Considering Nexus are always reporting about how loss making services are and the need to make cuts where necessary, how many scholars services are duplicated that you know of and are really necessary and worth the cost 

I was driving through West to East Boldon yesterday and an unknown Stagecoach Scholars service went past first, followed by a JH Coaches 803, a minute or so later Stagecoach 803 came past literally empty.  Quickly followed by Stagecoach 558 to Boldon Asda and Fellgate and again followed by Stagecoach 801 to Boldon Asda

The 803 is a definite duplicate timed at 3 mins apart, however, I believe the 558 was a very similar route and the 801 similar again 

Is there cost savings here, definatley with the 803, but how many more Scholars  services are duplicates that are Nexus Tenders?

First time I’ve seen the Metro ‘M’ symbol used on a Stagecoach destination: https://flic.kr/p/2mPY37n 

Could’ve been a bit bigger but nice it features nonetheless. Also, do you think it’s been included purely because it’s short-route destination so there was room for it? 

GNE only seem to include ‘M’ symbols on their Metro replacement buses - only if it’s a Streetdeck with double height destination screens:  https://flic.kr/p/2mPELpY

I always think the likes of GNE’s route 1 should have a ‘M’ symbol on their destination screens to indicate where in Gateshead it actually terminates. If there’s no room then maybe add ‘Int.’ for interchange.
‘Gateshead’ is rather vague.

Is there something up with the B5s today?
Both spares are off the road, 2 were taken out of service at CLS mid-journey this morning, and it seems one broke down in Newcastle (from the tracking at least).

Running 4 OmniDekkas and a Versa (which is obviously at capacity when leaving Durham) on a 'premium' route isn't good

I Guess since CountryRanger now has 2 Buses done and nearly a third.
I guess the Prince Bishops will be the next one in line to get its branding done up.
that would mean all buses in the South Shields region except the 50 have had either new buses or new updated brands.

Sunderland closures active, E6 running via Newcastle Road/Sea Road. 23 via Ripon Street and Roker Baths Road.

5413 and 5414 are the first 2 streetlites to be brought into action on the 50/26 from today replacing the omnicitys currently used

Just saw a Tweet from MG that Paul Rose has passed away,my thoughts are with his Family and Friends,especially it being so close to Christmas

Hey just wondering what are the pay rates like at Jesmond and also at Ashington depot as I'm thinking about applying. Also what are the chances of Jesmond getting a new express route in future.

Under timetables & maps on Go North East website. You can now view the days and map the santa bus will take

Small thing I've noticed with the North Tyneside one is that it is split into two parts of the route during the day

Go North East are running

Boxing Day – some services will be running to special timetables, including services 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 10A, 10B, 16A, 20, 21, 26, 27, 35A, 47, 49, 49A, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 60, 61, 97, 311, Q3, X1, X5, X21, X30 and X66 –  Boxing Day timetables will be available soon.