(14 Jul 2014, 7:01 pm)Michael wrote Right because iv'e being bored...here is a list of all the buses which are due a repaint this year................ Please let me know if iv'e missed any or ones which shouldn't be on.

So going by the fleet lists on here, these are the buses coming up to 5 years without a repaint…(some had no gate so just guessing)

545
546
555-560
3864
3865
3873-3879
4970-72 (which will get done after 4968)
4978-4982
5144-5150
5275-5283
5310-5319
5320-5324

Not sure to include the national express coaches but here they are: 7092-7102

I think you'll find the vehicles in bold were repainted back in 2012 - hence the period where 5310-19 were operating on 'Ten' in plain sliver with the taglines above the window and 5320-4 were being used on the 60.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:01 pm)Michael wrote Right because iv'e being bored...here is a list of all the buses which are due a repaint this year................ Please let me know if iv'e missed any or ones which shouldn't be on.

So going by the fleet lists on here, these are the buses coming up to 5 years without a repaint…(some had no gate so just guessing)

545
546
555-560
3864
3865
3873-3879
4970-72 (which will get done after 4968)
4978-4982
5144-5150
5275-5283
5310-5319
5320-5324

Not sure to include the national express coaches but here they are: 7092-7102

There's 4850-55, but I think we can probably rule them out completely with the likelihood of investment. Along with 5144-5150 potentially too?

(14 Jul 2014, 7:04 pm)Kuyoyo wrote I think you'll find the vehicles in bold were repainted back in 2012 - hence the period where 5310-19 were operating on 'Ten' in plain sliver with the taglines above the window and 5320-4 were being used on the 60.

Oh right, i thought they just moved from Washington to Deptford so the Silver arrows was operated by Deptford, with the 88/88A going to Washington with no repaints involved?

I though 5310-5319 weren't painted though when they moved from the TEN to the Crusader?

(14 Jul 2014, 6:56 pm)aureolin wrote Anyone found any easier ways taking into account ticket restrictions?

It's entirely possible that the X10 could have been re-routed to serve Peterlee Bus Station, and the X7 could have been told to wait for ten minutes.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:01 pm)Michael wrote Right because iv'e being bored...here is a list of all the buses which are due a repaint this year................ Please let me know if iv'e missed any or ones which shouldn't be on.

So going by the fleet lists on here, these are the buses coming up to 5 years without a repaint…(some had no date so just guessing)

545
546
555-560
3864
3865
3873-3879
4970-72 (which will get done after 4968)
4978-4982
5144-5150
5275-5283
5310-5319
5320-5324

Not sure to include the national express coaches but here they are: 7092-7102

I think the MPDs and Lolynes are good contenders for repaint this year, and I also think that the Volvo B7RLEs will be repainted too (given that the Toon Link has been strongly suggested for investment this year).

I think the Volvo B10BLEs will be withdrawn directly in the same colour as now, should the Toon Link receive investment.

I doubt that the Blaydon Racers Mercs will be repainted this year.

I don't think 5310-19 were repainted when transferred to the TEN, just branding removed... I will confirm this at some point this week.

5320-24 were repainted, I must have missed those out accidentally.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:03 pm)Coppercap40 wrote I notice that the wrap around panels at the front are a different shade to the rest of the bus, I have noticed the same difference on some Laser Citaro's and on at least one of X66 Citaro's, is the reason something to do with rusting around the headlight clusters and the panel needing replacing ?

This is where panels have been replaced where the buses have had small bumps and they've been unable to match the colours. Gold is a pretty hard colour to match.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:06 pm)aureolin wrote There's 4850-55, but I think we can probably rule them out completely with the likelihood of investment. Along with 5144-5150 potentially too?

I missed 4850-4855 as there due to withdrawn this year.

I would imagine that 5144 will be going Northern when/if they get new buses this year. i was 50/50 so i just included them on the list.

Thanks for the feedback

(14 Jul 2014, 6:56 pm)aureolin wrote I can completely understand the logistical of sending a replacement bus all the way down Middlesborough, when the next service will be due in by the time a replacement gets there, but it's completely unacceptable when the last full journey of the day isn't replaced. Anyone stuck between Middlesborough and Peterlee have an hour wait until the next service, and even then, it's only going to get them as far as Peterlee. Those wanting to travel on to Sunderland have been abandoned.

By the time the said passengers would arrive into Peterlee on the 1820 X7 from Boro (1910), the 202 would have left a minute earlier, leaving an hour wait for the next one. That will only get them as far as Dalton Park - Sunderland Interchange is out of the question. The next X35 only goes as far as Easington, and the (last) one after that only as far as Houghton. The only option for a GNE ticket holder would be to get the 2027 X35 from Peterlee to Houghton, and then the 2104 20 from Houghton to Sunderland. Arriving at 2130. Only 4 hours and 10 minutes to get from A to B...

Anyone found any easier ways taking into account ticket restrictions?

I agree it's appalling.
Only other way I can think of is the 1740 X10 to Heworth, arriving at 1842, then a M2A to Concord, departing at 1851, and arriving into Concord at 1909, then a 56 from Concord to Sunderland departing at 1910, and arriving at 1939. That will take only two hours.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:11 pm)Tom wrote I agree it's appalling.
Only other way I can think of is the 1740 X10 to Heworth, arriving at 1842, then a M2A to Concord, departing at 1851, and arriving into Concord at 1909, then a 56 from Concord to Sunderland departing at 1910, and arriving at 1939. That will take only two hours.

That would cover three zones opposed to two.

Like I say, I think it's most likely that the X10 would have been re-routed and the X7 halted.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:09 pm)Dan wrote I think the MPDs and Lolynes are good contenders for repaint this year, and I also think that the Volvo B7RLEs will be repainted too (given that the Toon Link has been strongly suggested for investment this year).

I think the Volvo B10BLEs will be withdrawn directly in the same colour as now, should the Toon Link receive investment.

I doubt that the Blaydon Racers Mercs will be repainted this year.

I don't think 5310-19 were repainted when transferred to the TEN, just branding removed... I will confirm this at some point this week.

5320-24 were repainted, I must have missed those out accidentally.

Thanks for the feedback.

Out of those buses which need re-painting which ones aren't DDA?

(14 Jul 2014, 7:16 pm)Michael wrote Thanks for the feedback.

Out of those buses which need re-painting which ones aren't DDA?

Of the aforementioned vehicles, the Lolynes are the only non-DDA examples.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:18 pm)Dan wrote Of the aforementioned vehicles, the Lolynes are the only non-DDA examples.

Wonder if they won't paint them then, doesn't see the point, if they gonna be withdrawn this/next year.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:09 pm)Dan wrote It's entirely possible that the X10 could have been re-routed to serve Peterlee Bus Station, and the X7 could have been told to wait for ten minutes.

Just been having a look on Facebook and Twitter and it doesn't look like they've done so on this occasion. They usually put a post out on both to alert passengers. Robert Smallwood put a post on there at 1806 questioning it, but it looks like the only alternative offered on this occasion was an apathetic apology for inconvenience caused.

I know they tend to cover breakdowns quite well on the X9/X10 by diverting as suggested, but perhaps a contingency process needs to be put in place for the X7/X10 if there isn't one.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:11 pm)Michael wrote I missed 4850-4855 as there due to withdrawn this year.

I would imagine that 5144 will be going Northern when/if they get new buses this year. i was 50/50 so i just included them on the list.

Thanks for the feedback

Doubt it, it has been strongly suggested that, if the Toon Link does get new buses this year or any year the B10BLEs will just get directly withdrawn. They may get a repaint nearer the time like the Ex-Oxford B10s. Tbh, im surprised that they havent done this with 4850-4855.

(14 Jul 2014, 7:23 pm)Robert wrote Doubt it, it has been strongly suggested that, if the Toon Link does get new buses this year or any year the B10BLEs will just get directly withdrawn. They may get a repaint nearer the time like the Ex-Oxford B10s. Tbh, im surprised that they havent done this with 4850-4855.

The main reason for repainting 5151-59 was due to the fact Percy Main kept allocating them to service 9, and the brand was worthless because Percy Main didn't care about it. Branding, in this instance, did not work. It will increase their book value a little too, but not by much.

The repainting of 5160-64 was to allow them to swap with DAF SB120s 8242-46, due to the reliability (or lack thereof) of the latter.

Plus, back when they were repainted, Saltmeadows could facilitate the additional repaints. Now, they can't - hence why 4850-55 won't be repainted (especially when there's no guarantee that Ensign will buy them - as they rejected 4840 which went for scrap).

Does anyone know what the passenger numbers are like for the Sunderland Connect on a Sunday?

How about during the week since the Uni year is finished?

(14 Jul 2014, 8:01 pm)Michael wrote Does anyone know what the passenger numbers are like for the Sunderland Connect on a Sunday?

How about during the week since the Uni year is finished?

Haven't ever seen it on a Sunday, but even my mates have commented on the lack of passengers on the Sunderland Connect.

One commented a few weeks back when we were at Sunniside, and I quote, "What's the point in that little green bus? Where does it go? Who actually uses it? Every time I see it, the driver is the only one on it - and they look like they could top themselves most of the time."

Made me smile.

(14 Jul 2014, 8:05 pm)Dan wrote Haven't ever seen it on a Sunday, but even my mates have commented on the lack of passengers on the Sunderland Connect.

One commented a few weeks back when we were at Sunniside, and I quote, "What's the point in that little green bus? Where does it go? Who actually uses it? Every time I see it, the driver is the only one on it - and they look like they could top themselves most of the time."

Made me smile.

One of my mates used to drive them. Apparently it's usually just a load of students using it for short hop journeys. I'm not entirely sure how it's funded, but I'd guess that Sunderland Uni are paying quite a thick wedge of it, which pretty much restricts the route.

I done a quick Interchange to Interchange circle on it last week, and there was only about 7 (3 already on) of us on it between then and the stop outside where Steels club is. It packed out from then, and probably doubled in numbers back to the Interchange. I'd say in this sense it's no better than it's Newcastle (Quaylink) and Durham (Cathedral Bus) alternatives.

(14 Jul 2014, 8:14 pm)aureolin wrote One of my mates used to drive them. Apparently it's usually just a load of students using it for short hop journeys. I'm not entirely sure how it's funded, but I'd guess that Sunderland Uni are paying quite a thick wedge of it, which pretty much restricts the route.

I done a quick Interchange to Interchange circle on it last week, and there was only about 7 (3 already on) of us on it between then and the stop outside where Steels club is. It packed out from then, and probably doubled in numbers back to the Interchange. I'd say in this sense it's no better than it's Newcastle (Quaylink) and Durham (Cathedral Bus) alternatives.

I'd say the Quaylink is very peaky. The Q2 is always busier than the Q1 though.

(14 Jul 2014, 8:14 pm)aureolin wrote One of my mates used to drive them. Apparently it's usually just a load of students using it for short hop journeys. I'm not entirely sure how it's funded, but I'd guess that Sunderland Uni are paying quite a thick wedge of it, which pretty much restricts the route.

I done a quick Interchange to Interchange circle on it last week, and there was only about 7 (3 already on) of us on it between then and the stop outside where Steels club is. It packed out from then, and probably doubled in numbers back to the Interchange. I'd say in this sense it's no better than it's Newcastle (Quaylink) and Durham (Cathedral Bus) alternatives.

They're packed during term time on a morning at around 0800am, from the hospital back to Chester Rd and Park Lane. I've never done a similar journey on it on an afternoon, but I'm guessing there's periods where it will be similar to the morning.

For the past week, they've been even more dead than usual - obviously because most students are off now for summer.

For a week before my exams started and there was additional revision sessions on a morning, I used it to get to school simply because it was so quiet from the Stadium to Park Lane - unlike the Laser or Metro which was always so loud in comparison. Took about 5-10 minutes extra, but made no difference given my connection in Park Lane was still the same - just with less waiting time when I was getting the Sunderland Connect.

(14 Jul 2014, 8:20 pm)Dan wrote They're packed during term time on a morning at around 0800am, from the hospital back to Chester Rd and Park Lane. I've never done a similar journey on it on an afternoon, but I'm guessing there's periods where it will be similar to the morning.

For the past week, they've been even more dead than usual - obviously because most students are off now for summer.

For a week before my exams started and there was additional revision sessions on a morning, I used it to get to school simply because it was so quiet from the Stadium to Park Lane - unlike the Laser or Metro which was always so loud in comparison. Took about 5-10 minutes extra, but made no difference given my connection in Park Lane was still the same - just with less waiting time when I was getting the Sunderland Connect.

I wonder if the boarding patterns are the same as the Q2 in that sense? Quite busy on a morning and afternoon peak, but there's runs during the day that I could lay down in the aisle for a nap and not get disturbed. I always recall getting the Q1 one Sunday, and the driver commented that I was his first passenger for almost two hours.

(14 Jul 2014, 8:27 pm)aureolin wrote I wonder if the boarding patterns are the same as the Q2 in that sense? Quite busy on a morning and afternoon peak, but there's runs during the day that I could lay down in the aisle for a nap and not get disturbed. I always recall getting the Q1 one Sunday, and the driver commented that I was his first passenger for almost two hours.

I use the Q2 quite alot and it does get busy at times, Ive noticed alot recently on the way to work that there has been a member of Nexus on board, asking about tickets and buses etc, infact alot of journeys recently they have been on, Don't know if this relates to anything however.

On another note, the Quaylink bus stops are starting to look abit knackered. Theres one or two where the seats are basically falling off, the one on the Quayside has its seat missing.

What happened to the timetables that used to show up on the screens in the stops, most have been removed and the one thats still in use just states to use the timetable.

(14 Jul 2014, 6:56 pm)aureolin wrote I can completely understand the logistical of sending a replacement bus all the way down Middlesborough, when the next service will be due in by the time a replacement gets there, but it's completely unacceptable when the last full journey of the day isn't replaced. Anyone stuck between Middlesborough and Peterlee have an hour wait until the next service, and even then, it's only going to get them as far as Peterlee. Those wanting to travel on to Sunderland have been abandoned.

By the time the said passengers would arrive into Peterlee on the 1820 X7 from Boro (1910), the 202 would have left a minute earlier, leaving an hour wait for the next one. That will only get them as far as Dalton Park - Sunderland Interchange is out of the question. The next X35 only goes as far as Easington, and the (last) one after that only as far as Houghton. The only option for a GNE ticket holder would be to get the 2027 X35 from Peterlee to Houghton, and then the 2104 20 from Houghton to Sunderland. Arriving at 2130. Only 4 hours and 10 minutes to get from A to B...

Anyone found any easier ways taking into account ticket restrictions?

It would obviously be a taxi job with GNE paying, as it would on any last journey which doesn't operate.

(15 Jul 2014, 5:45 am)Greg in Weardale wrote It would obviously be a taxi job with GNE paying, as it would on any last journey which doesn't operate.

Hadn't even thought of that, but yes, you're right.

The customer would have been expected to get a taxi if GNE didn't work something out at Peterlee, and the customer would have had to pay for it and get a refund by e-mailing Customer Services.

Glad I got a photo of it yesterday because Lolyne 3869 is back at Chester today.

From GNE on Facebook

Due to the unannounced closures of Stands E and F at Park Lane Interchange in Sunderland, services #38 and #42 will depart from Stand A.

Typical NEXUS!

Go North East
6 mins ·
122 a day use the AD122!
The Hadrian’s Wall bus service reaches a milestone when it carries its 10,000th passenger of the season.
A former resident of Hexham and his wife were surprised to find themselves being chosen for a special gift aboard the Hadrian’s Wall Bus.
Ernie and Veronica James were paying one of their regular visits to Hexham when they decided to enjoy the summer weather with a trip to Hadrian’s Wall. In doing so, they became the 10,000th passengers of the season on the AD122 bus.
Read more: http://ow.ly/zaYpg

Good news that the AD122 is attracting passengers.

Speaking of passenger numbers... let's see how the 99 does!

So far (Seaburn-Barnes)
1 Nexus CAT, 3 singles, 11 OAPs, 1 Network One, 3 Key, 1 Paper Day/Weekly Ticket

(15 Jul 2014, 2:29 pm)Dan wrote Speaking of passenger numbers... let's see how the 99 does!

So far (Seaburn-Fulwell)
1 Nexus CAT, 1 single, 6 OAP, 1 Network One

U doing the full route?

Also from the GNE site.

Eldon Square Bus Stand Changes - 27 July 2014

Date: 15 Jul 2014

From 27 July a small number of stand changes come into effect at Eldon Square Bus Station.

These changes are to improve bus reliability through better stand access during the day and will allow buses to leave from adjacent stands at busy times without causing unnecessary inconvenience to passengers, as can be the case currently.

From the above date:

Services 10, 10A & 10B will relocate to Stand C.

Services 31, 43, 44/44A, 45, 46 & 47 will relocate to Stand D.

Services 11/11A, 32 and X36 will relocate to Stand E.

Aye - currently intend to anyway. I've got my Anker so I can keep my phone charged.

Will keep the OP updated with passenger numbers and quote it when I get off.

(15 Jul 2014, 2:35 pm)Dan wrote Aye - currently intend to anyway. I've got my Anker so I can keep my phone charged.

Will keep the OP updated with passenger numbers and quote it when I get off.

Should be interesting to see how many pay.

If GNE haven't changed it yet, it must be doing better than its last route.