South Shields based MAN 22049 has been repainted into normal fleet livery (ex X34 blue).

A blue ALX300 was working the X34 service today - was quite shocked to see it actually, I've only ever seen the Enviro 400s on the service since they were transferred over.

Not sure if this has been noted yet, B10BLE 21156 is now back at Walkergate

(02 Feb 2013, 6:17 pm)Daniel wrote A blue ALX300 was working the X34 service today - was quite shocked to see it actually, I've only ever seen the Enviro 400s on the service since they were transferred over.

22050

This evening I decided to walk along to the top of Coach Lane to catch the 1 back into Newcastle instead of the Metro. I was aware that the 1 took a little bit longer than the 62/63 from Four Lane Ends to Newcastle, and I think this had put me off travelling by the 1 until now. But I'm very pleased I took it today!

Got to the stop just in time for the 16:05 short run to Buddle Road and the bus came on time which was great. The bus timetable board said it would take 29 minutes to get to Central Station so I'd get there plenty of time for the 16:53 train back to Sunderland. I was the only one on-board and went upstairs. The sun was setting at the time, and we swiftly travelled down Coach Lane, picking only a few up on the way.

I'm not too familiar with the area, but did notice a street sign for Sackville Road which on Google Earth appears to be in Heaton. There were a couple of streets along here that were so narrow it would have been extremely difficult for two buses to overtake but that didn't seem to happen thankfully.

A little bit later into the route we had to change buses - no big deal, was still an E400 but I think it had just come straight cold from the depot because all the windows were steamed up. Not long after, we passed Northumbria University and then into Newcastle City Centre and through to Central Station. I couldn't believe half an hour passed so quickly!

Maybe I'm just easily pleased, but what an enthralling route! While we were twisting and turning fast down narrow residential streets, I could still almost fall asleep, it was brilliant. A great journey all-round, and the driver was great. I just wish I had got a hold of the two fleet numbers to complete this post. It's not often that I have a memorable bus trip, but this for me was one. I'm not from Newcastle, and until now only had experience with a few of the local Newcastle routes - X47, 62/63 and Arriva's X5/55. But for me the 1 just tops it all.

I always try to find different ways of avoiding the Metro as much as possible on my journeys back home; but despite the 1 taking twice as long as the Metro to get back into Newcastle, I much prefer it. It was so much more relaxing (especially having the top deck to myself!), and it just really lifted my spirits after a long day at work. In a way I'm gutted I've only got a half day tomorrow for a hospital appointment, but I'll be sure to take the 1 again from Friday!

Stagecoach have posted details of an upcoming diversion on Sunday 24 February in Sunderland affecting all services bar 20 and E1/E2/E6 -

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupda...px?Id=6712

It seems to have something to do with the Better Bus Improvement programme on Borough Road. On the 24th, buses will essentially be doing almost a full lap around Mowbray Park, including a loop around the Burdon Road/Stockton Road/Park Road gyratory. I've just done a quick measure on Google Earth, and the diversionary route is a whole mile longer than the usual route and plus all the extra traffic light junctions to pass too - so expect delays!

Went past Borough Road on the 10 on Thursday - there is a bus shelter at the west-bound stop opposite William Jameson but it's not in use yet.

(09 Feb 2013, 12:18 am)Brandon wrote Stagecoach have posted details of an upcoming diversion on Sunday 24 February in Sunderland affecting all services bar 20 and E1/E2/E6 -

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupda...px?Id=6712

It seems to have something to do with the Better Bus Improvement programme on Borough Road. On the 24th, buses will essentially be doing almost a full lap around Mowbray Park, including a loop around the Burdon Road/Stockton Road/Park Road gyratory. I've just done a quick measure on Google Earth, and the diversionary route is a whole mile longer than the usual route and plus all the extra traffic light junctions to pass too - so expect delays!

Went past Borough Road on the 10 on Thursday - there is a bus shelter at the west-bound stop opposite William Jameson but it's not in use yet.

Happened not so long back (but it was Toward Road and Borough Road - the first part next to Mowbray Park rather than the loop which all the buses take) too, affecting GNE services 39/42 and SC services 10/11.

Do ignore the god awful quality, my camera was having a bad day. I was gutted that one of my proposed photo spots didn't work out because Borough Road had re-opened 10 minutes after I had arrived in town. Stagecoach services 10 and 11 were the only ones diverting that way (I have no idea which loop GNE services 39 and 42 were taking to get back into the city centre - the drivers heard about five different things on the radio as I remember the driver was fuming while I was bussing down to town) - snow was quite deep on Mowbray Park and I was going to get all of that in the shot while some dogs were playing in the snow while also capturing that Jack Crawford(?) statue in the shot too.

Unfortunately didn't work out - but I may be able to have another crack at the shot, minus the snow.


Regarding current stops: Yes, the stop on Borough Road (stop number 24S07) has gained a bus shelter following the works that went on January 20th. Also, although only temporary while this stop is out of bounds, a new stop has been instated at Holmeside (just as you pass the traffic lights).

To answer a previous question which has gone missing: 27506 is said to have been de-branded of its "Metrocentre" branding. It is 'in an approximation of Stagecoach livery with no orange and less blue'.


Source: "Stagecoach North East Bus Enthusiast Group" on Facebook.

I think those photos are alright actually! I think that new bus stop on Holmeside was where the 10 dropped me off in lieu of Borough Road.

It's a shame that more bus services don't run along Burdon Road anymore; there used to be all trips on the 38's and the morning peak Arriva services from County Durham. Sadly it's just the evening/Sunday-only Compass 38C at the moment - http://liners.nexus.org.uk/24S37.pdf . but it seems that GNE are re-introducing service 38 to Burdon Road from next month. You'd think Nexus would want to re-use the northbound bus shelter somewhere else, which I don't think has been served by a regular bus service since the 18 was re-routed in March 2005.

Not sure if it's been reported anywhere, can't find any reference to it. Just seen South Shields MAN 22067 leaving Sunderland on the 12:43 E6 with a LED destination blind - apologies if it's old news, first I've seen it!

(09 Feb 2013, 1:45 pm)Brandon wrote I think those photos are alright actually! I think that new bus stop on Holmeside was where the 10 dropped me off in lieu of Borough Road.

It's a shame that more bus services don't run along Burdon Road anymore; there used to be all trips on the 38's and the morning peak Arriva services from County Durham. Sadly it's just the evening/Sunday-only Compass 38C at the moment - http://liners.nexus.org.uk/24S37.pdf . but it seems that GNE are re-introducing service 38 to Burdon Road from next month. You'd think Nexus would want to re-use the northbound bus shelter which I don't think has been served by a regular bus service since the 18 was re-routed in March 2005, and put it somewhere else...

Not sure if it's been reported anywhere, can't find any reference to it. Just seen South Shields MAN 22067 leaving Sunderland on the 12:43 E6 with a LED destination blind - apologies if it's old news, first I've seen it!

Indeed it is. I remember back in September and October of 2009, there was a hefty diversion in place around Burdon Road and Stockton Road for vehicles that used Holmeside (going out of the town centre rather than in). I used to love that diversion because I used to walk to the temporary bus stop on Stockton Road from school to get the bus home. Since, I've moved house and just get the bus from Park Lane, but that diversion was brilliant for me. Countless amounts of times I stuck my hand out at the normal stop before Park Lane even though that wasn't the designated temporary bus stop because the bus had arrived there before I was there. It was an oddly placed temporary bus stop though - but I guess it's because they wanted it as close to Holmeside as possible but keeping it in a safe spot.

Can anyone remember why that diversion was in place for little over a month?

Oh, and some photos (credit to peter_b2008 on Flickr):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27204054@N07/3962140621/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27204054@N07/3962138841/


RE: The ALX300 - I noticed it about a week ago on the E1/E2/E6 service after having finished school. I didn't think it was new news (if that makes sense) but it could well be.

Thanks for posting those photos too by Peter! I remember that diversion well. GNE had some major service changes (especially Black Cats/Doxford Clipper) in October 2009 right in the middle of the diversion period so must have been rather confusing to passengers at the time!

I seem to remember the Stagecoach cross-city routes 3/4/13/16 actually taking quicker to reach the other side of the City Centre via Burdon Road instead of the usually traffic-crammed Holmeside/Vine Place! I think it would have been much better as a permanent diversion - then keep Holmeside east-bound traffic only with wider pavements!

This notice was on GNE's home page at the time -

Sunderland City Centre Closures
A number of road or lane closures will affect bus operation in Central Sunderland from Sunday 27th September 2009. This is due to urgent gas main renewal and may last for up to 3 months.

I think the works were confined to Holmeside (west-bound only).

The most recent photo I can find on Flickr of 22067 is by Chris White in August 2012 - so it could have been any time after that really when it got fitted with an LED blind.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriswhites...427446446/

(09 Feb 2013, 2:05 pm)Brandon wrote Thanks for posting those photos too by Peter! I remember that diversion well. GNE had some major service changes (especially Black Cats/Doxford Clipper) in October 2009 right in the middle of the diversion period so must have been rather confusing to passengers at the time!

I seem to remember the Stagecoach cross-city routes 3/4/13/16 actually taking quicker to reach the other side of the City Centre via Burdon Road instead of the usually traffic-crammed Holmeside/Vine Place! I think it would have been much better as a permanent diversion - then keep Holmeside east-bound traffic only with wider pavements!

This notice was on GNE's home page at the time -

Sunderland City Centre Closures
A number of road or lane closures will affect bus operation in Central Sunderland from Sunday 27th September 2009. This is due to urgent gas main renewal and may last for up to 3 months.

I think the works were confined to Holmeside (west-bound only).

The most recent photo I can find on Flickr of 22067 is by Chris White in August 2012 - so it could have been any time after that really when it got fitted with an LED blind.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriswhites...427446446/

South Shields swapped some of the LEDs out of the B10BLEs with flip dots out of the MANs - some of which are now at Slatyford as swaps for their E400s. Talking of which, 19197 is currently undergoing refurb which should see its seats recovered in leather and repainted (wonder if X34 will get a new brand or not?).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamsonm/8458002145/

photo by mdw9121 of the Unbranded/Repainted 100 E300

Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?

(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael wrote Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?

May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?

Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!

(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael wrote Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?

May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?

Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!

Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space

(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael wrote Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?

May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?

Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!

Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space

The driver that told me did say 25 definites with the others depending on if we gain the funding or not. Given that it was Christmas Day, the driver could have been wrong and his head (rightfully) may not have been at work.

(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael wrote Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?

May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?

Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!

Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space

Ah sorry Daniel, 21 buses should be enough to get rid of all or most of the MAN's at Wheatchef, i was on one yesterday and door's took ages to shut and its engine kept stopping.


Any1 got a updated Fleet List for stagecoach NE?

(10 Feb 2013, 11:19 am)Michael wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 10:38 am)Kuyoyo wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 10:29 am)Daniel wrote

(10 Feb 2013, 12:36 am)Michael wrote Ive heard Sunderland are to receive 25 new buses this year, any truth?

May I refer you to a post I made on Christmas Day of 2012?

Since, I have had this confirmed. We are to get 25 *new* E200/E300s, most likely to replace some of the older ALX300s and the very few ALX200s we have left. And by new, I actually mean new!

Think you might have numbers wrong - as I understand, there's 21 new buses due for Sunderland later this year, with possiably more coming depending on success in funding - watch this space

Ah sorry Daniel, 21 buses should be enough to get rid of all or most of the MAN's at Wheatchef, i was on one yesterday and door's took ages to shut and its engine kept stopping.


Any1 got a updated Fleet List for stagecoach NE?

Not replacing MANs, unless people enjoyed what happened with the 4 in 2009 The oldest MANs will only be replaced if the funding-depending vehicles happen.

Not replacing MANs, unless people enjoyed what happened with the 4 in 2009 The oldest MANs will only be replaced if the funding-depending vehicles happen.


How many MANs does Sunderland have?

(10 Feb 2013, 11:28 am)Michael wrote Not replacing MANs, unless people enjoyed what happened with the 4 in 2009 The oldest MANs will only be replaced if the funding-depending vehicles happen.


How many MANs does Sunderland have?

22072-82
22172/90/96
22214/15
22453/62-4/7/8/86-91/4/5
22664/6/72/3/5
22726-36

44 in total.

Cheers didnt expect us to have that many

(10 Feb 2013, 11:43 am)Michael wrote Cheers didnt expect us to have that many

If you think that's a lot, you should see Stockton - 53 ALX300s (plus one VOR with engine failure, likely to be withdrawn given it's officially a reserve vehicle) plus 15 E300-bodied examples.

To many, the newer MAN's are quite good but the older ones are starting to get worse and worse.

If Sunderland do get buses, they probley's be E200... shame because sometimes i think we need deckers.

SUnderland are getting some E200s this year ive herd to replace the darts, and apparently some gas busses to replace the MANs. Sunderland dont need decekers on any of their routes really, i agree there busy on a morning and night but they never leave anyone at a bus stop, and its a every 10 minute frequency so there isnt long to wait for another one.

Ive also heard Gas buses, the darts are ok but some routes sometimes do need bigger buses.

How many darts have Sunderland got, cant find a fleet list for stagecoach NE

(10 Feb 2013, 12:09 pm)Michael wrote To many, the newer MAN's are quite good but the older ones are starting to get worse and worse.

If Sunderland do get buses, they probley's be E200... shame because sometimes i think we need deckers.

Sunderland don't need Deckers - as proved by the fact they never replaced their Leyland Olympians back in 2006 with cascaded Volvo Olympians. The only depot that doesn't currently have a LF alloation of deckers that needs deckers for front-line work is Stockton, but likelihood is that it will never happen with the current management in change (although from details I've heard, that might be changing shortly).

As for the MANs, here at Stockton we have a sandwich effect - the S/T/V-regs are starting to show their ages (22671 looks brand new inside and out now it's been refurbished), the 03-reg examples are the best and the 54-reg examples are more-trouble than they are worth (they run hotter than the others, so overheat quicker on the summer).

(10 Feb 2013, 12:13 pm)dans_bus_photos wrote SUnderland are getting some E200s this year ive herd to replace the darts, and apparently some gas busses to replace the MANs. Sunderland dont need decekers on any of their routes really, i agree there busy on a morning and night but they never leave anyone at a bus stop, and its a every 10 minute frequency so there isnt long to wait for another one.

21 E200s due in the Autumn, and yes the Gas Buses (Scania K230UB/E300s) are the ones that depend on funding.

---

(10 Feb 2013, 12:18 pm)Michael wrote Ive also heard Gas buses, the darts are ok but some routes sometimes do need bigger buses.

How many darts have Sunderland got, cant find a fleet list for stagecoach NE

Can't be looking hard enough for a fleetlist, try this:

http://northeastbus.co.uk/companies/sne/snefleetlist.htm

21 E200s due in the Autumn, and yes the Gas Buses (Scania K230UB/E300s) are the ones that depend on funding.

Cheers, seems long away, i really hope we get the Scania K230UB/E300s, at least its something diffrent in the fleet.

Do u have any idea when we will find out if we have had the funding accepted?

(10 Feb 2013, 12:33 pm)Michael wrote 21 E200s due in the Autumn, and yes the Gas Buses (Scania K230UB/E300s) are the ones that depend on funding.

Cheers, seems long away, i really hope we get the Scania K230UB/E300s, at least its something diffrent in the fleet.

Do u have any idea when we will find out if we have had the funding accepted?

May - when the Green Bus Funding is announced

Thanks =D