(07 Aug 2015, 2:50 pm)Tom wrote That'll be canny in Peterlee then, I'll have to leave pretty early though!

Same here I'll be spotting all day now there

(07 Aug 2015, 6:02 pm)Diamond One wrote Same here I'll be spotting all day now there

Well that is the biggest surprise I have had all year......

(07 Aug 2015, 6:02 pm)Diamond One wrote Same here I'll be spotting all day now there

If I go I will make sure I'm there at around 11 as it says if your at the Bus Station you can see the Darts get Withdrawn. Surprised 573/4 and refurbed ones are going as they could help the North Tyne Links/ Tynedale Links get newer ones.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:11 pm)danpick wrote If I go I will make sure I'm there at around 11 as it says if your at the Bus Station you can see the Darts get Withdrawn. Surprised 573/4 and refurbed ones are going as they could help the North Tyne Links/ Tynedale Links get newer ones.

I think they just mean replaced. They won't be withdrawn at the bus station. That will happen once they get to Deptford or Saltmeadows.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:11 pm)danpick wrote If I go I will make sure I'm there at around 11 as it says if your at the Bus Station you can see the Darts get Withdrawn. Surprised 573/4 and refurbed ones are going as they could help the North Tyne Links/ Tynedale Links get newer ones.

Don't read too much into it...!

The definition of withdrawn is to 'remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position.'

(07 Aug 2015, 6:12 pm)S813 FVK wrote I think they just mean replaced. They won't be withdrawn at the bus station. That will happen once they get to Deptford or Saltmeadows.

When they are taken off the bus to get will be the 201 as that goes near Peterlee depot so they can be seen waiting to be removed.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:13 pm)Dan wrote Don't read too much into it...!

The definition of withdrawn is to 'remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position.'

That means every bus is withdrawn 

I know what you mean though without being too cocky about it 

(07 Aug 2015, 6:14 pm)danpick wrote When they are taken off the bus to get will be the 201 as that goes near Peterlee depot so they can be seen waiting to be removed.

What? As museum exhibits?

Is it just me or have 3/4 posts disappeared.

I see the launch of indiGo means the saver isn't valid on 238 anymore, unless it's a typo?
As that means connections in Seaham through to Sunderland and Houghton and local travel can't get the saver.
Meaning Northlea to Peterlee is now costing £6.10 rather than £4.60.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:20 pm)danpick wrote Is it just me or have 3/4 posts disappeared.

I just replied, realised something had gone skewiff, so deleted and tried again. Just the one post, though.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:19 pm)BusLoverMum wrote What? As museum exhibits?

I personally can't understand why somebody would want to see some clapped out little buses awaiting their fates, but each to their own.

Has the "See it Do it Sunderland" branding been changed? Looked slightly different today.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:25 pm)Drifter60 wrote I see the launch of indiGo means the saver isn't valid on 238 anymore, unless it's a typo?
As that means connections in Seaham through to Sunderland and Houghton and local travel can't get the saver.
Meaning Northlea to Peterlee is now costing £6.10 rather than £4.60.

Its not, when the 238 changed it was removed from the list as it wasnt part of the "East Durham" brand so it wont be part of "indigo".

Which is a shame because it would help a lot with prices...

When will the cadets start to be branded for the "Black Cats"?

Did we ever find out which citaro was at SM?

Being away so haven't checked much

(07 Aug 2015, 6:32 pm)Tom wrote Has the "See it Do it Sunderland" branding been changed? Looked slightly different today.

Tuesday
Go North East: 5303 / NK08 CHJ by Jimmi's Transport Photos, on Flickr

Today
Go North East: 5303 / NK08 CHJ by Jimmi's Transport Photos, on Flickr


There seems to be less spots on the side now, also they have fixed the Mercedes badge on the front.

(07 Aug 2015, 6:40 pm)Jimmi wrote Tuesday
Go North East: 5303 / NK08 CHJ by Jimmi's Transport Photos, on Flickr

Today
Go North East: 5303 / NK08 CHJ by Jimmi's Transport Photos, on Flickr


There seems to be less spots on the side now, also they have fixed the Mercedes badge on the front.

It needs a picture from the rear to see clearly - it might be a trick of the light. Or they might have moved some of the spots around. I noticed that the badge had been fixed on Wednesday, btw - Malarky took a pic of it.

Some of the gold Citaros need a fair bit of external smartening up before they're in a fit state for the pretty stuff. I noticed that 5306 is badly dented at the back and scratched at the side (as well as the front destination display not working properly). 5308 looked like it had been in a few scrapes, too.

eta yep, the spots are still there
https://twitter.com/gonortheast/status/6...8863984640

(07 Aug 2015, 7:19 pm)BusLoverMum wrote It needs a picture from the rear to see clearly - it might be a trick of the light. Or they might have moved some of the spots around. I noticed that the badge had been fixed on Wednesday, btw - Malarky took a pic of it.

Some of the gold Citaros need a fair bit of external smartening up before they're in a fit state for the pretty stuff. I noticed that 5306 is badly dented at the back and scratched at the side (as well as the front destination display not working properly). 5308 looked like it had been in a few scrapes, too.

The branding has been altered slightly.

All of the gold Mercedes Citaros due to be branded are undergoing repaint (excluding 5325 - 5327 as these were just done earlier this year). Any dents will be sorted out during the paint prep, making the bus look shiny and new again. Any issues with destinations are also being sorted at Saltmeadows Road - killing two birds with one stone.

(07 Aug 2015, 7:24 pm)Dan wrote The branding has been altered slightly.

All of the gold Mercedes Citaros due to be branded are undergoing repaint (excluding 5325 - 5327 as these were just done earlier this year). Any issues with destinations are also being sorted at Saltmeadows Road - killing two birds with one stone.

I see it now - the smaller spots have changed.

(07 Aug 2015, 7:24 pm)Dan wrote The branding has been altered slightly.

All of the gold Mercedes Citaros due to be branded are undergoing repaint (excluding 5325 - 5327 as these were just done earlier this year). Any dents will be sorted out during the paint prep, making the bus look shiny and new again. Any issues with destinations are also being sorted at Saltmeadows Road - killing two birds with one stone.

Including the Wearmouth Bridge being replaced by Roker Pier?

(07 Aug 2015, 7:27 pm)S813 FVK wrote Including the Wearmouth Bridge being replaced by Roker Pier?

Hah! That's changed on both sides, too. Someone probably though that people would think it was the Tyne bridge

(07 Aug 2015, 6:40 pm)Jimmi wrote Tuesday
Go North East: 5303 / NK08 CHJ by Jimmi's Transport Photos, on Flickr

Today
Go North East: 5303 / NK08 CHJ by Jimmi's Transport Photos, on Flickr


There seems to be less spots on the side now, also they have fixed the Mercedes badge on the front.

Might have made a slight error with the branding I was there today my lift there was 4946

Just seen a Crusader Citaro working a 10 with Metrocentre on the blinds. Being so early in the morning, I'm guessing this is a booked working on a Saturday?

(08 Aug 2015, 5:47 am)northern156 wrote Just seen a Crusader Citaro working a 10 with Metrocentre on the blinds. Being so early in the morning, I'm guessing this is a booked working on a Saturday?

Judging by the the first post here http://northeastbuses.co.uk/forum/showth...p?tid=1479&page=2 yes.

Thanks for the info Davie.

(08 Aug 2015, 5:55 am)Davie wrote Judging by the the first post here http://northeastbuses.co.uk/forum/showth...p?tid=1479&page=2 yes.

Things could have changed

Doubt it like judging by Sean's post but we certainly know the 95A and 96A are not operated by Orbit versas anymore. Probably just Renowns like on normal 95/96s (and 64/64As).

(08 Aug 2015, 8:31 am)S813 FVK wrote Things could have changed

Doubt it like judging by Sean's post but we certainly know the 95A and 96A are not operated by Orbit versas anymore. Probably just Renowns like on normal 95/96s (and 64/64As).

0652 #96 (Coach Rd - Gateshead): Highwayman L94
0728 #96 (Wilson St - Gateshead): Crusader Mercedes
1857 #96 (Gateshead - Metrocentre): Crusader Mercedes

To answer Sean's question...
Saturday 0630 #10 (Newcastle - Metrocentre): Crusader Mercedes

Don't ask why I was around at that time of day please ;-) thanks!

(08 Aug 2015, 9:35 am)northern156 wrote Don't ask why I was around at that time of day please ;-) thanks!

Well we all know what kind of stuff you're into - so the question need not be asked!

I shan't lower the tone of this civilised discussion any further!

Hehe let's leave it there. Mainly because I don't actually know myself why I was bashing that early!

Must say, I love the NSAs, passenger display screen and the refurbs of the Quaylinks. Currently on 8313 to St Peter's Basin (1214 off Haymarket) and it's really like these buses have a new lease of life in them!