(09 Nov 2016, 8:22 pm)Pulsar wrote Timetables have been released for boxing day services from Arriva

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/globalassets...16_web.pdf

Last services leaving Newcastle around 6:30 so none after the match.

Bizarre... Newcastle United usually pay operators over the odds to cover the cost, too!

(09 Nov 2016, 9:18 pm)Adrian wrote Bizarre... Newcastle United usually pay operators over the odds to cover the cost, too!

It is strange although I guess that they dont want to take the risk of running throughout the evening during the match when it is likely to be quiet. Hopefully this may happen in future if services are a success.

Metro will be running until 11pm paid for by NUFC.

Soccer bus X50 will also run with additional very limited services post game (details tbc)

(15 Nov 2016, 1:39 pm)Ambassador wrote Metro will be running until 11pm paid for by NUFC.

Soccer bus X50 will also run with additional very limited services post game (details tbc)

There's more on www.nufc.com about public transport. They have quoted a piece from Nexus.

No buses apart from the X50 will run beyond 1900.

(15 Nov 2016, 2:41 pm)Andreos1 wrote There's more on www.nufc.com about public transport. They have quoted a piece from Nexus.

No buses apart from the X50 will run beyond 1900.

Whereas Nufc official statement said there'll be a limited post match service

(15 Nov 2016, 7:09 pm)Ambassador wrote Whereas Nufc official statement said there'll be a limited post match service

Which is correct.

Go North East are definitely running services into the night, like last year.

(15 Nov 2016, 7:09 pm)Ambassador wrote Whereas Nufc official statement said there'll be a limited post match service

Goodness knows.
I have other things on for Boxing Day, so don't plan on using public transport.

Looks like the usual joined up thinking!

Huw Lewis gave us this news:

Huw Lewis, Head of Communications and Customer Services at Nexus, said: "On Boxing Day bus operators provide a number of services on core routes throughout Tyne and Wear until around 7pm.

"Metro and the dedicated park and ride X50 'Soccer Bus' will operate this year thanks to support from Newcastle United, but other buses will not be running after the game and there are no national rail services.

"We are working together to make supporters aware of the local transport available so they can plan ahead and enjoy the game."

Stagecoach have started putting info on their website for the holidays. Boxing Day services between 10:00 and 18:00 only as usual

Just messaged Arriva who said that they won't be operating extra match services as they can't predict the demand?????!!!!

Unless they can't get the drivers, they'd be mad not to and the drivers would most likely end up having to rev the t**s of whatever is allocated if they ran a small number of the routes!

Could easily operate the following:
- 308 at 22:10 to Billy Mill (single deck) followed by 22:15 service to Blyth.
- X10 at 22:15 to Blyth operating via 43 route between Newcastle and Cramlington then resuming normal route. Additional service (single deck) at 22:10 between Newcastle and Cramlington only. Would also operate via Northburn between Cramlington and Laverock Hall.
- X21 to Ashington at 22:15 with buses operating a loop around Stakeford covering parts of X22 route.
- X16 to Morpeth at 22:15 via X22 route to Bedlington, then non-stop to Stannington joining the A1 then normal route to Morpeth.

(16 Nov 2016, 6:43 pm)L469 YVK wrote Just messaged Arriva who said that they won't be operating extra match services as they can't predict the demand?????!!!!

Unless they can't get the drivers, they'd be mad not to and the drivers would most likely end up having to rev the t**s of whatever is allocated if they ran a small number of the routes!

Could easily operate the following:
- 308 at 22:10 to Billy Mill (single deck) followed by 22:15 service to Blyth.
- X10 at 22:15 to Blyth operating via 43 route between Newcastle and Cramlington then resuming normal route. Additional service (single deck) at 22:10 between Newcastle and Cramlington only. Would also operate via Northburn between Cramlington and Laverock Hall.
- X21 to Ashington at 22:15 with buses operating a loop around Stakeford covering parts of X22 route.
- X16 to Morpeth at 22:15 via X22 route to Bedlington, then non-stop to Stannington joining the A1 then normal route to Morpeth.

An average attendance of over 50,000 so far this season, so they're straight up lying to you there. If buses run, people will use them, especially if their only alternative is a taxi. I'm sure that, if they were offering a good enough pay, they could find drivers willing to drive the buses.

I find GNE's Boxing Day services laughable, there's never any buses serving Wallsend, and the 1 only runs between North Shields and Whitley Bay. Maybe I should ask for an extra day on my pass since I won't be able to use it.

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(17 Nov 2016, 7:27 am)MVK 500R wrote I find GNE's Boxing Day services laughable, there's never any buses serving Wallsend, and the 1 only runs between North Shields and Whitley Bay. Maybe I should ask for an extra day on my pass since I won't be able to use it.

Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk

Year on year, the level of service provided by Go North East increases and the company seeks to trial a Boxing Day service in new locations.

Last year was the first year Bishop Auckland had received a service on Boxing Day, and Go North East will continue to provide the hourly X21 service from Durham to Bishop Auckland this year too. Service 310 will be diverted this year to additionally serve Hadrian Park. Whilst this is of no use to you as someone living in Wallsend, it shows the company's commitment to improving the service in North Tyneside.

With around 150 buses out in service on Boxing Day this year, and a service being provided for the entire day on some services (ie until midnight), I do not think anyone can say that Go North East's level of service on a Boxing Day is 'laughable'. It is still far superior, on the most part, to the service being provided by Arriva and Stagecoach.

(17 Nov 2016, 9:19 am)Dan wrote Year on year, the level of service provided by Go North East increases and the company seeks to trial a Boxing Day service in new locations.

Last year was the first year Bishop Auckland had received a service on Boxing Day, and Go North East will continue to provide the hourly X21 service from Durham to Bishop Auckland this year too. Service 310 will be diverted this year to additionally serve Hadrian Park. Whilst this is of no use to you as someone living in Wallsend, it shows the company's commitment to improving the service in North Tyneside.

With around 150 buses out in service on Boxing Day this year, and a service being provided for the entire day on some services (ie until midnight), I do not think anyone can say that Go North East's level of service on a Boxing Day is 'laughable'. It is still far superior, on the most part, to the service being provided by Arriva and Stagecoach.

Probables all Newcastle services....

I think companies need to start to provide a better service on boxing day, to some people its a normal working day.

(17 Nov 2016, 9:31 am)Michael wrote Probables all Newcastle services....

I think companies need to start to provide a better service on boxing day, to some people its a normal working day.

Which is were the demand is, So will always be better off than other places on the network.


For example, They'll be no demand for the Bishop 18 on Boxing Day as everything in the area will be shut, But feeder services from that area into the major areas where places are open and people want to go, Such as the X21, Will have high demand.

(17 Nov 2016, 7:48 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote Which is were the demand is, So will always be better off than other places on the network.


For example, They'll be no demand for the Bishop 18 on Boxing Day as everything in the area will be shut, But feeder services from that area into the major areas where places are open and people want to go, Such as the X21, Will have high demand.

So you're saying they'll be no demand in Sunderland?

I bet there would be

(17 Nov 2016, 8:01 pm)Michael wrote So you're saying they'll be no demand in Sunderland?

I bet there would be

No, There is demand in Sunderland, But there's more demand in Newcastle as there is more to choose from, Eldon Square is a major factor in this.
Additionally Newcastle are playing Sheffield Wednesday at home on Boxing Day, Which will draw another 50,000 Newcastle Supporters to St James's Park, The majority by Public Transport.

Sunderland are playing Manchester United away on Boxing day, So there's 45,000 ( excluding potential away seats ) people that'll not be attending Sunderland City Centre on Boxing Day, Which is a major factor in deciding whether to provide public transport.

What else flashy is there in Sunderland apart from that?  Sure Poundland and Poundworld will be open and I'm sure Dave the Rave will give everyone a spectacular show worth going out for....

(17 Nov 2016, 8:14 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote No, There is demand in Sunderland, But there's more demand in Newcastle as there is more to choose from, Eldon Square is a major factor in this.
Additionally Newcastle are playing Sheffield Wednesday at home on Boxing Day, Which will draw another 50,000 Newcastle Supporters to St James's Park, The majority by Public Transport.

Sunderland are playing Manchester United away on Boxing day, So there's 45,000 ( excluding potential away seats ) people that'll be attending Sunderland City Centre on Boxing Day, Which is a major factor in deciding whether to provide public transport.

What else flashy is there in Sunderland apart from that?  Sure Poundland and Poundworld will be open and I'm sure Dave the Rave will give everyone a spectacular show worth going out for....

You forgot about flannels, that's flashy.

What's flashy in Newcastle?, Eldon Square? with the exact same shops as the Metrocentre....

Sunderland City Centre is a tip at the moment. It is hardly thriving with shops, restaurants, etc.

Most will go to Gateshead and Newcastle where there is more choice. I think a lot of people will opt to travel by car though when the link isn't as easy and streamlined as it usually is.

So I'd be of the opinion that there is less demand for buses in Sunderland too.

Appreciate that it's a vicious circle though! Don't provide a normal service and people will opt for the alternative (car), but provide a normal service and struggle to staff the buses and run the risk of not making a profit if passenger numbers aren't high.

Difficult decision!

(17 Nov 2016, 8:19 pm)Dan wrote Sunderland City Centre is a tip at the moment. It is hardly thriving with shops, restaurants, etc.

Most will go to Gateshead and Newcastle where there is more choice. I think a lot of people will opt to travel by car though when the link isn't as easy and streamlined as it usually is.

So I'd be of the opinion that there is less demand for buses in Sunderland too.

Appreciate that it's a vicious circle though! Don't provide a normal service and people will opt for the alternative (car), but provide a normal service and struggle to staff the buses and run the risk of not making a profit if passenger numbers aren't high.

Difficult decision!

Might be a shit hole but it's still a busy place....

What about Durham?, will they have a decent service, i reckon Durham will be busy.

(17 Nov 2016, 8:17 pm)Michael wrote You forgot about flannels, that's flashy.

What's flashy in Newcastle?, Eldon Square? with the exact same shops as the Metrocentre....

One shop? When there's more of these flashy shops to choose from, Under a roof too? In Eldon Square.

Which makes Eldon Square successful..... Intu have recently cleared out all the rubbish shops from Eldon and the Metrocentre to make way for the shops that people want to look in, Shoe Zone wasn't exactly a thing I wanted to look in when it was in the Metrocentre, Thankfully that has gone and been replaced by the Platinum Mall, Which is full of flashy shops people want to look in, Regardless of whether there buying something. The higher quality clothing and the price that comes with it will make up the same profit as for example 80 plimsolls which were sold in Shoe Zone, Compared to a designer label that someone is buying a loved one for £150. Intu arnt daft for putting the same shops in places close to eachother...

While in the open, Rain , and flooded with boozy Mackems watching the match in one of the pubs in the City Centre, Will be one flashy shop which will be visited by about 10 people during the day, I know were I'll be going........

(17 Nov 2016, 8:28 pm)Michael wrote Might be a shit hole but it's still a busy place....

What about Durham?, will they have a decent service, i reckon Durham will be busy.

(17 Nov 2016, 8:29 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote One shop? When there's more of these flashy shops to choose from, Under a roof too? In Eldon Square.

Which makes Eldon Square successful..... Intu have recently cleared out all the rubbish shops from Eldon and the Metrocentre to make way for the shops that people want to look in, Shoe Zone wasn't exactly a thing I wanted to look in when it was in the Metrocentre, Thankfully that has gone and been replaced by the Platinum Mall, Which is full of flashy shops people want to look in, Regardless of whether there buying something.  The higher quality clothing and the price that comes with it will make up the same profit as for example 80 plimsolls which were sold in Shoe Zone, Compared to a designer label that someone is buying a loved one for £150.  Intu arnt daft for putting the same shops in places close to eachother...

While in the open, Rain , and flooded with boozy Mackems watching the match in one of the pubs in the City Centre, Will be one flashy shop which will be visited by about 10 people during the day,  I know were I'll be going........

I know I'm going off topic here but I agree with South tyne lad there - this is worth a read with regards to Newcastle and Metrocentre v Sunderland. Newcastle and Metrocentre are worth nearly £1.5 billion in market good potential, and Sunderland is worth £227m. Quite a comparison?

From here: https://www.intugroup.co.uk/media/3499/n...v-2016.pdf

Definitely think there is more demand for Newcastle than Sunderland.

Better than none, it's expensive anyway, £200 for a shirt, no thanks, it'll be gone by end of next year.

So boozy Geordies don't go in Eldon Square after the match?, i bet they do....

I'll rather be outside with piss heads than in a stuffy small area with loads of people who barge in to you.

But maybe that's because i'm from Sunderland?, you know the shit hole.

(17 Nov 2016, 8:35 pm)Tom wrote I know I'm going off topic here but I agree with South tyne lad there - this is worth a read with regards to Newcastle and Metrocentre v Sunderland. Newcastle and Metrocentre are worth nearly £1.5 billion in market good potential, and Sunderland is worth £227m. Quite a comparison?

From here: https://www.intugroup.co.uk/media/3499/n...v-2016.pdf

Definitely think there is more demand for Newcastle than Sunderland.

Hopefully that changes in the next 5 years as we have a 1 billion investment coming in to the city with the VUAX site, Seaburn and Nissan and around the new bridge.

See the upcoming development thread for Sunderland, for more info because i cba to going to details for each one.


We got a bit side tracked and the threads gone off a bit haha

(17 Nov 2016, 8:40 pm)Michael wrote Hopefully that changes in the next 5 years as we have a 1 billion investment coming in to the city with the VUAX site, Seaburn and Nissan and around the new bridge.

See the upcoming development thread for Sunderland, for more info because i cba to going to details for each one.

I agree with you but I don't think the right things are happening in Sunderland at all. A Nex

The key things should be for a start leisure/restaurants, as how many well known (or chain) restaurants are there in Sunderland? It really is a massive help, as it increases dwell time in the city centre, there is no reason why there couldn't be a restaurant quarter (like Greys Quarter) in The Bridges or surrounding it as I don't think the restaurants near the Empire Cinema is good enough at all. 

New roads are all well and good but will it increase footfall in the city centre? I would think no.

(17 Nov 2016, 8:35 pm)Tom wrote I know I'm going off topic here but I agree with South tyne lad there - this is worth a read with regards to Newcastle and Metrocentre v Sunderland. Newcastle and Metrocentre are worth nearly £1.5 billion in market good potential, and Sunderland is worth £227m. Quite a comparison?

From here: https://www.intugroup.co.uk/media/3499/n...v-2016.pdf

Definitely think there is more demand for Newcastle than Sunderland.

Quite a interesting link there, But the figures are there, Unfortunate to NEBs Wearside Members, Tyneside is more popular to Wearside for tourism , Shopping and transport links, And its pretty much obvious going by the changing face of Newcastle City Centre, While Sunderland is slipping a bit.

(17 Nov 2016, 8:36 pm)Michael wrote Better than none, it's expensive anyway, £200 for a shirt, no thanks, it'll be gone by end of next year.

So boozy Geordies don't go in Eldon Square after the match?, i bet they do....

I'll rather be outside with piss heads than in a stuffy small area with loads of people who barge in to you.

But maybe that's because i'm from Sunderland?, you know the shit hole.

But with it being a indoor public area, There's Security on hand incase things get out of hand.

While in Open Areas, The Police are the only resource on hand to deal when things get nasty, Which makes the image of Sunderland pretty tarnished to visitors.

(17 Nov 2016, 8:50 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote Quite a interesting link there, But the figures are there, Unfortunate to NEBs Wearside Members,  Tyneside is more popular to Wearside for tourism , Shopping and transport links, And its pretty much obvious going by the changing face of Newcastle City Centre, While Sunderland is slipping a bit.





But with it being a indoor public area, There's Security on hand incase things get out of hand.

While in Open Areas, The Police are the only resource on hand to deal when things get nasty, Which makes the image of Sunderland pretty tarnished to visitors.

Hasn't been the last few times i went to Eldon Square, would think there would be with the size of it, it's the same as the Metrocentre, don't think I've ever seen security.

Anyway, i agree Newcastle is better but i'm always going to Sunderland because it's my home town but i still think bus companys should put more buses on.

But just hope in the next 5 or so years, Sunderland can become a decent city..

(17 Nov 2016, 8:47 pm)Tom wrote I agree with you but I don't think the right things are happening in Sunderland at all. A Nex

The key things should be for a start leisure/restaurants, as how many well known (or chain) restaurants are there in Sunderland? It really is a massive help, as it increases dwell time in the city centre, there is no reason why there couldn't be a restaurant quarter (like Greys Quarter) in The Bridges or surrounding it as I don't think the restaurants near the Empire Cinema is good enough at all. 

New roads are all well and good but will it increase footfall in the city centre? I would think no.

Vaux site will be a mix of restaurants, leisure, offices, hotels, it'll all link with the new sqaure.

Least its a start haha

(17 Nov 2016, 8:58 pm)Michael wrote Hasn't been the last few times i went to Eldon Square, would think there would be with the size of it, it's the same as the Metrocentre, don't think I've ever seen security.

Anyway, i agree Newcastle is better but i'm always going to Sunderland because it's my home town but i still think bus companys should put more buses on.

But just hope in the next 5 or so years, Sunderland can become a decent city..

They have a onsite police station haha at Metrocentre. Plenty of intu staff as well. 

(17 Nov 2016, 9:02 pm)Michael wrote Vaux site will be a mix of restaurants, leisure, offices, hotels, it'll all link with the new sqaure.

Least its a start haha

I wonder if it can attract the names Newcastle has, which are very impressive!
Smashburger - One of the only ones outside of the USA
Reds BBQ
Georges - Only the second one
Chaoparya investing 1.5m in their restaurant alone

I just cant see it happening, but it is a start for Sunderland. I really hope they can try and attract some 'unique' chains (I'm guessing they will all be chains)

(17 Nov 2016, 8:58 pm)Michael wrote Hasn't been the last few times i went to Eldon Square, would think there would be with the size of it, it's the same as the Metrocentre, don't think I've ever seen security.

Anyway, i agree Newcastle is better but i'm always going to Sunderland because it's my home town but i still think bus companys should put more buses on.

But just hope in the next 5 or so years, Sunderland can become a decent city..

Definitely some security about, There's a main office with a few security men in just next door to House of Fraser on the top level.

There's always members of staff about though in there Intu uniforms.

I understand, I'm from South Shields and I think the same about it with it being my hometown, Its just it'll never get far haha, I have to say with some of the places ive been on outings, I can say Shields is one of the biggest Shitholes in Northern England!
Though with nothing being done in Shields I look at Newcastle with it being home to the team I support ( Newcastle United ) But I wouldn't be surprised if I would be doing the same for Sunderland I was from there.

Hopefully it can become a nice place soon, I like seeing places develop, One of the reason's I'm going to take Geography for GSCE's at school in a few months.

(17 Nov 2016, 9:05 pm)Tom wrote They have a onsite police station haha at Metrocentre. Plenty of intu staff as well. 


I wonder if it can attract the names Newcastle has, which are very impressive!
Smashburger - One of the only ones outside of the USA
Reds BBQ
Georges - Only the second one
Chaoparya investing 1.5m in their restaurant alone

I just cant see it happening, but it is a start for Sunderland. I really hope they can try and attract some 'unique' chains (I'm guessing they will all be chains)

Does it?, i didn't know that haha

Hopefully it does, the first lot of work on the VAUX site has already started, it's a 10 year plan least it's started.

They should knock Blantford Street and start again, that area is a dump.