(18 Sep 2016, 10:18 am)L469 YVK wrote I think the TTX Geminis will go spare. Had a thought about them going on the X30/X31 but given some other potential single decker cascades this year, I don't see why the Omnicities would need cascading.

I think out of all the B9 routes that it will be the Cobalt Clippers getting StreetDecks. GNE weren't going to fit them GKN mods for no reason and at the time of ordering, there were no suitable lightweight alternatives bar the Enviro 400 (no relationship between GNE and ADL).

But looking at the StreetDeck, the amount of fuel saved in terms of Percy Main's cost base would mean that if B9s went on the Coaster, the cost base taking the fuel savings into account would be the same if not, marginally higher compared to currently taking into account the extra capacity plus potential growth that the B9s would generate on the Coaster.

BIB: Given 3995/6 can't be used on the X30 (there's a note visiable in the cab stating that), I seriously doubt the B9s can be.

(18 Sep 2016, 11:02 am)Kuyoyo wrote BIB: Given 3995/6 can't be used on the X30 (there's a note visiable in the cab stating that), I seriously doubt the B9s can be.

The trident/loynes used to have to slow to under 10mph to get under safely, reminders to when a loyne smashed into the bridge at percy main a few years bacm.

(18 Sep 2016, 11:00 am)Jamie M wrote The 6 runs onto the X31 every mon-friday evening.

Thats the first ive heard of that one, mind. Even then, its only an evening run - i would agree if it was an all day thing.

(18 Sep 2016, 11:15 am)S813 FVK wrote Thats the first ive heard of that one, mind. Even then, its only an evening run - i would agree if it was an all day thing.

See it happen a lot, one 6 gets in at 1858, the next 1918. One runs on to the last X31 at 7pm or whenever it is, since there is no X31 down from stanley to return it. Often see the run before on the X31 also an omnidekka although this isn't a run off from any regular service. I'm never at newcastle at 5-7pm to fully understand the system, it's a bit odd though.

(18 Sep 2016, 11:02 am)Kuyoyo wrote BIB: Given 3995/6 can't be used on the X30 (there's a note visiable in the cab stating that), I seriously doubt the B9s can be.

Opps, cheers for correcting me

(18 Sep 2016, 12:13 pm)L469 YVK wrote Opps, cheers for correcting me

The X30/X31 are almost completely independent, in theory could be split and have different allocations etc.

(18 Sep 2016, 8:05 am)S813 FVK wrote You can't not use a type of bus on a route just because the route goes up a hill...

I wouldn't have thought the B5s could come off the angel until at least September 2017 anyway, given that they are 62 reg?

I doubt Angel will get anything except brand new buses, and as any double deck buses ordered now won't be delivered until next summer, the hybrids will be almost 5 years old.

If the rumour is true about the "Blaydon Racers" getting streetlites, i wonder if the Citaro's would remain at Riverside for another service, i would go for the Loop or Green Arrow for an upgrade.. also means "Depot standardization" will happen at Riverside, meaning only they'll only have 17 or 19 scania's at the depot.

Green Arrow PVR is 10
Loop has a PVR of 8


That'll free up some Scania to replace some more B10's.

---------------

Other routes what could benefit from the Citaro's are:

Scania routes:

Tynedalexpress - 4 PVR
Blue Arrow (doubt it'll happen though after they've just been branded) - 8 PVR
Fast Cats - 7 PVR
Waggonway - 5 PVR


----

Versa routes:


South Tyne - 9 PVR
Simplcity 2/2A - 9 PVR
61 - 5 PVR
Lambton worm - 4 PVR

(25 Sep 2016, 2:15 pm)Michael wrote If the rumour is true about the "Blaydon Racers" getting streetlites, i wonder if the Citaro's would remain at Riverside for another service, i would go for the Loop or Green Arrow for an upgrade.. also means "Depot standardization" will happen at Riverside, meaning only they'll only have 17 or 19 scania's at the depot.

Green Arrow PVR is 10
Loop has a PVR of 8


That'll free up some Scania to replace some more B10's.

---------------

Other routes what could benefit from the Citaro's are:

Scania routes:

Tynedalexpress - 4 PVR
Blue Arrow (doubt it'll happen though after they've just been branded) - 8 PVR
Fast Cats - 7 PVR
Waggonway - 5 PVR


----

Versa routes:


South Tyne - 9 PVR
Simplcity 2/2A - 9 PVR
61 - 5 PVR
Lambton worm - 4 PVR

Citaros would be more suited to the Scania routes that you list rather than a Versa route such as the Lambton Worm. Some older Citaros would be a great replacement in the future for 4956-4960 on the 28/A.

(25 Sep 2016, 2:15 pm)Michael wrote If the rumour is true about the "Blaydon Racers" getting streetlites, i wonder if the Citaro's would remain at Riverside for another service, i would go for the Loop or Green Arrow for an upgrade.. also means "Depot standardization" will happen at Riverside, meaning only they'll only have 17 or 19 scania's at the depot.

Green Arrow PVR is 10
Loop has a PVR of 8


That'll free up some Scania to replace some more B10's.

---------------

Other routes what could benefit from the Citaro's are:

Scania routes:

Tynedalexpress - 4 PVR
Blue Arrow (doubt it'll happen though after they've just been branded) - 8 PVR
Fast Cats - 7 PVR
Waggonway - 5 PVR


----

Versa routes:


South Tyne - 9 PVR
Simplcity 2/2A - 9 PVR
61 - 5 PVR
Lambton worm - 4 PVR

I've been told my a friend who works at the company where they are going, but I won't spoil the surprise.

---

(25 Sep 2016, 2:15 pm)Michael wrote If the rumour is true about the "Blaydon Racers" getting streetlites, i wonder if the Citaro's would remain at Riverside for another service, i would go for the Loop or Green Arrow for an upgrade.. also means "Depot standardization" will happen at Riverside, meaning only they'll only have 17 or 19 scania's at the depot.

Green Arrow PVR is 10
Loop has a PVR of 8


That'll free up some Scania to replace some more B10's.

---------------

Other routes what could benefit from the Citaro's are:

Scania routes:

Tynedalexpress - 4 PVR
Blue Arrow (doubt it'll happen though after they've just been branded) - 8 PVR
Fast Cats - 7 PVR
Waggonway - 5 PVR


----

Versa routes:


South Tyne - 9 PVR
Simplcity 2/2A - 9 PVR
61 - 5 PVR
Lambton worm - 4 PVR

I've been told my a friend who works at the company where they are going, but I won't spoil the surprise.

---

(25 Sep 2016, 2:15 pm)Michael wrote If the rumour is true about the "Blaydon Racers" getting streetlites, i wonder if the Citaro's would remain at Riverside for another service, i would go for the Loop or Green Arrow for an upgrade.. also means "Depot standardization" will happen at Riverside, meaning only they'll only have 17 or 19 scania's at the depot.

Green Arrow PVR is 10
Loop has a PVR of 8


That'll free up some Scania to replace some more B10's.

---------------

Other routes what could benefit from the Citaro's are:

Scania routes:

Tynedalexpress - 4 PVR
Blue Arrow (doubt it'll happen though after they've just been branded) - 8 PVR
Fast Cats - 7 PVR
Waggonway - 5 PVR


----

Versa routes:


South Tyne - 9 PVR
Simplcity 2/2A - 9 PVR
61 - 5 PVR
Lambton worm - 4 PVR

I've been told my a friend who works at the company where they are going, but I won't spoil the surprise.

(25 Sep 2016, 2:24 pm)streetlite5402 wrote Citaros would be more suited to the Scania routes that you list rather than a Versa route such as the Lambton Worm. Some older Citaros would be a great replacement in the future for 4956-4960 on the 28/A.

Ye i agree, would like them to stay at Riverside for the Loop or Green Arrow though, would seem the best way to go.

---

(25 Sep 2016, 2:27 pm)NK06JXC wrote I've been told my a friend who works at the company where they are going, but I won't spoil the surprise.

---

, so i think you've just confirmed the Blaydon racers are getting Streetlites?

(25 Sep 2016, 2:31 pm)Michael wrote , so i think you've just confirmed the Blaydon racers are getting Streetlites?

Oops! I didn't mean too. It could just be speculation of course, it may be best to just wait and see what happens.

My question is are the rumoured Streetlites for the Blaydon Racers (or even Green Arrows) going to be new or internal 'nearly-new' cascades? I've noticed although it could be minor that a certain batch of B9s are missing a small number of vinyls of the bodywork (mainly text). Might just be minor but given the supposed thing that should've happened to them but didn't work out plus recent service changes with a certain route being dropped and another changed,
could it not just be an internal transfer. Plus it would mean keeping punters on another route happy with additional resources in terms of spares.

(25 Sep 2016, 5:55 pm)L469 YVK wrote My question is are the rumoured Streetlites for the Blaydon Racers (or even Green Arrows) going to be new or internal 'nearly-new' cascades? I've noticed although it could be minor that a certain batch of B9s are missing a small number of vinyls of the bodywork (mainly text). Might just be minor but given the supposed thing that should've happened to them but didn't work out plus recent service changes with a certain route being dropped and another changed,
could it not just be an internal transfer. Plus it would mean keeping punters on another route happy with additional resources in terms of spares.

I would imagine they'll be new streetlites.

With rumours consistently being speculated about the "Blaydon Racer" services getting new Streetlites, here is my prediction of what will occur.

12 Streetlites - Blaydon Racers. Fleet numbered 5442 - 5454.
Displacing - 5275 - 5283 and 5331.
5275 - 5281 transfer to Chester Le Street depot, with 5275 - 5279 gaining branding for the Waggonway Services 28/28A, and 5280 and 5281 being spares. This will allow 4956 to transfer to Stanley depot which could see the withdrawal of 4896. 4957 - 4959 to Percy Main Depot to see the withdrawal of 4915 - 4917. 4960 could transfer to Riverside along with 4926 and 4927 to see the withdrawal of 4897 and 4898. 5282 and 5283 would remain at Riverside depot as spare vehicles, replacing 4900 and 4901. 5453 and 5454 would be designated spares for services 49, 49A, X66, 53, 54. On a Saturday, if one of these vehicles is available, it will make up the extra vehicle of the allocation on service X66.
These two vehicles will replace 4919 and 4922.

Blaydon racers is exactly the sort of route that streetlites are designed for!

4896 will be withdrawn when 5292 returns. It doesn't need replacing until then as it is won't be in the fleet for another year (hopefully 5292 returns before August at least!)

(30 Sep 2016, 10:34 pm)NK06JXC wrote With rumours consistently being speculated about the "Blaydon Racer" services getting new Streetlites, here is my prediction of what will occur.

12 Streetlites - Blaydon Racers. Fleet numbered 5442 - 5454.
Displacing - 5275 - 5283 and 5331.
5275 - 5281 transfer to Chester Le Street depot, with 5275 - 5279 gaining branding for the Waggonway Services 28/28A, and 5280 and 5281 being spares. This will allow 4956 to transfer to Stanley depot which could see the withdrawal of 4896. 4957 - 4959 to Percy Main Depot to see the withdrawal of 4915 - 4917. 4960 could transfer to Riverside along with 4926 and 4927 to see the withdrawal of 4897 and 4898. 5282 and 5283 would remain at Riverside depot as  spare vehicles, replacing 4900 and 4901. 5453 and 5454 would be designated spares for services 49, 49A, X66, 53, 54. On a Saturday, if one of these vehicles is available, it will make up the extra vehicle of the allocation on service X66.
These two vehicles will replace 4919 and 4922.

4901 has already been withdrawn. Just saying.

(01 Oct 2016, 7:21 am)S813 FVK wrote 4896 will be withdrawn when 5292 returns. It doesn't need replacing until then as it is won't be in the fleet for another year (hopefully 5292 returns before August at least!)

By then it will be the only outstanding Euro 2 or below bus on the fleet (bar coaches).

(30 Sep 2016, 10:53 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Blaydon racers is exactly the sort of route that streetlites are designed for!

If the streetlites in question will be anything like the C&Cs we can all prepare for some very disturbing gearbox choking sounds on Winlaton Bank! HEard stories of drivers coming off those with quite bad back pains.

(30 Sep 2016, 10:53 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Blaydon racers is exactly the sort of route that streetlites are designed for!

The 49's are my bus of choice if travelling between Gateshead and the Metrocentre (or vice versa).
Might have to review that in the future!

(01 Oct 2016, 12:53 pm)Andreos1 wrote The 49's are my bus of choice if travelling between Gateshead and the Metrocentre (or vice versa).
Might have to review that in the future!

Since the X66 became Streetlite operated, a number of forum users claim to get the 49 over the X66 because of the allocation of StreetLite's (and how busy it can get). Do we think some are going to start getting the 11 and 97?

(01 Oct 2016, 12:35 pm)Jamie M wrote If the streetlites in question will be anything like the C&Cs we can all prepare for some very disturbing gearbox choking sounds on Winlaton Bank! HEard stories of drivers coming off those with quite bad back pains.

Headaches induced by cab door rattles are regular on defect report cards on both the Streetlite and Pulsar.

(01 Oct 2016, 12:59 pm)Jimmi wrote Since the X66 became Streetlite operated, a number of forum users claim to get the 49 over the X66 because of the allocation of StreetLite's (and how busy it can get). Do we think some are going to start getting the 11 and 97?

I could crawl quicker.

I don't mind the Streetlites to be honest although to be fair, I haven't really been on one long enough to make a proper judgement.

I might try and go on the 8/78 one day just to see what they are like for long distance routes.

(01 Oct 2016, 12:59 pm)Jimmi wrote Since the X66 became Streetlite operated, a number of forum users claim to get the 49 over the X66 because of the allocation of StreetLite's (and how busy it can get). Do we think some are going to start getting the 11 and 97?

Dunno if I would go to that extreme. The 100 is handy for both the Metro and X1 in Newcastle though...

(01 Oct 2016, 1:10 pm)S813 FVK wrote I don't mind the Streetlites to be honest although to be fair, I haven't really been on one long enough to make a proper judgement.

I might try and go on the 8/78 one day just to see what they are like for long distance routes.

How long I can bare one depends on how bad it rattles, sat on some for over an hour with minimum rattles and it's not bothered me but at the same time I've been drained from a 15 minute journey by the emergency exit door shaking like mad.

(01 Oct 2016, 1:29 pm)Andreos1 wrote Dunno if I would go to that extreme. The 100 is handy for both the Metro and X1 in Newcastle though...

Fortunate that I am usually in a position to get the X22/X24 from Durham to reach the Metro, I also often have a quick trip into Newcastle afterwards so in that case I just let the Red Kite branded examples go and get on something else.

(01 Oct 2016, 1:34 pm)Jimmi wrote How long I can bare one depends on how bad it rattles, sat on some for over an hour with minimum rattles and it's not bothered me but at the same time I've been drained from a 15 minute journey by the emergency exit door shaking like mad.


Fortunate that I am usually in a position to get the X22/X24 from Durham to reach the Metro, I also often have a quick trip into Newcastle afterwards so in that case I just let the Red Kite branded examples go and get on something else.

Well, the X24 will probably end up with 1595 quite often, once the changes kick in!

Hope the 1 gets a cascade of some sort,yes i know this is unlikely but it would be nice

(02 Oct 2016, 10:03 am)V514DFT wrote Hope the 1 gets a cascade of some sort,yes i know this is unlikely but it would be nice

I'm still a bit undecided on whether it would justify double deckers as it is really varied with passenger numbers. Some runs can be full with standing, and others can only have a few on. It really depends on whether a 11 or 22 is running in front. The Tynemouth-Newcastle section is always the busiest, especially on a nice day.