(14 Aug 2024, 7:40 am)Storx wrote Must say the Solo's at Ashington, again, are becoming a bit of a joke. Now down to 2/7 of them of the road after the last of the 59 heaps broke down last night (again).

Feel sorry for Ashington in actually having to deal with these things, it's lucky the X21/X22 are down to every 30 minutes currently otherwise they'd not have enough buses since the 57/57A is a full saloon/decker allocation today.

Urgently need replacing, same with the 3 sheds at Whitby which seem just as bad. I probably wouldn't be moaning as much if they hadn't replaced unreliable Solo's in the past with new buses which were fine with unreliable Solo's.

As you and others discussed on the GNE sister threat to this, perhaps a shortage of spare parts may explain why 5 of them are out of service (it is a shame that the 2 in service are the nasty baby 61 plate ones that always end up on the 57/57a). I can only hope that by the time spares come available, the book value of them does not justify fixing them, and they are sent on a long overdue one way trip to Alpha.

(17 Aug 2024, 11:01 pm)solsburian wrote As you and others discussed on the GNE sister threat to this, perhaps a shortage of spare parts may explain why 5 of them are out of service (it is a shame that the 2 in service are the nasty baby 61 plate ones that always end up on the 57/57a). I can only hope that by the time spares come available, the book value of them does not justify fixing them, and they are sent on a long overdue one way trip to Alpha.

Aye hopefully so. Hopefully they can find replacements soon.

Mind I'm not sure why the baby Solos are allocated when the 434 needs them. Absolutely bonkers having them on the 57a while the 434 has a Decker and then even more stupidly the X22 has a Streetlite on a match day. 

Not for me to say what should be on what but surely there's some sense needed here...

I wonder what will happen if another one, maybe two Solos at Whitby go kaput ?

How many other Solos exist in the north east that aren't actually needed on other depots routes that cant operate with full sized vehicles? I'm sure they'd all like to get rid of them if they can.

It does seem odd that they'd have trouble sourcing parts, though, when Solos are still being manufactured. That said, it's also weird how Arriva don't just buy a small batch of new Solos or other minibuses as replacements.

(18 Aug 2024, 8:22 am)tvd wrote I wonder what will happen if another one, maybe two Solos at Whitby go kaput ? 

How many other Solos exist in the north east that aren't actually needed on other depots routes that cant operate with full sized vehicles?  I'm sure they'd all like to get rid of them if they can. 

It does seem odd that they'd have trouble sourcing parts, though, when Solos are still being manufactured.  That said, it's also weird how Arriva don't just buy a small batch of new Solos or other minibuses as replacements.

I don't know if there's a capacity restriction on the Whitby routes but there's in theory 2852/2853/2854/2859. Problem is all 4 are off the road right now and 2859 has been for months. 

Other than that, that's it pretty much. 

They badly need replaced, agreed though. I'm still interested where SLS26 - 30 are going in London as they'd be ideal for the 57/57a at Ashington. Mind not I'm the biggest fan of Streetlites but anything would be better currently.

How about the sprinters that Arriva use in Altrincham, surely they'd be available once Metroline take Wythenshawe depot? Would they be suitable at all?

(18 Aug 2024, 8:14 pm)davao123 wrote How about the sprinters that Arriva use in Altrincham, surely they'd be available once Metroline take Wythenshawe depot? Would they be suitable at all?

Can't see them coming up personally, they're too small for the 57/57A and the fact they've painted 2601/2603, I can't imagine the baby Solo's are going anywhere anytime soon and to be fair to them they're not too bad.

It's 2852/2853/2854/2859 which are the problems, in theory if they could get something to do the 57/57A then those 4 and 2870 at Redcar could be probably be used as christmas trees to keep the others going.

I want to say the 95/96 must be up for contract at Whitby again soon? Feels like awhile since the routes were changed.

I'm sure the ones in Watford which are similar age have just been withdrawn completely.

Best place to put it

Today has to be the day arriva must decide to take the solos of the 57/A as Today there isn't a single one on. With the passenger numbers as well. Think an upgrade to longer buses full time will do

(19 Aug 2024, 10:15 am)Aaron21 wrote Best place to put it

Today has to be the day arriva must decide to take the solos of the 57/A as Today there isn't a single one on. With the passenger numbers as well. Think an upgrade to longer buses full time will do

It's not a choice; 2601, 2852, 2853, 2854 and 2859 are all off the road and have been since last Wednesday now.

7572 on the 777/X16. False tracking?

Btw I had a post ready but whoever said about displacing the Solo SR's from Heckmondwike, then if I'm right, they wouldn't be able to be used at Ashington as they're too big. Believe they have 32 or 33 seats and that's above the 31 seat limit for midibuses (wages).

Might aswell just run them with Pulsars if they're sending them here.

Streetlite 1566 broken down on Appleton Road whilst on the 15, looks like it's had a leak.

Anybody know the where abouts of 7615 the old poppy bus. Hasn’t tracked since the 8th may, wonder if it’s ever gonna come back as the poppy bus for November

1458 was involved in an accident yesterday, damage to the left front n/s.

(24 Aug 2024, 10:18 pm)Storx wrote Btw I had a post ready but whoever said about displacing the Solo SR's from Heckmondwike, then if I'm right, they wouldn't be able to be used at Ashington as they're too big. Believe they have 32 or 33 seats and that's above the 31 seat limit for midibuses (wages).

Might aswell just run them with Pulsars if they're sending them here.

That was me, I realised it wouldn't work thats why I deleted it. But it just seems a waste of having 9 year old buses parked up doing nothing, as these solos are 15 plates and now considered pool fleet.

I thought pool fleet was for the oldest buses.

(31 Aug 2024, 4:16 pm)davao123 wrote That was me, I realised it wouldn't work thats why I deleted it. But it just seems a waste of having 9 year old buses parked up doing nothing, as these solos are 15 plates and now considered pool fleet.

I thought pool fleet was for the oldest buses.

can they not just remove 3 seats?  More leg room?

Bus Lad Roy1458 was involved in an accident yesterday, damage to the left front n/s.

Easy fixed that

(31 Aug 2024, 4:16 pm)davao123 wrote That was me, I realised it wouldn't work thats why I deleted it. But it just seems a waste of having 9 year old buses parked up doing nothing, as these solos are 15 plates and now considered pool fleet.

I thought pool fleet was for the oldest buses.

Aye it's bonkers. I don't know whether they've moved yet but there's 5 short 17 Plate Streetlites sitting around in London aswell which would be ideal aswell. 

Similar to the Streetdecks there that have been VOR for nearly a year now. Believe they've finally used some of them on rail replacements in Liverpool but there's definitely still some just sitting around currently. 

Bonkers really.

My friend who is a wheelchair user told me that when she was getting the 57/57a on what I presume was a Solo based on her description, the wheelchair ranp came off its hinges and caught the driver off guard Not good.

More of a Fleet Switch Suggestion but wouldn't it make sense for Stockton to Swap:

1467
1468
1469
1470
1471
1472

for Darlingtons:

1406
1408
1409
1411
1416
1417

That way Stockton has a Extra Couple of Euro 6 Vehicles for the X12 and Darlington has some more reliable 61 Plates just in case the E300's all start have major issues due to their age. I always thought it would be beneficial to both Depots. Just a thought. Also brings the older buses to Stockton / Redcar Area to make it more appealing to get a new big batch of vehicles in the future.

(06 Sep 2024, 2:22 pm)Mike_98 wrote More of a Fleet Switch Suggestion but wouldn't it make sense for Stockton to Swap:

1467
1468
1469
1470
1471
1472

for Darlingtons:

1406
1408
1409
1411
1416
1417

That way Stockton has a Extra Couple of Euro 6 Vehicles for the X12 and Darlington has some more reliable 61 Plates just in case the E300's all start have major issues due to their age. I always thought it would be beneficial to both Depots. Just a thought. Also brings the older buses to Stockton / Redcar Area to make it more appealing to get a new big batch of vehicles in the future.

 1550 .73 can do the x12 as they are E6

(06 Sep 2024, 2:25 pm)Mark66t wrote  1550 .73 can do the x12 as they are E6

Yeh but ideally, you don't want Streetlites serving the X12. They should only be used on smaller routes like the 7/8/9/. Or routes like the 17A/17B/29/62 and 63. Also when Stockton does get some new vehicles, they can dump them older buses to Redcar so they can bin some of the Bad Temsas off.

(06 Sep 2024, 2:22 pm)Mike_98 wrote More of a Fleet Switch Suggestion but wouldn't it make sense for Stockton to Swap:

1467
1468
1469
1470
1471
1472

for Darlingtons:

1406
1408
1409
1411
1416
1417

That way Stockton has a Extra Couple of Euro 6 Vehicles for the X12 and Darlington has some more reliable 61 Plates just in case the E300's all start have major issues due to their age. I always thought it would be beneficial to both Depots. Just a thought. Also brings the older buses to Stockton / Redcar Area to make it more appealing to get a new big batch of vehicles in the future.

None of those Pulsars you’ve listed at Darlington are Euro6 - indeed when Stockton had 1411 it was used on a Newcastle X12 one Saturday and that resulted in a fine.

Stockton only require 3 Euro6 vehicles Monday to Friday and 4 on Saturdays - as that’s the amount of X12 boards Stockton run to Newcastle. If the Pulsars are problematic then the Streetlites can be used.

(06 Sep 2024, 11:24 pm)Kuyoyo wrote None of those Pulsars you’ve listed at Darlington are Euro6 - indeed when Stockton had 1411 it was used on a Newcastle X12 one Saturday and that resulted in a fine.

Stockton only require 3 Euro6 vehicles Monday to Friday and 4 on Saturdays - as that’s the amount of X12 boards Stockton run to Newcastle. If the Pulsars are problematic then the Streetlites can be used.

I thought 1406, 1408, 1411 and 1416 were converted. Fair enough, never knew that.

Are we certain that Arriva ain't withdrawing 7401. I heard rumors that they were fixing it and it was going to go out in service. Also heard a rumor that it was going to Yorkshire to get a Axle Repair. It has still been sat in pieces at Redcar Depot since the time it has been out of service which is well over a year.

(11 Sep 2024, 4:59 pm)Mike_98 wrote Are we certain that Arriva ain't withdrawing 7401. I heard rumors that they were fixing it and it was going to go out in service. Also heard a rumor that it was going to Yorkshire to get a Axle Repair. It has still been sat in pieces at Redcar Depot since the time it has been out of service which is well over a year.

I know covid happened, but why did Arriva not buy new for the X93/X94 when ordering for the X14/X15/X18 (and extras for the X21/X22) and either move these to 'spare / summer' roles......or even with Euro 6 mods allocated them to something like the X20? They would've only been 7 year old and they would've only had 6 days per week on the road if kept off on Sundays given that the X20 doesn't run on Sundays.

Wonder if Arriva will be banking on PVR reductions when the 'line' opens with some 72 plate E400MMC's moving from Ashington to Whitby / Redcar.

To be fair, they haven't done too badly though for 9 year old vehicles, arguably used on a tougher route than GNE's X9/X10 when 6043-48 were allocated and only lasted 5 years before being moved onto the 10/10A/10B then the 47.

Thinking about this too......7401-06 have done almost as well as the M3** FTY Volvo Olympians, given that they did the 501/505/518 and X31/X32/X33 for almost 10 year (2001-2010/11) before being withdrawn. Before that, they only did the 602, 308 and for any that fluttered around Jesmond, the 306 & 356.

Regarding Ashington, I am guessing Arriva are waiting to see what happens with the Ashington Line (I am willing to take a punt that it won't quite live up to expectations for various reasons - principally that it is currently set up for car users).

That aside there is no doubt Arriva's new owners will need to open their wallet soon. Make no mistake, the SB200/DB300 Wright bodied busses have given excellent and long service, and aged far better than their Scania predecessors. But they are getting tired now and replacement must be on the cards.

(11 Sep 2024, 9:50 pm)solsburian wrote Regarding Ashington, I am guessing Arriva are waiting to see what happens with the Ashington Line (I am willing to take a punt that it won't quite live up to expectations for various reasons - principally that it is currently set up for car users).

That aside there is no doubt Arriva's new owners will need to open their wallet soon. Make no mistake, the SB200/DB300 Wright bodied busses have given excellent and long service, and aged far better than their Scania predecessors. But they are getting tired now and replacement must be on the cards.

To be fair, I can't see anymore cuts to Ashington bar the X21/X22 not being temporary. Even if the rail service done exceptionally well I can't see them being impacted to the stage that the X21/X22 need to be hourly as there's still all of Bedlington etc and the rest of the routes other than the X20 are miles away from the line.

Blyth, on the other hand though... But the DB300's aren't the answer to the Redcar's woes anyway.

I know the DB300's are getting on, but hopefully when the electrics come it's the 8 antique E400's and all the Pulsar's bar the 12 plates which are shipped out with the DB300's having days off which should help them out a bit. They've still got a little bit of life left imo.

Well looking at it this way if Arriva don't make changes and keep X21/X22 every 30 mins each after the line opens...

- X21/35 - 8
- X22 - 5
- X14/X15/X18 - 12
- X16 - 2
- X20 - 4

That's a total PVR of 31. So there's 31x E400MMC and 6x B9TL

Could easily allocate 7401-06 (with Euro 6 mods) onto the X16 & X20 with 6x E400MMC going the other way onto the X93. Going even further, the X16 could go single deck and doesn't even need to be run with anything heavy duty, which would again free up a few deckers for either spares or summer X93 extras.

Or going one further given that 7401-06 could be ropey given their uses.......they do easier work such as the Blyth Expresses, 43/44/45, 306/308 with 14/64 plate classic E400 going on the X14/X20

(12 Sep 2024, 3:35 pm)L469 YVK wrote Well looking at it this way if Arriva don't make changes and keep X21/X22 every 30 mins each after the line opens...

- X21/35 - 8
- X22 - 5
- X14/X15/X18 - 12
- X16 - 2
- X20 - 4

That's a total PVR of 31. So there's 31x E400MMC and 6x B9TL

Could easily allocate 7401-06 (with Euro 6 mods) onto the X16 & X20 with 6x E400MMC going the other way onto the X93. Going even further, the X16 could go single deck and doesn't even need to be run with anything heavy duty, which would again free up a few deckers for either spares or summer X93 extras.

Or going one further given that 7401-06 could be ropey given their uses.......they do easier work such as the Blyth Expresses, 43/44/45, 306/308 with 14/64 plate classic E400 going on the X14/X20

I'm not going to suggest what replaces them but personally I'd send 7401 - 7406 down to Kent or Bedfordshire to join the other batches of B9's down there. No point having a micro fleet of buses which are unreliable to boot. 

They're just a nuisance anywhere in the North East. Yorkshire have already sent their Olympus' down there. It's better to keep them together imo.

One of the Blyth DB300's hasn't had the best of days. It was surrounded by two fire engines at the first stop out of town next to the Exhibition Park subway. It was hard to tell when driving by, but the engine was open and it looked like a rear window was smashed so I assume there was a small fire.

Looking at bustimes, 7603 appears to have left the Haymarket on the X11 and got no further, so assume that's the one.