Having been replaced at Stanley by Transbus MPD/Transbus Mini Pointer 553 (NK53 TKN) earlier this year but temporarily retained in the fleet pending the award of new minibus contracts, this vehicle has now been transferred to Riverside Depot, where it will be allocated to the new 33 service (Newcastle - Hollywood Avenue). The contract for this service commences Sunday 24th July 2016.
This vehicle has received "Blue Arrow" branding. There are a number of changes to Go North East's services in the Gateshead and surrounding areas, from 24th July 2016. As part of these changes, services 17 and 96 will be withdrawn and amalgamated into one route (service 11), which will be branded as "Blue Arrow". This new service provides a number of benefits: a faster service to Newcastle from parts of North Tyneside; a new direct service to Newcastle, Gateshead and Metrocentre from areas such as Percy Main, East Howdon and Willington Quay; and a direct bus between Newcastle and Royal Quays.
This vehicle has been withdrawn from service at Chester-le-Street Depot's Coaching Unit, though is subject to be reinstated at Hexham Depot for use on scholars services, replacing the older coaches currently allocated to the depot for this purpose.
To allow Transbus MPD/Transbus Mini Pointer 557 (NK53 TKV) to be allocated to the new 33 service (Newcastle - Hollywood Avenue), this vehicle has been reinstated at Riverside Depot, where it will be allocated to the Byker ASDA contract as well as the new 554 service (Newcastle - Regent Centre -
Quorum Business Park). The contract for this service commences Sunday 24th July 2016.
Due to MAN 18.270 EcoCity/Caetano City Gold 4802 (NK13 CFE) being impounded by the police following a tragic incident, this vehicle has transferred from Redcar Depot to Darlington.
This vehicle has received "Blue Arrow" branding. There are a number of changes to Go North East's services in the Gateshead and surrounding areas, from 24th July 2016. As part of these changes, services 17 and 96 will be withdrawn and amalgamated into one route (service 11), which will be branded as "Blue Arrow". This new service provides a number of benefits: a faster service to Newcastle from parts of North Tyneside; a new direct service to Newcastle, Gateshead and Metrocentre from areas such as Percy Main, East Howdon and Willington Quay; and a direct bus between Newcastle and Royal Quays.