(18 Apr 2015, 10:07 am)northern156 wrote Just before it gets slated too much, remember this is a publicity event for the general public who may not already know there's a fast & frequent bus service between the two places.

If someone in the future thinks on and either uses or recommends the X66, GNE have done a good job today.

(18 Apr 2015, 9:35 am)Robert wrote From an enthusiasts point of view, it's quite disappointing so i'll decide to give it a miss. I was hoping it would be in another location like the coach park with a bus there just so i could have a quick look. I'm sure it will work in a commercial way though. I have no doubts about it.

(18 Apr 2015, 10:22 am)Jimmi wrote I hope they don't do the same for the Red Kite and Coast and Country brands as I think it will be a shame and will be a lost publicity opportunity too I think.

(18 Apr 2015, 10:30 am)citaro5284 wrote I would think they will be different, the Coast and Country and Red Kites are a different product compared to the X66 non stop service.

(18 Apr 2015, 10:22 am)Jimmi wrote I think it is rather disappointing that there is no bus there for people to have a look at 

(18 Apr 2015, 10:48 am)leestransportphotos wrote Tbf that was very dissaponting... They aren't really promoting it that well when all it is is a tiny stand

(18 Apr 2015, 11:07 am)Michael wrote Please don't let be anyone on the forum..... i think they were joking................ -.-

From the GNE FB page -

Where is this I can't see it anywhere
Like · Reply · 38 mins

Also did you say that the metronomes were driving people from metrocentre to Gateshead

(18 Apr 2015, 11:16 am)citaro5284 wrote You see....its for the kids, they are loving it...

(18 Apr 2015, 11:17 am)Tommy_1581 wrote Are you the one on the bottom right?! 

(18 Apr 2015, 11:17 am)citaro5284 wrote I dont work weekends.....

(18 Apr 2015, 11:30 am)leestransportphotos wrote I've got some for you Tommy. Nowt special like so don't get your hopes up...

It's not all bad though, I've won a days free travel haha

(18 Apr 2015, 11:32 am)Robert wrote What are the goodies if you dont mind me asking? Anything to get really 'I WANT' about?

(18 Apr 2015, 11:52 am)leestransportphotos wrote No....

Crayons, sticker, colouring in sheet and a leaflet

That's it

(18 Apr 2015, 11:52 am)leestransportphotos wrote No....

Crayons, sticker, colouring in sheet and a leaflet

That's it

(18 Apr 2015, 11:55 am)Dan wrote That would make a little kid's day - as well as the ability to get a photo with the cardboard cutout!

Children are a very good marketing tool. Food packaging is often designed for children as they will persuade their parents to buy it. If the parent says no, the water works start..!

Obviously works a little differently with a marketing event for buses, but the same principal applies.

(18 Apr 2015, 12:03 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote So every time a kid goes to intu Metrocentre they demand to go on the X66? 

(18 Apr 2015, 12:02 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote Just need GNE-related stuff, that's all lol   

(18 Apr 2015, 4:36 pm)G-CPTN wrote I'd like to give a shout for the AD122.

GNE are running it seven days a week now since Easter (last year they didn't start 7 day working until after the Spring Bank Holiday), and passenger numbers are 'light', so if you fancy a trip along the Wall . . .

http://www.visithadrianswall.co.uk/dbimgs/AD122%202015%20Website%20Timetable.pdf

It is a difficult decision to extend a service - unless it is available then nobody can use it, it's a question of getting folk to know that it's running.

I do hope that it thrives.

(18 Apr 2015, 5:28 pm)Dan wrote Forgive me for the shameless plug...

Go North East and the various parties who support the service are offering an extended service this year, following the great success of the service last year. The extended service will be under a trial period, and if passenger numbers on the whole season increase, then it's quite likely that the service will continue to run from Easter again next year.

I recently sampled the AD122 service, and it is an absolutely magnificent route. I decided to have a ride of the 09:10am AD122 out of Hexham a few Saturdays ago. Excluding me (I really can't be counted these days), the service departed Hexham with five passengers, all of whom appeared to be young walkers (and hence fare payers). I had expected that the journey would be somewhat uncomfortable on the country roads as I've never been too keen on MPDs, but I must say I was wrong. I'm glad that the two branded vehicles were given a little interior makeover with the seats being re-upholstered and re-trimmed, as this provided a sufficient amount of comfort at the back row.

Although the vehicles aren't fitted with Next Stop Announcements, the bus driver was very helpful to the passengers on-board by calling out the main stopping points along the route as we approached them. The driver additionally provided some interesting facts along the route which really enticed the passengers on-board, leading to related discussion between the two couples on-board. When the bus approached walkers, the driver slowed down and asked walkers the route they were taking, subsequently offering to take the walkers on part of their route. This worked on a couple of occasions, and many pointed out that they didn't realise the timings would work until the driver advised them otherwise.

There's more than enough time built into the timetable, so the driver can be fairly relaxed and let passengers enjoy the views. If you give the driver the heads up, I'm sure s/he will be happy to let you off at Haltwhistle Station (ie the terminus) for a photograph or two and then let you back on again. Explorer tickets aren't valid on the service so you do need to buy a special ticket for use on the AD122, but I'd suggest it's well worth it. You can have a ride of both vehicles by getting off at Housesteads (iirc) on your return journey back to Hexham and getting on the other bus to Haltwhistle. Part of me wished I did this, but I had other things on my list that day to do.

If it's sunny, give it a go. Even if you're not keen on Darts, you may change your mind by the end of that bus journey.  

(18 Apr 2015, 6:34 pm)citaro5284 wrote I am lead to believe that two of GNE's new Volvo B9's have arrived in the UK and are currently undergoing a PDI at Volvo.