North East Buses

(04 Jul 2017, 6:16 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]Does anyone have the first clue what the arrangements are for the miner's gala on Saturday? The road closures are much more widespread than in previous years because so many people are expected.

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=793418107529930

No idea.
Last year was a shambles as far as public transport goes (or at least in our experience).
We arrived at Milburngate expecting our purple steed to come whizzing round the corner off North Road within a few minutes.
After waiting and waiting, we found out they were turning left out of the bus station.
Despite it not being within the timeframe that they were supposed to be avoiding Milburngate.

We (and many others) then marched up to the bus station to get it.

Really keen on going this year, but will probably forgo the 20 this year due to the cost implications.

(04 Jul 2017, 6:16 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]Does anyone have the first clue what the arrangements are for the miner's gala on Saturday? The road closures are much more widespread than in previous years because so many people are expected.

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=793418107529930

(04 Jul 2017, 6:50 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]No idea.
Last year was a shambles as far as public transport goes (or at least in our experience).
We arrived at Milburngate expecting our purple steed to come whizzing round the corner off North Road within a few minutes.
After waiting and waiting, we found out they were turning left out of the bus station.
Despite it not being within the timeframe that they were supposed to be avoiding Milburngate.

We (and many others) then marched up to the bus station to get it.

Really keen on going this year, but will probably forgo the 20 this year due to the cost implications.

I'd contacted both Arriva and Go North East via social media to ask. Go North East advised me that they have no details yet, and Arriva didn't even bother to get back to me.

I'll be there this year, but won't be marching with the banner.

(04 Jul 2017, 9:10 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]I'd contacted both Arriva and Go North East via social media to ask. Go North East advised me that they have no details yet, and Arriva didn't even bother to get back to me.

I'll be there this year, but won't be marching with the banner.

P&R for us. An absolute no brainer.

(04 Jul 2017, 6:50 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]No idea.
Last year was a shambles as far as public transport goes (or at least in our experience).
We arrived at Milburngate expecting our purple steed to come whizzing round the corner off North Road within a few minutes.
After waiting and waiting, we found out they were turning left out of the bus station.
Despite it not being within the timeframe that they were supposed to be avoiding Milburngate.

We (and many others) then marched up to the bus station to get it.

Really keen on going this year, but will probably forgo the 20 this year due to the cost implications.

We managed to get a 22 home from the bus station, last year (we'd been elsewhere for the day - it's all too much for Big'un and has no meaning for him) but it was far more packed than in previous years and the bus station was full of lairy drunkpeople complaining because their bus wasn't on time or looked different. Getting off at home was hard for us because we were upstairs on a 57 reg lowlander with bells that didn't work properly (BVG?). Given that voer 4 times the population of Durham is expected to turn out, this year, we might give the city a complete swerve but our 22 or 58 will still be adversely affected to/from the other direction.

Milburngate being closed to traffic is every year, and we've had plenty of practice at not being able to go that way, this year! My big concern, this year, is, on top of new Elvet being closed, Crossgate Peth is closed, so the 6, X12 etc can't divert that way, plus just about every other approach to the bus station is closed, but I can't find any information about how that affects buses. I spent a good 10-15 minutes frantically googling and searching.

(04 Jul 2017, 9:10 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]I'd contacted both Arriva and Go North East via social media to ask. Go North East advised me that they have no details yet, and Arriva didn't even bother to get back to me.

I'll be there this year, but won't be marching with the banner.

All arriva seem to care about is the bubblologist at Middlesbrough, tomorrow.

(04 Jul 2017, 10:22 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]P&R for us. An absolute no brainer.

Where's that from? The Scarlet band P&R is usually £2 per adult with kids free, though would be nuts. If you're catching other buses in, I'm wondering where they start and finish. Edit, just realised there's 2 images there, one including the P&R. I'd expect extra P&R, like when Lumiere and the Christmas festival are on, but no informaton about that.

You'd think that, with a Labour Council City hosting a massive socialist gathering which even requires people who live in the area to shift their cars out of the way, the public transport would be more joined up and better communicated


Big'un wants to go South, this weekend, as we haven't visited Darlo for a while. Morning buses from home are usually OK. Still undecided whether to hang around at Hartlepool, on the way back, until a 58 shows up, or hang around at Peterlee, or maybe Dalton Park, since it's less unpleasant, for a 22, since it'll undoubtedly be an double deck odd working.

(04 Jul 2017, 10:59 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]We managed to get a 22 home from the bus station, last year (we'd been elsewhere for the day - it's all too much for Big'un and has no meaning for him) but it was far more packed than in previous years and the bus station was full of lairy drunkpeople complaining because their bus wasn't on time or looked different. Getting off at home was hard for us because we were upstairs on a 57 reg lowlander with bells that didn't work properly (BVG?). Given that voer 4 times the population of Durham is expected to turn out, this year, we might give the city a complete swerve but our 22 or 58 will still be adversely affected to/from the other direction.

Milburngate being closed to traffic is every year, and we've had plenty of practice at not being able to go that way, this year! My big concern, this year, is, on top of new Elvet being closed, Crossgate Peth is closed, so the 6, X12 etc can't divert that way, plus just about every other approach to the bus station is closed, but I can't find any information about how that affects buses. I spent a good 10-15 minutes frantically googling and searching.

All arriva seem to care about is the bubblologist at Middlesbrough, tomorrow.
Where's that from? The Scarlet band P&R is usually £2 per adult with kids free, though would be nuts. If you're catching other buses in, I'm wondering where they start and finish. Edit, just realised there's 2 images there, one including the P&R. I'd expect extra P&R, like when Lumiere and the Christmas festival are on, but no informaton about that.

You'd think that, with a Labour Council City hosting a massive socialist gathering which even requires people who live in the area to shift their cars out of the way, the public transport would be more joined up and better communicated


Big'un wants to go South, this weekend, as we haven't visited Darlo for a while. Morning buses from home are usually OK. Still undecided whether to hang around at Hartlepool, on the way back, until a 58 shows up, or hang around at Peterlee, or maybe Dalton Park, since it's less unpleasant, for a 22, since it'll undoubtedly be an double deck odd working.

The two images:
One was the GNE family ticket.
The other is the DCC P&R.

I either pay £2 return and the 3 little Constanpolouses go free. Or I get on a few stops further up the A690 and pay £13 for a family ticket.

The other option, which slipped my mind is ANE. All trips are £1 with CTBW.
If enough people are switched on, GNE could take a hammering this weekend - not in a good way either.

(05 Jul 2017, 6:40 am)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]The two images:
One was the GNE family ticket.
The other is the DCC P&R.

I either pay £2 return and the 3 little Constanpolouses go free. Or I get on a few stops further up the A690 and pay £13 for a family ticket.

The other option, which slipped my mind is ANE. All trips are £1 with CTBW.
If enough people are switched on, GNE could take a hammering this weekend - not in a good way either.

Thanks for reminding me to get the new ticketing app downloaded, as I need to pop into town, tomorrow. Usually £7 return - same as a day ticket!

http://newsroom.gonortheast.co.uk/news/d...ide-250050


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(05 Jul 2017, 12:39 pm)TEN 6083 wrote [ -> ]http://newsroom.gonortheast.co.uk/news/d...ide-250050


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Someone is finally on the ball, then!

Apparently there's extra buses on the park and ride, but this article says nothing about extra parking. From experience, Belmont is always full on a normal day

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15...ers__Gala/

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1...k-it-down/

Plans to move Durham's bus station dropped - but the council still wants to knock it down


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(07 Feb 2019, 5:32 pm)TEN 6083 wrote [ -> ]https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1...k-it-down/

Plans to move Durham's bus station dropped - but the council still wants to knock it down


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Good and good. The current one is a right state and completely inadequate but the one planned looked like a glorified greenhouse.

(16 Dec 2019, 7:27 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]I wonder what change they will be making to the X21, I wouldn't be surprised if they went back to terminating at Bishop Bus Station as apparently they've been losing money since extending it. Although there was talks of extending it West Auckland to better complete with the Arriva 6 as most passenger who go to Tindale carry on to either West or Cockfield

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I think there have been talks about extending it to every single know place on here.

I think extending it to West Auckland would be a good idea, however, it would decrease the likelihood of buses with identical seating being allocated. This, being such an important issue, makes me think it will revert in order that there is standardised seating designs.

(16 Dec 2019, 7:41 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]I think there have been talks about extending it to every single know place on here.

I think extending it to West Auckland would be a good idea, however, it would decrease the likelihood of buses with identical seating being allocated. This, being such an important issue, makes me think it will revert in order that there is standardised seating designs.

A while back, when management finally came down to look at why drivers were complaining about the route around Woodhouse, they were spotted driving around West Auckland.

If they decide to stop coming down to Tindale I would be disappointed as I'd have to go back to using Arriva, but I wouldn't be surprised due to the lack of other passengers!

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Is the 310 going to be re-routed to serve Hadrian Park? Will be very surprised if it does (at least during the day).

Hopefully the M6 is being split back into 2 routes!

I'd love to have the X21 split back into the X21 and 18, the reliability has has gone way downhill because of the traffic in Durham

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(30 Dec 2019, 3:59 am)BeachBoy99 wrote [ -> ]But Durham is a small city, and given the location of the bus station, I doubt there'll be a major change in size.

I went to college in Durham and was there literally every day between Sep 2016 and Jun 2018 – can't remember a single time having to around the station 3 or 4 times before we reached a stand. It's not that bad?

People walk in front of all the stands, not just L, and some just cross between the stands to get to the bus before everyone else because they're ignorant tossers.

Personally, I think the council should have bigger fish to fry than the state of the bus station. I mean, have you been to the bus station in Peterlee? There are currently 3 or 4 windows that were smashed in weeks ago. Council can't be arsed to fix them and for good reason: because the charvas are just going to smash them yet again on their Friday night ASBO rounds.

Durham Bus Station won't be much different in size, when it is finally rebuilt. There was of course the failed plans, which would have seen the North Road roundabout ripped out, and the new bus sited where Metcalfe House is. That wouldn't have been much bigger than the current.



Durham Bus Station does have a problem with it being misused by operators (buses being dumped on stands), but its certainly not as bad as suggested. I've used it a bit longer (most weekdays since 2006) and I cannot recall seeing a bus have to circle it more than once.

Stanley is having similar issues with ASB to what Peterlee is having. I noticed in the paper that Hetton was even worse. The local authorities, police and operators really need to get their heads together, and come up with some multi-agency approach to it. It does nothing to encourage bus use, when passengers are having to wait in that environment.

(01 Jan 2020, 8:32 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]The Explorer ticket was never intended to be a commuter ticket, but it was also introduced at a time where monopolies didn't exist as they do now. Something like Smartzone would be ideal for County Durham, as long as it included access into Newcastle. Similar to how the Durham District does with the X12, and the Durham County does for journeys starting or ending inside County Durham.


Durham Bus Station won't be much different in size, when it is finally rebuilt. There was of course the failed plans, which would have seen the North Road roundabout ripped out, and the new bus sited where Metcalfe House is. That wouldn't have been much bigger than the current.



Durham Bus Station does have a problem with it being misused by operators (buses being dumped on stands), but its certainly not as bad as suggested. I've used it a bit longer (most weekdays since 2006) and I cannot recall seeing a bus have to circle it more than once.

Stanley is having similar issues with ASB to what Peterlee is having. I noticed in the paper that Hetton was even worse. The local authorities, police and operators really need to get their heads together, and come up with some multi-agency approach to it. It does nothing to encourage bus use, when passengers are having to wait in that environment.

I thought the plan was ripping out the roundabout at top of north road and built a new bus station?, so are there just going to refurbish tartan up the one that’s there?.


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(01 Jan 2020, 9:01 pm)cbma06 wrote [ -> ]I thought the plan was ripping out the roundabout at top of north road and built a new bus station?, so are there just going to refurbish tartan up the one that’s there?.


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The one pictured is the previous (now scrapped design) with the roundabout missing. From the consultation they were running last year, it sounds like the new design will be to use the existing site, but demolish the shops and offices along with the building. So they'd gain some space from doing that.

The issue with Durham Bus Station isn't just the size, it's the location.
It's a fair trek to anything that's worth visiting, you've got to cross a bridge and walk up a hill to get to the few shops that are left in the city centre.
I know when I need to go shopping in Durham, I change and catch one of the Indigo services as it's then only a short walk to the shops from Millennium Place

I personally think they would be better off building a new larger bus station on the outskirts of Durham (perhaps near Sniperley P&R), then having some services that extend into the centre of Durham, stopping at Milburngate, but with express services bypassing it.

(01 Jan 2020, 9:01 pm)cbma06 wrote [ -> ]I thought the plan was ripping out the roundabout at top of north road and built a new bus station?, so are there just going to refurbish tartan up the one that’s there?.


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One like Edinburgh bus station would be quite lovely

(01 Jan 2020, 10:04 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]The issue with Durham Bus Station isn't just the size, it's the location.
It's a fair trek to anything that's worth visiting, you've got to cross a bridge and walk up a hill to get to the few shops that are left in the city centre.
I know when I need to go shopping in Durham, I change and catch one of the Indigo services as it's then only a short walk to the shops from Millennium Place

I personally think they would be better off building a new larger bus station on the outskirts of Durham (perhaps near Sniperley P&R), then having some services that extend into the centre of Durham, stopping at Milburngate, but with express services bypassing it.

I would suggest that would inconvenience locals, but we don't even get a stand in the station, anyhow. 

Nothing is going to take through services right into the centre, simply because of the geography of the city. The peninsula pretty  much dictates that no sort of formal bus station can be built anywhere more convenient. More bus stops on Milburngate would add to the nightmare for anyone who already needs to cross the city centre. We've been doing a lot of DIY and both screw fix and tooldtation are on the other side of town for us. There's already been enough instances of bugrit, not going to fight with that traffic, will have to wait a few days.

(01 Jan 2020, 10:04 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]The issue with Durham Bus Station isn't just the size, it's the location.
It's a fair trek to anything that's worth visiting, you've got to cross a bridge and walk up a hill to get to the few shops that are left in the city centre.
I know when I need to go shopping in Durham, I change and catch one of the Indigo services as it's then only a short walk to the shops from Millennium Place

I personally think they would be better off building a new larger bus station on the outskirts of Durham (perhaps near Sniperley P&R), then having some services that extend into the centre of Durham, stopping at Milburngate, but with express services bypassing it.

Current bus station is too far from the shops, so you want to move it to Sniperley? It'll be even further from the shops then, and in the middle of nowhere! 

It literally takes 5 minutes to walk from the bus station to the shops. There'll be very few people who cannot manage that journey.

(01 Jan 2020, 11:10 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]Current bus station is too far from the shops, so you want to move it to Sniperley? It'll be even further from the shops then, and in the middle of nowhere! 

It literally takes 5 minutes to walk from the bus station to the shops. There'll be very few people who cannot manage that journey.

I haven't been there on a Friday for a while but I used to see a guy, quite severely afflicted with parkinsons, by the look of him, who would get off the bus at whatever time, shuffle across fram bridge around tennish and make it to the pub in the marketplace for opening, every Friday.  I think he came off a 16 because he got on one with us on a Sunday, once. Poor guy was so stiff he couldn't even sit down.

(01 Jan 2020, 11:03 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]I would suggest that would inconvenience locals, but we don't even get a stand in the station, anyhow. 

Nothing is going to take through services right into the centre, simply because of the geography of the city. The peninsula pretty  much dictates that no sort of formal bus station can be built anywhere more convenient. More bus stops on Milburngate would add to the nightmare for anyone who already needs to cross the city centre. We've been doing a lot of DIY and both screw fix and tooldtation are on the other side of town for us. There's already been enough instances of bugrit, not going to fight with that traffic, will have to wait a few days.

Peninsula? Surely you mean 'a tight coil of the River Wear'!

I think Durham is the most inconvenient city I've been to,

I do a lot of DIY as well, and we refuse to drive to Toolstation from Bishop because we get stuck in all the traffic, I just get sent there on the bus because I have my pass! Luckily we have a B&Q and Screwfix in Bishop, all we need is a Toolstation and I'll have absolutely no reason to go to Durham again

(01 Jan 2020, 11:10 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]Current bus station is too far from the shops, so you want to move it to Sniperley? It'll be even further from the shops then, and in the middle of nowhere! 

It literally takes 5 minutes to walk from the bus station to the shops. There'll be very few people who cannot manage that journey.

Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying. 
I'd be very interested in looking at the statistics to see how many people who visit Durham Bus Station actually leave the station. A lot of people I see get off one bus and straight on to another, especially Arriva services

(01 Jan 2020, 11:16 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]Peninsula? Surely you mean 'a tight coil of the River Wear'!

I think Durham is the most inconvenient city I've been to,

I do a lot of DIY as well, and we refuse to drive to Toolstation from Bishop because we get stuck in all the traffic, I just get sent there on the bus because I have my pass! Luckily we have a B&Q and Screwfix in Bishop, all we need is a Toolstation and I'll have absolutely no reason to go to Durham again


Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying. 
I'd be very interested in looking at the statistics to see how many people who visit Durham Bus Station actually leave the station. A lot of people I see get off one bus and straight on to another, especially Arriva services

That sticky outy bit of land within the coil is referred to as the peninsula.

Plans unveiled for new and improved Durham Bus Station

Residents are being encouraged to express their views on plans to replace a dated city centre bus station with a more modern and welcoming facility.

Designs for the new and improved Durham Bus Station have been revealed as part of a public consultation which starts on Friday 17 January and runs until 10pm on Sunday 9 February.

Durham County Council is keen to hear what residents and commuters think of the plans, which will see the existing North Road station demolished and replaced with a modern and spacious transport hub.

Two drop-in sessions will be held in the Church Hall at North Road Methodist Church on Friday 17 January from 1pm to 6.30pm and Saturday 18 January from 10am to 2pm.

Attendees will have a chance to view the plans, which include a pedestrian concourse with lots of natural light and increased seating and easy to access route information.

Toilets and baby changing facilities would also be enhanced and a two-storey mezzanine area with office space introduced.

Visibility would also be improved at the exit of the bus station for the safety of pedestrians and bus drivers leaving the site.

Many of the design features are in response to feedback received from a consultation in 2019, when the council asked the public what they felt should be done to improve the facility.

One of the main priorities identified during the consultation was improved safety and reduced fear of crime. To address this, CCTV would be installed to monitor the entire concourse, while the introduction of a two-storey mezzanine overlooking the passenger waiting area would increase natural surveillance.

Along with the drop-in sessions, questionnaires will be available online from Friday and council officers will be visiting the bus station to talk to passengers about the plans and complete surveys during the consultation period.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration at Durham County Council, said: “We have listened to what residents told in previous consultations and think the new plans will appeal to residents and commuters alike. However, we are keen to find out what the public think.

“Ultimately, our aim is to create a modern and welcoming transport hub that fits the historic nature of Durham City and shows we are very much open for business. We want to provide residents with a safe and attractive space, while ensuring visitors to the city get the best first impression possible.

“High quality transport infrastructure is vital for a prosperous economy and a key factor for businesses considering investing in an area. Our plans for Durham Bus Station are part of a wider vision to improve transport links and enhance towns and villages across the county.”

Once the consultation closes, comments will be passed onto the designers and the design will be reviewed ahead of a final planning application being submitted.

If planning permission is approved, demolition of the existing bus station is expected to begin in late summer or early autumn before construction begins on the new facility in early 2021. During this period, all bus services will be moved on-street with stop locations and timetables advertised in advance.

It is anticipated the new bus station would be completed and open to the public in late 2021.

To take part in the consultation online, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation from Friday 17 January and comment by 10pmon Sunday 9 February.

New plans for Durham Bus station: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1...orth-road/

(14 Jan 2020, 2:34 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]New plans for Durham Bus station: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1...orth-road/

I would want a mezzanine to be screened off or else people would probably chuck stuff off it.

(14 Jan 2020, 2:48 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]I would want a mezzanine to be screened off or else people would probably chuck stuff off it.

And by probably you obviously mean definitely!
I'd also imagine for the youths and the drunks it would be a perfect place to spit over! [emoji2961]

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(14 Jan 2020, 2:34 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]New plans for Durham Bus station: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1...orth-road/

I can seem to find any no consultation on DCC website, unless something drastic has happened planning has already been approved to start Summer 2020 but it to take up to 18 months depending on work needed.
All buses will on North Road with extra stands added for the duration.


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