(21 Apr 2018, 2:40 pm)L469 YVK wrote Anyone doubting the decision to put deckers on the Coaster, just seen one going towards Gateshead before in Shields and looked busy.

(21 Apr 2018, 7:39 am)Dan wrote I think the trial of the electric Yutong vehicle suggests the company are definitely interested in investing in this technology - I'd expect a press release early next week when the vehicle is returned - but there's a significantly higher cost for this type of bus than a standard diesel, and I think it's a bit of a risk given that the long-term reliability just cannot be predicted.

I was a huge fan of Stagecoach North East's gas buses when they were first launched, but living in Sunderland, I see/hear/quite regularly ride on them, and a lot of them are much rougher now, than they were when brand new. One wouldn't expect them to stay 'as new' forever, but the sound some of them make isn't the best, so I'm a little skeptical.

I had a ride of the Yutong yesterday and felt, from a passenger's perspective, the interior was dark and dingy, and felt quite clinical. Aside from the lack of legroom and rattly emergency exit door, I have no real problems with the interior of a Streetlite by comparison. They feel quite light and airy - the LED strip in the centre of the ceiling seems to provide more than enough lighting for the saloon.

The Yutong should be heading to Stagecoach North East next week after its trial at Go North East. Believe, after initial murmurs that the bus would be used in Sunderland to compare against the gas buses, it will now be used on the 100?

(21 Apr 2018, 8:46 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote Trails on the 100 yes. Not heard that one myself, but I believe it was always destined for the 100 - was certainly the case in the weeks leading up to it landing at GNE, as it was wibbled for it to arrive with Stagecoach first.

(21 Apr 2018, 8:51 pm)Dan wrote Don't think it was ever intended to go to Stagecoach first - its trial with Go North East was delayed by a few weeks, which may be the reason for this suggestion.

Both operators intending to use the Yutong for a bit of PR, although Stagecoach mightn't bother once Go North East's goes out (bit like missing the boat!) Assume it helps Stagecoach out at a time when they're struggling with the MANviros on the 100..!

(21 Apr 2018, 8:59 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote Be interesting if it causes a bit of confusion at the Metrocentre with regular X66 commuters who have seen it...!

I went on it a couple of times on the X66 and found it ok.... The NE roads don't do it any favours, fair few rattles, but along the Centrelink it was pretty smooth and speedy. Interior spec'd up to say GNE or SC and it might be a bit more welcoming, but was certainly billy-basic dealer standard with a Yutong twist.

(21 Apr 2018, 9:29 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Having seen pictures of 6117s nearside which actually looks quite good, I've got to wonder why they didn't do the same for the offside which looks very bland. It does looks as if they've done half a job with it.

(21 Apr 2018, 9:02 pm)Dan wrote One would hope that Stagecoach put a bit more effort into making a bit more... Stagecoach-y... which may reduce confusion.

Naff Chinese destination can't be helped, but it was rushed out at Go North East without fleet numbers or fleet names. I'd be amazed if some folk haven't missed the bus, as it's gone through Teams!

(20 Apr 2018, 7:53 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote That would be good. That will leave the Omnidekkas as the only bus I don't like. 

When are the Presidents due to go?

(22 Apr 2018, 11:17 am)Michael wrote Forgot to mention, seen a black Omnidekka getting towed down the A1 yesterday, looks like it was heading towards Riverside.

---

Ye, i don't like it all, any chance it could be changed if it was bought for a route in the NE?

---

Not sure, hopefully soon.

(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.

Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.

(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.

Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.

(22 Apr 2018, 8:03 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Does Stagecoach NE have any plans to run the same types of buses as GNE, such as Solos, Versas, Streetlites etc? They do in other places.

Do you not like the Presidents? I like the Coaster deckers. I am not sure what has been allocated to Blue Arrow recently, I use the Coaster now.

(23 Apr 2018, 9:43 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Anyone know if the Olympians are still operating the Jewish scholars, and the best time/place to see them?

(24 Apr 2018, 11:08 am)BusLoverMum wrote 6304 in receipt of tlc at ES. Mechanics says it's knackered.

(24 Apr 2018, 11:08 am)BusLoverMum wrote 6304 in receipt of tlc at ES. Mechanics says it's knackered.

(26 Apr 2018, 5:34 pm)Malarkey wrote Some potentially sad news, the last remaining Wright Renown in the fleet was seen at Gateshead Interchange this evening having broken down, 1001 was in attendance to take it back to the depot.

Could this be the end of an era

(26 Apr 2018, 5:40 pm)Michael wrote Wouldn't be surprised now, shame too.

(26 Apr 2018, 5:43 pm)Citaro5326 wrote 4899 is a dog anyway awful , 4898 and 4922 were the better ones

(26 Apr 2018, 5:54 pm)Jamie M wrote Aye it's got 4 different shades of red from various periods of times. Rides awful too, like. More a milestone than anything.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

(26 Apr 2018, 5:34 pm)Malarkey wrote Some potentially sad news, the last remaining Wright Renown in the fleet was seen at Gateshead Interchange this evening having broken down, 1001 was in attendance to take it back to the depot.

Could this be the end of an era

(27 Apr 2018, 8:22 am)RBZ 5459 wrote Slightly confused at this one. I seen this morning that GNE have a new cherished reg plate, 'N21 GNE' which I think everyone say that would be fantastic on Night Angel 6333.... but it's ended up on on 5321...