Summary of the VOSA registrations, cancellations and amendments as at 10/09/2015 (effective 25th October 2015)
Registered
- 16/16A (Durham - Castleside)
Variations
- 8/8A (Sunderland - Stanley) - Route and Timetable
- 47 (Newcastle - Blackhall Mill) - Route, Stopping Places and Timetable
- 49/49A/49C/64 (Gateshead - Winlaton) - Route and Timetable
- 97/97A/97X (Newcastle - Metrocentre) - Route and Timetable
- X66 (Metrocentre - Gateshead) - Stopping Places and Timetable.
- X70/X71/X72 (Consett - Newcastle) - Timetable
Cancellations
- 31/32
- 43/43b/44/836/843/844
- 64/64A/95/96/96A
- 131
- 706/707
- X30/130/X31
- X43
- V8/808
So, what can we deter from all of these VOSA registrations..?
First and foremost; it's clear that there is still a large number of VOSA registrations to be added to the website, so I'd suggest that we keep on checking the VOSA website to add to this jigsaw. The registration of the 16/16A shows that it was actually received on 28th August 2015, so clearly there's a bit of a backlog at VOSA's end at the moment!
Two new services, numbered 16 and 16A, are being introduced from Durham to Castleside. Based on previous speculation prior to the registrations being submitted; the company's plans outlined in the recent customer consultation; and the cancellation of services 43/44 and V8, I'd suggest that it is clear that these new services are to replace the southern section of the "Diamond" 43/44 services between Durham and Stanley, but also extending to Castleside to replace the V8 service (opposed to continuing to Newcastle via Metrocentre as present). It would be logical to assume that all current frequencies will be maintained, and variations of the route (South Stanley / South Moor) can be achieved by having an 'A' route number variation.
As the current V8 service interworks with "Venture" services 130/131 and 706/707, changes will need to be made to accommodate for the withdrawal of this service. Whether they are absorbed into other services or withdrawn completely remains to be confirmed in VOSA registrations, so this is one to keep an eye out for. It's worth noting that the V8 (and the services it interworks with at Stanley Bus Station) have a combined PVR of 5, so these vehicles will have to be used up somewhere...
We'll have to keep an eye out for newly registered services for quite a few routes, as a large number have been cancelled and these were proposed to undergo changes within the consultations.
