(16 Dec 2021, 9:21 pm)Adrian wrote Unless Nexus have a big change of heart in how they procure services, I don't think we'll see much change. 

Hopefully the fiasco earlier this year will be enough to sway them, but I'll not hold my breath.

GCT are disgraceful. Absolutely horrendous operator. Nexus should be looking at value for money, not the cheapest bid as GCT are the cheapest because they don't run half of the journeys! Value for money is a sensible approach.

84/84A needs a rethink. Could do with this service running all day really. 

I rely on the 84A when I'm out because of the infrequent times of the 74 and the walk required by the X84/X85 and 42A. 808 running once each way is unfortunate. We don't have many bus service choices.

(16 Dec 2021, 9:31 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote GCT are disgraceful. Absolutely horrendous operator. Nexus should be looking at value for money, not the cheapest bid as GCT are the cheapest because they don't run half of the journeys! Value for money is a sensible approach.

84/84A needs a rethink. Could do with this service running all day really. 

I rely on the 84A when I'm out because of the infrequent times of the 74 and the walk required by the X84/X85 and 42A. 808 running once each way is unfortunate. We don't have many bus service choices.

Arguably value for money is the cheapest bid, when you don't have a lot of money to spend.

Without going over old ground, it remains my opinion that value has to be combined with quality and accessibility.

I love GCT. Got a goodie bag off them today at work!

(16 Dec 2021, 9:31 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote GCT are disgraceful. Absolutely horrendous operator. Nexus should be looking at value for money, not the cheapest bid as GCT are the cheapest because they don't run half of the journeys! Value for money is a sensible approach.

84/84A needs a rethink. Could do with this service running all day really. 

I rely on the 84A when I'm out because of the infrequent times of the 74 and the walk required by the X84/X85 and 42A. 808 running once each way is unfortunate. We don't have many bus service choices.

I might be living under a rock but isn't there like a Stagecoach service every 5 minutes outside where you live. Need is the wrong word here, it's your choice you refuse to use them, it's not upto tax payers to pay for that though. I don't really see the point in the 84A at all it duplicates other services mostly and can't really see the links, RVI? I might be missing something though.

The 84 I get but it's too infrequent so it's just as easy to go into Newcastle and back out for most people. They definitely shouldn't be more frequent paid by tax payers though.

(17 Dec 2021, 8:04 am)Rob44 wrote I love GCT. Got a goodie bag off them today at work!

What was in it?

(17 Dec 2021, 10:05 am)Andreos1 wrote What was in it?

cup, paper  calendar, electronic calender, posit notes, highlighters, ruler.. stapeler. and tub of hero's

(17 Dec 2021, 8:37 am)Storx wrote I might be living under a rock but isn't there like a Stagecoach service every 5 minutes outside where you live. Need is the wrong word here, it's your choice you refuse to use them, it's not upto tax payers to pay for that though. I don't really see the point in the 84A at all it duplicates other services mostly and can't really see the links, RVI? I might be missing something though.

The 84 I get but it's too infrequent so it's just as easy to go into Newcastle and back out for most people. They definitely shouldn't be more frequent paid by tax payers though.

Both the 84/84A are mostly covered by other services run by Stagecoach, 84 does at least offer a unique link to the Metrocentre for the most part, doesn't really require anything more than what runs currently especially as it's a lightly used service mostly just used by OAPs going shopping at either the Metrocentre or Newcastle, a small section of the route is covered by the Nexus works service 941 too when the 84 isn't running.

(17 Dec 2021, 10:29 am)Rob44 wrote cup, paper  calendar, electronic calender, posit notes, highlighters, ruler.. stapeler. and tub of hero's

GCT branded too? Could make a mint off ebay. Assuming the fan boys and girls started appreciating other operators beyond the usual.

(17 Dec 2021, 1:45 pm)Andreos1 wrote GCT branded too? Could make a mint off ebay. Assuming the fan boys and girls started appreciating other operators beyond the usual.

oh yes all branded.  ebay here I come!

(17 Dec 2021, 10:29 am)Rob44 wrote cup, paper  calendar, electronic calender, posit notes, highlighters, ruler.. stapeler. and tub of hero's

It almost sounds like an emergency repair kit, minus the gaffer tape.

(17 Dec 2021, 8:37 am)Storx wrote I might be living under a rock but isn't there like a Stagecoach service every 5 minutes outside where you live. Need is the wrong word here, it's your choice you refuse to use them, it's not upto tax payers to pay for that though. I don't really see the point in the 84A at all it duplicates other services mostly and can't really see the links, RVI? I might be missing something though.

The 84 I get but it's too infrequent so it's just as easy to go into Newcastle and back out for most people. They definitely shouldn't be more frequent paid by tax payers though.

Trust me, it wasn't an easy choice to stop using Stagecoach. Choice isn't really the word (there isn't a word really). For the sake of my health and sanity, I reluctantly started using other services. Now I really enjoy it, and realised a whole ago it saves a bit of money on bus fares and provides more travel options. Yes, thee is a bus timetabled for every 5 minutes or so but I've waited about half an hour for a Stagecoach bus in the past, and when going to Byker I hated the wait sitting on the bus in town when I could be on my way. Just because there should be a bus every 5 minutes doesn't mean there actually is. Had no end of trouble getting places on time on various services and now much prefer the less frequent and less convenient 42A, 74 and X84/X85, even 33A and Q3 before the Sunday X85 was introduced to get me wherever I need to be on time and in a more relaxed fashion. 84A, 131, 792.and 808 are close by and provide a more reliable service and have friendlier drivers than Stagecoach.

84/84A don't need to be more frequent. 792 and 808 could maybe run an extra trip each way.


For 10 years I relied on Stagecoach before I gave up. Don't miss them and I'm healthier without them. They won't let GNE run a quick loop through Slatyford because they don't want competition they would lose against. After maybe 25 years of Stagecoach I'm happily divorced from them!

Taxpayers shouldn't need to fund alternative services, competition should be commerciallly operated and supporting by the bus fares.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2...ices-rise/

Andrew Scott has voiced his concerns.
Although their prices don't appear to be hedged like the bigger boys, they're paying significantly less than the punter with a car.

I've heard Stanley Travel will be operating the replacement for the Arriva service 46 between Featherstone Grove and Newcastle.

(14 Oct 2022, 9:47 am)Thomas12 wrote I've heard Stanley Travel will be operating the replacement for the Arriva service 46 between Featherstone Grove and Newcastle.

Heard from where? When does the replacement start, and will it still be the 46?

Stanley Travel have won the contract for the X46

(14 Oct 2022, 2:05 pm)Aaron21 wrote Stanley Travel have won the contract for the X46

Won't they need a Euro 6 bus, the only one they have is there G2

(14 Oct 2022, 4:56 pm)Unber43 wrote Won't they need a Euro 6 bus, the only one they have is there G2

Not until January

(14 Oct 2022, 4:56 pm)Unber43 wrote Won't they need a Euro 6 bus, the only one they have is there G2

still got the SR am sure that is euro 6

Volvo B8R Panther OX19STX has gone to Chalfont as YX19MKK.
Solo R6STX is withdrawn (maybe scrapped) back on YJ56WVG - leaving just 3 Solos of which ON02STX is also withdrawn?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

(14 Oct 2022, 2:05 pm)Aaron21 wrote Stanley Travel have won the contract for the X46

This has seemingly caused an issue as regards vehicle availability in that if they have a breakdown on one of their smaller vehicles, then Stanley don't have a bus small enough to do the Fines Park diversion on the 713 and 714 Stanley - Flint Hill - Dipton - Annfield Plain - Stanley circular service.

(09 Jan 2023, 2:56 pm)DH9 wrote This has seemingly caused an issue as regards vehicle availability in that if they have a breakdown on one of their smaller vehicles, then Stanley don't have a bus small enough to do the Fines Park diversion on the 713 and 714 Stanley - Flint Hill - Dipton - Annfield Plain - Stanley circular service.

Does this mean we are likely to see them ditch the X46 in March? Phoenix could possibly take it on as they are losing the 552/M6 which are being cancelled so have a bus available.

Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

And they're losing the X46.

(09 Mar 2023, 3:49 pm)DH9 wrote And they're losing the X46.

Yes to the wonderful best company everyone knows Gateshead Central Taxis

(09 Mar 2023, 5:09 pm)Aaron21 wrote Yes to the wonderful best company everyone knows Gateshead Central Taxis

Youngest fleet (of those who operate regular services for the public) in the North East though.

Looks like Stanley travel will be the first North East operator to run Flixbus services.
https://www.route-one.net/news/flixbus-a...-operator/

(21 May 2023, 7:26 pm)wibblejunior wrote Looks like Stanley travel will be the first North East operator to run Flixbus services.
https://www.route-one.net/news/flixbus-a...-operator/

Bova OX21STX is in livery ready to start on Thursday.
They’ll be operating a second journey on line 073 between Newcastle & Manchester


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stanley Travel will be running the Mouth of the Tyne festival shuttle bus between Beacons Car Park & Percy Park Road according to the bustimes.org registration

https://fb.watch/obROfTSVXO/

2 Enviro 400 heading to ST

(08 Nov 2023, 11:45 pm)Arcticrossy92 wrote https://fb.watch/obROfTSVXO/

2 Enviro 400 heading to ST

Not on Facebook, any pics ?