(21 Apr 2018, 2:40 pm)L469 YVK Anyone doubting the decision to put deckers on the Coaster, just seen one going towards Gateshead before in Shields and looked busy.
Seen a few mentions of 5438 having a repaint but no photos, here is 5438 now in plain red https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...ed-public/
Any ideas on if this going to have another promotional livery?
(21 Apr 2018, 7:39 am)Dan I think the trial of the electric Yutong vehicle suggests the company are definitely interested in investing in this technology - I'd expect a press release early next week when the vehicle is returned - but there's a significantly higher cost for this type of bus than a standard diesel, and I think it's a bit of a risk given that the long-term reliability just cannot be predicted.
I was a huge fan of Stagecoach North East's gas buses when they were first launched, but living in Sunderland, I see/hear/quite regularly ride on them, and a lot of them are much rougher now, than they were when brand new. One wouldn't expect them to stay 'as new' forever, but the sound some of them make isn't the best, so I'm a little skeptical.
I had a ride of the Yutong yesterday and felt, from a passenger's perspective, the interior was dark and dingy, and felt quite clinical. Aside from the lack of legroom and rattly emergency exit door, I have no real problems with the interior of a Streetlite by comparison. They feel quite light and airy - the LED strip in the centre of the ceiling seems to provide more than enough lighting for the saloon.
The Yutong should be heading to Stagecoach North East next week after its trial at Go North East. Believe, after initial murmurs that the bus would be used in Sunderland to compare against the gas buses, it will now be used on the 100?
(21 Apr 2018, 7:39 am)Dan I think the trial of the electric Yutong vehicle suggests the company are definitely interested in investing in this technology - I'd expect a press release early next week when the vehicle is returned - but there's a significantly higher cost for this type of bus than a standard diesel, and I think it's a bit of a risk given that the long-term reliability just cannot be predicted.
I was a huge fan of Stagecoach North East's gas buses when they were first launched, but living in Sunderland, I see/hear/quite regularly ride on them, and a lot of them are much rougher now, than they were when brand new. One wouldn't expect them to stay 'as new' forever, but the sound some of them make isn't the best, so I'm a little skeptical.
I had a ride of the Yutong yesterday and felt, from a passenger's perspective, the interior was dark and dingy, and felt quite clinical. Aside from the lack of legroom and rattly emergency exit door, I have no real problems with the interior of a Streetlite by comparison. They feel quite light and airy - the LED strip in the centre of the ceiling seems to provide more than enough lighting for the saloon.
The Yutong should be heading to Stagecoach North East next week after its trial at Go North East. Believe, after initial murmurs that the bus would be used in Sunderland to compare against the gas buses, it will now be used on the 100?
(21 Apr 2018, 8:46 pm)RBZ 5459 Trails on the 100 yes. Not heard that one myself, but I believe it was always destined for the 100 - was certainly the case in the weeks leading up to it landing at GNE, as it was wibbled for it to arrive with Stagecoach first.
(21 Apr 2018, 8:46 pm)RBZ 5459 Trails on the 100 yes. Not heard that one myself, but I believe it was always destined for the 100 - was certainly the case in the weeks leading up to it landing at GNE, as it was wibbled for it to arrive with Stagecoach first.
(21 Apr 2018, 8:51 pm)Dan Don't think it was ever intended to go to Stagecoach first - its trial with Go North East was delayed by a few weeks, which may be the reason for this suggestion.
Both operators intending to use the Yutong for a bit of PR, although Stagecoach mightn't bother once Go North East's goes out (bit like missing the boat!) Assume it helps Stagecoach out at a time when they're struggling with the MANviros on the 100..!
(21 Apr 2018, 8:51 pm)Dan Don't think it was ever intended to go to Stagecoach first - its trial with Go North East was delayed by a few weeks, which may be the reason for this suggestion.
Both operators intending to use the Yutong for a bit of PR, although Stagecoach mightn't bother once Go North East's goes out (bit like missing the boat!) Assume it helps Stagecoach out at a time when they're struggling with the MANviros on the 100..!
(21 Apr 2018, 8:59 pm)RBZ 5459 Be interesting if it causes a bit of confusion at the Metrocentre with regular X66 commuters who have seen it...!
I went on it a couple of times on the X66 and found it ok.... The NE roads don't do it any favours, fair few rattles, but along the Centrelink it was pretty smooth and speedy. Interior spec'd up to say GNE or SC and it might be a bit more welcoming, but was certainly billy-basic dealer standard with a Yutong twist.
(21 Apr 2018, 8:59 pm)RBZ 5459 Be interesting if it causes a bit of confusion at the Metrocentre with regular X66 commuters who have seen it...!
I went on it a couple of times on the X66 and found it ok.... The NE roads don't do it any favours, fair few rattles, but along the Centrelink it was pretty smooth and speedy. Interior spec'd up to say GNE or SC and it might be a bit more welcoming, but was certainly billy-basic dealer standard with a Yutong twist.
Having seen pictures of 6117s nearside which actually looks quite good, I've got to wonder why they didn't do the same for the offside which looks very bland. It does looks as if they've done half a job with it.
(21 Apr 2018, 9:29 pm)Rapidsnap Having seen pictures of 6117s nearside which actually looks quite good, I've got to wonder why they didn't do the same for the offside which looks very bland. It does looks as if they've done half a job with it.
(21 Apr 2018, 9:29 pm)Rapidsnap Having seen pictures of 6117s nearside which actually looks quite good, I've got to wonder why they didn't do the same for the offside which looks very bland. It does looks as if they've done half a job with it.
(21 Apr 2018, 9:02 pm)Dan One would hope that Stagecoach put a bit more effort into making a bit more... Stagecoach-y... which may reduce confusion.
Naff Chinese destination can't be helped, but it was rushed out at Go North East without fleet numbers or fleet names. I'd be amazed if some folk haven't missed the bus, as it's gone through Teams!
(20 Apr 2018, 7:53 pm)OrangeArrow49 That would be good. That will leave the Omnidekkas as the only bus I don't like.
When are the Presidents due to go?
Forgot to mention, seen a black Omnidekka getting towed down the A1 yesterday, looks like it was heading towards Riverside.
(21 Apr 2018, 9:02 pm)Dan One would hope that Stagecoach put a bit more effort into making a bit more... Stagecoach-y... which may reduce confusion.
Naff Chinese destination can't be helped, but it was rushed out at Go North East without fleet numbers or fleet names. I'd be amazed if some folk haven't missed the bus, as it's gone through Teams!
(20 Apr 2018, 7:53 pm)OrangeArrow49 That would be good. That will leave the Omnidekkas as the only bus I don't like.
When are the Presidents due to go?
(22 Apr 2018, 11:17 am)Michael Forgot to mention, seen a black Omnidekka getting towed down the A1 yesterday, looks like it was heading towards Riverside.
Ye, i don't like it all, any chance it could be changed if it was bought for a route in the NE?
Not sure, hopefully soon.
(22 Apr 2018, 11:17 am)Michael Forgot to mention, seen a black Omnidekka getting towed down the A1 yesterday, looks like it was heading towards Riverside.
Ye, i don't like it all, any chance it could be changed if it was bought for a route in the NE?
Not sure, hopefully soon.
Quaylink versa 8311 was in Consett at approx 14.15 this afternoon on red kite service 45, presumably covering a breakdown. Not sure if it did just the one round trip
(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.
Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.
(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.
Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.
(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.
Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.
(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.
Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.
(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.
Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.
(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.
Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.
Seen this on the news about 5202:
In order to improve the appearance of the Driver Training fleet, the entire batch of Scania L94s are to undergo repaint. Having previously carried a plain red base livery, this vehicle has now received a plain blue livery. It is intended for the batch to have branding fitted in the future, showcasing some of the benefits of joining "Team GNE" thereby acting as a mobile advertisement for the company's recruitment programme.
Good idea repainting them to blue and then putting branding on them to attract new drivers.
Anyone know if the Olympians are still operating the Jewish scholars, and the best time/place to see them?
(23 Apr 2018, 9:43 pm)stagecoachbusdepot Anyone know if the Olympians are still operating the Jewish scholars, and the best time/place to see them?
(23 Apr 2018, 9:43 pm)stagecoachbusdepot Anyone know if the Olympians are still operating the Jewish scholars, and the best time/place to see them?
(24 Apr 2018, 11:08 am)BusLoverMum 6304 in receipt of tlc at ES. Mechanics says it's knackered.Must've been engineer talk, it's back on the road again!
(24 Apr 2018, 11:08 am)BusLoverMum 6304 in receipt of tlc at ES. Mechanics says it's knackered.Must've been engineer talk, it's back on the road again!
