(22 Jan 2018, 5:31 pm)Dan wrote I made a post on a bus enthusiasts' Facebook Group earlier, and it's provoked quite a bit of discussion. Many of those who have commented on that post aren't members of this forum, and still stick to their guns that StreetDecks are hideously unreliable, cheap (and so on)... So I'm intrigued to see what sort of opinions members of this forum have in comparison.

My original post on said group was:

I'd be inclined to argue that, after only a few weeks in service, comments should be positive given the internal specification. There also shouldn't be any comments with regard to reliability at this point, bar any small teething issues you're never going to have major issues after they've been on the road for a few weeks at most.

(22 Jan 2018, 5:31 pm)Dan wrote I made a post on a bus enthusiasts' Facebook Group earlier, and it's provoked quite a bit of discussion. Many of those who have commented on that post aren't members of this forum, and still stick to their guns that StreetDecks are hideously unreliable, cheap (and so on)... So I'm intrigued to see what sort of opinions members of this forum have in comparison.

My original post on said group was:

Seen the comments on that group when I was adding photos onto it.

As far as the Streetdecks go, not a fan of The Castles Express ones only because I find the ride quality a bit jerky and bouncy even though they are nice inside and comfortable, my none enthusiast other half has the same opinion as I do when it comes to the ride quality as she felt nauseous after coming from Bishop Auckland to Newcastle one time.

Can’t comment on The Angels yet as haven’t been on any yet but I am planning to get a ride on them when I can. Hopefully the ride quality is better on The Angels than The Castles.

I can see where some of the enthusiasts on Facebook are coming from in some way, this being due to The Castles Express Streetdecks having a few breakdowns late last year, creating the perception they are unreliable as I saw what comments on Facebook said. This could be different with The Angels due to having a completely different power unit to what The Castles have. Hopefully the recent engineering work they have had done has rectified whatever was causing the breakdowns.

Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

(22 Jan 2018, 10:56 am)Jamie M wrote There's a go-ahead cast-off enviro, ex metroline heading to salties. Any speculation on this one? ?

Any more info on this?

While I’m on here any info yet on the Versa replacing 8303


Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

(22 Jan 2018, 6:12 pm)TEN 6083 wrote While I’m on here any info yet on the Versa replacing 8303


Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

Probables one of the South Tyne versa's, as Chester are getting all 8 of them

How many journey's do Go North East operate between Newcastle and London per day?

(22 Jan 2018, 6:11 pm)Michael wrote Any more info on this?

It's red.

(22 Jan 2018, 7:57 pm)Jamie M wrote It's red.

, i meant like, has it arrived and why?

(22 Jan 2018, 5:31 pm)Dan wrote I made a post on a bus enthusiasts' Facebook Group earlier, and it's provoked quite a bit of discussion. Many of those who have commented on that post aren't members of this forum, and still stick to their guns that StreetDecks are hideously unreliable, cheap (and so on)... So I'm intrigued to see what sort of opinions members of this forum have in comparison.

My original post on said group was:

I use the 21 each day to travel to work.  This morning was the first time since all of the new ones have been here that I've travelled on something different when 3965 turned up.  That was cold and the window seal next to my seat was dripping a lot of water in.  The usual Streetdeck was much missed this morning.  Hopefully the arrival of the spares will see off these relics.

Generally, the new buses seem reliable (as they should be given that they are only 6 weeks old) and comfortable, although on a couple, the panel above the rear window upstairs at the back already rattles quite loudly when the bus is moving - 6317 is particularly bad with 6325 and 6331 also having the same issue.  

As I travel by myself, I am not a fan of the tables and try to avoid them where possible.  I've never seen anyone using the table for anything other than standing their bag on and at the time I travel there aren't many people travelling in groups, so their use is limited as, in my experience, people travelling by themselves generally prefer not to have to engage with others (particularly commuters in rush hour).  The other problem with the table seats is the amount of passengers who sit with their feet up on the facing seats.

That said, the tables are the only feature I don't like and assuming that the reliability is maintained and that maintenance teams can keep on top of the rattles which are starting to develop, they are a big upgrade on the hybrids, B7s, Omnidekkas and the mixture of single deckers which they replaced.

(22 Jan 2018, 6:23 pm)Michael wrote Probables one of the South Tyne versa's, as Chester are getting all 8 of them

in case anyone hasn't seen it, here is 8303's replacement with the information from Dan.

Go North East: 9084 / YJ64DZM by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East's unallocated Optare Versa V1170 Hybrid/Optare 9084 (YJ64 DZM), which carries the base livery of Go North East's corporate livery, is pictured here in the yard at Saltmeadows Road Depot, Gateshead, whilst being prepared for service. 22/01/18
 
This vehicle was one of two new to Courtney Buses of Finchampstead in September 2014 for the 126 - 129 group of services, operating between Reading, Twyford and Wokingham. Carrying a 'coffee and mint' livery, these two Hybrid Optare Versas continued the 'coffee theme' for services in Wokingham.
 
Thought to be returned to Optare in April 2015 owing to ongoing reliability issues, the pair have been used by Optare as demonstration/loan vehicles since. This example is thought not to have seen use since 2015, whereas sister YJ64 DZL has been slightly more active, seeing use with Richard Bros and latterly BL Travel.
 
With "Lambton Worm" branded Optare Versa V1110/Optare 8303 (NK09 FCD) having sustained severe fire damage due to an electrical fault whilst operating the final journey of the day on "Lambton Worm" service 34A on 17th August 2017, Optare have supplied this vehicle as a courtesy vehicle on long-term loan to cover for it. Numbered 9084 in Go North East's fleet for the duration of its stay, it is expected to be allocated to Riverside Depot.
 
It has additionally been repainted into Go North East's corporate livery, and will be treated like one of Go North East's own vehicles during its loan period, being fitted with standard fleet livery vinyls, advertisement frames, and a cab area assault screen, prior to entering service.
 
Despite many vehicles in Go North East's fleet featuring colour route-number front displays, the company never invested in full front colour LED destinations. This vehicle is unique in having one fitted - a display type not spec'd by many operators.


Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

(22 Jan 2018, 8:01 pm)Michael wrote , i meant like, has it arrived and why?

I know what you meant to ask 

(22 Jan 2018, 8:44 pm)TEN 6083 wrote in case anyone hasn't seen it, here is 8303's replacement with the information from Dan.

Go North East: 9084 / YJ64DZM by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East's unallocated Optare Versa V1170 Hybrid/Optare 9084 (YJ64 DZM), which carries the base livery of Go North East's corporate livery, is pictured here in the yard at Saltmeadows Road Depot, Gateshead, whilst being prepared for service. 22/01/18
 
This vehicle was one of two new to Courtney Buses of Finchampstead in September 2014 for the 126 - 129 group of services, operating between Reading, Twyford and Wokingham. Carrying a 'coffee and mint' livery, these two Hybrid Optare Versas continued the 'coffee theme' for services in Wokingham.
 
Thought to be returned to Optare in April 2015 owing to ongoing reliability issues, the pair have been used by Optare as demonstration/loan vehicles since. This example is thought not to have seen use since 2015, whereas sister YJ64 DZL has been slightly more active, seeing use with Richard Bros and latterly BL Travel.
 
With "Lambton Worm" branded Optare Versa V1110/Optare 8303 (NK09 FCD) having sustained severe fire damage due to an electrical fault whilst operating the final journey of the day on "Lambton Worm" service 34A on 17th August 2017, Optare have supplied this vehicle as a courtesy vehicle on long-term loan to cover for it. Numbered 9084 in Go North East's fleet for the duration of its stay, it is expected to be allocated to Riverside Depot.
 
It has additionally been repainted into Go North East's corporate livery, and will be treated like one of Go North East's own vehicles during its loan period, being fitted with standard fleet livery vinyls, advertisement frames, and a cab area assault screen, prior to entering service.
 
Despite many vehicles in Go North East's fleet featuring colour route-number front displays, the company never invested in full front colour LED destinations. This vehicle is unique in having one fitted - a display type not spec'd by many operators.


Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

Aye but that's going to Riverside so one of the South Tyne Versa's should replace 8303 at Chester.

South Tyne Versa's should be going on:

5 for the 28/28A
1 for the 34/34A
2 spare

All 8 are going to "Go North East", so the Waggonway and Lambton Worm brand should be dropped.

(22 Jan 2018, 8:39 pm)Boggle wrote I use the 21 each day to travel to work.  This morning was the first time since all of the new ones have been here that I've travelled on something different when 3965 turned up.  That was cold and the window seal next to my seat was dripping a lot of water in.  The usual Streetdeck was much missed this morning.  Hopefully the arrival of the spares will see off these relics.

Generally, the new buses seem reliable (as they should be given that they are only 6 weeks old) and comfortable, although on a couple, the panel above the rear window upstairs at the back already rattles quite loudly when the bus is moving - 6317 is particularly bad with 6325 and 6331 also having the same issue.  

As I travel by myself, I am not a fan of the tables and try to avoid them where possible.  I've never seen anyone using the table for anything other than standing their bag on and at the time I travel there aren't many people travelling in groups, so their use is limited as, in my experience, people travelling by themselves generally prefer not to have to engage with others (particularly commuters in rush hour).  The other problem with the table seats is the amount of passengers who sit with their feet up on the facing seats.

That said, the tables are the only feature I don't like and assuming that the reliability is maintained and that maintenance teams can keep on top of the rattles which are starting to develop, they are a big upgrade on the hybrids, B7s, Omnidekkas and the mixture of single deckers which they replaced.

Like the streetshites, the street decks seem to be having rattles here and there.what are these buses going to be like in 5 years if they are rattling now.the streetlites on x66 have a tendency to have the emergency door rattle away, and that was when they were only a few weeks old.is the rattling down to just buses from wrightbus,or do any readers notice this on new environs etc.

(22 Jan 2018, 8:44 pm)TEN 6083 wrote in case anyone hasn't seen it, here is 8303's replacement with the information from Dan.

Go North East: 9084 / YJ64DZM by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East's unallocated Optare Versa V1170 Hybrid/Optare 9084 (YJ64 DZM), which carries the base livery of Go North East's corporate livery, is pictured here in the yard at Saltmeadows Road Depot, Gateshead, whilst being prepared for service. 22/01/18
 
This vehicle was one of two new to Courtney Buses of Finchampstead in September 2014 for the 126 - 129 group of services, operating between Reading, Twyford and Wokingham. Carrying a 'coffee and mint' livery, these two Hybrid Optare Versas continued the 'coffee theme' for services in Wokingham.
 
Thought to be returned to Optare in April 2015 owing to ongoing reliability issues, the pair have been used by Optare as demonstration/loan vehicles since. This example is thought not to have seen use since 2015, whereas sister YJ64 DZL has been slightly more active, seeing use with Richard Bros and latterly BL Travel.
 
With "Lambton Worm" branded Optare Versa V1110/Optare 8303 (NK09 FCD) having sustained severe fire damage due to an electrical fault whilst operating the final journey of the day on "Lambton Worm" service 34A on 17th August 2017, Optare have supplied this vehicle as a courtesy vehicle on long-term loan to cover for it. Numbered 9084 in Go North East's fleet for the duration of its stay, it is expected to be allocated to Riverside Depot.
 
It has additionally been repainted into Go North East's corporate livery, and will be treated like one of Go North East's own vehicles during its loan period, being fitted with standard fleet livery vinyls, advertisement frames, and a cab area assault screen, prior to entering service.
 
Despite many vehicles in Go North East's fleet featuring colour route-number front displays, the company never invested in full front colour LED destinations. This vehicle is unique in having one fitted - a display type not spec'd by many operators.


Sent from my iPhone 7+ using Tapatalk

Is that Optare admitting guilt for the fire?

(22 Jan 2018, 8:01 pm)Michael wrote , i meant like, has it arrived and why?

Possibly a coincidence that it was heading towards the direction of Saltmeadows Rd. Often see random buses going to Albany Motors, also based on Saltmeadows Road, presumably using their tachograph bay (Albany do installation of tachograph systems as well as calibrating them - used a lot by Arriva and Go North East).

Don't think any ex-Metroline Enviro400s are being acquired by Go North East. The 13 ex-London Volvo B9 should see off the last remaining V-reg Volvo B7, and as internal work is still being carried out on the ex-Brighton OmniDekkas, I cannot see them being disposed of in the immediate future (no buses need replacing, why would they take any more used double-decks?)

(23 Jan 2018, 9:03 am)RBZ 5459 wrote Is that Optare admitting guilt for the fire?

Maybe keen to get further business.

(23 Jan 2018, 1:08 pm)Dan wrote Possibly a coincidence that it was heading towards the direction of Saltmeadows Rd. Often see random buses going to Albany Motors, also based on Saltmeadows Road, presumably using their tachograph bay (Albany do installation of tachograph systems as well as calibrating them - used a lot by Arriva and Go North East).

Don't think any ex-Metroline Enviro400s are being acquired by Go North East. The 13 ex-London Volvo B9 should see off the last remaining V-reg Volvo B7, and as internal work is still being carried out on the ex-Brighton OmniDekkas, I cannot see them being disposed of in the immediate future (no buses need replacing, why would they take any more used double-decks?)

It was an enviro200 in question I believe - anyway, what exactly is being done to the omnidecks? I remember the backsides were getting tightened, but other work took place instead. Any other features on the way or just remaining on the minimalistic side of events?

---

(23 Jan 2018, 1:20 pm)Andreos1 wrote Maybe keen to get further business.

I agree with this, Volvo and Wrightbus are happy to send out support vans or do routine repairs to an extent - perhaps Optare are wanting to provide longer-lasting support too? 

Realistically, I think it's just a PR move since it got time in the press and clearly wasn't the result of misdue-care.

(23 Jan 2018, 4:21 pm)Jamie M wrote what exactly is being done to the omnidecks? 

Is it not just the retrims?

(23 Jan 2018, 5:03 pm)S813 FVK wrote Is it not just the retrims?

idk haha, I've been on the low recently and not much has changed with them since I last checked. I thought a few needed their backsides tightened due to the general sliding action occuring, which was delayed at some point. I forget if they were all seen to or not ?

(23 Jan 2018, 1:20 pm)Andreos1 wrote Maybe keen to get further business.

Is there much hope of that though? GNE seem pretty sold on the Streetlite for all single deck orders now.

(23 Jan 2018, 9:14 pm)mb134 wrote Is there much hope of that though? GNE seem pretty sold on the Streetlite for all single deck orders now.

Jimmoc - has posted the following in the Gateshead Central Taxis Thread...
‘Been told by a friend that GCT Have got Man Enviro 200 from london ex metroline’

At 08:40 this morning Fab56 6094 pulled up at Gateshead Hills St and terminated due to a smashed rear window. Everyone disembarked onto an Angel21 a minute later.
I was just at the bus stop rather than onboard so not sure what happened but thought it was a bit of an odd time for vandalism. Wonder if it had already been compromised & shattered through uneven road surface/movement. Although the hole looks like something was thrown at it? Who knows. 

IMG_1004 by ne14ne1, on Flickr

I wish GNE would purchase proper heavy duty single deck buses instead of this streetlites rubbish, which will fall apart by 8 years.does anyone know the bus life is on streetlites.the Merck’s I would imagine GNE will wan 20 years from them as they are higher spec

(23 Jan 2018, 9:14 pm)mb134 wrote Is there much hope of that though? GNE seem pretty sold on the Streetlite for all single deck orders now.

No harm in trying. After the 3 Solos due to arrive later in the year, I imagine Optare will not see further business from Go North East for a number of years.

(23 Jan 2018, 9:41 pm)Northern4555 wrote I wish GNE would purchase proper heavy duty single deck buses instead of this streetlites rubbish, which will fall apart by 8 years.does anyone know the bus life is on streetlites.the Merck’s I would imagine GNE will wan 20 years from them as they are higher spec

I'm not a fan of Streetlites, I've commented multiple times stating that for heavy duty work, companies should be buying more powerful vehicles. However, for the vast majority of work GNE allocate Streetlites to, they're absolutely fine. To say they'll only last 8 years is ridiculous. They're not lasting as long as B10BLEs, L94s, or Citaros, but that was never what they were designed to do. They were designed for light city/town work. 

(23 Jan 2018, 9:43 pm)S813 FVK wrote No harm in trying. After the 3 Solos due to arrive later in the year, I imagine Optare will not see further business from Go North East for a number of years.

They've pretty much standardised on Wright now, I'd say (if indeed it is them trying to secure sales) it's a pretty fruitless move. Don't see GNE moving away from a company they obviously trust.

(23 Jan 2018, 9:52 pm)mb134 wrote They've pretty much standardised on Wright now, I'd say (if indeed it is them trying to secure sales) it's a pretty fruitless move. Don't see GNE moving away from a company they obviously trust.

The 3 Solo's are for the 40/40A/40B and the Chester locals, think it was said they would arrive in middle of the year.

But i agree, after that i can't see anymore being ordered.

(23 Jan 2018, 9:39 pm)ne14ne1 wrote At 08:40 this morning Fab56 6094 pulled up at Gateshead Hills St and terminated due to a smashed rear window. Everyone disembarked onto an Angel21 a minute later.
I was just at the bus stop rather than onboard so not sure what happened but thought it was a bit of an odd time for vandalism. Wonder if it had already been compromised & shattered through uneven road surface/movement. Although the hole looks like something was thrown at it? Who knows. 

IMG_1004 by ne14ne1, on Flickr

Looked like a wingmirror of another bus went through the back window.

(23 Jan 2018, 9:14 pm)mb134 wrote Is there much hope of that though? GNE seem pretty sold on the Streetlite for all single deck orders now.

It's costing Optare nowt and gets a vehicle (that's sitting doing nowt) out and about.

It's something car manufacturers have done for years.

If it wins some business from GNE - brilliant.
If not, they try something else.

(20 Jan 2018, 6:02 pm)cbma06 wrote I think the last 2 wernt going to be in angel livery, 6332 might be the same promotion as 6100?.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

(20 Jan 2018, 7:02 pm)S813 FVK wrote Correct. 6332 and 6333 are the spares. However, their liveries were shown as 'TBC' on our fleet list which was certainly an indication that they wouldn't be in the corporate livery.

6332 should receive its promotional livery next Tuesday, all being well, having been measured up yesterday.

It will be a different marketing campaign to 6100 (indeed the trained eye may notice it's a slightly different shade of blue paint used) - this one will be to promote the ability to "Pay the quick way" on Go North East's bus services with contactless payments.

http://northeastbuses.co.uk/fleet/item.php?operatorF=2&fleetnoF=6332

(24 Jan 2018, 7:19 am)Dan wrote 6332 should receive its promotional livery next Tuesday, all being well, having been measured up yesterday.

It will be a different marketing campaign to 6100 (indeed the trained eye may notice it's a slightly different shade of blue paint used) - this one will be to promote the ability to "Pay the quick way" on Go North East's bus services with contactless payments.

http://northeastbuses.co.uk/fleet/item.php?operatorF=2&fleetnoF=6332

Will 6333 be "Night Angel?"