To Cock Robin - Oddly enough no I don't, one of the best buses I've driven. It's just Arriva's, they've had such a hard life. I wish, if they are to be withdrawn anytime one would find its way on to the preservation circuit.
Interesting thought across all our forums. Given that both passenger numbers, services, therefore PVR's, have been reduced dramatically, just how are our operators going to cope against the loss of revenue? Be interesting to hear what people have to say.
X12 appears to be all Stockton, X66/7 all Darlington (4 gas buses today!).
Given the latest announcements who operates what could easily be academic. All we need is essential services.
1440 The Sands Brampton, route 685. VDL heading west into Brampton and towards Carlisle - empty. Then an Omnicity heading east out of Brampton towards Haltwhistle and Newcastle - empty. Normal Newcastle-Carlisle service on this route today. Wonder how long before that changes. Note - no extra Stagecoach short workings Carlisle<>Brampton now. The Brampton - Haltwhistle is the least patronised section of this route.
How long indeed but how do operators effect a service that matches the current needs. I've done the right thing in accordance with the guidelines but have seen a Saturday service working on Stagecoach NE 12 and a bus station crowded with buses.
Noticed a Pulsar with the seat behind the driver taped off. Thought it may be broken but then saw another (both Stockton) so presumably its because of the virus.
Probably but then as I've tried saying, do we really need so many buses?
(24 Mar 2020, 5:53 pm)Cock Robin Noticed a Pulsar with the seat behind the driver taped off. Thought it may be broken but then saw another (both Stockton) so presumably its because of the virus.GNE are doing the same thing
![[Image: ET0f6wiXYAUOwPL?format=jpg&name=large]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET0f6wiXYAUOwPL?format=jpg&name=large)
(24 Mar 2020, 5:53 pm)Cock Robin Noticed a Pulsar with the seat behind the driver taped off. Thought it may be broken but then saw another (both Stockton) so presumably its because of the virus.GNE are doing the same thing
Conversely, I passed 1331(?) on the 62, earlier and there was no evidence of the front seats being out of bounds to passengers. Nor on the vehicles I saw on teh 64. Maybe Belmont haven't got around to it yet?
(24 Mar 2020, 11:54 pm)BusLoverMum Conversely, I passed 1331(?) on the 62, earlier and there was no evidence of the front seats being out of bounds to passengers. Nor on the vehicles I saw on teh 64. Maybe Belmont haven't got around to it yet?Darlington have, spied the front seats on gas buses and Streetlite's being taped whilst I out for a walk this morning.
(24 Mar 2020, 11:54 pm)BusLoverMum Conversely, I passed 1331(?) on the 62, earlier and there was no evidence of the front seats being out of bounds to passengers. Nor on the vehicles I saw on teh 64. Maybe Belmont haven't got around to it yet?Darlington have, spied the front seats on gas buses and Streetlite's being taped whilst I out for a walk this morning.
Not much being talked about on here? How are Arriva doing during the crisis? Guess the latest situation with Middlesbrough Bus Station has caused issues but then measures like this are needed to ensure that footfall is kept to a minimum.
Can't even get into the newsagents or the concourse for the timetable info. Newsagents were supposed to be staying open.
Arriva going fully Sunday service from next week with likely early run offs as well. Drivers asked to volunteer to stay at home for the government backed 80% pay guarantee. Hope I get selected for it lol...
Timetables were never going to be available on the bus concourses etc. Best you could hope for is to contact individual operators for information. Tough times I know but then people should only be using the buses for essential travel.
Try and get this in the right place!!
Just been out for my daily exercise/essential supplies. Whilst out I took notice of the buses that were operating and I don't need to say this, but it's a real waste of resources. Sadly a needed waste.
I did see though, in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, a service 8 (Netherfields), a service 9 (Overfields) and little doubt, a service 5/5a (Guisborough/Easington)) operating, more or less in tandem.
That got me thinking and looking at the emergency timetables. 3 buses an hour on the 8, 2 on the 9 and likewise, 2 on the 5/5a. Now surely that's a waste of resources given the current situation as these services operate along the same corridor, serve the same area.
OK it would take a bit of planning, Then there is no doubt the relevant legislation to comply with and then such changes wouldn't please everyone. But then just who is "everyone" and aren't these tough, unprecedented times?
Just a though people.
Must a struck a chord there. Others are talking about the service changes and current situation but here we are worried that a broken down old Dart has gone missing. Has gone the same place has a lot of the fleet will if things continue!!
