Seems a bit strange, they were vehicles that were used on the 501/505/518/X15/X18 until last year, what state were they meant to be in?!

What other vehicles are available for the service?

Seems like a bit of a flimsy reason.

Sorry, I maybe should have explained a bit more. As we are aware from many previous posts, Ashington didn't look after the Lowlanders (both the Y-reg and 7453-6) as well as they maybe should have. Hence the many mentions of them on work like 34, 35 and X21/X22 in their final 18 months at Ashington. Since they arrived at Durham, they've been looked after by Durham's engineering team and are in a reasonable state (however I've not been on one for a while, nor have I been on 7455 recently - that was sluggish the one time I've had it at Durham). As for their future, I've heard different to what Scott mentioned but I'd rather not say in case that doesn't turn out as planned.

Since then, I've heard differently - 7453-6 will be staying South of the Tyne as Engineering don't trust Ashington to look after them after the state they were in their final days there.

Would managing properly Ashington would be easier than not sending buses there, in case they don't look after them? If Arriva as a group are forking out for new vehicles, then surely it's a reasonable expectation that they'll be maintained to the same standard, no matter which depot they're allocated to?

Sorry, I maybe should have explained a bit more. As we are aware from many previous posts, Ashington didn't look after the Lowlanders (both the Y-reg and 7453-6) as well as they maybe should have. Hence the many mentions of them on work like 34, 35 and X21/X22 in their final 18 months at Ashington. Since they arrived at Durham, they've been looked after by Durham's engineering team and are in a reasonable state (however I've not been on one for a while, nor have I been on 7455 recently - that was sluggish the one time I've had it at Durham). As for their future, I've heard different to what Scott mentioned but I'd rather not say in case that doesn't turn out as planned.

From what I've heard in the past, of all the depots to criticise other depots, Durham shouldn't be it. I've heard that the Lowlanders they had prior to Ashington sending theirs down were very unreliable, which must be due to how well they look after them surely?! 

I can only say what I have heard and experienced, but I was on 7454 a couple of weeks before it went to Durham and it performed exceptionally on an X15. They also seem to be doing something to their older Sapphire E400's, most of the ones I've been on recently have performed very well.

I do, however, know that they weren't the buses they once were when they left Ashington, as you pointed out they frequently appeared on the X21/22, but at the same time, every time I got one I was still impressed.

With the changes to the 57/57a will there be a reduced service to Cramlington through Seghill?  That would be pretty bad if that's the case 

As for their future, I've heard different to what Scott mentioned but I'd rather not say in case that doesn't turn out as planned.

Don't want to ruin your 'i know everything' status eh?

With the changes to the 57/57a will there be a reduced service to Cramlington through Seghill?  That would be pretty bad if that's the case 

Yeah service 57A will only operate hourly through Seghill as the 57 will operate to Cramlington Hospital.

Yeah service 57A will only operate hourly through Seghill as the 57 will operate to Cramlington Hospital.

Thanks for that, I don't think that change will go down very well, especially during the peaks.

Thanks for that, I don't think that change will go down very well, especially during the peaks.

No problem, and yeah the 57/57A can pick up a few through Seghill so not sure about the move especially if the 58 will serve the hospital.

The whole point of upgrading the X18 with 6 new buses then passing the 64 plates down to the X20 is that:

- The X18 gets the newest stock.
- The X20 gets buses which are just under or if not, a year old.
- 2 spares can be sourced in the Winter months (64 plate E400 and whatever is sourced)..
- 1 spare can still exist in the Summer months (64 plate E400).

X20 would only need 4, though I suppose the other two could go on the X14 binning the Scanias to Darlington?
All theoretical of course given none of this will happen...

From what I've heard in the past, of all the depots to criticise other depots, Durham shouldn't be it. I've heard that the Lowlanders they had prior to Ashington sending theirs down were very unreliable, which must be due to how well they look after them surely?! 

I can only say what I have heard and experienced, but I was on 7454 a couple of weeks before it went to Durham and it performed exceptionally on an X15. They also seem to be doing something to their older Sapphire E400's, most of the ones I've been on recently have performed very well.

I do, however, know that they weren't the buses they once were when they left Ashington, as you pointed out they frequently appeared on the X21/22, but at the same time, every time I got one I was still impressed.

The condition that the Lowlanders were sent in was absolutely disgusting.  The main problem with the Lowlanders is that the chassis' are rotting away.  The reason people criticise Ashington's maintenance is mainly because two of the 57-plates have had to have work done to the rear interior as the floor collapsed (a sign the bus definitely hasn't been looked after IMO)

X20 would only need 4, though I suppose the other two could go on the X14 binning the Scanias to Darlington?
All theoretical of course given none of this will happen...

One to replace 4663?!

PB0002717/306 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Marske Estate and Stokesley given service number 81/81a effective from 17-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.

Reason for the change here - https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east/u...e-closure/

PB0002717/306 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Marske Estate and Stokesley given service number 81/81a effective from 17-Aug-2015. To amend Timetable.

Reason for the change here - https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east/u...e-closure/

PVR increase and no interworking at Marske (3 buses doing 81s, 2 on 81As). Sunday's are the interesting one - 49 minutes layover at the Voyager it seems...

I don't understand how the 58 will work either.

Will it be: Nelson Village-Beacon Lea-Cramlington then either Hollywell or New Hartley?

We will see on Monday when the timetables are supposedly going to appear on the website.

Although I talked about this a while back when the 58 was first launched. Cramlington has missed its own bus network. The C1 proved an integral link, every 20mins serving Nelson Village, Manor Walks then Eastfield Lea. Likewise the C2 linking Beacon Lea, Beacon Hill, Manor Walks and Collingwood Grange. Buses were popular, well used and only really suffered in mater years when arriva upgraded them to Mini Darts. The C1 and C2 were originally operated by Sherpa Mini buses. These were perfect size, seating number and had no issues with parked cars. These were upgraded to metroriders and later to newer larger model of metrorider. The mistake was to not replace the darts with narrow body, short length Solos. These would have much more suited the the routes.

As it is we were always missing a C3, to connect East Hartford, Brockwell, Manor Walks, Southfield and Klondyke. That was the gap that was missing.

Now we have service 58. My only hope is that it is what NCC told me, combination of old C1 and C2 as one route. If this is so it is perfectly acceptable to provide an hourly service from:
Nelson Village - [2mins] Cramlington Station - [5mins] Beacon Hill - [3mins] Beacon Lea - [5mins] Manor Walks Asda/Retail Park - [4mins] Dudley Lane (Sainsburys) - [2mins] Hareside - [7mins incl turn around] Collingwood Grange - [5mins] Cambo Drive - [6mins] Clifton Road (Klondyke) - [8mins] Cramlington Hospital

The times stated are based upon my local knowledge and memory of the old routes. Yes, it allows about 45mins, end to end, but traffic and passenger mobility affect loading/alighting times.
To maintain an hourly frequency would require 2 buses. Given the old C1s used to be about 28mins end to end and the C2 was around 26mins, I think, 45mins is not too bad. Would still be better as separate services to run the old C1/C2s with hospital extension to reduce journey times.

We will see and feel free to ignore me uneducated waffle.

Cheers

The condition that the Lowlanders were sent in was absolutely disgusting.  The main problem with the Lowlanders is that the chassis' are rotting away.  The reason people criticise Ashington's maintenance is mainly because two of the 57-plates have had to have work done to the rear interior as the floor collapsed (a sign the bus definitely hasn't been looked after IMO)

4653 has a poster on board advertising the new X20 route combining with the X18 between Widdrington and Alnwick.

Are the new timetables for the Northumberland changes out today, seem to recall something saying they were, just can't find it anywhere...

Are the new timetables for the Northumberland changes out today, seem to recall something saying they were, just can't find it anywhere...

you can try this site:

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=3972

The Consultation Report stated they will be online today at some point. The printed versions will be available from Thursday.

Arriva's Facebook page's cover photo has been updated teasing improvements to the X66 and new links on the Darlington-Stockton-Middlesbrough corridor.

Arriva's Facebook page's cover photo has been updated teasing improvements to the X66 and new links on the Darlington-Stockton-Middlesbrough corridor.

So is anything actually happening to the X66 or not?

I'm sure we'll soon find out what that's all about 

I'm sure we'll soon find out what that's all about 

Hmm!

I am still hoping for a later service to Middlesbrough but I can't see it happening.

Just hope that the X66 route isn't made any longer than it currently is.

Hmm!

I am still hoping for a later service to Middlesbrough but I can't see it happening.

Just hope that the X66 route isn't made any longer than it currently is.

Might happen - I understand from speaking to a few of the Stockton lads I know that they are supposedly (re)gaining some X66 workings in the autumn so you can expect some timetable rewrites.

Are the new timetables for the Northumberland changes out today, seem to recall something saying they were, just can't find it anywhere...

According to the people on Arriva North East's twitter page it will be dealt with by the end of the week.

I am shocked as the timetables have to go in with the service registration. Timetables must be finalised 4 weeks prior to service commencement if it is a service alteration...hence this week for the new timetables.

Obviously being done in Sunderland by someone who has never been to Cramlington, Blyth, Morpeth or Ashington.

Keep checking Arriva's buggy website over the week. Sadly they have no section about upcoming changes which would be a bonus.

Mark

According to the people on Arriva North East's twitter page it will be dealt with by the end of the week.

I am shocked as the timetables have to go in with the service registration. Timetables must be finalised 4 weeks prior to service commencement if it is a service alteration...hence this week for the new timetables.

Obviously being done in Sunderland by someone who has never been to Cramlington, Blyth, Morpeth or Ashington.

Keep checking Arriva's buggy website over the week. Sadly they have no section about upcoming changes which would be a bonus.

Mark

I did think that they'd have to have some sort of timetable ready when they submitted the variations. 

Also, timetables are meant to be on buses by Thursday, meaning they must have already been printed/sent to the printers, and just can't be bothered to upload them to the website...

It seems as Michael is away I guess I'm going to have to post the VOSA registrations this week  

PHP

PB0002032/194 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Ashington given service number X22 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/498 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Morpeth and Newcastle given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/499 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Alnwick and Morpeth given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/500 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Seahouses and Alnwick given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/501 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Berwick and Seahouses given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/509 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Kingsmeadow School and Bensham given service number 848 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable. 


It seems as Michael is away I guess I'm going to have to post the VOSA registrations this week  

PHP

PB0002032/194 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Ashington given service number X22 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/498 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Morpeth and Newcastle given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/499 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Alnwick and Morpeth given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/500 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Seahouses and Alnwick given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/501 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Berwick and Seahouses given service number X18 effective from 27-Sep-2015. To amend Route and Timetable.


PB0002032/509 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Kingsmeadow School and Bensham given service number 848 effective from 30-Aug-2015. To amend Route and Timetable. 


I wonder what the X22 will be.

Some information on our East Durham College services now on the website.
Majority of students can be catered for on our existing network, plus odd few extras like the X22 journey via Seaham.

Dedicated services as below

ED1 - Blaydon (0710), Rowlands Gill (0720), Consett (0735), Annfield Plain (0750), Stanley (0800), Sacriston (0815), Nevilles Cross (0830) to Durham Houghall Campus (0840)
Return journey departs 1700

ED2 - Houghton-le-Spring (0742), Hetton-le-Hole (0750), South Hetton (0802), Easington Lane (0809), Murton (0815) to Peterlee Campus (0825)
Return journey departs 1715
There is also a lunchtime journey in both directions on ED2 departs Houghton at 1212, arriving at Peterlee at 1255, departing on the return at 1315

ED3 - Peterlee Campus - Houghall Campus shuttle departs 0827, arriving 0856 via Cassop, Coxhoe and Bowburn
Return journey departs 1640

Web link - https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/north-east/f...m-college/

So there is actually going to be Arriva buses in service going through Stanley? That will take some getting used to...