(20 Apr 2017, 6:27 pm)Dan wrote Not too sure why the power socket symbol was missed off - but some would suggest it's not a bad thing that it's been missed off, given that the sockets can't exactly be relied on, on Streetlites!

The Next Stop Announcement symbol should definitely be there - especially given that almost every service at Deptford will have Next Stop Announcements programmed shortly. I notice this symbol is missing from the new Venture timetables... 

A handful of buses were off the road at the time that the branding company went into the depot to strip the old logo from buses and replace with the new logo. This didn't apply to 6133 - I think this one was missed as the logo will have to be scaled slightly larger than the standard size. The ones which were missed, including vans, are due to be caught over the next week or two. All of the new corporate liveried buses which don't have yellow taglines and feature symbols are due to receive them at the same time. Fingers crossed!

I have (well, more you have as I have only changed the colour of the text) split the post into 3 parts as I have contributions to make to all 3 points:

Red: Could it be because 3-pin sockets are no longer a standard feature for new vehicles? Maybe this is just on Streetlites given that, as you have acknowledged, the sockets seem to regularly not work although I have yet to experience this myself having not been on a long journey on a Streetlite yet, nor do I carry my phone charger with me. The Citaro refurbishments do, however, suggest that it will be across all orders regardless of vehicle type.

Pink: It is good to hear that Next Stop Announcements are starting to be form such a large presence. I believe there are currently 266 vehicles in the fleet with NSAs (including the refurbished Mercs which have returned from Blackburn) and by the time the confirmed further 18 Streetlites and all Merc refurbishments are done (5275-5336), the number of vehicles with NSAs will have risen to 334.

As for the Venture, it isn't something I had noticed.  The only thing I could think of the systems being transferred over to 698-700 and 4969/76/90/1/2/5212/5213 (that will include a system from the 3 that transferred to Percy Main) to give the 39 and 238 Next Stop Announcements, maintaining that feature across the whole of the new Sunderland network, whenever it is going to be launched.

Blue: Thanks, I had noticed that the logos on 6133 were slightly bigger than the standard logo seen on all other vehicles, I had suspected that this is why 6099 was omitted but it appears its upcoming revised branding also played a part in this.

Hopefully when they do go around the depots to complete everything omitted, they don't ignore any of the branded vehicles, 691-694 lack WiFi symbols, 5285 lacks all symbols, 5408 doesn't have the NSA symbol on both sides and a couple of Red Kites need their symbols replacing. I also feel that 6118-6121 could do with their side WiFi symbols being replaced. Very hard to spot indeed.

(20 Apr 2017, 7:14 pm)S813 FVK wrote As for the Venture, it isn't something I had noticed.  The only thing I could think of the systems being transferred over to 698-700 and 4969/76/90/1/2/5212/5213 (that will include a system from the 3 that transferred to Percy Main) to give the 39 and 238 Next Stop Announcements, maintaining that feature across the whole of the new Sunderland network, whenever it is going to be launched.

I didn't even notice it too, they might end up at Deptford for the 39 and 238.

If that happens, the only services without NSA's at Deptford would be:

2/2A
9 (may gain 2 from the ex Blaydon Racer batch)
35/36 (likely to change if Citaro's are refurbished, and if the 36 allocation doesn't change)
X36

Hopefully the new network is launched soon... Wonder if they're sticking with "Black Cats"

(20 Apr 2017, 7:14 pm)S813 FVK wrote Hopefully when they do go around the depots to complete everything omitted, they don't ignore any of the branded vehicles, 691-694 lack WiFi symbols, 5285 lacks all symbols, 5408 doesn't have the NSA symbol on both sides

Yep - they're all planned to have the relevant feature symbols added.

(20 Apr 2017, 7:46 pm)Dan wrote Yep - they're all planned to have the relevant feature symbols added.

5202 doesn't have a front ID either

---

6013 has broken. 2012 Stanley leave 6 is therefore cancelled from where it broke (lintz estate) and the subsequent short 6 to burnopfield at 2257 stanley leave will be ran by an LD/spare bus.

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(20 Apr 2017, 7:46 pm)Dan wrote Yep - they're all planned to have the relevant feature symbols added.

And will 691-694 have their route details altered to show Dalton Park before Peterlee given that is the order that the X6 serves them in (your picture of 694 on the 700 reminded me of that)? Hopefully 653 will have its branding changed soon to reflect its move to North Tyneside.

(20 Apr 2017, 8:10 pm)S813 FVK wrote And will 691-694 have their route details altered to show Dalton Park before Peterlee given that is the order that the X6 serves them in (your picture of 694 on the 700 reminded me of that)? Hopefully 653 will have its branding changed soon to reflect its move to North Tyneside.

Think Michael must have hacked your account tonight, with all of these questions!

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(20 Apr 2017, 7:52 pm)Jamie M wrote 5202 doesn't have a front ID either

---

6013 has broken. 2012 Stanley leave 6 is therefore cancelled from where it broke (lintz estate) and the subsequent short 6 to burnopfield at 2257 stanley leave will be ran by an LD/spare bus.

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6014 of all buses has taken over from metrocentre...
Bad to worse!

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(20 Apr 2017, 8:27 pm)Dan wrote Think Michael must have hacked your account tonight, with all of these questions!

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, wait till tomorrow, they'll be even more questions but for now, you have some peace as i'm off to bed, got to be up for 5am tomorrow for work.

(20 Apr 2017, 8:27 pm)Dan wrote Think Michael must have hacked your account tonight, with all of these questions!

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S813: Blobs
Greg: Taglines
STL: Obscure engine mechanics
Michael: Questions



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(20 Apr 2017, 8:27 pm)Dan wrote Think Michael must have hacked your account tonight, with all of these questions!

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Haha sorry, I just have a long list of things that I would like to see changed (some more of a want than a need). Would still quite like to know what is happening with the Venture if they are not going to have new NSAs programmed - may not benefit passengers but it is definitely going to benefit you

(20 Apr 2017, 8:42 pm)Jamie M wrote S813: Blobs
Greg: Taglines
STL: Obscure engine mechanics
Michael: Questions



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Aye - I've finally found something else other than destinations to bang on about!

(20 Apr 2017, 10:24 pm)S813 FVK wrote Haha sorry, I just have a long list of things that I would like to see changed (some more of a want than a need). Would still quite like to know what is happening with the Venture if they are not going to have new NSAs programmed - may not benefit passengers but it is definitely going to benefit you


Aye - I've finally found something else other than destinations to bang on about!

Eh, it's only natural. Only about 2 of Stanley's buses have a full set of perfect displays



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(20 Apr 2017, 10:34 pm)Jamie M wrote Eh, it's only natural. Only about 2 of Stanley's buses have a full set of perfect displays



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I see very few that don't work - there were a couple of Diamond's which had rear displays which didn't show anything (5443 and 5448 I think) but these have now been correct and, since then, I haven't spotted anything wrong.

Moving back to blobs ( ) I would also be interested to find out why the 'Seatbelts' blob was removed and the WiFi blob moved forward on 667-671. Having looked at the seating layout, they would block the view of passengers sitting on the near side of the vehicle but given how small they are, is this a massive issue?

(21 Apr 2017, 8:33 am)S813 FVK wrote I see very few that don't work - there were a couple of Diamond's which had rear displays which didn't show anything (5443 and 5448 I think) but these have now been correct and, since then, I haven't spotted anything wrong.

Moving back to blobs ( ) I would also be interested to find out why the 'Seatbelts' blob was removed and the WiFi blob moved forward on 667-671. Having looked at the seating layout, they would block the view of passengers sitting on the near side of the vehicle but given how small they are, is this a massive issue?

Omnidekka
*6133 (front + side) alternative between being on/off
*6138 (front) spends 10 seconds off for 5 seconds on (cuts out)
*6139 (side + rear) never on

Omnicity
*5239 (rear) never on

Solo
*643 (side) defective flickering
*644 (side) periodic defective flickering
*645 (side) periodic defective flickering

Trident
*3887 (rear) periodic cut out

B7TL
*6012 (rear) still locked on 824
*6014 (front) display backlight continues to flicker

There will be more, but these have been reported multiple times by staff and myself, and random members of the public (or at least threatened to) over a good few months.

I'm also not sure how useful it is to tell the every day passenger of Alston or Bellingham that a bus has non-mandatory seat belts fitted 😛

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(21 Apr 2017, 9:46 am)Jamie M wrote Omnidekka
*6133 (front + side) alternative between being on/off
*6138 (front) spends 10 seconds off for 5 seconds on (cuts out)
*6139 (side + rear) never on

Omnicity
*5239 (rear) never on

Solo
*643 (side) defective flickering
*644 (side) periodic defective flickering
*645 (side) periodic defective flickering

Trident
*3887 (rear) periodic cut out

B7TL
*6012 (rear) still locked on 824
*6014 (front) display backlight continues to flicker

There will be more, but these have been reported multiple times by staff and myself, and random members of the public (or at least threatened to) over a good few months.

I'm also not sure how useful it is to tell the every day passenger of Alston or Bellingham that a bus has non-mandatory seat belts fitted ?

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6133 and 643 are the only 2 there that I have actually spotted - in the cases where I have seen them, all the rest have been fine. Flip-dots do tend to freeze, the rear displays in 3823 and 3880 both froze and were removed.

I wouldn't say any feature on a bus is mandatory, Next Stop Announcements are probably the only feature which I would say has any chance of being made mandatory in the future. Therefore, I see no reason why they can't advertise the seatbelts (especially as it is a bonus safety feature) which, arguably, are mandatory in this instance given that the Solos are spares for the scholars service that 618 usually operates which needs to have seatbelts.

(21 Apr 2017, 10:08 am)S813 FVK wrote 6133 and 643 are the only 2 there that I have actually spotted - in the cases where I have seen them, all the rest have been fine. Flip-dots do tend to freeze, the rear displays in 3823 and 3880 both froze and were removed.

I wouldn't say any feature on a bus is mandatory, Next Stop Announcements are probably the only feature which I would say has any chance of being made mandatory in the future. Therefore, I see no reason why they can't advertise the seatbelts (especially as it is a bonus safety feature) which, arguably, are mandatory in this instance given that the Solos are spares for the scholars service that 618 usually operates which needs to have seatbelts.

Ive only ever seen passengers wear them for a joke during the day time.

There are a lot of periodic faults, but surely a fault is a fault? If a display is missing at anytime it's going to be to somebody's detriment.

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8321 repainted light blue.

(21 Apr 2017, 10:19 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote 8321 repainted light blue.

8319 has also had its cant rail repainted black to match.

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(20 Apr 2017, 5:22 pm)Dan wrote Volvo B9TL 6099 should also now carry a slightly modified version of the Sun FM promotional livery - with updated logos for both Go North East and Sun FM.

https://flic.kr/p/SPoc3P

(21 Apr 2017, 10:30 am)Dan wrote 8319 has also had its cant rail repainted black to match.

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How many of Deptford's Versa's are going Blue?

Never noticed this but on the side of 5333 it has a advert advertising the "Sunderland day and weekly rider"

https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrah...otostream/

They should do more like that, Stagecoach Sunderland have them on nearly every bus.

(21 Apr 2017, 5:57 pm)Michael wrote Never noticed this but on the side of 5333 it has a advert advertising the "Sunderland day and weekly rider"

https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrah...otostream/

They should do more like that, Stagecoach Sunderland have them on nearly every bus.

Quite a few do, I've noticed - and all of the the Coaster and Blue Arrow have some advertising frequent buses into Newcastle and the North Tyneside weekly saver.

(21 Apr 2017, 6:20 pm)Tom wrote Quite a few do, I've noticed - and all of the the Coaster and Blue Arrow have some advertising frequent buses into Newcastle and the North Tyneside weekly saver.

Ah didn't know, it's a good idea, least it lets people know the services offer a day/weekly ticket.

Wonder if they could also advertise the passes for the certain routes.... like the "Wear Xpress Saver" for example.

(20 Apr 2017, 6:50 pm)Venturego wrote I Don't think Toonlink" brand will be here to stay -Looks dated and amatuerish (imo) - I guess it's a temporary/stop gap move to utilise 12/12A Omnicities with those already at Stanley until new buses or better quality cascades come on to these routes. Omnidekkas to make up PVR for the time being (Some interiors are dreadful although performance is OK)

I agree Swift was a good brand, as it could also imply Express service, although branding could be better executed (I would suggest in the same style as Red Kite) I also in the past suggested "Magpie" executed in a similar bird imagery style (like Red Kite on a Red or "Sky"base to avoid Black & White Football link) when there seemed to be a need for a connection to destination. Magpie would also work as a tenuous link, with it connecting to the Durham Diamond at Stanley (completing the previous through Diamond service from Newcastle to Durham 43/44)

I think we'll be stuck with it for a while, given that the Omnidekkas are also going to take the brand. I do take the point that it looks dated, and it is also a poor livery in my opinion. The decker version does nothing to persuade me otherwise.

(21 Apr 2017, 6:29 pm)Michael wrote Ah didn't know, it's a good idea, least it lets people know the services offer a day/weekly ticket.

Wonder if they could also advertise the passes for the certain routes.... like the "Wear Xpress Saver" for example.

Ive noticed a few of Deptford's have them on the back too currently, I suppose its a good way of advertising if they havent got any paying adverts and that the panels would otherwise, be empty but I imagine paying adverts would take priority over company adverts.

Also 4936 has also gained a rear advert for Dalton Park
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dansnorthe...hotostream

Go North East are now advertising on beer mats in my local pub as shown below.

(22 Apr 2017, 1:36 pm)GuyParkRoyal wrote Go North East are now advertising on beer mats in my local pub as shown below.

As said in the foreign location, it's a great idea.

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(22 Apr 2017, 1:36 pm)GuyParkRoyal wrote Go North East are now advertising on beer mats in my local pub as shown below.

Never noticed before that GNE's corporate colours applied to a circle is the Pepsi logo.

5277 in blue: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/33...otostream/
5278 returned to service at Riverside: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/33...otostream/
6129 repainted black: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/33...ateposted/
6135 in new corporate livery with the 'Never Miss Your Stop' tagline: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/34...otostream/

They seem to have a lot of ads around metro stations at the moment pushing their m-ticket for kids (obviously aimed at parent commuters)

8319 8321 both now in light blue is the simplicity getting scrapped? Is it true they are going to Chester for there new 36? What brand will that be? How many  more will be going blue? Is 2 2a getting new buses?
About time the 39 was branded