since Consett Solos are branded for Venture (from the bought company years ago), It would of looked better if the peterlee solos were in the same base colour with OK Way (Since OK was a presence in Peterlee for years before been bought out by GNE) on the side or even got called East Durham Links with the branding covering the Solos with images of the old Pitts in seaham, murton and easington collierys etc.. at the rear and sides instead of this ridiculous branding of Indigo which has no reflection what so ever down here.

The "Venture" brand name does refer to the company's acquisition in years gone by, but there's very little resemblance to the old buses. The colour of the buses is all that remains - the brand logo and identity have been modernised and brought into modern day, arguably appealing to the younger generation rather than the older generation (of whom may remember The Venture Transport Company).

It's clear that you're neither a fan of the colour of the buses nor the brand name itself, but I'd suggest that the colour is perfect. Arriva has invested massively into its services operating in the Peterlee area in the last twelve months, while Go North East has continued to allocate 10+ year old vehicles to its services within the Peterlee area despite being the principal operator in the area. I'd suggest that reliability of the services under MPD operation has perhaps dwindled in recent years, which could have led to customers finding alternative means of transport to their destination (whether that be by car or on a competing service operated by Arriva). If Go North East wanted to attract attention to their buses to claw back customers - what better way to do it than to paint them pink?! You can hardly miss them, and I doubt anyone will dispute that...

Operators have to look forward to the future. Painting up buses in heritage liveries is great for us enthusiasts, and even perhaps the older generation of customers who can remember what these names refer to, but operators need to concentrate on attracting the attention of the younger generation. After all, they are the ones who could provide custom for many years to come.

The "Venture" brand name does refer to the company's acquisition in years gone by, but there's very little resemblance to the old buses. The colour of the buses is all that remains - the brand logo and identity have been modernised and brought into modern day, arguably appealing to the younger generation rather than the older generation (of whom may remember The Venture Transport Company).

It's clear that you're neither a fan of the colour of the buses nor the brand name itself, but I'd suggest that the colour is perfect. Arriva has invested massively into its services operating in the Peterlee area in the last twelve months, while Go North East has continued to allocate 10+ year old vehicles to its services within the Peterlee area despite being the principal operator in the area. I'd suggest that reliability of the services under MPD operation has perhaps dwindled in recent years, which could have led to customers finding alternative means of transport to their destination (whether that be by car or on a competing service operated by Arriva). If Go North East wanted to attract attention to their buses to claw back customers - what better way to do it than to paint them pink?!

Operators have to look forward to the future. Painting up buses in heritage liveries is great for us enthusiasts, and even perhaps the older generation of customers who can remember what these names refer to, but operators need to concentrate on attracting the attention of the younger generation. After all, they are the ones who could provide custom for many years to come.

I have to agree, why does enthusiasts always want old liveries back, to me it won't work, Dan has already gave that reason.

I have to agree, why does enthusiasts always want old liveries back, to me it won't work, Dan has already gave that reason.

I think it's just memories. Whenever buses gets brought into a conversation with her, my grandma always brings up OK Motor Services and how she used to wait specifically for their service over the Northern service.

The "Venture" brand name does refer to the company's acquisition in years gone by, but there's very little resemblance to the old buses. The colour of the buses is all that remains - the brand logo and identity have been modernised and brought into modern day, arguably appealing to the younger generation rather than the older generation (of whom may remember The Venture Transport Company).

It's clear that you're neither a fan of the colour of the buses nor the brand name itself, but I'd suggest that the colour is perfect. Arriva has invested massively into its services operating in the Peterlee area in the last twelve months, while Go North East has continued to allocate 10+ year old vehicles to its services within the Peterlee area despite being the principal operator in the area. I'd suggest that reliability of the services under MPD operation has perhaps dwindled in recent years, which could have led to customers finding alternative means of transport to their destination (whether that be by car or on a competing service operated by Arriva). If Go North East wanted to attract attention to their buses to claw back customers - what better way to do it than to paint them pink?! You can hardly miss them, and I doubt anyone will dispute that...

Operators have to look forward to the future. Painting up buses in heritage liveries is great for us enthusiasts, and even perhaps the older generation of customers who can remember what these names refer to, but operators need to concentrate on attracting the attention of the younger generation. After all, they are the ones who could provide custom for many years to come.

There could of done that down Peterlee as the Ok Way is what GNE started and not the original OK TRAVEL or OK Motor Services

There could of done that down Peterlee as the Ok Way is what GNE started and not the original OK TRAVEL or OK Motor Services

The OK Way mainly referrs to the Bishop Auckland area rather than Peterlee?

All of the debate about colours, names, seat material types, WiFi and plug sockets (regardless of operator) - yet I wonder what the focus groups say?

Basic stuff.
It's not as if the operators would be so determined to make these decisions and spend all this money launching a new brand (with or without added extras), without speaking with the people who use them is it?

Arriva has invested massively into its services operating in the Peterlee area in the last twelve months, while Go North East has continued to allocate 10+ year old vehicles to its services within the Peterlee area despite being the principal operator in the area. I'd suggest that reliability of the services under MPD operation has perhaps dwindled in recent years, which could have led to customers finding alternative means of transport to their destination (whether that be by car or on a competing service operated by Arriva). If Go North East wanted to attract attention to their buses to claw back customers - what better way to do it than to paint them pink?! You can hardly miss them, and I doubt anyone will dispute that...

I agree with what you've said that Arrivas upgrades of the 22/23/24 and the newer bigger buses on 21/X21, certianly meant a GNE Upgrade was needed.
However, for this reason I was surprised when the buses don't have wifi or plug sockets- this could mean they are similar standards for both operators. 
Not that I personally care, Wifi and Sockets, don't make me use a service just thought with Arriva offering it that GNE would of wanted to offer it also.

Bringing it on yourself again, Bazza.

was i heck one thing i do not like Solo's a cheap version to a MPD i was only saying Kenco may be the first as thats his favourite bus i wasn't blasting him on the forum i was saying he will get loads of canny shots so don't assume i was taking the mick when i wasn't

was i heck one thing i do not like Solo's a cheap version to a MPD i was only saying Kenco may be the first as thats his favourite bus i wasn't blasting him on the forum i was saying he will get loads of canny shots so don't assume i was taking the mick when i wasn't

Oh here we go...

All I was doing was offering you a bit of help. Just stop mentioning him and it will make both of your lives easier.

Oh here we go...

All I was doing was offering you a bit of help. Just stop mentioning him and it will make both of your lives easier.

i will stop mentioning

Oh here we go...

All I was doing was offering you a bit of help. Just stop mentioning him and it will make both of your lives easier.

Love is in the air do do do do.

It must be time for Shaws Coaches blue/cream to make a come back then

When the Sunderland Connect are due for repaint next year, will the Sunderland Uni/Nexus decide when to repaint them, i would imagine 640 will be painted to so all 4 are done together despite the year difference.

As it looks like GNE have retained the contract for it.

First time I've been on a Pronto President (6041) in a long time and riding it makes me think why I normally get the X12 to Newcastle instead, on this particular example the seats where I am sat despite being incredibly padded all I can feel is metal and it is making my legs hurt and the bus looks a total state.

Hope to dear God they are getting replaced soon.

First time I've been on a Pronto President (6041) in a long time and riding it makes me think why I normally get the X12 to Newcastle instead, on this particular example the seats where I am sat despite being incredibly padded all I can feel is metal and it is making my legs hurt and the bus looks a total state.

Hope to dear God they are getting replaced soon.

#Redarrows
#6001-6007
#HastagsonNEB

Can't find where the discussion about stand changes in Gateshead Interchange is so I'll post it here and MODS feel free to move.

Was waiting for the 93 to head up to Saltmeadow's and the Q1 pulled onto stand A and then seconds after the 93 came round late and was unable to get on the stand so it just stopped in the middle of the road and loaded blocking the road in the process meaning that the X31 couldn't get past so just had to sit there, if anything else came in it would have stopped any buses trying to get in this way.

Can't find where the discussion about stand changes in Gateshead Interchange is so I'll post it here and MODS feel free to move.

Was waiting for the 93 to head up to Saltmeadow's and the Q1 pulled onto stand A and then seconds after the 93 came round late and was unable to get on the stand so it just stopped in the middle of the road and loaded blocking the road in the process meaning that the X31 couldn't get past so just had to sit there, if anything else came in it would have stopped any buses trying to get in this way.

Spooky. Just been nebbing at an old photo of Gateshead Interchange.
It was set up (if I remember correctly), in numerical order.
So Durham Road 2x series was stand A (I was gutted when it got moved around and ended up on E).

https://twitter.com/turnipheadpic/status...5876313088

Bravo to the driver on the 1230 X9 to Middlesbrough who has just driven through two sets of red lights!

Also had another driver do it on the X22 the other week.

Thank you for endangering the lives of your passengers and pedestrians.

just seen this on the GNE Facebook page:

Question! its to vague to answer anything. I and others would like to know what services we would be left with.


Go North East Have you started the survey and read the questions as all of the proposed changes are in the questions.

Sorry but that's a shit reply... shes asking for more in-depth information, not a shitty reply like that

First time I've been on a Pronto President (6041) in a long time and riding it makes me think why I normally get the X12 to Newcastle instead, on this particular example the seats where I am sat despite being incredibly padded all I can feel is metal and it is making my legs hurt and the bus looks a total state.

Hope to dear God they are getting replaced soon.

The last one I caught broke down - was already limping by the time it reached Durham, then trundled down the A167 before being swapped out at Chester le Street.

I hate having to take a window seat upstairs, when it's full. The curve between the wall and floor gives me nowhere to put my feet flat and I end up limping by the time I get off (I have joint problems, so rate comfort pretty highly!)

Spooky. Just been nebbing at an old photo of Gateshead Interchange.
It was set up (if I remember correctly), in numerical order.
So Durham Road 2x series was stand A (I was gutted when it got moved around and ended up on E).

https://twitter.com/turnipheadpic/status...5876313088

Wow! Is that before the monstrosity that was Safeway even got built? (I didn't move up to the NE until the late 80s and it was already there when I first lived in Gateshead, in '89)

#Redarrows
#6001-6007
#HastagsonNEB

It would genuinely make more sense to buy new ones for the Red Arrows. Would not only offer an ugrade to the Red Arrows and Pronto, it would mean that for example, the TEN could have 14 fully branded and specd B9's with 6049 acting as a backup for the TTX and 6050 / 6051 acting as backups for the TEN and Red Kite.

It would genuinely make more sense to buy new ones for the Red Arrows. Would not only offer an ugrade to the Red Arrows and Pronto, it would mean that for example, the TEN could have 14 fully branded and specd B9's with 6049 acting as a backup for the TTX and 6050 / 6051 acting as backups for the TEN and Red Kite.

Yes, but that statement has being said way to many times........

I don't think we'll see new buses on the red arrows and i think Citaro also said "No" to that to.

Anyone know if there definitely still is an IndiGo Solo at Peterlee?

Spooky. Just been nebbing at an old photo of Gateshead Interchange.
It was set up (if I remember correctly), in numerical order.
So Durham Road 2x series was stand A (I was gutted when it got moved around and ended up on E).

https://twitter.com/turnipheadpic/status...5876313088

Notice that is one of their tweets that I've retweeted.

Always enjoying seeing their uploads, there's always something fascinating there.

It would genuinely make more sense to buy new ones for the Red Arrows. Would not only offer an ugrade to the Red Arrows and Pronto, it would mean that for example, the TEN could have 14 fully branded and specd B9's with 6049 acting as a backup for the TTX and 6050 / 6051 acting as backups for the TEN and Red Kite.

Eventhough i think that what you suggest won't happen in a million years, i think if i was to go down your route i would possibly do the following:
6001-6007 as you say to Pronto (although i am against the older batch going)
6049 to Corporate livery acting alongside 6084 by being a spare for the TEN, TTX, Red Kite and other services
6050 into Corporate livery and to Crook to act as a spare vehicle for Pronto
6051 into TEN livery to make 14 fully branded vehicles.

The Red Arrows B9s can stay where they are though. There is nowt wrong with them and the Pronto is much more deserving of new buses than the X1.

It would genuinely make more sense to buy new ones for the Red Arrows. Would not only offer an ugrade to the Red Arrows and Pronto, it would mean that for example, the TEN could have 14 fully branded and specd B9's with 6049 acting as a backup for the TTX and 6050 / 6051 acting as backups for the TEN and Red Kite.

Not this old chestnut again. 

I don't think we'll see new buses on the red arrows and i think Citaro also said "No" to that to.

Yeah but what does Citaro know...

Eventhough i think that what you suggest won't happen in a million years, i think if i was to go down your route i would possibly do the following:
6001-6007 as you say to Pronto (although i am against the older batch going)
6049 to Corporate livery acting alongside 6084 by being a spare for the TEN, TTX, Red Kite and other B9 services
6050 into Corporate livery and to Crook to act as a spare vehicle for Pronto
6051 into TEN livery to make 14 fully branded vehicles.

The whole point is that 6084 becomes a permanant vehicle on the TEN. This is what could happen:

- 6001 to 6007 to Crook alongside 3943 as a spare.

- 6049(T) to Riverside as a TTX spare. Can be used on TEN if not needed.

- 6050 to Riverside as a TEN / Red Kite spare.

- 6051 to Hexham as a TEN spare.

- 6052 / 6053 to Percy Main as Cobalt spares. Alongside 6117, these can be used in the afternoons if available.

- 6054 / 6055 to Chester, fitted with GKN tech and become part of the Angel PVR.

- 6084 (T) becomes a permanant fixture on the TEN and branded up.

- 3962 / 3965 become dedicated spares for the Angel.

- 3941, 3942, 3963, 3964 go to Percy Main for DFDS work repacing 2x non DDA compiant Lolynes and the Presidents can be used elsewhere.

Wow! Is that before the monstrosity that was Safeway even got built? (I didn't move up to the NE until the late 80s and it was already there when I first lived in Gateshead, in '89)

None of the shops that are in the Interchange Centre now - are in the photo. It is all just rubble.
I reckon the shops were built in the mid-80's. So only a few years after that photo was taken and not long before you came to Gateshead.

Note the walkway under Wilkinsons (what was Presto/Safeway), into the metro station, is open to the elements too.

Notice that is one of their tweets that I've retweeted.

Always enjoying seeing their uploads, there's always something fascinating there.

I love having a look at the page and have mentioned it a few times. I never noticed who retweeted the pics though.