This section has become quieter, hasn't it? 

I don't know if anyone else bothered, this year. The few buses displayed (very few of those were preserved vehicles) were shoved right to the back of the car park. The only big operator exhibiting was Stagecoach. It was nice to see their busways commemorative vehicles all together, though.

The weather was foul and some of the stallholders were on the verge of giving up quite early.

Im getting a bit board in my current management role  and i came across this...

General Manager - Go North East

Im sure there's a few on here who could do this job no problem!

It's been a long while since I have been on a bus to/from South Shields. Anyway with decent weather finally arriving, I had a trip out.

Firstly the new electric buses - I have to admit I was impressed. Smooth, quiet and clean. I had seen them from the outside and they looked quite cramped but on board I felt there was sufficient leg room. Once we past Marsden the buses appeared to be able to go fairly shifty but there were some concerns:-

I always thought the E services were quite busy and it was. With regular people getting off, the one door layout was a nightmare as people fought to get past.

There was a high proportion of older or non able people using the service, another deck would be ideal to allow able bodied to seek a sear upstairs. 

I remember when the E1 went a more direct route. I appreciate the need for efficiency but it was certainly a Shields tour.

We alighted at Seaburn and the only buses into Sunderland are the E services which promptly drop you off at the far end of town. As we wanted the bus station there was a trek across town. I'll admit when they did go to the bus station, they were often empty but it's still a missed cross city link.

Anyway only my views

Was doing some research for a service suggestion and discovered that most ev or fcev single deckers wont fit under the low bridge on high lane row in hebburn (3.2m). I've looked at the ADL e200,  Yutong E10, Wright GB Kite, eCitaro and MetroCity. The metrocity is the only one that fits. 

Any ideas for solutions?

Hope it's not old news, but at least 5 Stockton Yutongs at South Shields Depot. Only 2 identified were 73143 and 73167. The others a bit awkward.

39524 is now in standard fleet livery of grey and purple formerly York Knights advert

Afternoon all,

The parents are going to a wedding in May in Durham. Unfortunately this will require going via bus from Sunderland. This will mean 3 different bus companies.

Now I've had a look into tickets for them and it seems the cheapest option would be a family explorer. Surely I'm wrong?

Look forward to your reply. Unfortunately I'm at work that day or I would give them a lift!

Thought I'd make this thread to stimulate some ideas and conversation, effectively there is no wrong answer, but be reasonable with your response, so for example no "extend the 21 from Durham to York" or  "new service X6 from Sunderland to Doncaster" , so imaginative, but sort of sensible, I'll go first, break the ice, I'll then take a couple of the best ideas (EXCLUDING, my own ideas) , create a vote, the person wins the vote, wins the virtual award for that month (Mystery Tourist award), ideas submitted after that month's chance has closed, will automatically be in the running for the following month, be light, be friendly, be respectful, its supposed to be a bit of fun

352- Newcastle- Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3r8lj080y0o

Looks like the latest round of strike action is emerging.

11th May 2025:

PB0003954/1383
Cancellation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 82 (82) Queen Elizabeth Hospital Waterview Park

PB0003954/1382
Cancellation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 79 (79) Hall Lane Estate Barnwell

PB0003954/735
Variation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 8 (8, 8A) Sunderland Stanley

PB0003954/769
Variation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 50 (50) Durham South Shields

PB0003954/1280
Variation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 81 (81) Sunderland Gateshead

PB0003954/1271
Variation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 84 (84, 85) Coach Road Estate Concord