(08 Nov 2013, 5:19 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Looks like all of the ex-Sunderland Pointer Darts are now at their new homes...

34608 @ Hartlepool
34609-34614 inclusive @ Walkergate (seems excessive for a PVR of 4 but hey ho)
34615 @ Slatyford
35159-63 inclusive @ Slatyford
35172/73 both @ Slatyford
35187-89 inclusive @ Slatyford
Presumably the three ALX200 bodied Darts at Sunderland will be/have been withdrawn, giving 21 in and 21 out, with 35155-58 retained at Sunderland.

35190 looks a likely candidate to be swapped for 22021 so is discounted from the total above.

Hold your horses, things are about to get complicated - Walkergate's 34613 was spotted in Hartlepool today on the 3.

(08 Nov 2013, 10:07 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Hold your horses, things are about to get complicated - Walkergate's 34613 was spotted in Hartlepool today on the 3.

That would make sense - replaces 35190 which goes to Shields to release 22021. Leaves 5 to cover a PVR of 4 at Walkergate.

Forgot to add on my earlier post that 33123 is the only one of Slatyford's ALX200s to remain in service (covering the 6/7/8 today). The other eight are parked up at the rear of Slatyford depot - 33483 is the only one to retain its ticket machine (and possibly 33489 - couldn't tell from the angle it was parked at) - so the others won't be back in service with SNE.

Rather uncomfortable journey on 27733. Sounded like her axle was about to snap in half! Travelled from Chichester to Morrisons (Seaburn) on #E2

22047 in shields depot

(09 Nov 2013, 5:26 pm)danpick wrote 22047 in shields depot

I saw 22047 at Shields depot a week or two ago. I think that it is receiving attention from the engineers.

2 more Tridents have been reported to have arrived at Stockton, they are 17028 (S828BWC) and 17029 (S829BWC). I would guess this means 2 more Olympians will be withdrawn upon them entering service.

(10 Nov 2013, 6:54 pm)Richard Smiles wrote Some of the recent internal Fleet Movements at Stagecoach North East have brought into my mind a scene from towards the end of the Great St. Trinians Train Robbery Film (Hockey Sticks & All), where the signalman is on the phone to his boss telling him about all of the Trains going up & down on the wrong lines.

So if I had got this right 34608 has moved Sunderland to Hartlepool, 34613 moved from Sunderland to Walkergate & 35190 moved from Sunderland to Hartlepool & has now moved back to Sunderland, in the meantime 34613 which was at Walkergate, has now moved from Walkergate to Hartlepool to replace 35190 which as previously mentioned is now back at Sunderland.

In the meantime 22021 which was at South Shields has now moved to Sunderland & is expected to be replaced by 35190 which is now at Sunderland having just come back from Hartlepool.

All I can say to that is meanwhile back at The Ranch.............

35190 was at South Shields the other day.

(10 Nov 2013, 2:16 pm)tyresmoke wrote 2 more Tridents have been reported to have arrived at Stockton, they are 17028 (S828BWC) and 17029 (S829BWC). I would guess this means 2 more Olympians will be withdrawn upon them entering service.

See photo here.

22024 Broken down on Percy Street outside of Eldon Square bus station around 12.

Couple roadworks in Sunderland

Temporary suspension of Marks & Spencers bus stop on St.Mary’s Way Service Update
We have been advised the westbound bus stop outside Marks and Spencers on St.Mary’s Way in Sunderland City Centre will have to be temporarily withdrawn from Tuesday 19 November 2013 for around 5 days.

Last Updated : 13 November 2013 10:44

This suspension is required to allow the installation of a new bus shelter.

Due to the constrained works area, there will be no replacement bus stop for the period of the construction. As a result, customers for Services 8, 20, E1, E2 and E6 are advised to use the next available bus stop, located on High Street West near the Londonderry.

Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause, and we remain grateful for customers’ patience and understanding.

and:

Potential disruption on Dundas Street during 21 and 22 November 2013 Service Update
We have been advised of potential disruption along Dundas Street, in Sunderland during the evening of 21 November, and also during the daytime of 22 November 2013.

Last Updated : 13 November 2013 10:32

We have learnt that access to Dundas Street may be restricted during certain undefined periods, and this may require southbound buses on Services 18, 23, E1 and E6 to instead operate via the foot of Church Street North and Dame Dorothy Street, observing all bus stops along the route of the diversion.

Whilst we will be working closely with our local authority colleagues to ensure that the impact on bus services is as limited as possible, Stagecoach would like to apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused, due to circumstances beyond our control.

Still no signs of the Gas buses =(, sick of the Alexander ALX300 now...


Did anyone find out the date of delivery for the additional 23 which Sunderland were awarded?

I live on Teesside and all stagecoach on Teesside are alx 300 I am sick of them too but we have to stick with them . not like stagecoach in sunderland who have got new buses like enviro 200,s and enviro 300 gas buses

(13 Nov 2013, 9:00 pm)glen wrote I live on Teesside and all stagecoach on Teesside are alx 300 I am sick of them too but we have to stick with them . not like stagecoach in sunderland who have got new buses like enviro 200,s and enviro 300 gas buses

I think Stagecoach have seen logic down on Teeside as they wouldn't want New Buses to Break after the Engine and Exhaust is Infiltrated with Smog after such a Massive Investment. That wouldn't be best for Business in Stagecoach's eyes now would it, whereas the ALX300's thrive in Performance after being Infiltrated with Smog. It's a bit like that episode of Top Gear really when they had a discussion if cars could run on Cow Poo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vma72nSL7g

Only Joking, I'm sure Smoggie Land will get some form of Investment in the Future, Heard Stagecoach were Interested in Buying some New Enviro 300 SMOG's which is similar to the Gas Buses that'll be running in Sunderland soon, Very Economic I heard, Unfortunately it couldn't make it to The Bus and Coach Show in Birmingham a weeks back as it would of caused havoc with Birmingham's Carbon Footprint. So Alexander Dennis opted not to send it which is a great shame.

I'm sorry I'll end the jokes there before somebody gets upset

The idea that Sunderland of all places can lord it up over another town is amusing. It's Sunderland!

Speaking of Sunderland 39727 was plodding its way through Birtley at lunch time

(14 Nov 2013, 1:36 pm)gtomlinson wrote The idea that Sunderland of all places can lord it up over another town is amusing. It's Sunderland!

Speaking of Sunderland 39727 was plodding its way through Birtley at lunch time

I know! were getting 61 buses

21 of them is already here, the E200's

17 due this month.. maybe - Scania E300 Gas buses

23 - God knows when. Scania E300 Gas buses

We won't get any for a long time... haha

Thanks Richard

are these the same style gas buses Sunderland are getting - http://www.flickr.com/photos/48422263@N03/9801726174

(14 Nov 2013, 5:21 pm)Michael wrote are these the same style gas buses Sunderland are getting - http://www.flickr.com/photos/48422263@N03/9801726174

Indeed they are.

(14 Nov 2013, 5:25 pm)Dan wrote Indeed they are.

=D

(14 Nov 2013, 5:42 pm)Richard Smiles wrote As far as I am aware, the New GAS buses will also carry the Green Version of the Stagecoach Livery & if the delivery schedule is still on target, the first batch of 17 are due to start arriving the week after next.

I doubt any will enter service before December though, as with them being a new type of bus to Stagecoach, there may be a degree of Driver Familiarisation involved. Cab layout etc.

I really hope they are out before Christmas =)

Recently transferred 22021 on 20s today.

A note to the driver of 22487 on Hylton Rd... You're on the 20, not the 13... Get that blind changed!

What has happened to 36963, i know it states into reserve due to accident damage, was it a bad accident?

Both of the recently arrived Tridents are now in service at Stockton - 17028 reportedly entered service on Wednesday while 17029 is out on 35s today.

Oh hello..!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/10873611023/

(15 Nov 2013, 6:36 pm)Dan wrote Oh hello..!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcbp/10873611023/

Thought their were going to be in the green colour livery

(15 Nov 2013, 6:40 pm)cbma06 wrote Thought their were going to be in the green colour livery

Seems they prefer "washed out blue"

Didn't expect that, looks good though

Changes to Services 8, 20, E1, E2 and E6 from Monday 25 November 2013 Service Update
To reduce the problems caused by ongoing roadworks along St.Mary’s Way, Services 8, 20, E1, E2 and E6 will be revised to no longer observe the bus stops at Marks and Spencer’s, the Londonderry or Empire Theatre. There will also be some consequential changes to other bus stops in the city centre.

Last Updated : 15 November 2013 15:57

Services 8 and 20 arriving in Sunderland City Centre will be revised to observe bus stops along Stockton Road and Burdon Road, terminating at a new bus stop on Fawcett Street (outside Wilkinson’s). Buses arriving in the City Centre will no longer stop on Green Terrace, Vine Place or at the north end of Fawcett Street.

Services 8 and 20 from Sunderland City Centre will start from Fawcett Street Wilkinson’s, and observe a bus stop on Holmeside. Daytime buses will also stop on Green Terrace. As a result, they will no longer stop at the north end of Fawcett Street, the back of Marks and Spencer’s, the Londonderry, or opposite Empire Theatre.

Services E1, E2 and E6 arriving in Sunderland City Centre will stop at John Street before reaching Park Lane Interchange, and will no longer stop at Marks and Spencer’s or the Londonderry.

Services E1, E2 and E6 from Sunderland City Centre will continue to use the same bus stops at Park Lane Interchange and Fawcett Street.

These necessary changes are aimed at improving the overall reliability of your bus services, and will remain in place until the St.Mary’s Way highways scheme is completed, and bus priority is established (estimated Summer/Autumn 2014).

There are no changes to timetables.

(15 Nov 2013, 3:19 pm)Richard Smiles wrote Any idea which two Olympians have been withdrawn as a consequence Tony ? - Many Thanks

Regards, Richard

Seen 16831, 16834, 16836 and 16839 out this week if it helps.

(15 Nov 2013, 8:40 pm)tyresmoke wrote Seen 16831, 16834, 16836 and 16839 out this week if it helps.

Also had 16835 parked alongside its sisters this afternoon prior to school time.