Deleted my last post, as to many edits.....

Spotted this on the GNE page:

Hi Go North East. Is it true Arriva have lost the contract for the evening shift of the 82 bus that goes through Birtley? If so will you be taking over full contract and running the bus through Northside? Last bus up here 7.20 on a night and doesn't run on a Sunday. My work is compromised as I can't work past 7 o clock as have to run for last bus or taxi. Can't do later shifts as can't get home.

GNE reply: Any changes to the 82 service will be announced on our website in advance of it's implementation. Unfortunately I have no further details at this present moment in time, apologies.


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From Arriva North East on Facebook:

We will no longer be operating this Nexus contracted service after 21st May. The comments will need to be directed to Nexus. Thanks

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Wonder who has won the 82 then... GNE?

GCT lost the 71A on a night... Could be them - or Stanley Travel!

GCT lost the 71A on a night... Could be them - or Stanley Travel!

Although i'd like to see the likes of GCT more work... I would also like to see GNE run the 82/83.. as they run it during the day...

Same as any other service

It will be interesting to see if Nexus amend the secured portion of the 82 as the extension to Northside was made after the last contract started. If my memory is coerect.
They may feel there is no need to send it up there on a night. Just as GNE could if they decide to operate it commercially.

I remember Stanley having a secured Washington - Chester service (can't remember the service number, but it served Fatfield once the last 777 had run). The contract ended about 10/12 years ago. Whether they ended it or Nexus/DCC did I am not sure, but there were a number of ocassions the service didnt run at all, due to the weather conditions in Stanley.
Obviously they have other options/facilities now.

Edit: I think it was Veiola who got the contract after Stanley.
I remember using it a couple of times.

It will be interesting to see if Nexus amend the secured portion of the 82 as the extension to Northside was made after the last contract started. If my memory is coerect.
They may feel there is no need to send it up there on a night. Just as GNE could if they decide to operate it commercially.

I remember Stanley having a secured Washington - Chester service (can't remember the service number, but it served Fatfield once the last 777 had run). The contract ended about 10/12 years ago. Whether they ended it or Nexus/DCC did I am not sure, but there were a number of ocassions the service didnt run at all, due to the weather conditions in Stanley.
Obviously they have other options/facilities now.

Edit: I think it was Veiola who got the contract after Stanley.
I remember using it a couple of times.

Probs GNE, definitely not Stagecoach though!

Probs GNE, definitely not Stagecoach though!

I wonder if it would be viable for JH?

I wonder if it would be viable for JH?

Do JH do any evening work for Nexus or is it all daytime work currently?

Do JH do any evening work for Nexus or is it all daytime work currently?

In the past, classic buses used to do some evening services, 538 sunderland to jarrow iirc, seen as jh and classic merged i wouldn't be surprised to see jh buses running out later.

Do JH do any evening work for Nexus or is it all daytime work currently?

Think they only have the 23 and then a few runs on a works bus service both using the Primo. Don't think they have enough buses to use on Nexus contract services unless you can use the Darts or a double decker.

Think they only have the 23 and then a few runs on a works bus service both using the Primo. Don't think they have enough buses to use on Nexus contract services unless you can use the Darts or a double decker.

The Dart and Volvo B10BLE are both allocated to scholars services in Sunderland.

The Dart and Volvo B10BLE are both allocated to scholars services in Sunderland.

Not 100% on what they use when the Primo is off, the only photo I've seen of something other than the Primo on the 23 is the Dart although this was a Saturday.

Do JH do any evening work for Nexus or is it all daytime work currently?

As has been said, just daytime work at present.
I suppose evening work could be the natural step, particularly in this case when dead mileage would be negligable.

It would all depend on how it would fit in with the rest of JH's current ops and staffing though.

Services 77/77A (Gilley Law - Sunderland - Docks - Gilley Law)
Contract Period: 22/05/2016 - 20/05/2017
Currently operated by Stagecoach North East, as services 5/5A.

Contractual requirements:
Daily
1x low-floor Euro 4 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36.

This contract was revised last week.

The Monday - Saturday daytime journeys will no longer be secured by Nexus. A bus operator in the region will operate the City Centre - Docks section of the route on a commercial basis, and Stagecoach will continue to operate the western section of the 5/5A services on a commercial basis.

There will now only be one secured 77 service Monday - Saturday: departing Park Lane Interchange at 18:16, and arriving back at 18:43. The remaining journeys will be numbered as 77A, and all bar two journeys will operate the full circular route from Gilley Law. Appears to be no visible changes to the Sunday timetable.

Operators may bid for this contract until 15/03/16.

This contract was revised last week.

The Monday - Saturday daytime journeys will no longer be secured by Nexus. A bus operator in the region will operate the City Centre - Docks section of the route on a commercial basis, and Stagecoach will continue to operate the western section of the 5/5A services on a commercial basis.

There will now only be one secured 77 service Monday - Saturday: departing Park Lane Interchange at 18:16, and arriving back at 18:43. The remaining journeys will be numbered as 77A, and all bar two journeys will operate the full circular route from Gilley Law. Appears to be no visible changes to the Sunday timetable.

Operators may bid for this contract until 15/03/16.

Interesting that NEXUS won't fund it expect for a 1 run and on a evening.... wonder if any company would want to run it though- not sure how many people use it between the City Centre and the Docks... maybe it does give some profit. 


So the evening and Sunday services will be the 77A - wonder if Megariders will be accepted on the route as Stagecoach fund the route themselves between Gilley Law and City Centre on a Monday - Saturday daytime.... of course that will only be if Stagecoach don't get the contract.

Interesting that NEXUS won't fund it expect for a 1 run and on a evening.... wonder if any company would want to run it though- not sure how many people use it between the City Centre and the Docks... maybe it does give some profit. 


So the evening and Sunday services will be the 77A - wonder if Megariders will be accepted on the route as Stagecoach fund the route themselves between Gilley Law and City Centre on a Monday - Saturday daytime.... of course that will only be if Stagecoach don't get the contract.

Just re-thinking over the contract, why can't Stagecoach keep it and run it as the 5 and just use the 77A on a evening and Sunday?

It sounds better and keeps its current route without the need to change buses in the City Centre.


If the contract is changing i would expect Stagecoach to change the services just to the 5, not need for the 5A, as the routes are the same until the City Centre, when they split off different ways to the docks.

Just re-thinking over the contract, why can't Stagecoach keep it and run it as the 5 and just use the 77A on a evening and Sunday?

It sounds better and keeps its current route without the need to change buses in the City Centre.


If the contract is changing i would expect Stagecoach to change the services just to the 5, not need for the 5A, as the routes are the same until the City Centre, when they split off different ways to the docks.

Stagecoach mightn't see the commercial opportunity in running the service (based on their knowledge of passenger numbers and trends), however other operators might.

Depending on running times of the current commercially-operated 5 service, it may mean that they have to have a bus sitting around in the City Centre for 25 minutes, now that it won't head shoot off down to The Docks.

This would then impact on how much profit Stagecoach makes, as they have a bus and driver being unproductive for a long period of time.

Stagecoach mightn't see the commercial opportunity in running the service (based on their knowledge of passenger numbers and trends), however other operators might.

Depending on running times of the current commercially-operated 5 service, it may mean that they have to have a bus sitting around in the City Centre for 25 minutes, now that it won't head shoot off down to The Docks.

This would then impact on how much profit Stagecoach makes, as they have a bus and driver being unproductive for a long period of time.

The loop around the docks will never turn a profit to be fair, year on year the community of the East end is getting older and attractive to the less ambitious of society so very few cash fares are taken. 

I guess a couple on here know who is going to operate this as a commercial service. Personally I think the planning department has gone mad, no scope for this service on that section unfortunately. 

Not a lot stagecoach could do with timings to reduce a vehicle use here but a bit of scope to send it into doxford international at the Western end.

The loop around the docks will never turn a profit to be fair, year on year the community of the East end is getting older and attractive to the less ambitious of society so very few cash fares are taken. 

I guess a couple on here know who is going to operate this as a commercial service. Personally I think the planning department has gone mad, no scope for this service on that section unfortunately. 

Not a lot stagecoach could do with timings to reduce a vehicle use here but a bit of scope to send it into doxford international at the Western end.

Sorry deleted i forgot to reply!


I agree, i won't gain a profit in the area, I've only ever used the 5/5A to the docks area once and very few get on or off, i'll be surprised to see if anyone wants to run it from Park Lane to Docks with no profit, of course someone will pick it up but for how long before its completely changed, merged to another route or even fully withdrawn.... which i hope we don't see.


To me, Stagecoach should get the 77/77A, withdraw it after so long and re-introduce it to the 5/5A, this means the routes will go back to as the current routes, keeping the secured runs as the 77 but it doesn't work like that so it probables won't happen.

Dan any news on the 77/77A/82/83 contracts?

Asking because VOSA has now confirmed Arriva have lost the 82/83.

Dan any news on the 77/77A/82/83 contracts?

Asking because VOSA has now confirmed Arriva have lost the 82/83.

Tender closed last week so Nexus will be evaluating the bids now. Will provide an update when it is confirmed by Nexus.

Arriva presumably didn't go in for the contract, hence the early confirmation that they wouldn't be operating it.

Tender closed last week so Nexus will be evaluating the bids now. Will provide an update when it is confirmed by Nexus.

Arriva presumably didn't go in for the contract, hence the early confirmation that they wouldn't be operating it.

Cheers Dan

Hopefully:

GNE win the 82/83.
Stagecoach win the 77/77A to run by themselves, like the amended contract said, meaning after a while they can withdraw the 77/77A and change the 5/5A to go back to the docks like now .

Cheers Dan

Hopefully:

GNE win the 82/83.
Stagecoach win the 77/77A to run by themselves, like the amended contract said, meaning after a while they can withdraw he 77/77A and change the 5/5A to go back to the docks like now .

Remember that regardless of who wins the contract, the current Monday - Saturday 5/5A timetable will not continue, from May.

As another operator has stepped in to operate the City Centre - The Docks section of the daytime 77 service on a commercial basis, this part of the contract was cancelled (so Stagecoach will definitely not be operating to The Docks from May, unless they decide to operate it commercially themselves).

The contract out there now is for the evening and Sunday operation of the 77/77A services all the way between The Docks and Gilley Law.

Remember that regardless of who wins the contract, the current Monday - Saturday 5/5A timetable will not continue, from May.

As another operator has stepped in to operate the City Centre - The Docks section of the daytime 77 service on a commercial basis, this part of the contract was cancelled (so Stagecoach will definitely not be operating to The Docks from May, unless they decide to operate it commercially themselves).

The contract out there now is for the evening and Sunday operation of the 77/77A services all the way between The Docks and Gilley Law.

Ye, glad the main route isn't changing, as i use it regularly. 

I'm not sure i understand the 2nd part of your post Dan, as you said NEXUS haven't released details of the contact but then you say "As another operator has stepped in to operate the City Centre - The Docks section of the daytime 77 service on a commercial basis" - this sounds like they have decided, then you say... unless Stagecoach decide to operate it on a commercial bases.... confused on that point. 

Do you know if Megariders will be allowed to be used on evenings/Sundays?, if the 77/77A is ran by another company.

Ye, glad the main route isn't changing, as i use it regularly. 

I'm not sure i understand the 2nd part of your post Dan, as you said NEXUS haven't released details of the contact but then you say "As another operator has stepped in to operate the City Centre - The Docks section of the daytime 77 service on a commercial basis" - this sounds like they have decided, then you say... unless Stagecoach decide to operate it on a commercial bases.... confused on that point. 

Do you know if Megariders will be allowed to be used on evenings/Sundays?, if the 77/77A is ran by another company.

Stagecoach presently operate services 5/5A between The Docks and Doxford Park. The section between Doxford Park and City Centre is operated by Stagecoach on a commercial basis, on Monday - Saturday daytimes. There is currently a through service from City Centre to The Docks, despite this section of the route being operated under contract to Nexus. On evenings and Sundays, the whole route between The Docks and Gilley Law is operated under contract to Nexus, by Stagecoach.

The new tender from May was originally the same, albeit numbered 77/77A. However, an amendment was made to the contract a few weeks into the tender process, with Nexus cancelling the daytime service between The Docks and City Centre. When this has happened in the past, it has been because another operator has stepped in to operate that service on a commercial basis. A fairly recent example would be Gateshead Central Taxis being awarded with the operation of the 96A service from Metrocentre to Lobley Hill. Go North East stepped in after the result was announced, to operate this service on a commercial basis. It's probably quite anti-competitive in a way, but on the flip side, can be quite a good thing, as it means that the operators are taking the rough with the smooth (whatever their intentions for this may be).

So, back to the 77/77A, this means that an operator has decided to operate the section of the new 77/77A services Monday - Saturday daytimes between The Docks and City Centre on a commercial basis. Stagecoach will not be able to continue with their current timetable on the 5/5A, if they are not the operator which has stepped in to operate the daytime Docks - City Centre section on a commercial basis. I think it's unlikely that Stagecoach will be the operator to do this, though.

Hopefully this is a bit clearer?

Stagecoach presently operate services 5/5A between The Docks and Doxford Park. The section between Doxford Park and City Centre is operated by Stagecoach on a commercial basis, on Monday - Saturday daytimes. There is currently a through service from City Centre to The Docks, despite this section of the route being operated under contract to Nexus. On evenings and Sundays, the whole route between The Docks and Gilley Law is operated under contract to Nexus, by Stagecoach.

The new tender from May was originally the same, albeit numbered 77/77A. However, an amendment was made to the contract a few weeks into the tender process, with Nexus cancelling the daytime service between The Docks and City Centre. When this has happened in the past, it has been because another operator has stepped in to operate that service on a commercial basis. A fairly recent example would be Gateshead Central Taxis being awarded with the operation of the 96A service from Metrocentre to Lobley Hill. Go North East stepped in after the result was announced, to operate this service on a commercial basis. It's probably quite anti-competitive in a way, but on the flip side, can be quite a good thing, as it means that the operators are taking the rough with the smooth (whatever their intentions for this may be).

So, back to the 77/77A, this means that an operator has decided to operate the section of the new 77/77A services Monday - Saturday daytimes between The Docks and City Centre on a commercial basis. Stagecoach will not be able to continue with their current timetable on the 5/5A, if they are not the operator which has stepped in to operate the daytime Docks - City Centre section on a commercial basis. I think it's unlikely that Stagecoach will be the operator to do this, though.

Hopefully this is a bit clearer?

Ahhh right thanks Dan. Sorry you had to explain it better haha


With regards of the current numbering, it wouldn't surprise me if the 5A is dropped and Stagecoach will just run it as the 5, as the 5/5A do the exact same route until the City Centre, as for the new City Centre route, it will probables follow the 12 route.


Be good to finally have a different number service where i live also it'll be different to see another bus company run it too, if another company wins it on an evening and Sunday...

Tender closed last week so Nexus will be evaluating the bids now. Will provide an update when it is confirmed by Nexus.

Arriva presumably didn't go in for the contract, hence the early confirmation that they wouldn't be operating it.

The contract which Arriva had was due to expire next year apparently, but due to costs and the fact the buses can be utilised elsewhere, the contract was surrendered; hence, the short period for this upcoming tender.

The Nexus tenders for May 2016 have been awarded as follows:

5/5A (evening and Sunday) - Stagecoach North East
82/83 - Go North East
85/86 - Go North East
592 - Gateshead Central Taxis
593 - Gateshead Central Taxis
92, 83A, 927, 937, 68, 93A - Gateshead Central Taxis

The Nexus tenders for May 2016 have been awarded as follows:

5/5A (evening and Sunday) - Stagecoach North East
82/83 - Go North East
85/86 - Go North East
592 - Gateshead Central Taxis
593 - Gateshead Central Taxis
92, 83A, 927, 937, 68, 93A - Gateshead Central Taxis

Thanks Dan, glad Stagecoach have kept the evening and Sunday runs, new number for my area to

Least the 82/83/86/86 are back in to GNE hands.

The Nexus tenders for May 2016 have been awarded as follows:

5/5A (evening and Sunday) - Stagecoach North East
82/83 - Go North East
85/86 - Go North East
592 - Gateshead Central Taxis
593 - Gateshead Central Taxis
92, 83A, 927, 937, 68, 93A - Gateshead Central Taxis

Well that's me not getting the 83A then. And the evening reliability of the 82 going downhill.

Well that's me not getting the 83A then. And the evening reliability of the 82 going downhill.

The 83A is once a day at about half 6 in the morning, I doubt you'd be a regular passenger!

The Nexus tenders for May 2016 have been awarded as follows:

5/5A (evening and Sunday) - Stagecoach North East
82/83 - Go North East
85/86 - Go North East
592 - Gateshead Central Taxis
593 - Gateshead Central Taxis
92, 83A, 927, 937, 68, 93A - Gateshead Central Taxis

39 and 516 also retained by Go North East.

Well that's me not getting the 83A then. And the evening reliability of the 82 going downhill.

Oh, grow up.

The running time will be exactly the same as the current evening 82/83 services - if Arriva can stick to this timetable, then Go North East will be able to stick to it as well. Worth noting that the current hourly service is being increased to half-hourly (ish) - departures from Concord at xx41 and xx09, from 19:41 to 23:41.