North East Buses

(14 Aug 2017, 10:30 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]The timetable for the 470 doesn't seem correct in my eyes either...

My question is where are they going to base the buses? Dump two new Optare Versas in a lay by somewhere? I hope not! Plus surely they will need a spare bus based up there

The lay-by that is used can barely fit one bus let alone another one!

(14 Aug 2017, 11:08 pm)Cobalt271 wrote [ -> ]The lay-by that is used can barely fit one bus let alone another one!

Surely the need some sort of outstation or something

(14 Aug 2017, 11:20 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]Surely the need some sort of outstation or something

I don't think the Traffic Commissioner would be best pleased about the situation, but hopefully PCL try and secure a building of some sort now they're building their services up in North Northumberland.

PCL have acquired another Primo - KX08HLM, seen between trips on the 613 today.
PCL Travel: KX08HLM by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

(15 Aug 2017, 7:30 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]PCL have acquired another Primo - KX08HLM, seen between trips on the 613 today.
PCL Travel: KX08HLM by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

Wonder why they've got this and the Excel? Replacing the darts maybe?

Wonder if the new 470/473 contract specifies that the services need buses with seat belts as it's alleged that they have acquired two Versa's with seat belts and this Excel has belts as well. Would assume the Excel will be a backup for the Versa's.

Haven't been seeing the Darts on their services as much recently,

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(15 Aug 2017, 8:46 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Wonder if the new 470/473 contract specifies that the services need buses with seat belts as it's alleged that they have acquired two Versa's with seat belts and this Excel has belts as well. Would assume the Excel will be a backup for the Versa's.

Haven't been seeing the Darts on their services as much recently,

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Didn't realise the Excel had belts too so that makes sense! Guessing the seatbelts are for the school runs. Wouldn't mind a ride on the Excel

(15 Aug 2017, 7:30 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]PCL have acquired another Primo - KX08HLM, seen between trips on the 613 today.
PCL Travel: KX08HLM by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

This was previously with Connect Transport Jarrow before they ceased trading.

I am planning a day out in Northumberland, hopefully to use some PCL Travel services although there is a few worries using there company, firstly the contact number goes to a mobile number - that is not very professional. Secondly after reading several posts of minibus allocations and drivers skipping sections on the route.
Does anyone know what tickets they sell?

(17 Aug 2017, 8:05 am)S830OFT wrote [ -> ]I am planning a day out in Northumberland, hopefully to use some PCL Travel services although there is a few worries using there company, firstly the contact number goes to a mobile number - that is not very professional. Secondly after reading several posts of minibus allocations and drivers skipping sections on the route.
Does anyone know what tickets they sell?

I don't think you have anything to worry about - there are the odd minibus allocation (mainly on the M1 and 808) with R222LOT - but the services I have been on I've had no issues with and the drivers have always been friendly and on time. 

I think they only sell singles and returns as they have no ticket machines on most of their buses.

I may be wrong but I think the morning M1 (excluding Wednesdays) typically uses Solo M14PCL as I think it interworks with the S1, whereas the 15:00 from Morpeth and return is normally R222LOT. MH06WCU often tends to be on the 808 (and sometimes M1 as I may be wrong but I think it interworks with the 808 on somedays).

I'm hoping to have a ride on Optare Excel Y249DRC which they've acquired from Grand Prix Coaches, apparently they only paid £1000 for it but I've heard it's in great condition.

Versa's are supposedly arriving sometime next week.

(17 Aug 2017, 9:10 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]I may be wrong but I think the morning M1 (excluding Wednesdays) typically uses Solo M14PCL as I think it interworks with the S1, whereas the 15:00 from Morpeth and return is normally R222LOT. MH06WCU often tends to be on the 808 (and sometimes M1 as I may be wrong but I think it interworks with the 808 on somedays).

I'm hoping to have a ride on Optare Excel Y249DRC which they've acquired from Grand Prix Coaches, apparently they only paid £1000 for it but I've heard it's in great condition.

Versa's are supposedly arriving sometime next week.

Oh that is great - I do hope PCL will accept the North East Explorer ticket on the 470/473 alike Glen Valley currently do. I will have to give them a try.

I know most will disagree with this statement but don't be disappointed if you find yourself on R222LOT, as it's actually quite a quick thing.

Excuse for a video plug: https://youtu.be/MDI6eCNspXw

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(17 Aug 2017, 9:10 am)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]I I may be wrong but I think the morning M1 (excluding Wednesdays) typically uses Solo M14PCL as I think it interworks with the S1, whereas the 15:00 from Morpeth and return is normally R222LOT. MH06WCU often tends to be on the 808 (and sometimes M1 as I may be wrong but I think it interworks with the 808 on somedays).

I'm hoping to have a ride on Optare Excel Y249DRC which they've acquired from Grand Prix Coaches, apparently they only paid £1000 for it but I've heard it's in great condition.

Versa's are supposedly arriving sometime next week.

Looking at the timetable I would say you are right 

I think the other M1 is just anything goes most of the time.

I've updated our fleetlist to what I think is the correct current situation.
The Trident that never saw use LK03GHN has been sold to Ashall's.

Do PCL still have MH06WCU as R222LOT made an appearence on tonights 808.

They still have 2 big darts

(18 Aug 2017, 8:36 pm)jimmoc wrote [ -> ]They still have 2 big darts

What about MH06WCU (The LDV Convoy) acquired from The Eden.

Well, the 14:00 M1 from the Metrocentre seemingly has failed to make an appearance in Newcastle this afternoon...

Gave up waiting on St Thomas Street at 14:28, was due at 14:10.

(20 Aug 2017, 1:39 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Well, the 14:00 M1 from the Metrocentre seemingly has failed to make an appearance in Newcastle this afternoon...

Gave up waiting on St Thomas Street at 14:28, was due at 14:10.

Should send them a message and ask what is going on

(20 Aug 2017, 1:39 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Well, the 14:00 M1 from the Metrocentre seemingly has failed to make an appearance in Newcastle this afternoon...

Gave up waiting on St Thomas Street at 14:28, was due at 14:10.

I was in Newcastle with my friend today so wasn't on the buses, although I saw R222LOT at 12:10 on St Thomas Street with Peter Cowell himself at the wheel. He dropt one passenger off and drove towards Great North Road. I never new of the Metrocentre extension, although having rode R222LOT on Friday I made a note of it. I hope this helps you.

A1 timetable - https://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/f...040917.pdf

Nexus versions of the 470/473 also online.

Have the Versas arrived yet? The contracts start next week so hopefully be here soon if not already.

Both Versa's have reportedly arrived.

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(01 Sep 2017, 6:28 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Both Versa's have reportedly arrived.

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Any idea on the colour? White or the rural link? Can't see the Versas suiting rural link?

(01 Sep 2017, 7:36 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]Any idea on the colour? White or the rural link? Can't see the Versas suiting rural link?

Don't know the answer to that I'm afraid, lets not rule out the possibility of them being red & black either which was the livery they were in before joining PCL (assuming that they are the one's I think they are).

R222LOT now has Rural Link vinyls and the pink circle has been removed.

(01 Sep 2017, 7:53 pm)Jimmi wrote [ -> ]Don't know the answer to that I'm afraid, lets not rule out the possibility of them being red & black either which was the livery they were in before joining PCL (assuming that they are the one's I think they are).

R222LOT now has Rural Link vinyls and the pink circle has been removed.

Ah so they are not brand new. How old are they?

(01 Sep 2017, 8:13 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]Ah so they are not brand new. How old are they?

Saw one on Facebook not long ago and it was a 13 plate.




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(01 Sep 2017, 9:15 pm)TEN 6083 wrote [ -> ]Saw one on Facebook not long ago and it was a 13 plate.




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Cheers, they look ok

(01 Sep 2017, 9:15 pm)TEN 6083 wrote [ -> ]Saw one on Facebook not long ago and it was a 13 plate.




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Looks good. Hopefully I will get to try the services soon for myself and find out.