(20 Jun 2014, 7:37 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Are GNE removing the Key Readers and instead just having Key Cards and passes scanned on the top?

(20 Jun 2014, 7:39 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote No but I've noticed that 6101 and 6106 no longer have the readers installed.

(20 Jun 2014, 7:37 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Are GNE removing the Key Readers and instead just having Key Cards and passes scanned on the top?

(20 Jun 2014, 8:28 pm)jeffman wrote External readers are slowly being removed but it'll take time, the engineers need to adjust the hole in the assault screen to give easy access for passengers.

(20 Jun 2014, 8:28 pm)jeffman wrote External readers are slowly being removed but it'll take time, the engineers need to adjust the hole in the assault screen to give easy access for passengers.

(21 Jun 2014, 6:38 am)aureolin wrote I can't see that being the case. if I was a driver, I wouldn't want everyone's dirty mitts all over a ticket machine I have to use.

(21 Jun 2014, 6:20 am)westy3738 wrote Gazz, that board does the 09.00 31 ex Newcastle, not the 08.45 47.

(21 Jun 2014, 8:01 am)GMitchelhill wrote Westy which parts did I get right and what does it do in the am peak.

(21 Jun 2014, 8:27 am)Dan wrote I'm lazy so won't do it in the format you did it, but in short...

First run of the day is from Blackhall Mill, and that's the 0704 departure arriving into Newcastle at 0806.

Departures from Newcastle are then as follows:

0815 (Service 47), return on a 47.
1015 (Service 32), return on a 31.
1128 (Service 11), return on an 11.
1330 (Service 31), return on a 32.
1445 (Service 47), return on a 47.
1700 (Service 31), return on a 32.
1820 (Service 47), return on a 47.
2030 (Service 31), return on a 32.
2145 (Service 47), return to Winlaton Mill on a 47 and then light to depot.

Westy is probably the guy to ask if it stays out all night though, as I've only seen it up to the 1700 departure.

(21 Jun 2014, 8:29 am)Tom wrote Is this the same for today too?

(21 Jun 2014, 9:52 am)DaveyBowyer wrote In all honestly with you all, GNE should allocate it to the long TEN or as many as possible and do a performance rating against the B9TL.

(21 Jun 2014, 10:17 am)citaro5284 wrote Why, as if they buy any, it will not be doing any of those routes, it has to be tested on the routes they are going to work on?

(21 Jun 2014, 10:56 am)G-CPTN wrote But what happens when the B5TL replaces the B9TL, Shirley?

What will the TEN do then, poor thing?

Will Volvo fit the 8 litre engine?

http://www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=133552&News.Language=en-gb

(21 Jun 2014, 10:56 am)G-CPTN wrote But what happens when the B5TL replaces the B9TL, Shirley?

What will the TEN do then, poor thing?

Will Volvo fit the 8 litre engine?

http://www.volvobuses.com/bus/uk/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=133552&News.Language=en-gb

(21 Jun 2014, 11:12 am)Greg in Weardale wrote 9131 is on 1158 11 to Blackhall Mill 12 min late

(20 Jun 2014, 4:22 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Was it you I was speaking to whilst taking photos at the Bottom of Eldon Square This Afternoon before 9131 it got took of Out of Service?, if so it was nice to meet you.

Going be brutally honest here, I had a F**cking Mare of a Day with 9131, It at 10:20am as literally just missed it on the 47 as I came into Eldon Square on the X1, I then got the 10 which pulled out 2 Minutes Later to Blaydon in hope that i'd beat there, Stood in Blaydon for 35 Minutes before deciding to get on the 32 back over to Newcastle.

Where the same occurrence happened again as I was coming into Eldon Square, I then hung around Eldon Square/Haymarket for 2 Hours waiting for it to come back from Blackhall Mill on the 11, Managed a few Photos at the Top and Bottom of Eldon Square before it was taken out of service, which I was guttered about as I really wanted to have a Ride on it, about an Hour Later it reappeared when I was over The MetroCentre heading to Blackhall Mill on the 47, where Myself, Steven Hodgson and 4 other Older Enthusiasts stood and took Photos as 9131 was coming out, I had previously seen them in Newcastle in there usual spot, so I assume they came over on 9131.

This isn't first time I have had problems with this Vehicle, as when I went to Edinburgh back in April, it had Broke Down on the Morning on Service 27, I then seen it at around 3pm heading up The Mound towards Hunters Tryst so as I really wanted a few Photos, I opted to stay at The Mound and wait just over an Hour for it to come back, Overall despite having not been on 9131 I think I have already developed a Hatred for it as it has caused me nothing but Problems.

(21 Jun 2014, 11:13 am)DaveyBowyer wrote The Guardian readers will be praising Volvo's green thinking at the moment but they'd soon be annoyed if they were stuck in the Tyne Valley waiting for a replacement bus first thing on a cold December morning shouting out for Quality Contracts to come into force!!

(21 Jun 2014, 1:10 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote I often read The Guardian and I am already shouting out in favour of QCS, but don't think the b5 engine is suitable.

Where does that leave me?

#DaveyBowyerRants
#love'em
#hashtagsonNEB

(21 Jun 2014, 2:42 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote OK, firstly I didn't mean all Guardian readers. Whatever my political views are, I often read the Guardian when a certain paper keeps going on about the Kardashiansand despite what the Guardian thinks, I simply read it due to how informative it is. I even listen to Radio 2 and particularly Jeremy Vine whatever his views are due to how interesting it is. What I meant was the small minority of them. The small minority who constantly moan about all these Environmental issues and when people still do things about them, they're still not happy! And also, I'm 50/50 on Quality Contracts and also the better buses idea put together by the big three.


EDIT by Dan: Fixed your post as you replied within the body of the quote.

(21 Jun 2014, 3:06 pm)aureolin wrote I honestly think the issue is that no where else is like the LA7 area. Three cities in such close proximity of each other, with a hell of a lot of interurban services. The B5TL is ideal to drive slowly around the streets of central London or Greater Manchester, but it's never going to cut the mustard up here.

I think Davey is right in wanting something better, but dismissing environmental concerns is the wrong way to go about it. I think it's going to be trial and error for the foreseeable. I'm keen to see the new Enviro400 in action and I feel it could be a contender given what has gone into it.

Oh, and I also read the Guardian.

(21 Jun 2014, 3:06 pm)aureolin wrote The B5TL is ideal to drive slowly around the streets of central London or Greater Manchester, but it's never going to cut the mustard up here.