North East Buses

Full Version: Go North East - State of the Fleet
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(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.

On the leaked GNE magazine about the electric bus launch event, it did specifically mention where the 'first batch of new buses', potentially hinting that further investment is on the way later in the year
(20 Jan 2026, 11:04 am)Iamtheone8483748 wrote [ -> ]On the leaked GNE magazine about the electric bus launch event, it did specifically mention where the 'first batch of new buses', potentially hinting that further investment is on the way later in the year

The X66 examples aren't here yet are they? I genuinely don't know haven't been following - probably be them?
(20 Jan 2026, 11:04 am)Iamtheone8483748 wrote [ -> ]On the leaked GNE magazine about the electric bus launch event, it did specifically mention where the 'first batch of new buses', potentially hinting that further investment is on the way later in the year
Wouldn't surprise me if the next batch of deckers will be for the 10/10A/10B/12 & possibly the X21.

Would be nice to see some singles purchased too.
Today on the 317 on the same journey from Whitley Bay to Wallsend - 8342 broke down at Rake Lane, which was then replaced by 6112, which then broke down at Howdon, and was replaced by 6101, and then passengers transferred onto 8344 on the bus behind so the return journey on 6101 could start on time.

I doubt anyone would make that journey, but if you travelled on the full route from Whitley Bay to Wallsend you would have ended up on 4 different buses...
No wonder the driver looked sick of his life when I drove past 6112 outside Churchill School.
6192 no longer sounds like a hoover, seems to have been repaired.
(20 Jan 2026, 6:56 am)Retro Nero wrote [ -> ]Watch this space!!

Surely for the 60/20?
(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.

Which were then cascaded 4 years later…
Versa's 8318 & 8325 have been withdrawn
(23 Jan 2026, 5:14 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote [ -> ]Versa's 8318 & 8325 have been withdrawn

Shame that this was there last week
Them Versas are well underrated, far better than the newer Streetlites.
Not many of the V1110 Versas left at all. (8314 & 8324 at Percy Main, 8321 at Consett & 8326, 8327 & 8328 at Riverside) appear to be the remaining examples in service.

8316/8322 don't seem to be coming back, the latter most likely, especially given how unreliable it was when in service...
6974 is currently on loan to Sunderland Depot
Not a good start for the new vehicles.
6387 failed at Rose Cresent on the 886 route this afternoon, it was still there with no lights at 16:30.
Did a Cityrider Gemini break down, Its just It was sitting at the stop outside Nisa in Springwell Village showing NIS. I'm assuming the other one behind was a spare sent from Deptford.
3963 is the next bus to be withdrawn.
(03 Feb 2026, 9:43 am)WestDurhamSwift wrote [ -> ]3963 is the next bus to be withdrawn.

3943 and 3964 are also withdrawn, however 3943 is still tracking (potentially a differnt bus)
(03 Feb 2026, 2:48 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote [ -> ]3943 and 3964 are also withdrawn, however 3943 is still tracking (potentially a differnt bus)

Was 3964 one of the ones branded up for the 724?

It's that old it served the underground Eldon Square bus station!
(03 Feb 2026, 4:37 pm)Ambassador wrote [ -> ]Was 3964 one of the ones branded up for the 724?

It's that old it served the underground Eldon Square bus station!

Belive it was! 

Should of transfered them to Consett for now instead of having Solos on Xlines routes, but here we are
6954 & 6958 are the next deckers to be withdrawn.
Didn't realise GNE still have wreckers and can recover themselves. On my way to work (about 12 noon), I saw one at Dalton Park picking up an X10 MMC.
tbh with the relaibility of the fleet they should have two at every depot.

3 at riverside
Dublin bus have (or did have when I went in 2006) recovery trucks at each depot - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...0305027708

Go North East did have 2 at one point....
120 based at Bishop Auckland Depot, it was acquired from NE Bus Breakers when they closed, was withdrawn after they closed Bishop Auckland - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...0023452137

195 based at Sunderland Road Depot, apparently acquired from Jeff Ripley, replaced by 1001 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...0023457217

And not to leave it out, the current tow truck number 1001 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...0022662648
Are buses allowed out with broken displays. The rear of 5539 thinks its on the 9 (its actually on the 8)
(13 Feb 2026, 1:04 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote [ -> ]Are buses allowed out with broken displays. The rear of 5539 thinks its on the 9 (its actually on the 8)

Fairly common fault with those displays, they'll get confused at what route they're on, the front will be fine but the side rear, and next stop announcements will announce a previous displayed route.
6333 has brokedown on the 8A this morning at Sunderland Uni.

Edit: seems to be running now, just seen it enter Park Lane as the 8A to the Galleries
690 was very cozy leaving Gateshead on the 94 this morning to Team Valley.
6114 taken out of service just now due to a "knocking" noise, i couldnt personally hear anything but other passengers said they could
6349 transferred or just on loan from Consett to Hexham? On the 680/684/688 again today.
Seems 6354 spent 2 and a half hours at the side of the A19 this afternoon near Hartlepool. Gotta love them X10 MMC’s.