North East Buses

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I'm currently compiling a list of north east bus services that have been reduced or lost following Covid-19. It's still a work in progress with a lot missing, especially Stagecoach, Durham, Teesside etc, so I would appreciate your help in getting a full and accurate list!  Smile
I don't think its fair to include some of the services on the list without stating whether improvements have been introduced to replace it.

For example, while the V9 has been withdrawn, it was replaced by the 47/47a. The extension and introduction of an additional service means that the frequency of buses between Chopwell and Consett has actually increased from hourly to half-hourly: a definite improvement over the previous offering.

Arguably this might represent a rare example of how a service has improved in recent times, however in the interests of balance and objectivity, it should really be noted on your spreadsheet.
(22 Feb 2022, 4:40 pm)MurdnunoC wrote [ -> ]I don't think its fair to include some of the services on the list without stating whether improvements have been introduced to replace it.

For example, while the V9 has been withdrawn, it was replaced by the 47/47a. The extension and introduction of an additional service means that the frequency of buses between Chopwell and Consett has actually increased from hourly to half-hourly: a definite improvement over the previous offering.

Arguably this might represent a rare example of how a service has improved in recent times, however in the interests of balance and objectivity, it should really be noted on your spreadsheet.

That's one of the reasons why I've published it as it is to start a discussion that would bring up such improvements etc that would be included in the next version.

The changes, whether that be "temporary" or as a set of permanent changes, were in abundance as everyone will know. The meanings of such changes often get lost upon the next set of changes -  these are usually hidden in articles, deleted or lost within the depths of this forum. Some changes may have even gone unnoticed as some pre-Covid timetables aren't available online, so that's why I need comments to help build a better picture.  Smile
(22 Feb 2022, 4:24 pm)omnicity4659 wrote [ -> ]I'm currently compiling a list of north east bus services that have been reduced or lost following Covid-19. It's still a work in progress with a lot missing, especially Stagecoach, Durham, Teesside etc, so I would appreciate your help in getting a full and accurate list!  Smile

North of the Tyne:

35 - Reduced to every 30 minutes on a Saturday
46 - Reduced to every 30 minutes / hourly to Great Park from every 15 minutes
X12 - Reduced to every hour between Newcastle / Durham
X21 - Reduced to every 30 minutes on a Saturday
X22 - Reduced to every 30 minutes on a Saturday
306 - Reduced to every 20 minutes on a Saturday
308 - Reduced to every 20 minutes on a Saturday
311 - Evening services withdrawn
W1/W1A - Reduced to hourly
W3 - Withdrawn
X21 (GNE) - Evening journeys withdrawn
1 (SNE) - Reduced from every 7.5 minutes / 15 minutes to 10 minutes / 20 minutes.
8 (SNE) - Withdrawn
6/7/8 (SNE) - Reduced to every 30 minutes and withdrawn between Freeman and FLE in evenings
39/40 - Reduced from every 5 minutes combined to every 7.5 minutes combined.

Just to note the 71 - is still running half it's route.

South of the Tyne (not all but ones I'm aware of)

6 - Reduced frequency*
7 - Reduced frequency*
49/49A (ANE) - Reduced frequency*
34 (GNE) - Reduced from every 15 minutes to 20 minutes
64 (ANE Durham) - Reduced frequency*
3/3A (ANE Darlington) - Reduced frequency from 10 minutes / 30 minutes to allover the place
9 (ANE Darlington) - Reduced frequency from 12 minutes to 20 minutes.
10 (ANE Darlington) - Same as above
13A/13B (ANE Darlington) - Reduced from every 5 minutes combined to 10 minutes combined.

* I don't know what they were.
I want to know whether the X1/56/20/60 will ever go back to the 12/12/12/10 mins which they were before the pandemic, while they were temp they are looking pretty permanent
(22 Feb 2022, 5:22 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]South of the Tyne (not all but ones I'm aware of)

6 - Reduced frequency*
7 - Reduced frequency*
49/49A (ANE) - Reduced frequency*
34 (GNE) - Reduced from every 15 minutes to 20 minutes
64 (ANE Durham) - Reduced frequency*
3/3A (ANE Darlington) - Reduced frequency from 10 minutes / 30 minutes to allover the place
9 (ANE Darlington) - Reduced frequency from 12 minutes to 20 minutes.
10 (ANE Darlington) - Same as above
13A/13B (ANE Darlington) - Reduced from every 5 minutes combined to 10 minutes combined.

* I don't know what they were.

The attached may be useful for the pre-COVID frequency of Darlington services: [attachment=9958]
(22 Feb 2022, 4:24 pm)omnicity4659 wrote [ -> ]I'm currently compiling a list of north east bus services that have been reduced or lost following Covid-19. It's still a work in progress with a lot missing, especially Stagecoach, Durham, Teesside etc, so I would appreciate your help in getting a full and accurate list!  Smile

A really good idea.

Have you considered including commercial cuts, e.g. the GNE 71, even if the net result is that it becomes a fully secured service? Might be handy given what is going on in North Tyneside at the minute.
(22 Feb 2022, 5:22 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]*snipped*
Thanks, I've added those.

(22 Feb 2022, 6:23 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]A really good idea.

Have you considered including commercial cuts, e.g. the GNE 71, even if the net result is that it becomes a fully secured service? Might be handy given what is going on in North Tyneside at the minute.
That's also a good idea, I'll start adding those now.
ARRIVA

6 Durham - Cockfield: dropped from every 12 mins to West Auckland (continuing to Cockfield twice an hour) > every 15 minutes to West Auckland (half hourly Cockfield) > every 20 minutes for full route [last change, October 31 2021]

7 Durham - Darlington: dropped from 15 minute frequency to 20 minute frequency [October 31 2021]

43 Durham - Esh Winning: dropped from 15 minute frequency to 20 minute frequency [November 29 2020]

49/49A Durham - Brandon Circular: dropped from a combined frequency of every 10 minutes to a combined 15 minute frequency

64 Durham: cut to 15 min combined frequency (half hourly each route), currently full route on a 20 minute frequency [October 31 2021]

X26/X27: previously combined 20 min frequency (2 × X26 - 1 × X27), now combined half hourly


SCARLET BAND
20 Neasham - Bishopton: suspended at start of lockdown but never returned, now withdrawn

35A Bishop Auckland - Ferryhill: dropped from hourly to 2-hourly (evening service) [August 3 2020]

57X Hutton Henry - Durham: withdrawn [June 21 2021] (this was one journey on weekday mornings in this direction only)

108/109 Bishop Auckland - Willington/Oakenshaw: dropped from combined 30 minute frequency on weekdays to an hourly service to Bishop Auckland, seemingly combined 2-hourly (conflicting and confusing timetables are confusing me however) [January 13 2021]

113 Sedgefield - Ferryhill - Bishop Auckland: cut to only run Sedgefield to Ferryhill [July 12 2021]

PR1/PR2: cut from every 10 minutes to a 15 minute frequency [January 13 2021]

S1 Mount Oswald - Gilesgate: withdrawn, replaced by service 42 [October 4 2021]

WEARDALE
X6/X6a Stanhope to Newcastle/MetroCentre: currently suspended [December 18 2021]

SERVICE 239: as already mentioned the GNE ran 239 is now only running between Peterlee Bus Station and Station Town, however a separate 239 now runs from Wingate to Sedgefield operated by John Crake. [November 1 2021]
(22 Feb 2022, 8:12 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]ARRIVA

6 Durham - Cockfield: dropped from every 12 mins to West Auckland (continuing to Cockfield twice an hour) > every 15 minutes to West Auckland (half hourly Cockfield) > every 20 minutes for full route [last change, October 31 2021]

7 Durham - Darlington: dropped from 15 minute frequency to 20 minute frequency [October 31 2021]

43 Durham - Esh Winning: dropped from 15 minute frequency to 20 minute frequency [November 29 2020]

49/49A Durham - Brandon Circular: dropped from a combined frequency of every 10 minutes to a combined 15 minute frequency

64 Durham: cut to 15 min combined frequency (half hourly each route), currently full route on a 20 minute frequency [October 31 2021]

X26/X27: previously combined 20 min frequency (2 × X26 - 1 × X27), now combined half hourly


SCARLET BAND
20 Neasham - Bishopton: suspended at start of lockdown but never returned, now withdrawn

35A Bishop Auckland - Ferryhill: dropped from hourly to 2-hourly (evening service) [August 3 2020]

57X Hutton Henry - Durham: withdrawn [June 21 2021] (this was one journey on weekday mornings in this direction only)

108/109 Bishop Auckland - Willington/Oakenshaw: dropped from combined 30 minute frequency on weekdays to an hourly service to Bishop Auckland, seemingly combined 2-hourly (conflicting and confusing timetables are confusing me however) [January 13 2021]

113 Sedgefield - Ferryhill - Bishop Auckland: cut to only run Sedgefield to Ferryhill [July 12 2021]

PR1/PR2: cut from every 10 minutes to a 15 minute frequency [January 13 2021]

S1 Mount Oswald - Gilesgate: withdrawn, replaced by service 42 [October 4 2021]

WEARDALE
X6/X6a Stanhope to Newcastle/MetroCentre: currently suspended [December 18 2021]

SERVICE 239: as already mentioned the GNE ran 239 is now only running between Peterlee Bus Station and Station Town, however a separate 239 now runs from Wingate to Sedgefield operated by John Crake. [November 1 2021]


Presumably most of the Scarlet Band reductions, and the Go North East 239 for example, relate to Durham County Council contract changes?

I’m guessing some of the Scarlet Band ones may have been as a result of a driver shortage, forcing the council’s hand to revise the contract (either a reduction or a direct loss of the contract).


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Nexus’ £4.5M support to maintain bus links for as many passengers as possible following proposed service cuts by Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach…

Details of service changes:
https://www.nexus.org.uk/consultation/it...h-tyneside
This could become quite costly for the folks at Nexus House
(22 Feb 2022, 11:07 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Presumably most of the Scarlet Band reductions, and the Go North East 239 for example, relate to Durham County Council contract changes?

I’m guessing some of the Scarlet Band ones may have been as a result of a driver shortage, forcing the council’s hand to revise the contract (either a reduction or a direct loss of the contract).

Don't know for certain but think most of the Scarlet Band ones are related to driver shortages, some of the contracts have changed operators, S1 > 42 was a permanent move although the rest were supposedly temporary, I remember Stanley Travel and JH Coaches covering the 47 for them at one point last year, Hodgsons were given Barnard Castle services 70/71/72/871 supposedly on a temporary basis but months later are still running these services. Ferryhill to Bishop Auckland section of the 113 was commercial as were the daytime 108/109 trips (I think?)

Only brought 239 up as it's on the list and there was a direct replacement as result of contract changes rather than being outright withdrawn.

DaveyG80

Angel

Presumably most of the Scarlet Band reductions, and the Go North East 239 for example, relate to Durham County Council contract changes?

I’m guessing some of the Scarlet Band ones may have been as a result of a driver shortage, forcing the council’s hand to revise the contract (either a reduction or a direct loss of the contract).


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239 changes were forced due to local kids smashing the bus windows
Probably worth adding Arriva’s 86 to this list now facing withdrawal between Bishop Auckland and Toft Hill - a replacement contracted service will be operated by Mollys Taxis - part of the L&B group with Rural Link i believe!?


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GNE 61 - Cancelled, Replaced by 9 every 20 mins from 2018, 2020 that was cancelled between Sunderland & Murton increased Frequency to every 15 mins, now it is back to every 20
(09 Apr 2022, 12:23 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]GNE 61 - Cancelled, Replaced by 9 every 20 mins from 2018, 2020 that was cancelled between Sunderland & Murton increased Frequency to every 15 mins, now it is back to every 20
The 61 was re-instated at every 20 minutes.
https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/service-ch...day-1-june
(09 Apr 2022, 1:19 pm)F114TML wrote [ -> ]The 61 was re-instated at every 20 minutes.
https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/service-ch...day-1-june
I could swear it was improved to every 15 mins at some point.
(09 Apr 2022, 1:25 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]I could swear it was improved to every 15 mins at some point.
Probably just wishful thinking Wink
(09 Apr 2022, 1:25 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]I could swear it was improved to every 15 mins at some point.

Believe it dropped from every 15 minutes to 20 minutes when it changed from the 61 to 9 but it may have happened before.

It was definitely every 15 minutes in 2015 though here's the timetable - https://www.northeastbuses.co.uk/bygone/...250115.pdf
(09 Apr 2022, 7:01 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Believe it dropped from every 15 minutes to 20 minutes when it changed from the 61 to 9 but it may have happened before.

It was definitely every 15 minutes in 2015 though here's the timetable - https://www.northeastbuses.co.uk/bygone/...250115.pdf
Its crazy to think Dalton park was stopped getting served after 5-8pm. 

Yeah I know it was every 15 then it went upto 20. Must of been wrong.
(09 Apr 2022, 7:18 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]Its crazy to think Dalton park was stopped getting served after 5-8pm. 

Yeah I know it was every 15 then it went upto 20. Must of been wrong.

In fairness it was shut back then. Cinema opened after then I believe and Dalton Park shut at 6pm from what I can remember.
Waiting for the Sunderland and Washington changes then will release an updated and corrected list.
(10 Apr 2022, 12:31 pm)omnicity4659 wrote [ -> ]Waiting for the Sunderland and Washington changes then will release an updated and corrected list.

Those contracts should be awarded on Tuesday, so hopefully we'll find out more.


Interested to see if there's any changes to the 99/135/136 - 3 of the most pointless services in Sunderland - I know the 135/136 has been out for tender again - but I wonder if they'll be any changes?
(10 Apr 2022, 12:31 pm)omnicity4659 wrote [ -> ]Waiting for the Sunderland and Washington changes then will release an updated and corrected list.

Don't believe there will be anything as it's all been delayed because of them getting extra funding until whenever the tenders end. It's a short tender until November I believe - https://bidstats.uk/tenders/2022/W11/770703651
(10 Apr 2022, 2:15 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Don't believe there will be anything as it's all been delayed because of them getting extra funding until whenever the tenders end. It's a short tender until November I believe - https://bidstats.uk/tenders/2022/W11/770703651

Looks like they'll still be rewarded but only for 6 months..... seems pointless bidding for such a short contract.


"It is anticipated that subsequent contracts will be for a term of up to 6 months."


----

Edit: was looking through and it says they've been rewarded for the May tenders............ but I can't bloody link it because I've hit my daily free limit!
It is,i know MG said in his stream the other day that any further changes have been 'paused',im sure October was mentioned somewhere,i dont know if it was MG himself that said it