(25 Jun 2015, 6:15 pm)Tom wrote They say it's due to the connections being better. Maybe the X18 doesn't connect with trains to it's pointless having it?

There's stopping services provided around every half hour operated by Arriva CrossCountry and Virgin Trains East Coast. The loads that alight from each train is around 20 people. Northern Rail timetables advertise that "Bus Meets Train" at Alnmouth Station, and that you can explore the coast etc. "Bus Meets Train" has been going for as long as I can remember, but nothing is being done to promote the service now.

(25 Jun 2015, 6:30 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote One word to describe the works on Millburngate Bridge. Hell.

I don't see the point of a revised timetable. The bus will still manage to be two hours late.

I can completely see the point. By pumping more resources into the timetable, the buses will take longer to enter the 'late' zone.

(25 Jun 2015, 6:16 pm)mb134 wrote Sounds good, Pulsars, B7's and potentially an Omni?

Yeah and of course the 52/53 ALX300's

I think the new 43 idea is good however, the reliability of the 43 / 44 / 45 although better since they changed the working patterns in December 2013, still isn't good enough at peak times and I think Arriva will need to be careful to ensure that the reliability, particularly on the 43 doesn't plummet to the levels it was facing back between September 2012 and December 2013.

(25 Jun 2015, 9:37 am)Kuyoyo wrote Northumberland Consultation (note - best viewed on Computers/laptops)

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east/L...rthsurvey/

Mobile/Portable Device friendly: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/northchanges

PB0002717/406 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Whitby
Finish Point: Egton Show
Via:
Service Number: 193
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 26-AUG-2015
Other Details: Egton Show Shuttle

Just looked at the survey in more detail and the proposed changes for Northumberland look promising. Only concern is the reliability of the 43 but if they can get that right, then the changes could prove popular.

PB0002032/444 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Nuns Moor Park and Gosforth Middle School given service number 117 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/453 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walbottle Campus and Newburn given service number 143 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/454 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newbiggin Hall Estate and Walbottle Campus given service number 141 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/455 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Denton Road/Whickham Way and Kenton Comp School given service number 106 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/468 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Sacred Heart School Fenham and Brunton Lane Gosforth given service number 135 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/469 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Newburn and Walbottle Campus given service number 137 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/470 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Walbottle Campus and General Hospital given service number 155 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

PB0002032/479 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN:
PB0002032/480 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Scotland Head and Whickham School given service number 889 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002032/481 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN:

PB0002032/505 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Hillhead Road
Finish Point: Walbottle Campus
Via:
Service Number: 145
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002032/506 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wideopen
Finish Point: Gosforth Middle School
Via:
Service Number: 116
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002032/507 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: St Thomas More School
Finish Point: Wallsend
Via:
Service Number: 671
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002032/508 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Wideopen
Finish Point: Seaton Burn College
Via:
Service Number: 693
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002032/509 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Kingsmeadow Comp School
Finish Point: Low Fell
Via:
Service Number: 848
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-AUG-2015
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002717/211 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Darlington and Bishop Auckland given service number 5A/5 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/397 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Skerne Park and Mowden/Harrowgate Hill/Fitzwilliam Dr given service number 3/3A/3B effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

(03 Jul 2015, 4:32 pm)Michael wrote PB0002717/211 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Darlington and Bishop Auckland given service number 5A/5 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

Wonder if this change is going to be the service being rerouted through Aycliffe Ind Estate as I have noticed some new bus stops with shelters have appeared on Long Tens Way near where Hitachi is going to be, I imagine it will now run via Millennium Way, Long Tens Way and Heighington Lane? to re-join the  route at Durham Way South instead of running along St Andrews Way past Lyons Tetley.

PB0002032/479 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Thomas More RC and Low Fell given service number 843 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/481 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between St Thomas More RC and Bensham given service number 840 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/484 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Excelsior Academy and Stanhope Street given service number 104 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002717/13 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Bowburn and Durham Johnston School given service number 853/854 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002717/200 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Darlington given service number 66/X66 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002717/273 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Darlington and West Park given service number 19 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002717/289 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Stanhope and Durham given service number 46 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002717/292 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Darlington and Tow Law given service number 1/1B effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002717/340 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Willington and St Johns School given service number 807 effective from 30-Aug-2015.

Intresting looking registration on VOSA today.

PB0002717/380 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP

Variation Accepted: Operating between Peterlee and Sunderland given service number X21/X22 effective from 01-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.

Are they really upping the frequency?

The X21 never really has many passengers when I see it!

(07 Jul 2015, 3:26 pm)Tom wrote Are they really upping the frequency?

The X21 never really has many passengers when I see it!

Think the X21 has been doing a bit better recently, the journey I got into Sunderland carried 19 passengers. Another journey I had carried around 15 where the numbers would have been more but we were following a late running 22 on that occasion.

(07 Jul 2015, 3:29 pm)Jimmi wrote Think the X21 has been doing a bit better recently, the journey I got into Sunderland carried 19 passengers. Another journey I had carried around 15 where the numbers would have been more but we were following a late running 22 on that occasion.

Never been over that end recently, but the last time I went the X7 was carrying a lot more passengers.

(07 Jul 2015, 3:32 pm)Tom wrote Never been over that end recently, but the last time I went the X7 was carrying a lot more passengers.

The X7 is probably the busiest of the Sunderland - Peterlee services but I think this is in part down to it being the only GNE service between these two points and only runs hourly whereas Arriva have the 22/23 every half hour and the hourly X21 so that's 4 more buses an hour.

Not sure on the 22/23 numbers these days but I have seen some fairly busy journeys especially on the 23.

more than likely that service 22 which runs from Sunderland Interchange to Peterlee at 37 minutes past each hour might turn into a service X22 from Sunderland to Peterlee along the X21 route which in turn provide almost a 30 minute frequency with the X21 and the X22 will leave Sunderland almost the same time as GNE X7 but the X22 will be quicker to Peterlee than X7.

If thats correct cbma, it means well have a decent amount of services to Peterlee.. but in honestly who wants to go their...
Wonder if GNE will improve the X7 to every 30 mins between Sunderland - Peterlee then...

(07 Jul 2015, 4:00 pm)Michael wrote If thats correct cbma, it means well have a decent amount of services to Peterlee.. but in honestly who wants to go their...
Wonder if GNE will improve the X7 to every 30 mins between Sunderland - Peterlee then...

l live there

(07 Jul 2015, 4:05 pm)cbma06 wrote l live there

It will mean more opportunities for you to escape the place then

(07 Jul 2015, 4:05 pm)cbma06 wrote l live there

i agree with Jimmi haha

Im just waiting for GNE to come over to the darkside, sorry I meant south side of Burnhope Way, GNE were going to run a service around the Oakerside area until Arriva diverted service 22 via Peterlee and in turn doubled the frequency of there service from hourly to twice an hour, good job ive got a car and not have the misfortune of being at a bus stop waiting for a bus that never turns up, but I do get the 21/X21 to Sunderland though and not get stuck on a all stopper to Sunderland.

(07 Jul 2015, 3:38 pm)Jimmi wrote The X7 is probably the busiest of the Sunderland - Peterlee services but I think this is in part down to it being the only GNE service between these two points and only runs hourly whereas Arriva have the 22/23 every half hour and the hourly X21 so that's 4 more buses an hour.

Not sure on the 22/23 numbers these days but I have seen some fairly busy journeys especially on the 23.

X35?

(07 Jul 2015, 4:30 pm)citaro5284 wrote X35?

There is that although I am unsure what the numbers are like on the X35.

Don't think I'd want to get that from Peterlee to Sunderland mind.

sometimes I get the X35 if am bored, its too cramped and stuffy when bus is full, needs bigger buses or frequency changed to every 20 minutes. its like being on holiday if you get it from Sunderland to Hartlepool, passengers with GNE tickets do get the X35 between Sunderland Interchange and south of Peterlee.

Should use the silver citarios from service 61 onto service X35.

(07 Jul 2015, 4:32 pm)Jimmi wrote There is that although I am unsure what the numbers are like on the X35.

Don't think I'd want to get that from Peterlee to Sunderland mind.

If people wish to alight at a stop just before or just after Peterlee, which is not served by the X7 (but is via a connection), you'll find there is quite a few who do use the X35 for the Sunderland - Peterlee stretch.

I don't get to see the X21 a lot these days, though my friend did ask me if it was possible to use it to travel from Sunderland to Peterlee, as she did not feel confident getting on an empty bus, when it was in Park Lane. This was a few Saturdays ago, around mid-day.

Do think passenger numbers have increased on services 22/23 since last October, mind. All of Arriva's services combined probably have a higher number of passengers per hour, though it'd be interesting to compare profit per run.

Interested to find out what's happening, mind. Chris seems to have recently seen Arriva employees monitoring loadings regularly.

(07 Jul 2015, 5:01 pm)cbma06 wrote sometimes I get the X35 if am bored, its too cramped and stuffy when bus is full, needs bigger buses or frequency changed to every 20 minutes. its like being on holiday if you get it from Sunderland to Hartlepool, passengers with GNE tickets do get the X35 between Sunderland Interchange and south of Peterlee.

Should use the silver citarios from service 61 onto service X35.

They would look good in black, the brand would also look a lot better on the Citaro's than the Scania's.

What would you put on the 61?

(07 Jul 2015, 5:40 pm)Michael wrote They would look good in black, the brand would also look a lot better on the Citaro's than the Scania's.

What would you put on the 61?

continued on GNE suggestion thread page.

Well I'm at work til gone midnight tonight but all this guesswork is keeping me amused

(07 Jul 2015, 7:44 pm)tyresmoke wrote Well I'm at work til gone midnight tonight but all this guesswork is keeping me amused

Working at stupid o'clock puts me right off being a bus driver for a major company. At least with an independent, you can get assigned to a specific area (service, scholars, private hires etc). Thats how it works at Stanley Travel anyway. Much more appealing.

(07 Jul 2015, 8:14 pm)S813 FVK wrote Working at stupid o'clock puts me right off being a bus driver for a major company. At least with an independent, you can get assigned to a specific area (service, scholars, private hires etc). Thats how it works at Stanley Travel anyway. Much more appealing.

I recall when a Chester-le-Street driver left to work for Scarlet Band about a year ago, one that I'm acquainted with commented ''she might find it easier, but she is crazy for going for something about £2.50 less per hour!''.

Not sure how it works for other independents, but I'm guessing based on the type of work you do and your amount of service, the pay could be varied.