Nexus has invited operators to tender for a number of new contracts, which would commence operation from 16 May 2021.

In all instances, the 'quality' weighting (for better features such as contactless payment methods, USB charging points, Wi-Fi and next stop audio-visual announcements) has been removed, in favour of more weighting towards cost.

These are:

• Service 8 (South Hylton - The Docks): 1 PVR daily (evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
  
• Service 12 (South Shields - The Lonnen): 1 PVR daily (evenings only), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Stagecoach North East.
  
• Service 79 (Hall Lane - Barnwell): 1 PVR Mon-Sat, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by JH Coaches.
  
• Service 79/79A (Barnwell - Easington Lane): 2 PVR (Mon-Sat evenings and all day Sunday), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
  
• Services 93/94 and 97 (Gateshead services): 4 PVR (Early morning and late evening journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 36 - currently operated by Go North East.
  
• Services 135/136 (Downhill/Hylton Circular): 3 PVR (Early morning journeys), Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Go North East.
  
• Service 592 (Roker - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
  
• Service 593 (Pallion - Doxford International): 1 PVR weekdays only, Euro 5 vehicle with a minimum capacity of 23 - currently operated by Gateshead Central Taxis.
  

There has been lots of discussion on this forum recently regarding the development of bus networks, and what operators do to improve patronage and drive growth on their bus services. There has been a lot of suggestion that the use of better on-board features such as free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and contactless payments help drive growth, whilst next stop announcements improve accessibility. There has also been some suggestions that this isn't enough, and operators should be looking to improve their networks by providing better services which are more catered towards the current market.

It's quite disappointing to see that in this latest batch of tenders, neither of those are deemed important enough (with the same timetables from last year being used again, and the removal of incentive for operators to provide a better quality service).

Just thought i'd start a thread for any F1 fans out there.
What do you think will happen to the order this season?

Been noted on the Busesnortheast Facebook page that GNE have SN64 CTU (noted as 9119 on the same post) on loan from Wright.

Just an idea. I don't know what JH coaches do (I think Regent Centre & Four Lane Ends) on Plate Day but if we're likely to get "normality", would a shuttle from Gosforth Park to Newcastle after racing not be an idea? Obviously pricing would need to be competitive against a taxi but would save a walk to Great North Rd for the 43/44/45 as well as offering better links.

Isn’t it about time all the fleetlists were updated

So this may cause a bit of an agument but I'm saying my opinion 
I think the North Tyneside network needs looking at a bit. Mainly the routes and problems. I'm gonna say a few and people can agree or disagreement but here's mine

Number 1. The 1A 1B Coaster network needs looking at. Mainly some reason are is the Metrocenter part seems a bit pointless. It takes nearly 30 mins to get there from Gateshead. You have faster connections from Newcastle and Gateshead to get there. Especially the buses on market Street get to Gateshead the same way with the 1a and 1B. 

Number 2. The little coaster network. Ever since the changes back in March of 2021 they have fallen apartments major. The branding no longer makes sense anymore. Plus if you live along the 42/42A route after forest Hall (42) and Quorum Business Park (42A) to get to North Shields now you ether have to travel all the way to Wallsend to get a bus to North Shields or North Tyneside hospital or change to the Gateshead Central Taxis 335 at Four Lane Ends right till after Benton Asda or the metro from Four Lane ends. 

Number 3. The 42A route. This one may seem strange to some people. But if metro break down between Kingston Park and Airport. Only bus you have is the 42A with it being once an hour. (Postive as well on this one) the 42A between Four Lane Ends and Wallsend is amazing seeing many people use that. Once there wasn't a bus between Four Lane Ends and Wallsend so well done on that part. 

Number 4. Rebranded them. I think the little coaster should remain on some 11 as that makes sense. But for the rest I'm not sure. 

Number 5. The buses. I think the Solos should be taken of. Seeing Decker's on some of them or longer buses would be better as lately the solos have been breaking down quite a bit. 

Sorry for it being so long. But this is just my opinion on the North Tyneside network. I'm not saying Go North East are doing a bad job. But some things could be changed to make it between. I can understand if this is deleted but just my opinion. Would love to hear people response. I respect go North East and do not hate them at all. Just some the to be chance or sorted with the routes

Havent long seen this on the Sunderland Antiquarian Society fb page.

https://www.facebook.com/350583321620817...987727913/

It looks like a hand-drawn map of the Corporation (what is now SNE) network in Sunderland in 1959.
Appreciate some of the estates aren't built, but it's quite amazing how much of the network now is pretty much the same as it was then. 
Here's me thinking the network we have now that I similar to 1987 was bad... I'm going to have to refer back to 1959 now!

Rumour has it 5501-5504 are to be Volvo B7RLE / Wright Eclipse 2 369 - 372 from EYMS

Martijn confirmed in his update that the Solo's on the X20 are likely to be replaced with longer buses once lockdown is over.

I would imagine these will be the Streetlites?


Streetlites in X-Lines livery?

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No idea where the Solo's will go though - maybe 3? back on the X6/X7?

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https://www.facebook.com/100009920923911...4275191589 - @ 14:20

Go North East has acquired two diesel Yutong CB12 vehicles, through the UK Pelican Yutong dealership in Castleford, YH66 VMO and YD70 CDZ.

Both vehicles were previously with BM Coaches, though the latter has barely been used since new in October 2020, and the former has previously served in the region with Weardale Motor Services.

Go North East: 5499 / YH66VMO by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

Go North East: 5500 / YD70CDZ by Daniel Graham, on Flickr