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Go North East: Service Suggestions

Go North East: Service Suggestions

RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 9:59 am)Andreos1 wrote The 239 and the 4 on a night operate on a combined 30 min frequency on a night from Houghton to Fencehouses Railway Crossing.
Obviously the 4 continues towards Washington, whilst the 239 heads through Avenue Vivienne covering for the lack of a night time service on the 36.

On the return leg towards Houghton, the two services follow each other from Edinburgh bakery.
Not a bad little frequency at that time of night - two services 30 seconds apart.
Ideal if you miss one as the other isn't far behind.

Given the scope in timetables and lack of provision at Rainton Bridge on a night (despite people working down there and there being events on at the grandly named Rainton Meadows Arena), I wonder if it would be worth sending one of the services down there on a night and on into Houghton via the A690.

There shouldn't be too much difference in mileage.
The timetable is slack anyway (particularly the 4) and there is the potential to pick up a few more passengers. Rather than have one service shadow the other for a few miles.
Services being reduced further from Feb.  921/922 to be merged. Only 2 services per day. One to rainton, 1 going back to newcastle
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 1:33 pm)JP6004 wrote Services being reduced further from Feb.  921/922 to be merged. Only 2 services per day. One to rainton, 1 going back to newcastle

Sounds about right given the type of service.

Haven't done the calculations yet but if 6001 and 6004 have just been done, I wonder whether or not the X1 will be reduced to every 12 minutes rather than every 10 minutes in conjunction with the above changes.

Are all of the 11 plate batch (and perhaps the 12/62 plate batch) due to be done in whatever colour?
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:05 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Sounds about right given the type of service.

Haven't done the calculations yet but if 6001 and 6004 have just been done, I wonder whether or not the X1 will be reduced to every 12 minutes rather than every 10 minutes in conjunction with the above changes.

Are all of the 11 plate batch (and perhaps the 12/62 plate batch) due to be done in whatever colour?

The demand for the services warrant more than 1 bus per day, as other companies at Rainton use the service as well as general public. I don't think the repaints/ possible reduction in frequency is due to this decision as it was only made on 30th November
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:05 pm)DaveyBowyer wrote Sounds about right given the type of service.

Haven't done the calculations yet but if 6001 and 6004 have just been done, I wonder whether or not the X1 will be reduced to every 12 minutes rather than every 10 minutes in conjunction with the above changes.

Are all of the 11 plate batch (and perhaps the 12/62 plate batch) due to be done in whatever colour?

If that was the case then why was 6004 done and not 3943... as its the spare, the Red Arrows would of had a spare B9, not a B7. 

The X1 is one of their busiest services, not sure dropping it to every 12 minutes is a good idea... although its only a 2 minute difference for people to wait.... the ques are sometimes ridiculous for it.

All of 6001-6007 will go back to Red Arrows once all of them have been repainted.... as for 6049-6055 they might be done after the new year.

PVR if dropped to every 12 minutes will be 11 but i would imagine they would do it like the 56 and have a extra bus in the PVR, so it will be 12. 

(02 Dec 2015, 1:33 pm)JP6004 wrote Services being reduced further from Feb.  921/922 to be merged. Only 2 services per day. One to rainton, 1 going back to newcastle

Which others services will be reduced from Feb?
Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 1:33 pm)JP6004 wrote Services being reduced further from Feb.  921/922 to be merged. Only 2 services per day. One to rainton, 1 going back to newcastle

I've noticed more and more people seemingly getting off a bus (a 4 or 36) on Front Street and walking around the corner, changing on to a 20a or 38.
No idea if the pattern is repeated at the end of a shift.
I can only assume existing services suit workers, rather than the dedicated services.

Isn't there also supposed to be a car park extension at Rainton Bridge? Sure I have heard that somewhere.

Any idea why they're doing it, if demand warrants more than one bus a day?
The amount of light running is going to increase on the X1 and 4 too, due to them running on and off the 921 and 922.
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RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:23 pm)Michael wrote Which others services will be reduced from Feb?

I believe the npower shuttle service will be withdrawn from the same date.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:33 pm)Dan wrote I believe the npower shuttle service will be withdrawn from the same date.

Thanks Dan, =)
Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:33 pm)Dan wrote I believe the npower shuttle service will be withdrawn from the same date.

The car park is due to be completed in January, however no work has started yet. But it will be withdrawn once completed.

The 923 is also reduced to the same frequency. The reason for the cut is to save costs
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:26 pm)Andreos1 wrote I've noticed more and more people seemingly getting off a bus (a 4 or 36) on Front Street and walking around the corner, changing on to a 20a or 38.
No idea if the pattern is repeated at the end of a shift.
I can only assume existing services suit workers, rather than the dedicated services.

Isn't there also supposed to be a car park extension at Rainton Bridge? Sure I have heard that somewhere.

Any idea why they're doing it, if demand warrants more than one bus a day?
The amount of light running is going to increase on the X1 and 4 too, due to them running on and off the 921 and 922.

The increase will be due to people working weird shifts - 11-7, 4-8 etc as there is no dedicated services at non-peak times; staff have to find alternative travel. there was a 921 at 3:15pm from NCL - Rainton however this was withdrawn quite quickly.

However I do not understand the withdrawal of the 4:15pm bus as thats when the majority of 8am starters will finish. So they have a bus to work, but not back...
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 5:53 pm)JP6004 wrote The increase will be due to people working weird shifts - 11-7, 4-8 etc as there is no dedicated services at non-peak times; staff have to find alternative travel. there was a 921 at 3:15pm from NCL - Rainton however this was withdrawn quite quickly.

However I do not understand the withdrawal of the 4:15pm bus as thats when the majority of 8am starters will finish. So they have a bus to work, but not back...

Seeing as services on the 4 start rolling on to the 922, not too long after then (and reducing the frequency of northbound 4's in turn), I wonder whether there will be a knock on effect?

Workers finish work, can't get a 921 or 922 and see services in the locality lacking too...
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 7:17 pm)Andreos1 wrote Seeing as services on the 4 start rolling on to the 922, not too long after then (and reducing the frequency of northbound 4's in turn), I wonder whether there will be a knock on effect?

Workers finish work, can't get a 921 or 922 and see services in the locality lacking too...

Well when the 6pm 922 was withdrawn the 4 leaving Houghton at 6pm was extended to heworth instead of terminating at concord. Hopefully the withdrawal of the 921 's on an evening will see an increase on the X1 between 6-7pm

(02 Dec 2015, 7:23 pm)DanPicken wrote How often does this run?

During peak times every 10 mins.  Every 15mins off peak
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 7:23 pm)DanPicken wrote How often does this run?

All day Mon - Fri. Each trip is only a few mins in either direction.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 7:25 pm)JP6004 wrote Well when the 6pm 922 was withdrawn the 4 leaving Houghton at 6pm was extended to heworth instead of terminating at concord. Hopefully the withdrawal of the 921 's on an evening will see an increase on the X1 between 6-7pm


During peak times every 10 mins.  Every 15mins off peak

(02 Dec 2015, 7:28 pm)Andreos1 wrote All day Mon - Fri. Each trip is only a few mins in either direction.

Thanks both. Smile
Against the Anti-Lee Club.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(02 Dec 2015, 7:25 pm)JP6004 wrote Well when the 6pm 922 was withdrawn the 4 leaving Houghton at 6pm was extended to heworth instead of terminating at concord. Hopefully the withdrawal of the 921 's on an evening will see an increase on the X1 between 6-7pm


During peak times every 10 mins.  Every 15mins off peak

Looking at the timetables, someone finishing at 1615 and needing to head north, will now need to head to Houghton.
The 35 from Rainton Bridge is at 1623.
The 38 is at 1626
The X20 is at 1633.

They have the choice of an X1 at 1625, 1635, 1645 and 1653. The first is definitely out of the question.
There is a 4 at 1628, 1643 and 1658. Realistically, the 1628 is a no go as the 35 isn't due in until 1629.

So in reality, the earliest people can expect to get away from Houghton - is just under 30 mins after finishing work. If all services are running to time.
Hopefully the rest of the journey isn't too bad and they manage to get connections at the other end.

With regard to those finishing after 2000. I hope they have a car! Genuinely sympathise with them if relying on public transport.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
1 - Will additionally serve Edward Street/St Peters Road in place of Service 17/17A, Frequency remains the same.

17/17A - West Monkseaton - Whitley Bay - Preston North Road - North Shields - Hawkeys Lane - Billy Mill - North Tyneside Hospital - New York - Cobalt - Howden - Wallsend
Every 20 Minutes - Merging of Services 17/17A/80/W1 & W1A

19A - Cramlington - Camperdown - Killingworth - Benton - Benton Asda - Holystone - West Allotment - Cobalt - Silverlink - Percy Main - Meadow Well - North Shields
Every 30 Minutes - Merging of Services 17/17A & 19

40/41 - Wallsend - Hadrian Road - Howden - Rosehill - Percy Main - Hadrian Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Station Road - Wallsend
Every 15 Minutes - Additionally serving St Peters Road/Edward Street & Percy Main in place of Services 17 & 17A

AirportLink 326 - Newcastle Central Station - Newcastle International Airport 
Every 10 Minutes (24/7) - Journey Time quicker than the Metro
(Fares Prices) - Cheaper than the Metro
Adult Single - £3.50
Child Single - £1.50
Adult Return - £5.00
Child Return - £2.80
Adult Day - £6.20
Child Day - £4.10
*Get Around & Buzzfare Tickets are also Valid*
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(20 Dec 2015, 8:44 pm)Malarkey wrote 1 - Will additionally serve Edward Street/St Peters Road in place of Service 17/17A, Frequency remains the same.

17/17A - West Monkseaton - Whitley Bay - Preston North Road - North Shields - Hawkeys Lane - Billy Mill - North Tyneside Hospital - New York - Cobalt - Howden - Wallsend
Every 20 Minutes - Merging of Services 17/17A/80/W1 & W1A

19A - Cramlington - Camperdown - Killingworth - Benton - Benton Asda - Holystone - West Allotment - Cobalt - Silverlink - Percy Main - Meadow Well - North Shields
Every 30 Minutes - Merging of Services 17/17A & 19

40/41 - Wallsend - Hadrian Road - Howden - Rosehill - Percy Main - Hadrian Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Station Road - Wallsend
Every 15 Minutes - Additionally serving St Peters Road/Edward Street & Percy Main in place of Services 17 & 17A

AirportLink 326 - Newcastle Central Station - Newcastle International Airport 
Every 10 Minutes (24/7) - Journey Time quicker than the Metro
(Fares Prices) - Cheaper than the Metro
Adult Single - £3.50
Child Single - £1.50
Adult Return - £5.00
Child Return - £2.80
Adult Day - £6.20
Child Day - £4.10
*Get Around & Buzzfare Tickets are also Valid*

Have you being on the sherberts tonight Adam....

How do you get from ASDA to the estate where the Powder Monkey is?
Does Newcastle Airport warrant a 10 min frequency throughout the night?
Service 1 is long enough to start with....haha!
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(20 Dec 2015, 9:31 pm)citaro5284 wrote Have you being on the sherberts tonight Adam....

How do you get from ASDA to the estate where the Powder Monkey is?
Does Newcastle Airport warrant a 10 min frequency throughout the night?
Service 1 is long enough to start with....haha!

No Skittles, the taste of the Rainbow must of done something to me.

No idea, I used the North Tyneside Network Map on Simplygo.com - #UsingResourcesWhichTurnOutToBeNotMuchUse

In relation the 326, I dont know, get one of you colleagues to stand at the Airport with a clip board and a tally chart, and find out.

Service 1 is only a minor adjustment  Tongue
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(20 Dec 2015, 10:59 pm)Malarkey wrote No Skittles, the taste of the Rainbow must of done something to me.

No idea, I used the North Tyneside Network Map on Simplygo.com - #UsingResourcesWhichTurnOutToBeNotMuchUse

In relation the 326, I dont know, get one of you colleagues to stand at the Airport with a clip board and a tally chart, and find out.

Service 1 is only a minor adjustment  Tongue

Even better than all the above........just forget about them  Angel
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
You might as well give the money away with that airport suggestion.

You'd need big infrastructure investments before you even start. A standard bus isn't designed for every traveller to be carrying at least one suitcase, so you'd need to install some sort of rack system. That in itself would mean you'd need a dedicated fleet of buses for that route.

Also correct me if I'm wrong, but not even the Heathrow or Gatwick Express runs every 10 mins?
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RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(21 Dec 2015, 7:18 am)Adrian wrote You might as well give the money away with that airport suggestion.

You'd need big infrastructure investments before you even start. A standard bus isn't designed for every traveller to be carrying at least one suitcase, so you'd need to install some sort of rack system. That in itself would mean you'd need a dedicated fleet of buses for that route.

Also correct me if I'm wrong,  but not even the Heathrow or Gatwick Express runs every 10 mins?

There just isn't the demand for it. Also, Malarkey needs to take into account that Newcastle International is a regional international airport while the likes of Heathrow are major international airports. If Heathrow; the busiest airport in Britain, the busiest airport in Europe (busier than Amsterdam Schipol, which can take you almost anywhere in the world from the heart of Europe) and the fifth busiest airport in the world based on passenger traffic numbers, doesn't warrant this frequency - what can Newcastle justify? Vehicles on this proposed 326 would be running around empty and would be better off sat in the depot.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(20 Dec 2015, 8:44 pm)Malarkey wrote 1 - Will additionally serve Edward Street/St Peters Road in place of Service 17/17A, Frequency remains the same.

17/17A - West Monkseaton - Whitley Bay - Preston North Road - North Shields - Hawkeys Lane - Billy Mill - North Tyneside Hospital - New York - Cobalt - Howden - Wallsend
Every 20 Minutes - Merging of Services 17/17A/80/W1 & W1A

19A - Cramlington - Camperdown - Killingworth - Benton - Benton Asda - Holystone - West Allotment - Cobalt - Silverlink - Percy Main - Meadow Well - North Shields
Every 30 Minutes - Merging of Services 17/17A & 19

40/41 - Wallsend - Hadrian Road - Howden - Rosehill - Percy Main - Hadrian Park - Battle Hill Drive - High Farm - Station Road - Wallsend
Every 15 Minutes - Additionally serving St Peters Road/Edward Street & Percy Main in place of Services 17 & 17A

AirportLink 326 - Newcastle Central Station - Newcastle International Airport 
Every 10 Minutes (24/7) - Journey Time quicker than the Metro
(Fares Prices) - Cheaper than the Metro
Adult Single - £3.50
Child Single - £1.50
Adult Return - £5.00
Child Return - £2.80
Adult Day - £6.20
Child Day - £4.10
*Get Around & Buzzfare Tickets are also Valid*

£3.50 seems a bit expensive for a single from the City to The Airport considering it is only £2.35 on the X77/X78.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
Had another go at some allocation plans for the future:
Tynedale Links: MPDs; all 8 withdrawn keeping replacing them with 8 solos; one red as a spare and two streetlites, one to displace 5210 another as a red spare. 618 would stay for scholars and 619 would replace 560 at Deptford.
Tynedale Express: Get 5333-5336 from  Peterlee displacing 5230-5233 keeping 5229 spare.
Wear Tees Express: Improved frequency to every thirty minutes with 9 streetlites including one spare.
Red Arrows: 3943, 6001 and 6002 to Riverside replacing all palatine mkiis and the rest to Stanley allowing a Palatine-free fleet, these would be replaced by 6043-6048, 9119(specifically to replace 3943) and 6084.
TTX: 7 Streetdecks including one red spare to replace 6084.
17: Renamed to the NTT (North Tyneside Traveller) every 30 mins (17) and every 30 mins (17A) the 17A would be extended to Northumberland Park via Battle Hill and Cobalt and the 17 ould be every 30 minutes Whitley Bay to Cramlington no services terminating off peak at Benton ASDA. PVR of 6 (17A) PVR of 8 (17.)  15 Streetlites one as a spare bus. This would allow all the renowns there to be withdrawn.
North Tyne Links: All withdrawn except 569 which will replace 542 at Riverside, 10 solos would come including one red spare (which could in theory be a NEXUS bus spare.) At peak times the spare streetlite could possibly added.
Cobalt Clipper: 17 streetdecks (two spare) could arrive allowing 6101 to stay to replace 3859. 6102-6105 could replace 3866, 3867, 3890, 3891 on the DFDS buses. 6106-6109 could replace 6118-6121 on the 47 bringing the fleet up to a consistent standard. 6110-6112 would replace Stanley's Lolynes and 6113-6117 would replace Chester-le-Street's lolynes. This would allow a lolyne free fleet. 
DFDS: 6102-6105 could allow the current fleet to be withdrawn.
Coaster: 15 eclipses (including two spares) would come to displace the omnicities. 5272-5274 would stay put to allow the scholars services the renowns do to stay. These may also appear on the one as well as 5247-5249 and also on the Cobalt Connect. All the others would replace all the single door renowns at Riverside.
9: Given a brand of 'Sun-Shields' with all services doing the full route (no services terminating at Jarrow) through the tunnel and 9 versas (including one spare) like the CityLink examples would do the route. 
82/82A/83A/85/86: Given a brand of Wahington Whistlers; 570 would replace 547 at Stanley, 603 would replace 548 at Deptford, 604 would replace 562, 605 would replace 564 and 606 would replace 565. 6 solos would replace them including one spare and 10 streetlites would replace the cadets and merits allowing them to replace 5167-5171 at Riverside 8254, 8255, 8261-8263 which would replace them. 8264, 8265, 8270 and 8271 would replace 4903-4906 at Deptford. 6085-6090 would replace the presidents 6085 and 6086 would be branded. The rest would be red.
FAB FIFTY SIX: 16 streetdecks (including 2 spares) 6085-6090 would move to Washington, 6091-6098 would replace Chester-le-Street's presidents and 6099-6100 would replace 6020 and 6042. 
Pronto: An all-day X46 service (to compete with Arriva) half hourly only from Crook Market Place (not Beecham industrial estate) and the PVR would be 2 along with a PVR for the X21 of 7 (including one spare) 9 streetdecks would be needed.
Fast Cats: PVR of 13, 15 streetlites would be needed (including two spares) allowing a half-hourly full route service on the X36 with a PVR of 4. 4955, 4973-4976 and 5205 replacing Deptford's remaining renowns, 5206-5209 would replace 4926-4929 at Chester-le-Street.
Prince Bishops: 22 streetlites including two spares would be needed. 4945, 4946 and 4954 would replace 4930, 4931 and 4934 at Chester-le-Street. 4968 and 4969 would replace 4932 and 4933 at Riverside and 4970 would replace 4935. 5215-5217 would form a new brand at Stanley for the 15/15A as 'Lanchester Legion' replacing 6009, 6012 and 6013. 3966 and 3967 would replace 6014 and 6016 and 5211-5214 would replace them and the remaining buses would be surplus to requirements.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(31 Dec 2015, 11:11 am)NK53 TKT wrote Had another go at some allocation plans for the future:
Tynedale Links: MPDs; all 8 withdrawn keeping replacing them with 8 solos; one red as a spare and two streetlites, one to displace 5210 another as a red spare. 618 would stay for scholars and 619 would replace 560 at Deptford.
Tynedale Express: Get 5333-5336 from  Peterlee displacing 5230-5233 keeping 5229 spare.
Wear Tees Express: Improved frequency to every thirty minutes with 9 streetlites including one spare.
Red Arrows: 3943, 6001 and 6002 to Riverside replacing all palatine mkiis and the rest to Stanley allowing a Palatine-free fleet, these would be replaced by 6043-6048, 9119(specifically to replace 3943) and 6084.
TTX: 7 Streetdecks including one red spare to replace 6084.
17: Renamed to the NTT (North Tyneside Traveller) every 30 mins (17) and every 30 mins (17A) the 17A would be extended to Northumberland Park via Battle Hill and Cobalt and the 17 ould be every 30 minutes Whitley Bay to Cramlington no services terminating off peak at Benton ASDA. PVR of 6 (17A) PVR of 8 (17.)  15 Streetlites one as a spare bus. This would allow all the renowns there to be withdrawn.
North Tyne Links: All withdrawn except 569 which will replace 542 at Riverside, 10 solos would come including one red spare (which could in theory be a NEXUS bus spare.) At peak times the spare streetlite could possibly added.
Cobalt Clipper: 17 streetdecks (two spare) could arrive allowing 6101 to stay to replace 3859. 6102-6105 could replace 3866, 3867, 3890, 3891 on the DFDS buses. 6106-6109 could replace 6118-6121 on the 47 bringing the fleet up to a consistent standard. 6110-6112 would replace Stanley's Lolynes and 6113-6117 would replace Chester-le-Street's lolynes. This would allow a lolyne free fleet. 
DFDS: 6102-6105 could allow the current fleet to be withdrawn.
Coaster: 15 eclipses (including two spares) would come to displace the omnicities. 5272-5274 would stay put to allow the scholars services the renowns do to stay. These may also appear on the one as well as 5247-5249 and also on the Cobalt Connect. All the others would replace all the single door renowns at Riverside.
9: Given a brand of 'Sun-Shields' with all services doing the full route (no services terminating at Jarrow) through the tunnel and 9 versas (including one spare) like the CityLink examples would do the route. 
82/82A/83A/85/86: Given a brand of Wahington Whistlers; 570 would replace 547 at Stanley, 603 would replace 548 at Deptford, 604 would replace 562, 605 would replace 564 and 606 would replace 565. 6 solos would replace them including one spare and 10 streetlites would replace the cadets and merits allowing them to replace 5167-5171 at Riverside 8254, 8255, 8261-8263 which would replace them. 8264, 8265, 8270 and 8271 would replace 4903-4906 at Deptford. 6085-6090 would replace the presidents 6085 and 6086 would be branded. The rest would be red.
FAB FIFTY SIX: 16 streetdecks (including 2 spares) 6085-6090 would move to Washington, 6091-6098 would replace Chester-le-Street's presidents and 6099-6100 would replace 6020 and 6042. 
Pronto: An all-day X46 service (to compete with Arriva) half hourly only from Crook Market Place (not Beecham industrial estate) and the PVR would be 2 along with a PVR for the X21 of 7 (including one spare) 9 streetdecks would be needed.
Fast Cats: PVR of 13, 15 streetlites would be needed (including two spares) allowing a half-hourly full route service on the X36 with a PVR of 4. 4955, 4973-4976 and 5205 replacing Deptford's remaining renowns, 5206-5209 would replace 4926-4929 at Chester-le-Street.
Prince Bishops: 22 streetlites including two spares would be needed. 4945, 4946 and 4954 would replace 4930, 4931 and 4934 at Chester-le-Street. 4968 and 4969 would replace 4932 and 4933 at Riverside and 4970 would replace 4935. 5215-5217 would form a new brand at Stanley for the 15/15A as 'Lanchester Legion' replacing 6009, 6012 and 6013. 3966 and 3967 would replace 6014 and 6016 and 5211-5214 would replace them and the remaining buses would be surplus to requirements.

Tynedale Express - 5230-5233 seemingly cope fine at the moment, and I don't think they're in need of replacing.

Wear Tees Express - The Wear Tees Express is the sort of route that simply couldn't cope with Streetlites; they need heavyweight vehicles, such as Citaros, and not lightweight vehicles. Not even 4906-4909 could cope. I'm unsure of an increase in frequency however, sometimes I see it packed to the rafters and sometimes I see it carrying a light load. Perhaps on expected busy days such as match days, the airshow, etc?

Red Arrows and Tyne Tees Express - I like the idea of 6001-6007 (+3943) displacing the Olympians, but I imagine any further cascades from Brighton & Hove will be direct replacements for Olympians and Lolynes. Also, Streetdecks are completely unsuitable for the X9/X10, in my opinion. While 6043-6048 aren't in the best condition now, I think it's best that they stay where they are until a better replacement can be sourced for them.

17 - In my limited experience of the service, I really don't think it can justify some brand new Streetlites. The brand you've suggested also seems rather pointless to me, and a new brand is now seemingly expected with new vehicles. Perhaps some OmniCities or younger Solars would be a better option?

Cobalt Clipper - Why remove still relatively new vehicles from a remove when they are fine where they are, just to allow the removal of some older buses in the fleet? I honestly can't see the sense in it, some slightly older deckers perhaps would be a better idea, which I personally think will come from another cascade of OmniDekkas from Brighton & Hove.

Coaster - I think the fact that the OmniCities have only just recently been fitted with WiFi suggests that they aren't moving any time in the near future, and Go North East didn't seem overly keen on the Eclipse based on it's fuel consumption, with the Streetlite winning over it.

9 - A brand for this service isn't really necessary, it's fine how it is as an unbranded service. I don't think a service on a 15 minute frequency through to North Shields is justifiable, as I believe that section is secured by Nexus (somebody who knows better may be able to correct/clarify that?), but also, whenever I've used it, it has been relatively quiet. 

82/82A/83A/85/86 - Once again, a brand is not necessary for these services. Nor are Streetlites. Cascaded Solars from elsewhere maybe.

Fab Fifty Six - Similar to the Cobalt Clipper; why remove vehicles that have only been purchased in the last couple of years from a service that really doesn't need to see further new buses? The B9TLs seem to cope absolutely fine on the 56.

Pronto - The X46 is merely a positioning journey at peak times to try and gain some revenue rather than just dead mileage. Every half an hour throughout the day is ludicrous. I don't think it could necessarily compete with Arriva's service, and if Go North East have ordered 7 - where will the other 2 come from...?

Fast Cats - I agree that possibly some Streetlites could be ordered for this service in the next couple of years, and some of the Scanias consequently cascaded could see the withdrawal of some of the older examples in the fleet.

Prince Bishops - I think the cascaded Solars will directly allow the removal of the any remaining Cadets/Merits and B10BLEs (native and dual-door) rather than just shuffle around a load Solars and Presidents within the fleet. I don't think the 15/15A is worthy of a brand to be honest, and I imagine double deck vehicles are needed at peak times as the service will get busy around Durham with students.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(31 Dec 2015, 1:53 pm)S813 FVK wrote Yes, the reason Deckers were put onto services 15/15A was to help with loadings in Peak times.

I said what I said because I had a president to myself last time I was onboard.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(31 Dec 2015, 2:57 pm)NK53 TKT wrote I said what I said because I had a president to myself last time I was onboard.

Your experiences of the service might be completely different to that of somebody else. Were you on a peak-time run? As the chances of you having a bus to yourself in that instance is highly unlikely. Deckers are necessary to help with the loads at peak times. Perhaps some OmniDekkas, should more arrive from Brighton & Hove, would be a suitable replacement for the Presidents.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(31 Dec 2015, 3:01 pm)R852 PRG wrote Your experiences of the service might be completely different to that of somebody else. Were you on a peak-time run? As the chances of you having a bus to yourself in that instance is highly unlikely. Deckers are necessary to help with the loads at peak times. Perhaps some OmniDekkas, should more arrive from Brighton & Hove, would be a suitable replacement for the Presidents.
The fact that during term time, Go North East feel that there needs to be two 15's heading into Durham within 10 minutes between each other both using double deckers says it all, apparently it was a not great when a Venture Solo SR would appear on the second of them two workings. 15/15A tends to carry fairly light loadings during the daytime but double deckers are really needed at peak times.
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RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions
(31 Dec 2015, 2:57 pm)NK53 TKT wrote I said what I said because I had a president to myself last time I was onboard.

See attached for the results to Go North East's 'North West Durham' customer consultation which took place in August 2012.
.pdf North_West_Durham_Consultation_Results_Publication.pdf


The double-deck vehicles were introduced to the 15/15A services from late 2012 due to the withdrawal of the old 815 scholars service. I've also attached the old 15/15A timetable which includes the 815 scholars service. The morning journey was specially timed for scholars attending Lanchester St Bede's and, as someone who has had the misfortune (sorry Robert!) of using the present-day 15:00 #15 from Durham to Consett on a school weekday, it's not particularly pleasant on a double-deck vehicle either! This is why there is a duplicate #15 service on a morning, during term-time, as even double-deck vehicles would struggle to shift all of the scholars. It operates five minutes before the normal #15 service throughout.
.pdf 15_15A_Publication (1).pdf