Recently noticed that the 74 is no longer split reg at Matfen, bringing the total route length to just over 50Km. Does this mean that they’re using Tachographs on the route now or are they just hoping that it’s slipped through the net to allow U21’s to drive the route without question?

Why are people so fussed about the forthcoming changes? It's very much a case of "what will be will be". Arriva have obviously done their homework - I didn't see the passengers being consulted mind - and have developed a plan going forward. 

It may be good, may be bad. It won't suit everyone but everyone has to remember that Arriva, as a commercial enterprise can only deliver what it can from the revenue it receives. Even now you ride certain services and feel that it's running at a loss and dependant, on the income across the day. I'm no financial wizard but if I were in business and not making money I'd be looking at changes.

Why are some of the VDL Pulsars so poor at climbing and why allocate them such? Came of 1440 which was working an X4 - always being one of the better ones - onto either 1445 or 46 which was working an 81 trip to Guisborough. 

Now seriously Yearby Bank is a long old climb with a particularly nasty, narrow section at its summit - I know as I've ridden it. But here we at the foot of it and this VDL has lost it straight away, are we gonna get to the top; only just and as I remember, when i cycled it, I was faster!

1445/6 aren't on there own. There are plenty similar inevitably deployed on the 5 with all it's hills. Drivers must find them a nightmare.

'My wife wants to sell my collection of 23 buses' - BBC News

Worth 200K!

I know that GNE use openstreetmap for the routes for the bus trackers. 
Any idea how this works?
I would like to make several custom route maps?

Didn't see this posted but here they are: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/...ear-31-aug

Not sure I agree with the messy changes with the 43/44/45 to force a school bus in with now random gaps in service mind.

Volvo EvoRa 4502 has been showing as VOR since 2nd August on Bus Times. Anyone know why?

Hi everyone,I have just joined your site.i am after any info or photographs about the northern general transport Depot on sherburn terrace in Consett. I spent a few years working at the British steel works in the early sixties and can remember passing it. I don't do Facebook or Twitter so that narrows my options many thanks

Have to get to Newcastle from Boldon tomorrow - car isn't an option due to parking charges. I can't cycle it either which would be the easiest option.

How reliable is the X34? Don't fancy risking the metro!

Dates announced for strike

Monday 11th Aug
Tuesday 12th Aug
Monday 18th Aug
Thurs 21st Aug

Drivers at Slatyford and Walkergate

Engineers and Cleaners at Newcastle, Shields and Sunderland

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c17n0gvrlrpo