(31 Oct 2016, 4:49 pm)cbma06 wrote I wouldn't be surprised if service 20 gets split on Hylton road with half doing the pennywell shops circular and other half turning right and going to south Hylton to replace service 8, there was a mention in the air that service 5 will retain the 30 minute route between Chester road and town but hourly from Chester road to gilley law while the other does hourly from Chester road to south Hylton via Holborn road, Helmsdale road (old 13/14 terminus) Hylton road to south Hylton, soon find out more info when the changes appear on VOSA in a couple of weeks.


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Only service which i could see getting an increase, would they have enough gas buses though, in total,  they only have 5 spares out of the 40 gas buses. 


Unless its the 18/19 getting increased....



Have those Enviro's from Scotland entered service yet?, if not, maybe they can used on the new Sunderland express service?

(28 Oct 2016, 9:05 pm)ifm001 wrote Let the speculation begin.

Xciting Xpress to.............

28039 has been in Newcastle this afternoon, just saying....   

(01 Nov 2016, 9:08 am)Michael wrote Only service which i could see getting an increase, would they have enough gas buses though, in total,  they only have 5 spares out of the 40 gas buses. 


Unless its the 18/19 getting increased....



Have those Enviro's from Scotland entered service yet?, if not, maybe they can used on the new Sunderland express service?

Earmarked for the 71 tubs if things haven't changed. They have ticket machines fitted so ready to go - being MANs they require a bit of work before service much like the Kinetics.

(01 Nov 2016, 3:48 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote 28039 has been in Newcastle this afternoon, just saying....   


Earmarked for the 71 tubs if things haven't changed. They have ticket machines fitted so ready to go - being MANs they require a bit of work before service much like the Kinetics.

Probables just route learning, still think we won't see gas buses allocated.   

"Earmarked for the 71 tubs if things haven't changed.", tubs? lol

(01 Nov 2016, 3:57 pm)Michael wrote Probables just route learning, still think we won't see gas buses allocated.   

"Earmarked for the 71 tubs if things haven't changed.", tubs? lol

My home region of Cumbria & North Lancs has had it's share of ex-Scottish MANviro dumped on them recently. They're pretty poor, with some having been gave up on already and now disposal - awaiting sale to other regions or even externally purchased...... high depreciation costs resulted in them being offloaded. The North East hasn't even banged on the door of C&NL for them. But you never know, the NE ones might not be bad....

(01 Nov 2016, 4:12 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote My home region of Cumbria & North Lancs has had it's share of ex-Scottish MANviro dumped on them. They're pretty poor, with some having been gave up on and now disposal - awaiting sale to other regions or even externally purchased...... high depreciation costs resulted in them being offloaded. The North East hasn't even banged on the door of C&NL for them. But you never know, the NE ones might not be bad....

I was confused by the word you used, haha 

Hopefully, i just think using gas buses is a massive risk, more likely just normal enviro's, but i wonder if they would offer WIFI.... 


Do you know the route of the express in Newcastle?, like where it'll end?, in Sunderland it should start from Wilkinsons and then have it leave via Holmeside and Green Terrance - not sure on Park Lane, to me that's to far to walk from where other Stagecoach Sunderland buses stop.

(01 Nov 2016, 4:18 pm)Michael wrote I was confused by the word you used, haha 

Hopefully, i just think using gas buses is a massive risk, more likely just normal enviro's, but i wonder if they would offer WIFI.... 


Do you know the route of the express in Newcastle?, like where it'll end?, in Sunderland it should start from Wilkinsons and then have it leave via Holmeside and Green Terrance - not sure on Park Lane, to me that's to far to walk from where other Stagecoach Sunderland buses stop.

Green Terrance,im not Green

(01 Nov 2016, 4:18 pm)Michael wrote I was confused by the word you used, haha 

Hopefully, i just think using gas buses is a massive risk, more likely just normal enviro's, but i wonder if they would offer WIFI.... 


Do you know the route of the express in Newcastle?, like where it'll end?, in Sunderland it should start from Wilkinsons and then have it leave via Holmeside and Green Terrance - not sure on Park Lane, to me that's to far to walk from where other Stagecoach Sunderland buses stop.

One thing to remember though. the south shields route to Newcastle service X34 does not operate actually into South Shields so it may be possible the Sunderland operation may not operate into the City of Sunderland either. I've mentioned before the original idea for the X34 was to serve areas that did not have a metro nearby. 

But I do agree we now need to move this chat to the upcoming service change thread.

Admin can you sort this please?

(01 Nov 2016, 8:59 pm)V514DFT wrote Green Terrance,im not Green

What?

(01 Nov 2016, 9:05 pm)ifm001 wrote One thing to remember though. the south shields route to Newcastle service X34 does not operate actually into South Shields so it may be possible the Sunderland operation may not operate into the City of Sunderland either. I've mentioned before the original idea for the X34 was to serve areas that did not have a metro nearby. 

But I do agree we now need to move this chat to the upcoming service change thread.

Admin can you sort this please?

For it to work, it needs to go where people will go for it, no point in having start at Park Lane when no other Stagecoach Sunderland service goes in (expect for the X1), means people have to walk back up to Park Lane for it, think that might put people off.

(01 Nov 2016, 9:23 pm)Michael wrote For it to work, it needs to go where people will go for it, no point in having start at Park Lane when no other Stagecoach Sunderland service goes in (expect for the X1), means people have to walk back up to Park Lane for it, think that might put people off.

Wonder if it will maybe start at somewhere else other than the city (not a clue where though) and not service Sunderland at all?

(01 Nov 2016, 9:56 pm)Tom wrote Wonder if it will maybe start at somewhere else other than the city (not a clue where though) and not service Sunderland at all?

It might, just think the city centre is the best place to start it, as all of the services currently go in to the city centre.

Hopefully the changss appear on vosa in the next couple of weeks

(01 Nov 2016, 4:18 pm)Michael wrote I was confused by the word you used, haha 

Hopefully, i just think using gas buses is a massive risk, more likely just normal enviro's, but i wonder if they would offer WIFI.... 


Do you know the route of the express in Newcastle?, like where it'll end?, in Sunderland it should start from Wilkinsons and then have it leave via Holmeside and Green Terrance - not sure on Park Lane, to me that's to far to walk from where other Stagecoach Sunderland buses stop.

I think the fact that a Gas Bus present in Newcastle, and that Sunderland's only likely connection to an unlinked SC region would also be Newcastle, is about as close to the wibble that can be said for now. But if this happened to be pulled off... I'd hope SC tackle it head on with competitors, as we've seen the cutting and culling of services like the X3/X35, plus train and Metro to compete with.

(01 Nov 2016, 11:10 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote I think the fact that a Gas Bus present in Newcastle, and that Sunderland's only likely connection to an unlinked SC region would also be Newcastle, is about as close to the wibble that can be said for now. But if this happened to be pulled off... I'd hope SC tackle it head on with competitors, as we've seen the cutting and culling of services like the X3/X35, plus train and Metro to compete with.

Same, i think they should off WIFI first and then see where that gets them, maybe new buses if its so successful, not sure how long Stagecoach run a service before they call it successful though for it be giving new buses though!

Only way to really avoid is the metro is via Chester Road and the A19. - although u still have the Uni and Milfield as the 2 closest stations.

Just to pick up on a few things about the new express service.

Don't the E services use Park Lane?

I'm also wondering if they will stick to the same method that has proven successful with the X34 and terminate the service in an estate. Those city-centre to Estate type services have been around for years. One benefit to the X34 is Boldon. Shoppers and workers can use the X34 locally or to travel in to Newcastle. It is also close to the major road network.

Assuming the same model will be transferred to this new service, where in Sunderland doesn't have access to the metro, where is there significant housing and where is there a decent retail or employment opportunities?
Doxford Park/International is jumping out and hits similar criteria to the ones that Boldon does. 
If it is serving Doxford Park/International, are we looking at a Ryhope or Grangetown type terminus?

(02 Nov 2016, 11:09 am)Andreos1 wrote Just to pick up on a few things about the new express service.

Don't the E services use Park Lane?

I'm also wondering if they will stick to the same method that has proven successful with the X34 and terminate the service in an estate. Those city-centre to Estate type services have been around for years. One benefit to the X34 is Boldon. Shoppers and workers can use the X34 locally or to travel in to Newcastle. It is also close to the major road network.

Assuming the same model will be transferred to this new service, where in Sunderland doesn't have access to the metro, where is there significant housing and where is there a decent retail or employment opportunities?
Doxford Park/International is jumping out and hits similar criteria to the ones that Boldon does. 
If it is serving Doxford Park/International, are we looking at a Ryhope or Grangetown type terminus?

Didn't think about Doxford intentional.

Doxford Park shops- Doxford International - A19 - Newcastle Eldon Square? - Hourly  (only went to Eldon Square because it just appeared)


So i went on Google maps and did a map, it came to around 1 hour 10-1 hour 20 minutes on the route above.... so the PVR would be 3  (not sure the time is right though)

(02 Nov 2016, 11:24 am)Michael wrote Didn't think about Doxford intentional.

Doxford Park shops- Doxford International - A19 - Newcastle Eldon Square? - Hourly  (only went to Eldon Square because it just appeared)


So i went on Google maps and did a map, it came to around 1 hour 10-1 hour 20 minutes on the route above.... so the PVR would be 3  (not sure the time is right though)

I could be miles off! Just based this new route on a similar model to the X34. Doxford Park just seems to hit the same criteria.
There was an Express to Newcastle years ago, before it was developed and the likes of Morrisons and the business park appeared.

(02 Nov 2016, 11:42 am)Andreos1 wrote I could be miles off! Just based this new route on a similar model to the X34. Doxford Park just seems to hit the same criteria.
There was an Express to Newcastle years ago, before it was developed and the likes of Morrisons and the business park appeared.

Every suggestion on here to where it'll start could be wrong, it could start somewhere unexpected.


Still think starting it at Wilkinsons in Sunderland city centre is the best idea though but that's just me, don't get me wrong, i like the suggestion it could start from Doxford Park, it does seem more logical because of how the X34 works.

47751 is currently going loan to Walkergate from Morecambe, although not confirmed to C&NL what on earth for.

EDIT: it expired on the M6, probably won't be repaired either.

(02 Nov 2016, 11:42 am)Andreos1 wrote I could be miles off! Just based this new route on a similar model to the X34. Doxford Park just seems to hit the same criteria.
There was an Express to Newcastle years ago, before it was developed and the likes of Morrisons and the business park appeared.

there could do roughly:  start from Grangetown old terminus-Ryhope-across to Doxford Park-Farringdon-Gilley Law-Thorney Close-Grindon-Hastings Hill-A19-Gateshead-Newcastle as other areas have the Metro close by.

22574 parked up in Sunderland with a surprise branding. Apologies for the poor photo I only had my phone with me

(04 Nov 2016, 7:33 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote 22574 parked up in Sunderland with a surprise branding. Apologies for the poor photo I only had my phone with me

Looks like its heading for the 100?

(04 Nov 2016, 7:38 pm)Michael wrote Looks like its heading for the 100?

Yeah looks like it. Didn't realise they were pulling the other E300s off the 100.

(04 Nov 2016, 7:56 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote Yeah looks like it. Didn't realise they were pulling the other E300s off the 100.

Good luck Stockton...
The MANviro have had the full works done to their interior too. Hopefully they prove reliable...

(04 Nov 2016, 9:10 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote Good luck Stockton...
The MANviro have had the full works done to their interior too. Hopefully they prove reliable...

Is that a hint that 27506-10 are moving to Stockton?

(04 Nov 2016, 9:24 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote Is that a hint that 27506-10 are moving to Stockton?

Nothing concrete received myself, but suggestion is that's the case to replace their older MANs. 
They could have done with being shifted out the Group if I'm honest. Good for capacity if nothing else.

(04 Nov 2016, 9:34 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote Nothing concrete received myself, but suggestion is that's the case to replace their older MANs. 
They could have done with being shifted out the Group if I'm honest. Good for capacity if nothing else.

Id have probably kept them at Slatyford if I'm honest and put them on the X87/X88s along with the E400s. I know there not the most reliable at the minute as they seem to be frequently off the road but atleast Slatyford's engineers are familiar with them and their faults.

(04 Nov 2016, 9:46 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote Id have probably kept them at Slatyford if I'm honest and put them on the X87/X88s along with the E400s. I know there not the most reliable at the minute as they seem to be frequently off the road but atleast Slatyford's engineers are familiar with them and their faults.

Very true Dan, Stockton have their newer Cummins E300 so should be fine fettling them. They've had a hard life simply going back and forth, so hopefully they get completely overhauled if they want them to stick around for another 4 or 5 years. I do have a soft spot for them, even though they've seen better days.

Honestly....

---------

Preparations For Adverse Winter Weather

04 Nov 2016

Dear Customer,

Whilst our dedicated teams of skilled drivers and control room staff will endeavour to operate all buses on time and to all
destinations, it is nonetheless likely that some buses may be delayed as a result of slow-moving traffic and general road
conditions, and some journeys may be required to terminate before their normal end points.

To ensure safety is maintained, some buses might be unable to use some estate roads if conditions are especially poor. If this does occur, customers are recommended to use the nearest bus stops on the main road.

All customers should allow for extra time in their journeys during this time.

Working with our colleagues from the local authority, we will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum. However, we would like to apologise for any problems that may be experienced whilst travelling at this time.

Safety remains our absolute priority, and we will continue to assess road conditions to ensure the safety of our passengers, staff and other road users.

Thank you for your patience.

General Sunderland Updated 04 Nov 2016, 11:11

Not sure if it has been noted but at least 4 of the MANetics (MAN 18:240 / ELC Kinetics) have seen use from Slatyford depot.

Today I travelled on 22512 on the 30 and this also features E-Leather seating. Also noted 22513 on the 10/11 circuit today.

Also seen over the past week was 22514 and 22515 on hte 87/88.

Slatyford's E200MMCs look well ahead their initial January schedule, the first examples confirmed due to arrive later this month.