(16 Oct 2015, 5:01 pm)Michael wrote But the 56 doesn't go to the Galleries

(16 Oct 2015, 4:59 pm)JP6004 wrote Yes they are normally big queues, however they fill up the bus nicely. Think GNE would rather have a 3/4 to full bus on a 10 min frequency rather than pay extra for 7/8min frequency and only have bus half full. Probably part of the same reasoning why the 56 was cut to every 12mins.

As far as Im aware all the 21's (well the ones that don't run together) are generally quite busy. Plus the 21 stops at every stop along Durham Road, where as the X1 is limited stop

(16 Oct 2015, 5:01 pm)Michael wrote But the 56 doesn't go to the Galleries

(16 Oct 2015, 4:55 pm)R852 PRG wrote I've never seen a short queue for the X1 when I've been at the Galleries, it's usually extending beyond the bottom of the escalators. The main aim of my suggest is to offer an improved service from Washington to Newcastle, as this is without a doubt it's busiest section. I personally think this extended frequency is justified throughout the entire day; do you think the short Chester-le-Street to Newcastle 21s are justified during the day? 


Think it's five years for the Green Bus Fund; they cope very well in my opinion, it would be a strange decision to move them elsewhere in my opinion. Can see 6056-6070 being allocated to the 21 for at least another five years. Then again, we can't predict the mechanical state of them then.

(16 Oct 2015, 5:03 pm)JP6004 wrote What about on Saturday and Sunday mornings.....

(16 Oct 2015, 5:03 pm)S813 FVK wrote The N56 does.

(16 Oct 2015, 5:03 pm)S813 FVK wrote The N56 does.

(16 Oct 2015, 4:55 pm)R852 PRG wrote I've never seen a short queue for the X1 when I've been at the Galleries, it's usually extending beyond the bottom of the escalators. The main aim of my suggestion is to offer an improved service from Washington to Newcastle, as this is without a doubt it's busiest section. I personally think this extended frequency is justified throughout the entire day; do you think the short Chester-le-Street to Newcastle 21s are justified during the day? 

(16 Oct 2015, 8:51 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Yes, although not officially confirmed, excluding all Busways operations, the 21 is probably the most well used and profitable route in the North East closely followed by Arriva's 308 or the Fab 56 / Red Arrows.

(18 Oct 2015, 11:36 am)Davie wrote I'd like to see Citaros or Versas for the Waggonway services, because I think the 4956-4960 are too old, and they struggle going up the long bank

(18 Oct 2015, 11:36 am)Davie wrote I'd like to see Citaros or Versas for the Waggonway services, because I think the 4956-4960 are too old, and they struggle going up the long bank

(18 Oct 2015, 11:36 am)Davie wrote I'd like to see Citaros or Versas for the Waggonway services, because I think the 4956-4960 are too old, and they struggle going up the long bank

(18 Oct 2015, 2:52 pm)R852 PRG wrote I personally think 4956-4960 handle the route quite well. It's a killer route full-stop, I personally think the Prestiges handled the route well but they too were aging and needed to be replaced. Aside from the fact that they rattled like a box of nails; the throaty roar of the DAF engine with the ZF gearbox was just perfect. They struggled up banks as well; in my opinion, it's one of those routes that just kills the vehicles that operate on it. Mercedes Citaros, while expensive, could be a good choice for the routes. I wouldn't rush into sourcing a replacement for 4956-4960 though, perhaps in two or three years when they are expected to be withdrawn.

Versas are just a no go for a demanding route such as the 28/28A. End of that conversation.

(18 Oct 2015, 2:55 pm)Davie wrote I agree the Prestiges were fantastic machines. I think the if 4956-4960 got replaced they could transfer to Percy Main so 5 Dual door Renowns can be withdrawn.

(18 Oct 2015, 3:00 pm)R852 PRG wrote I'd have thought the remainder of Percy Mains' ex-Oxford B10BLEs could possibly be phased out by the end of the year if a few transfers take place. If not, they'll have to be modified to become DDA-compliant. I don't think the 28/28A are desperately in need of new(er) buses at this stage, and I predict 4956-4960 will spend the rest of their working lives on the routes. They are 52-reg, which makes means they are thirteen years of age. Their shelf life is only around 16 years I believe, so only a few more years until they are expected to be withdrawn. Then, perhaps, the 28/28A could see new buses.

(18 Oct 2015, 4:06 pm)Michael wrote They also have the ones from the FAB 57 when they become free... if the Citaros go on the 57.. which seems likely.

Would also make sense to repaint the FAB 57 duel doors so they can replace 5 of the 1999 ones at Percy Main...

(18 Oct 2015, 4:08 pm)Davie wrote I think 5167-5171 will also be withdrawn.

(18 Oct 2015, 4:12 pm)S813 FVK wrote Rather than replacing the 1999 ones, why cant they just sell them straight on? High book value = more money for them. Especially as a lot of them seem to be getting sold to ensign rather than alpha for scrap...

(18 Oct 2015, 4:15 pm)Michael wrote Wonder if Dan or Citaro could confirm whats happening...?

(18 Oct 2015, 4:22 pm)citaro5284 wrote I cannot see them getting rid of W reg ones with T reg ones still in operation.

(18 Oct 2015, 4:12 pm)S813 FVK wrote Rather than replacing the 1999 ones, why cant they just sell them straight on? High book value = more money for them. Especially as a lot of them seem to be getting sold to ensign rather than alpha for scrap...

(18 Oct 2015, 11:39 am)Michael wrote The Streetlites would look quite good in Waggonway livery.

(18 Oct 2015, 5:48 pm)S813 FVK wrote Lets see then

I have removed some bits such as the 'every 30 minutes' vinyl and the silver line below the places served. I have also moved the Beamish vinyl onto the engine flap on the rear rather than on the window.

I must get some credit off Dan and Citaro for working on the destinations, full white, arial route number and all that

(18 Oct 2015, 5:49 pm)Michael wrote It doesn't look bad at all.

(18 Oct 2015, 4:06 pm)Michael wrote They also have the ones from the FAB 57 when they become free... if the Citaros go on the 57.. which seems likely.

Would also make sense to repaint the FAB 57 duel doors so they can replace 5 of the 1999 ones at Percy Main...

(19 Oct 2015, 12:05 pm)Andreos1 wrote One or two of the branded examples on the 57 sound (and look) very rough, both internally and externally.

It is a year or so since I have seen the Percy Main examples close up, so can't comment on what they are like at all. Or, if they have had the Fresh n Vac smell!

(19 Oct 2015, 12:27 pm)Michael wrote I haven't really used the FAB 57 duel doors, i used one of Percy Mains a while back when i used the 9.... it was terrible.... either way.. i hope all of them are gone by 1st January............

(19 Oct 2015, 12:59 pm)Andreos1 wrote It is a few months since my last stint of using the 57 regularly, ended. Although I have seen a few in Heworth since and it didn't look like there had been much improvement.
I know you will hate this next line - but I was quite relieved to see one of your much-maligned Vykings turn up when I used the 57 last!

Neither work nor pleasure have given me the opportunity to get on the 9 recently. There was a short spell last year and to be honest, the ones I used (can't remember which), weren't too bad at the time.