They are 14ft 6ins, which I doubt would be considered by Arriva an ideal allocation for the 7.

Also, why would Arriva pay however many millions on these 5 E400s for the 7 and 2 for the 24 (now) and instead give them to Ashington, who's present standing in the North East Sapphire table I understand is terrible?

There's also the fact that since last year, Thorntons have branded all new Sapphire vehicles might explain why 7536/40 are at Ashington.

The 7 passenger numbers seem to have shot up since it's induction to the Sapphire brand so it would be stupid to make the vehicle allocations considerably older as I imagine a major factor of the increase of passenger numbers have been because of newer reliable buses being used on the service.

As much as they prove to be unpopular I think people are just going to have to face the 57 reg Enviro 400's on the X21/X22 as I can't see them been taken off these routes anytime soon.

They are 14ft 6ins, which I doubt would be considered by Arriva an ideal allocation for the 7.

Also, why would Arriva pay however many millions on these 5 E400s for the 7 and 2 for the 24 (now) and instead give them to Ashington, who's present standing in the North East Sapphire table I understand is terrible?

There's also the fact that since last year, Thorntons have branded all new Sapphire vehicles might explain why 7536/40 are at Ashington.

Maybe to do with the vehicles, and the reliability??

Additionally, look at every other NE Sapphire route, all launched with brand new vehicles. 

Maybe to do with the vehicles, and the reliability?? 

Well Arriva need to sort it out ASAP. Fair enough, it's not the fact that they're old vehicles or even ADL E400s for that matter, it's the fact that they've been hammered on very demanding routes (501/505/518/X93/93) bar their intended stints on the 308 and X31/X32/X33.  Can see a double deck version scenario of what GNE suffered with the Omnicities on the Angel where until a new order is placed to replace 7501-7509, they might be in a scenario where they'll have to allocate a load of cascaded ex London Deckers if any are available and that would be a disaster.

The only routes that I could see them vehicles appearing on after the X21 / X22 would be the 43/44/45 or if a capacity increase was needed, 35/35A. 

Well Arriva need to sort it out ASAP. Fair enough, it's not the fact that they're old vehicles or even ADL E400s for that matter, it's the fact that they've been hammered on very demanding routes (501/505/518/X93/93) bar their intended stints on the 308 and X31/X32/X33.  Can see a double deck version scenario of what GNE suffered with the Omnicities on the Angel where until a new order is placed to replace 7501-7509, they might be in a scenario where they'll have to allocate a load of cascaded ex London Deckers if any are available and that would be a disaster.

The only routes that I could see them vehicles appearing on after the X21 / X22 would be the 43/44/45 or if a capacity increase was needed, 35/35A. 

I agree, I think the only vehicle that could do what 7501-9 have done, and be able to cope without issue on the X21/22 would be an Olympian. Having said that, 7511/2/3 are okay, not brilliant, but better than 7501-9, and out of 7501-9 the only one I can say is still suitable would probably be 7507. 

I wonder if Arriva regret refurbishing those to Sapphire instead of 7514-21, which I still believe are better vehicles. 

I also want to make clear, that I'm not against Enviro 400's, quite the opposite, last week I sampled some of Blyth's VDL Gemini's and I'd take an Enviro over one of those any day, they were gutless

I agree, I think the only vehicle that could do what 7501-9 have done, and be able to cope without issue on the X21/22 would be an Olympian. Having said that, 7511/2/3 are okay, not brilliant, but better than 7501-9, and out of 7501-9 the only one I can say is still suitable would probably be 7507. 

I wonder if Arriva regret refurbishing those to Sapphire instead of 7514-21, which I still believe are better vehicles. 

I also want to make clear, that I'm not against Enviro 400's, quite the opposite, last week I sampled some of Blyth's VDL Gemini's and I'd take an Enviro over one of those any day, they were gutless

IMO, Sapphire should be a luxury, not having sh***y 57-reg E400 refurbished. Should be NEW buses, which the features should be standardised, unlike another brand (MAX).

MAX should be REFURBISHED buses, and specifically target the route, not the luxuries.

Coast and Castles should have been Sapphire but under the Coast and Castles brand. Just having "Explore Coast and Castles" on the side doesn't do it for me. X15/X18 should have new vehicles. Maybe the 14 too.

Just a thought I had the other day, but I really don't know Arriva would implement it, as the service has recently been launched as MAX:

As the X18 is quite a rural route, would it be beneficial to fit the vehicles used with Next Stop Announcements, especially as it will be used by tourists in the summer, who may be unsure of the area, and it will remove the need to ask the driver. Additionally, I feel it would benefit from sockets, especially on a Sunday where if people want to get from Berwick to Newcastle, it is the only option. 

What do people think? I don't know how they'd do it without branding it as Sapphire?? 

I also think that the X93 should have NSA's, as that is a similarly rural and touristy route from what I gather?

IMO, Sapphire should be a luxury, not having sh***y 57-reg E400 refurbished. Should be NEW buses, which the features should be standardised, unlike another brand (MAX).

MAX should be REFURBISHED buses, and specifically target the route, not the luxuries.

Coast and Castles should have been Sapphire but under the Coast and Castles brand. Just having "Explore Coast and Castles" on the side doesn't do it for me. X15/X18 should have new vehicles. Maybe the 14 too.

Sapphire and MAX are both designed to increase passenger numbers on their selected routes. Admittedly one is funded by Arriva UK whilst the other is a commercial decision by the North East team, the end result is expected to be the same. We've been over and over the issues that 7501-9 are facing and I don't think there is anything to gain from going over old ground. One thing I will point out though is that Ashington's Sapphire X21/X22 had one spare bus for a PVR of 15, this clearly wasn't enough and so 7518 was refurbished as an extra bus, giving a spare percentage of 13%. This is a higher spare availability than any other Sapphire route in the North East (and indeed across many regions) currently has.

As for the MAX routes - its purely designed to give an upgraded service offering on our longest inter-urban routes, and although the implementation is supposed to be level across all of the routes, there is definitely a lack of attention to detail!
The X18 getting new double deck vehicles probably tells us a lot about its position compared to the other two routes, with the coastal route between Alnwick & Berwick via Craster, Seahouses and Bamburgh pulling in huge crowds during the summer season. I understand we are having issues with loadings on the more direct X15 with the Scanias, and it will be interesting to see how this problem is fixed otherwise they may well end up being found out in the summer!

It's always possible that the current MAX routes may see future investment to boost them to Sapphire of course!...

Just a thought I had the other day, but I really don't know Arriva would implement it, as the service has recently been launched as MAX:

As the X18 is quite a rural route, would it be beneficial to fit the vehicles used with Next Stop Announcements, especially as it will be used by tourists in the summer, who may be unsure of the area, and it will remove the need to ask the driver. Additionally, I feel it would benefit from sockets, especially on a Sunday where if people want to get from Berwick to Newcastle, it is the only option. 

What do people think? I don't know how they'd do it without branding it as Sapphire?? 

I also think that the X93 should have NSA's, as that is a similarly rural and touristy route from what I gather?

X93 is rumoured to be getting NSA in the near future

Just a thought I had the other day, but I really don't know Arriva would implement it, as the service has recently been launched as MAX:

As the X18 is quite a rural route, would it be beneficial to fit the vehicles used with Next Stop Announcements, especially as it will be used by tourists in the summer, who may be unsure of the area, and it will remove the need to ask the driver. Additionally, I feel it would benefit from sockets, especially on a Sunday where if people want to get from Berwick to Newcastle, it is the only option. 

What do people think? I don't know how they'd do it without branding it as Sapphire?? 

I also think that the X93 should have NSA's, as that is a similarly rural and touristy route from what I gather?

I agree with your suggestion that the X18 should have NSA's based on the heavy tourist usage of the route. The X93 is due to get them very soon so it would make sense to implement this on the X18 too.

X93 is rumoured to be getting NSA in the near future

I think it'll help, especially as routes like the X93 and X18 (as Tyresmoke posted above), attract a lot of tourists, I seem to remember posts on here from people stuck on single deckers in the Summer which had to leave people behind?? (on the X93 anyway)

I agree with your suggestion that the X18 should have NSA's based on the heavy tourist usage of the route. The X93 is due to get them very soon so it would make sense to implement this on the X18 too.

Do you know how the X18 has performed since it's MAX launch, to justify 5 brand new buses it must have been doing alright in the first place, but on my journeys down on a Sunday I seemed to notice an increase in passenger numbers. Would be interesting if it's grown more than a certain other Ashington route   

Do you know how the X18 has performed since it's MAX launch, to justify 5 brand new buses it must have been doing alright in the first place, but on my journeys down on a Sunday I seemed to notice an increase in passenger numbers. Would be interesting if it's grown more than a certain other Ashington route   

Unfortunately I don't but I think it will be interesting to see how the X15 and X18 do in the summer season, with a more visible brand and upgraded vehicles. X18 is likely to be more seasonal than the X15 though I would have thought? The X14 would be more commuter based than touristy, though I know Rothbury does pull in some tourists just not to the same numbers as the Northumberland coast.

Can't help but feel there needs to be more working with other operators to promote connections like Spirit Buses do at Alnwick & Rothbury... even with trains at Alnmouth...

Unfortunately I don't but I think it will be interesting to see how the X15 and X18 do in the summer season, with a more visible brand and upgraded vehicles. X18 is likely to be more seasonal than the X15 though I would have thought? The X14 would be more commuter based than touristy, though I know Rothbury does pull in some tourists just not to the same numbers as the Northumberland coast.

Can't help but feel there needs to be more working with other operators to promote connections like Spirit Buses do at Alnwick & Rothbury... even with trains at Alnmouth...

Aye, I think it'll be better if they get the NSA's sorted by then as well, you need to put a word in  

I think even if they put timetables in each others vehicles it would be a start, and maybe a joint ANE/Spirit ticket? 

From my journeys there was a small tourist presence however this was in the winter on a Sunday afternoon, so it's still pretty good. Craster and Seahouses seemed to get a good amount of passengers, then after Alnwick there was always a good load

I'd like to see B8RLE's replace the Omnicities in a couple of years time, or more new Enviro's if the X15 grows. All my journeys on the X18 down were handled very well by the various vehicles I had (7513/7/20/30(?)/31(?)/32) - oh and 4653


I must ask, however, are the headrests in 7529-33 the intended MAX colour, as they look a lot better in my opinion?

Aye, I think it'll be better if they get the NSA's sorted by then as well, you need to put a word in  

I think even if they put timetables in each others vehicles it would be a start, and maybe a joint ANE/Spirit ticket? 

From my journeys there was a small tourist presence however this was in the winter on a Sunday afternoon, so it's still pretty good. Craster and Seahouses seemed to get a good amount of passengers, then after Alnwick there was always a good load

I'd like to see B8RLE's replace the Omnicities in a couple of years time, or more new Enviro's if the X15 grows. All my journeys on the X18 down were handled very well by the various vehicles I had (7513/7/20/30(?)/31(?)/32) - oh and 4653


I must ask, however, are the headrests in 7529-33 the intended MAX colour, as they look a lot better in my opinion?

I must admit I've never been on this network of routes north of Morpeth so I'm limited in my knowledge, definitely on my "to-do" list this summer though! Such a long way to go in a day from my area - that's my excuse anyway 
I'll get the train upto Berwick and come all the way down from there probably... Need to increase my knowledge of our network if I'm going to be the face of Arriva on here... lol! 

I must admit I've never been on this network of routes north of Morpeth so I'm limited in my knowledge, definitely on my "to-do" list this summer though! Such a long way to go in a day from my area - that's my excuse anyway 
I'll get the train upto Berwick and come all the way down from there probably... Need to increase my knowledge of our network if I'm going to be the face of Arriva on here... lol! 

I really would recommend getting the X18 all the way down from Berwick, especially if you get one of 7529-33!  (takes 4 hours to get back to Newcastle like  ) 

Just seen this on Flickr, the vinyls look poorly applied over the black window surrounds, think they should've painted them:

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/49804259@N03/17111015812/

(not strictly NE, but I couldn't think where else to put it, as it is still relevant, when you compare it to Sapphire vehicles in the North East) 

Do you know how the X18 has performed since it's MAX launch, to justify 5 brand new buses it must have been doing alright in the first place, but on my journeys down on a Sunday I seemed to notice an increase in passenger numbers. Would be interesting if it's grown more than a certain other Ashington route   

I have used it during the week a few times, over the winter.
Apart from running early (5mins+ at times); loads seem to be ok. From observation, it seems to be locals using it, although I did see an older couple having a picnic on it once - guessing they were visitors and the November weather put them off eating it outdoors.
The recovery time in Alnwick was painful to watch, even after I had got off to get my next bus.

Unfortunately I don't but I think it will be interesting to see how the X15 and X18 do in the summer season, with a more visible brand and upgraded vehicles. X18 is likely to be more seasonal than the X15 though I would have thought? The X14 would be more commuter based than touristy, though I know Rothbury does pull in some tourists just not to the same numbers as the Northumberland coast.

Can't help but feel there needs to be more working with other operators to promote connections like Spirit Buses do at Alnwick & Rothbury... even with trains at Alnmouth...

The timetable indicates alternatives, such as the 418, but I agree on the Alnmouth aspect.
Think I suggested elsewhere in the forum, something very similar about train integration.
Timetables are listed in the station (lacking Spirit timetables), but the lack of a regular service in the winter, doesn't benefit anyone around Alnmouth or the station, who is needing to travel north.

Why did the 35/35a not get a full StreetLite allocation? Also why did it not have a launch like the 306?

Has anyone else heard the new M-Ticket radio advert? 
Must be the most dramatic bus advert ever  

Has anyone else heard the new M-Ticket radio advert? 
Must be the most dramatic bus advert ever  

I've seen the adverts on buses. "Mobile Ticket App II" "This time it's PERSONAL".

Why can't they just say, "look were not paying millions on paper so just buy a phone and download the app".

New Enivro 400 NK15ACF is being used as a staff shuttle between Faverdale and Town today.
This is not the staff shuttle that interworks with the 7.

New Enivro 400 NK15ACF is being used as a staff shuttle between Faverdale and Town today.

There's always a temptation to take a new vehicle for a 'cabbie'.

Just because . . .

Right - here is my suggestion for buses (for the 2016 order) in the Ashington and Blyth area. As StreetLites are the main choice for single deckers I'll make the suggestion around them;

Ashington

• 9 new ADL Enviro400s for Sapphire X21/X22, displacing the worst of 7501-7509 to disposal and the better ones to transfer to another subsidy of Arriva.
  
• 4 new ADL Enviro400s to MAX specification: 35/35a/100 (35 Newbiggin - Morpeth, 35a Woodhorn - Morpeth, 100 Morpeth - Kirkley Hall - Cramlington/Blyth)
  
• 7 new Wright StreetLite WFs for MPD services, 5 MAX spec for X14/33/57A and 2 with  standard spec (57A Whitley Bay - Morpeth, 33 Morpeth and Lancaster Park, X14 Morpeth Newcastle express and 57 Whitley Bay - Ashington/North Seaton Demesne)
  

Blyth

• 5 new Wright StreetLite Micro-Hybrids, standard spec for service 1 
  (Blyth - Wansbeck Hospital/Widdrington)
• 2 new Wright StreetLite WFs for X14/33/57A, MAX spec 
  (57A Whitley Bay - Morpeth, 33 Morpeth and Lancaster Park, X14 Morpeth Newcastle express)
• 5 new Wright StreetLite Micro-Hybrids, standard spec for service 2 
  (Blyth - Morpeth Kirkhill)

OR...

• 5 new ADL Enviro200 MMCs, standard spec for service 1
  (Blyth - Wansbeck Hospital/Widdrington)
• 5 new ADL Enviro200 MMCs, standard spec for service 2
  

        (Blyth - Morpeth Kirkhill)

• 2 new ADL Enviro200 MMCs, MAX spec for X14/33/57A
  (57A Whitley Bay - Morpeth, 33 Morpeth and Lancaster Park, X14 Morpeth Newcastle express)

Key:
Sapphire:- High back e-Leather seats, free wifi, power sockets and next stop announcements
MAX:- (Original MAX spec) High back e-Leather seats and free wifi
Standard:- (Original standard spec) e-Leather seats and free wifi

New Enivro 400 NK15ACF is being used as a staff shuttle between Faverdale and Town today.
This is not the staff shuttle that interworks with the 7.

Any ideas what times the shuttle will be leaving Darlington Town Centre?

Right - here is my suggestion for buses (for the 2016 order) in the Ashington and Blyth area. As StreetLites are the main choice for single deckers I'll make the suggestion around them;

Ashington

• 9 new ADL Enviro400s for Sapphire X21/X22, displacing the worst of 7501-7509 to disposal and the better ones to transfer to another subsidy of Arriva.
  
• 4 new ADL Enviro400s to MAX specification (whatever that is now, but to include same features as 1579-1581) for routes 35/35a/100
  
• 7 new Wright StreetLite WFs for MPD services, 5 MAX spec for X14/33/57A and 2 with 1579-1581 spec
  

Blyth

• 5 new Wright StreetLite Micro-Hybrids, MAX spec for service 1 OR 1501-1505 refurbished to MAX spec for service 1
  
  
• 8 new Wright StreetLite WFs for MPD services, 2 MAX spec for X14/33/57A and 5 with 1579-1581 spec
  

If the 1 gets full size buses, then the 2 also should, the passenger numbers are very similar. 

then the 2 also should, the passenger numbers are very similar. 

Cheers, would a full size bus be able to do Curly Kews? There are some rather tight bends on that hill which might have a couple of bumps with full size buses.

Cheers, would a full size bus be able to do Curly Kews? There are some rather tight bends on that hill which might have a couple of bumps with full size buses.

I see Commanders and Pulsars on there all the time, so I'd imagine do. I'm pretty sure the Ikarus' used to frequently do the 2 as well. 

I see Commanders and Pulsars on there all the time, so I'd imagine do. I'm pretty sure the Ikarus' used to frequently do the 2 as well. 

Updated it now. Also it's easier to read and includes the original features.

MAX spec is only for Interurban express services.

MAX spec is only for Interurban express services.

I'll change the 1 to standard spec