(21 Nov 2014, 7:33 pm)passenger_10 wrote They only operate 2 services a day to / from the station which look like they're timed for commuters or day trippers to / from Newcastle rather than people who'd arrive at the station, then think about which bus to catch. I presume their services were on the timetable in the bus shelter?

Sorry, missed this at the time.

I have no idea what the timetables at the stops were like, as I didn't get the bus for the next stage of my journey.
They may have been on there - guessing NCC will have updated accordingly.

The point I was trying to get at, was that the X15 had its times displayed in the station waiting room and there were timetable booklets for the X15/X18 etc.
There was nothing relating to Spirit - which seems short-sighted.
Whether the service is aimed at commuters, visitors, tourists or anyone else - seeing the Spirit timetables would make people aware of the service.

He has had some recent publicity, but prior to that - very little, apart from in the industry press.
The majority of people using Alnmouth Station, will not read the industry press and will have been unaware of the service, unless they stumble across it by accident.

If they see a timetable, leaflets etc, then they become aware of Spirit and don't have to time their trips specifically around the X15.

Those passengers, on top of regulars make the service even more of a success.

(08 Jan 2015, 9:18 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote I enjoyed my journey on the Spirit Buses #15 on Saturday and I am already planning a return visit to try a few routes on a day ticket.
As I waited for Spirit Buses I noticed the prevoius buses in Alnwick were covered in road dirt (2 Travelsure & 3 Arriva). Spirit Bus 202 turned up on time for my 14:10 journey and it was sparkling clean too I guess the driver must have called at a jet wash.
The bus departed with 14 onboard within that number there was 1 OAP, 1 child under 5 and 2 teenagers. 4 people got off the bus at two locations between Alnwick and Rothbury with no new passengers boarding on that section. At Rothbury I got off the bus along with the OAP and one adult. The remainder of the passengers stayed on the bus to depart on the next run which was a #16 Couquetdale circular. 
I was impressed with the journey with excellent views of the Cheviots on the Alnwick to Edlingham section. There was a nice view into Cragside which is best seen from the rear most nearside seats.
The steep up and down hill sections of the route were interesting and I was surprised that the Dart managed with ease. The bus did appear to be very well maintained and the driver was good so that no doubt contributed to the way the bus managed to cope. The Caetano body is good you don't sem to get the rattles that come with the Plaxton versions that I am used to.
The driver was really nice and welcomed everyone on board in a friendly manner even helping the elderly lady get her shopping trolley on and off the bus.
The price of my journey was £4 for an adult single covering Alnwick Bus Station to Rothbury Queens Head. 

Good, pleased it went well.

I have thought about going up myself when it is warmer.

Glad to see it carrying a decent number of passengers too.

(08 Jan 2015, 10:41 am)ArrivaNE_7522 wrote So, does that mean Explorer tickets aren't accepted on Spirit Buses?

From what I remember, no they aint accepted.

It is a shame, but the day tickets are decent value.