(02 Jun 2016, 7:32 pm)Andreos1 wrote Wonder if that is where the merger of routes will be?
Another cross city route, that can bump up revenue on the 96 perhaps?
Just like the 58.

Possibly - but I can't see many people sitting on a bus that will take a ridiculous amount of time getting there, and that it will take less time to change between the 1 and X66 at Gateshead.

But it will probably happen as the 11 is apparantley changing so makes sense, but would be much more popular to have it running via the Quayside, and along the centrelink.

(02 Jun 2016, 7:19 pm)park5354 wrote Indigo solo, with driver training on destination, and a few staff onboard was operating on 96 route around 10:30 today.

That explains why we saw it there, at just after 2pm! Just at driver and a mentor, at that point, by the looks of it. Also said NIS.

(02 Jun 2016, 7:32 pm)Andreos1 wrote Wonder if that is where the merger of routes will be?
Another cross city route, that can bump up revenue on the 96 perhaps?
Just like the 58.

Aswell as a new route between Wallsend and Market Street to link in with the 96, I can also see the stop at Eldon Square being cut out to make it a fully cross city link.
The 96 doesn't carry as much passengers as the 17 ( which is changing to the 11 in a few weeks ) so yeah, Similar to what Transdev have just done by combining 4 Services into 2 Long ones.

I would like to see them do more cross city services, i think they work well.

So would probably take about 1h 10 minutes to get from Wallsend to Metrocentre (and 2 hours from Whitley Bay!!) combining with the 96? No thanks!

Should just extend the 1 that way and have it going the same way the 98/98A did terminating at Whickham, have the 97 running every 15 minutes like it did previously , and just have the 96 as a local service. All areas covered? Then the 11 could be a direct service.

(02 Jun 2016, 7:53 pm)Tom wrote So would probably take about 1h 10 minutes to get from Wallsend to Metrocentre combining with the 96? No thanks!

Should just extend the 1 that way and have it going the same way the 98/98A did terminating at Whickham, have the 97 running every 15 minutes like it did previously , and just have the 96 as a local service. All areas covered? Then the 11 could be a direct service.

What would you send to Wrekenton and Kibblesworth in place of the 1?

(02 Jun 2016, 7:40 pm)Tom wrote Possibly - but I can't see many people sitting on a bus that will take a ridiculous amount of time getting there, and that it will take less time to change between the 1 and X66 at Gateshead.

But it will probably happen as the 11 is apparantley changing so makes sense, but would be much more popular to have it running via the Quayside, and along the centrelink.

I think it's finding the balance though. Merging two existing services, doesn't really impact on costs if frequency is to be on a similar level - as they exist already (in one guise or another).
As an example, the 35a, 71 and whatever variant existed that the 36 replaced around the North Sunderland Estates.

I agree that the Quayside route would be more attractive for those traveling North Tyneside - Metrocentre, but would the costs be higher for an operator to do that, whilst maintaining the 96?

(02 Jun 2016, 7:57 pm)citaro5284 wrote What would you send to Wrekenton and Kibblesworth in place of the 1?

The short 1s don't go to Wrekenton so they could go to Whickham. And the 1A only runs on evenings/Sundays.

(02 Jun 2016, 8:02 pm)Tom wrote The short 1s don't go to Wrekenton so they could go to Whickham. And the 1A only runs on evenings/Sundays.

So what would you send on an evening and Sunday to Kibblesworth?

(02 Jun 2016, 8:04 pm)citaro5284 wrote So what would you send on an evening and Sunday to Kibblesworth?

Hopefully a bus

(02 Jun 2016, 8:04 pm)citaro5284 wrote So what would you send on an evening and Sunday to Kibblesworth?

The 96 doesn't go to Newcastle on a evenings/Sundays so would be no need for the 1 to replace it. I would suggest the 95/96 to run as it is on Sundays, but through the same route through the day too, 1 would extend to Whickham via the old 98/98A route to give links from Knightside Gardens to Newcastle, but the 97 would reduce from 10 to 15 minutes. Then the new 11 would operate direct to Metrocentre.

Can't see it happening though.

7126 is now in service on NX duties.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98641142@N08/27334358202/

BX16 CLU is a further new arrival for National Express. Currently in Chester-le-Street depot.

I notice a sign has appeared on the window of Chester-le-Street travel shop, advising customers that "tickets are no longer available to purchase from this shop". 

I may have missed something, but I don't recall any news stories or consultation on the website around closure of travel shops. Given how hot of an issue it usually is with customers, I'd have expected to see something. 

I wonder whether this is a one off, or whether we can expect others to go the distance too?

5245 has also been branded: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/27340526822/

5258 has just left Chester-le-Street depot. Not a sight I expected to see again.

(02 Jun 2016, 12:06 pm)streetlite5402 wrote 8264 seems to be at Chester-le-Street, was sighted going up the A693 with a Chester-le-Street driver at the wheel.

BX16 CXL is another new arrival for National Express work, currently being prepared by a fitter in the depot.

BX16CKL IS 7128 I was one of the drivers who took it out on its first trip on Friday 1340 service 426 south shields to London, returning 2300 from London Victoria asa 594 to Edinburgh. Was very nice to drive

(01 Jun 2016, 12:53 pm)Dan wrote 5437 awaiting delivery at Heysham Docks - fingers crossed it'll get delivered this week.

5431 and the first red Streetlite, 5438, are awaiting shipping at Belfast Docks, while the second red Streetlite, 5439, is undergoing PDI at the moment. The first two will probably come across on tonight's sailing, and delivered on either Thursday or Friday all being well!

Note that the red spares aren't at the end of the batch which they usually are.

Any of these arrived this week and entered service or are close to entering service?

Last i read, was that 5430 was branded but has yet to enter service?

(05 Jun 2016, 11:01 am)Michael wrote Any of these arrived this week and entered service or are close to entering service?

Last i read, was that 5430 was branded but has yet to enter service?

5430
Delivered - 31/05/16
Branded - 01/06/16

5437
Delivered - 02/06/16
Branded - 03/06/16

5438
Delivered - 03/06/16


5430/37 should be released to Deptford for inspection tomorrow afternoon, and are likely to enter service immediately after inspection is complete. 5431/39 are both at Heysham Docks awaiting delivery.

(05 Jun 2016, 1:12 pm)Dan wrote 5430
Delivered - 31/05/16
Branded - 01/06/16

5437
Delivered - 02/06/16
Branded - 03/06/16

5438
Delivered - 03/06/16


5430/37 should be released to Deptford for inspection tomorrow afternoon, and are likely to enter service immediately after inspection is complete. 5431/39 are both at Heysham Docks awaiting delivery.

Thanks Dan.


I would think with 5430/37 entering service tomorrow (if they do), then 2 more B10's will be withdrawn?

(05 Jun 2016, 1:23 pm)Michael wrote Thanks Dan.

I would think with 5430/37 entering service tomorrow (if they do), then 2 more B10's will be withdrawn?

Prince Bishops Streetlites

5420 > 4904 withdrawn
5421 > 8267 transferred to Washington > 8270 withdrawn
5422 > 8268 withdrawn
5423 > 8269 withdrawn
5424 > 8272 withdrawn
5425 > 8273 withdrawn
5426 > 4903 transferred to Stanley > replaces nothing, temporary transfer and will be withdrawn itself in the future
5427 > 4906 withdrawn
5428 > 4910 withdrawn 
5429 > 4911 withdrawn
5432 > 4924 withdrawn
5433 > TBC
5434 > TBC
5435 > TBC
5436 > TBC


Service Changes

Service 68 withdrawn > retained for upcoming service changes
Service X36 PVR reduction > 8258 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 4905 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 4974 transferred to Percy Main > 4913 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 5203 transferred to Percy Main > 4914 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 5320 transferred to Riverside > 8328 transferred to Deptford
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5321 transferred to Riverside > 5168 withdrawn
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5322 transferred to Riverside > 5169 withdrawn
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5323 transferred to Riverside > 5170 withdrawn
Service 36 PVR reduction > retained for service 20 PVR increase
Service 99 withdrawn > 551 withdrawn
Service 99 withdrawn > retained for upcoming service changes


Deptford currently have four extra buses in the fleet, but released four Scania L94s for repaint this week instead (4990, 5212, 5214 & 5215). 5214 and 5215 are now back at Deptford, but 4990 and 5212 have yet to be repainted. They have also been joined by 5216, which is to be repainted into Go North East's corporate livery.

Just three Volvo B10BLEs remain in service at Deptford (4907, 4909 and 4925) but I imagine that these will be withdrawn imminently.

(05 Jun 2016, 1:36 pm)Dan wrote Deptford currently have four extra buses in the fleet, but released four Scania L94s for repaint this week instead (4990, 5212, 5214 & 5215). 5214 and 5215 are now back at Deptford, but 4990 and 5212 have yet to be repainted. They have also been joined by 5216, which is to be repainted into Go North East's corporate livery.

Just three Volvo B10BLEs remain in service at Deptford (4907, 4909 and 4925) but I imagine that these will be withdrawn imminently.

BIB: Should that not be had, photos on Facebook confirm the transfer of 4968/70-3 to Percy Main to replace 5152-5.

Assuming 5216/7 are repainted 'Go North East' red like 5214/5 id have a guess they will also be leaving Deptford then? Possibly for the 67/69?

(05 Jun 2016, 1:40 pm)Kuyoyo wrote BIB: Should that not be had, photos on Facebook confirm the transfer of 4968/70-3 to Percy Main to replace 5152-5.

Got those photos at hand? I'm not a member of these Facebook groups.

4968 has transferred - but that only happened today, as it was out on the 61 until 00:06am this morning. 4970/71/72 are all currently sat at Deptford.

(05 Jun 2016, 1:36 pm)Dan wrote Prince Bishops Streetlites

5420 > 4904 withdrawn
5421 > 8267 transferred to Washington > 8270 withdrawn
5422 > 8268 withdrawn
5423 > 8269 withdrawn
5424 > 8272 withdrawn
5425 > 8273 withdrawn
5426 > 4903 transferred to Stanley > replaces nothing, temporary transfer and will be withdrawn itself in the future
5427 > 4906 withdrawn
5428 > 4910 withdrawn 
5429 > 4911 withdrawn
5432 > 4924 withdrawn
5433 > TBC
5434 > TBC
5435 > TBC
5436 > TBC


Service Changes

Service 68 withdrawn > retained for upcoming service changes
Service X36 PVR reduction > 8258 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 4905 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 4974 transferred to Percy Main > 4913 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 5203 transferred to Percy Main > 4914 withdrawn
Service 2 PVR reduction > 5320 transferred to Riverside > 8328 transferred to Deptford
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5321 transferred to Riverside > 5168 withdrawn
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5322 transferred to Riverside > 5169 withdrawn
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5323 transferred to Riverside > 5170 withdrawn
Service 36 PVR reduction > retained for service 20 PVR increase
Service 99 withdrawn > 551 withdrawn
Service 99 withdrawn > retained for upcoming service changes


Deptford currently have four extra buses in the fleet, but released four Scania L94s for repaint this week instead (4990, 5212, 5214 & 5215). 5214 and 5215 are now back at Deptford, but 4990 and 5212 have yet to be repainted. They have also been joined by 5216, which is to be repainted into Go North East's corporate livery.

Just three Volvo B10BLEs remain in service at Deptford (4907, 4909 and 4925) but I imagine that these will be withdrawn imminently.

Upcoming service changes?, the changes in North Tyneside must be soon then

Glad Deptford decided to release the 4 Scania's for repaint, these should be the priority, to get them repainted ready for the last few Streetlites to enter service.

Will 4990 go "Red" so it can be branded for the 39?

Which other Scania's will go Blue?

(05 Jun 2016, 1:45 pm)Dan wrote Got those photos at hand? I'm not a member of these Facebook groups.

4968 has transferred - but that only happened today, as it was out on the 61 until 00:06am this morning. 4970/71/72 are all currently sat at Deptford.

I can give you a screenshot - 4968/73 (behind and not visible) in Percy Main.

(05 Jun 2016, 1:52 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I can give you a screenshot - 4968/73 (behind and not visible) in Percy Main.

I hope that doesn't mean you were WRONG (  ) in suggesting that 4968 and 4970, 4971, 4972 and 4973 were all at Percy Main, then...

#jumpedthegun

(05 Jun 2016, 1:36 pm)Dan wrote Service Changes
Service 2 PVR reduction > 5320 transferred to Riverside > 8328 transferred to Deptford
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5321 transferred to Riverside > 5168 withdrawn
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5322 transferred to Riverside > 5169 withdrawn
Service 38 PVR reduction > 5323 transferred to Riverside > 5170 withdrawn

Would I be correct in assuming that 8328 displaced 5324 which in turn displaced 5171 as there is currently no mention of them on your list?

(05 Jun 2016, 1:55 pm)peter wrote Would I be correct in assuming that 8328 displaced 5324 which in turn displaced 5171 as there is currently no mention of them on your list?

5324 released from Deptford by a spares reduction due to the overall PVR reduction of 10 vehicles, allowing 5171 to be withdrawn.

(05 Jun 2016, 1:58 pm)Dan wrote 5324 released from Deptford by a spares reduction due to the overall PVR reduction of 10 vehicles, allowing 5171 to be withdrawn.

Ah right, thanks!