(14 Sep 2015, 3:23 pm)Dan wrote Volvo B10BLE 4843 has been withdrawn from service at Riverside.

Volvo B7TL 3967 and Volvo B10BLE 4916 at Riverside have gained front LED destinations (thus meaning that the former has a complete set of LEDs - the latter still retains flipdot side/rear).

4940 would've been a better recipient of an LED front blind, instead of 4916.

Wonder if the Highwayman scanias have had the Destination displays sorted ?
Most now have non working side and rear displays, with some front/rear displays constantly flashing (4938, 4967 and 5218 spring to mind).

Many Riverside displays now also revert to idle when engine is switched off, meaning blank displays until the service is inputted again.

(14 Sep 2015, 3:31 pm)Dan wrote Well it's definitely parked up with the rest of the withdrawn B10s at Riverside..! Until they remove parts from it, I suppose it can remain as a last resort reserve.

How sad

(14 Sep 2015, 5:14 pm)park5354 wrote 4940 would've been a better recipient of an LED front blind, instead of 4916.

Wonder if the Highwayman scanias have had the Destination displays sorted ?
Most now have non working side and rear displays, with some front/rear displays constantly flashing (4938, 4967 and 5218 spring to mind).

Many Riverside displays now also revert to idle when engine is switched off, meaning blank displays until the service is inputted again.

No it wouldn't, as 4940 is gaining the full set of LED displays from 4841 (meaning that it'll have a colour front display). We have enough LED front destinations in withdrawn vehicles to allow all vehicles (excluding Tridents and Olympians) to be fitted with LED destinations, and you'll see the front flipdot destination displays being replaced over the next few weeks.

A temporary fix to get the front LED displays working (at the expense of flipdot side/rear not working) was created two weeks ago when we encountered some difficulties with the destination update. As we're proactive at Go North East (  ), the issues were fixed at the earliest opportunity: Saturday night. As for the displays constantly flashing - this relates to wrong switch settings being used on the rear displays previously, which again, was corrected at the weekend. If you spot any further issues, please do drop me a Private Message. Mind, Arriva has yet to fix their "Sapphire" 57-reg ADL Enviro400s which have the same issue - how long ago were services X21/X22 converted to Sapphire..?

As for 'idle' - this is required to allow destinations to change automatically on the Quaylink routes. Now we've brought in profiling, the next destination update (at the end of October for Riverside, at the end of this month for Hexham) will see the removal of 'idle' from all vehicles besides those vehicles with 144x19RN, 96x8 and 32x17 (primarily Quaylink, but also TEN and Tyne Tees Xpress) or 144x19, 96x18, 160x24 displays (Citylink)...

(14 Sep 2015, 5:14 pm)park5354 wrote 4940 would've been a better recipient of an LED front blind, instead of 4916.

Wonder if the Highwayman scanias have had the Destination displays sorted ?
Most now have non working side and rear displays, with some front/rear displays constantly flashing (4938, 4967 and 5218 spring to mind).

Many Riverside displays now also revert to idle when engine is switched off, meaning blank displays until the service is inputted again.

You have not seen Dan's spreadsheet of what blind is coming out of what and where it is destined for 

(14 Sep 2015, 5:57 pm)citaro5284 wrote You have not seen Dan's spreadsheet of what blind is coming out of what and where it is destined for 

Haha... That top notch colour co-ordinated spreadsheet!

Can't beat a good spreadsheet! I don't tend to use the forumlas on it though. Don't know how to do all the complicated ones though (can do -+*/)

(14 Sep 2015, 5:22 pm)Dan wrote As for the displays constantly flashing - this relates to wrong switch settings being used on the rear displays previously, which again, was corrected at the weekend. If you spot any further issues, please do drop me a Private Message. Mind, Arriva has yet to fix their "Sapphire" 57-reg ADL Enviro400s which have the same issue - how long ago were services X21/X22 converted to Sapphire..?

The update to the displays for the Sapphire fleet were done in October 2014. This caused problems with the NSA monitors and the displays alike. A replacement update was sent to them.

The 57-reg batch didn't receive the revised update, as the problems were 'minor', but I've been told that they'll get fixed by the new year.

(14 Sep 2015, 6:34 pm)GX03 SVC wrote The 57-reg batch didn't receive the revised update, as the problems were 'minor', but I've been told that they'll get fixed by the new year.

Ludicrous - there's only nine of them.

(14 Sep 2015, 6:35 pm)Dan wrote Ludicrous - there's only nine of them.

And that's why growth is slow on the X21 / X22 for. Perhaps if Arriva invested proper time and momey into their services like GNE instead of having suitable type shortages (Quorum etc) and and dodgy panels and displays, they'd see far more growth and custom.

(14 Sep 2015, 7:31 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote And that's why growth is slow on the X21 / X22 for. Perhaps if Arriva invested proper time and momey into their services like GNE instead of having suitable type shortages (Quorum etc) and and dodgy panels and displays, they'd see far more growth and custom.

I Disagree, I think growth is slow on the X21/X22 due to that fact there is god knows how many Services running along the same corridor from Newcastle to Regent Centre.

As for Vehicle Types on Services to the Quorum, I seen an ALX400 and one of CGO Darts on the Quorum Express Services this morning, meanwhile I had a wonderful ride on one of the Wright Commanders even though it was packed and had a handful of standees, and I am sure those allocations were as a result of Vehicles being away for MAX Refurbishment.

(14 Sep 2015, 7:55 pm)Malarkey wrote I Disagree, I think growth is slow on the X21/X22 due to that fact there is god knows how many Services running along the same corridor from Newcastle to Regent Centre.

Think there is other reasons why the X21/X22 hasn't grown so much, from other forum members posts on this forum the service has not been the most reliable service in the world, the other Sapphire services seem to have attracted a fair amount of growth since they joined the brand, the 7 has even grown to the point that Arriva felt additional capacity was needed for some journeys with 5 Enviro 400's being ordered. Don't know exactly why the X21/X22 hasn't been the same but I don't think it's down to the rear screens showing numbers on different sides, if that was the case no-one would get the 22 as some of the rear screens on the StreetLite's don't work.

(14 Sep 2015, 8:05 pm)Jimmi wrote Think there is other reasons why the X21/X22 hasn't grown so much, from other forum members posts on this forum the service has not been the most reliable service in the world, the other Sapphire services seem to have attracted a fair amount of growth since they joined the brand, the 7 has even grown to the point that Arriva felt additional capacity was needed for some journeys with 5 Enviro 400's being ordered. Don't know exactly why the X21/X22 hasn't been the same but I don't think it's down to the rear screens showing numbers on different sides, if that was the case no-one would get the 22 as some of the rear screens on the StreetLite's don't work.

And passengers waiting for the bus are going to see these screens? Of course not, which reiterates your point about it not being the cause of the lack of growth of Sapphire services X21/X22.

(14 Sep 2015, 8:10 pm)S813 FVK wrote And passengers waiting for the bus are going to see these screens? Of course not, which reiterates your point about it not being the cause of the lack of growth of Sapphire services X21/X22.

They should still be able to see these screens as they are still displaying the service number and destination albeit the number is on the wrong side and the buses are branded so people should assume it's on either the X21 or X22 given that they are branded for these routes. It's still not ideal but I doubt it will have a significantly bad impact on the growth of the passenger numbers on these services. Hopefully any issues with the screens will be resolved as soon as possible.

(14 Sep 2015, 8:16 pm)Jimmi wrote They should still be able to see these screens as they are still displaying the service number and destination albeit the number is on the wrong side and the buses are branded so people should assume it's on either the X21 or X22 given that they are branded for these routes. It's still not ideal but I doubt it will have a significantly bad impact on the growth of the passenger numbers on these services. Hopefully any issues with the screens will be resolved as soon as possible.

There will only be so many people who live on a corridor or are willing to travel by public transport - regardless of the seat types or vehicle enhancements.
Maybe the corridor and services have reached their natural plateau?

The market may have been stimulated by branding and the on-board perks, but that market can only grow so far. There isn't a never ending supply of passengers.

There is a good read here, although specific to low cost airlines, a lot is relevant - http://www.aviationeconomics.com/NewsIte...s-wear-off

(14 Sep 2015, 8:05 pm)Jimmi wrote Think there is other reasons why the X21/X22 hasn't grown so much, from other forum members posts on this forum the service has not been the most reliable service in the world, the other Sapphire services seem to have attracted a fair amount of growth since they joined the brand, the 7 has even grown to the point that Arriva felt additional capacity was needed for some journeys with 5 Enviro 400's being ordered. Don't know exactly why the X21/X22 hasn't been the same but I don't think it's down to the rear screens showing numbers on different sides, if that was the case no-one would get the 22 as some of the rear screens on the StreetLite's don't work.

Just looking on the Arriva Website from 10am onwards there are 21 Buses Per Hour between Haymarket and Regent Centre, 25 if you care to add the Q3 to the following services: 46/X9/X10/X11/X14/X15/X16/X18/X21 & X22, I would therefore argue Arriva out doing themselves by trying to make the X21/X22 grow by simply having so Buses travelling via the exact same route, could quite easily have a few Services go via the A167 (Cowgate)/A1 coming in/out of Haymarket and miss out Gosforth/Regent Centre entirely, and continuing on along the usual routes from North Brunton.

(14 Sep 2015, 9:05 pm)Malarkey wrote Just looking on the Arriva Website from 10am onwards there are 21 Buses Per Hour between Haymarket and Regent Centre, 25 if you care to add the Q3 to the following services: 46/X9/X10/X11/X14/X15/X16/X18/X21 & X22, I would therefore argue Arriva out doing themselves by trying to make the X21/X22 grow by simply having so Buses travelling via the exact same route, could quite easily have a few Services go via the A167 (Cowgate)/A1 coming in/out of Haymarket and miss out Gosforth/Regent Centre entirely, and continuing on along the usual routes from North Brunton.

Doubt the Newcastle-Regent Centre would have much impact on growth anyway?

Also have the 43/44/45 every 7/8 minutes between Newcastle and Regent Centre, so that's another eight.

(14 Sep 2015, 9:07 pm)Tom wrote Doubt the Newcastle-Regent Centre would have much impact on growth anyway?

Also have the 43/44/45 every 7/8 minutes between Newcastle and Regent Centre, so that's another eight.

33 Buses an hour between Newcastle & Regent Centre is ridiculous, might as well add the Stagecoach Services from Gosforth into Newcastle while we are at it.

(14 Sep 2015, 9:11 pm)Malarkey wrote 33 Buses an hour between Newcastle & Regent Centre is ridiculous, might as well add the Stagecoach Services from Gosforth into Newcastle while we are at it.

Plus the Metro.

(14 Sep 2015, 9:53 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Plus the Metro.

Only when it decides to work... 

(14 Sep 2015, 9:55 pm)Michael wrote Only when it decides to work... 

Some people like a bit of uncertainty to spice up their monotonous 9-5 lives

(14 Sep 2015, 9:53 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Plus the Metro.

Only if you like long stands though.

(14 Sep 2015, 10:05 pm)Malarkey wrote Only if you like long stands though.

I prefer tartan thread.

(14 Sep 2015, 3:23 pm)Dan wrote Volvo B10BLE 4843 has been withdrawn from service at Riverside.

Volvo B7TL 3967 and Volvo B10BLE 4916 at Riverside have gained front LED destinations (thus meaning that the former has a complete set of LEDs - the latter still retains flipdot side/rear).

I'm sure I've seen photos from your own Flickr account correct me if am wrong but I'm sure I've seen your photos

(15 Sep 2015, 12:53 am)Diamond One wrote I'm sure I've seen photos from your own Flickr account correct me if am wrong but I'm sure I've seen your photos

You haven't seen photos of the vehicles with flipdots gaining LED destinations as I didn't get one.

5210 on X85 through Corbridge towards Hexham @11:48.

(14 Sep 2015, 9:11 pm)Malarkey wrote 33 Buses an hour between Newcastle & Regent Centre is ridiculous, might as well add the Stagecoach Services from Gosforth into Newcastle while we are at it.

I don't know about "ridiculous", as you have to consider where they are coming from and where they are going to after. Not all 33 buses per hour are operating solely between Regent Centre and Newcastle. And sending buses via Cowgate Roundabout instead of Gosforth High Street would just add to the 25 buses per hour between Cowgate Roundabout and the city centre.

Fleet news:

Volvo B10BLEs 4910: W491 SCU and 4914: X914 WGR have been transferred from Riverside to Percy Main

4843: R843 PRG, 5148: V534 GDS and 5163: T813 CBW have been withdrawn. 

4843 was the last of the 'R' registration batch in service and 5148 was the last of the ex-Arriva vehicles.

Dennis Trident 3879: W189 SCU has been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet but went on immediate loan from them to Garnett's, Bishop Auckland. 

Also sold is Volvo B10BLE 4845: R845 PRG to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.

(14 Sep 2015, 7:55 pm)Malarkey wrote I Disagree, I think growth is slow on the X21/X22 due to that fact there is god knows how many Services running along the same corridor from Newcastle to Regent Centre.

I disagree, tell me how many services run from Regent Centre to Bedlington, Stakeford, Ashington and Newbiggin?

5290 has returned to Stanley following repaint, and 5288 has taken its place at Saltmeadows.

6039 is currently at Saltmeadows for repaint into Go North East's corporate livery.

6008/32 now have front LED destinations.

(15 Sep 2015, 12:29 pm)Michael wrote Fleet news:

Volvo B10BLEs 4910: W491 SCU and 4914: X914 WGR have been transferred from Riverside to Percy Main

4843: R843 PRG, 5148: V534 GDS and 5163: T813 CBW have been withdrawn. 

4843 was the last of the 'R' registration batch in service anCd 5148 was the last of the ex-Arriva vehicles.

Dennis Trident 3879: W189 SCU has been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet but went on immediate loan from them to Garnett's, Bishop Auckland. 

Also sold is Volvo B10BLE 4845: R845 PRG to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.

Copy and pasted from the SAME person on the site again typical typical typical typical