(02 Dec 2017, 5:15 pm)Stuartphin1639 wrote Driver of the X55 has just said that this service is stopping for good on the 23rd of December

(02 Dec 2017, 5:45 pm)ifm001 wrote yeah was mentioned on here a few weeks ago now.

did he say what was going to happen to the coach?

(02 Dec 2017, 5:57 pm)Stuartphin1639 wrote No he didn’t I’ll see if I can find out, but to be honest can see why it’s getting withdrawn, there’s only me and 2 others on it

Update: no idea what’s happening with the coach asked the driver, he said it will probably go to Sunderland and he said Stagecoach were in talks of doing a Service to York

(11 Dec 2017, 11:01 am)Dan wrote I noted it on two occasions last week around South Shields seafront and heading into the Town Centre via the car parks near amusements (leading onto the 12 route into town).

Looked like a driver plus mentor at the wheel on both occasions.

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(14 Dec 2017, 8:57 am)Youngymmv wrote 34605 has been our and about past 2 mornings around 7.15 am. Yesterday entered Biddick hall as if it was on 3 and this morning at same time but from opposite direction like the 11. Both times with blank destination boards and a mentor accompanying the driver

(14 Dec 2017, 9:53 am)ifm001 wrote Sunderland depot aren't by any chance operating the few South Shields routes on Boxing day are they and is that why we keep seeing this vehicle. Apart from E2 and E6 the only other shields routes on Boxing day are 3,4,10 and 11. Its a possibility

(15 Dec 2017, 9:34 am)Youngymmv wrote It’s a canny shout that like. I’m sure Sunderland has ran services in shields on Boxing Day previously. It all fits together based on this logic

(15 Dec 2017, 9:34 am)Youngymmv wrote It’s a canny shout that like. I’m sure Sunderland has ran services in shields on Boxing Day previously. It all fits together based on this logic

(15 Dec 2017, 10:23 am)RBZ 5459 wrote PERIOD 8 (wk commencing 10th December 2017)
Not much movement over the last period, summed up...

TRANSIT: 22020 is back on fleet at Stockton with PVR increase on the 12. 

(15 Dec 2017, 9:53 am)RBZ 5459 wrote Slatyford is the only depot closed on boxing day, the rest are open.

(15 Dec 2017, 10:23 am)RBZ 5459 wrote PERIOD 8 (wk commencing 10th December 2017)
Not much movement over the last period, summed up...

BUSWAYS: 19204 has returned to Walkergate with 22343 going the other way to Slatyford - one of the 18 boards is now decker operated Monday-Friday.
Another bus has been added to the Slatyford express services cycle to hopefully sort reliability out, the boards don't interwork as much now with greater layover at either ends which will probably see more stand fighting at Eldon..! X47 best part of the day doesn't interwork.

TRANSIT: 22020 is back on fleet at Stockton with PVR increase on the 12. 22017 was sold for scrap to Alpha Recovery, although was being stored up at Slatyford as the engine has ultimately gone into 22031.

To add, 19435 is also gaining the Megabus allover ad that 19432 has.

(15 Dec 2017, 5:26 pm)AIG20 wrote It would make sense to strip down the ALX300s in the worst condition to repair the ones that are in a better condition to try to get more value out of them. Its hard to believe that most of the 03/53 batch of ALX300s have been withdrawn for a year and haven't been sold/moved on yet.

What was wrong with 22017 that made it be the first 03-plate ALX300 to be scrapped? Is 22011 still sat at Walkergate without an engine?

(15 Dec 2017, 9:59 pm)RBZ 5459 wrote Not alot on the face of it 22017, believe it was in pretty good nick underneath, plus the powerpack was obviously in good running order to go in 22011. Must have just been one of the more ropey ones. All are on UK Bus disposals, simple reason is no one has a use for them, so, good enough to store for now for moments like this. A few have been transferred to the likes of Western on loans etc.

(17 Dec 2017, 2:27 pm)Dan wrote I've seen the X24 a good few times recently off-peak, and with the regular allocation of gas buses, I've been able to see how many passengers were on-board (the numbers have been pretty woeful).

There is a clear peak flow (Sunderland to Newcastle in the morning, and Newcastle to Sunderland in the afternoon/evening).

I remain sceptical at the alleged success of the X24 - I've travelled on the service many times and even on the busy peak-time runs, 95% of the passengers appear to be concessionary pass holders or using Network One tickets (so Stagecoach aren't getting the full amount of revenue). It can't be making a lot of money, and the amount of money the Engineering Dept at Sunderland must be spending on maintaining and keeping the Omnilinks running, must be eliminating any sort of profit it might have otherwise made.

My main gripe is that the seemingly poor reliability of the Omnilinks is having a detrimental impact on services which ought to be allocated gas buses. The 20 is usually the one which ends up getting E200s and Darts, while the gas buses are otherwise engaged on the X24...

I intend on using the X24A service next week and will report back then. Here's hoping it's an Omnilink!

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(17 Dec 2017, 2:45 pm)Michael wrote I think the Omnilinks were rumoured to be replaced next year... I think offerig better buses could help it in getting more passengers.. Adding features like USB ports etc.

I think the changes to the service haven't helped either... 3 hour gap at the Hastings Hill on a morning and afternoon because it runs as the X24A.... Which to me, is daft.

(15 Dec 2017, 10:23 am)RBZ 5459 wrote PERIOD 8 (wk commencing 10th December 2017)
Not much movement over the last period, summed up...

BUSWAYS: 19204 has returned to Walkergate with 22343 going the other way to Slatyford - one of the 18 boards is now decker operated Monday-Friday.
Another bus has been added to the Slatyford express services cycle to hopefully sort reliability out, the boards don't interwork as much now with greater layover at either ends which will probably see more stand fighting at Eldon..! X47 best part of the day doesnt interwork.

(18 Dec 2017, 3:06 pm)Cock Robin wrote No-one for Doxford.

(18 Dec 2017, 3:23 pm)HarryCowans4041 wrote Do you mean Dalton Park?