(13 Aug 2022, 8:56 pm)Storx wrote See I can't see the Versa's on the 49/49A. The Versa's got a decent refurb and arguably would be better on a frontline service like the X20. The Merc's are also expensive to run and finished hence why there's shortages at Deptford, if you moved all the Versa's you'd have 3 spare for them.

Who knows tbh, I do think they'll focus on getting the 08/58/10 Merc's and the remaining 09 Versa's with the displacements though so something will end up at Deptford, it's just what.

Btw I think everything left at CLS now will end at Consett other than the 21/X21 which will end up at Riverside rather than them going to Washington including the 34/34A.

Whatever they decide to do they should run a service, maybe the X8 (CLS-Consett-Templetown) or Extend the 71/25 to Concord/Washington via Depot for Driver change overs. 

Why does the 16/X45 terminate at Templetown is it just to alleviate the lost millage for driver changeover because im pretty sure no one uses them so surely its just more expensive than a van. 

X20 I don't know how Versas would do with it spending a lot of time on the A690, 5369-5376 would be good, however they would need new buses for the 60. However I can't see the Versa's leaving none Newcastle routes they could go onto the 25/28/29 (PVR 7+3 Spare). But then the 8 Needs several spares there are always replacement buses on that and they are all versa's or connections 4. 4 does have an adequate number of spares. 

Washington/Deptford/Consett will struggle for Euro 6 and Spares overall. 20 Plate streetdecks leaves them with about 6 spares, and I think there are only 3x E400 MMC spares.

The versa's inside are also awful they have changed colour its like a dark yellow/brown ish, they are quite bad even on the Berries. Hopefully GNE can spare 10 Euro 6 buses to be spread out between Consett/Washington/Deptford for extra spares on top of what they have.

We used to have Versas quite regularly on the X21 a few years back and they coped perfectly fine on the motorway, better than the StreetDecks from memory. I seem to recall one of them happily sitting at 60 on the motorway, and actually managing to hit around 65 (GPS speed) on the downhill section of the A167. I think I questioned on here at the time what they're limited to

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I quite like the Versas, they're comfortable and they sound nice (providing you don't get a rattly one)

There was a short period they had Versas on the X6 and they were perfectly fine on it - IMO better than the solos as they were much quieter on the A19 and a bit quicker (or at least it felt quicker).

(13 Aug 2022, 9:05 pm)Unber43 wrote Whatever they decide to do they should run a service, maybe the X8 (CLS-Consett-Templetown) or Extend the 71/25 to Concord/Washington via Depot for Driver change overs. 

Why does the 16/X45 terminate at Templetown is it just to alleviate the lost millage for driver changeover because im pretty sure no one uses them so surely its just more expensive than a van. 

X20 I don't know how Versas would do with it spending a lot of time on the A690, 5369-5376 would be good, however they would need new buses for the 60. However I can't see the Versa's leaving none Newcastle routes they could go onto the 25/28/29 (PVR 7+3 Spare). But then the 8 Needs several spares there are always replacement buses on that and they are all versa's or connections 4. 4 does have an adequate number of spares. 

Washington/Deptford/Consett will struggle for Euro 6 and Spares overall. 20 Plate streetdecks leaves them with about 6 spares, and I think there are only 3x E400 MMC spares.

The versa's inside are also awful they have changed colour its like a dark yellow/brown ish, they are quite bad even on the Berries. Hopefully GNE can spare 10 Euro 6 buses to be spread out between Consett/Washington/Deptford for extra spares on top of what they have.

See Washington should be fine, they already have the 10, 11 plate Versa's for them. I'm not sure they'll want to use decent buses on subsidised routes there's no benefits.

Spares Buses:
Solo (?)
Versa Long, 5380 - 5390 (11)
Streetlite Long, 5343 - 5469 (17)
Streetdeck, 6356 - 6363 (8)
Versa Short, 8310 - 8318 (9)
Streetlite Short, 8339 - 8346 (8)
B7RLE: 5509 - 5510 (2)
Total: 55

Unallocated:
6/12 (9)
49/49 (7)
57 (6)
34/34A (3)
41/41A (4)
Total: 29

Extras
35 (8)
X20 (6)
61 (4)
Total: 18

Total Replaced: 47, 8 Spares.

I might have got some of the PVR's slightly wrong especially the 6/12 but I'm not sure in what way it'll happen that is what's going to get improvements imo and you've got 8 spares there to split around. You could send something else to Hexham aswell if you wanted and nab them Versa's aswell; not sure what mind.

(13 Aug 2022, 9:17 pm)streetdeckfan wrote We used to have Versas quite regularly on the X21 a few years back and they coped perfectly fine on the motorway, better than the StreetDecks from memory. I seem to recall one of them happily sitting at 60 on the motorway, and actually managing to hit around 65 (GPS speed) on the downhill section of the A167. I think I questioned on here at the time what they're limited to

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I quite like the Versas, they're comfortable and they sound nice (providing you don't get a rattly one)

I like versa's however I feel like some of the interiors just discolour and make it look awful, Citaros are good aswell on motorways

But also their cabs seems to be a lot smaller

---

(13 Aug 2022, 9:40 pm)Storx wrote See Washington should be fine, they already have the 10, 11 plate Versa's for them. I'm not sure they'll want to use decent buses on subsidised routes there's no benefits.

Spares Buses:
Solo (?)
Versa Long, 5380 - 5390 (11)
Streetlite Long, 5343 - 5469 (17)
Streetdeck, 6356 - 6363 (8)
Versa Short, 8310 - 8318 (9)
Streetlite Short, 8339 - 8346 (8)
B7RLE: 5509 - 5510 (2)
Total: 55

Unallocated:
6/12 (9)
49/49 (7)
57 (6)
34/34A (3)
41/41A (4)
Total: 29

Extras
35 (8)
X20 (6)
61 (4)
Total: 18

Total Replaced: 47, 8 Spares.

I might have got some of the PVR's slightly wrong especially the 6/12 but I'm not sure in what way it'll happen that is what's going to get improvements imo and you've got 8 spares there to split around. You could send something else to Hexham aswell if you wanted and nab them Versa's aswell; not sure what mind.

With this Deptford even with maybe 1-2 buses off per route struggle with the PVR that is with 8340-41. 

The 10 Plate Citaros should be spares at Deptford and just left that should cover everything with the current 10 spare buses there.

(13 Aug 2022, 8:22 pm)peter wrote Not sure if it's been hypothesised yet but I have a sneaking suspicion the 6 and 12 will be moving to Consett from September.

I had the idea initially as most of the services registered in that initial batch of September changes were ones that are moving depots. Also because Lanchester would not be that far away from Consett for driver change overs.

Then there's been a couple of things on BusTimes that seem to suggest it. Firstly all the Streetlites allocated to Consett have their depot shown as '6 and 12' rather than CT or Consett, which seems odd, although I know it's not the most trustworthy of websites, someone could be hinting at something.

Secondly on Wednesday, 8294 did a little jaunt from Chester depot, it ran to Lanchester then followed the route of the 6 to Newcastle and then the route of the 12 to Winlaton before heading back via the 12 and 6 route to Lanchester and back to Chester. As I'm assuming relatively few of the Chester drivers would wanna move to Riverside, perhaps the 6 and 12 are moving to Consett which the ex-Chester drivers will now run, with Riverside drivers being trained up on the 21.

Funny you say that, on a local residents FB page a GNE driver commented that the 12 would be moving to Consett. Dan has mentioned previously that GNE would move routes around to suit which depots displaced drivers move to so it stacks up in theory.

(14 Aug 2022, 7:17 am)Chris 1 wrote Funny you say that, on a local residents FB page a GNE driver commented that the 12 would be moving to Consett. Dan has mentioned previously that GNE would move routes around to suit which depots displaced drivers move to so it stacks up in theory.

Will this mean the bait room opening back up at Stanley or just remote reliefs?

Potentially the quaycity Versas could be used on the 6 and 12 if the lot do move to Consett?

(14 Aug 2022, 9:51 am)Jack Gill wrote Potentially the quaycity Versas could be used on the 6 and 12 if the lot do move to Consett?

It would certainly fit with Storx's theory that the Versa's will all be moving out of Riverside, 5380-88 plus 5389/90 move to Consett for the 6/12, which also works with 5377-79 being at Hexham now an outstation of Consett. 

That frees up 5453-5462 to go back on the 49/49A displacing 8310-8318 to Deptford for the 35. 5463-69 go on the 57 unless it's getting deckers from somewhere.

What remains to be seen I suppose is what ends up on the 34 and which depot it goes to, if 8307/8/9 stay because they're euro 6, what the 8339-46 Streetlites end up on and what happens with Hexham as that's the last depot with euro 5 vehicles running into Newcastle (in theory).

(14 Aug 2022, 11:06 am)peter wrote It would certainly fit with Storx's theory that the Versa's will all be moving out of Riverside, 5380-88 plus 5389/90 move to Consett for the 6/12, which also works with  5377-79 being at Hexham now an outstation of Consett. 

That frees up 5453-5462 to go back on the 49/49A displacing 8310-8318 to Deptford for the 35. 5463-69 go on the 57 unless it's getting deckers from somewhere.

What remains to be seen I suppose is what ends up on the 34 and which depot it goes to, if 8307/8/9 stay because they're euro 6, what the 8339-46 Streetlites end up on and what happens with Hexham as that's the last depot with euro 5 vehicles running into Newcastle (in theory).

WEll Deptford currently doesn't have many spares, 8339-46 would be desperately needed if they will draw all the Mercedes bar X20/Violet

(14 Aug 2022, 11:13 am)Unber43 wrote WEll Deptford currently doesn't have many spares, 8339-46 would be desperately needed if they will draw all the Mercedes bar X20/Violet

I suppose really you could stick 8339-46 on the 35 and withdraw 5290-92/94-97/5304. Then stick 8307/8/9 on the 34, 8310-13 on the 41/41A and send 8314-8318 to replace 5286/7/8 (assuming 5285 is there as cover for the off-road citaro's) plus 5323-24 leaving 5325/6 as spares for the X20/61.

(14 Aug 2022, 11:22 am)peter wrote I suppose really you could stick 8339-46 on the 35 and withdraw 5290-92/94-97/5304. Then stick 8307/8/9 on the 34, 8310-13 on the 41/41A and send 8314-8318 to replace 5286/7/8 (assuming 5285 is there as cover for the off-road citaro's) plus 5323-24 leaving 5325/6 as spares for the X20/61.

I think 5324/26 have been off for nearly 3 weeks. 

I wonder if they'll refurbish 8339-46.

(14 Aug 2022, 11:27 am)Unber43 wrote I think 5324/26 have been off for nearly 3 weeks. 

I wonder if they'll refurbish 8339-46.

5324 and 5326 were withdrawn a few weeks ago.


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(14 Aug 2022, 11:32 am)Dan wrote 5324 and 5326 were withdrawn a few weeks ago.


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Ah okay thanks Dan, can you confirm which other vehicles were withdrawn as a result of the 24th July changes?

(14 Aug 2022, 11:22 am)peter wrote I suppose really you could stick 8339-46 on the 35 and withdraw 5290-92/94-97/5304. Then stick 8307/8/9 on the 34, 8310-13 on the 41/41A and send 8314-8318 to replace 5286/7/8 (assuming 5285 is there as cover for the off-road citaro's) plus 5323-24 leaving 5325/6 as spares for the X20/61.

I know it goes against what I said yesterday about Euro 6 and Gateshead but now thinking about it I think we might see something like

5377 - 5390, X20 / 61 / Spares (Deptford Based)
8310 - 8318, 35 / 35A (Deptford Based)
8339 - 8346, 49 / 49A (Riverside Based)
5445 - 5469, 6 / 12 / 34 / Hexham (Consett Based)
Streetdecks, 57 / 58 (Riverside Based)
Newer Solos, 19 / 41 / 41A (Percy Main Based)

Would mean you'd have fleets kept together rather than loads of micro fleets with all Versa's at Deptford / Washington and Consett and Riverside only having Streetlite's and the B7RLE's as singles.

Everyone get's an upgrade on what they've got currently.

(14 Aug 2022, 11:32 am)Dan wrote 5324 and 5326 were withdrawn a few weeks ago.


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Sad times seeing these former "Silver Arrows" Mercs getting withdrawn.

(14 Aug 2022, 11:32 am)Dan wrote 5324 and 5326 were withdrawn a few weeks ago.


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Why are 5324 and 26 withdrawn you could have painted them into cherry for the 35 

5284 and 85 I never liked anyways

(14 Aug 2022, 10:52 pm)Duraidfoy wrote Why are 5324 and 26 withdrawn you could have painted them into cherry for the 35 

5284 and 85 I never liked anyways

Because they aren’t needed - Deptford have newer buses available.


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Given that the X66 just goes via Askew road in both directions now, is it possible it could get upgraded to deckers?

Two in a row from Gateshead have been absolutely packed to the point where I just jumped on an empty 49 so I wouldn't have to sit next to someone, even if it takes an extra 10 minutes.

Plus, the Versas are much nicer than what they have on the X66!

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(24 Aug 2022, 10:38 am)streetdeckfan wrote Given that the X66 just goes via Askew road in both directions now, is it possible it could get upgraded to deckers?

Two in a row from Gateshead have been absolutely packed to the point where I just jumped on an empty 49 so I wouldn't have to sit next to someone, even if it takes an extra 10 minutes.

Plus, the Versas are much nicer than what they have on the X66!

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Several eastbound trips have been using the Riverside Busway again now that the Rabbit Banks Slip has reopened following the completion of building works.

Back at work this morning (Deptford) and a few changes from what I've seen (some previously noted elsewhere):

Lothian Voyager B9s all (?) now at Deptford

3942 has joined sister 3943 (will 3941 be joining them)?

Mercedes 5325 is still in use - I thought these were withdrawn?

7128 was the only coach present (still with X11 branding). Will 7132 and 7157 be returning?

(05 Sep 2022, 7:55 am)morritt89 wrote Back at work this morning (Deptford) and a few changes from what I've seen (some previously noted elsewhere):

Lothian Voyager B9s all (?) now at Deptford

3942 has joined sister 3943 (will 3941 be joining them)?

Mercedes 5325 is still in use - I thought these were withdrawn?

7128 was the only coach present (still with X11 branding). Will 7132 and 7157 be returning?

Versas 8320-29 also at Deptford

(05 Sep 2022, 8:37 am)Retro Nero wrote Versas 8320-29 also at Deptford

They're all if not most of them Euro 6, I would argue Depford only needs 1 or 2 more Euro 6 dedicated spares for 56. Whereas Percy Main needs a lot of Euro 6 vehicles as every day there are 4/5/6 if not more non-euro 6 vehicles on routes that lead into Newcastle. Why don't they just keep the current older deckers that they have for school routes and use them until they're uneconomical for repair and keep some of the Euro 6 deckers in reserve at Depots such as Washington, Depford, Percy Main, Consett and even Riverside as dedicated spares for routes that require Euro 6 vehicles.

Not speculating, but 6331-3/56-63 would surely fit the TVT10/12 with simple change to text on 6332/56-63. A very good upgrade which might keep patronage high..

(09 Sep 2022, 12:41 pm)54APhotography wrote Not speculating, but 6331-3/56-63 would surely fit the TVT10/12 with simple change to text on 6332/56-63. A very good upgrade which might keep patronage high..

I could see the former X-Lines X45/X46 Streetdecks going on 58 with the Ex-London B9's taking a spare role in the fleet.

(09 Sep 2022, 12:41 pm)54APhotography wrote Not speculating, but 6331-3/56-63 would surely fit the TVT10/12 with simple change to text on 6332/56-63. A very good upgrade which might keep patronage high..

 I live on the 10/10B route and there does seem to be a bit of a buzz about the Green X-lines on there. A mate I was with the other night when one went past who is no way a bus fan was like 'that's the nice one with the tables'. Also living on the route I would be a fan of the streetdecks moving to the route as they are much nicer buses.

(09 Sep 2022, 9:20 pm)Malarkey wrote I could see the former X-Lines X45/X46 Streetdecks going on 58 with the Ex-London B9's taking a spare role in the fleet.

Maybe in 8/9 years after they've been retrimmed as standard, but a bit OTT for a heavy commuter run....

(09 Sep 2022, 12:41 pm)54APhotography wrote Not speculating, but 6331-3/56-63 would surely fit the TVT10/12 with simple change to text on 6332/56-63. A very good upgrade which might keep patronage high..

What will happen when the consett xlines services frequency start to increase again, would there paint those spares xlines buses into the TVT and then back to Xlines?


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(10 Sep 2022, 8:15 am)cbma06 wrote What will happen when the consett xlines services frequency start to increase again, would there paint those spares xlines buses into the TVT and then back to Xlines?


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The way things are with bus usage who is to say they will increase.. Wasn't proposing a livery change, just lettering.

(10 Sep 2022, 8:15 am)cbma06 wrote What will happen when the consett xlines services frequency start to increase again, would there paint those spares xlines buses into the TVT and then back to Xlines?


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Something needs to be done about them, X45 every 20 mins and longer layovers.