(17 Mar 2016, 4:57 pm)kieronmathews32 wrote

GNE had this today at the North Tourism Fair at Hexham Auction Mart, would've gone as live near Hexham but didn't see the post on Facebook until after 2pm

That's for the AD122 though, separate service.

(17 Mar 2016, 4:20 pm)thetravelman wrote Do you think GNE are likely to invest into any other bus supplier other than Wrightbus, for the foreseeable future, in terms of a full size single decker or even a double decker. 

I know they use Optare for the Solos (of which I really like the new ones) but I like the idea of a varied mixed fleet, I understand that this isn't always cost effective from a maintenance point of view or from a driver training point of view.

Wrightbus have wheel-forward Streetlites that would appear to compete with the Solos:- 

http://www.wrightbusinternational.com/da...ochure.pdf

(17 Mar 2016, 4:23 pm)Dan wrote No they didn't. It was regulated to get the bus back on-time.

Did it enter Sunderland Park Lane Interchange in service? I only ask as I saw enthusiasts turn up there when I left.

(17 Mar 2016, 5:26 pm)Jimmi wrote Did it enter Sunderland Park Lane Interchange in service? I only ask as I saw enthusiasts turn up there when I left.

It did. With 9108 on the side.

(17 Mar 2016, 5:07 pm)G-CPTN wrote Wrightbus have wheel-forward Streetlites that would appear to compete with the Solos:- 

http://www.wrightbusinternational.com/da...ochure.pdf

I think operators choose the Solo because its a proven bus, Been around since 1998 whilst the Streetlites have been around since 2010.
Early wheel forward Streetlites that went on demonstration received mixed views from operators ) some very bad, some good )
Also a 5 speed Allison with hold gears will definatly beat a Non Kickdown Voith Diwa6 on very Rural routes, Which is where most Solos work.
EDIT : and more capable.

(17 Mar 2016, 4:08 pm)Jimmi wrote The MetroCity doesn't have the leaves down the side like the Solo SR Weardale recently loaned.
Weardale Motor Services: YJ64DWD by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

Yeah. That was rather eyecatching, that.

(17 Mar 2016, 7:37 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Yeah. That was rather eyecatching, that.

The Metrocity used to, so maybe had a bump before it came to GNE?

Glad to see the 5 and 50 will have a spare branded Omnicity at Washington or is GNE adding a extra one in to the PVR for reliability?

(17 Mar 2016, 8:25 pm)Michael wrote Glad to see the 5 and 50 will have a spare branded Omnicity at Washington or is GNE adding a extra one in to the PVR for reliability?

Will the 5 and 50 be interworking?

(17 Mar 2016, 8:30 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com wrote Will the 5 and 50 be interworking?

Yes

I am getting on the 682, 683 and 74 on Saturday, what is the chance I will get one of the following:
619
9104
9105
9106

(17 Mar 2016, 8:42 pm)NK53 TKT wrote I am getting on the 682, 683 and 74 on Saturday, what is the chance I will get one of the following:
619
9104
9105
9106

You wont get on all but you may get 3 of what youve put down

(17 Mar 2016, 8:46 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com wrote You wont get on all but you may get 3 of what youve put down

Just one will do

(17 Mar 2016, 8:16 pm)citaro5284 wrote The Metrocity used to, so maybe had a bump before it came to GNE?

And it's not enhancing, but embracing, I see.

Tree hugging bus? :s

Go North East

07:49 ex Metrocentre 67 will not be operating due to a breakdown sorry for the inconvenience

Just had a ride on 3969 after being re-painted. They must of had the karscher out or something as internally it is the cleanest I've seen a vyking since they came from London

(18 Mar 2016, 9:20 am)JP6004 wrote Just had a ride on 3969 after being re-painted. They must of had the karscher out or something as internally it is the cleanest I've seen a vyking since they came from London

Yes - they're being given a good scrub and having all the hand rails etc painted again, when they're at Saltmeadows for repaint... Improving quality standards! 

20's are running in two's atm.

(18 Mar 2016, 10:04 am)Michael wrote 20's are running in two's atm.

Noticed that happening regularly.

However the diversion around Gilesgate and temp lights at Hall Lane won't be of any help.

3963 X9

(18 Mar 2016, 10:03 am)Dan wrote Yes - they're being given a good scrub and having all the hand rails etc painted again, when they're at Saltmeadows for repaint... Improving quality standards! 

It's definately a massive improvement. Job well done

Any info on which working the  20  demonstrator is on please

(18 Mar 2016, 11:27 am)Coppercap40 wrote Any info on which working the  20  demonstrator is on please

Unsure if it still is, but it was allocated to the same running board as yesterday, earlier today.

0722 20 South Shields - Durham
0910 20 Durham - South Shields
1052 20 South Shields - Durham
1232 20 Durham - South Shields
1412 20 South Shields - Durham
1559 20 Durham - South Shields
1740 20 South Shields - Sunderland

(18 Mar 2016, 11:39 am)Dan wrote Unsure if it still is, but it was allocated to the same running board as yesterday, earlier today.

0722 20 South Shields - Durham
0910 20 Durham - South Shields
1052 20 South Shields - Durham
1232 20 Durham - South Shields
1412 20 South Shields - Durham
1559 20 Durham - South Shields
1740 20 South Shields - Sunderland

Thanks Dan will give it a try this afternoon

5170 93

(18 Mar 2016, 12:04 pm)Coppercap40 wrote Thanks Dan will give it a try this afternoon

Still on schedule. Just pulled in at Durham

Hmm sure the Metrocity is avoiding me... Haha

(18 Mar 2016, 11:39 am)Dan wrote Unsure if it still is, but it was allocated to the same running board as yesterday, earlier today.

0722 20 South Shields - Durham
0910 20 Durham - South Shields
1052 20 South Shields - Durham
1232 20 Durham - South Shields
1412 20 South Shields - Durham
1559 20 Durham - South Shields
1740 20 South Shields - Sunderland

Same tomorrow?

(18 Mar 2016, 4:05 pm)DanPicken wrote Same tomorrow?

Doubt it...no 0722 from Shields on a Saturday.

3875 failed on Sheriff Hill earlier.