(29 Apr 2013, 5:52 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Just looking through old photos of the GNE citaro artics - does anyone know why the x66 allocations put in citylink's base gold?

And now it sadly looks like the citylink artics may be replaced next year by rigid vehicles due to realiability issues, do you guys think GNE will still bring up the other batch of merc artics that were apparently being kept down south until the new depot was finished up here.

Just curious


Cheers

I highly doubt they will, it would be a stupid move to get rid of the current batch on the 58, to then bring in another batch at a later date. I was told the current Citylink Artics are to be gone in October, Not at somepoint in 2014.

Registrations on VOSA today -

PB0002400/405 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Doxford, International, Admiral Way and Pennywell, Prestbury Road given service number 39 effective from 02-Jun-2013. To amend Timetable.

PB0002400/481 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange and Houghton Le Spring, The Broadway given service number 238 effective from 23-Jun-2013. To amend Route.

PB0002400/482 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Durham Bus Station and Peterlee Bus Station given service number 259/260 effective from 23-Jun-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002400/492 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between SEABURN WHITBURN ROAD and SILKSWORTH CHURCH VIEW given service number 99 effective from 02-Jun-2013. To amend Timetable.

PB0002400/493 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between SUNDERLAND PARK INTERCHANGE and SUNDERLAND PARK INTERCHANGE given service number 36 effective from 02-Jun-2013. To amend Timetable.

PB0003954/566 - GO NORTH EAST LIMITED, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: JARROW BUS STATION
Finish Point: SOUTH SHIELDS KEPPEL STREET
Via: BEDE, SIMONSIDE,TYNE DOCK AND CHICHESTER
Service Number: 900
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 05-MAY-2013
Other Details: METRO REPLACEMENT TO RUN ON 5TH MAY 2013 ONLY

Service 27X will appear to operate every hour during the day from Newcastle and operate a circular route around Hebburn - see attached from Traveline. As before, this cannot be taken as gospel until official release from GNE, this is intended just for interest.

[attachment=4409]
[attachment=4410]

(29 Apr 2013, 6:14 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote I highly doubt they will, it would be a stupid move to get rid of the current batch on the 58, to then bring in another batch at a later date. I was told the current Citylink Artics are to be gone in October, Not at somepoint in 2014.

Cheers for clarifying.
Bad news for me, the artic lover. Good news for most of the guys on here lol

(29 Apr 2013, 6:21 pm)Brandon wrote Registrations on VOSA today -

PB0002400/405 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Doxford, International, Admiral Way and Pennywell, Prestbury Road given service number 39 effective from 02-Jun-2013. To amend Timetable.

PB0002400/481 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange and Houghton Le Spring, The Broadway given service number 238 effective from 23-Jun-2013. To amend Route.

PB0002400/482 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted: Operating between Durham Bus Station and Peterlee Bus Station given service number 259/260 effective from 23-Jun-2013. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002400/492 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between SEABURN WHITBURN ROAD and SILKSWORTH CHURCH VIEW given service number 99 effective from 02-Jun-2013. To amend Timetable.

PB0002400/493 - GO NORTHERN LTD T/A GO NORTH EAST, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between SUNDERLAND PARK INTERCHANGE and SUNDERLAND PARK INTERCHANGE given service number 36 effective from 02-Jun-2013. To amend Timetable.

PB0003954/566 - GO NORTH EAST LIMITED, 117 QUEEN STREET, GATESHEAD, NE8 2UA
Registration Accepted by SN
Starting Point: JARROW BUS STATION
Finish Point: SOUTH SHIELDS KEPPEL STREET
Via: BEDE, SIMONSIDE,TYNE DOCK AND CHICHESTER
Service Number: 900
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 05-MAY-2013
Other Details: METRO REPLACEMENT TO RUN ON 5TH MAY 2013 ONLY

Service 27X will appear to operate every hour during the day from Newcastle and operate a circular route around Hebburn - see attached from Traveline. As before, this cannot be taken as gospel until official release from GNE, this is intended just for interest.

Im i missing something but haven't these already being put on VOSA? (not the 900) but the 99 etc?

(29 Apr 2013, 6:21 pm)Brandon wrote Service 27X will appear to operate every hour during the day from Newcastle and operate a circular route around Hebburn - see attached from Traveline. As before, this cannot be taken as gospel until official release from GNE, this is intended just for interest.

I personally think that 15 minutes between Newcastle and Heworth, via the Bypass, is asking for trouble. The X9/X10 have 18 minutes to do the same non-stop trip, yet from the experiences that I have using those services, they're always late in to Gateshead never mind as far as Heworth.

(29 Apr 2013, 6:55 pm)aureolin wrote

(29 Apr 2013, 6:21 pm)Brandon wrote Service 27X will appear to operate every hour during the day from Newcastle and operate a circular route around Hebburn - see attached from Traveline. As before, this cannot be taken as gospel until official release from GNE, this is intended just for interest.

I personally think that 15 minutes between Newcastle and Heworth, via the Bypass, is asking for trouble. The X9/X10 have 18 minutes to do the same non-stop trip, yet from the experiences that I have using those services, they're always late in to Gateshead never mind as far as Heworth.

Does anyone know if the 27X is joining the Crusader brand or is it just going to be a Northern service?

(29 Apr 2013, 7:00 pm)Adam wrote Does anyone know if the 27X is joining the Crusader brand or is it just going to be a Northern service?

That would explain the new 'branded service' for Saltmeadows.

(29 Apr 2013, 6:55 pm)aureolin wrote

(29 Apr 2013, 6:21 pm)Brandon wrote Service 27X will appear to operate every hour during the day from Newcastle and operate a circular route around Hebburn - see attached from Traveline. As before, this cannot be taken as gospel until official release from GNE, this is intended just for interest.

I personally think that 15 minutes between Newcastle and Heworth, via the Bypass, is asking for trouble. The X9/X10 have 18 minutes to do the same non-stop trip, yet from the experiences that I have using those services, they're always late in to Gateshead never mind as far as Heworth.

Just had another look! I agree that those timings to Heworth are tight, but it could be do-able if Gateshead Interchange is omitted? The only timings listed at Gateshead are on the High Street. The Stagecoach X34 doesn't serve the Interchange northbound but does on the return. 27X would provide a regular hourly service up and down Victoria Road East/West though, which I gather residents have been crying out for since the axing of the 27A.

I'm not sure Michael - could be a last minute change or mistake they've had to correct in the original registration.

(29 Apr 2013, 7:02 pm)BJ10VUS wrote

(29 Apr 2013, 7:00 pm)Adam wrote Does anyone know if the 27X is joining the Crusader brand or is it just going to be a Northern service?

That would explain the new 'branded service' for Saltmeadows?

I was thinking that as well, because the 27X only requires two buses, and if two Versas are destined for a new brand when the StreetLites come, logic would suggest it would be this.

(29 Apr 2013, 7:09 pm)Adam wrote I was thinking that as well, because the 27X only requires two buses, and if two Versas are destined for a new brand when the StreetLites come, logic would suggest it would be this.

If it's hourly, it will only require PVR 1. But still, I'm hoping that's what's going to happen!

(29 Apr 2013, 7:13 pm)BJ10VUS wrote

(29 Apr 2013, 7:09 pm)Adam wrote I was thinking that as well, because the 27X only requires two buses, and if two Versas are destined for a new brand when the StreetLites come, logic would suggest it would be this.

If it's hourly, it will only require PVR 1. But still, I'm hoping that's what's going to happen!

Sorry, my maths is obviously terrible. Sort of explains why I had to drop it at AS level. Never mind.

(29 Apr 2013, 7:13 pm)BJ10VUS wrote

(29 Apr 2013, 7:09 pm)Adam wrote I was thinking that as well, because the 27X only requires two buses, and if two Versas are destined for a new brand when the StreetLites come, logic would suggest it would be this.

If it's hourly, it will only require PVR 1. But still, I'm hoping that's what's going to happen!

Date on the registration is 2 June - full timetable details should be coming out soon at the same time as the other South Tyneside/Sunderland changes are taking place

Registration Number:
Variation Number 0
Status Registered
Operator Name GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Service Number(s) 27X
Start Point NEWCASTLE PILGRIM STREET
Finish Point HEBBURN TOWN CENTRE
Via
Service Type Limited Stop
Normal Stopping
Date Received 05-APR-2013
Effective Date 02-JUN-2013
End Date -
TAOs covered by route North Eastern Traffic Area
Local Authorities covered by route Nexus (Tyne & Wear)
N&P Reference 2147

I'm guessing the 27X is going to duplicate the route of the 515 between Heworth and Hebburn, doing the same "loop" via Black Road, Auckland Road and Argyle Street.

A summarising post of my past week's worth of photography. Do click the links below to view the photos if you'd like to.

Rare workings:
- On Monday 22nd April 2013, "Red Arrows" Gemini 6004 made an extremely rare appearance on "Washington Street Shuttle" service W5, and a photo is displayed here.
- On Tuesday 23rd April 2013, "Sunderland Connect" Solo SR 628 made an extremely rare appearance on service X3, and a photo is displayed here.
- On Saturday 27th April 2013, "Cobalt Clipper" Renown 4911 made an extremely rare appearance on service 9, and a photo is displayed here.
- Today, "SimpliCity" Versa 8328 made an extremely rare appearance on "Laser" service 35, and a photo is displayed here.
- Today, "East Durham" MPD 503 made an extremely rare appearance on "Drifter" service 61, and a photo is displayed here.

3964, now in "Festival of the North East" branding:
- Shot 1, Shot 2, Shot 3, Shot 4, and Shot 5.
Some "unusual" shots, and most certainly away from the bus station.

Break downs:
- On Saturday 27th April 2013, 8225 broke down and 1001 came to attend to her. A photo is displayed here.

Percy Main Omnicities now in "Northern":
5248 and 5249.

Marathon of the North Diversions
8307 on Service 60
5309 on Service 35B
8306 on Service 60
606 on Service 39
5215 on Service 20
8328 on Service 42
8227 on Service 61
8325 on Service 42
5249 on Service 9
5308 on Service 35B
8324 on Service 26A
635 on Service 135
5209 on Service 56

Accident at Park Lane Interchange, Sunderland, today:
5301, Close-up shot of damage on 5301, 5213 diverting, 5304 serving Stands A-G rather than its usual stand, 4968 diverting.


A report on the Go North East: "Buses By Brand" collection is to follow tomorrow morning.

'East Durham' MPD 541 was also on the 35 replacing 4971. As for the other two, I certaintly didn't see either during my 4 hours in Sunderland, indeed the 61 was entire Cadet worked (branded 8258/9/71/3 plus Northern 8269).

(29 Apr 2013, 9:18 pm)Kuyoyo wrote 'East Durham' MPD 541 was also on the 35 replacing 4971. As for the other two, I certaintly didn't see either during my 4 hours in Sunderland, indeed the 61 was entire Cadet worked (branded 8258/9/71/3 plus Northern 8269).

If my memory serves, I did see a "Northern" SPD on the 61 this morning also, so must have been replaced later into the day when you arrived at Sunderland.
I thought I saw 503 come up Stockton Road from Deptford's way, so I must have been correct. I hadn't seen her while in school either, which is usually the sign to show it was a replacement.

(29 Apr 2013, 9:21 pm)Daniel wrote If my memory serves, I did see a "Northern" SPD on the 61 this morning also, so must have been replaced later into the day when you arrived at Sunderland.
I thought I saw 503 come up Stockton Road from Deptford's way, so I must have been correct. I hadn't seen her while in school either, which is usually the sign to show it was a replacement.

8240 was on the 60, could have been that you saw. While 8224 was on the 42 and 8222 on the 39.

Definitely do think it was on the 61. With eleven (?) SPDs at Deptford at present, and only about seven accounted for today, I don't think it's terribly unlikely that one was on the 61, and was replaced later in the day. I have no idea when you arrived, but this allocation from between 08:00am and 09:00am.

I arrived about 1120 and was there til 1537 (whole point of the day was to clear the backlog of required vehicles in the Sunderland, for which I was successful in terms of Go North East, less so with Stagecoach). And in that time there was entirely Cadet on the 61. Could be a swap or could it have do a 61 then worked onto something else?

More than likely replaced in that time. Deptford have had a few allocations on for one run and then have taken them off after one run lately, from what I've noted. I have no idea why - especially in the cases of "Northern" vehicles - but it seems to have happened a few times recently.
As far as I'm aware, the 61 does not interwork with any other services on the morning duties.

As promised, the Go North East: "Buses By Brand" collection report!

The "Washington Street Shuttle" brand has seen the addition of 530 to its set.
The "Red Arrows" brand has seen the replacement of 6004 with a new photo to its set.
The "The Waggonway" brand has seen the addition of 4986 to its set, thereby completing it. Although complete, replacements with better photos are subject to take place. I'd prefer to have photographs taken along the route rather than at its two termini at present!
The "Yellow Bus" brand has seen the replacement of 3833 with a new photo to its set.
The "Laser" brand has seen the addition of 4946, 5304 and 5309 to its set, while also seeing the replacements of 4968, 4972 and 5299 with new photos to its set.
The "Northern" brand has seen the addition of 8268 and 8269 to its set, while also seeing the replacements of 3980 and 8227.
The "The Key" brand has seen the replacement of 8232 with a new photo to its set.
The "The Orbit" brand has seen the replacement of 8336 with a new photo to its set.
The "Drifter" brand has seen the replacements of 8306 and 8307 with new photos to its set.
The "Doxford Clipper" brand has seen the replacement of 606 with a new photo to its set.
The "Prince Bishops" brand has seen the addition of 5213 to its set, while also seeing the replacement of 5215 with a new photo to its set.
The "SimpliCity" brand has seen the replacements of 8325 and 8328 with new photos to its set.
The "Lime" brand has seen the replacement of 4896 with a new photo to its set.
The "Fab Fifty Six" brand has seen the replacement of 5209 with a new photo to its set.
The "Citylink" brand has seen the replacement of 5342 with a new photo to its set.
The Silver Arrows brand has seen the replacement of 5324 with a new photo to its set.
The "The Festival of the North East" brand has been added, with 3964's photo being added also, thereby completing the set.

Have BRANDED ROUTES HAVE HAD THEIR DAY? - IF "NORTHERN" is to be a credible brand then it must trade on strong identity as "Northern" and create brand values around "Northern" ! - This means ditching route branding with the exception of very few "exceptional" routes e.g. express services. Previously these would use limited stop services with buses/coaches identified by a green/cream livery versus a maroon/cream livery for standard routes. Inevitably a regulated scheme will super-impose the current operator system from Arriva , Northern & Stagecoach. We should in fact welcome a Nexus/LA7 integrated transport policy for improved services in terms of both frequency and better pricing throughout our region from Tees to Northumbria .... There will still be perfect ( But New!) branding opportunities!!

Good morning all, just noted 8269 on this morning's 6:32 ish 61 departure from Sunderland and 8227 on the 35C on the 6:36 ish arrival.

Have a good day folks!
Callum (sitting on 5201 to school)

Drifter 8258 on the 99
Northern 8269 on 61.

Have a good day folks
Callum (sitting on 5203 to school)

Re Branded routes, I think the branding has gone beyond the point of having any positive impact.
There are some routes, which are branded and I often wonder why and the only word I can think of to sum it up is 'gimicky'.
When it comes to the likes of the Blaydon Racers, the vinyls on top of the Red Arrow colouring looks naff. Has it been done just for the sake of it?
Then the Lambton Worm operating the 34/a - why? What connection has the worm got with Urpeth Grange or Bullion Lane? Having the branding on the 71 was pushing it a bit... But at least it went within the same county as where the worm was from.

Whey aye 5-0? Brand loyalty on the only service to go the way it does

Drifter? Where does it drift by?

Lime? Dont get it...

However, the Northern Brand as is stands does nothing for me. If it had a white band or some sort of colouring to break up the red, then maybe

I don't mind branding as such if it's done well but it feels like its becoming branding for brandings sake and there's almost perceived a route heirachy where branded takes precedent over non-branded. You get the feeling if the 21 breaks down or has problems its an issue...if the X25 does...well nevermind eh?

I understand its easier for GNE to interact over social media with #greenangels etc but I'd keep branding to your key flagship routes

21
X9/10
10
X66
X1
58
56
27

Nothing else because thats when you star stretching. Magic Roundabout was just stupid tbh and as for Pronto...jesus.

I'd also drop 3 letter route numbers and change everything to dual numbers. 309 becomes 90 or 39 for example and then go for route branding. Route 39 Is a far more effective brand than 'Cobalt Cowboy' or something like that.

Outside of long distance routes like the X10 or 21 you don't need fancy headrests, on board announcements, wi-fi, power sockets. What the vast majority what is a clean bus (pref easy access) that goes from A to B at the best price with the best reliability possible. They don't care if its pink, yellow, fuschia or has onboard radar and photon torpedoes, they just want a bus.


And to edit add....The Angel and Pronto now have the new corporate font style timetables, obviously with added green-ness and angels with the paper bus look. Very smart

There are some brands with actual meaning, for example, the 'Crusader' represents the Jarrow Crusade, and 'Blaydon Racers', the 'Blaydon Races' event - most of them don't though. Personally, I think as of late, Go North East have got pretty lazy with their branding - especially 'Crusader' and 'Highwayman' lately - and it reflects badly on them, as the brands then mean less and less.

(30 Apr 2013, 2:08 pm)gtomlinson wrote I don't mind branding as such if it's done well but it feels like its becoming branding for brandings sake and there's almost perceived a route heirachy where branded takes precedent over non-branded. You get the feeling if the 21 breaks down or has problems its an issue...if the X25 does...well nevermind eh?

I understand its easier for GNE to interact over social media with #greenangels etc but I'd keep branding to your key flagship routes

21
X9/10
10
X66
X1
58
56
27

Nothing else because thats when you star stretching. Magic Roundabout was just stupid tbh and as for Pronto...jesus.

I'd also drop 3 letter route numbers and change everything to dual numbers. 309 becomes 90 or 39 for example and then go for route branding. Route 39 Is a far more effective brand than 'Cobalt Cowboy' or something like that.

Outside of long distance routes like the X10 or 21 you don't need fancy headrests, on board announcements, wi-fi, power sockets. What the vast majority what is a clean bus (pref easy access) that goes from A to B at the best price with the best reliability possible. They don't care if its pink, yellow, fuschia or has onboard radar and photon torpedoes, they just want a bus.


And to edit add....The Angel and Pronto now have the new corporate font style timetables, obviously with added green-ness and angels with the paper bus look. Very smart

some brands in my opinion should have stayed i would brand X3/9/26 now there in Northern brand i believe 27X will fall into the crusader brand eventually but will be run by Saltmeadows and use 2 optare versa repainted silver saying that the 17/17A will soon be branded as The Centurion very soon i would love to see 9 as a branded route again this time as something eye catching

Hi new here.

Are the 56 confirmed to be getting double Deckers? Is that a full fleet of 16? If so what do you think will happend to the 16 Solars? I was thinking maybe Drifter 61, Lambton Worm 34/71, Waggonway 28/28A?
The Cadets from 61 could go to Doxford Clipper 39?
Personally I think Prince Bishops 20 could do with Deckers- it's always packed when I'm on and seems to have a steady flow of passengers- any thoughts?
Also the MPD's are a bit worse for ware, and can be a bit cramped- are these to be withdrawn any time soon?

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No.
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(page 185) -

Im convinced the 56 will be getting newer vehicles sooner rather than later. It may even help with the Scanias needed for the Lime routes...

You would be correct in suggesting new vehicles for the 56 service.

The Prince Bishops brand currently has 11 buses branded, therefore 11 new vehicles would be required. If my maths is correct (probably isn't knowing me), a total of 81 new vehicles would have arrived when combined with the 16 StreetLites, 11 Citaros, 16 vehicles for the 56, 14 vehicles for the 58 and the 13 Geminis that were ordered for the TEN, more or less ending this years purchasing of new vehicles.