North East Buses

(14 Apr 2014, 3:41 pm)AdamY wrote [ -> ]On the subject of day-trips, would anyone be interested in going somewhere further afield for an open day event such as Yorkshire, Manchester or even Glasgow/Scotish Lowlands?

I know the idea has been discussed as part of a forum-based coach trip, but I was thinking more along the lines of car-trip shared with three other people. Of course I'd be prepared to drive my car, but if more than three people wanted to go and if there are others on the forum prepared to drive their cars, then perhaps this could provide alternative solution to the coach-trip idea - if it's doubtful whether there'd be enough of us to fill a bus/coach.

It's just an idea floating around in my head at the minute, but I'd be interested to know what you all think?

I'd be more than happy to do it by train. Even if we had 4 or 5, East Coast would give us 1/3 discount so I'm told.

(16 Mar 2014, 9:36 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]There is now - please see post below:


Stu Gray
Trip to Kirkby Stephen on 20 April - Pick up times and points as listed below...

Middlesbrough, BBC 0830
Stockton High Street Stagecoach Office 0840
Darlington Parkgate for Rail Station 0900
Darlington Bondgate 0905
Shildon Hippodrome 0920
Bishop Auckland Market Place 0930
Barnard Castle Galgate 1000

Departing Kirkby at 1600

Fare is £12 per person. Please inbox me to reserve a seat or for more information - pay on the day!

***Could people who have previously stated an interest in coming please get back in touch as I appear to have lost my list (d'oh!)***
Like · · Share · 11 hours ago · Edited

If anyone is interested in the trip on NEB, drop me a message and I'll pass it on to Stu.

I have also inquired as to whether it is possible for the pick up time to be delayed by a minute or two from Bishop Auckland as the first full X21 of the morning arrives at 0932.

EDIT: Stu says that the 0932 arrival at Bishop Auckland is fine to be used as a connection service, and timings will be altered accordingly on the day if the service is running late.

A change to the Kirby Stephen trip details as of today:

Stu Grey
Due to unforseen circumstances, the trip to Kirkby Stephen I have organised for this weekend will now be operated by Stagecarriage's Dennis Condor. I will also take this opportunity to confirm the pick up points and times as follows;

Middlesbrough BBC 0830
Stockton High Street South (Stagecoach Office) 0840
Darlington Tubwell Row/Stonegate 0900 (note new pick up point due to height restriction on Parkgate)
Darlington Bondgate 0905
Shildon Byerley Road (Hippodrome) 0925
Bishop Auckland Market Place 0940 (will wait for X21)
West Auckland 0950
Barnard Castle 1010

Will leave at approx 1630 from Kirkby Stephen for return. All fares are £10 per person. Myself and Stagecarriage can only apologise for the late substitution of the Leopard. Please inbox me for any more information.

(13 Apr 2014, 8:06 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]No NEB specific day trips as of yet, but our calendar is starting to get quite full with events over the next few weeks...
http://northeastbuses.co.uk/forum/calend...calendar=1

Check out April and May for some events which may be of interest.

Added a few more trips to the calendar for those interested.

Craig Smith
25 April at 16:18 · Edited
We are going to have A moment of remembrance at The Metrocenter NEBPT for Ian. This will take place at 13.00 next to FTN 710W. Chris Redpath will be doing the announcement. I would be most obliged if people could spread the word as I know that many of Ian's friends are not on the internet. Thanks very much.

Edited the Metrocentre Rally event on the calendar to include the details above.

Bumped into a Stagecoach in Sunderland Driver at Peterlee this Afternoon after he came to talk to me, as he noticed I was taking photos, and he informed that me that he maybe taking one of the Gas E300's to the MetroCentre Rally this upcoming Sunday.

(28 Apr 2014, 4:04 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Bumped into a Stagecoach in Sunderland Driver at Peterlee this Afternoon after he came to talk to me, as he noticed I was taking photos, and he informed that me that he maybe taking one of the Gas E300's to the MetroCentre Rally this upcoming Sunday.

That's good, hopefully they do

(28 Apr 2014, 4:12 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]That's good, hopefully they do

Unconfirmed I would say, but as there was one at the Teeside 500 Group Event Yesterday, then I would say the likelihood of one being at The MetroCentre Rally on Sunday is Pretty High, Plus the fact Stagecoach attended both MetroCentre and Seaburn Rallies Last Year also, Hopefully we'll see all Major Operators Participating again This Year.

(27 Apr 2014, 6:43 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Edited the Metrocentre Rally event on the calendar to include the details above.

i will be at the rally anyway and will go to the memorial

http://www.nebpt.co.uk/news_/pg3ev483.html

This event which will feature a selection of classic buses on display, trade stands and a free bus & coach service around the local area and to the Tanfield railway

This year there are three free bus services

Service 1 MetroCentre - Newcastle - MetroCentre

MetroCentre Coach Park - Departs 20 Minutes Past Each Hour
Newcastle Business Park
opp Dunston Staithes
MetroCentre Coach Park - Arrives Back 40 Minutes Past Each Hour

Service 2 MetroCentre - Market Lane - Go North East Riverside Garage - MetroCentre

MetroCentre Coach Park - Departs at 10/40 Minutes Past Each Hour
Market Lane
Go North East Riverside Garage
MetroCentre Coach Park - Arrives back at 00/30 Past Each Hour

Service 3 Metrocentre - Tanfield Railway - MetroCentre

MetroCentre Coach Park - Departs on the Hour (First Journey 11pm/Last Journey 5pm
Tanfield Railway Terminus arrive - 20 Minutes Past Each Hour
Tanfield Railway Terminus leave - 30 Minutes Past Each Hour
MetroCentre Coach Park - Arrives back at 50 Minutes Past Each Hour

Think i'll end up on Service 3 as it looks like a Great Journey to do, probs skip Service 2 and walk to Riverside Depot, unless of course it is stopping inside the Depot, which I doubt, Service 1 I might do also to stretch the Day out a Bit, Shaping to be a Great Day on Sunday.

(30 Apr 2014, 3:54 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]http://www.nebpt.co.uk/news_/pg3ev483.html

This event which will feature a selection of classic buses on display, trade stands and a free bus & coach service around the local area and to the Tanfield railway

This year there are three free bus services

Service 1 MetroCentre - Newcastle - MetroCentre

MetroCentre Coach Park - Departs 20 Minutes Past Each Hour
Newcastle Business Park
opp Dunston Staithes
MetroCentre Coach Park - Arrives Back 40 Minutes Past Each Hour

Service 2 MetroCentre - Market Lane - Go North East Riverside Garage - MetroCentre

MetroCentre Coach Park - Departs at 10/40 Minutes Past Each Hour
Market Lane
Go North East Riverside Garage
MetroCentre Coach Park - Arrives back at 00/30 Past Each Hour

Service 3 Metrocentre - Tanfield Railway - MetroCentre

MetroCentre Coach Park - Departs on the Hour (First Journey 11pm/Last Journey 5pm
Tanfield Railway Terminus arrive - 20 Minutes Past Each Hour
Tanfield Railway Terminus leave - 30 Minutes Past Each Hour
MetroCentre Coach Park - Arrives back at 50 Minutes Past Each Hour

Think i'll end up on Service 3 as it looks like a Great Journey to do, probs skip Service 2 and walk to Riverside Depot, unless of course it is stopping inside the Depot, which I doubt, Service 1 I might do also to stretch the Day out a Bit, Shaping to be a Great Day on Sunday.

Service 2 will likely be the least used route - given it is being said that it will only be operated by the vehicles from Go North East that attend (various figures this week range from 15 up to 25). By contrast, at present, Arriva's presence this year is likely only to be one of Durham's Geminis (there is a chance there will be more later in the year).

3 vehicles that certainly won't be at the event this year are Yesterbus' Nationals (MK2 CKB166X and Mk1 YFY4M) and The Eden's new restored Leopard PPT446P. Stagecarriage's Leopard VJI8684 is also a doubt as the problem that cancelled its trip to Kirkby Stephen on Easter Sunday and prevented it joining G303FWC at the 500 Group Running Day on Sunday are not an easy fix. So, G303FWC may once again be standing in for the vehicle.

(30 Apr 2014, 10:23 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Service 2 will likely be the least used route - given it is being said that it will only be operated by the vehicles from Go North East that attend (various figures this week range from 15 up to 25). By contrast, at present, Arriva's presence this year is likely only to be one of Durham's Geminis (there is a chance there will be more later in the year).

3 vehicles that certainly won't be at the event this year are Yesterbus' Nationals (MK2 CKB166X and Mk1 YFY4M) and The Eden's new restored Leopard PPT446P. Stagecarriage's Leopard VJI8684 is also a doubt as the problem that cancelled its trip to Kirkby Stephen on Easter Sunday and prevented it joining G303FWC at the 500 Group Running Day on Sunday are not an easy fix. So, G303FWC may once again be standing in for the vehicle.

Go North East to bring 15 to 25 Vehicles, Might as well bring every Branded Bus they have to be honest, bet half of them will be from Riverside as it's only 2 Minutes Away, Shame about the Leyland Nationals as quite like them compared to others which been restored, Don't think I have either of the Leopards at the Rallies I have been to over the 2 and a Half Years.

I hope the Go Ahead Gateshead Metrobus makes an appearance This Year, as I have yet to see it in Person, other than Photos by Sean Blair on Flickr, I also think Stagecoach/Arriva should bring there Gas Buses along, as it would be a Great Photo Opportunity to get them together, I was told Stagecoach would be bringing there's, but it was Unconfirmed according to an Enthusiast who I spoke to in Peterlee on Tuesday, who works for Stagecoach in Sunderland.

(30 Apr 2014, 10:39 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Go North East to bring 15 to 25 Vehicles, Might as well bring every Branded Bus they have to be honest, bet half of them will be from Riverside as it's only 2 Minutes Away,

Can I but that bet on with you, lets say £100 you give to me if 7 or more are from Riverside

I think there will be around 14 of the current fleet there from most depots.

(01 May 2014, 4:42 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]Can I but that bet on with you, lets say £100 you give to me if 7 or more are from Riverside

I think there will be around 14 of the current fleet there from most depots.

Haha shouldn't be you giving me £100 if there is 7 or more from Riverside in that case then.

But i'll take a guess at

6 Gemini 2's
2 Streetlites
1 Versa
2 Citaros
2 Omnicities
1 Solar

(01 May 2014, 6:40 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Haha shouldn't be you giving me £100 if there is 7 or more from Riverside in that case then.

But i'll take a guess at

6 Gemini 2's
2 Streetlites
1 Versa
2 Citaros
2 Omnicities
1 Solar

No worries....I think my money is safe, but yours is not....I know what is going!!

(01 May 2014, 6:40 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Haha shouldn't be you giving me £100 if there is 7 or more from Riverside in that case then.

But i'll take a guess at

6 Gemini 2's
2 Streetlites
1 Versa
2 Citaros
2 Omnicities
1 Solar

we know your wrong but which brands were they

(01 May 2014, 7:17 pm)danpick wrote [ -> ]we know your wrong but which brands were they

Angel - Cobalt Clipper - Fab 56 - Red Arrows - Ten - Tyne Tees Xpress
Drifter - Saltwell Park
Connections 4 - Wear Tees Xpress
Citylink
Whey Aye 50 - Coaster
Tynedale Xpress

(30 Apr 2014, 10:39 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Go North East to bring 15 to 25 Vehicles, Might as well bring every Branded Bus they have to be honest, bet half of them will be from Riverside as it's only 2 Minutes Away, Shame about the Leyland Nationals as quite like them compared to others which been restored, Don't think I have either of the Leopards at the Rallies I have been to over the 2 and a Half Years.

Had it confirmed tonight that PPT446P is going to the Metrocentre after all.

(01 May 2014, 9:49 pm)Kuyoyo wrote [ -> ]Had it confirmed tonight that PPT446P is going to the Metrocentre after all.

Not sure where you got that from but as far as I know it is not going, nor is either of Steve Foster's Nationals.

(01 May 2014, 10:03 pm)tyresmoke wrote [ -> ]Not sure where you got that from but as far as I know it is not going, nor is either of Steve Foster's Nationals.

Facebook, where he posted the following:

Graeme Scarlett on 'The Northern Road Transport Trust wroteAnyone from the West Auckland and Bishop Auckland area interested in a ride up the the metro centre rally on our Leopard this sunday please inbox me for details.

I heard the owner has changed his mind again so that it's not going.

Was thinking about going to this Rally in July, and go down on the M20 which would cost £13.00 £15.00 there and back depending on Departure Times, and it's Free Admission into the Rally also.

12th July
Departs 01:40 Newcastle , John Dobson Street
Arrives 08:00 London, Victoria Coach Station

Return on
Departs 16:30 London , Victoria Coach Station
Arrives 23:05 Newcastle , John Dobson Street

For more Information
Routemaster 60 - 12-13 July 2014 - Finsbury Park - London
http://www.routemaster.org.uk/pages/diamondjubilee

(20 May 2014, 3:23 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Was thinking about going to this Rally in July, and go down on the M20 which would cost £13.00 £15.00 there and back depending on Departure Times, and it's Free Admission into the Rally also.

12th July
Departs 01:40 Newcastle , John Dobson Street
Arrives 08:00 London, Victoria Coach Station

Return on
Departs 16:30 London , Victoria Coach Station
Arrives 23:05 Newcastle , John Dobson Street

For more Information
Routemaster 60 - 12-13 July 2014 - Finsbury Park - London
http://www.routemaster.org.uk/pages/diamondjubilee

Not that keen on Routemasters so I think I'll give that one a miss!

(20 May 2014, 3:25 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Not that keen on Routemasters so I think I'll give that one a miss!

I think it would be a cracking day out regardless of whether you like them or not, doubt there will be another Opportunity like this to catch wide Range of Routemasters from the last 60 Years all at once.

(20 May 2014, 3:47 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]I think it would be a cracking day out regardless of whether you like them or not, doubt there will be another Opportunity like this to catch wide Range of Routemasters from the last 60 Years all at once.

Even if I did want to, I'm sure I've got Work Experience that week (after I've left Year 11 in the middle of my 11-week summer holiday, because that's the logic of my school)...

For reference, if it's anything like a Wednesday, that Megabus down to London is horrible. Especially if you're on a dupe. Sleep well the previous night is all I can suggest.

(20 May 2014, 3:52 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]Even if I did want to, I'm sure I've got Work Experience that week (after I've left Year 11 in the middle of my 11-week summer holiday, because that's the logic of my school)...

For reference, if it's anything like a Wednesday, that Megabus down to London is horrible. Especially if you're on a dupe. Sleep well the previous night is all I can suggest.

The Rally is on a Saturday/Sunday Dan so you should be ok to go if you wanted to, as I would assume Works Experience would be Monday to Friday only. I'll make sure I a decent Sleep beforehand if I do go, and have a Litre Bottle of Lucozade or 2, to keep me going through the Day.

(20 May 2014, 3:59 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote [ -> ]The Rally is on a Saturday/Sunday Dan so you should be ok to go if you wanted to, as I would assume Works Experience would be Monday to Friday only. I'll make sure I a decent Sleep beforehand if I do go, and have a Litre Bottle of Lucozade or 2, to keep me going through the Day.

I think it's the full week! I really have no idea though - I was literally only told a few weeks ago that I'd be having my placement in Seaburn Morrisons during a week in July towards the end of the normal school term, so I should avoid booking any holidays for then.
I wish we'd had more input in regards to the actual placements so as to enable them to be a little bit more useful - rather than a 'Is this okay? Because it needs to be' sort of 30-second one-sided conversation.

(20 May 2014, 4:02 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]I think it's the full week! I really have no idea though - I was literally only told a few weeks ago that I'd be having my placement in Seaburn Morrisons during a week in July towards the end of the normal school term, so I should avoid booking any holidays for then.
I wish we'd had more input in regards to the actual placements so as to enable them to be a little bit more useful - rather than a 'Is this okay? Because it needs to be' sort of 30-second one-sided conversation.

I did my Works Experience as Doxford Park Morrisons, and I had the same basic 30-second one-sided conversation that you have had, with my Head of Year, I was meant be there for 2 Weeks, But only did 4 Days after I ended up knock over 20+ Crates of Forsters off the end of the Aisle, when of the Crate Pullers Wheels came off and collided with End of the Aisle as I was going around the Corner to onto another Aisle, I then panicked and Bailed to the Staff Room, where my belonging were, and then walked out adn didn't go back. I am sure it be as bad for you though Dan.

Was looking at the curriculum for GCSE Business [for my school at least!], (assuming it doesn't change for the 2015-2016 Academic Year) - towards the end of the school year, it appears each student must prepare a personal project.

I was thinking, if there was enough interest from enthusiasts on here (and guests, to add to that), would anyone be interested if I organised a day trip out to somewhere? Possibly get the cheapest prices I can get, with a nice operator, and see what vehicle types are available. I imagine the teacher(s) - (who I hear are all quite hard to please!) would see such a big event with the commitment put into it as a sign of a will to learn in the subject area.

A few ideas I've gathered together are below (with a few ideas, feel free to give suggestions):

Option 1: Lakes District
Ride around a few areas of the Lakes District. Double deck vehicle (assuming they are available [and if people are willing to pay a bit extra for the possible added cost] - an Olympian of some sort) driving through the countryside. Pick up at Newcastle Central railway station early in the morning, motorway it down to Durham (railway station) then the motorway to the Lakes. Bit of a ride around Kendal, Keswick, then head up to Carlisle before using the motorway back to the north east. Return to Newcastle Central, then Durham railway station towards six or seven o'clock.

Option 2: Yorkshire
Similar to the Lakes District idea, but travelling through some of the beautiful scenery surrounding the Dales and Moors of Yorkshire. Perhaps; pick up Newcastle Central, Durham railway station, then motorway down to Whitby. Perhaps book a table for a meal in one of their nicest restaurants [last time I went, I visited Magpie's] for our lunch, then straight back on the bus/coach for a ride around the surrounding countryside for a short while. Head back up towards the end of the day, and get back to Durham railway station first, then Newcastle Central between five and six.

Option 3: Tour of an Independent's Garage
Seen quite a few organised trips to the likes of Stagecarriage, Weardale, etc, so I was thinking as another option (and to be fair - least stressful for a teenager like me to be organising for a school project) we could visit a local independent operator's main base of operations. Any suggestions?

I'll work out prices, options, operators, etc later the time. 

Anybody interested? Assuming it's part of the curriculum next year, I'll be more than happy to try and arrange something like this anyway.

Marcus

What you're trying to do sounds nice, but it's typically what a preservation group would do, to make use of one of their preserved vehicles and generate funds for the group.

(16 Mar 2015, 7:38 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]What you're trying to do sounds nice, but it's typically what a preservation group would do, to make use of one of their preserved vehicles and generate funds for the group.

Even better.   Like I say, I'm unsure if this will be the same for next year, but nonetheless, I think being able to organise an event like this (and pull it off!) would be nice anyway. The added idea of a preserved vehicle could generate just as much interest.