North East Buses

Full Version: Closure of Chester-le-Street Depot
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(21 Jul 2022, 7:49 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]Riverside I think so.

I think some Washington services might be switching Depots, cos I can't imagine there being enough room, Washington already uses most of the street. 

I wouldn't be surprised if the 4 got moved to Depford.

26 (-5 PVR)
Washington Locals (-6 PVR)
4 (-2 PVR)

25/28/29 (7 PVR)
71 (2 PVR)
8 (6 PVR)

Just saying, numbers might be slightly off.
(21 Jul 2022, 7:59 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]26 (-5 PVR)
Washington Locals (-6 PVR)
4 (-2 PVR)

25/28/29 (7 PVR)
71 (2 PVR)
8 (6 PVR)

Just saying, numbers might be slightly off.
The 4 might have a -2 PVR, however those Citaros are staying.

I think they might lose about 8-9 from Washington however the 34 (PVR 3) and Mini Buses (PVR 3) are going in Sept aswell.
(21 Jul 2022, 8:02 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]The 4 might have a -2 PVR, however those Citaros are staying.

I think they might lose about 8-9 from Washington however the 34 (PVR 3) and Mini Buses (PVR 3) are going in Sept aswell.

Doubt it, the two 08 plates will get withdrawn imo.

I have a feeling the 34 and the rest of the minibuses might go to Consett instead (not ideal operationally) but they haven't really got much choice.
(21 Jul 2022, 8:07 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Doubt it, the two 08 plates will get withdrawn imo.

I have a feeling the 34 and the rest of the minibuses might go to Consett instead (not ideal operationally) but they haven't really got much choice.
They might still need one, there are nearly always 2-3 out of service.
(21 Jul 2022, 8:07 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Doubt it, the two 08 plates will get withdrawn imo.

I have a feeling the 34 and the rest of the minibuses might go to Consett instead (not ideal operationally) but they haven't really got much choice.

Based on the math, Washington has a net gain of 2 (from the 24th). 

What is expected to be allocated to the 25, 28, 29 & 71 (I was thinking Streetlites, Little Pinks Solos and maybe a couple of Citaros.)
(21 Jul 2022, 8:07 pm)Storx wrote [ -> ]Doubt it, the two 08 plates will get withdrawn imo.

I have a feeling the 34 and the rest of the minibuses might go to Consett instead (not ideal operationally) but they haven't really got much choice.

5284 and 5285 will be withdrawn from Sunday, yes.
(21 Jul 2022, 8:21 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote [ -> ]Based on the math, Washington has a net gain of 2 (from the 24th). 

What is expected to be allocated to the 25, 28, 29 & 71 (I was thinking Streetlites, Little Pinks Solos and maybe a couple of Citaros.)


Could the versas from Q3 go onto the 28/29 since them are euro6?


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(21 Jul 2022, 8:10 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]They might still need one, there are nearly always 2-3 out of service.

There should be still 2, I'm sure they could use the Decker's if they need another bus desperately.

(21 Jul 2022, 8:21 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote [ -> ]Based on the math, Washington has a net gain of 2 (from the 24th). 

What is expected to be allocated to the 25, 28, 29 & 71 (I was thinking Streetlites, Little Pinks Solos and maybe a couple of Citaros.)

I'd image the 11 plate Versa's will come from CLS / Riverside for the 25/28/29. There's enough of them to run all 3. 71 will be Solo's not sure whether the 3 will move from CLS or the unused Little Pinks will be used instead. I'll have a feeling the rest of the Peterlee / Sunderland / Little Pinks will be split between Percy Main and Hexham though for the 19 / AD122 so 635, 636, 691, 693 - 696, 718 - 720, 724, 725 will all get withdrawn (or most of them). Half of them are pretty much unused anyway.
(21 Jul 2022, 8:25 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]5284 and 5285 will be withdrawn from Sunday, yes.

What other buses are getting withdrawn from Sunday?

Are they sticking to Solo's on the 39/39A and 39B?
(21 Jul 2022, 8:36 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]What other buses are getting withdrawn from Sunday?

Are they sticking to Solo's on the 39/39A and 39B?

Quite a few haha
(21 Jul 2022, 8:36 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]What other buses are getting withdrawn from Sunday?

Are they sticking to Solo's on the 39/39A and 39B?

Why are the 39s Solos now? I appreciate the StreetLites nicked off to become the Coasters but the 39s always seem quite busy whenever I see them.
(21 Jul 2022, 8:53 pm)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]Quite a few haha

Have you got first dibs on 5284 then?
(21 Jul 2022, 8:54 pm)F114TML wrote [ -> ]Why are the 39s Solos now? I appreciate the StreetLites nicked off to become the Coasters but the 39s always seem quite busy whenever I see them.

Passenger numbers on the 39 hadn't recovered as expected post-covid and in turn the buses were required due to the impending Newcastle Emission Zone, from my own personal observations a Solo is more than justified probably with the exception of peak journey in/out of Doxford International. 

Hopefully with the changes on Sunday there will be some further growth with a journey each to Houghton-Le-Spring and Washington Galleries.
(21 Jul 2022, 9:12 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Passenger numbers on the 39 hadn't recovered as expected post-covid and in turn the buses were required due to the impending Newcastle Emission Zone, from my own personal observations a Solo is more than justified probably with the exception of peak journey in/out of Doxford International. 

Hopefully with the changes on Sunday there will be some further growth with a journey each to Houghton-Le-Spring and Washington Galleries.
I don't think anyone has really realised this, but the Saturday service has been reduced to every 30 mins
(21 Jul 2022, 9:17 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]I don't think anyone has really realised this, but the Saturday service has been reduced to every 30 mins

Again I would say it's justified when you have Go North East Services 2/2A & 78, Stagecoach's 8/16/X24 all running along Chester Road then the 20 which shares a section of route with the 39 around Pennywell, furthermore these service all run a few hundred metre proximity to where the 39 serves so there is alternatives there, you have the same on the opposite side of Sunderland City Centre heading via Ryhope to Doxford International. 

Personally for me I'd withdraw the standard 39 and have the 2/2A run a Clockwise/Anti Clockwise Loop of Silksworth and Doxford Park/Doxford International, then keep the 39A/39B as they will be as of the changes on the 24th.
(21 Jul 2022, 9:01 pm)Malarkey wrote [ -> ]Have you got first dibs on 5284 then?

I have a tear in my eye just thinking about it....
(21 Jul 2022, 9:10 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2...nnizB-ge3I WOW
The company are basically saying take the relocation package and move quietly or you go on strike, loose all relocation packages and move anyway, one way or another chester will close no matter the speed someone at chester has the northern echo on speed dial, it really is a £2250 question
(21 Jul 2022, 10:05 pm)N1cholas wrote [ -> ]The company are basically saying take the relocation package and move quietly or you go on strike, loose all relocation packages and move anyway, one way or another chester will close no matter the speed someone at chester has the northern echo on speed dial, it really is a £2250 question

Wonder how much this "Whistle Blower" has benefited so far financially from The Northern Echo's multiple articles that they've done so far, just waiting on the Chronicle to jump on the bandwagon.
Is it wrong to feel bad for GNE over this?

CLS is a dilapidated money pit so obviously has to go, GNE seem to have offered a very generous relocation package to staff for moving. The union is being their usual pain in the arse self and causing trouble. A 'whistle blower' *cough*the union*cough* keeps 'leaking' documents to the press to show how evil they are to try and get their way.

I genuinely can't even see why they're wasting energy on this matter. CLS is closing, there's nowt they can do to change that. Plus, if what Dan is saying is true, and GNE will be over-staffed, then what is the incentive for GNE to keep them happy?

This may be a bit controversial, but IMO if they do go on strike, I hope GNE keep to their word and scrap the relocation offer (at least only for those individuals who go on strike, if legal), then they've got nobody else to blame but themselves.
(22 Jul 2022, 12:19 am)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]Is it wrong to feel bad for GNE over this?

CLS is a dilapidated money pit so obviously has to go, GNE seem to have offered a very generous relocation package to staff for moving. The union is being their usual pain in the arse self and causing trouble. A 'whistle blower' *cough*the union*cough* keeps 'leaking' documents to the press to show how evil they are to try and get their way.

I genuinely can't even see why they're wasting energy on this matter. CLS is closing, there's nowt they can do to change that. Plus, if what Dan is saying is true, and GNE will be over-staffed, then what is the incentive for GNE to keep them happy?

This may be a bit controversial, but IMO if they do go on strike, I hope GNE keep to their word and scrap the relocation offer (at least only for those individuals who go on strike, if legal), then they've got nobody else to blame but themselves.


Ironically the latest leak doesn’t seem to paint them as being the victims - the opposite in fact, when in receipt of such a re-location package.

Comments have been made elsewhere on the forum about it being unexpected that the 25 and 28 services would transfer to Washington. This is true as it requires remote reliefs whereas if they had operated from Riverside that wouldn’t be the case. Clearly this is the company moving the work (and incurring the cost of doing so) to the best place for the driving team, rather than what is most cost-effective and efficient - to keep its staff at Chester-le-Street happier by allowing them to run from their preferred depot of choice.


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(22 Jul 2022, 5:28 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]Ironically the latest leak doesn’t seem to paint them as being the victims - the opposite in fact, when in receipt of such a re-location package.

Comments have been made elsewhere on the forum about it being unexpected that the 25 and 28 services would transfer to Washington. This is true as it requires remote reliefs whereas if they had operated from Riverside that wouldn’t be the case. Clearly this is the company moving the work (and incurring the cost of doing so) to the best place for the driving team, rather than what is most cost-effective and efficient - to keep its staff at Chester-le-Street happier by allowing them to run from their preferred depot of choice.


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In the case of the 25, it might also be to keep the daytime runs in the same depot as the evening ones.
Where would be the most efficient place to do crew changes for the 25 and 28/29 given they are going to Washington?

So that’s 7 extra buses from September for Washington , Plus probably 3 for the 34 (can’t see Consett or Riverside doing that?) Something will have to go surely?
(21 Jul 2022, 10:05 pm)N1cholas wrote [ -> ]The company are basically saying take the relocation package and move quietly or you go on strike, loose all relocation packages and move anyway, one way or another chester will close no matter the speed someone at chester has the northern echo on speed dial, it really is a £2250 question

The industrial action ballot should answer that £2250 question, given they'll need at least a 50% turnout with a majority in favour of action, in order to legally go on strike. 

I'm not surprised to see the relocation package removed from the table, if it goes ahead. That's far from being uncommon and is why most offers are made on a without prejudice basis.

(22 Jul 2022, 12:19 am)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]Is it wrong to feel bad for GNE over this?

CLS is a dilapidated money pit so obviously has to go, GNE seem to have offered a very generous relocation package to staff for moving. The union is being their usual pain in the arse self and causing trouble. A 'whistle blower' *cough*the union*cough* keeps 'leaking' documents to the press to show how evil they are to try and get their way.

I genuinely can't even see why they're wasting energy on this matter. CLS is closing, there's nowt they can do to change that. Plus, if what Dan is saying is true, and GNE will be over-staffed, then what is the incentive for GNE to keep them happy?

This may be a bit controversial, but IMO if they do go on strike, I hope GNE keep to their word and scrap the relocation offer (at least only for those individuals who go on strike, if legal), then they've got nobody else to blame but themselves.

If you put the Daily Mail down for a second, you might want to read up on the history of trade unions and why they continue to play an important role across the world. A union represents it's members, and if their members are concerned and democratically agree to fight the closure of their workplace, then it's up to the union to support that action. Even with some of the most anti-Trade Union laws in Europe, that is still considered grounds for a valid trade dispute in the UK.

You say that they've turned down a 'very generous' relocation package, but then you're working on the baseless assumption that money is a motivating factor for everyone that works at the depot. It's not always the case; different people have different reasons. They've done a consultative ballot with an extremely strong mandate from members, so let's see what the statutory ballot brings in terms of turnout and support.

Oh and I'm sure Unite would be very interested in your potentially libellous accusation that they're leaking internal documents to the press.
(22 Jul 2022, 9:11 am)gc802002 wrote [ -> ]Where would be the most efficient place to do crew changes for the 25 and 28/29 given they are going to Washington?

So that’s 7 extra buses from September for Washington ,  Plus probably 3 for the 34 (can’t see Consett or Riverside doing that?)  Something will have to go surely?

The 26 is moving to Deptford... as its interworking with the 5, 9 and 26.
(21 Jul 2022, 7:49 pm)Unber43 wrote [ -> ]Riverside I think so.

I think some Washington services might be switching Depots, cos I can't imagine there being enough room, Washington already uses most of the street. 

I wouldn't be surprised if the 4 got moved to Depford.
I don't know how they get away with taking up the road with parking buses!
(22 Jul 2022, 9:27 am)Michael wrote [ -> ]The 26 is moving to Deptford... as its interworking with the 5, 9 and 26.

There's a massive reduction of PVR on the Washington locals to add to this. It's down to 5 from what was 11 last year I believe before the cuts in September. There's also a PVR reduction of 2 on 4 aswell.
(22 Jul 2022, 9:50 am)Storx wrote [ -> ]There's a massive reduction of PVR on the Washington locals to add to this. It's down to 5 from what was 11 last year I believe before the cuts in September. There's also a PVR reduction of 2 on 4 aswell.
Is it big enough, Washington already struggle for space, there will be atleast 1 Streetdeck moving, aswell as possibly school routes, with the 71/28/29/25 which is a PVR of 9-10 together + spares. THen you have the 34 which is moving in Sept, with the minibuses (i assume this includes Durham Routes) So whats another 8.

I could see either the X1 or the 4 move out of Washington.
For the 4 you could see reliefs at Houghton, or Washington to connect with 2 drivers to do a simple switch. Or X1 at Hetton, Houghton or Gateshead.
(22 Jul 2022, 9:50 am)Storx wrote [ -> ]There's a massive reduction of PVR on the Washington locals to add to this. It's down to 5 from what was 11 last year I believe before the cuts in September. There's also a PVR reduction of 2 on 4 aswell.

I doubt Washington is big enough to take the 34 & 700's as well thats 8 extra PVR including the other movers plus spares.
On the topic of the 25/28 transferring to Washington the 25 could change drivers at thr following locations

Wrekenton (10 mins/3.4 miles from galleries)
Eighton Banks (about 2.8 miles/8 mins from the galleries)
Foxpond Roundabout (6 mins/2
Miles from the galleries)
Barely Moor, (Vigo Lane-Eskdale)-2.5 miles/6 mins from galleries


28 would only really be Wrekenton or Birtley.
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