(25 Sep 2021, 5:59 am)Dan wrote Nothing was withdrawn because there was a PVR increase (all the school duplicates) at the same time resulting in most of the Citaros used on the routes the Streetlites became allocated to (ie 35 and 55).

The Euro 4 Citaros have all now been withdrawn bar two (5484/86) and some of the Black Cats Streetlites have been released without replacement. Deptford aren’t sitting on a lot of extra buses in reality.

On receipt of the all the Sunderland District branded buses at Deptford, these Streetlites will transfer to Riverside.

There are no major reliability issues on the Versas used on the 2/2A, nor the Citaros on the 35. This is speculation, and is wrong. Not denying that they, as older buses than Streetlites, are more expensive to maintain, parts more difficult to get a hold of, and are more likely to breakdown, but this isn’t major.


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I mean...it just seems that the Cherry Branded 35 buses reliability has just went down hill. As the 15' Plates aren't Euro 6, I didn't think they would be moving to Deptford. But moving them to CLS/WSH/Deptford/Peterlee.

(25 Sep 2021, 5:59 am)Dan wrote Nothing was withdrawn because there was a PVR increase (all the school duplicates) at the same time resulting in most of the Citaros used on the routes the Streetlites became allocated to (ie 35 and 55).

The Euro 4 Citaros have all now been withdrawn bar two (5484/86) and some of the Black Cats Streetlites have been released without replacement. Deptford aren’t sitting on a lot of extra buses in reality.

On receipt of the all the Sunderland District branded buses at Deptford, these Streetlites will transfer to Riverside.

There are no major reliability issues on the Versas used on the 2/2A, nor the Citaros on the 35. This is speculation, and is wrong. Not denying that they, as older buses than Streetlites, are more expensive to maintain, parts more difficult to get a hold of, and are more likely to breakdown, but this isn’t major.


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Reading between the lines if the 15 plates are moving to Riverside, unless it was the remainder of the 17 plates meant there, then I'm guessing these will be working the 49/49A which in turn will push the 66 plates (or Versas) and the rest of the 17 plates potentially onto the 6/12/25/33/51/52 which will see off the Mercs and that's everything Euro 6?

(25 Sep 2021, 7:49 am)Storx wrote Reading between the lines if the 15 plates are moving to Riverside, unless it was the remainder of the 17 plates meant there, then I'm guessing these will be working the 49/49A which in turn will push the 66 plates and the rest of the 17 plates potentially onto the 51/52/6/12 which will see off the Mercs and that's everything Euro 6?

Correct, with Citaros returning to the routes they were previously used on prior to the Red Kite Streetlites transferring to Deptford (55, 61).


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(25 Sep 2021, 7:53 am)Dan wrote Correct, with Citaros returning to the routes they were previously used on prior to the Red Kite Streetlites transferring to Deptford (55, 61).


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Wonder if branding will come to the 49 Winlaton Explorer
12/6 - CityConnect

(25 Sep 2021, 8:00 am)Keeiajs wrote Wonder if branding will come to the 49 Winlaton Explorer
12/6 - CityConnect

Surely that name would put anyone off using the 49!
I've always thought The Dunston Rocket would have been a good brand name

(25 Sep 2021, 8:02 am)streetdeckfan wrote Surely that name would put anyone off using the 49!
I've always thought The Dunston Rocket would have been a good brand name

I mean, if there were X49, yes. But the 49 isn't a particular fast route, I mean it is only around 40-50 mins. 

I mean GNE could probably think of a better name, I mean the name they came up with when they introduced the Streetlites was pathetic. THE 49 (Not necessarily a bad name) but then they stuck the 2016 Livery under it.
I mean atleast THE 9 has shoppers on the livery.

(25 Sep 2021, 7:53 am)Dan wrote Correct, with Citaros returning to the routes they were previously used on prior to the Red Kite Streetlites transferring to Deptford (55, 61).


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Thanks for that.

(25 Sep 2021, 8:21 am)Keeiajs wrote I mean, if there were X49, yes. But the 49 isn't a particular fast route, I mean it is only around 40-50 mins. 

I mean GNE could probably think of a better name, I mean the name they came up with when they introduced the Streetlites was pathetic. THE 49 (Not necessarily a bad name) but then they stuck the 2016 Livery under it.
I mean atleast THE 9 has shoppers on the livery.

I think the name was in reference to the Dunston Rocket (a building - guess you've never heard of it) rather than it being quick.

(25 Sep 2021, 8:24 am)Storx wrote I think the name was in reference to the Dunston Rocket (a building - guess you've never heard of it) rather than it being quick.

Oh, yeah I haven't. If it goes with the local route. Then I am all for it.

(25 Sep 2021, 8:30 am)Keeiajs wrote Oh, yeah I haven't. If it goes with the local route. Then I am all for it.

It's been knocked down for nearly a decade now, so I'm not surprised some people haven't heard of it.

As a big fan of brutalist architecture, it's a shame that so many 'iconic' buildings have been torn down.

I think The 9 and The 49 are just names as they couldn't think of a brand name for them at the time

(25 Sep 2021, 9:24 am)Train8261 wrote I think The 9 and The 49 are just names as they couldn't think of a brand name for them at the time

Then why bother branding them! It was a half arsed attempt, so half arsed that the only thing they did was move the swoop forward a bit and slap a big circle with a number in on the side. 

I dread to think how much they paid someone to come up with that design!

(25 Sep 2021, 9:29 am)streetdeckfan wrote Then why bother branding them! It was a half arsed attempt, so half arsed that the only thing they did was move the swoop forward a bit and slap a big circle with a number in on the side. 

I dread to think how much they paid someone to come up with that design!

I mean it was the 2016 Livery, with a circle of the swoop & number. As you say. I can think of better names, employ me.

There has been a breakdown on the 65 which has just gotten a new set of vehicles, and being upgraded to ever 30 mins. Seems like they are becoming every hour due to breakdowns. 

THe reliability of that service has fell through the roof since the 15' plate Streetlites have came in. I would atleast re-brand 2 other 15' plate Streetlites into EDE livery to replace them through the breakdowns.

I past 3 65 buses out of service whilst travelling through Murton. Shambles

(26 Sep 2021, 8:33 pm)Acky81 wrote I past 3 65 buses out of service whilst travelling through Murton. Shambles

I know, there reliability is utterly shocking no one can dispute that, I think there has been a breakdown every day of service. Causing 2-4 trips being cancelled. That is utterly ridiculous. While the 65 needed a capacity/frequency update, not these.

No wonder they where on the X66, they are only on a 10 min route, with a massive depot inbetween. Probs always had a mechanic on standby for the one of 4. 
We all know GNE are not going to de brand these, however I would paint atleast 2 if not 3 newer more reliable (yes more reliable) then the pieces of junk on them at the moment. Get 5369-5374 on them, more reliable by miles. Even the OmniDekkas are more reliable.

(26 Sep 2021, 10:01 pm)Keeiajs wrote I know, there reliability is utterly shocking no one can dispute that, I think there has been a breakdown every day of service. Causing 2-4 trips being cancelled. That is utterly ridiculous. While the 65 needed a capacity/frequency update, not these.

No wonder they where on the X66, they are only on a 10 min route, with a massive depot inbetween. Probs always had a mechanic on standby for the one of 4. 
We all know GNE are not going to de brand these, however I would paint atleast 2 if not 3 newer more reliable (yes more reliable) then the pieces of junk on them at the moment. Get 5369-5374 on them, more reliable by miles. Even the OmniDekkas are more reliable.

I wonder what the mileage are for these ex metrocentre streetlites, with them going back and forth between Gateshead and metrocentre non stop since new in 2015.


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(26 Sep 2021, 10:01 pm)Keeiajs wrote I know, there reliability is utterly shocking no one can dispute that, I think there has been a breakdown every day of service. Causing 2-4 trips being cancelled. That is utterly ridiculous. While the 65 needed a capacity/frequency update, not these.

No wonder they where on the X66, they are only on a 10 min route, with a massive depot inbetween. Probs always had a mechanic on standby for the one of 4. 
We all know GNE are not going to de brand these, however I would paint atleast 2 if not 3 newer more reliable (yes more reliable) then the pieces of junk on them at the moment. Get 5369-5374 on them, more reliable by miles. Even the OmniDekkas are more reliable.

Yesterday I went for 5392, which worked. 5393 however didn't get beyond start up and 5439 had to be brought in quickly. I cycle on that route and the hills are severe, Seaham, Cold Heseldon, Murton - which is just one steep hill after another and the heavy grade up to Valley View. I doubt any vehicle used to only the A184 climb to Gateshead would fare well on this punishing route.

(27 Sep 2021, 6:13 am)cbma06 wrote I wonder what the mileage are for these ex metrocentre streetlites, with them going back and forth between Gateshead and metrocentre non stop since new in 2015.

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Around 100k lower than that of the Coast & Country examples.

5391 - 5394 are some of the most reliable Streetlites in the fleet - granted having only been used on very easy work for the past six years.

(27 Sep 2021, 6:45 am)54APhotography wrote Yesterday I went for 5392, which worked. 5393 however didn't get beyond start up and 5439 had to be brought in quickly. I cycle on that route and the hills are severe, Seaham, Cold Heseldon, Murton - which is just one steep hill after another and the heavy grade up to Valley View. I doubt any vehicle used to only the A184 climb to Gateshead would fare well on this punishing route.

Let's give them time to settle down. The entire batch have been treated to (proactive) mid-life engine overhauls prior to repaint.

They're operating on far different terrain to what they were previously, and, as always happens when the fleet is moved around, different drivers find problems with buses that actually may not be huge issues in reality, that a driver more familiar with that particular vehicle may know how to resolve.

(27 Sep 2021, 6:55 am)Dan wrote Around 100k lower than that of the Coast & Country examples.

5391 - 5394 are some of the most reliable Streetlites in the fleet - granted having only been used on very easy work for the past six years.


Let's give them time to settle down. The entire batch have been treated to (proactive) mid-life engine overhauls prior to repaint.

They're operating on far different terrain to what they were previously, and, as always happens when the fleet is moved around, different drivers find problems with buses that actually may not be huge issues in reality, that a driver more familiar with that particular vehicle may know how to resolve.

I would get a refund on the mid-life engines like.

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(27 Sep 2021, 6:45 am)54APhotography wrote Yesterday I went for 5392, which worked. 5393 however didn't get beyond start up and 5439 had to be brought in quickly. I cycle on that route and the hills are severe, Seaham, Cold Heseldon, Murton - which is just one steep hill after another and the heavy grade up to Valley View. I doubt any vehicle used to only the A184 climb to Gateshead would fare well on this punishing route.

Granted they do up the Mill IN & After Murton...but so did the Solo's.

(27 Sep 2021, 4:59 pm)Keeiajs wrote I would get a refund on the mid-life engines like.

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Granted they do up the Mill IN & After Murton...but so did the Solo's.

Most drivers will take a Solo over a Streetlite.. They did fine on the hills

(27 Sep 2021, 5:40 pm)54APhotography wrote Most drivers will take a Solo over a Streetlite.. They did fine on the hill

Probably, Deptford is full of them sadly. 
I think 62/X6 is operated by both Deptford & Peterlee.

Indigo on the 700 this evening!

(27 Sep 2021, 6:17 pm)54APhotography wrote Indigo on the 700 this evening!

And on the 2.

Honestly Deptford allocations are all over the place.

Anything goes at the moment. 2/39 has had Indigo, Cherry, Violet, any spare Citaro, Omnidekka, OmniCity on in the last three weeks!

(27 Sep 2021, 6:28 pm)54APhotography wrote Anything goes at the moment. 2/39 has had Indigo, Cherry, Violet, any spare Citaro, Omnidekka, OmniCity on in the last three weeks!

That is shambles..honestly. I mean atleast they put. 2019 branded vehicles. But they just stick on 63' Plate Optares on X6/62. Which is not good enough.

ALso the 39 was downgraded for capacity reasons. Why stick a double decker on it. Why not stick a double decker on X20, instead of the 39 when the X20 is busy. Honestly.

Could be that buses are off the road and they can't get the parts they need due to the shortage of HGV drivers..... hence all the random allocations - along with repaints.

(27 Sep 2021, 6:41 pm)Michael wrote Could be that buses are off the road and they can't get the parts they need due to the shortage of HGV drivers..... hence all the random allocations - along with repaints.

I mean, isn't that what spare branded buses are for. Not 3 Violets on 35 & 2. I went past deptford, there was quite a few buses.

The coast and country streetlites seem very reliable. They don't often miss being on service and plenty of days when the whole batch of 5402 - 5408 are in service on the 78 from Consett.
Given the high mileage route they operate that's quite an achievement.  
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(27 Sep 2021, 7:02 pm)Keeiajs wrote I mean, isn't that what spare branded buses are for. Not 3 Violets on 35 & 2. I went past deptford, there was quite a few buses.

Ah right, but they could be awaiting parts etc?

I don't work for GNE so have no idea.

(27 Sep 2021, 6:33 pm)Keeiajs wrote  I mean atleast they put. 2019 branded vehicles. 

(27 Sep 2021, 7:02 pm)Keeiajs wrote  isn't that what spare branded buses are for.

Side note, and sorry for sounding picky, but they’re not “2019 branded” or “spare branded”.  2019 Corporate Livery / GNE Livery is not a route brand.