On the Newcastle Metro Area of the SkyscraperCity forum someone has said they've heard a rumour that the new 308 hybrids could be replaced with ex London bendy buses!

I really doubt it after they've just spent over a million on brand new buses. Then again, you never know - although I don't see why?

Were these purchased with support of the Green Bus Fund? Or solely funded by Arriva?

Supported by GBF.

A rare working yesterday ( Sunday) saw Stockton MPD 1711 go to the rescue of Redcar's loaned Dart 1771 which broke down while operating Moorsbus. 1711 covered it back from Osmotherley to Saltburn, not bad for a bus that should technically be withdrawn now 29 Pulsar 1451 is back from repair and in service (I've had it tonight!)

Ex-Darlington Ikarus 4079 has arrived at Stockton depot for spares. A photo can be seen here.

Also, with thanks to Gary Hunter posting this information on the 'North East & Regional Bus Photos' Facebook group is the arrival of two Optare Spectras at Durham depot from Arriva Yorkshire. They are their 640/1 (V640/1 EVH) and are expected to be loans to enable 7477/8 to be used on the Metro Replacement starting on Sunday.

Also, with thanks to Gary Hunter posting this information on the 'North East & Regional Bus Photos' Facebook group is the arrival of two Optare Spectras at Durham depot from Arriva Yorkshire. They are their 640/1 (V640/1 EVH) and are expected to be loans to enable 7477/8 to be used on the Metro Replacement starting on Sunday.

I think there might be a slight typo? Arriva Yorkshire '640' is V640 KVH.

Also, with thanks to Gary Hunter posting this information on the 'North East & Regional Bus Photos' Facebook group is the arrival of two Optare Spectras at Durham depot from Arriva Yorkshire. They are their 640/1 (V640/1 EVH) and are expected to be loans to enable 7477/8 to be used on the Metro Replacement starting on Sunday.

I think there might be a slight typo? Arriva Yorkshire '640' is V640 KVH.

Sorry, my bad, did actually write that down, and still made a mistake both here and elsewhere.

1213 made a unusual appearance on the 306 today - A photo can be seen here

Just heard the end of the segment on Radio Newcastle about an initiative Arriva are carrying out alongside the RNIB.

Can't find anything specifically local to the Newcastle area on the Arriva website, but it seems it is a nationwide initiative judging by this press release www.arrivabus.co.uk/stop_for_me/.
Found this though on the not very user friendly ITV mobile site www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/ (scroll to the bottom)

1213 made a unusual appearance on the 306 today - A photo can be seen here

Low floor promise for you right there!

1213 made a unusual appearance on the 306 today - A photo can be seen here

Low floor promise for you right there!

7364 also worked the 306 today! - As seen here!

Funny that there's a nice Pulsar for the telly in the Haymarket, but a coach & step entry double decker on the 306 today

7620 has had an advert placed above the windows for the new X2 ticket

7477 was used on service 7 today

1313 was used as today's bus for the 46 to Stanhope after working the 42 all day

640 and 641 in Belmont depot

On the topic of 640/1, which services are they likely to serve - or is it unknown at present?

Mind thats a tree deflector and a half! Reckon a run through Hamsterley Forest could be on the cards with that fella!
There would only be one winner and it wouldn't be the Scots Pine!

On the topic of 640/1, which services are they likely to serve - or is it unknown at present?

I'm guessing the services that currently use the tridents? - The 24, 50, 63, 64, X24?

Another, unreported, addition at Durham is Prestige 4042 from Stockton, sent northwards with an X1 working. It has in fact made it onto the X1 today, the 1305 from Middlesbrough.

1206 is now in "Driver Training" livery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerbp/9411130952/

7624 has also been transferred from Blyth to Jesmond for the upcoming Metro Replacements:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerbp/94083...otostream/

Saw Sight Seeker branding in the flesh today and I have to say I quite like it. Minus the Sight Seeker bit, the rear is impressive and it looks like thought and effort has gone into the livery design as opposed to a random graphic of a landmark (eh GNE?)

I'm not sure if 7624 will be there for Metro replacements or not, it might just have been transport for drivers there for route learning today.
Similar 7601 (and hybrid 7805) were both at Jesmond for attention on Sunday when I was there for route learning.

Liking the training livery on 1206, looking very fresh! Hopefully 1210/1/2 will look as good after attention at Thorntons!