North East Buses

(25 Mar 2014, 5:32 pm)MilkybarKid wrote [ -> ]Has 4931 moved? Chester depot looked a bit empty as I drove past.

It sure has.....

(25 Mar 2014, 5:26 pm)dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]Surprise Surprise! I have a opinion and get shot down in flames yet again. I was mearly saying does the 1 journey on the 56 that will be affected need to be posted on here, when there will be Nexus staff on site directing people to another stand to board the bright orange double decker that is quite easily missed in Park Lane.

it was still their 20 mins later when my friends from college had to use stand T to get on the 56.

next time i wont bother..

(25 Mar 2014, 5:43 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]it was still their 20 mins later when my friends from college had to use stand T to get on the 56.

next time i wont bother..

Don't let them stop you contributing, I think you should contribute with those updates, just ignore 'em

(25 Mar 2014, 5:43 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]It sure has.....

Wahey!

(25 Mar 2014, 5:26 pm)dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]Surprise Surprise! I have a opinion and get shot down in flames yet again. I was mearly saying does the 1 journey on the 56 that will be affected need to be posted on here, when there will be Nexus staff on site directing people to another stand to board the bright orange double decker that is quite easily missed in Park Lane.

Its not the fact you had an opinion. Its what you said. He was only letting people know why a service was late if anybody who keeps up with this forum and that's fine. It just didn't need you to say it didn't need to posted when in theory, its a good thing that he did. Now if you would care to just stop commenting on this subject then that would be fine.

(25 Mar 2014, 5:55 pm)dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]You wont need to ignore me for much longer, i will be deleting my account later on and all my photos of flickr too. Everyone is right about this site, if your not part of the group you get picked on and shot down with any little comment you have- see how much this has escalated too when all i said was it necessary to post that the bus has to stop in the next stop due to an emergency. [/u]

Well if you would just see the point of him posting the comment before saying comments are unnecessary then the forum wouldn't turn into a battlefield like it has now!

It sure has.....
[/quote]

Has it gone for repainting?

(25 Mar 2014, 5:19 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]The beauty of a forum is that anyone can post what they want (within reason) and others can join in if they want to. No one is forced to participate in any one topic.

Hear, hear! This line has been used multiple times in the past, and it's certainly one that should somehow be weaved into the site's rules.

(25 Mar 2014, 5:26 pm)dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]Surprise Surprise! I have a opinion and get shot down in flames yet again. I was mearly saying does the 1 journey on the 56 that will be affected need to be posted on here, when there will be Nexus staff on site directing people to another stand to board the bright orange double decker that is quite easily missed in Park Lane.

Nobody has shot you down in flames, but it seems most people thought your post was somewhat unnecessary. You make it sound like this is a regular occurrence by the use of the words 'Surprise, surprise!' though..?

(25 Mar 2014, 5:43 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]it was still their 20 mins later when my friends from college had to use stand T to get on the 56.

next time i wont bother..

As aureolin rightly said, this is a forum - feel free to post any news/sightings related to Go North East. Anyone who doesn't think it is noteworthy needn't add to the discussion.

(25 Mar 2014, 5:55 pm)dans_bus_photos wrote [ -> ]You wont need to ignore me for much longer, i will be deleting my account later on and all my photos of flickr too. Everyone is right about this site, if your not part of the group you get picked on and shot down with any little comment you have- see how much this has escalated too when all i said was it necessary to post that the bus has to stop in the next stop due to an emergency. [/u]

It's totally up to you what you do or don't do, and I'm not here to stop people from leaving the community, but North East Buses is the biggest online community for discussion of buses in the North East. It is for this reason why we do perhaps have quite a number of disagreements on the forum; after all, surely this is to be expected with such a large number of users with different personalities. Other communities are a lot smaller and therefore have fewer arguments - discussion is often rather limited, and posts are issued by a number of select people. NEB is not that kind of community.

What I will say is that if you wholeheartedly agree with what other people say about NEB, you should pack your bags and just go. I've had more than enough crap from the enthusiasts in the group which agree with what you've said, and it's funny that members of this forum say the exact same thing about them. In my opinion, they're a lot worse (but obviously I'm going to say that). We have morals on NEB, whereas their morals are questionable. Picking on people because of who they are, where they're from, or their level of enthusiasm for the hobby - it's not on, and (most) members of this forum understand that. We're a diverse community of many different enthusiasts with completely different characteristics - but we all understand that, and get on with one another for that reason.
#ihaveadream

One thing to add would be not to be so irrational. If you've had enough of this community, then there are others to go to - that doesn't mean to say you should ditch the hobby completely and delete all of the hard work you've put in whilst being a part of your hobby. You have some photos which most will envy because they're so rare - you should be proud of that.

EDIT: Just read the e-mail you sent me. Typed this post before I read that, so bear that in mind when reading!

(25 Mar 2014, 6:04 pm)nk55 wrote [ -> ]Has it gone for repainting?

I haven't been told about its arrival at Saltmeadows, so I'd assume not yet... I'd imagine that they are probably settling the new engine in first by taking it around the depot a little. I'd expect it to be taking a run out to Front Street and back a few times in the next day or two (providing it's roadworthy - it certainly didn't look like it was on Saturday), and then it'll manage to run out to Saltmeadows for repaint. Obviously this repaint is a matter of urgency, as it allows 8231 to be withdrawn.

Could 4931 be put into the new livery?

(25 Mar 2014, 6:53 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]Could 4931 be put into the new livery?

I guess it'll follow the same process as all of the other recent red repaints. :p

Main brands are the priority.

It's also worth noting that anyone on the forum can use the 'report' button to alert us to content you feel shouldn't be on the forum, is misplaced, etc. The person you 'report' won't be notified that you've done this. Only the site team can see reports and can use their judgement based on the report made.

(25 Mar 2014, 5:32 pm)MilkybarKid wrote [ -> ]Has 4931 moved? Chester depot looked a bit empty as I drove past.

Agree, the whole depot looked empty when I went past a few times earlier this evening and on Sunday afternoon too.

Noticed there was a space missing where 4931 had been living tonight, but not on Sunday.

In other news, it appears that the 887 on a morning, could share the same board as the 937 on an evening - the 'Eat, sleep, play and smell of foist' Trident has appeared on both today.

Saw two Versa's on the 34 running in pairs down Pelaw Bank tonight too.

(25 Mar 2014, 7:08 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]It's also worth noting that anyone on the forum can use the 'report' button to alert us to content you feel shouldn't be on the forum, is misplaced, etc. The person you 'report' won't be notified that you've done this. Only the site team can see reports and can use their judgement based on the report made.

Yeah, also, is this new account I made going to be able to gain full access to view attachments and stuff now as it has been waiting for moderation for weeks now. (I created a new one so people would recognise me from other things completely forgetting that you could change your account name) Thank you if you are able to do anything.

(25 Mar 2014, 2:33 pm)eezypeazy wrote [ -> ]This isn't my opinion - this is fact:

Fact: The evening service to Hexham is now hourly - when Arriva ran it there were large gaps, making a night out in Hexham impossible from places east of Corbridge.

Fact: GNE now offers four buses per hour to Metrocentre, all deckers, therefore more seats Prudhoe - Metrocentre than ever before. Arriva provided two bph.

Fact: In the morning peak, there's a bus every ten minutes between Prudhoe and Newcastle, including the two 11A journeys on bendys.

My observation: Arriva's reliability on the old 604 was notoriously poor.

Can we take the comments and quotes from the numerous passengers from Prudhoe who have appeared in the Courant over a period of time, as fact too?

Are buses between Newcastle and Prudhoe of the same frequency as previously?

My observation: Based on comments, quotes and stories appearing in the Courant and the fact I have only ever been on the 10 once, GNE's reliability on the 10, 10b and the local service is notoriously poor too.

I should probably point out that 5256 has been branded 'Whey Aye Five 0' as seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/75963141@N03/13411958615/

I think there should be a bus from south shields express to metrocentre

(25 Mar 2014, 2:33 pm)eezypeazy wrote [ -> ]This isn't my opinion - this is fact:

Fact: The evening service to Hexham is now hourly - when Arriva ran it there were large gaps, making a night out in Hexham impossible from places east of Corbridge.

Fact: GNE now offers four buses per hour to Metrocentre, all deckers, therefore more seats Prudhoe - Metrocentre than ever before. Arriva provided two bph.

Fact: In the morning peak, there's a bus every ten minutes between Prudhoe and Newcastle, including the two 11A journeys on bendys.

My observation: Arriva's reliability on the old 604 was notoriously poor.

Fair enough. I accept (and agree with) the points you make about the quality of service improving on the Prudhoe to Metrocentre corridor and also the fact about there being now six buses in the morning instead of four. As you have proven Prudhoe does have a better service than before. Looking at the timetable, it appears (and I maybe wrong about this) that one extra bus (in each direction) has been added between Hexham and Prudhoe to make the service hourly in the evening so, once again, you are right to make that point. However, outside of Prudhoe - heading towards Hexham, the level of service remains mostly the same with the exception of that one extra evening bus. For someone living in, say, Mickley or Stocksfield, the perception might be that nothing's really changed. As I said, GNE did improve the service for a short period, but curtailed the level of frequency back to the same level as when Arriva operated 602. This is also fact.

Do you think that withdrawing from Redwell Road/Drawback/West Wylam has improved the quality of service? - I have no idea how passenger numbers were before the route was changed, but I remember at the time that there was some level of protest (probably quite minimal in retrospect) when that decision was made. Was this one reason why the reliability of the 604 was 'notoriously poor' in your observation?

(25 Mar 2014, 9:42 pm)Robert wrote [ -> ]I should probably point out that 5256 has been branded 'Whey Aye Five 0' as seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/75963141@N03/13411958615/

I also photographed this today but I wasn't aware it already been branded and also noted on here so I do apologise, also I haven't a chance to upload it yet as I have a Backlog (Daniel Graham Style) of Photos to Caption and then Upload due being rather Busy over the past 2 Months, which will again be added to whilst I am Sunderland tomorrow, I shall get them up asap, weekend into next week at the latest.

yesterday i saw both a Citylink Versa on 93 and one on 52 both came in at the exact same time photos will be uploaded tomorrow

Noticed the whey aye 50 branding isnt on the front of the Omnicities, will this be added later like the Drifter version of the livery which had the fronts updated slightly later on (If i remember Correctly)

When is the news getting updated!

(26 Mar 2014, 6:36 am)pdiddy wrote [ -> ]When is the news getting updated!

Apologies - I was meant to do it on Sunday but I had to go out so didn't have time to do it.
I really am concentrating on getting my coursework finished this week (deadline for a lot of it is next week), so I'm going to put it back by a week again - it will be updated this Sunday instead.

As you'd expect, educational commitments have to prioritise.

(26 Mar 2014, 6:50 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]Apologies - I was meant to do it on Sunday but I had to go out so didn't have time to do it.
I really am concentrating on getting my coursework finished this week (deadline for a lot of it is next week), so I'm going to put it back by a week again - it will be updated this Sunday instead.

As you'd expect, educational commitments have to prioritise.

I understand...i have 2 assignments due in on Monday, along with other things due in tomorrow, its a nightmare trying to get it all done!

Doesn't help when they change your hand in date at the last minute!

(26 Mar 2014, 7:21 am)Michael wrote [ -> ]I understand...i have 2 assignments due in on Monday, along with other things due in tomorrow, its a nightmare trying to get it all done!

Doesn't help when they change your hand in date at the last minute!

I'm just terrible for leaving everything to last minute, haha.
I leave the news for Sundays because that's usually my designated day off any sort of school work and there's not enough hours in the day any other day of the week, so if something ruins the routine... Screwed!

(26 Mar 2014, 7:31 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]I'm just terrible for leaving everything to last minute, haha.
I leave the news for Sundays because that's usually my designated day off any sort of school work and there's not enough hours in the day any other day of the week, so if something ruins the routine... Screwed!

Having homework on top doesn't help either.

Role on end of May, then i'm done till September, i normally have a Thursday off Uni/placement to do work, it's an unexpected trip to college tomorrow and placement to get work signed!

ÇC delivery manager was on the 309 this morning doing ticket inspections.

On Monday evening I was on a omnicity of the 50 and later on in the evening the 50a. The ride was better than the omni's on the 9!

I looked at the reg and I'm sure they are the same age? I'm not in the no how like some of you I know!

(25 Mar 2014, 12:38 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote [ -> ]http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/news/prud...-1.1108708#

I was looking for something completely different, but stumbled across this.

Having never needed to use the services mentioned, I have no opinion or experience of them.
What was quite humorous, was that despite the bad experiences of passengers, quotes from councillors and a wish to return to previous services, the guy from GNE insists that what they are offering, is better than the previous operator.

Prior to Christmas, I came across a similar story, outlining passengers concern and quotes from them, explaining bad experiences on the three services mentioned

Apart from the GNE rep apparently being blind to some of the issues put to him, what else do passengers need to see or do, so that their opinions (even if it is just some) are listened too, acknowledged and/or accepted, so that changes are made?

No matter how much money is spent on buses, that can accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs (I am sure the previous operator would have sorted out a full fleet of accessible buses by now), unless passenger needs, wants or desires are accepted (even in part), then I am not sure there is any point in a rep attending these meetings.

Are there any regular passengers from those services on the forum, who could share their views?

Wouldn't it be great if GNE had a page on Simply Go where unhappy passengers could debate about drivers being ignorant or buses being late? THEN someone might listen to what they have to say because the website would crash! lol

(26 Mar 2014, 10:44 am)idiot wrote [ -> ]On Monday evening I was on a omnicity of the 50 and later on in the evening the 50a. The ride was better than the omni's on the 9!

I looked at the reg and I'm sure they are the same age? I'm not in the no how like some of you I know!

All omnicities were delivered in 2007 (with 5268 being the equivalent to 6083 in the TEN fleet).

B10BLE 5163 is the latest "Pulse" example to enter the paintshop.