Bus Related Outings and Reviews
Bus Related Outings and Reviews
Here is my outing from Saturday
Ashington-Regent Centre (Arriva X21)
Regent Centre-South Gosforth (Metro Green Line)
South Gosforth-Four Lane Ends (Metro Yellow Line)
Four Lane Ends-North Shields (Metro Replacement 900)
North Shields-North Shields Ferry (Phoenix 333)
North Shields Ferry-South Shields Ferry (Nexus Shields Ferry)
South Shields-Heworth (Metro Yellow Line)
Heworth-Newcastle (Northern Rail)
Newcastle-Chester-le-Street (Go NE X21)
Chester-le-Street-Gateshead Interchange (Arriva X12)
Gateshead Interchange-Monument (Metro Green Line)
Monument-South Gosforth (Metro Yellow Line)
South Gosforth-Regent Centre (Metro Green Line)
Regent Centre-Newcastle-Ashington (Arriva X21)
Ashington-Seaton Hirst (Arriva 1)
Had a really enjoyable day out today, so much so I've decided to write a little about it. I am a North-East exile currently residing in Stoke-on-Trent so my outing today was in North Staffordshire. Getting this out straight away as not to waste your time if something non-local won't interest you! Thank you to anyone still reading, I'll try to tie in some North-East references as best I can.
Started off in Hanley, which is better known as Stoke-on-Trent's city centre. Stoke's a peculiar place in that the folk here consider the city to be six towns as opposed to one city. Hanley is the centre, commercially, politically and somewhat geographically. Most importantly the big bus station is here.
First 65027 YN05HCL Scania CN94 Omnicity Route 18: Hanley Bus Station - Leek Bus Station
My plan for today was to sample some of First Potteries' long distance and rural services, something I've yet to do despite living in the area for over a year now. Route 18 is semi-fast run out to the Moorlands town of Leek, not too from Alton Towers. The standard allocation is of Scania Omnicities which are route branded as 'Fast, Frequent & Fabulous' *Ahem*. I think Best Impressions, of trentbarton fame, are at least partly responsible for that one. My ride, however, was not one of the branded examples but one of two Omnicities in Potteries' fleet which proudly wears the classic red & yellow PMT colours; the link below shows it off well and I think it's fair to say the boxy Omnicity wears the horizontal livery very well indeed:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128987711@...465366323/
The branding for route 26 came off over a year ago leaving the plain livery as a sort-of heritage bus. As good as the Scania looks, it's difficult to imagine a Streetlite would pull it off as well. The bus itself is well-kept, clean and comfortable inside with unique Scania branded seats. I would go as far as this older example performed better than Go North East's 56 plate examples or even Arriva's. Maybe there's an argument Scania took more care with this batch as I believe it was part of the first major order for Omnicities in the UK, starting in 2003. The main thing I did notice about the interior is that all of the coving adverts were either about cancer or diabetes. To top it off there was an advert raising awareness about suicide on the cab wall. By the time the bus had finished loading I was feeling suitably morbid and wondering what was going to kill me first, cancer or myself.
The bus left the station fairly full, cue screaming baby. I couldn't see the offending infant from were I was sat at the rear offside quad, but I could certainly hear it. The wails were muffled every now and then, presumably as the mother attempted to smother it. When more passengers boarded at the high street I gained a seat neighbour who had a poor concept of personal space. At least the screaming died down. As we headed away from the city and the bus emptied out I was wondering if my neighbour was going to move onto a now free set of seats. What's the correct etiquette here? The bus was now less than half-full but she still seemed intent on seat sharing. Starting to hope for a sharp right turn; the lack of grab rails in this section of an Omnicity would have sent her flying into the aisle. Had to wait until arrival into Leek for my freedom, surprised to see mother and now-quiet baby still on bus, maybe she had smothered it.
Leek bus station is a simple affair, essentially one long bus bay with aprox six stop flags affixed to the canopy. Some research shows it's looked exactly the same since at least the 1960s. Noticeably absent was any information about buses. No times, routes or places served. Presumably as Leek's bus services are a hodgepodge of different operators not one has decided it's worthwhile investing in some publicity. I gave up on council provided information around here a while ago. It was refreshing to see some public toilets still open in these times of council cuts, especially in a rural area. The graffiti on the walls inside served as a reminder as to quite why local authorities have decided it's generally easier to close such facilities. I swiftly left, taking care not to touch anything or look at anyone.
D&G Bus 138 YJ55BHO Optare Solo M990 Route 31: Leek Bus Station - Cheadle High Street
This vehicle was parked in the station on layover when I arrived. My plan was to catch a returning First 18 to Hanley, but I worked out the Solo must be working the bi-hourly 31 route. Seeing as it was pretty lucky to land just as such an infrequent service was due to depart it seemed logical to hop on this instead. Considering my previous steed on the 18 was roughly the same age as this Solo, this bus was a real credit to D&G. Immaculate both inside and out, could have easily been passed off as a 2010-2011 model by first impressions. The ride itself was, in all fairness, as dull as dishwater - it's a solo. The route it took on the other hand was breathtaking. I'm struggling to think of a fair comparison in the North East, it really is something very different. We went through villages which charming names such as 'Ipstones', 'Froghall' and 'Foxt'. The roads linking them were not built with modern vehicles, particularly a 9.9m bus! I'd urge you to Streetview some of the roads around there to see what I'm twittering on about. At one point were wheelie bins were 'double parked' by the entrance to a farm the road was so narrow the driver had to get out and move them to get through! There were 5 to 10 passengers on the bus at any point though, some getting on and off in remote locations,; it was good to see a rural bus being supported.
First 32639 KP54AZA Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini Route 32: Cheadle High Street - Hanley Bus Station
I was pleased to grab a B7TL back to Hanley for a few reasons, firstly to enjoy the views of the moorlands from a height and a lovely sunny day. Secondly, they remind me of when the batch were delivered to GNE for the X10. With the metallic paint and personalised seat moquette I was blown away as a young lad by these. I still swear I once got in Middlesbrough and there was BBC radio playing through the speakers. Can anybody confirm this? Anyway, I've not been on one in a while and despite First's examples being bashed through the countryside most days I image they're fairing better than GNE's after their beatings on the A19. A great ride sat above the driver nonetheless.
What made the journey all the more interesting was the conversation of the two ladies opposite. Both well dressed, one maybe 50 years old and one maybe 25? I could't help but hear their mindless chatter but what perked my interest was when the younger casually mentioned she smokes canabis. The older lady has plenty to say on the subject and is loudly discussing what drugs she's done and where the best dealers in Cheadle are. The conversation continues on this course, with brief discourse on a holiday to New York and what they're each having for tea. As we get into Hanley the younger suggests they should go for a pint sometime, introduces her self formally to the older and goes to leave. They didn't even bloody know each other! The mind boggles.
First 53209 CN07KZM Optare Solo Route 5: Hanley Bus Station - Bucknall
I spied this Solo pulling into the bus station in front of the B7TL I was already on. I really like this pair of Solos from first as they feature 'traditional' dual purpose seating, i.e deep cushions and cloth fabric with headrests. I imagine this was more suited when they were used in rural Wales with Veolia (remember them?!) than Staffordshire local runs. Again, nothing special about the ride. Noticed the adverts this time advertise careers with Phones 4 U who were founded and based in Stoke-on-Trent. I'm sure the hundreds of people made redundant last year in the area when the company defaulted don't appreciate First's reluctance to take these down. Still, at least there's no cancer on this one.
First 53120 EO02NFA Optare Solo Route 5: Bucknall - Hanley Bus Station
Crossed the road to catch a bus back to town, I've attached a photo of the information in the bus shelter.
I find your Staffordshire ramblings quite interesting - I used to live not far from there.
Always thought PMT was so aptly named. Out of the various services serving Uttoxeter (and I see there's still multiple operators in the town, off in various directions) it was the most likely to be late and the stock was the least comfortable.
That timetable makes Durham's new ones look nice and clear. At least Durham's are tabular and not just a massive list. The "you are here" bit is just bloody bonkers. What is the point in that?!
(14 Mar 2016, 11:29 pm)BusLoverMum I find your Staffordshire ramblings quite interesting - I used to live not far from there.
Always thought PMT was so aptly named. Out of the various services serving Uttoxeter (and I see there's still multiple operators in the town, off in various directions) it was the most likely to be late and the stock was the least comfortable.
That timetable makes Durham's new ones look nice and clear. At least Durham's are tabular and not just a massive list. The "you are here" bit is just bloody bonkers. What is the point in that?!
(14 Mar 2016, 11:29 pm)BusLoverMum I find your Staffordshire ramblings quite interesting - I used to live not far from there.
Always thought PMT was so aptly named. Out of the various services serving Uttoxeter (and I see there's still multiple operators in the town, off in various directions) it was the most likely to be late and the stock was the least comfortable.
That timetable makes Durham's new ones look nice and clear. At least Durham's are tabular and not just a massive list. The "you are here" bit is just bloody bonkers. What is the point in that?!
(14 Mar 2016, 11:54 pm)James101 Thanks for reading! The only positive I can gather from that timetable print is that it covers all operators services. It's ridiculous when an operator only posts their own information, especially when services don't run in competition but compliment each others & provide connections. The example above is extra confusing as 90% if the journies have the same note. Why not invert the meaning of the note and only have it on 10% of journies? At the very least use a symbol or a letter and not a bloody number!
Uttoxetter is interesting as its was served by both PMT and Trent and is now served by their modern day counterparts. It could be argued trentbarton is the success story of privatisation and commercialisation of bus services while First is, well, the opposite. The ex PMT territory stretching from Manchester, Merseyside and the Peak District has dwindled to have just one depot left with one of the oldest fleets in First's empire.
(14 Mar 2016, 11:54 pm)James101 Thanks for reading! The only positive I can gather from that timetable print is that it covers all operators services. It's ridiculous when an operator only posts their own information, especially when services don't run in competition but compliment each others & provide connections. The example above is extra confusing as 90% if the journies have the same note. Why not invert the meaning of the note and only have it on 10% of journies? At the very least use a symbol or a letter and not a bloody number!
Uttoxetter is interesting as its was served by both PMT and Trent and is now served by their modern day counterparts. It could be argued trentbarton is the success story of privatisation and commercialisation of bus services while First is, well, the opposite. The ex PMT territory stretching from Manchester, Merseyside and the Peak District has dwindled to have just one depot left with one of the oldest fleets in First's empire.
(15 Mar 2016, 11:28 am)BusLoverMum The town itself was served by a local company. There was a circular service serving the area where I ;ived - a handy 10p child fare if I didn't fancy walking into town. It also ran a couple of routes into Burton.
http://www.thebusgallery.co.uk/stevensons
Never bothered with what's now the Trent Barton route to Derby, as the train was much quicker and no more expensive.
(15 Mar 2016, 11:28 am)BusLoverMum The town itself was served by a local company. There was a circular service serving the area where I ;ived - a handy 10p child fare if I didn't fancy walking into town. It also ran a couple of routes into Burton.
http://www.thebusgallery.co.uk/stevensons
Never bothered with what's now the Trent Barton route to Derby, as the train was much quicker and no more expensive.
Got a surprise few days off next week so planning a return trip to the NE. Hopefully going to spend one day having a bus outing. It'll be my first day on north east buses since 2013; I've always kept up to date on what's new/changed across the region but I'm wondering if anyone here has some highlights to reccomend I should cover?
Probably going to use an explorer ticket, starting point isn't an issue as will be driving but will need to return to the same point.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:30 pm)James101 Got a surprise few days off next week so planning a return trip to the NE. Hopefully going to spend one day having a bus outing. It'll be my first day on north east buses since 2013; I've always kept up to date on what's new/changed across the region but I'm wondering if anyone here has some highlights to reccomend I should cover?
Probably going to use an explorer ticket, starting point isn't an issue as will be driving but will need to return to the same point.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:30 pm)James101 Got a surprise few days off next week so planning a return trip to the NE. Hopefully going to spend one day having a bus outing. It'll be my first day on north east buses since 2013; I've always kept up to date on what's new/changed across the region but I'm wondering if anyone here has some highlights to reccomend I should cover?
Probably going to use an explorer ticket, starting point isn't an issue as will be driving but will need to return to the same point.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:30 pm)James101 Got a surprise few days off next week so planning a return trip to the NE. Hopefully going to spend one day having a bus outing. It'll be my first day on north east buses since 2013; I've always kept up to date on what's new/changed across the region but I'm wondering if anyone here has some highlights to reccomend I should cover?
Probably going to use an explorer ticket, starting point isn't an issue as will be driving but will need to return to the same point.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:30 pm)James101 Got a surprise few days off next week so planning a return trip to the NE. Hopefully going to spend one day having a bus outing. It'll be my first day on north east buses since 2013; I've always kept up to date on what's new/changed across the region but I'm wondering if anyone here has some highlights to reccomend I should cover?
Probably going to use an explorer ticket, starting point isn't an issue as will be driving but will need to return to the same point.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:45 pm)James101 Would deffo like to do the 689, and maybe the demo metrocity. So possibly do-able via Durham and consett. Could get an omnidekka that way too, what do they work into Durham?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:45 pm)James101 Would deffo like to do the 689, and maybe the demo metrocity. So possibly do-able via Durham and consett. Could get an omnidekka that way too, what do they work into Durham?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:45 pm)James101 Would deffo like to do the 689, and maybe the demo metrocity. So possibly do-able via Durham and consett. Could get an omnidekka that way too, what do they work into Durham?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:48 pm)South Tyne Lad Aye the 689 is a brilliant route, I believe 1 board of the 15/15A is allocated Omnidekkas unless things have changed. Also good luck trying to find that board because its very rarely a Omnidekka anyways.15/15A should only be allocated President's these days but just about anything can turn up at times, Toonlink Omnicity 5239 was on yesterday morning.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:48 pm)South Tyne Lad Aye the 689 is a brilliant route, I believe 1 board of the 15/15A is allocated Omnidekkas unless things have changed. Also good luck trying to find that board because its very rarely a Omnidekka anyways.15/15A should only be allocated President's these days but just about anything can turn up at times, Toonlink Omnicity 5239 was on yesterday morning.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:48 pm)South Tyne Lad Aye the 689 is a brilliant route, I believe 1 board of the 15/15A is allocated Omnidekkas unless things have changed. Also good luck trying to find that board because its very rarely a Omnidekka anyways.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:48 pm)South Tyne Lad Aye the 689 is a brilliant route, I believe 1 board of the 15/15A is allocated Omnidekkas unless things have changed. Also good luck trying to find that board because its very rarely a Omnidekka anyways.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:45 pm)James101 Would deffo like to do the 689, and maybe the demo metrocity. So possibly do-able via Durham and consett. Could get an omnidekka that way too, what do they work into Durham?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:45 pm)James101 Would deffo like to do the 689, and maybe the demo metrocity. So possibly do-able via Durham and consett. Could get an omnidekka that way too, what do they work into Durham?
(18 Mar 2016, 7:05 pm)Andreos1 The 689 only does one in each direction during the week.
Not sure about school holiday weeks. Unless you are gonna be up with the larks, maybe worth getting the 689 FROM Hexham, rather than to.
(18 Mar 2016, 7:05 pm)Andreos1 The 689 only does one in each direction during the week.
Not sure about school holiday weeks. Unless you are gonna be up with the larks, maybe worth getting the 689 FROM Hexham, rather than to.
(18 Mar 2016, 6:46 pm)Adrian For variety, how about parking in Durham? You could do X21 to Bishop, X1 to Darlo, 21 to Peterlee, 24 to Durham again?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:46 pm)Adrian For variety, how about parking in Durham? You could do X21 to Bishop, X1 to Darlo, 21 to Peterlee, 24 to Durham again?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:46 pm)Adrian For variety, how about parking in Durham? You could do X21 to Bishop, X1 to Darlo, 21 to Peterlee, 24 to Durham again?
(18 Mar 2016, 6:46 pm)Adrian For variety, how about parking in Durham? You could do X21 to Bishop, X1 to Darlo, 21 to Peterlee, 24 to Durham again?