Ahead of re-allocation to Hexham Depot to operate scholars services, this vehicle has been repainted into a plain white base livery, with large black Go North East fleet names.
Prior to its withdrawal, this vehicle has had its extended luggage bays removed and placed into Scania N94UD/East Lancs OmniDekka 6144 (YN05 GZL), which has recently been acquired from sister operating company Brighton & Hove. Once prepared for service, 6144 (YN05 GZL) will be allocated to Percy Main Depot, for use on the "DFDS Seaways" 327 service, allowing this vehicle to be withdrawn.
Since the withdrawal of Oxfordshire County Council subsidies on 20th July 2016, Thames Travel has been operating the Bicester Town bus services 22 and 23 on a commercial basis. These services run at a loss of approximately £4,500 per week and therefore this decision was a temporary arrangement, while Thames Travel continued discussions with several local stakeholders to pool existing finances and resources to safeguard the longer term future of the services. The company’s proposal included extended operating hours to better meet the needs of commuters using rail services, offering improved daily links to the new Park & Ride site and providing a frequent service between the... see more
This vehicle has been repainted into Go North East's new corporate livery. The new livery design is a a lot more eye-catching and features a two-tone base livery, with the traditional key colour of red towards the front of the bus, and non-metallic dark blue towards the back. It is thought that further vinyls will be added at a later date, in order to reflect the quality and customer values of Go North East.
Following the entry into service of the former Thames Travel Optare Solo M880/Optare vehicles, fleet numbers 701 to 704, this vehicle has transferred from Washington Depot to Riverside.
Following the transfer of Dennis MPD/Alexander Mini Pointer 606 (NK54 NUB) from Washington Depot to Riverside, this vehicle has been withdrawn from service at Riverside Depot.