(02 Jun 2018, 4:39 pm)Andreos1 wrote Reading the R&O working thread and the staff shuttle reminded me of an experience on the X66 recently.
Appreciate it is used by drivers and encouraged by management, but I'm still not convinced them using it to/from Riverside is actually a good thing as far as passengers are concerned.

A Metrocentre bound X66 was stopping at Dunston and a family sitting near the rear were ready to alight.
Pressing the bell not long after it cleared the lights near the old Garden Festival site, working through the already crowded saloon proved difficult.
Getting beyond the gaggle of drivers crowded around the front of the bus, even more so.

There must be a better way.
Appreciate it might not be as cost effective, but I am not sure this current method is working nor portraying the organisation in it's best light.

(02 Jun 2018, 4:44 pm)Malarkey wrote Should have a staff shuttle like Deptford Depot do

(02 Jun 2018, 4:44 pm)Malarkey wrote Should have a staff shuttle like Deptford Depot do

(02 Jun 2018, 1:38 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Now that the Coast Road's ex-Yorkshire Gemini 2s (that Arriva North East were short-changed with for their Max-spec Hybrids) are getting a fresh coat of paint and refurbishment, is there any plans/dates set for GNE's Cobalt Clippers to be given a brand refresh or fleet upgrade?

(02 Jun 2018, 4:39 pm)Andreos1 wrote Reading the R&O working thread and the staff shuttle reminded me of an experience on the X66 recently.
Appreciate it is used by drivers and encouraged by management, but I'm still not convinced them using it to/from Riverside is actually a good thing as far as passengers are concerned.

A Metrocentre bound X66 was stopping at Dunston and a family sitting near the rear were ready to alight.
Pressing the bell not long after it cleared the lights near the old Garden Festival site, working through the already crowded saloon proved difficult.
Getting beyond the gaggle of drivers crowded around the front of the bus, even more so.

There must be a better way.
Appreciate it might not be as cost effective, but I am not sure this current method is working nor portraying the organisation in it's best light.

(02 Jun 2018, 7:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote I believe they're due a repaint including a new set of NSAs. 6116 will also most likely be painted and maybe even 6117 if the 309/310 go mostly standalone or extra running time is given to the 310 taking into account the extra running time that will be required for the new lights at Norham Road bridge.

Would be nice if some later journeys were added for the 309/310 too!

(03 Jun 2018, 12:35 am)JM03 wrote Also, will miss the chicken road chicken road nsa on the 310.

(03 Jun 2018, 12:19 pm)ne14ne1 wrote The what? 

(03 Jun 2018, 12:20 pm)Jamie M wrote There's a stop in west wallsend called "Chicken Road/Mullen Road. It shows on the next stop announcements (NSA).

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

(03 Jun 2018, 1:14 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Oh right. I've never been that far down the route.

(05 Jun 2018, 4:34 am)Dan wrote Also have to undergo some minor driver famil, until they're comfortable with driving the 12m variant of the OmniDekka.

(05 Jun 2018, 4:34 am)Dan wrote 6168 is being re-trimmed first (you can see the absence of seats on my photo), so that one is a while off yet. Also have to undergo some minor driver famil, until they're comfortable with driving the 12m variant of the OmniDekka.

Solos awaiting delivery of a new cab door, and might need some work doing for the Next Stop Announcement kit installed. Otherwise not long for them.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

(05 Jun 2018, 10:53 am)Rapidsnap wrote I'm sure drivers can easily adapted between the two lengths. It be like driving a M-B Citaro one day, then driving a Volvo B9TL the next day or even going a Solo in the case of some depots.

(05 Jun 2018, 10:54 am)Michael wrote Are all of the 2nd hand solo's getting them?

(25 May 2018, 6:53 pm)JM03 wrote Edit: 

Looking through the fleet list... looks like ex London presidents are also arriving in the fleet:


6901-6919 are all Gemini (19)

6920-6934 are all presidents (15) 

Omnidekka's are 6162-6179 (18)

(05 Jun 2018, 11:10 am)Dan wrote No - a nice surprise that the Next Stop Announcements had been left in from their previous operator. They won't be used from Day 1, though may be in the future.

718/719 have Next Stop Announcements (and are to a pretty good specification internally with high-back Civic V3 seats with black leather headrests), but 722 is of a much more basic specification (harder seats, no Next Stop Announcements, etc).

(05 Jun 2018, 11:15 am)Swiny1 wrote Are all of these double deckers that are arriving for special event work or are any going to be allocated to depots for service workHow many are going to percy main and which ones?

(05 Jun 2018, 11:19 am)Rapidsnap wrote The 69xx I suspect will be allocated where and when needed.

As for the "Super" Omnidekkas, I suspect they will be allocated to depots that need a large capacity on school services, though wouldn't be suprised if vehicles are drafted to other depots on loan for a weekend to cover Metro Replacement, Football Park and Ride or any other special event.

(05 Jun 2018, 7:17 pm)S830OFT wrote Ive been told Next year the AD122 is getting brand new buses. Could this mean in October 635 and 636 will directly replace 618 and 619?

(05 Jun 2018, 7:32 pm)Dan wrote Don't believe all you hear!

(05 Jun 2018, 12:01 pm)Jamie M wrote Stanley are having a few.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

(05 Jun 2018, 7:33 pm)Jamie M wrote Never trust the driver!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk