North East Buses

(13 Mar 2026, 9:17 am)Rob44 wrote [ -> ]Might have already been mentioned but are the GNE livery MF75 *** plate buses electric ?

MF75 *** are diesel
MA75 *** are electric

(13 Mar 2026, 8:49 am)Storx wrote [ -> ]Can't comment on the ADL's but the moquette on the new vehicles is 100% the new GoAhead interior and nothing to do with Wright. I haven't looked around at other buses but GA74 ZEB which is the ADL Demo bus 100% has it aswell and was the first one aswell - I believe.

Oh interesting. Never realised that the ADL Demo had the same moquette.
I honestly presumed that the new moquette was Wrightbus' because it was on their Electroliner Gen2 in the press statement (https://wrightbus.com/en-gb/wrightbus-le...ectroliner). Looked to be in the Red Demonstrator livery as well.

My bad on that one.

(13 Mar 2026, 10:19 am)NL62WVW wrote [ -> ]MF75 *** are diesel
MA75 *** are electric

ah right.  Just there was one on the 93 this morning but must have been diesel one.

Isn't it me or do the destination displays look not quite right on the front of the new deckers?

It's like the top few of lines of pixels are not displayed.

(22 Mar 2026, 6:02 pm)Kimlfixit wrote [ -> ]Isn't it me or do the destination displays look not quite right on the front of the new deckers?

It's like the top few of lines of pixels are not displayed.

I have noticed the same along with sometimes the 21 looks like a 2 - I think it is to do with the masking around the blind not quite matching the height of the actual destination display - either the destination needs dropping down a few centimetres or some masking needs taking off.

It's like that with most of the Streetdecks, the black surround is too small for you to see all of the screen, you think they'd have been able to figure it out on a design that's over a decade old now.

(23 Mar 2026, 1:50 pm)deanmachine wrote [ -> ]It's like that with most of the Streetdecks, the black surround is too small for you to see all of the screen, you think they'd have been able to figure it out on a design that's over a decade old now.

Should have kept the Double Destination display for the new orders

(23 Mar 2026, 3:05 pm)Retro Nero wrote [ -> ]Should have kept the Double Destination display for the new orders

That was a MG decision, now I think it is more a case of what Go Ahead order and I cannot see much difference between GNE, EY, GSC or GSW apart from the livery.

There's another one parked on back fence branded up.

(28 Mar 2026, 3:20 pm)NL62WVW wrote [ -> ]There's another one parked on back fence branded up.

Il give it a week after entering service before they are on the 58 and the deckers end up on the X66.

(28 Mar 2026, 3:58 pm)WestDurhamSwift wrote [ -> ]Il give it a week after entering service before they are on the 58 and the deckers end up on the X66.

Yeah I don't think these will cope well with the X66.
Luckily its not dedicated branding so at least an E12 could go on or a decker.

8810 has private registration, GA26GNE
I presume, more private registrations to follow?

(28 Mar 2026, 6:30 pm)Retro Nero wrote [ -> ]8810 has private registration, GA26GNE
I presume, more private registrations to follow?

Also has advert boards on door side with no branding, yet rest of the vehicle is branded for some reason - https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-newman-p...1801789906

Rear - https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-newman-p...otostream/

(29 Mar 2026, 8:14 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Also has advert boards on door side with no branding, yet rest of the vehicle is branded for some reason - https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-newman-p...1801789906

Rear - https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-newman-p...otostream/

Wonder why it’s missing the red swoop on the door side

(29 Mar 2026, 8:14 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Also has advert boards on door side with no branding, yet rest of the vehicle is branded for some reason - https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-newman-p...1801789906

Rear - https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-newman-p...otostream/

These look like they hold a lot less.
They really are gonna struggle with the X66 loads.

Never will understand this company. Went from the Bendys (That lasted 14 years) to the Streetlite to an Eclipse 2 to MMC's to now these. (Capacity i'm on about)

How long are we going to give it before the E12's are going to be the allocation. 

Do ADL not do a full size E200EV? What a weird purchase.

(29 Mar 2026, 9:04 pm)X919 WGR wrote [ -> ]How long are we going to give it before the E12's are going to be the allocation. 

There's always the Yutong E9L ....

(30 Mar 2026, 3:18 am)deanmachine wrote [ -> ]Do ADL not do a full size E200EV? What a weird purchase.

I believe they offer a 9.9M, 10.9M and an 11.7M specification.
Only GNE would go for the 10.9M....

So if I'm right in remembering the shorter Stagecoach E200s its about 34 seats as opposed to about 42 for the full length MMCs GNE have?

Depends what the standing capacity is like - it’s only a short shuttle after all. But I don’t see why you wouldn’t get the largest one for the X66

(01 Apr 2026, 4:28 am)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Depends what the standing capacity is like - it’s only a short shuttle after all. But I don’t see why you wouldn’t get the largest one for the X66

Looks like it's 40 standing from looking at ADL Specs:

The 9.9m Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV provincial variant is designed with a high capacity for standing passengers, offering a total capacity of up to 73 passengers, which includes 33 seats, and up to 2 wheelchair spaces. The 9.9m variant is part of the next-generation electric range with a 2.47m wide body, focusing on high passenger capacity.
Key 9.9m Enviro200EV Capacity Details:
Total Capacity: Up to 73 passengers (provincial), or up to 59 passengers for London variants (with 25-26 seats).
Seating: 33, 39, or 43 seats are available for provincial variants, with the 9.9m typically featuring 33, or up to 34 in some configurations.
Accessibility: 1 or 2 wheelchair spaces available via manual or electric ramp.
Dimensions: 9.9m length, 2.47m width.

One of the new Ultroliners (6399) finally made it onto the X10 yesterday, albeit not for the full day (started about midday) and running late the whole time.

(01 Apr 2026, 8:44 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Looks like it's 40 standing from looking at ADL Specs:

The 9.9m Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV provincial variant is designed with a high capacity for standing passengers, offering a total capacity of up to 73 passengers, which includes 33 seats, and up to 2 wheelchair spaces. The 9.9m variant is part of the next-generation electric range with a 2.47m wide body, focusing on high passenger capacity.
Key 9.9m Enviro200EV Capacity Details:
Total Capacity: Up to 73 passengers (provincial), or up to 59 passengers for London variants (with 25-26 seats).
Seating: 33, 39, or 43 seats are available for provincial variants, with the 9.9m typically featuring 33, or up to 34 in some configurations.
Accessibility: 1 or 2 wheelchair spaces available via manual or electric ramp.
Dimensions: 9.9m length, 2.47m width.

I'd just ignore that, the ADL standing numbers are just unrealistic. There's no way you're getting 45 people standing on a 10.8m bus.

Personally wish local authorities would tender buses on seating capacity rather than total capacity to kill the stupid farce as it's an issue on some routes like the 351 at peak times. 

Love to know how on earth they come up with them personally.

Isn't it only Nexus contracts that specify capacity using the maximum including standing? It does seem strange practice.
Do Nexus contracts have a maximum age for buses? Age isn't a perfect indicator of the quality of the bus, but it is a simple start.  Things like this will need to be got right in the process for awarding franchising contracts.
Of course, sadly, in recent years nearly all operators in the north east have had (or still have) maddening episodes of non-trivial lost mileage due to "no serviceable bus" or "no driver" - far more important for passengers than the details of the bus.

(02 Apr 2026, 11:27 am)ck Busadvocate wrote [ -> ]Isn't it only Nexus contracts that specify capacity using the maximum including standing? It does seem strange practice.
Do Nexus contracts have a maximum age for buses? Age isn't a perfect indicator of the quality of the bus, but it is a simple start.  Things like this will need to be got right in the process for awarding franchising contracts.
Of course, sadly, in recent years nearly all operators in the north east have had (or still have) maddening episodes of non-trivial lost mileage due to "no serviceable bus" or "no driver" - far more important for passengers than the details of the bus.

There used to be way back, in the 90s (when it was Tyne and Wear PTE ) an age limit and specifications.

(02 Apr 2026, 11:27 am)Busadvocate wrote [ -> ]Isn't it only Nexus contracts that specify capacity using the maximum including standing? It does seem strange practice.
Do Nexus contracts have a maximum age for buses? Age isn't a perfect indicator of the quality of the bus, but it is a simple start.  Things like this will need to be got right in the process for awarding franchising contracts.
Of course, sadly, in recent years nearly all operators in the north east have had (or still have) maddening episodes of non-trivial lost mileage due to "no serviceable bus" or "no driver" - far more important for passengers than the details of the bus.

Not too sure on the capacity tbh. Curious now actually, as like you said, it doesn't make much sense.

(02 Apr 2026, 1:03 pm)Retro Nero wrote [ -> ]There used to be way back, in the 90s (when it was Tyne and Wear PTE ) an age limit and specifications.

Used to be low floor restrictions which I'm not sure when it came in aswell - must have been around 2008?

Obviously restricted age aswell, as only newer vehicles were low floor.

(02 Apr 2026, 11:27 am)Busadvocate wrote [ -> ]Isn't it only Nexus contracts that specify capacity using the maximum including standing? It does seem strange practice.
Do Nexus contracts have a maximum age for buses? Age isn't a perfect indicator of the quality of the bus, but it is a simple start.  Things like this will need to be got right in the process for awarding franchising contracts.
Of course, sadly, in recent years nearly all operators in the north east have had (or still have) maddening episodes of non-trivial lost mileage due to "no serviceable bus" or "no driver" - far more important for passengers than the details of the bus.

When I used to do the 4274 scholars in Durham, the contract was for a minimum number of seats (40) and Euro 5 or better. I'm unsure if there was an age limit, but did use a Scania L94 a couple of times on the route and they were 54 plates. I remember once breaking down and someone sent one of the second hand Citaros which didn't have enough seats....

The council were regularly at the school checking (as were VOSA who were very thorough). Griersons also had a contract at the same school, not sure what their specification was but they were not Euro 5 or better and nor were the vehicles Disabled Friendly (whatever the regulations are).

(02 Apr 2026, 2:42 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Not too sure on the capacity tbh. Curious now actually, as like you said, it doesn't make much sense.


Used to be low floor restrictions which I'm not sure when it came in aswell - must have been around 2008?

Obviously restricted age aswell, as only newer vehicles were low floor.

An odd one was nexus contracts used to stipulate radio or similar methods of communication to a control room

(02 Apr 2026, 11:27 am)Busadvocate wrote [ -> ]Isn't it only Nexus contracts that specify capacity using the maximum including standing? It does seem strange practice.
Do Nexus contracts have a maximum age for buses? Age isn't a perfect indicator of the quality of the bus, but it is a simple start.  Things like this will need to be got right in the process for awarding franchising contracts.
Of course, sadly, in recent years nearly all operators in the north east have had (or still have) maddening episodes of non-trivial lost mileage due to "no serviceable bus" or "no driver" - far more important for passengers than the details of the bus.

If you take the 18 Northstar have just won or the Sunderland Connect their buses are Euro 6 but getting on in age. So don't nexus just do Euro 6 or better? 

But agree the capacity requirements are stupid as the 350/351 need bigger singles anyways and the 18 only needs deckers on the school runs (and especially not on weekends or evenings)

(02 Apr 2026, 5:52 pm)220631612 wrote [ -> ]An odd one was nexus contracts used to stipulate radio or similar methods of communication to a control room

Never knew that one, kind of makes sense before phones though mind. Be absolute hell on if something happened with kids and the driver couldn't get in contact with anyone.

(02 Apr 2026, 6:36 pm)logidoodah wrote [ -> ]If you take the 18 Northstar have just won or the Sunderland Connect their buses are Euro 6 but getting on in age. So don't nexus just do Euro 6 or better? 

But agree the capacity requirements are stupid as the 350/351 need bigger singles anyways and the 18 only needs deckers on the school runs (and especially not on weekends or evenings)

Don't think there's any Euro 6 restriction, as far as I'm aware, is there? Unless it's changed very very recently.

Quite a few routes around which don't have Euro 6 buses. The Arriva 57A (Evenings/Sundays), GNE 317 (Evenings/Sundays) and Stagecoach 10/11/12/13 in South Shields for example, just thinking of some off the top of my head.