(31 Mar 2016, 11:09 pm)Jimmi PB0004210/2 - STEVE HARRISON T/A EUROCAR, 21 LARCH AVENUE, SUNDERLAND, SR6 7DS

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between BOLDON ASDA, and SOUTH SHIELDS TOWN CENTRE given service number TB503 effective from 22-May-2016.

(31 Mar 2016, 11:10 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com This gets good numbers of passengers why is it to be withdrawn?

(01 Apr 2016, 12:05 am)South Tyne Lad It could just be a new tender to another operator though.

(01 Apr 2016, 6:01 am)Dan Sorry, I had no idea people had an interest in these 'taxi bus' services, which is why I didn't mention them in my original post elsewhere on the board.

TB503 awarded to Alec Finn Transport for a one-year contract commencing 22/05/16.

(01 Apr 2016, 6:01 am)Dan Sorry, I had no idea people had an interest in these 'taxi bus' services, which is why I didn't mention them in my original post elsewhere on the board.

TB503 awarded to Alec Finn Transport for a one-year contract commencing 22/05/16.

(27 Apr 2016, 7:23 pm)ifm001 TB503 registered on VOSA today

Eurocars still as operator.

(09 Mar 2022, 2:09 am)OrangeArrow49 Does the taxi bus 503 still operate? If so, what vehicle is used? Any ideas of the fares? Would day rovers be accepted?

(09 Mar 2022, 6:46 am)ifm001 Still operates generally a  7 seat taxi, so you have to be lucky to get seat sometimes.

The odd time I've used it and paid a fare its been reasonable, think the driver asked what did I usually pay for similar journey.

Would imagine day rovers will be accepted as Network One passes are.

(09 Mar 2022, 8:26 pm)OrangeArrow49 Could a bigger vehicle be allocated if there is sufficient demand? What happens when the vehicle is full to capacity, get the next one?

Thank you.

(09 Mar 2022, 8:28 pm)ifm001 Dont think they have any other vehicles.

They don't have a taxi service as such as far as I'm aware so not sure what they use for spare, as same company also does  TB529

If the vehicle is full yes wait for next one or use the general SNE or GNE which operate into the area.

There isn't really much of the route which isn't covered by other services except mainly Riverside in Shields.

(09 Mar 2022, 8:42 pm)OrangeArrow49 I thought I'd posted a reply earlier but it mustn't have worked. 

Another company should run it with bigger vehicles if bigger vehicles are justified.

So the route isn't especially unique? What's it like travelling on the service?

(09 Mar 2022, 10:42 pm)ifm001 It's not that easy though really.
Nexus state what size vehicles they require and then opt for the most suitable bid.
Im sure if an operator with bigger vehicles wanted it, they could offer it commercially.

But look at the route, split into sections.

Pier Head to South Shields - alternative route E1
Sout Shields to Riverside - no alternative route unless a brisk walk using SNE 12.
Riverside to Laygate and Chichester and reversed (operates up and back again both directions) alternative routes between Laygate and Chichester 7/8/17/E2
Tyne Dock alternative route SNE 12/X20
Smonsidie Arms/Metro alternative route SNE X20 or metro
Simonside Schools / Brockley Whins- alternative route SNE 18 and GNE 26
Cotswolds Est Alternative route Nexus 558
Boldon Asda alternative route SNE 30, GNE 5,50

As you can see plenty of alternative services around, 

I admit only time I used to use it was when it was timed alongside the X20 at Simonside and I would get on whichever comes first.

(10 Mar 2022, 6:29 am)Mark1 The 558 only runs through the Cotswolds on a Sunday when the 503 doesn't operate. Monday to Saturday the 558 follows the 5 between asda and fellgate.