(23 Nov 2016, 6:29 pm)Cobalt271 wrote When I first saw Jimmi's post I stated I wouldn't trial their service and seeing more negative reviews I stand by that notion. They're also tricky to photograph at times as they like to leave the Terminus points when they like rather than sticking to timetable.

To me they just seem like a totally unprofessional company, surely Travelsure or Glen Valley would be more suited to this, or even Arriva!

(23 Nov 2016, 6:29 pm)Cobalt271 wrote When I first saw Jimmi's post I stated I wouldn't trial their service and seeing more negative reviews I stand by that notion. They're also tricky to photograph at times as they like to leave the Terminus points when they like rather than sticking to timetable.

I can vouch for leaving places early, on the day I used the 15/16 it left Rothbury a few minutes early on the 16 circular.

I did state that I wouldn't be using them again but thought I may eventually cave but Charles' post has only decreased the chances of that, don't know about you's but I don't want to be spending another chilly evening in Thropton for 45 minutes worrying how I'm going to get home again.

(23 Nov 2016, 6:33 pm)Tom wrote To me they just seem like a totally unprofessional company, surely Travelsure or Glen Valley would be more suited to this, or even Arriva!

I hope Travelsure do express interest when the contract is up for renewal, or even Glen Valley. Both are highly professional companies but I think Travelsure would struggle with this unless they invested in another vehicle or two.

(23 Nov 2016, 6:41 pm)Cobalt271 wrote I hope Travelsure do express interest when the contract is up for renewal, or even Glen Valley. Both are highly professional companies but I think Travelsure would struggle with this unless they invested in another vehicle or two.

would be nice if rothbury motors took interest if the service comes up for tender next time

(23 Nov 2016, 6:52 pm)Buses98 wrote would be nice if rothbury motors took interest if the service comes up for tender next time

Indeed. They'd need to get hold of a DDA compliant vehicle first though!

(23 Nov 2016, 7:23 pm)Cobalt271 wrote Indeed. They'd need to get hold of a DDA compliant vehicle first though!

yeh true and they keep their fleet tidy

None of that sounds pretty unusual in the world of independents operating services at low cost unfortunately. Typical of councils cutting cost as passing services onto the cheapest bidder.
PCL have grown quickly over the last few months, they may need some time to settle down and get a steady operation

Does anyone know if the optare solo PCL has recently acquired has entered service yet?

(25 Nov 2016, 11:40 am)Buses98 wrote Does anyone know if the optare solo PCL has recently acquired has entered service yet?

My friend Chris said she saw it other day on the M1

(25 Nov 2016, 11:40 am)Buses98 wrote Does anyone know if the optare solo PCL has recently acquired has entered service yet?

Looked to be out in service today.
PCL TRAVEL ptare Solo V740 GBF at Hexham Bus Station.  The destination was in process of being  changed for the Colwell service. by ASP8, on Flickr

That Solo is branded for the M1.

Finally solved the mystery why 79 never showed up at Ponteland or the airport! http://mitfordparishcouncil.gov.uk/downl...etable.pdf

After looking for the M1 timetable this came up and showed it only operated a circular service around Morpeth for at least the latter part of it's operation. Also looks like Jimmis photo has been used on the leaflet. Unsure why the Nexus website still showed it serving there though.

(27 Nov 2016, 8:35 pm)Tom wrote Finally solved the mystery why 79 never showed up at Ponteland or the airport! http://mitfordparishcouncil.gov.uk/downl...etable.pdf

After looking for the M1 timetable this came up and showed it only operated a circular service around Morpeth for at least the latter part of it's operation. Also looks like Jimmis photo has been used on the leaflet. Unsure why the Nexus website still showed it serving there though.

Great!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

  
No Ponteland service though, a bit irritating considering I want them to have the service because my grandparents live there

https://flic.kr/p/PCmA1E

The Optare Solo was on Asda Bus today, was behind it most of the way in the car as I was going there for shopping. Could hear a loud whine from it even with the windows closed.

Does anyone know what days it runs as can't find a timetable for it ?


Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

(28 Nov 2016, 7:50 pm)TEN 6083 wrote https://flic.kr/p/PCmA1E

The Optare Solo was on Asda Bus today, was behind it most of the way in the car as I was going there for shopping. Could hear a loud whine from it even with the windows closed.

Does anyone know what days it runs as can't find a timetable for it ?

I may be wrong but I think this service only runs on a Monday.

Like everyone, I have also been unable to find the timetable for this service.

Well this probably explains why the Solo was allocated to services 808 and 882 on Saturday:

Christmas rush leaves Otterburn bus passengers behind: http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/bel...36dc8c8-ds

Credit to them for putting a bigger bus on though.

(27 Nov 2016, 8:35 pm)Tom wrote Finally solved the mystery why 79 never showed up at Ponteland or the airport! http://mitfordparishcouncil.gov.uk/downl...etable.pdf

After looking for the M1 timetable this came up and showed it only operated a circular service around Morpeth for at least the latter part of it's operation. Also looks like Jimmis photo has been used on the leaflet. Unsure why the Nexus website still showed it serving there though.

That timetable became effective on 20th July 2016. Some time after PCL started running it?

A new addition at PCL is LK03GHN, Dennis Trident / Plaxton President - former Metroline TP450

PCL are now operating a T1 service in Morpeth but it won't let me download the timetable http://www.pcltravel.net/pcl-commercial-services

(16 Dec 2016, 5:13 pm)Tom wrote PCL are now operating a T1 service in Morpeth but it won't let me download the timetable http://www.pcltravel.net/pcl-commercial-services

Timetable for the T1 can be found here: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...111216.pdf

(16 Dec 2016, 5:16 pm)Jimmi wrote Timetable for the T1 can be found here: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...111216.pdf

Thanks - wonder what they will put on it then.

(16 Dec 2016, 5:17 pm)Tom wrote Thanks - wonder what they will put on it then.

Not sure, may have a look one day next week.

M1 and S1 also have new timetables.

M1: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...111216.pdf

S1: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...111216.pdf

(16 Dec 2016, 5:21 pm)Jimmi wrote Not sure, may have a look one day next week.

M1 and S1 also have new timetables.

M1: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...111216.pdf

S1: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...111216.pdf

Ah looks like it will interwork with the S1 most of the time then

(16 Dec 2016, 5:23 pm)Tom wrote Ah looks like it will interwork with the S1 most of the time then

Looking at the timetables, I think the M1, S1 and T1 will all interwork in some way or another but unsure exactly how.

(16 Dec 2016, 5:17 pm)Tom wrote Thanks - wonder what they will put on it then.

One of the darts and the enviro were working the Morpeth services today. The other dart was on the former spirit buses 15 service.

I see the Saturday service via Scots Gap has ended. Maybe they'll use the decker for the Morpeth services

Charles

(16 Dec 2016, 6:55 pm)Charles41 wrote One of the darts and the enviro were working the Morpeth services today. The other dart was on the former spirit buses 15 service.

I see the Saturday service via Scots Gap has ended. Maybe they'll use the decker for the Morpeth services

Charles

Cheers - and maybe yeah - no idea why they've bought that decker. Many people on them? The T1 seems a odd service.

(16 Dec 2016, 6:59 pm)Tom wrote Cheers - and maybe yeah - no idea why they've bought that decker. Many people on them? The T1 seems a odd service.

The T1 seemed quite busy but this was around 3ish when the schols come out. I'm quite puzzled about the decker as well given that most of their routes are subsidised by the council with low passenger numbers.

Charles

(16 Dec 2016, 7:06 pm)Charles41 wrote The T1 seemed quite busy but this was around 3ish when the schols come out. I'm quite puzzled about the decker as well given that most of their routes are subsidised by the council with low passenger numbers.

Charles

Ah right hopefully the passengers pick up on all of the services then.

(16 Dec 2016, 7:10 pm)Tom wrote Ah right hopefully the passengers pick up on all of the services then.

The T1 is an innovative service as it visits the new housing estate and specialist hospital at St George's. These can only be reached via a steep bank. It will be interesting to see what passenger numbers are like. Hopefully they will publicise the route. Lancaster Park puts them in competition with Arrival.

Charles

PCL are using the North East Coach Travel yard at Seaton Burn as a parking place in addition to their main Ryton depot.

Charles