(11 Jan 2014, 9:11 am)Michael wrote Thank's Citaro - i'm rubbish at maths and wasn't sure what ran from what (like unbranded routes).

Will they still need that many spares though?

That sort of % is around the norm.

My maths is not the best either...but formula's in excel works wonders!

(11 Jan 2014, 9:14 am)citaro5284 wrote That sort of % is around the norm.

My maths is not the best either...but formula's in excel works wonders!

Cheer's, it seems alot for the normal % of spares.

Olympian 3826 has been moved to Hexham, now awaiting the scrap man - its rear advertisement for The Sage (applied just before withdrawn) still remains.

(11 Jan 2014, 7:13 am)Greg in Weardale wrote I've always thought the X3 should run Sunderland Fulwell Grange Seaburn Whitburn Cleadon and back onto existing route at East Boldon, thus giving Whitburn and Cleadon a direct service to Newcastle. Thus it could replace 558 between Seaburn and Boldon Colliery more or less.

I like this idea

(10 Jan 2014, 5:29 pm)citaro5284 wrote I bet not many, Gateshead is not the centre of the World unlike Fencehouses!

I suppose it depends where you want to be... if you want to be at Trinity Square for cinema or Tesco, then it's probably quicker than walking from Gateshead Interchange and about the same distance from Jackson Street. On the other hand, if you're wanting connections (e.g. Saltwell Park or Metrocentre), then it's probably not as good as the 'Crusader' 27.

(11 Jan 2014, 10:08 am)Dan wrote Olympian 3826 has been moved to Hexham, now awaiting the scrap man - its rear advertisement for The Sage (applied just before withdrawn) still remains.

4840 and 8220 still on loan to Hexham. 8220 in service on 688s today.

I like the Myllenium Vykings, mai.ly because they are equipped with a voith gearbox. This results in a nice hum to the sounds of the vehicle which is not to disimilar to the hum of a Cummins L10 / Voith Olympian.

(11 Jan 2014, 8:28 am)Dan wrote About eight, if not ten.

I caught 6 on Thursday, but i'm sure the were was more out than that though.

Rear of 4968, Think it needs to Rear sorting out as this in my opinion is simply awful as it has been like this for a few months now.

[attachment=5137]

An un-id' B7 operating the X22 was pulled over on the hard shoulder of the A1 Western Bypass with a paramedic car, ambulance and highways agency traffic officer accompanying it at around 1 ish. No sign of RTC so I assume an ill passenger. Hope all was well

I often wonder why all the SPDs (apart from 8289) follow the Midibus fleet numbers (82--) since they aren't actually midibuses. Or was it just to follow on from the MPDs before they got re-numbered to the 4--s and 5--s.

(11 Jan 2014, 9:03 pm)northtynelinks2 wrote I often wonder why all the SPDs (apart from 8289) follow the Midibus fleet numbers (82--) since they aren't actually midibuses. Or was it just to follow on from the MPDs before they got re-numbered to the 4--s and 5--s.

I could be wrong, but I think the SPDs were designed to have the shell life of a midibus vehicle (12 years)?

(11 Jan 2014, 9:08 pm)Dan wrote I could be wrong, but I think the SPDs were designed to have the shell life of a midibus vehicle (12 years)?

I'd say that's spot on Dan, Although 8220 for example has lasted for 16 Years.

Services I was on today:
6095 0845 56 Newcastle - Sunderland
5301 0957 35 Sunderland - South Shields
3878 (SHED) 1054 50 South Shields - Chester-le-Street
6035 X21 1205 Chester-le-Street - Durham
6046 X10 1530 Middlesbrough - Gateshead
5219 X66 1655ish Gateshead - Metrocentre
6081 10B 1710ish Metrocentre - Newcastle Eldon Square

Sean

(11 Jan 2014, 9:54 pm)northern156 wrote Services I was on today:
6095 0845 56 Newcastle - Sunderland
5301 0957 35 Sunderland - South Shields
3878 (SHED) 1054 50 South Shields - Chester-le-Street
6035 X21 1205 Chester-le-Street - Durham
6046 X10 1530 Middlesbrough - Gateshead
5219 X66 1655ish Gateshead - Metrocentre
6081 10B 1710ish Metrocentre - Newcastle Eldon Square

Sean

You were on 3 different batches of B9's.

(11 Jan 2014, 9:08 pm)Dan wrote I could be wrong, but I think the SPDs were designed to have the shell life of a midibus vehicle (12 years)?

Aha, I would of never thought of that, and plus the Darts can be quite unreliable so its about time they go.

(11 Jan 2014, 10:19 pm)northtynelinks2 wrote Aha, I would of never thought of that, and plus the Darts can be quite unreliable so its about time they go.

Darts were always seen as midibuses as opposed to full-size heavyweight vehicles and SPDs were just large darts so would presumably have been expected to have the same, shorter life.

What someone said earlier the 9 should be centurion but update the brand abit give it more detail

(12 Jan 2014, 1:44 am)ADLEnviro wrote Forgive my knowledge of ancient roman history but what relevance would the brand 'centurion' have to the route of the 9???

On a lighter note I would Brand it the submarine or water womble.........time for one more JDs then bed I think.

The Centurian would only really include Wallsend which, the 9 no longer goes to. I couldn't see what was wrong with "Cross Tyne" it's just another example of a brand that GNE seemed inclined to let slip without warning and go buses another coat of unnecessary paint.

We've seen The Derwent Ranger, West Durham Swift, Doxford Clipper, Black Cats all vanish without warning or reason. Most of which, have stuffed quite a downgrade. There was no reason to discontinue West Durham Swift other than to get rid of the omnicitys which, appear to be returning...

Brand loyalty and recognition can only work it is relevant the 95/96 were once part of the highwayman before just been debranded no reason at all for it... The amount of money GNE use to reprint vehicle time and time again can't be helping their profits yes upgrade vehicles but pointless vehicle swaps??

(12 Jan 2014, 2:46 am)Coastliner700 wrote The Centurian would only really include Wallsend which, the 9 no longer goes to. I couldn't see what was wrong with "Cross Tyne" it's just another example of a brand that GNE seemed inclined to let slip without warning and go buses another coat of unnecessary paint.

We've seen The Derwent Ranger, West Durham Swift, Doxford Clipper, Black Cats all vanish without warning or reason. Most of which, have stuffed quite a downgrade. There was no reason to discontinue West Durham Swift other than to get rid of the omnicitys which, appear to be returning...

Brand loyalty and recognition can only work it is relevant the 95/96 were once part of the highwayman before just been debranded no reason at all for it... The amount of money GNE use to reprint vehicle time and time again can't be helping their profits yes upgrade vehicles but pointless vehicle swaps??

Whilst Stagecoach seems content to plod along steadily, not changing too much, and presumably doing OK, GNE is obsessed with change - timetables, brands, which buses are on which route, etc - often for no obvious reason and sometimes altered again a short time later. Perhaps it's only to justify the existence of management or an obsession with saving every penny, rather than establishing a stable NETWORK making a decent profit which is what Stagecoach seem to have done.

(12 Jan 2014, 7:57 am)Greg in Weardale wrote Whilst Stagecoach seems content to plod along steadily, not changing too much, and presumably doing OK, GNE is obsessed with change - timetables, brands, which buses are on which route, etc - often for no obvious reason and sometimes altered again a short time later. Perhaps it's only to justify the existence of management or an obsession with saving every penny, rather than establishing a stable NETWORK making a decent profit which is what Stagecoach seem to have done.

Stagecoach can hardly compare to Go North East - the latter's fleet has approximately 200 more vehicles and their network size is huge compared to Stagecoach's.

You rarely see Stagecoach trying out new things (I admit - last year - they added a higher frequency on services in Newcastle and introduced an extension to Seaburn on service 23 in Sunderland), and I have a feeling Stagecoach's 'steady profit levels' are shown clearly by the lack of investment in certain depots, which must be pretty low for the lack of investment up until last year (or if they are high, why are SNE not investing profit back into the company like GNE?)
Teesside is highly neglected I feel. Go North East at least spread their investment out into depots evenly, where it can be justified. Stagecoach just don't seem to do that - with one depot getting all investment (Sunderland last year) and others left to cope with the cascades which are quite old now too.

I'd prefer a network which changes (often for the best) if Go North East are maximising profit levels and giving customers the best possible buses on those routes affected by change.

(11 Jan 2014, 10:08 am)Dan wrote Olympian 3826 has been moved to Hexham, now awaiting the scrap man - its rear advertisement for The Sage (applied just before withdrawn) still remains.

See photo here.

(11 Jan 2014, 10:46 am)Dan wrote 4840 and 8220 still on loan to Hexham. 8220 in service on 688s today.

See photo here.

(12 Jan 2014, 2:46 am)Coastliner700 wrote The Centurian would only really include Wallsend which, the 9 no longer goes to. I couldn't see what was wrong with "Cross Tyne" it's just another example of a brand that GNE seemed inclined to let slip without warning and go buses another coat of unnecessary paint.

We've seen The Derwent Ranger, West Durham Swift, Doxford Clipper, Black Cats all vanish without warning or reason. Most of which, have stuffed quite a downgrade. There was no reason to discontinue West Durham Swift other than to get rid of the omnicitys which, appear to be returning...

Brand loyalty and recognition can only work it is relevant the 95/96 were once part of the highwayman before just been debranded no reason at all for it... The amount of money GNE use to reprint vehicle time and time again can't be helping their profits yes upgrade vehicles but pointless vehicle swaps??

Maybe the 95 an 96 don't operate via whickham highway where as 97 & 98 do?

(12 Jan 2014, 9:51 am)JP6004 wrote Maybe the 95 an 96 don't operate via whickham highway where as 97 & 98 do?

96 deffo does for a bit then turns off, not sure about the 95 though.

(12 Jan 2014, 2:46 am)Coastliner700 wrote The Centurian would only really include Wallsend which, the 9 no longer goes to. I couldn't see what was wrong with "Cross Tyne" it's just another example of a brand that GNE seemed inclined to let slip without warning and go buses another coat of unnecessary paint.

We've seen The Derwent Ranger, West Durham Swift, Doxford Clipper, Black Cats all vanish without warning or reason. Most of which, have stuffed quite a downgrade. There was no reason to discontinue West Durham Swift other than to get rid of the omnicitys which, appear to be returning...

Brand loyalty and recognition can only work it is relevant the 95/96 were once part of the highwayman before just been debranded no reason at all for it... The amount of money GNE use to reprint vehicle time and time again can't be helping their profits yes upgrade vehicles but pointless vehicle swaps??

I would like to see the Cross Tyne brand back on the 9 route, the brand name suited the route.

I forgot the Derwent Ranger brand even existed.

The Doxford Clipper was the only brand which remained the same since brands launched (only the route changed on the sides), untill it was quietly withdrawn, hopefully we will see this back.

Black Cats was the wrong colour, Yellow?, should of being Red and White and a Black Cat! (Because i'm a Sunderland supporter)

The Magic Roundabout was the quietly dropped to - must of cost them a bomb for the rights to use it!

Just a reminder from today:

We have been advised by Sunderland City Council that High Street West and the bus route via The Londonderry and the Empire Theatre will be closed permanently from 13th January 2014.
This road is being closed as part of the re-alignment of the new St Mary's Way and public realm works in this area of the City Centre.

Consequently, inbound buses operating on Services 9, 56, X3, X36 will be re-routed to operate via St Mary's Way and St Michael's Way to reach Albion Place and Park Lane bus station and will no longer serve High Street West or The Londonderry.

These services will temporarily observe the lay-by bus stop on St Michaels Way immediately south of the large roundabout until a new bus stop is brought into use on the new alignment of St Mary's Way/Livingstone Road.

Service 135 will be diverted to operate from Marks and Spencers bus stop via St Mary's Way to Silksworth Road, with Services 136 and 700 operating via St Mary's Way only, observing a new temporary bus stop near to the old Vaux brewery site. The bus stops at the Empire Theatre and The Londonderry will no longer be accessible by these services.

(12 Jan 2014, 10:10 am)northtynelinks2 wrote 96 deffo does for a bit then turns off, not sure about the 95 though.

If it does it only briefly where as the 97/98 go along the whole stretch of whickham highway

(12 Jan 2014, 10:28 am)JP6004 wrote If it does it only briefly where as the 97/98 go along the whole stretch of whickham highway

Yeah, thought so. Thanks for the clarification.

(12 Jan 2014, 10:10 am)Michael wrote I would like to see the Cross Tyne brand back on the 9 route, the brand name suited the route.

I forgot the Derwent Ranger brand even existed.

The Doxford Clipper was the only brand which remained the same since brands launched (only the route changed on the sides), untill it was quietly withdrawn, hopefully we will see this back.

Black Cats was the wrong colour, Yellow?, should of being Red and White and a Black Cat! (Because i'm a Sunderland supporter)

The Magic Roundabout was the quietly dropped to - must of cost them a bomb for the rights to use it!

CrossTyne or another brand should be introduced to the 9.
What route was the Derwent Ranger?
Doxford Clipper is gone I'm afraid. 39 will soon be SimpliCity.
Black Cats, should of been Black i feel, as then it would have subtle reminders of SAFC, while remaining a good brand. Unfortunately at present doesn't think this brand should be brought back- too similar to Fast Cats. The 29 would of otherwise fitted the brand,
Magic Roundabout I assumed was maybe a placement deal with the company? But that's complete guess work.
I'd give the 29 a brand too, CrossCity? Think it could work well and that would be mean the majority of service branded from Deptford.

I feel like I've given my opinion on branding and personally I feel unless services have very low PVR, brand them all I mean the new X3, 99, 71, X22, 27X. Other than that I'd brand the rest, bring back Washington Street Shuttle (maybe something new for M2/M3), West Durham Swift. I'd start a new Gateshead local brand for 64/95/96. New Brands for the X25/13/14/15/15A maybe one brand for Langley Park?

(12 Jan 2014, 10:39 am)CatsFast101 wrote CrossTyne or another brand should be introduced to the 9.
What route was the Derwent Ranger?
Doxford Clipper is gone I'm afraid. 39 will soon be SimpliCity.
Black Cats, should of been Black i feel, as then it would have subtle reminders of SAFC, while remaining a good brand. Unfortunately at present doesn't think this brand should be brought back- too similar to Fast Cats. The 29 would of otherwise fitted the brand,
Magic Roundabout I assumed was maybe a placement deal with the company? But that's complete guess work.
I'd give the 29 a brand too, CrossCity? Think it could work well and that would be mean the majority of service branded from Deptford.

I feel like I've given my opinion on branding and personally I feel unless services have very low PVR, brand them all I mean the new X3, 99, 71, X22, 27X. Other than that I'd brand the rest, bring back Washington Street Shuttle (maybe something new for M2/M3), West Durham Swift. I'd start a new Gateshead local brand for 64/95/96. New Brands for the X25/13/14/15/15A maybe one brand for Langley Park?

With the 9 having such a big PVR - wonder if it will ever be branded.

The 47 was the Derwent Ranger brand

The 39 will be simplicity, although, the new timetable says other wise..(which is wrong).

CrossCity sounds like a good brand name, although, maybe the 56 could of used that one, instead of the FAB 56.

However their is some pointless brands:

Laser
South Tyne
Pronto (should change the name)
Diamond
The Orbit
Pulse
Lime
Highwayman
East Durham