not had to borrow a walkergate bus considering all there’s off the road. 26072 was pulled from the 685 and replaced with 10643 that’s 5 days in a row a bus have broke down on that route
(23 Feb 2026, 8:48 pm)Economic505 wrote [ -> ]You were upset about Northstar losing the 599 to GCT, but now seem bothered about GCT not winning the 32/32A? . GCT were much cheaper than Northstar, but now you question SNE’s higher costs than GCT. The best option IMO is that the no services ever go to the cowboys of Gateshead.
They are two completely different situations.
GCT was only marginally cheaper than Northstar for the 599 tender, as Northstar have operated it for longer than 12 months. Stagecoach lost the 32/32A to GCT last year and this year, but have ended up with it back, which costs more (I'm not sure how much difference between the bids in either case).
I think Northstar losing the 599 to GCT will probably result in a decline in passenger numbers as some customers intentionally choose the Northstar service over the alternatives. Very likely the same result with the 32/32A if GCT had taken on those services, as Stagecoach tickets wouldn't be valid on them. My point was that for two consecutive years GCT have won the contract to operate the 32/32A, and still don't have the drivers or buses at the second opportunity. Particularly strange there was already talk of Stagecoach putting EVs on the 32/32A before the Nexus tenders went out, suggesting it was likely a foregone conclusion they were keeping it.
(23 Feb 2026, 9:02 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Didn't know that makes even more potentially likely then.
That was a merger last time wasn't it rather than an outstation?
Must admit I haven't looked into how EV buses work but I know with EV cars there's very few moving parts so there's no changing the oil, fuel filters and all that sort of stuff.
Just not sure they'll actually need the engineering there bar basic stuff like changing a tyre.
If they're similar to cars, there's just nothing to really do unless it has severe issues. It's one of the pros of EV vehicles.
Wouldn't be surprised to see the same with others either with one major place dealing with all the big issues then everywhere else being down to the bare minimum. Any £££ they'll jump at it.
The EV buses do require coolant like a diesel bus, guessing to help cool the battery’s so they do need that topped up only engineers trained on the EV’s can do that same with unplugging them from charge (at least at Slatyford). Apart from that the EV’s are lot better. I wonder when all depots go fully electric what will happen to engineers, there’ll be no need for them at least on a scale of how they’re used now.
(23 Feb 2026, 7:35 pm)LVK 404L wrote [ -> ]Cannot see it happening with Shields and Sunderland
They attempted it a few years back when the
E1, E2, E6, 30, X20 and X34 all got transferred to Sunderland along with half the depot and 30, X20 and X34 all got transferred back
If franchising went ahead I can see the likes of the 24, 25 and 26 becoming part of same group of Shields franchises as the Stagecoach routes and if that happens this would mean expansion. But on the other hand remember that depot is ancient now. I know the public transport started in 1883, was that when the depot opened also, it's still got the tramlines inside so possibly. That would make it 143 year old ......REALLY!!!!!
How would routes be grouped together if we do get franchising in the future? All of the routes into South Shields would be grouped together and operated by South Shields depot? So the 27 would leave Riverside and be grouped with the 24, 25, 26 and Stagecoach routes? What about the 50? Just interested how it will all move around. I thought everything stayed at the current depot and operators bid for them which gives them an operating area. Operators will bid for groups of routes and they will be moved into the nearest depot?
Presumably that means whoever gets Riverside will operate all of the Metrocentre routes? Be a huge change if that was Arriva! Except the 6/7 being operated by Slatyford and Northstar operating the X22 and X43, which presumably would still be ran by a different company than all of the Riverside services? 3 operators would still operate Metrocentre services, for example?
(23 Feb 2026, 9:58 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]How would routes be grouped together if we do get franchising in the future? All of the routes into South Shields would be grouped together and operated by South Shields depot? So the 27 would leave Riverside and be grouped with the 24, 25, 26 and Stagecoach routes? What about the 50? Just interested how it will all move around. I thought everything stayed at the current depot and operators bid for them which gives them an operating area. Operators will bid for groups of routes and they will be moved into the nearest depot?
Presumably that means whoever gets Riverside will operate all of the Metrocentre routes? Be a huge change if that was Arriva! Except the 6/7 being operated by Slatyford and Northstar operating the X22 and X43, which presumably would still be ran by a different company than all of the Riverside services? 3 operators would still operate Metrocentre services, for example?
Probs not for this thread but it's all purely speculation so I wouldn't even bother to try and overthink which would routes would be operated from where and by whom. In the NE due to the amount of cross-over between depots and patches it would be quite complex, or not if they just kept all the depots the same, though you would argue there'd be lots of inefficiencies with that. The 50 for example could technically be operated from a depot in Durham, Washington, South Shields or Sunderland or a new depot altogether. Nobody knows how it would work. Having said all that if franchising did ever happen here wouldn't hold your breath on Arriva winning big given their lack of success elsewhere!
(23 Feb 2026, 10:15 pm)peter wrote [ -> ]Probs not for this thread but it's all purely speculation so I wouldn't even bother to try and overthink which would routes would be operated from where and by whom. In the NE due to the amount of cross-over between depots and patches it would be quite complex, or not if they just kept all the depots the same, though you would argue there'd be lots of inefficiencies with that. The 50 for example could technically be operated from a depot in Durham, Washington, South Shields or Sunderland or a new depot altogether. Nobody knows how it would work. Having said all that if franchising did ever happen here wouldn't hold your breath on Arriva winning big given their lack of success elsewhere!
No, I'm actually curious if Arriva will disappear completely if franchising comes in. That was just an example as they've only ran a handful of Metrocentre services over the years and could suddenly run all of them bar the 6/7 and X22/X43 if they got Riverside. Currently, Arriva has GNR/Gosforth up to Ashington/Blyth/Cramlington and the 306/308 along the Coast Road to Marden/Tynemouth/North Shields/Whitley Bay/Blyth. Easy to wipe out. Dare I go into who gets the Coast Road?!...
Apologies if this is the wrong thread, just interested how it works. Looks complex to me! Gosforth is mainly Arriva, but has 4 operators currently. Whoever gets Ashington/Blyth will presumably get all of the Gosforth/South Gosforth/High Heaton stuff?
(23 Feb 2026, 9:50 pm)ReDemPTiion wrote [ -> ]The EV buses do require coolant like a diesel bus, guessing to help cool the battery’s so they do need that topped up only engineers trained on the EV’s can do that same with unplugging them from charge (at least at Slatyford). Apart from that the EV’s are lot better. I wonder when all depots go fully electric what will happen to engineers, there’ll be no need for them at least on a scale of how they’re used now.
Yeah that's fair had a feeling there might have been something slightly different.
Be interesting though, if I had to speculate I'd guess they'll just consolidate all the major work into hubs, then everyone else just does the bare basics to the stage they can change a tyre and replace a window but it won't be much more.
Stockton, I guess, is the one to watch since it's getting rebuilt soon.
Like using existing depots and ignoring franchising, personally wouldn't be surprised if it's down to engineering wise:
GNE:
Riverside (Percy Main)
Consett (Hexham)
Deptford (Washington)
SNE:
Walkergate or Slatyford
Stockton (Hartlepool)
Wheatsheaf (South Shields)
Arriva:
Teesside (Redcar / Stockton)
Darlington
Durham
Blyth or Ashington
It's not like they're miles apart and they all have operations which are linked between the depots anyway. If there's £££ on offer they'll jump at it tbh. I believe there's already shared management between a fair few anyway.
(23 Feb 2026, 9:50 pm)ReDemPTiion wrote [ -> ]The EV buses do require coolant like a diesel bus, guessing to help cool the battery’s so they do need that topped up only engineers trained on the EV’s can do that same with unplugging them from charge (at least at Slatyford). Apart from that the EV’s are lot better. I wonder when all depots go fully electric what will happen to engineers, there’ll be no need for them at least on a scale of how they’re used now.
Correct the coolant keeps the battery’s cool but barely requires topping up if heating / cooling systems are working properly - only know of 1 of ours at Stockton having needing topping up.
There have been 2 older engineers having taken voluntary redundancy at Stockton as all the require is the 28 day inspections and normal day to day work like door issues, tyres etc.
It’s even helped Stockton send a fitter and an electrician to Slatyford daily for the past 6 months!
(24 Feb 2026, 4:51 pm)Teessider2014 wrote [ -> ]Correct the coolant keeps the battery’s cool but barely requires topping up if heating / cooling systems are working properly - only know of 1 of ours at Stockton having needing topping up.
There have been 2 older engineers having taken voluntary redundancy at Stockton as all the require is the 28 day inspections and normal day to day work like door issues, tyres etc.
It’s even helped Stockton send a fitter and an electrician to Slatyford daily for the past 6 months!
All the more wonder Slatyford's fleet apparently in such a state with high/long term VOR issue as hasbeen mentioned a few times - if they actually have extra engineering capacity on hand!
(23 Feb 2026, 9:42 pm)Busesinnewcastle wrote [ -> ]10642 back at Slatyford and 10639 not out from walkergate. Supprised Slatyford have not had to borrow a walkergate bus considering all there’s off the road. 26072 was pulled from the 685 and replaced with 10643 that’s 5 days in a row a bus have broke down on that route
Anyone know where 11289 is?
26078 and 26080 have been on the 685 two days in a row. Maybe they’ve found 2 good buses for it. It’s not very good that they’ve had to go with older 66 plate E200MMC’s to try and find reliability for the route!
(25 Feb 2026, 5:33 pm)ReDemPTiion wrote [ -> ]26078 and 26080 have been on the 685 two days in a row. Maybe they’ve found 2 good buses for it. It’s not very good that they’ve had to go with older 66 plate E200MMC’s to try and find reliability for the route!
I know this is what I was thinking. Maby they are just going to use them from now on? They should trail a few deckers on there see if there any good or get some from walkergate.
(25 Feb 2026, 7:17 pm)Busesinnewcastle wrote [ -> ]I know this is what I was thinking. Maby they are just going to use them from now on? They should trail a few deckers on there see if there any good or get some from walkergate.
The 685 needs a fleet of B8/Evoras realistically. It’s just a shame that Slatyford don’t have any other Interurban work.
All e200mmcs at slatyford are absolutely knackered and it is a shame to see them like that as they’re nearly hitting 10 years old and walkergates E40Ds are performing better than them(Btw they’re 14-16 years old).The mmcs are constantly being used on completely inappropriate runs like the 685.It sounds like i am repeating myself,however slatyford will go horrifically wrong if they dont start doing something.Id say these improvements below must be made:
Get rid of the 373** batch altogether,they are useless and garbage as 364** are already ok enough for 32(Ik it sounds wrong for newer buses to get gone(imo)but 364**s are just more reliable)
Reconsider allocations such as 685.Get any MMC gone from the route altogether as it causes disaster.With that allocate deckers on routes that NEED it especially during rush hours and morning peaks.Eg.Not putting on e200s on the 6 and 7 and X47(during peak times)
Maintenance needs to be improved ASAP as you can see with a lot of buses in dire conditions
Get the last of the 241** MANviros gone,absolute garbage and the engines sound extremely tired and just need retiring.
Get chargers in to get the last of the Yutongs on the road(Ik its not totally their fault however just something that needs happening)
I apologise also if this is the wrong thread to post this in.Thanks everyone
I know I say before 73103 it taken some time to get to get fixed it soon back on road I think? It bad way.
(25 Feb 2026, 8:18 pm)220631612 wrote [ -> ]The 685 needs a fleet of B8/Evoras realistically. It’s just a shame that Slatyford don’t have any other Interurban work.
It’s almost the same issues Arriva had when they started using unsuitable vehicles on it. Perhaps given the loss of the 18 at Walkergate moving it there is the answer? And I’m sure a small fleet of B8/Evoras could be dedicated to 685 with a spare used on another suitable route then when it was time for replacement sent to Sunderland for X24? It just seems no thought is ever given outside of the box.
(26 Feb 2026, 11:33 am)Coastliner700 wrote [ -> ]It’s almost the same issues Arriva had when they started using unsuitable vehicles on it. Perhaps given the loss of the 18 at Walkergate moving it there is the answer? And I’m sure a small fleet of B8/Evoras could be dedicated to 685 with a spare used on another suitable route then when it was time for replacement sent to Sunderland for X24? It just seems no thought is ever given outside of the box.
Do you know if there will be any route or timetable changes on the 18 when Northstar take it over, and if the £4 Nexus Day Ticket will be valid on it or not? Saying that, I'm not sure any Nexus services connect with it without using commercial services realistically. A shame the 18 hasn't been extended back to Wallsend, it could potentially be merged with the 653 and extended to Battle Hill.
Previously the 18/18A have been operated by GCT, Phoenix Coaches and GNE on Sundays, but I believe this is the first time it has fully left Stagecoach?
36471 becomes the first repaint at Slatyford for about 3 months. Surprised it’s one of the older buses at the depot. Maybe making it ready to go to Hartlepool should Slatyford get EV’s for the 32/32A service.
(26 Feb 2026, 6:56 pm)ReDemPTiion wrote [ -> ]36471 becomes the first repaint at Slatyford for about 3 months. Surprised it’s one of the older buses at the depot. Maybe making it ready to go to Hartlepool should Slatyford get EV’s for the 32/32A service.
Yes I noticed that earlier. Has evs been confirmed yet or not. I see there making a lot of progress at the back of the depot for the charging points. 10485 is also getting repainted but that’s been away for ages. I also see 26078 and 26080 are still on the 685 I wonder if there permanent now?
(26 Feb 2026, 7:23 pm)Busesinnewcastle wrote [ -> ]Yes I noticed that earlier. Has evs been confirmed yet or not. I see there making a lot of progress at the back of the depot for the charging points. 10485 is also getting repainted but that’s been away for ages. I also see 26078 and 26080 are still on the 685 I wonder if there permanent now?
No confirmation on EV’s yet I did ask the manager and he said he won’t get a final answer on the 32’s until early March, which is when the contract will be officially signed so I’m hopeful we’re getting them the E200’s are shocking now. They must have found 2 decent buses for the 685 in 26078&26080 so might be a case of them 2 doing that all the time now.
(26 Feb 2026, 7:25 pm)ReDemPTiion wrote [ -> ]No confirmation on EV’s yet I did ask the manager and he said he won’t get a final answer on the 32’s until early March, which is when the contract will be officially signed so I’m hopeful we’re getting them the E200’s are shocking now. They must have found 2 decent buses for the 685 in 26078&26080 so might be a case of them 2 doing that all the time now.
Yes the E200s are bad well staying that slatyfords buses aren’t the best anyway. I think 685 should be deckers as they are always full but it won’t happen so it will be interesting to see if there permanently on the 685 now.
26063 on its way to the paint shop. Hasn’t been out in service since 8th November 2025 and broke down on the way on the A1.
19444 has been mot'd today which could indicate its been repaired. Could this mean 19680 may soon be moving on from Sunderland?
(27 Feb 2026, 2:04 pm)Nick2006 wrote [ -> ]19444 has been mot'd today which could indicate its been repaired. Could this mean 19680 may soon be moving on from Sunderland?
not necessarily no it could be a permanent move according to the fleet card 19680 is sunderlands