My guess is that it had been to Thorntons for a deep clean, so that the bus is pristine when it transfers to Hexham for use on the AD122.

Much to my surprise, 561 (NK53 TLF) has been branded for service AD122. There's a large logo (usually where the "Tyndeale Links" logo would be) for the AD122, and sub-branding at the top with all the places the AD122 serves. It's not as good as Alba Travel's Solo SR (as seen below - for those who haven't seen it before), but it's a lot better than running around in a plain yellow base livery.

Exterior shot of Alba Travel of Penrith's YJ10EZA, Optare Solo SR by danielgrahamm, on Flickr

557 (NK53 TKV) was absent from Saltmeadows Road yesterday, so my guess is that Thorntons have got that at the moment, following the return of 561. I'd expect that 561 would now transfer directly to Hexham rather than to Hexham via Deptford.

Thought it would  

The reason why Chester-le-Street was the first depot to be completed was because the old Not in Service destination was still being used.

The coloured square, in my opinion, detracted attention from the number itself. We have discussed in the recent past how customers are heavily reliant on branding and the colour of vehicles to determine which service an approaching bus is, and a coloured square behind the route number only added to this. As there was duplication in the colour of the squares on shared corridors between different services, I personally think it's better that we moved away from this. The new number is a lot larger, and in white to contrast against the normal amber LEDs. It works well, in my opinion, especially in low light conditions. As all new deliveries are fitted with full white LED displays all around, it (to a degree) allows consistency, as well.

Talking about destys - 5244 still is showing a red block with no number.

I want white numbers on the 19. #please5284 #pleaseDan  

Talking about destys - 5244 still is showing a red block with no number.

I want white numbers on the 19. #please5284 #pleaseDan  

All branded services will get the white route number in Arial font (like the 56) eventually. It's an easy enough job (albeit long-winded) to do - the only real 'problem' is just the time it takes to upload the revised programme to all vehicles at a depot.

Chester-le-Street is a pretty small depot so it was pretty quick to do those, and of course the update was needed to get rid of the old Not in Service if nothing else!  

I think the omnicities will go on the Loop allowing the solars to transfer to Percy Main for service 17

I think your right! Taken about 5 minutes ago at Gateshead Interchange:

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557 is not at thorntons it is branded inside Saltmeadows looks nice still got its yellow base coat unable to get photos due to policy rules

557 is not at thorntons it is branded inside Saltmeadows looks nice still got its yellow base coat unable to get photos due to policy rules

Stand on pavement outside the depot and slot the lens of your camera through the fence, not hard bazza, how do you think I got a photo of 5381 not long after it arrived at Saltmeadows in November 2013.

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...6911496376

Stand on pavement outside the depot and slot the lens of your camera through the fence, not hard bazza, how do you think I got a photo of 5381 not long after it arrived at Saltmeadows in November 2013.

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalark...6911496376

I didn't get a shot of it was talking to an engineer and all I can say I didn't get a photo that's how I know as a coach had arrived I'll try and do a paper bus of later on and I didn't enter the door 

Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

I think your right! Taken about 5 minutes ago at Gateshead Interchange:

If anyone sees the black Omnicity 5234 tomorrow please tell the time and place you saw it so I can track it down.

Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

No, but I will make sure to look out for them tomorrow.

I think your right! Taken about 5 minutes ago at Gateshead Interchange:

Operating X31 Lanchester - Newcastle (Stanley Depot)

Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

Saw one of the Angels at Eldon Square with the updated destination (6066 springs to mind). 4958 also had the updated font on the X21, albeit in orange LED instead of white. Didn't get photos though as I don't really do photos.

Operating X31 Lanchester - Newcastle (Stanley Depot)

And X30. they interwork at the newcastle end

By the way, the indicators on Olympian 3831 don't flash. Or at least they werent this morning.

My 3rd consecutive post but i assume this photo by Bazza shows the white number? https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/16750001920/

My 3rd consecutive post but i assume this photo by Bazza shows the white number? https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/16750001920/

It does indeed - obviously would have looked better if the full display was showing!

My 3rd consecutive post but i assume this photo by Bazza shows the white number? https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazza90/16750001920/

Epic driver, mind 

Has anyone got any photos of the 21 or X21 with white route numbers today?

I'll try and get one when I get into Newcastle.

I'll try and get one when I get into Newcastle.

Ta! That'll be even better, as it'll be in the dark.  

Here's hoping the bus you see in Newcastle is a Hybrid which has been updated...

4853 with a white 78:
4853 Consett Bus Station 26-03-2015 by C522LJR, on Flickr

AD122 branded MPD operating Npower Shuttle

AD122 branded MPD operating Npower Shuttle

That'll be 561. Bizarre that it's gone back to Deptford when branded for the AD122...

Any pics of 561?

Any pics of 561?

Sorry Michael. The president on the 921 was going too quick  but dont know why its back at deptford. I 
Imagine It will transfer across over next few days

Sorry Michael. The president on the 921 was going too quick  but dont know why its back at deptford. I 
Imagine It will transfer across over next few days

Stop swearing to Michael!

We all know Michael isn't a lover of the Volvo B7TLs (Vykings in particular rather than Presidents), and to say that they are "quick"... Well... That's just disgraceful!  

There's a red arrows B9 at the foot of Newgate Street with a NIS blind. I assume it's broken down, as there's no one in sight.

With Arriva splitting some of their longer routes, do you think GNE will split the TTX at Peterlee at somepoint? I know that they probably could however, unlike the X12 / X14 / X15 / X18 / X93 where windey and twisty roads oblidge full attention at all times, the A19 is a different environment. Would certainly allow a lot of flexibility as far as Riverside is concerned though.

Ta! That'll be even better, as it'll be in the dark.  

Here's hoping the bus you see in Newcastle is a Hybrid which has been updated...

Rush job alert, but here you go.


Go North East - 6062 - NK62CJJ by aureolindn, on Flickr

Rush job alert, but here you go.


Go North East - 6062 - NK62CJJ by aureolindn, on Flickr

Cheers!

The 'flick' on the 1 sticks out a bit, but the number on the display stands out really well. The number seemingly looks so much bigger now, even though there's not that much difference in size.

Cheers!

The 'flick' on the 1 sticks out a bit, but the number on the display stands out really well. The number seemingly looks so much bigger now, even though there's not that much difference in size.

Aye, it certainly stands out a lot more in the dark!

Cheers!

The 'flick' on the 1 sticks out a bit, but the number on the display stands out really well. The number seemingly looks so much bigger now, even though there's not that much difference in size.

Look fantastic, certainly stand out at night. Will have to get a few photos for myself on Saturday, and hopefully quite a few over the course of Easter. You and citaro5284 have done a great job on them!

And great photo too, aureolin!