(09 Jan 2026, 8:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]To be fair, I'd say the X1 is a sensible route for the Cummins Ultroliners.
As for the 56, who knows with the StreetDecks - but like the 309/310(307), it was targeted for GKN modifications back in 2014/15. So maybe StreetDecks will be okay if looked after and appropriate spare vehicles.
Just seems a bit unfair, as someone has gone into more detail below.
Percy Main (last 2013*) and Deptford (last 2016*) haven't had a new bus for years now and again are missing out while the same routes are getting the stuff again.
It's not like these depots are running around with junk routes, there's some busy routes here which deserve something - you'd think they'd prioritise both aswell considering Arriva and Stagecoach are both investing (assuming some of the new Blyth buses end up on the 306/308) or have invested in routes which compete against them. The 16/X24, in particular, are wiping out Chester Road and the response is cuts and second hand Streetlite's from god knows where...
Just seems a bit backwards.
*I'm not counting buses which left and returned.
i followed a one of the 10.8m non GNE new streelites along chester road near penshaw,
14mph in a 60 (no it didnt stop at the bus stop at Penshaw [god i wish it did])
(09 Jan 2026, 7:41 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ] Think it depends what is running the 56 and/or X21 since there's not enough buses from Washington to do the 56 without taking some of the X21 allocation.
I don't know why but I have feeling those ones going to Consett but were meant to be for the X21 but they've been diverted to shut some people up.
There's also the B5TL's to go somewhere.
Maybe all the 70 Plates might end up at Sunderland with the B5TL's going in the opposite direction for the X21 again, with the more powerful one (forgot it's number) and the 2 spare new ones making up the PVR?
Who knows tbh, could guess all day really.
That's assuming there's a like for like swap and not a PVR decrease somewhere.
The fleet has been getting smaller for years and I can't see it stopping any time soon.
(09 Jan 2026, 9:31 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]That's assuming there's a like for like swap and not a PVR decrease somewhere.
The fleet has been getting smaller for years and I can't see it stopping any time soon.
Yeah that's true mind, wouldn't put it past them at all - end of the 56 BSIP funds and it going back to every 15 minutes wouldn't be totally unexpected, for one, tbh.
(09 Jan 2026, 8:23 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]In 2020 there should have been an order to replace the 56/60 & 20/20A and 21/X21 & X10/4
This would have went that the Angels could go onto the 10/10A/10B + 16/16A, X21 Buses could have went onto the 58, City Riders could go on the Loop/51/52.
Drifters could have been used to replace the older Citaros much earlier for the 35.
20/20A StreetDecks could have been used for 49/49A letting the 17 plates go onto 1. 6301-7 could have stayed on the 50.
4 Mercedes could have been sent onto 2/2A
I’m not trying to be arsey here but any order made in 2020 would have been cancelled and largely unaffordable for the following years. It would haves been financial suicide. We’re only getting this new stock thanks to taxpayers picking up the bill and making some other investments affordable
(09 Jan 2026, 8:23 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]In 2020 there should have been an order to replace the 56/60 & 20/20A and 21/X21 & X10/4
This would have went that the Angels could go onto the 10/10A/10B + 16/16A, X21 Buses could have went onto the 58, City Riders could go on the Loop/51/52.
Drifters could have been used to replace the older Citaros much earlier for the 35.
20/20A StreetDecks could have been used for 49/49A letting the 17 plates go onto 1. 6301-7 could have stayed on the 50.
4 Mercedes could have been sent onto 2/2A
I’m not trying to be arsey here but any order made in 2020 would have been cancelled and largely unaffordable for the following years. It would haves been financial suicide. We’re only getting this new stock thanks to taxpayers picking up the bill and making some other investments affordable
(12 Jan 2026, 6:32 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote [ -> ]3942 now withdrawn
Sad times seeing these workhorses being withdrawn from service after almost 20 years, hopefully 1 or 2 go into preservation.
(12 Jan 2026, 6:45 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Sad times seeing these workhorses being withdrawn from service after almost 20 years, hopefully 1 or 2 go into preservation.
Really is. Prime example of a fantastic bus which has aged gracefully.
The remaining 3 seem to be allocated to the X66 daily.
(12 Jan 2026, 7:26 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote [ -> ]Really is. Prime example of a fantastic bus which has aged gracefully.
The remaining 3 seem to be allocated to the X66 daily.
Should've ordered x4 Electroliners for the X66 as the Deckers are constantly allocated and have been for months.
Proper epic buses those Volvo B7TL, shame there were only ever those 7 Gemini 1 new to GNE and not from London. Love the 05 plate ones especially with their interior.
Looks like 6396 out on X1
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Sorry wrong thread have put in the new buses one
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(09 Jan 2026, 8:28 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Just seems a bit unfair, as someone has gone into more detail below.
Percy Main (last 2013*) and Deptford (last 2016*) haven't had a new bus for years now and again are missing out while the same routes are getting the stuff again.
It's not like these depots are running around with junk routes, there's some busy routes here which deserve something - you'd think they'd prioritise both aswell considering Arriva and Stagecoach are both investing (assuming some of the new Blyth buses end up on the 306/308) or have invested in routes which compete against them. The 16/X24, in particular, are wiping out Chester Road and the response is cuts and second hand Streetlite's from god knows where...
Just seems a bit backwards.
*I'm not counting buses which left and returned.
I couldn't agree more . I regularly use Deptford services which are constantly jerky ( no fault of driver) uncomfortable streetlites. Its a relief when a solar sometimes turns up although uncomfortable if busy. Ive said a few times already those streetdecks off the X1 are not an upgrade for me ( only newer) and I can see them being a bit of a disaster on the 56. Bit of may be proven wrong. I get the uniforms approach of buses in depots but I think Deptford depot is a case of uniformed to far
!!!!
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Driving through Birtley last night at about 1920 spotted 6227 Northbound screened for the 21 with hazards flashing outside Birtley baths.
Passing through Birtley high street 2 minutes later 6228 was pointing Southbound also with hazards flashing.
This new stock cant come soon enough!
(15 Jan 2026, 9:01 am)Richyyk wrote [ -> ]Driving through Birtley last night at about 1920 spotted 6227 Northbound screened for the 21 with hazards flashing outside Birtley baths.
Passing through Birtley high street 2 minutes later 6228 was pointing Southbound also with hazards flashing.
This new stock cant come soon enough!
They had a 21 branded decker on the X10 the other night.
Broke down just north of Wolviston in the middle of rush hour.
(16 Jan 2026, 8:21 am)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]They had a 21 branded decker on the X10 the other night.
Broke down just north of Wolviston in the middle of rush hour.
And these are the buses people are desperately advocating go on the Coast Road services - there's a cheer when they manage to succesfully reverse them off stand at Eldon Square without the heaps stalling
(16 Jan 2026, 9:24 am)Ambassador wrote [ -> ]And these are the buses people are desperately advocating go on the Coast Road services - there's a cheer when they manage to succesfully reverse them off stand at Eldon Square without the heaps stalling
Because the 307 & 309 both effectively just potter around the doors, with not much exposure to 50mph+ speed limits. Not forgetting any interworkings on / off the 353 or 354/54
(16 Jan 2026, 1:29 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]Because the 307 & 309 both effectively just potter around the doors, with not much exposure to 50mph+ speed limits. Not forgetting any interworkings on / off the 353 or 354/54
What do you think the 21 does between Chester and Newcastle?
(16 Jan 2026, 9:24 am)Ambassador wrote [ -> ]And these are the buses people are desperately advocating go on the Coast Road services - there's a cheer when they manage to succesfully reverse them off stand at Eldon Square without the heaps stalling
To be fair though we all know those Streetdecks are not built for X10 Motorway Work as they're underpowered and likely overheating resulting in said breakdown.
Hopefully with some TLC upcoming they'll manage whatever work they do next, I believe they're going on the 301 which needs the additional capacity given current loadings and frequency of the service, very much doubt they'll be moving onto the 307/309 as I think there is more chance of New EV's for these services in the future so they'll keep the B9's for now.
(16 Jan 2026, 3:01 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]To be fair though we all know those Streetdecks are not built for X10 Motorway Work as they're underpowered and likely overheating resulting in said breakdown.
Hopefully with some TLC upcoming they'll manage whatever work they do next, I believe they're going on the 301 which needs the additional capacity given current loadings and frequency of the service, very much doubt they'll be moving onto the 307/309 as I think there is more chance of New EV's for these services in the future so they'll keep the B9's for now.
Or maybe both services (with other StreetDecks thrown in) given that GNE are already trying to reduce costs. If going back commercially against Arriva with no partnership in place (if happening), GNE will need to reduce costs. The Saturday frequency reduction will help - as well as reducing fuel bills not running heavy duty B9TLs.
Asides, I think GNE could potentially be looking at StreetLites for the 307/309 in the not too distant future, especially if Arriva launch an all out assault and go back to every 7/8 minutes on the 306 & 308 - both of which far more likely to receive EV investment with the infrastructure already in place at Blyth.
(16 Jan 2026, 5:25 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]Or maybe both services (with other StreetDecks thrown in) given that GNE are already trying to reduce costs. If going back commercially against Arriva with no partnership in place (if happening), GNE will need to reduce costs. The Saturday frequency reduction will help - as well as reducing fuel bills not running heavy duty B9TLs.
Asides, I think GNE could potentially be looking at StreetLites for the 307/309 in the not too distant future, especially if Arriva launch an all out assault and go back to every 7/8 minutes on the 306 & 308 - both of which far more likely to receive EV investment with the infrastructure already in place at Blyth.
Not being horrible here but have you taken something. You really think that the 307/309 would go single deck. Whats this constant Arriva 306/308 destroy the 307/309. I really dont understand what point you are trying to make. So what if they go 7/8 minutes. All this talk i see about the 306/308 seems to be you only caring about the section from Newcastle to Battle Hill. Why do you never mention the 350/351 in part of this discussion constant
(16 Jan 2026, 1:38 pm)XAmbassador wrote [ -> ]What do you think the 21 does between Chester and Newcastle?
Ambles through Birtley at 20mph and not much faster through Low Fell and Gateshead, in case he needs reminding.
(16 Jan 2026, 3:01 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ] To be fair though we all know those Streetdecks are not built for X10 Motorway Work as they're underpowered and likely overheating resulting in said breakdown.
Hopefully with some TLC upcoming they'll manage whatever work they do next, I believe they're going on the 301 which needs the additional capacity given current loadings and frequency of the service, very much doubt they'll be moving onto the 307/309 as I think there is more chance of New EV's for these services in the future so they'll keep the B9's for now.
And the likelihood of them performing on the X10, after struggling on the 21 is what?
You're right, they're not cut out for the X10.
And they're not likely to work on the X10, if they're struggling to maintain reliability after allocation to a 20mph 21...
BTW, I've got no idea what's causing the issues.
But whether it's electrics, engine or wing mirrors - a fix is needed. Not a relocation.
Take it he has never been on the bus when it is busy or the last bus (2345 departure with over 40 people on board seated)
(17 Jan 2026, 8:55 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote [ -> ]Take it he has never been on the bus when it is busy or the last bus (2345 departure with over 40 people on board seated)
At the moment it's busy - but that's with the partnership in place. And I've used it lots of times myself.
If the partnership is broken up, Arriva will be in a much stronger position to compete and although they don't have Jesmond depot to mitigate some of the dead mileage especially with the 306, they have lots of interworking options at the Newcastle end of the routes (unlike GNE) with other Blyth operated services.
GNE are relying on High Farm for the 307 & 309 to survive as it's a strong area. But any frequency re-increases by Arriva could leave GNE in a position where they might need to revert back to single deck - especially if they were to go all out.
(17 Jan 2026, 10:30 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]At the moment it's busy - but that's with the partnership in place. And I've used it lots of times myself.
If the partnership is broken up, Arriva will be in a much stronger position to compete and although they don't have Jesmond depot to mitigate some of the dead mileage especially with the 306, they have lots of interworking options at the Newcastle end of the routes (unlike GNE) with other Blyth operated services.
GNE are relying on High Farm for the 307 & 309 to survive as it's a strong area. But any frequency re-increases by Arriva could leave GNE in a position where they might need to revert back to single deck - especially if they were to go all out.
Bollocks! the partnership for the 2345 isn't down to people using different tickets it is getting the workers home late at night for the gig economy aka pubs and restaurants they are not using arriva tickets to board the bus
(17 Jan 2026, 11:14 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote [ -> ]Bollocks! the partnership for the 2345 isn't down to people using different tickets it is getting the workers home late at night for the gig economy aka pubs and restaurants they are not using arriva tickets to board the bus
Not so much the tickets, but more the frequency coordination.
Arriva used to cover the 2345 slot with the 306 but this changed to GNE who were in a better position to cover it from a dead mileage perspective as part of the coordinated partnership.
(18 Jan 2026, 7:50 am)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]Not so much the tickets, but more the frequency coordination.
Arriva used to cover the 2345 slot with the 306 but this changed to GNE who were in a better position to cover it from a dead mileage perspective as part of the coordinated partnership.
I used to use the 23.45 306 a lot. Was annoyed when they changed it to a route that doesn't serve the same route. Your last 306 to Tynemouth was 22.45 so if you were in town and lived anywhere on that route. Tough get the earlier bus.
(17 Jan 2026, 10:30 pm)L469 YVK wrote [ -> ]At the moment it's busy - but that's with the partnership in place. And I've used it lots of times myself.
If the partnership is broken up, Arriva will be in a much stronger position to compete and although they don't have Jesmond depot to mitigate some of the dead mileage especially with the 306, they have lots of interworking options at the Newcastle end of the routes (unlike GNE) with other Blyth operated services.
GNE are relying on High Farm for the 307 & 309 to survive as it's a strong area. But any frequency re-increases by Arriva could leave GNE in a position where they might need to revert back to single deck - especially if they were to go all out.
Whatever your saying is all wrong. Arriva & GNE dont want to compete on the coast road. If anything gne is being the stupid one here and "suppose ending the partnership" but if they do. Arriva wont go on a high and try run the coast road. These suggestions that the 307/309 would go single deck is just stupid. Im sure you have complained or others have about singles on the 307/309 previous. Please for everyone on here. Stop mentioning the coast road its getting annoying now seeing it everyday everywhere
Also how are gne relying on High Farm. Non of what you are saying is making sense its just constant gibberish about a section of a route that only you seem to care.
If anything this partnership was a stupid idea. The only good thing was ticket accepted but the frequency & timetable changes are stupid. Its supposed to 306 then 307 then 308 then 309. This is never the case. They arrive into Haymarket at different times and sometimes you will have a 307 follow a 309 out or 308 follow the 306 out. Its stupid and never works.
The route Variation on the 306 to send it down to the Bandstand or even some journeys now only going to Whitley Bay every hour & some finishing at Tynemouth or Marden Estate. Then withdrawal of the 310/311 to make it one route. They made this partnership daft yet the only two routes to benefit it was the 308/309 since they both do Newcastle to Blyth. The 306 & 307 was stupid cause they never meet once they leave Battle Hill. The 306 doesn't even enter the main parts of Shields where people want to be
Not a very good start to the morning for GNE
Passing Heworth along bypass towards Gateshead just after 0700, 6003 broken down just past KFC.
Coming past Gateshead College not long after at 0720 and 6071 is broken down also restricting traffic towards the bingo hall. Very precarious as you couldn't see past bus for overtaking on what was now a single lane
Deptford (Sunderland) had investment in 2017 black cats streetlites on routes 2 2A 39 and 39a but we could really do some new vehicles now.
(20 Jan 2026, 12:08 am)Acky81 wrote [ -> ]Deptford (Sunderland) had investment in 2017 black cats streetlites on routes 2 2A 39 and 39a but we could really do some new vehicles now.
Watch this space!!