(17 Jun 2015, 10:27 pm)Jimmi wrote Renown's would probably be too big for Spirit Buses I would have thought.

Not really sure what else they could get that is small but reliable enough, I can only really think of Solos, MPDs or Enviro 200s although the last one would probably be too new and expensive.

Aye I suppose, but would a Solo be big enough, definitely smaller than what they have at the moment? 

(18 Jun 2015, 4:14 am)tyresmoke wrote B10BLEs are quite expensive to run as they drink fuel too

Ahh okay, think they need something bigger than a Solo or MPD though, they look far smaller than what they currently have. 

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(18 Jun 2015, 4:21 am)Davie wrote What about the Streetlite Gateshead Central Taxis have/had, surely that would be affordable?

Would imagine that would be too expensive, as they'd need two? 

(18 Jun 2015, 7:08 am)Tommy_1581 wrote Driver familiarisation. They'd have to have someone from Wright or something to train them on the vehicle.

actually it wouldnt take long to train the staff on the buses because on of the drivers used to work for arriva and he drove renowns a lot because v504 dft was on the x15 quite a lot

(18 Jun 2015, 8:22 am)buss14 wrote actually it wouldnt take long to train the staff on the buses because on of the drivers used to work for arriva and he drove renowns a lot because v504 dft was on the x15 quite a lot

They would still need to train drivers on how to change the silly gears and that, I've rode StreetLites with some of the older drivers and trust me, everytime that I went around the Pegswood roundabout I'd  always get jolted forward along with everyone else due to the drivers having no training.

All buses are automatic now and much the same; a competent driver could drive anything. You just need to know where master switch is, how to open engine cover to check oil and water, position of light switches etc. which doesn't really need training as you can find out for yourself within a couple of minutes. Often the most difficult thing is finding how the heating works. However it does take time and effort to master the crash gearbox of old buses (50's and earlier) - I've tried on a preserved vehicle and it's bloody difficult - but once semi-automatics came in, easy peasy.

(18 Jun 2015, 8:07 am)mb134 wrote Aye I suppose, but would a Solo be big enough, definitely smaller than what they have at the moment? 

Solos and MPD's are smaller than what they have at the moment but they may not actually need a bus that has the seating capacity that they currently have. Not seen what the numbers are like on their services but they would probably be big enough for them.

You can get Solos that can seat around 33 passengers dependent on the layout of the seats etc. rather than the usual of around 28.

(18 Jun 2015, 9:27 am)Jimmi wrote Solos and MPD's are smaller than what they have at the moment but they may not actually need a bus that has the seating capacity that they currently have. Not seen what the numbers are like on their services but they would probably be big enough for them.

You can get Solos that can seat around 33 passengers dependent on the layout of the seats etc. rather than the usual of around 28.

I've seen photos on Facebook (on their page) of full bus loads, and I imagine this will be a frequent occurance due to the nature of certain routes, looking at the amount of people that use them for group walks etc.

Just wondering, but if they showed how well they have done over the past year, would they be able to apply for a grant of some sort to get a much newer vehicle?

From their website

COMING SOON! Guided Commentary...
In partnership with Northumberland National Park we will shortly be launching recorded and live commentary on some of our services - follow us for updates!

(18 Jun 2015, 12:45 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote From their website

COMING SOON! Guided Commentary...
In partnership with Northumberland National Park we will shortly be launching recorded and live commentary on some of our services - follow us for updates!

How embarrassing will it be for Arriva if a small independent like Spirit (no offence intended there by the way) manage to get theirs working perfectly, and Arriva's are still not working... 

(18 Jun 2015, 9:27 am)Jimmi wrote Solos and MPD's are smaller than what they have at the moment but they may not actually need a bus that has the seating capacity that they currently have. Not seen what the numbers are like on their services but they would probably be big enough for them.

You can get Solos that can seat around 33 passengers dependent on the layout of the seats etc. rather than the usual of around 28.

wouldnt it be more easier to put a vehicle like a vw bluebird on and atleast they are reliable.

(18 Jun 2015, 6:36 pm)buss14 wrote wouldnt it be more easier to put a vehicle like a vw bluebird on and atleast they are reliable.

Eh?

We've just mentioned loadings????

(18 Jun 2015, 6:56 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote Eh?

We've just mentioned loadings????

yes i know but previous posts have mentioned the buses they have already are big enough then i suggested why not use a vw bluebird minibus?

You cannot get 33 passengers onto a VW Bluebird, well least not in a comfortable way.

(18 Jun 2015, 7:05 pm)buss14 wrote yes i know but previous posts have mentioned the buses they have already are big enough then i suggested why not use a vw bluebird minibus?

The passenger seating levels on a Volkswagen Bluebird is B20F. I'm not sure on standing levels but I'll guess that's about 2 or 3 people from the last time that I was on a Bluebird.

From the loadings on Spirit Buses' Facebook photos, that's about 35-40 people. Double the capacity of a Bluebird.

On services like Spirit, leaving people behind is not an option due to the very limited frequency of around two journeys a day on routes other than the 15.

Using a Bluebird on a bus service like this is like a taxi company turning up to a supermarket with a Smart Fortwo. It's ridiculous and it's ain't going to happen.

(19 Jun 2015, 10:32 am)Tommy_1581 wrote The passenger seating levels on a Volkswagen Bluebird is B20F. I'm not sure on standing levels but I'll guess that's about 2 or 3 people from the last time that I was on a Bluebird.

From the loadings on Spirit Buses' Facebook photos, that's about 35-40 people. Double the capacity of a Bluebird.

On services like Spirit, leaving people behind is not an option due to the very limited frequency of around two journeys a day on routes other than the 15.

Using a Bluebird on a bus service like this is like a taxi company turning up to a supermarket with a Smart Fortwo. It's ridiculous and it's ain't going to happen.

It would if it was Arriva.

(19 Jun 2015, 10:45 am)Cock Robin wrote It would if it was Arriva.

Arriva won't buy VW Bluebirds. 

(19 Jun 2015, 11:03 am)Tommy_1581 wrote Arriva won't buy VW Bluebirds. 

the only reason why arriva dont buy them is because they dont have a route suitable because arriva's routes are quite a distances but for spirit buses they have long routes but little usage sometimes.

just to tell you spirit bus had an offer to take over a howard snaith route but they had to do the sensible thing and back out because of their limitation of vehicles. it is a shame as they could of made a little bit more money

(01 Jul 2015, 11:38 am)buss14 wrote just to tell you spirit bus had an offer to take over a howard snaith route but they had to do the sensible thing and back out because of their limitation of vehicles. it is a shame as they could of made a little bit more money

When you are a small operator (like Spirit), increasing your fleet (and staff) can be a considerable overhead.
Snaith started small, but has grown to the extent that adding a route (and, redeploying or acquiring a vehicle) is less of a strain on resources.

As I have mentioned elsewhere, there is an opportunity for an operator to take over the Snaith business, but it requires investment (in vehicles, staff, and depots).

I wouldn't get too excited, G-CPTN - buss14 tends to post rubbish of all kinds all over this forum. Also today (apparently) GNE is to run a bus in Morpeth starting on Thursday 22 October. Last month he said someone told him a bus caught fire on the Tyne Bridge; and that Arriva would be acquiring Snaiths E200s...

(01 Jul 2015, 1:51 pm)eezypeazy wrote I wouldn't get too excited, G-CPTN - buss14 tends to post rubbish of all kinds all over this forum. Also today (apparently) GNE is to run a bus in Morpeth starting on Thursday 22 October. Last month he said someone told him a bus caught fire on the Tyne Bridge; and that Arriva would be acquiring Snaiths E200s...

thanks for that but this was true because i know the driver who used to work for arriva and i usually talk to him quite often as i get the bus to coquetdale so my source of info are true and i do know what i am talking about plus you have never met me so how do you know if i am lying.

not being agressive just a bit shocked

(01 Jul 2015, 4:16 pm)buss14 wrote thanks for that but this was true because i know the driver who used to work for arriva and i usually talk to him quite often as i get the bus to coquetdale so my source of info are true and i do know what i am talking about plus you have never met me so how do you know if i am lying.

not being agressive just a bit shocked

his just a something i would like t ask do you have any backup info of the things you put on this forum because if you dont you have no acception to say i put rubbish on here when probably do the same or alter some of the info

And there haven't been any of those since last week!

If Spirit are going to expand, I think that the changes to the X18 around Alnmouth, Lesbury and Longhoughton are perfect for them.

There was discussion around the routing of the X18, before the latest revisions - with the indirect route between Longhoughton and Alnmouth Station brought up.
If Spirit can get an extension and link it into train arrivals/departures (particularly during peaks or when two trains are at the station together) - ensuring the link is more reliable, direct and quicker than going via Alnwick - they could be on to a winner.

(02 Jul 2015, 8:18 am)Andreos1 wrote And there haven't been any of those since last week!

If Spirit are going to expand, I think that the changes to the X18 around Alnmouth, Lesbury and Longhoughton are perfect for them.

There was discussion around the routing of the X18, before the latest revisions - with the indirect route between Longhoughton and Alnmouth Station brought up.
If Spirit can get an extension and link it into train arrivals/departures (particularly during peaks or when two trains are at the station together) - ensuring the link is more reliable, direct and quicker than going via Alnwick - they could be on to a winner.

i never mentioned anything about expanding.

I was out and about on Saturday and spotted E200 MX14 FUG in unbranded plain white on the 15 between Alnwick and Edlingham.

(13 Jul 2015, 6:13 pm)passenger_10 wrote I was out and about on Saturday and spotted E200 MX14 FUG in unbranded plain white on the 15 between Alnwick and Edlingham.

I wonder why Ace Travel got rid of a vehicle that they got new in 2014 to serve a new contract?

Edited to add:- http://www.thenorthwestbusblog.co.uk/201...ading.html

Is the E200 just at Spirit on trial, or have they bought it?

(13 Jul 2015, 6:21 pm)G-CPTN wrote I wonder why Ace Travel got rid of a vehicle that they got new in 2014 to serve a new contract?

Edited to add:- http://www.thenorthwestbusblog.co.uk/201...ading.html

Sister of the one now with Stagecarriage (FUH).

2. PB1129385/1 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Opposite Three Wheat Heads Pub and Alnmouth Rail Station given service number 15 effective from 19-Sep-2015.
     
   [color][size][font]
   
3. PB1129385/2 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   [/font][/size][/color]
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newsagents, Rothbury and Queens Head Pub, Rothbury given service number 16 effective from 19-Sep-2015.
     
   [color][size][font]
   
4. PB1129385/3 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   [/font][/size][/color]
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newsagents, Rothbury and Bird in the Bush, Elsdon given service number 17 effective from 16-Sep-2015.
     
   [color][size][font]
   
5. PB1129385/4 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   [/font][/size][/color]
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newsagents, Rothbury and Wallington Hall Coach Park given service number 18 effective from 18-Sep-2015.
     
   [color][size][font]
   
6. PB1129385/5 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   [/font][/size][/color]
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Opposite Three Wheat Heads Pub and Morpeth Bus Station given service number 14S effective from 18-Sep-2015
     

(24 Jul 2015, 9:54 pm)park5354 wrote

1. PB1129385/1 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Opposite Three Wheat Heads Pub and Alnmouth Rail Station given service number 15 effective from 19-Sep-2015.
     
   
   
2. PB1129385/2 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newsagents, Rothbury and Queens Head Pub, Rothbury given service number 16 effective from 19-Sep-2015.
     
   
   
   
3. PB1129385/3 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newsagents, Rothbury and Bird in the Bush, Elsdon given service number 17 effective from 16-Sep-2015.
     
   
   
   
   
4. PB1129385/4 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newsagents, Rothbury and Wallington Hall Coach Park given service number 18 effective from 18-Sep-2015.
     
   
   
   
   
   
5. PB1129385/5 - SPIRIT BUSES LTD, UNIT, UNIT 3B, ROTHBURY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ROTHBURY, MORPETH, NE65 7RZ
   • Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Opposite Three Wheat Heads Pub and Morpeth Bus Station given service number 14S effective from 18-Sep-2015
     

 Shame they losing all the work

(24 Jul 2015, 10:27 pm)jaimzm wrote  Shame they losing all the work

It's a commercial operation too, such a shame it didn't work out.