North East Buses

Nexus have issued the invitation to tender for secured services in Newcastle and North Tyneside with a contract start date of 27th March 2022 with the contract ending on 25th March 2023.

(19 Dec 2021, 1:00 pm)GuyParkRoyal wrote [ -> ]Nexus have issued the invitation to tender for secured services in Newcastle and North Tyneside with a contract start date of 27th March 2022 with the contract ending on 25th March 2023.

What services are apart of this?

(19 Dec 2021, 1:01 pm)Keeiajs wrote [ -> ]What services are apart of this?

I guess 18/18A, 32A, 33/33A, Little Coasters 11/19/41A/42/42A, 84/84A.

Probably be GCT for everything apart from 18/18A and 84/84A which could be GNE for the 18/18A and maybe Phoenix or A-line for the 84/84A, maybe Stanley Travel could get it back? 32A I'd love to go back to GNE or go to A-line.

Are Go North East likely to run the 33/33A commercially if they lose the contract in March? If competition is being reduced on corridors are we likely to see big changes in Gosforth and North Tyneside, common ticketing for Arriva/GNE and changes to Coaster 1/Stagecoach 22 in Newcastle and Byker? Wallsend/Walker changes perhaps work together on timetabling (likely with 306/308/309/310/311 at Coast Road).

Maybe other bus operators could introduce new services in a new post-competition region?

(01 Jan 2022, 10:10 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]Are Go North East likely to run the 33/33A commercially if they lose the contract in March? If competition is being reduced on corridors are we likely to see big changes in Gosforth and North Tyneside, common ticketing for Arriva/GNE and changes to Coaster 1/Stagecoach 22 in Newcastle and Byker? Wallsend/Walker changes perhaps work together on timetabling (likely with 306/308/309/310/311 at Coast Road).

Maybe other bus operators could introduce new services in a new post-competition region?

33/33A - I seriously doubt it!! It only ever has about 3 or 4 passengers on when I see it.

New services - with passenger numbers only at around 65-70% of pre COVID numbers I doubt any operator will introduce new services (unless they replace existing ones). Bus operator costs have risen significantly - wage increases, extra cleaning cost, higher fuel prices - so I think we'll be seeing more cutbacks over the next 12 months.

(02 Jan 2022, 8:43 am)busmanT wrote [ -> ]33/33A - I seriously doubt it!! It only ever has about 3 or 4 passengers on when I see it.

New services - with passenger numbers only at around 65-70% of pre COVID numbers I doubt any operator will introduce new services (unless they replace existing ones). Bus operator costs have risen significantly - wage increases, extra cleaning cost, higher fuel prices - so I think we'll be seeing more cutbacks over the next 12 months.

33/33A - Me too, I suspect it will go to GCT. 

New services - To clarify I meant individual operators could introduce new services as currently they could never compete, but in a post-competition region where bus operators work together maybe all bus companies would be able to get involved. Working together is all well and good, but Stagecoach offers a poor service in Newcastle, in terms of punctuality and vehicles, with the exception of the new buses on the 39/40 and 62/63. As part of working together Stagecoach and Go North East could give up services whilst maintaining ticket acceptance (I'm guessing a zone system will be introduced as part of the bus improvement plan so bus operators can work together) so this could open up different opportunities for different operators to replace existing services. 

Cutbacks such as what do you think?

Just some outrageous suggestions, perhaps merge Stagecoach and GNE services with the same or similar numbers :

1 - Slatyford - Benwell - Newcastle - Byker - Walker - Wallsend - Whitley Bay - North Shields 

6 - Four Lane Ends - Kingston Park - Blakelaw - Westerhope - West Denton - Metrocentre - Sunniside

7 - Four Lane Ends - Gosforth - Blakelaw - Westerhope - West Denton - Metrocentre - Sunniside - Stanley 

10/10A/10B - North Kenton - Newcastle - Denton Burn - Metrocentre - Hexham/Rockwood Hill/Low Prudhoe

12/12A- Wallsend - Walker - Newcastle - Fenham  - Blaydon - Winlaton

(19 Dec 2021, 1:00 pm)GuyParkRoyal wrote [ -> ]Nexus have issued the invitation to tender for secured services in Newcastle and North Tyneside with a contract start date of 27th March 2022 with the contract ending on 25th March 2023.

This process has now been cancelled.

(02 Jan 2022, 12:36 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]This process has now been cancelled.

Cancelled? So operators will keep the services for another year?

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Is the 12/12A fully commercially operated?

(02 Jan 2022, 12:36 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]This process has now been cancelled.

Interesting, why?

Due to commercial changes in March? (If there are plans)

(02 Jan 2022, 12:36 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]This process has now been cancelled.

Consultation on service changes doesn't end until Jan 12th 2022, so process should not really be started until analysis of feedback has been done, BUT, this is Nexus !!

As part of the BSIP are GCT involved? They operate services terribly, which is absolutely not value for money because they run them so badly they are borderline unusable. Cheap, yes, but the services might as well not exist in the current way GCT operate them.

What do people think about the Nexus consultations which end on 12th January? Be nice to see GCT run fewer services, better.

(02 Jan 2022, 9:48 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]As part of the BSIP are GCT involved? They operate services terribly, which is absolutely not value for money because they run them so badly they are borderline unusable. Cheap, yes, but the services might as well not exist in the current way GCT operate them.

What do people think about the Nexus consultations which end on 12th January? Be nice to see GCT run fewer services, better.

Only thing we can do is complain. Gct will keep all there contacts why cause nexus simply don't care plus gne don't want there North Tyneside routes back on an evening (11/19/41/41A/42/42A)

(02 Jan 2022, 9:48 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]As part of the BSIP are GCT involved? They operate services terribly, which is absolutely not value for money because they run them so badly they are borderline unusable. Cheap, yes, but the services might as well not exist in the current way GCT operate them.

What do people think about the Nexus consultations which end on 12th January? Be nice to see GCT run fewer services, better.

BSIP covers all local services running in the EP area (Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham), unless excluded. Appendix B of this document sets out what qualifies and what the exclusions are: https://www.transportnortheast.gov.uk/wp...Scheme.pdf

(02 Jan 2022, 12:36 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]This process has now been cancelled.

Nexus have now re-issued these tenders, with some changes, including a small number of services which are currently operated by Go North East and Stagecoach commercially.


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(25 Jan 2022, 7:35 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Nexus have now re-issued these tenders, with some changes, including a small number of services which are currently operated by Go North East and Stagecoach commercially.


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Oh that doesn't sound good... Any Stagecoach Sunderland services (apart from the 8)?

Hopefully people can still use the Stagecoach passes on them!

(25 Jan 2022, 8:03 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Oh that doesn't sound good... Any Stagecoach Sunderland services (apart from the 8)?

Hopefully people can still use the Stagecoach passes on them!

The March tenders are for Newcastle and North Tyneside.

Presumably any commercial reductions in Sunderland will be aligned to the usual Nexus fixed service change date in May.


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(25 Jan 2022, 8:07 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The March tenders are for Newcastle and North Tyneside.

Presumably any commercial reductions in Sunderland will be aligned to the usual Nexus fixed service change date in May.


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Ah yes, complete forgot about that haha

(25 Jan 2022, 8:07 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The March tenders are for Newcastle and North Tyneside.

Presumably any commercial reductions in Sunderland will be aligned to the usual Nexus fixed service change date in May.


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Which services are up for tender? Are there any changes besides possible operator changes? For example the 33/33A new route proposed last month.

(25 Jan 2022, 8:07 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The March tenders are for Newcastle and North Tyneside.

Presumably any commercial reductions in Sunderland will be aligned to the usual Nexus fixed service change date in May.


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What are the changes for GNE services from Nexus.

What changes are Nexus making to services in the year 2137?

Are all the Gateshead Central Taxis Newcastle/North Tyneside contract out for tender as well

So for those who wish to know what changes are being offered.

19 - Will predominately operate between Cramlington and North Shields every hour, with one morning and one afternoon service to/from Ashington. It will go via Brierdene way and seghill. And also every hour from Northumberland Park to North Shields just like it is now but will go via the Fish Quay upon departure from the ferry. Last departures will be around half eight in the evening.

342 - Will operate between Wallsend, Kingston park(replacing the 42a) and Westerhope.

317 - replacement for the 41 and 11 it seems as it will operate from Wallsend via holy cross, howdon and then the 11 route to Whitley Bay with a stop at the ferry landing as well

18 - whole service Monday - Sunday is being tendered not just evenings/sundays as it was now.

theres a few others as well, list of all services being tendered are 1 (a few evening departures), 317, 342, 41a(few evenings deps), w2, 18, w1, 553, 19, 335, 643, 75/76, 32, m6, 552, 35, 84 and 84a

(26 Jan 2022, 11:43 pm)AnonPM1 wrote [ -> ]So for those who wish to know what changes are being offered.

19 - Will predominately operate between Cramlington and North Shields every hour, with one morning and one afternoon service to/from Ashington. It will go via Brierdene way and seghill. And also every hour from Northumberland Park to North Shields just like it is now but will go via the Fish Quay upon departure from the ferry. Last departures will be around half eight in the evening.

342 - Will operate between Wallsend, Kingston park(replacing the 42a) and Westerhope.

317 - replacement for the 41 and 11 it seems as it will operate from Wallsend via holy cross, howdon and then the 11 route to Whitley Bay with a stop at the ferry landing as well

18 -  whole service Monday - Sunday is being tendered not just evenings/sundays as it was now.

theres a few others as well, list of all services being tendered are 1 (a few evening departures), 317, 342, 41a(few evenings deps), w2, 18, w1, 553, 19, 335, 643, 75/76, 32, m6, 552, 35, 84 and 84a

Wonder which ones GNE will go in for, probs none.

(27 Jan 2022, 12:11 am)Omega54 wrote [ -> ]Wonder which ones GNE will go in for, probs none.

And then what would they do with all the buses and drivers that worked those routes? I guess they'll just disappear

(27 Jan 2022, 12:25 am)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]And then what would they do with all the buses and drivers that worked those routes? I guess they'll just disappear

Transfer to another depot

(26 Jan 2022, 11:43 pm)AnonPM1 wrote [ -> ]So for those who wish to know what changes are being offered.

19 - Will predominately operate between Cramlington and North Shields every hour, with one morning and one afternoon service to/from Ashington. It will go via Brierdene way and seghill. And also every hour from Northumberland Park to North Shields just like it is now but will go via the Fish Quay upon departure from the ferry. Last departures will be around half eight in the evening.

342 - Will operate between Wallsend, Kingston park(replacing the 42a) and Westerhope.

317 - replacement for the 41 and 11 it seems as it will operate from Wallsend via holy cross, howdon and then the 11 route to Whitley Bay with a stop at the ferry landing as well

18 -  whole service Monday - Sunday is being tendered not just evenings/sundays as it was now.

theres a few others as well, list of all services being tendered are 1 (a few evening departures), 317, 342, 41a(few evenings deps), w2, 18, w1, 553, 19, 335, 643, 75/76, 32, m6, 552, 35, 84 and 84a

75/76? What are they? 553 is operated by Arriva commercially I believe?

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342 hourly or every 2 hours?

18 route unchanged?

Expect Gateshead Central Taxis will get most, if not all, of the contracts.

(27 Jan 2022, 12:11 am)Omega54 wrote [ -> ]Wonder which ones GNE will go in for, probs none.

Presumably 1, 18, 19, 41A, 317, 342 as they operate them now. Maybe 32.

I'd like to see GNE get the 18, 41A, 317 and possibly 32. Phoenix would be good for the 342 I think. Arriva the 19. Maybe A-Line for the 1 and 643.

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I think I would award the following :

1 - A-Line
18 - Go North East
19 - Arriva
32 - Go North East
35 - Go North East
41A - Go North East
75/76 - Stagecoach
84/84A - A-Line
317 - Go North East or Arriva
335 - Gateshead Central Taxis or Arriva
342 - Phoenix Coaches
552 - Arriva
553 - Arriva
643 - A-Line
M6 - Go North East
W1 - Arriva

(26 Jan 2022, 11:43 pm)AnonPM1 wrote [ -> ]So for those who wish to know what changes are being offered.

19 - Will predominately operate between Cramlington and North Shields every hour, with one morning and one afternoon service to/from Ashington. It will go via Brierdene way and seghill. And also every hour from Northumberland Park to North Shields just like it is now but will go via the Fish Quay upon departure from the ferry. Last departures will be around half eight in the evening.

342 - Will operate between Wallsend, Kingston park(replacing the 42a) and Westerhope.

317 - replacement for the 41 and 11 it seems as it will operate from Wallsend via holy cross, howdon and then the 11 route to Whitley Bay with a stop at the ferry landing as well

18 -  whole service Monday - Sunday is being tendered not just evenings/sundays as it was now.

theres a few others as well, list of all services being tendered are 1 (a few evening departures), 317, 342, 41a(few evenings deps), w2, 18, w1, 553, 19, 335, 643, 75/76, 32, m6, 552, 35, 84 and 84a

Interested about the 342 service & 317. The 19 one I'm quite shocked about cutting Cramlington to Ashington link
18 is quite a shock as I'm wondering who will take that as the 18 is quite a vital service during the day

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(27 Jan 2022, 2:14 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]Presumably 1, 18, 19, 41A, 317, 342 as they operate them now. Maybe 32.

I'd like to see GNE get the 18, 41A, 317 and possibly 32. Phoenix would be good for the 342 I think. Arriva the 19. Maybe A-Line for the 1 and 643.

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I think I would award the following :

1 - A-Line
18 - Go North East
19 - Arriva
32 - Go North East
35 - Go North East
41A - Go North East
75/76 - Stagecoach
84/84A - A-Line
317 - Go North East or Arriva
335 - Gateshead Central Taxis or Arriva
342 - Phoenix Coaches
552 - Arriva
553 - Arriva
643 - A-Line
M6 - Go North East
W1 - Arriva

The A Line ones I ain't sure about nor Phoenix for the 342. A Line for the 643 would see a bus in use all day. It would fit in with there school&worker contracts 
Id like to see the 19 ran by Arriva

75 is West Denton - Walbottle- Newburn- Throckley- Newburn- Walbottle- West Denton
76 is West Denton Shops - West Denton park- Dumpling Hall

19 requires a single decker so no solo or other mini buses.

the 553 is only tendered for the 06:53 morning service

The 342 is every hour, last bus around 10 with the westerhope section stopping at 6. Doesnt serve the airport, prestwick, bank foot but does go into tesco.

(27 Jan 2022, 12:11 am)Omega54 wrote [ -> ]Wonder which ones GNE will go in for, probs none.

As GNE have the drivers, and there is a national driver shortage, I would expect GNE to tender for everything that they currently operate (or equivalent replacements) and possibly be the only operator to tender for these - none of the others have spare drivers, and recruiting extra drivers in the next 8 weeks will be impossible. 

Similarly, I would expect SNE to focus on winning the tenders for what they already operate.