(29 Jun 2026, 7:33 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Exactly which operators were 'bounced out' by the introduction of the X84 and X85? Can you please provide examples? 

With Jesmond closing, it really wasn't feasible for Arriva to operate the 685 from Blyth, so you can't argue that they were 'bounced out'.

(29 Jun 2026, 9:01 pm)L469 YVK wrote Admittedly, it was GNE in the end who withdrew the X85 after covid due to travel pattern changes and also the need for normal service buses back on the X10 rather than coaches. But GNE did have the upper hand with the X84/X85 over the 685 before covid.

(04 Jul 2026, 2:53 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Don't know how true this is because I've just made it up, but I've heard a rumour that Northstar are planning to do a 'Farewell to the X22' running day (a bit like GNE's Farewell to the X85 event a few years back I'm guessing) on its last day of operation in two weeks time.

Has anyone else heard anything about this?

(04 Jul 2026, 5:53 pm)Malarkey wrote With Northstar getting the 643 back from Go North East I feel it would be a good opportunity to plug a gap in the market "Lobley Hill Estate", so I propose extending the 643 from Sunniside via Gateshead Road, Consett Road, Lobley Hill Estate, A1, Team Valley (Retail World) / Kingsway South, Team Valley Kings Way North, Team Valley Main Gate, Lobley Hill Road, Bensham Bank and Gateshead Interchange. 

(04 Jul 2026, 5:41 pm)northern156 wrote I heard this on Facebook a few hours ago, farewell fare of a quid as well. Bargain if you ask me. Would be good to get a Trident bash in!

(08 Jul 2026, 11:22 am)Coastliner700 wrote Random question why are a few vehicles still in previous operators liveries (coastline buses, London, stagecoach yellow, plain white) ? Are these to be moving on soon.

(08 Jul 2026, 4:11 pm)Malarkey wrote 303 (SP59 CTO) , 423 (LK60 AGV) and 431 (LX09 AXV) are all recent acquisitions to the NorthStar Fleet, likelihood is they've been immediately required for us following contract changes/new services starting and have been unable to be released for a repaint, in all fairness the paintwork on all 3 is in good condition so can wait until the summer months when the Schools are off.

I think 421/422 will potentially leave the fleet alongside remaining ALX400's 412. 414 and 415 which are scheduled to be replaced by further Dennis Trident Olympus' and Volvo B9TL Wright Gemini 2's that remain in storage. If you look at the Northstar Fleetlist there is gaps in the numberng of potentially 7-12 Buses so potentially some changes to come over the coming weeks ahead. 

I am of the understanding 501 was to be replaced by 511 earlier in the year however has been kept hold of for now due an to increase in Rail Replacement Contracts being won by Northstar who have developed a good working relationships with LNER, LUMO and Grand Central as they're pretty quick is in offering a rapid response when needed in emergency situations of Rail Disruption or because of Engineering Works and have proved to be very professional and reliable at the same time.

(4 hours ago)Coastliner700 wrote The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

(4 hours ago)Coastliner700 wrote The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

(4 hours ago)Coastliner700 wrote The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

(1 hour ago)Dan wrote Temporary dispensation on contract specification granted due to low-hanging trees causing two windscreens to be smashed earlier this week (and three in the weeks prior to that).

Indeed, as you allude, a small bus is all that is realistically required in terms of passenger numbers, aside from two busy school movements on weekdays.

Double-decks re-deployed on X22/X43 as a result.