In relation to the designlines being mentioned in the GNE thread, why did SNE decide not to keep them on the 18 after there trial, too slow, too many problems ?

Also why didnt they just move them to a different depot, and use them on a service in another part of the country.

(11 Feb 2014, 9:46 pm)Simm101 wrote Would be good to have wifi on the X34 like the vehicles on various services in Newcastle do. Just hope that next stop announcements are not installed in the near future .

We have asked to put wifi on the X34 but to no avail. Personally its a good idea considering length of journey. Also to add onto latest 22204 should be leaving South Shields today all being well

(13 Feb 2014, 1:50 am)Half Pint wrote We have asked to put wifi on the X34 but to no avail. Personally its a good idea considering length of journey. Also to add onto latest 22204 should be leaving South Shields today all being well

Depending on the average age of customers, I would say that it could be worth having Wi-Fi fitted to the Economic Enviros too.

Competition et al, could go a long way. Just need to start getting the allocations right again as it's been hideous as of late - have had ALX300s and E200s a number of times on the way to town now.

Hmm. Stagecoach aren't to happy about the new system been proposed in which Nexus will control all services in the Tyne and Wear area. This includes routes, fares and no company will be able to change services unless they have been told to by Nexus. Whether this goes ahead is to be decided later on in the year but apparently the Managing Director has threatened to pull Stagecoach out of Newcastle if this goes ahead and has also apparently said 'I'd rather burn all of the depots down rather than hand them over to the council!' which I actually think is quite shocking as they make the most money anyway by being the main operator in Newcastle. This obviously means its down to greed, Go North East and Arriva aren't complaining, so why should they?

(13 Feb 2014, 9:51 am)northtynelinks2 wrote Hmm. Stagecoach aren't to happy about the new system been proposed in which Nexus will control all services in the Tyne and Wear area. This includes routes, fares and no company will be able to change services unless they have been told to by Nexus. Whether this goes ahead is to be decided later on in the year but apparently the Managing Director has threatened to pull Stagecoach out of Newcastle if this goes ahead and has also apparently said 'I'd rather burn all of the depots down rather than hand them over to the council!' which I actually think is quite shocking as they make the most money anyway by being the main operator in Newcastle. This obviously means its down to greed, Go North East and Arriva aren't complaining, so why should they?

There is quite a lively, interesting discussion about this in the Quality Contracts thread. Without wishing to drift off topic here, I think I (and others) would disagree slightly that their stance is about greed. Go North East & Arriva certainly are complaining!

(13 Feb 2014, 12:34 pm)Chris wrote There is quite a lively, interesting discussion about this in the Quality Contracts thread. Without wishing to drift off topic here, I think I (and others) would disagree slightly that their stance is about greed. Go North East & Arriva certainly are complaining!

I didn't think Arriva or Go North East were that bothered although I knew they wouldn't be happy about it.

(13 Feb 2014, 1:41 pm)northtynelinks2 wrote I didn't think Arriva or Go North East were that bothered although I knew they wouldn't be happy about it.

GNE have been probably the most vocal in their opposition, although Stagecoach have gained more mainstream publicity with their threats I would say.

Nigel Featham from Arriva has also written some articles in the trade press quite recently. Balanced and well written, in my opinion.

There is a bit of a lull in the whole debate at present whilst the Councillors make their minds up. March (I think) is decision time.

Does anyone know the PVR of the 22 (Newcastle)? Thanks, Peter

(13 Feb 2014, 8:38 pm)peter wrote Does anyone know the PVR of the 22 (Newcastle)? Thanks, Peter

Service 22 should be allocated 13 ADL Enviro 400s.

(13 Feb 2014, 8:41 pm)Dan wrote Service 22 should be allocated 13 ADL Enviro 400s.

Thanks!

(12 Feb 2014, 10:34 pm)Robinwtait.19 wrote idiot. mind you own business and keep you opions to you self.

How on earth do you come up with that??

I mentioned that a tweet had been deleted!

Which Pointer Darts Might come to south shields does any one Know if and when this will take place. Regards Robin

(13 Feb 2014, 9:39 pm)Robinwtait.19 wrote Which Pointer Darts Might come to south shields does any one Know if and when this will take place. Regards Robin

No surprise to see service 33 being cut and therefore some Darts will be freed up. It should be more or less 2 buses, and therefore will be used to flush out 2 more of the ALX200's still in use around the region.

Is it The Ones that went from Sunderland to Newcastle Before Christmas. Regards Robin

(13 Feb 2014, 9:50 pm)Robinwtait.19 wrote Is it The Ones that went from Sunderland to Newcastle Before Christmas. Regards Robin

Nobody knows for certain what they will do. They might keep 2 Darts and decide to get rid of 2 MANs instead. We'll have to wait and see, Stagecoach NE keep their cards pretty close to their chest, indeed nobody knows what is on order for this year (bar the Gas E300s) yet and not even the group order has been announced!

The network is very stable and that shows in their passenger loadings, though NE are less forward thinking than other divisions, choosing instead to carefully expand through small additions. Just look at how slow they've been to pick up on wi-fi etc!
They provide what passengers want first and foremost, a professionally run, reliable bus service.

Hopefully in time they'll look to pick up on what other divisions have, like a Gold branded service etc

(13 Feb 2014, 9:57 pm)tyresmoke wrote Nobody knows for certain what they will do. They might keep 2 Darts and decide to get rid of 2 MANs instead. We'll have to wait and see, Stagecoach NE keep their cards pretty close to their chest, indeed nobody knows what is on order for this year (bar the Gas E300s) yet and not even the group order has been announced!

The network is very stable and that shows in their passenger loadings, though NE are less forward thinking than other divisions, choosing instead to carefully expand through small additions. Just look at how slow they've been to pick up on wi-fi etc!
They provide what passengers want first and foremost, a professionally run, reliable bus service.

Hopefully in time they'll look to pick up on what other divisions have, like a Gold branded service etc

I'm positive the information regarding this year's orders has made it to some members of the North East enthusiast community - probably down to people being told to keep it quiet.

Indeed a post was made a week or two ago mentioning that depots are now aware of winning bids...

Any one going to opening day tomorrow?

I cant make it,

(13 Feb 2014, 10:04 pm)Michael wrote Any one going to opening day tomorrow?

I cant make it,

My "dentist appointment" has been arranged...just two days after the real one.

Nip back home for my camera and then get myself to the depot for a ride on one of the gas buses, get a few photos, run back home to drop the camera off and head back to school. Subway for my dinner, I think!

(13 Feb 2014, 10:02 pm)Dan wrote I'm positive the information regarding this year's orders has made it to some members of the North East enthusiast community - probably down to people being told to keep it quiet.

Indeed a post was made a week or two ago mentioning that depots are now aware of winning bids...

Oh yes I'm sure it has, albeit nothing has been formally announced yet.

(13 Feb 2014, 10:04 pm)Michael wrote Any one going to opening day tomorrow?

I cant make it,

I shall be attending due to one of my lecturers cancelling a lecture. Quite a blessing really. I'll be enroute to the Wheatsheaf straight after 13:10PM tomorrow

(13 Feb 2014, 10:06 pm)Dan wrote My "dentist appointment" has been arranged...just two days after the real one.

Nip back home for my camera and then get myself to the depot for a ride on one of the gas buses, get a few photos, run back home to drop the camera off and head back to school. Subway for my dinner, I think!

I'm popping there first thing (getting the 0923 X7 from Stockton, after a quick morning photoing bit in Stockton for the Macmillan 58s ) then back into the city to hunt down the only non-DDA MAN at Sunderland - 22196.

(13 Feb 2014, 10:10 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I'm popping there first thing (getting the 0923 X7 from Stockton, after a quick morning photoing bit in Stockton for the Macmillan 58s ) then back into the city to hunt down the only non-DDA MAN at Sunderland - 22196.

Think 22196 was on the 12 the other day, not sure though

(13 Feb 2014, 10:10 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I'm popping there first thing (getting the 0923 X7 from Stockton, after a quick morning photoing bit in Stockton for the Macmillan 58s ) then back into the city to hunt down the only non-DDA MAN at Sunderland - 22196.

Really?

(13 Feb 2014, 10:18 pm)tyresmoke wrote Really?

Should be the only one I need :p

(13 Feb 2014, 10:18 pm)tyresmoke wrote Really?

Still banging on about 22196?!

Trust me Tony, it's nowt special. One of the worst at Sunderland - wants scrapping!

(13 Feb 2014, 10:19 pm)Dan wrote Still banging on about 22196?!

Trust me Tony, it's nowt special. One of the worst at Sunderland - wants scrapping!

Don't get him started on the lack of investment and DDA deadlines, we'll be here all night

(13 Feb 2014, 10:19 pm)Dan wrote Still banging on about 22196?!

Trust me Tony, it's nowt special. One of the worst at Sunderland - wants scrapping!

Trust me, it's not that special after my discovery today, it's just one decent photograph required then it can disappear for scrap if it likes

(13 Feb 2014, 10:20 pm)tyresmoke wrote Don't get him started on the lack of investment and DDA deadlines, we'll be here all night

Only on the subject of Stockton depot - but if the stories are true, a start has been made

(13 Feb 2014, 10:22 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Only on the subject of Stockton depot - but if the stories are true, a start has been made

Is 25 the number of interest at the moment?

(13 Feb 2014, 10:23 pm)Dan wrote Is 25 the number of interest at the moment?

At the moment, the number is different when asked about - I've had 15 and 20 quoted at me