North East Buses

Been away all over France for a few days, have a few pictures to show.
Frejus/St-Rafael Bus (no idea chassis/body):
https://flic.kr/p/LqEkSi

Troyes-Bus 279 on '6':
https://flic.kr/p/KtJ2yL
Troyes-Bus 293 on '1':
https://flic.kr/p/KZgHAE

Both Troyes-Bus vehicles are Iveco based, were a great ride. The timing of routes was almost to the second and extremely cheap fares. Sounds quite the opposite to a few namely local operators, here in the north!
I didn't like the dart-like bus near frejus, t'was a back breaker and reminded me too much of my trips on GNE 547 in service on X71, locally.

I stayed in the depths of Provance, a beautiful rural landscape. The bus services here hardly existed and were served by 'Varlib'. Often had to wait in the same area for a few hours to get back. Wouldn't say the system is functional, but cycling and driving are both hugely popular, rendering the bus service useless. Varlib use merc minibuses, didn't get a snap but nout flash.

Where investment has been made in France, cities and alike, the systems are flawless and you can get nearly everywhere in a city. Troyes especially had a neatly laid out plan with many operators, but under the same local, subsidised fare.

Came across a little gem in Staffordshire today on an inter-hospital service. Operated by a local taxi company, ABC Supreme, my expectation was for a Ford Transit minibus to be making the run; what actually turned up was quite different. 

E331 UYC, a Reeve Burgess bodied Mercedes 709D, a vehicle which will be soon celebrating it's thirtieth year in service. Excluding tourist services, this is the oldest service vehicle I've come across in a long time. The Mercedes 709D was never know for its comfort even in it's heyday - it's been a long time since 1987 and the years have not been kind to this poor little coach. 

I can count on one hand the amount of times the driver successfully changed into the intended gear without much painful crunching of the gearbox. Clearly aware of imminent breakdown, the driver had the AA policy document wallet on display in the glovebox. It always amused me on these vehicles how features such as the glovebox and passenger side air vents were left in place as a reminder of how, in essence, they are a Sprinter van. 

It's been 7 hours since I finished my journey and I'm still sat bolt upright, trying to ease the back pain inflicted by the poor old Merc; god knows how the driver feels. Next time someone on here would like to moan about Gateshead Central Taxis, I urge them to look up ABC Supreme.

Me and South Tyne Lad had an enjoyable day in Carlisle today. We went across to Brampton on Stagecoach CNL's 27142, had a ride on a few Solos and E200s, before striking lucky and getting a Stagecoach West Scotland E300 on the 583 from Kingstown into Carlisle.

I decided to take him to Eddie Stobart's depot in Kingstown, where I got a few photos.

Got the Carlisle United branded E200 back and connected to Arriva 4660 at Hexham.

Sure he might post a more detailed review? haha

This is my two day outing.


Day 1




Bus: 4967 NK53UNT
Picture: https://flic.kr/p/LqUeRP

Rather normal trip, but the enviornment somewhat enchanting. The sun was beginning to rise, leaving the sky and odd shade of yellow. I wasn't a fan of the bus like, rattling. Not sure how anyone would survive an X10 on that!


http://puu.sh/qOQ9E/82496dc36d.png
Bus: 6025 V325LGC
Picture:

This was a decent ride, this is certainly one of Percy Main's better B7s. Took around 45 minutes to get to North Shields.


http://puu.sh/qOQfP/937b0d0e1d.png
Bus: 4916 X916WGR
Picture:

This was an awfully long journey mentally. Was trying to spend most of the time trying to stay awake.


http://puu.sh/qOQjA/3039eb48e0.png
Bus: 5439 NK16AZU
Picture: None

The original plan was to take the 60, then the 265 - however I was too tired to took the 20 so I was able to get back some sleep - 80 minutes worth.

http://puu.sh/qOQo3/5102990aa4.png
Bus: 6012 V312LGC
Picture: None

This was quite a quiet trip - exclusive from the motor which is nearly as loud as 6014. One of the last flipboard DDA compliant deckers, if I recall.


http://puu.sh/qOQrq/472d55d85d.png
Bus: 6120 BG15RNN
Picture: None

These b9s are apparently amazing to drive, and I could feel why. Incredibly smooth ride, just a shame they aren't to the same spec as the Streetlites - often using 45/46/47 as a route to charge my phone on.


http://puu.sh/qOQwc/d052d1fdcd.png
Bus: 6104 NL63YJG
Picture: None

Although I originally was on 4981 on the 310 (https://flic.kr/p/LuR31b), I gave up this bus because of how packed it was leaving Haymarket. It was the same effect as sending out 547 on the X71 at peak times. I returned to Haymarket, saw the omnidekka on the 21 (https://flic.kr/p/LqUeGR) and decided to head up to Blyth. Mooched around a bit, did nothing too fun.


http://puu.sh/qOQII/f9763e54fa.png
Bus: 6105 NL63YJH
Picture: None

I didn't pay attention to the scenery on the trip up, I was too absorbed and lost in thought. So in response, I gazed out of the window and found the beach to look very nice, worth returning to on a nice day. Headed inland and it became a very average trip. Got thrown off on Coast road right next to Jesmond so the driver could make up time.


http://puu.sh/qOQPD/a0f640d0ee.png
Bus: 6128 GX03SVC
Picture: None

Took this up to Interchange.

http://puu.sh/qOQUF/e1868aa943.png

Bus: 6117 NL63XCB
Picture: None

I needed to kill some time before getting my planned X32 trip up to Stanley, so headed down to Byker. Luckily this bus showed up so I was able to top up my phone more.

http://puu.sh/qOQYl/818819b002.png
Bus: 6033 V233LGC
Picture: None

Took this up to Gateshead. Wasn't the best ride ever.


http://puu.sh/qOR4p/9c6453ede1.png
Bus: 8340 NL63XBJ
Picture: {Who'd want to picture this? :p}

I'm not a fan of these Streetlites, they're manky inside and gear choke whenever they are moving.


http://puu.sh/qOR8S/1d928f1aaa.png
Bus: 648 NL63XZV
Picture: None

After the planned X32 came into Eldon Square and simply didn't stop, they sent us a minibus for a peak trip to Stanley. I did like this solo, it got shifting and didn't struggle at all up Dunston Bank.


http://puu.sh/qORe7/d4842fcb7e.png
Bus: 5288 NK08GFZ
Picture: None

Wanted to catch my 1705 X70, which seemed reasonable in 30 minutes. How wrong was I? Took 24 minutes to get to Dipton, so I alighted there and waited 6 minutes for 3887 to come blasting down the hills.


http://puu.sh/qORj4/383c71d8c1.png
Bus: 3887 NK51UCP
Picture: None

This was a blast down, passed 3831 on the returning X71 and took no time at all to make it to Sunniside, from where I walked the rest.

http://puu.sh/qORmQ/879060285f.png
Bus: 6129 GX03SVD
Picture: None

Standard trip down, passed 3822 on the 47.


http://puu.sh/qORrs/90830cf38f.png
Bus: 5330 BJ10VUP
Picture: None

Watched the world descend into fogginess on this trip. Alighted at S.Shields ASDA. Wandered around a soulless, misty South Tyneside and got back for the 2106 27.


http://puu.sh/qORuH/ba284e858c.png
Bus: 5328 BJ10VUN
Picture: None

I kinda fell asleep again so barely remember this trip. Woke up and I was on Market Street, the driver just about to pull out on the return back to S.Shields. Lucky me.




Bus: 6129 GX03SVD
Picture: None

The same bus as earlier. I had to focus on staying awake so I could alight at the right place and not have to walk many miles home through the sceptically safe areas of Stanley. All was good, home safe.



Day 2



Decided that I had to be around for other activities that I would complete what I didn't the day before. I didn't have my keycard so didn't electronically store the information so will have to return to my somewhat conventional way of displaying the trips.

Route: X31
Time: 1015
Location: Sunniside Front Street
Bus: 6128 GX03SVC
Picture: None

This was a standard trip to Gateshead, not really any fun.


Route: X31
Time: 1109
Location: Gateshead Interchange
Bus: 5337 HF06FUA
Picture: None

I like these citaros, only ever get them when going short distances though.


Route: 16A
Time: 1215
Location: Stanley Bus Station
Bus: 6214 GX03SUU
Picture:

I've never taken the 16 anywhere other than between Stanley and Consett, so I decided I would change that starting with an odd working. Surprisingly pleasant countryside along the journey. 


Route: X21
Time: 1305(ish)
Location: Durham Bus Station
Bus: 6301 NK16BXA
Picture:

I always like this trip to B.Auck. Allowed me to charge my phone and listen to some music whilst going through small communities and Spennymoor. Always brings a smile to my face when I here Cheapside announced as we approach. Couldn't agree more in places to be honest. Arrived at around half-past 1. Wandered around and bought a few snacks.


Route: X21
Time: 1401
Location: Bishop Auckland Bus Station
Bus: 6301 NK16BXA
Picture: As above.

Didn't pay attention to this trip, landed at Durham at 1439.


Route: 265
Time: 1440
Location: Durham Bus Station
Bus: 660 NK15GFG
Picture: None

I enjoyed this trip, but again was a descent into mistiness. Wandered around Seaham for a bit.


Route: 60
Time: 1550
Location: Seaham/Seafront
Bus: 5374 NL63XBC
Picture: None

This was a mediocre trip, could see nout because of the fog. Got to Sunderland to see NK16AZU on the 700 as picture here (https://flic.kr/p/LuQQyo). Decided I would take the 56 home. 


Route: 56
Time: 1610-1625
Location: Park Lane Interchange
Bus: 6098 NL63YJB
Picture: https://flic.kr/p/LohofC

Got on board and enjoyed watching the NSA have a bit of a mess up. I really don't like how unclean some of the 56s are. This was a cleaner than most, but there's dirt most places and bits of old left over food on the floor. Not enjoyable.


Route: 4
Time: 1721
Location: Concord Bus Station
Bus: 4963 NL52WVU
Picture: None


Route: 27
Time: 1734
Location: Heworth Interchange
Bus: 3972 PJ02PYY
Picture: None

This was a loud one, not the same as PN02XCL/F, but nearing. Blasted through Gateshead to Interchange.


Route: X70
Time: 1745
Location: Gateshead Interchange
Bus: 5289 NK08CGE
Picture: None

Absolutely packed. Didn't enjoy this odd working.


Route: 6
Time: 2155
Location: Whickham
Bus: Omnidekka, couldn't see which and didn't pay attention.
Picture: None

Wandered around Newcastle for 40 minutes and returned to Eldon Square for the last 6 of the day.


Route: 6
Time: 23:15
Location: Eldon Square
Bus: 6122 GX03SUU
Picture: None

Quiet trip.

Thanks for reading if you've not gotten bored by now!

Finally went to the Lakes today!

Got P534EFL on the 508 which was better than I remembered, tried out the Gold X4/X5 which I was impressed with as well as a few other service and managed a V reg ALX400 was hoping for a Olympian but hey I can't see them being around for much longer either.

Can't think of anywhere to put it.

Here is a list of vehicles used on the Tall Ships Park and Ride on Friday

Park and Ride South (Seaton Sluice to Blyth) - Photoed between 1020 and 1150.
Go North East
Volvo B7TL / ELC Myllenium Vyking - 3966 / 3967 / 3968 / 3970 / 3972 / 3973 / 3974 / 3975 / 3977
Volvo B7TL / Plaxton President - 6036 / 6038
Scania N94UD / ELC Omnidekka - 3996 / 6123 / 6124 / 6128 / 6130 / 6136 / 6137 / 6139
Volvo B12B / Plaxton Panther - 7093 (On Route Learning Duties)

Kingsley's
Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 - 244
Dennis Trident / Plaxton President - 248

Park and Ride North (Cambois to Blyth) - Photoed between 1245 and 1445
Garnett's
Dennis Trident / Alexander ALX400 - T688KPU / T693KPU / V173MEV / V179MEV / X287NNO / X288NNO / X307NNO / Y361NHK / Y508NHK
Volvo B7TL / Alexander ALX400 - LW51ZGO / LW51ZNH / LW51ZNK / LW51ZNL

Jim Hughes
DAF DB250 / Alexander ALX400 - S236JUA (which later broke down) / T320FGN
Dennis Trident / Plaxton President - LT02ZZJ / LT02ZZL / LT02ZZM / LT02ZZO / LR52KVO / LR52KWT

Yesterday I took advantage of the good weather and combined some rambling with a bit of spotting.

GNE - 3889 – X70 – 08.35. A good lively thrash from Gateshead to Consett. The sun was out and the countryside looked lovely. Arrived at Consett bus station 5 minutes early. Sat above the driver.

Consett Bus Station – Stanhope. A good 13 mile walk through gorgeous countryside and over the moors. Amazing views across the moors. My favourite section is from Waskerley Moor and down into Stanhope. The route follows the course of an old mineral railway. Got into Stanhope for about 14.00.

Looked around Stanhope, visited the operating centres of Weardale Community Transport and Weardale Motor Services. Also visited the Weardale Railway. Spent a while sitting in the sunshine at the market place. Weardale Community Transport have a smart new 2015 reg Mercedes Sprinter.

Caught the 15.00 101 services to Crook operated by Weardale Motor Services Solo GO03WMS. This was a busy journey with plenty of tourists. Passed Frosterley depot which had a couple of former GNE Volvo Olympians parked up. These buses are normally used on school services in the Wear Valley. Noticed most of buildings at Frosterley garage have now been demolished.

ANE – 7419 – 46 – Crook Langley Moor. I was one of two passengers on this service. Got the seat above the driver. Only my second ride on the former Volvo B7 London Buses. Found it rather comfortable. Good views from the top deck between Crook and Willington.

Alighted at Langley Moor. Visited the St John Ambulance station and spotted their Mobile Command Unit which has been converted from a Renault Master Ambulance. Then a short walk to the Brown’s yard. The Brown family used to have a psv o-licence, however their vehicles now run on Dutch plates. Only a single coach present on this visit which appeared to be out of use. Walked over to Lees Coaches. Seven vehicles present in their two yards. Got some OK photos here. Finally over to Durham Tees Valley Probation Service which has a small minibus fleet. One Peugeot Boxer present on this visit.

ANE – 7456 – 46 – 16.47. Caught this near to Lidl at Langley Moor. Quite a busy bus for the short journey to Durham bus station. The bus station was normal organised chaos and we arrived at the wrong stand.

GNE – 6034 – X21 – 17.08. Was hoping for a Wright Streetdeck so I could stretch my legs at a table seat. No such luck President 6034 turned up instead looking a bit shabby internally. Have to say the bus performed well for its age. Passed the Durham Army cadet Force HQ at Chester-Le-Street looks like they have some new Ford Transit minibuses for Cadet Transport duties. Will have to check these out at some point.

GNE – 6069 – 21 – 17.45. Low Fell to Gateshead Metro. Fancied a changed on reaching Low Fell. Was hoping for a Scania on the 1. Instead jumped on to this Volvo B5 which was rather full with people heading into town for a night out.

A good day, with a great healthy walk and some interesting vehicles spotted. My feet are bloody killing now though! Going to Seaburn on Monday.

Thanks for reading.

Charles

Been to a few GNE depots today, or the fronts of them at least. Took a picture of some olympians at stanley and riverside. I couldn't find deptfords, got lost in sunderland. Nothing photograph worthy at hexham. I've always found CLS difficult to see much from so might see what's to see around percy main tonight.

(31 Aug 2016, 4:48 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]Been to a few GNE depots today, or the fronts of them at least. Took a picture of some olympians at stanley and riverside. I couldn't find deptfords, got lost in sunderland. Nothing photograph worthy at hexham. I've always found CLS difficult to see much from so might see what's to see around percy main tonight.

Deptford is out of the way near the docks. You get to it by driving or walking past B&Q near the QA bridge then past Reilly's pub and you'll eventually get to the depot

(03 Sep 2016, 6:31 pm)Brian13 wrote [ -> ]Deptford is out of the way near the docks. You get to it by driving or walking past B&Q near the QA bridge then past Reilly's pub and you'll eventually get to the depot

Aye, percy main is probably the easiest. Just jump off 310 at the driver swap at verne road and stroll down. Stanley and CLS similarly just one stop and a bus and you're dead near. Hexham's is a nice walk down to. Riverside is only harder because the drivers look at you as if you're crazy for getting off there and sometimes think you want the next stop right down at the Pub.
I can never be bothered to work out where peterlee's is never mind wanting to go there.
Crook's is almost impossible to get to on GNE buses given it's the X46 with no way of getting back and school days only.
Will probably have a peek in Deptfords tomorrow or thursday.

(03 Sep 2016, 6:56 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]Aye, percy main is probably the easiest. Just jump off 310 at the driver swap at verne road and stroll down. Stanley and CLS similarly just one stop and a bus and you're dead near. Hexham's is a nice walk down to. Riverside is only harder because the drivers look at you as if you're crazy for getting off there and sometimes think you want the next stop right down at the Pub.
I can never be bothered to work out where peterlee's is never mind wanting to go there.
Crook's is almost impossible to get to on GNE buses given it's the X46 with no way of getting back and school days only.
Will probably have a peek in Deptfords tomorrow or thursday.

Peterlee is on the North West Industrial Estate one IndiGo goes near it but it's quite a walk plus there's rarely any buses there during the day. Saltmeadows is easy access from the 93/94. Rarely buses there but the new buses will be there now. Washington is accessible from the 56. Crook never has buses during the day either.

(03 Sep 2016, 8:00 pm)Brian13 wrote [ -> ]Peterlee is on the North West Industrial Estate one IndiGo goes near it but it's quite a walk plus there's rarely any buses there during the day. Saltmeadows is easy access from the 93/94. Rarely buses there but the new buses will be there now. Washington is accessible from the 56. Crook never has buses during the day either.

Divent like walking around washington/concord even in daylight haha

(03 Sep 2016, 6:56 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]Aye, percy main is probably the easiest. Just jump off 310 at the driver swap at verne road and stroll down. Stanley and CLS similarly just one stop and a bus and you're dead near. Hexham's is a nice walk down to. Riverside is only harder because the drivers look at you as if you're crazy for getting off there and sometimes think you want the next stop right down at the Pub.
I can never be bothered to work out where peterlee's is never mind wanting to go there.
Crook's is almost impossible to get to on GNE buses given it's the X46 with no way of getting back and school days only.
Will probably have a peek in Deptfords tomorrow or thursday.

Riverside is a 5 minute walk from the Metrocentre coach park. Not hard at all!

(03 Sep 2016, 8:11 pm)BusLoverMum wrote [ -> ]Riverside is a 5 minute walk from the Metrocentre coach park. Not hard at all!

I walk up coast line from Seaham to Southshields, not from metrocentre to handy drive [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH]

(03 Sep 2016, 8:18 pm)Jamie M wrote [ -> ]I walk up coast line from Seaham to Southshields, not from metrocentre to handy drive [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH]

I walk all over the place (when I'm able!) It's a short single footpath!

Had an outing today, here's what occurred.

0758 5A Newton Aycliffe Town Centre - Bishop Auckland Bus Station (ANE 7535)
Sapphire 7 branded E400 was my first bus of the day today, it's allocation on the 5A is owing to this being a busy run with Bishop Auckland College student loadings and it was pretty busy with only a few seats left upstairs as we got closer to Bishop Auckland. I decided to ride this for the novelty of having a double decker on a single decker route although when 7514-7521 were at Darlington depot there was often one or two on the 5/5A each day. Got a photo before boarding: https://flic.kr/p/LP94r1

0858 1 Bishop Auckland - Darlington (ANE 7535)
Decided to catch 7535 again on the 1 to Darlington Town Centre to continue with the novelty of a double decker, it's actually been a while since I did the 1 anyway. Quite enjoyed my trips on 7535.

1005 X66 Darlington - Stockton (ANE 1404)
Rejected whichever OmniCity was on the 09:50 X67 because I fancied one of Stockton's Pulsar's for a change on the X66 but also because the X67 left Darlington pretty rammed and late. Much more relaxed journey on this, WiFi actually works on this one now! As we were heading along Riverside, Stockton we actually caught up with the X67 I let go.

1042 37 Stockton - Middlesbrough (SNE 27170)
This provided with a standard, uneventful journey to Middlesbrough Bus Station. Waited for a photo of Croft's Dart LG02FFY on the TR1 but there was a problem, it developed a bit of a issue, it looked as though SF07XMK was going to replace it but they git LG02FFY going in the end with it staying out on the TR1 got a photo of it coming back into the Bus Station then went for lunch.

1222 39 Middlesbrough - Park End & 1246 Park End - Middlesbrough (SNE 17029)
Saw this a few times earlier on, so as it seems to be the only one still in service, I decided to give it a bash as I quite like the old Trident's. Hopped off at the second last stop in Park End getting a photo before jumping straight back on it to Middlesbrough Bus Station.

1310 X7 Middlesbrough - Stockton (GNE 5335)
Had the choice of this or 4651 on the X67 but went with this for a change, well that and 4651 is a total shed. Not the best sounding Citaro it has to be said but at least this journey gave me a slight change in scenery.

1335 84 Stockton - North Tees Hospital (Stagecarriage: X21BUS)
As Stagecarriage had both of the Transbus Enviro 300's out on 84/87's today, I thought I'd give them a bash. Quite liked this one for my short journey upto North Tees Hospital. Photographed the other E300 arriving on the 87: https://flic.kr/p/LYPowB

1408 87 North Tees Hospital - Stockton (Stagecarriage: X12BUS)
Not done the 87 before, so this at least gave me the opportunity to sample the route. Engine sounded pretty similar to X21BUS but had a few more rattles but wasn't actually too bad.

1433 X67 Stockton - Darlington (ANE 1416)
Was spared another OmniCity by Darlington MAX spare Pulsar 1416 appearing on a slightly late running X67. Was nice having this and 1404 on the X66/X67, made a nice change to the dark ghastly shot Omnicitys that I've become used to on here.

1505 5 Darlington - Newton Aycliffe (ANE 4810)
Just caught this in Darlington Town Centre, made a bit of a nice change to a Pulsar (two Solo's to Darlington and back last Thursday was not a nice change!) good thing about this one is that it has WiFi and it actually works.

Thanks for reading

All GNE.
5337 - X71 - 09:33 to E.S @ 10:43
5251 - 1 - 10:52 to N.S @ 11:45
5246 - 9 - 11:56 to Jarrow @ 12:20
NK09FUP - 88 - 12:08 to S.S @ 13:00
NK09FUY - 88 - 13:50 to Jarrow @ 14:16
NK08MYD - 27 - 14:30 to Newcastle @ 15:30
NK56KHW - 6 - 15:39 to Sunniside @ 16:40

7 hours and 5 minutes to see the dying minutes of the Run. Good day out though, have some pictures.

Seem as the originally intended plan went out of the window thanks to poor timetabling (you can disagree with me on that one but that's my thoughts on the matter), I felt that had I'd make the best of the bad situation, here's what I had:

11:19 7 Newton Aycliffe - Darlington (ANE 1516)
1230 X66 Stockton (ANE 1516)
1327 X12 Durham (ANE 1448)
1447 22 Peterlee (ANE 1599)
1558 21 Newton Aycliffe (ANE 2869)

Had a outing across the Northern parts of West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire today, Taking in Harrogate, Leeds , Kirkstall , Bingley , Shipley , Saltaire , Keighley , Airedale and Skipton.


One of my photos off today is shown here of Brand New Dalesway branded Optare Versa 238 https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/

Will save a review until I head back up there for longer in a few weeks.

(17 Sep 2016, 9:39 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote [ -> ]Had a outing across the Northern parts of West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire today, Taking in Harrogate, Leeds , Kirkstall , Bingley , Shipley , Saltaire , Keighley , Airedale and Skipton.

One of my photos off today is shown here of Brand New Dalesway branded Optare Versa 238 https://www.flickr.com/photos/140662069@...ed-public/

Will save a review until I head back up there for longer in a few weeks.

I quite like venturing around Yorkshire, still got some areas I have yet to cover which I may try to cover over the winter months in addition to staying local as longer trips will be few and far between.

I'm thinking of heading to Skipton on Saturday October 8th for the Pennine Buses Return to Skipton event with some former Pennine motors running routes in the Skipton area that day. Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/787778588025611  Timetable for the day: http://www.dalesbus.org/Pennine%20Timetables.pdf