(21 Apr 2015, 6:39 pm)John_R wrote As already stated child fares in Tyne & Wear are for under 16's and child fares elsewhere in Arriva NE are for 14 years and under - which in my opinion is a strange cut off point, although when I was 14 around 8 years ago I didn't get queried by a driver for buying a child's fare until I was 16.

(21 Apr 2015, 6:39 pm)John_R wrote As already stated child fares in Tyne & Wear are for under 16's and child fares elsewhere in Arriva NE are for 14 years and under - which in my opinion is a strange cut off point, although when I was 14 around 8 years ago I didn't get queried by a driver for buying a child's fare until I was 16.

(22 Apr 2015, 7:21 am)mb134 wrote Funnily enough, the driver this morning had no problem with me asking for a half...

(22 Apr 2015, 9:13 am)Tommy_1581 wrote

(17 Apr 2015, 10:19 pm)northern156 wrote With there only being two Jesmond-based 85/685 Omnicities in service a couple of weeks ago, things looked a lot better today as I noticed & passed three Arriva services being Omnicity-operated; one of them would've been either local or at Jesmond though as I noticed 4663 working 1407 685 Carlisle to Newcastle.

For the mileage that is put on them, I think they're very respectable machines - even though I have a general hatred of them, especially of that God-awful seating (still!) - reminds me of my chair I use at my PC, it's all worn down and starts to make your backside numb after 30 mins or so!!

(19 Apr 2015, 4:36 pm)mb134 wrote The difference between the colours is very small though, is it not? Either way, I'm sure they won't have missing vinyls on said panel.  

It ruins the image of the premium brand, it looks scruffy, and as a potential passenger would you want to be getting on a bus that has clearly been in an accident? 

(22 Apr 2015, 7:44 pm)northern156 wrote http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12901975.Arriva_under_fire_after_disabled_Army_veteran_kicked_off_X66_near_Darlington/?ref=mr&lp=3

Absolutely disgraceful actions by the driver, especially on a Max route. Yes it isn't always easy to tell your typical fare evader from someone who has made a genuine mistake, however not allowing the gentleman to buy another ticket is downright shocking.

(22 Apr 2015, 8:05 pm)Davie wrote Although this might sound harsh - I'd sack the driver

(22 Apr 2015, 8:09 pm)Robert wrote Treating a customer who offered to pay the rest of the fare to Stockton like that is disgusting, i wouldn't be surprised if that happens.

(22 Apr 2015, 7:44 pm)northern156 wrote http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12901975.Arriva_under_fire_after_disabled_Army_veteran_kicked_off_X66_near_Darlington/?ref=mr&lp=3

Absolutely disgraceful actions by the driver, especially on a Max route. Yes it isn't always easy to tell your typical fare evader from someone who has made a genuine mistake, however not allowing the gentleman to buy another ticket is downright shocking.

(22 Apr 2015, 8:25 pm)tyresmoke wrote Given the Northern Echo's track record and stuff I've heard from Darlington drivers - I'd reckon the reality is a bit different

(22 Apr 2015, 8:27 pm)Jimmi wrote DARLINGTON NEEDS A BUS STATION!!!

Sorry I had to make that joke.

(22 Apr 2015, 2:55 pm)mb134 wrote Also are there any roadworks in Ashington, everything coming out seems to be very late...

(23 Apr 2015, 7:47 pm)Robert wrote 7539 (NK15 DZR) has been branded (although without route details). Presumably for the 24.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nebp2/17221855316/

(23 Apr 2015, 7:50 pm)Michael wrote I think its for the 7, as the 24 are getting the Pulsers?

(23 Apr 2015, 7:51 pm)Tom wrote The 24 is getting two Enviro 400's too. 

(23 Apr 2015, 7:51 pm)Tom wrote The 24 is getting two Enviro 400's too. 

(23 Apr 2015, 7:51 pm)northern156 wrote Brilliant pics Jimmi, I'm not too keen on Jesmond's 306 Micro Hybrids but I generally don't hate them. Be interesting to see them in service.

(23 Apr 2015, 7:59 pm)tyresmoke wrote It sure is - 7539 will be one of them, whichever other E400 escaped branding for the 7 will be the other one...