(02 Sep 2013, 11:07 pm)ADLEnviro wrote Just to add a bit more to the story........They were sold to an American company, the name of I just cant remember, when still stored at Stagecoach Walkergate depot, on the run up to the Olympics Walkergate needed the space for storing vehicles that would be prepped to go to London. The company was told that they would need to remove the vehicles asap. Alpha then towed them to there yard and basically the company never paid for the storage of the vehicles, they is a court case going on so I cant say anymore.

EDIT just for the record the purchase price of these vehicles cost £5,000 a week spread over the 5 years of the contract, not including the running costs. Total waste of money by Nexus.

Is the reason they were no use for other services that front entrance was too narrow for wheelchairs, necessitating the use of the middle doors, which stops weren't equipped for? I seem to remember that being debated when they were briefly used on the 18, though it seems bonkers to have scrapped 04/05 plates when we still have R-regs in regular service!

(03 Sep 2013, 3:01 am)ADLEnviro wrote The real reason was they were to unreliable, fuel economy was crap and the formica interiors started falling apart. Towards the end of there QuayLink lives with the 3 darts a PVR of 8 out of 13 was impossible. Only real use on the 18s was to try and get some use out of them to save face so to speak. The turbines were the main problem, although the one that was fitted with an engine, 61005 of the top of my head, wasn't any better, engine wasn't big enough to charge the batteries and the hole wasn't big enough to put a bigger engine in.

When Stagecoach ran the QuayLink services, I can remember regularly seeing the Designlines on fire or with smoke pouring from the back. Didn't they have to borrow a 'Hadrian's Wall' Solo from Classic?

Slaytford's 19163 made it onto the 1 today - a service which I believe is operated by Walkergate?
Unless this is a transfer, I'm not too sure why it happened... Anyone have any ideas? :p

(04 Sep 2013, 2:18 am)ADLEnviro wrote Transfers

19163. 19193, 19195 to Walkergate
22346, 22347, 22348 to Slatyford

22346, 19193 swap to take place before the end of the week.

In theory should see X63 100% DD operation.

Thanks, ADL. Gives me something to write about for Stagecoach NE in the fleet news this Sunday

The Sunderland Stockton/Burdon Rd diversion has now ended. Buses now serve Holmeside once more, for the first time from today.

(04 Sep 2013, 5:28 am)Daniel wrote The Sunderland Stockton/Burdon Rd diversion has now ended. Buses now serve Holmeside once more, for the first time from today.

Indeed, but come 14.30pm when I waiting the 2C home, they were back on the diversion.

(04 Sep 2013, 2:53 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote Indeed, but come 14.30pm when I waiting the 2C home, they were back on the diversion.

As are all buses. Even noticed a few ALX300s taking the diversionary route in the opposite direction today too.
Roadworks are still at the bottom but the bus stops have had their signs replaced. The familiar temporary bus stops have been revoked.

(04 Sep 2013, 2:18 am)ADLEnviro wrote Transfers

19163. 19193, 19195 to Walkergate
22346, 22347, 22348 to Slatyford

22346, 19193 swap to take place before the end of the week.

In theory should see X63 100% DD operation.

Do 21153/55/57 still see regular use at Walkergate?

Yes they do. I would have thought it was more likely these 3 E400s would replace the 3 diagrams on service 22 that are unofficially always single deck operated if I'm honest.

Sunderland's Reserve ALX200 33484 is out on 20s. Left town about 5 mins ago.

Stockton have Olympian 16839 on the 36 today...
Also Walkergates 21153 is on the 22 today.

22082 is currently getting ready to get towed back to wheatchef.. currently at southwick...
Now at wheatchef traffic lights

Been a while since I've seen 10000 but she's at Monument now on the 63. Has she ever moved off 62/63s or has she been on there and I've just turned a blind eye? :p

Yes been on 38 and X63 since being on 63s

10000's time at Walkergate so far:

Started on the 38, moved onto the 62/63 before then being used on the 22. It has been on the X63 recently (when it's been out, last time I saw it was the 16th August when 19438 ended up replacing it) on a specify board (which works onto the 62/63 on a evening). I would assume they sent it out onto the 62/63 on a Sunday. However, as far as I'm aware, it has yet to appear on the 1 or 12.

(08 Sep 2013, 7:23 pm)ADLEnviro wrote It went back to Dennis at Guildford on the 18th August for modifications. Was returned to Walkergate on the 1st September via a location in Darlington, Cummins???. Anyway it is now back on trial along side 19682 again at walkergate.

Cheers for the confirmation. Last time I saw her, she was on X63s (likely to be around the same date as Kuyoyo posted). Explains why I haven't seen her recently if she's been away

Temporary early morning closure of Holmeside and Vine Place Service Update
During the early hours of Wednesday 25 September 2013, Holmeside and Vine Place will need to be closed to allow for the installation of a new water mains valve.

Last Updated : 4 September 2013 11:6

The closure is anticipated to be in place between 0001 and 0600 on Wednesday 25 September 2013 only, although the works may be completed before 0600. As a result, only a limited number of early morning journeys might be affected by these works. These journeys are as follows:

Service 4 at 0508 from John Street, 0515 from Hylton Castle, and 0528 from Doxford Park.
Service 10 at 0602 from Holmeside towards Quarry View.
Service 16 at 0559 from John Street, and 0539 from Hastings Hill.
Service 20 at 0529 from Pennywell.
Service 23 at 0538 from Dene Estate.

In order to be guaranteed access to bus services, customers are recommended to use the previous/next bus stops along the line of route in the City Centre area. For Services 4, 16, 20 and 23 these will be the normal bus stops on John Street/ Fawcett Street. For Service 10, customers are recommended to use the bus stops on Green Terrace.

Any buses affected by the temporary road closure will run non-stop via Stockton Road and Burdon Road in both directions, in lieu of Holmeside and Vine Place.

Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience these utilities works and temporary arrangements may cause, and we remain grateful for customers’ patience and understanding.

Suspension of High Street West bus stop, affecting Services 8 and 20 Service Update
So as to allow the safe demolition of the former Crowtree Leisure Centre, the bus stop on High Street West, normally observed by routes 8 and 20, will have to be suspended to allow a large hoarding to be erected.

Last Updated : 11 September 2013 11:13

Although the date of this bus stop suspension is subject to confirmation, it is understood the bus stop may have to be suspended from Monday 23 September 2013.

Whilst this bus stop is suspended, Services 8 and 20 will instead observe the bus stop directly outside the Londonderry Hotel, approx 20m to the east.

Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause, and we remain grateful for customers’ patience and understanding.
----------------------------------
Temporary southbound closure of Silksworth Lane, affecting Service 13 Service Update
On Sunday 22 September 2013, Silksworth Lane will need to be closed to southbound traffic, just to the south of the Essen Way/ Premier Road roundabout so as to allow for essential carriageway maintenance works.

Last Updated : 11 September 2013 10:25

This closure is scheduled to be in place during Sunday 22 September 2013 from first bus until approx 1200, but there is the possibility that it may finish earlier, allowing the road to be reopened.

These works and closure times may be subject to change, and are weather dependent.

During the closure, southbound journeys on Service 13 will be diverted from the Silksworth Lane/ Essen Way junction to run non-stop via Premier Road, Durham Road, North Moor Lane, Silksworth Lane, to rejoin normal route at Dene Street (Sportsmans Arms).

Northbound journeys on Service 13 will be unaffected by these works.

Clearly, whilst we will be endeavouring to operate Service 13 in accordance with its published timetables, as well as continuing to liaise with our colleagues at Sunderland City Council to mitigate any problems, due to the length of the diversionary route there is the potential for journeys to be subject to disruption and delays.

Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience these utilities works and temporary arrangements may cause, and we remain grateful for customers’ patience and understanding.

PB0002404/89 - BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH NORTHEAST, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, NORTH BRIDGE STREET, SUNDERLAND, SR5 1AQ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Horsley Hill and Newcastle, Pilgrim Street given service number X34 effective from 03-Nov-2013. To amend Timetable.

(11 Sep 2013, 2:26 pm)Michael wrote PB0002404/89 - BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH NORTHEAST, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, NORTH BRIDGE STREET, SUNDERLAND, SR5 1AQ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Horsley Hill and Newcastle, Pilgrim Street given service number X34 effective from 03-Nov-2013. To amend Timetable.

This'll just be for the usual Sunday journeys in the run up to Christmas

Chat between drivers theirs a new bus in wheatchef depot

What he said to the driver coming off: theirs a new bus waiting for ya.

Anyone confirm?

Few weeks ago a friend said a trail gas bus was supposed to be coming

Had a quick walk past and cant see anything.. if their is something their.. it might be somewhere we cant see it.

Temporary suspension of bus stops along Fawcett Street Service Update
From Tuesday 17 September 2013, Clear Channel will be moving the three bus shelters at the southern end of Fawcett Street to new locations which are closer to the realigned kerbline.

Last Updated : 13 September 2013 11:23

The three bus stops in question are numbered (south to north, from Borough Road to Athenaeum Street as “S22”, “S21”, “S20”

These works will commence with “S22”, the bus shelter normally observed by Services 5/5A and 12, then move to “S21” the middle bus stop (served by Services 4 and 16). Then later in September, these works will move to “S20” the bus stop closest to the Athenaeum Street junction (normally served by routes 3 and 13).

Clear Channel plan to take around two days per shelter, unless they encounter difficulties underneath the footpath. We have been advised that only one bus stop/shelter will be out of commission at any one time.

* Whilst the works are at “S22”, the bottom stop:
Service 5/5A customers should use the next normal bus stop along the line of route (Athenaeum Street bus stop “S09” for Service 5, or Fawcett Street “S16” for Service 5A). Service 12 customers should use “S21”, the next stop up Fawcett Street, normally served by Services 4 and 16.

* Whilst the works are at “S21”, the middle stop:
Service 4 and 16 customers should use Fawcett Street stop “S22”, closer to Borough Road. This is the stop normally served by routes 5/5A and 12.

* Whilst the works are at “S20”, the stop closest to Athenaeum Street:
Service 3 and 13 customers should use Fawcett Street stop “S22”, closer to Borough Road. This is the stop normally served by routes 5/5A and 12.

To mitigate any potential issues with bus service congestion, northbound/ eastbound journeys on Services 3, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13 and 16 will take some layover on Vine Place, and thus will not take “hesitation time” on Fawcett Street.

Clearly, whilst we will be continuing to liaise with our colleagues at Sunderland City Council and Clear Channel to mitigate any problems, there is the potential that some trips may be subject to localised delays.

Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience these works and temporary arrangements may cause, and we remain grateful for customers’ patience and understanding.

Bus driver talk today is.. changes in Sunderland will happen in November.

Nothing on VOSA as off yet but with new buses due in the next few months... maybe changes will occur?

Broken down e1 at Salvation Army, Roker Ave... Unable to ID but transit enginerring support van was out.

22735 on 16s today going around without a front seat... Lovely! :p

(13 Sep 2013, 5:13 pm)Daniel wrote 22735 on 16s today going around without a front seat... Lovely! :p

They starting to cannibalise them already before the gas buses even arrive lol?

(13 Sep 2013, 5:57 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote They starting to cannibalise them already before the gas buses even arrive lol?

Hahah, must be!

I still insisted on sitting down on the grey space next to where the seat would usually be. Was tempted to sit on the metal framework and sit normally (the backrest was still there).
God knows where the cushiony bit was for the part you'd sit on though!

My mam told me a few weeks ago that there was a 16 bus going around with no front seat and another one further towards the back wasn't there either... I'd guess it was the same ALX300.

(13 Sep 2013, 6:15 pm)Daniel wrote Was tempted to sit on the metal framework and sit normally (the backrest was still there).

Probably would still be more comfortable than the seats on a GNE SPD!

(13 Sep 2013, 6:19 pm)BJ10VUS wrote Probably would still be more comfortable than the seats on a GNE SPD!

I imagine so..!