(02 Feb 2013, 6:17 pm)Daniel A blue ALX300 was working the X34 service today - was quite shocked to see it actually, I've only ever seen the Enviro 400s on the service since they were transferred over.
(02 Feb 2013, 6:17 pm)Daniel A blue ALX300 was working the X34 service today - was quite shocked to see it actually, I've only ever seen the Enviro 400s on the service since they were transferred over.
This evening I decided to walk along to the top of Coach Lane to catch the 1 back into Newcastle instead of the Metro. I was aware that the 1 took a little bit longer than the 62/63 from Four Lane Ends to Newcastle, and I think this had put me off travelling by the 1 until now. But I'm very pleased I took it today!
Got to the stop just in time for the 16:05 short run to Buddle Road and the bus came on time which was great. The bus timetable board said it would take 29 minutes to get to Central Station so I'd get there plenty of time for the 16:53 train back to Sunderland. I was the only one on-board and went upstairs. The sun was setting at the time, and we swiftly travelled down Coach Lane, picking only a few up on the way.
I'm not too familiar with the area, but did notice a street sign for Sackville Road which on Google Earth appears to be in Heaton. There were a couple of streets along here that were so narrow it would have been extremely difficult for two buses to overtake but that didn't seem to happen thankfully.
A little bit later into the route we had to change buses - no big deal, was still an E400 but I think it had just come straight cold from the depot because all the windows were steamed up. Not long after, we passed Northumbria University and then into Newcastle City Centre and through to Central Station. I couldn't believe half an hour passed so quickly!
Maybe I'm just easily pleased, but what an enthralling route! While we were twisting and turning fast down narrow residential streets, I could still almost fall asleep, it was brilliant. A great journey all-round, and the driver was great. I just wish I had got a hold of the two fleet numbers to complete this post. It's not often that I have a memorable bus trip, but this for me was one. I'm not from Newcastle, and until now only had experience with a few of the local Newcastle routes - X47, 62/63 and Arriva's X5/55. But for me the 1 just tops it all.
I always try to find different ways of avoiding the Metro as much as possible on my journeys back home; but despite the 1 taking twice as long as the Metro to get back into Newcastle, I much prefer it. It was so much more relaxing (especially having the top deck to myself!), and it just really lifted my spirits after a long day at work. In a way I'm gutted I've only got a half day tomorrow for a hospital appointment, but I'll be sure to take the 1 again from Friday!
Stagecoach have posted details of an upcoming diversion on Sunday 24 February in Sunderland affecting all services bar 20 and E1/E2/E6 -
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupda...px?Id=6712
It seems to have something to do with the Better Bus Improvement programme on Borough Road. On the 24th, buses will essentially be doing almost a full lap around Mowbray Park, including a loop around the Burdon Road/Stockton Road/Park Road gyratory. I've just done a quick measure on Google Earth, and the diversionary route is a whole mile longer than the usual route and plus all the extra traffic light junctions to pass too - so expect delays!
Went past Borough Road on the 10 on Thursday - there is a bus shelter at the west-bound stop opposite William Jameson but it's not in use yet.
(09 Feb 2013, 12:18 am)Brandon Stagecoach have posted details of an upcoming diversion on Sunday 24 February in Sunderland affecting all services bar 20 and E1/E2/E6 -
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupda...px?Id=6712
It seems to have something to do with the Better Bus Improvement programme on Borough Road. On the 24th, buses will essentially be doing almost a full lap around Mowbray Park, including a loop around the Burdon Road/Stockton Road/Park Road gyratory. I've just done a quick measure on Google Earth, and the diversionary route is a whole mile longer than the usual route and plus all the extra traffic light junctions to pass too - so expect delays!
Went past Borough Road on the 10 on Thursday - there is a bus shelter at the west-bound stop opposite William Jameson but it's not in use yet.
(09 Feb 2013, 12:18 am)Brandon Stagecoach have posted details of an upcoming diversion on Sunday 24 February in Sunderland affecting all services bar 20 and E1/E2/E6 -
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupda...px?Id=6712
It seems to have something to do with the Better Bus Improvement programme on Borough Road. On the 24th, buses will essentially be doing almost a full lap around Mowbray Park, including a loop around the Burdon Road/Stockton Road/Park Road gyratory. I've just done a quick measure on Google Earth, and the diversionary route is a whole mile longer than the usual route and plus all the extra traffic light junctions to pass too - so expect delays!
Went past Borough Road on the 10 on Thursday - there is a bus shelter at the west-bound stop opposite William Jameson but it's not in use yet.
I think those photos are alright actually! I think that new bus stop on Holmeside was where the 10 dropped me off in lieu of Borough Road.
It's a shame that more bus services don't run along Burdon Road anymore; there used to be all trips on the 38's and the morning peak Arriva services from County Durham. Sadly it's just the evening/Sunday-only Compass 38C at the moment - http://liners.nexus.org.uk/24S37.pdf . but it seems that GNE are re-introducing service 38 to Burdon Road from next month. You'd think Nexus would want to re-use the northbound bus shelter somewhere else, which I don't think has been served by a regular bus service since the 18 was re-routed in March 2005.
Not sure if it's been reported anywhere, can't find any reference to it. Just seen South Shields MAN 22067 leaving Sunderland on the 12:43 E6 with a LED destination blind - apologies if it's old news, first I've seen it!
(09 Feb 2013, 1:45 pm)Brandon I think those photos are alright actually! I think that new bus stop on Holmeside was where the 10 dropped me off in lieu of Borough Road.
It's a shame that more bus services don't run along Burdon Road anymore; there used to be all trips on the 38's and the morning peak Arriva services from County Durham. Sadly it's just the evening/Sunday-only Compass 38C at the moment - http://liners.nexus.org.uk/24S37.pdf . but it seems that GNE are re-introducing service 38 to Burdon Road from next month. You'd think Nexus would want to re-use the northbound bus shelter which I don't think has been served by a regular bus service since the 18 was re-routed in March 2005, and put it somewhere else...
Not sure if it's been reported anywhere, can't find any reference to it. Just seen South Shields MAN 22067 leaving Sunderland on the 12:43 E6 with a LED destination blind - apologies if it's old news, first I've seen it!
(09 Feb 2013, 1:45 pm)Brandon I think those photos are alright actually! I think that new bus stop on Holmeside was where the 10 dropped me off in lieu of Borough Road.
It's a shame that more bus services don't run along Burdon Road anymore; there used to be all trips on the 38's and the morning peak Arriva services from County Durham. Sadly it's just the evening/Sunday-only Compass 38C at the moment - http://liners.nexus.org.uk/24S37.pdf . but it seems that GNE are re-introducing service 38 to Burdon Road from next month. You'd think Nexus would want to re-use the northbound bus shelter which I don't think has been served by a regular bus service since the 18 was re-routed in March 2005, and put it somewhere else...
Not sure if it's been reported anywhere, can't find any reference to it. Just seen South Shields MAN 22067 leaving Sunderland on the 12:43 E6 with a LED destination blind - apologies if it's old news, first I've seen it!
Thanks for posting those photos too by Peter! I remember that diversion well. GNE had some major service changes (especially Black Cats/Doxford Clipper) in October 2009 right in the middle of the diversion period so must have been rather confusing to passengers at the time!
I seem to remember the Stagecoach cross-city routes 3/4/13/16 actually taking quicker to reach the other side of the City Centre via Burdon Road instead of the usually traffic-crammed Holmeside/Vine Place! I think it would have been much better as a permanent diversion - then keep Holmeside east-bound traffic only with wider pavements!
This notice was on GNE's home page at the time -
Sunderland City Centre Closures
A number of road or lane closures will affect bus operation in Central Sunderland from Sunday 27th September 2009. This is due to urgent gas main renewal and may last for up to 3 months.
I think the works were confined to Holmeside (west-bound only).
The most recent photo I can find on Flickr of 22067 is by Chris White in August 2012 - so it could have been any time after that really when it got fitted with an LED blind.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriswhites...427446446/
(09 Feb 2013, 2:05 pm)Brandon Thanks for posting those photos too by Peter! I remember that diversion well. GNE had some major service changes (especially Black Cats/Doxford Clipper) in October 2009 right in the middle of the diversion period so must have been rather confusing to passengers at the time!
I seem to remember the Stagecoach cross-city routes 3/4/13/16 actually taking quicker to reach the other side of the City Centre via Burdon Road instead of the usually traffic-crammed Holmeside/Vine Place! I think it would have been much better as a permanent diversion - then keep Holmeside east-bound traffic only with wider pavements!
This notice was on GNE's home page at the time -
Sunderland City Centre Closures
A number of road or lane closures will affect bus operation in Central Sunderland from Sunday 27th September 2009. This is due to urgent gas main renewal and may last for up to 3 months.
I think the works were confined to Holmeside (west-bound only).
The most recent photo I can find on Flickr of 22067 is by Chris White in August 2012 - so it could have been any time after that really when it got fitted with an LED blind.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriswhites...427446446/
(09 Feb 2013, 2:05 pm)Brandon Thanks for posting those photos too by Peter! I remember that diversion well. GNE had some major service changes (especially Black Cats/Doxford Clipper) in October 2009 right in the middle of the diversion period so must have been rather confusing to passengers at the time!
I seem to remember the Stagecoach cross-city routes 3/4/13/16 actually taking quicker to reach the other side of the City Centre via Burdon Road instead of the usually traffic-crammed Holmeside/Vine Place! I think it would have been much better as a permanent diversion - then keep Holmeside east-bound traffic only with wider pavements!
This notice was on GNE's home page at the time -
Sunderland City Centre Closures
A number of road or lane closures will affect bus operation in Central Sunderland from Sunday 27th September 2009. This is due to urgent gas main renewal and may last for up to 3 months.
I think the works were confined to Holmeside (west-bound only).
The most recent photo I can find on Flickr of 22067 is by Chris White in August 2012 - so it could have been any time after that really when it got fitted with an LED blind.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriswhites...427446446/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamsonm/8458002145/
photo by mdw9121 of the Unbranded/Repainted 100 E300
(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space
(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space
(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space
(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space
(10 Feb 2013, 11:19 am)Michael(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space
Ah sorry Daniel, 21 buses should be enough to get rid of all or most of the MAN's at Wheatchef, i was on one yesterday and door's took ages to shut and its engine kept stopping.
Any1 got a updated Fleet List for stagecoach NE?
(10 Feb 2013, 11:19 am)Michael(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?
May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?
Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!
Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space
Ah sorry Daniel, 21 buses should be enough to get rid of all or most of the MAN's at Wheatchef, i was on one yesterday and door's took ages to shut and its engine kept stopping.
Any1 got a updated Fleet List for stagecoach NE?