This vehicle has been withdrawn from service at Chester-le-Street Depot's Coaching Unit, though is subject to be reinstated at Hexham Depot for use on scholars services, replacing the older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 As part of these changes, services 17 and 96 will be withdrawn and amalgamated into one route (service 11), which will be branded as "Blue Arrow".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.
Ahead of the "Frequenta" brand being launched on service 63 at Redcar, this vehicle has been repainted into Arriva's corporate livery, minus the cowhorn. It has also been fitted with a 'Next Stop' audio-visual announcement system, as part of the "Frequenta" upgrade.
Having previously carried Go North East's corporate livery, this vehicle has been repainted into a green base livery. 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, an additional vehicle will be added to the PVR of "Green Arrow" services 97/97A, to improve reliability.
Having previously carried "Nexus" branding, this vehicle has been repainted into a plain pink base livery. There are a number of changes to Go North East's services in the North Tyneside and surrounding areas, from 24th July 2016. Pheonix Coaches has been awarded with the contract to operate the entire Whitley Bay Town Network from both Go North East (W1/W1A and W3) and Arriva (59/359 and W2). As a result of losing the contract to operate the W1/W1A and W3 services, the four "Nexus" branded Optare Solo SRs which Go North East currently allocate to this service will be repainted pink. These four Optare Solos will join the "indiGo North Tyne" brand, due to... see more
