PCL would appear to now have a Volvo B7TL/East Lancs double decker in stock. I saw it yesterday in Hexham Wentworth car park (albeit from some distance) alongside the former Eden LDV minibus MH06 WHU.

Just a thought, I assume the ANE Volvo B10BLE/ALX300's can't have too long left with Arriva, they would be perfect for PCL in my eyes. I don't imagine that they would be too expensive, but they would almost definitely be more reliable than an ex-London dart?

Or, speaking very hypothetically here, I wonder if once Arriva take those Volvo's off the Jesmond routes, they would be tempted to use them themselves on the old Spirit network, if PCL can't make it work? (Not that I don't want PCL to make it work)

(09 Nov 2016, 1:25 am)James101 wrote Is the use of vans an entirely bad thing? If one thing became clear throughout the 15/16 tendering saga it was the cost of running the routes needed to be reduced. Undoubtedly PCL could tidy up their presentation/branding to improve their public appeal, which wouldn't cost anything - but a well presented Mercedes Sprinter with a clear destination would be entirely agreeable.

DDA regs is the main reason that can't happen !

(09 Nov 2016, 8:06 pm)mb134 wrote Just a thought, I assume the ANE Volvo B10BLE/ALX300's can't have too long left with Arriva, they would be perfect for PCL in my eyes. I don't imagine that they would be too expensive, but they would almost definitely be more reliable than an ex-London dart?

Or, speaking very hypothetically here, I wonder if once Arriva take those Volvo's off the Jesmond routes, they would be tempted to use them themselves on the old Spirit network, if PCL can't make it work? (Not that I don't want PCL to make it work)

Yeah they are great buses despite their age!

I hope PCL travel make it work too as I would much rather an independent be running the services, but they just need to make themselves look a bit more professional.

(09 Nov 2016, 8:06 pm)mb134 wrote Just a thought, I assume the ANE Volvo B10BLE/ALX300's can't have too long left with Arriva, they would be perfect for PCL in my eyes. I don't imagine that they would be too expensive, but they would almost definitely be more reliable than an ex-London dart?

Or, speaking very hypothetically here, I wonder if once Arriva take those Volvo's off the Jesmond routes, they would be tempted to use them themselves on the old Spirit network, if PCL can't make it work? (Not that I don't want PCL to make it work)

Those are a little bit longer than your PCL dart and I doubt they would get through some of the Coquetdale villages with ease.

(09 Nov 2016, 8:15 pm)Tom wrote Yeah they are great buses despite their age!

I hope PCL travel make it work too as I would much rather an independent be running the services, but they just need to make themselves look a bit more professional.

I can't think of too many vehicles that would be able to do those routes any better, and they are something else in terms of reliability. I was surprised that Spirit didn't try and get one of 4501-14 when Arriva were scrapping them.

I'm not too bothered who is running them, as long as they run them well. If it came to it, I think Arriva would do a good job of running the services, Ashington seem to do a pretty good job with their current rural routes.

(09 Nov 2016, 8:06 pm)Phoenix Coaches wrote DDA regs is the main reason that can't happen !

DDA/PSVAR compliant Mercedes Sprinters are on order to Stagecoach Kent this year and Arriva Midlands have also had one on demo. It seems sensible that a lease agreement on a Sprinter (or similar) would be much more  affordable than what would have been in place in Spirit's E200.

(09 Nov 2016, 9:16 pm)James101 wrote DDA/PSVAR compliant Mercedes Sprinters are on order to Stagecoach Kent this year and Arriva Midlands have also had one on demo. It seems sensible that a lease agreement on a Sprinter (or similar) would be much more  affordable than what would have been in place in Spirit's E200.

Spirit ran the services commercially whereas now PCL are running it under the tendered contract so maybe there are specific demands from NCC as to what vehicles should operate.

(09 Nov 2016, 9:30 pm)Cobalt271 wrote Spirit ran the services commercially whereas now PCL are running it under the tendered contract so maybe there are specific demands from NCC as to what vehicles should operate.

Entirely possible, but I would have thought the same restrictions would apply to their other tendered services which are often van-operated. I suppose it comes down to choice of business model, which Andreos1 mentioned earlier. It seems PCL prefer to own their vehicles - which appears to mean they operate older, potentially less reliable buses. This is entirely understandable for a small indipendant which specialises in marginal services. 

The alternative would be to go for fixed term asset leasing where they could potentially have a new bus for each contract they gain - potentially better for cashflow but likely to be more expensive overall. Personally I'd look for a middle-ground - working with an asset leasing company to identify mid-life, fuel efficient buses. 

Of course it's PCL's choice how they operate and as long as they are trading and providing the services they advertise they are doing everything right.

I posted a message earlier and it seems to have vanished. 
Spotted PCL sister vehicle LG02 FFK. Designated as a training vehicle.

I travelled on PCL's M1 Service between Morpeth and Rothbury via Scots Gap yesterday afternoon. The bus was driven by Peter Cowell, the owner of PCL. I was the only passenger for entire length the journey. This really is a cracking route, the countryside is beautiful. There are excellent views of the Simonsie Hills near Netherwitton and you pass through some lovely little villages such as Hartburn. You also pass a number of country houses such as Mitford Hall and Netherwitton Hall. There was a big shooting party on the Netherwitton estate when we passed through.

The route also goes directly past the magnificent Rothley Crags. Some of the route uses roads which have not been used by bus service before such as the section between Longwitton and Longhorsley. The timings could do with slightly adjusting as we were about 5 minutes late into Rothbury despite a good steady journey. If you enjoy visiting country pubs this is the service for you. The Dyke Neuk near Meldon looks like a very nice pub, as does the Plough at Mitford and Anglers Arms at Weldon.

I hope this service takes off, I highly recommend it. The vehicle was a Plaxon bodied Primo (ex Travelsure) which handled the country roads well. We had a good thrash between Longhorsley and Weldon. The cost of a single adult ticket for the entire journey is £4.00 and Mr Cowell states he is planning to introduce a day ticket covering the 15, 16, M1 and S1, the cost of which i understand should be £6.50 for an adult.

Try this route, it runs on a Wednesday and Saturday via Scotsgap with one journey each way. It connects with the Alnwick bus at Rothbury Queens Head.

Charles

(13 Nov 2016, 12:27 pm)Charles41 wrote I travelled on PCL's M1 Service between Morpeth and Rothbury via Scots Gap yesterday afternoon. The bus was driven by Peter Cowell, the owner of PCL. I was the only passenger for entire length the journey. This really is a cracking route, the countryside is beautiful. There are excellent views of the Simonsie Hills near Netherwitton and you pass through some lovely little villages such as Hartburn. You also pass a number of country houses such as Mitford Hall and Netherwitton Hall. There was a big shooting party on the Netherwitton estate when we passed through.

The route also goes directly past the magnificent Rothley Crags. Some of the route uses roads which have not been used by bus service before such as the section between Longwitton and Longhorsley. The timings could do with slightly adjusting as we were about 5 minutes late into Rothbury despite a good steady journey. If you enjoy visiting country pubs this is the service for you. The Dyke Neuk near Meldon looks like a very nice pub, as does the Plough at Mitford and Anglers Arms at Weldon.

I hope this service takes off, I highly recommend it. The vehicle was a Plaxon bodied Primo (ex Travelsure) which handled the country roads well. We had a good thrash between Longhorsley and Weldon. The cost of a single adult ticket for the entire journey is £4.00 and Mr Cowell states he is planning to introduce a day ticket covering the 15, 16, M1 and S1, the cost of which i understand should be £6.50 for an adult.

Try this route, it runs on a Wednesday and Saturday via Scotsgap with one journey each way. It connects with the Alnwick bus at Rothbury Queens Head.

Charles

Will definitely try it sometime! I thought it only ran on Wednesdays!

Did you try the 15? What were the passenger numbers like on there?

(13 Nov 2016, 2:11 pm)Tom wrote Will definitely try it sometime! I thought it only ran on Wednesdays!

Did you try the 15? What were the passenger numbers like on there?

I did not have the chance to try the 15, but I'm hoping to get next Wednesday and do Alnwick to Rothbury and then Rothbury to Morpeth using PCL Travel.

Charles

LG02FFP is on 885 today, so I would imagine that something different will be on either the 15/16 or either of the M1/S1 today.

(15 Nov 2016, 1:18 pm)Jimmi wrote LG02FFP is on 885 today, so I would imagine that something different will be on either the 15/16 or either of the M1/S1 today.

I'll have a look this afternoon and report back.

(15 Nov 2016, 1:24 pm)Cobalt271 wrote I'll have a look this afternoon and report back.

I'm going to have a look at what's on the 15:00 M1 from Morpeth.

(15 Nov 2016, 1:53 pm)Jimmi wrote I'm going to have a look at what's on the 15:00 M1 from Morpeth.

LG02FFR is on the 15 today.

Well LG02FFP is on 15:00 M1. No idea how considering it was on the 885 this morning and it's not due at Byrness until 15:05?!

(15 Nov 2016, 3:01 pm)Jimmi wrote Well LG02FFP is on 15:00 M1. No idea how considering it was on the 885 this morning and it's not due at Byrness until 15:05?!

Did you see what was on the 613?

I wonder if LG02FFP done the 613 then went light to Morpeth, then the bus that done the morning 613 done the 885 in the afternoon.

(15 Nov 2016, 3:59 pm)Tom wrote Did you see what was on the 613?

I wonder if LG02FFP done the 613 then went light to Morpeth, then the bus that done the morning 613 done the 885 in the afternoon.

LDV Convoy MH06WCU was in the car park in Hexham this morning with 613 card in the window. LG02FFP definitely did do the 885 this morning as I saw it entering Hexham with passengers on-board. I'll have a look at what's on the 808 tonight.

(15 Nov 2016, 4:15 pm)Jimmi wrote LDV Convoy MH06WCU was in the car park in Hexham this morning with 613 card in the window. LG02FFP definitely did do the 885 this morning as I saw it entering Hexham with passengers on-board. I'll have a look at what's on the 808 tonight.

I wonder if LG02FFP done the 613 and MH06WCU done the 885 in the afternoon then?

(15 Nov 2016, 4:15 pm)Jimmi wrote LDV Convoy MH06WCU was in the car park in Hexham this morning with 613 card in the window. LG02FFP definitely did do the 885 this morning as I saw it entering Hexham with passengers on-board. I'll have a look at what's on the 808 tonight.

MH06WCU was on 808 tonight.
PCL Travel: MH06WCU by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

(15 Nov 2016, 9:43 pm)Jimmi wrote MH06WCU was on 808 tonight.
PCL Travel: MH06WCU by Matthew Jimmison, on Flickr

It's funny you should mention that, I saw a Merc Sprinter with the exact same colours (ex Eden) travelling through Alnwick today.

PCL's website is looking a lot better now! http://www.pcltravel.net/

Have they used the ex eden solo yet

I had a nightmare today with PCL Travel. My plan was to catch the 10.15 am Alnwick to Rothbury 15 service and then the 11.00 am Rothbury to Morpeth via Scots gap service M1. The 15 arrived at Alnwick on time operated by Dart LG02FFR. I asked for a day ticket for £6.50, the driver had no idea that PCL sold day tickets. I explained that I had been on the M1 last weekend and the driver (PCL’s owner) had told me about the ticket. The driver still was unable to sell me a day ticket so instead gave me a return ticket for £6.00 which he agreed I could use all the way to Morpeth.

At Alnwick bus station the driver showed me some photos of Mr Cowell on his mobile and asked if that was the guy who told me about the £6.50 day ticket. I confirmed it him. Shortly after leaving Alnwick we had to stop in a layby due to a problem with the Dart’s gears. The driver was able to fix this after calling someone for help. I noted that the rear panel was still missing from the Dart’s interior as per Jimmi’s recent photo.

We then proceeded towards Rothbury, taking in the stunning view of the snow-capped Cheviots. The driver then stopped again in a small layby near Edlingham due to further problems with the bus. He again rang and asked for help. This shortly arrived in the form of sister Dart LG02FFP which was to operate the 11.00 am M1 service from Rothbury. I alighted from LG02FFR and was about get onto LG02FFP when they had a change of heart and decided to take LG02FFR to Morpeth.

So I got back onto LG02FFR expecting this to go Rothbury, it was 10.50 am and I guessed about 5 minutes delay in leaving Rothbury on the M1. Instead the driver took a left at the crossroads and headed to towards Longframlington. We then went straight to Morpeth via Longhorsley and Heighley Gate without picking anyone up. I hope no-one was waiting for the M1 at Rothbury or anywhere along the advertised route via Netherwitton, Scots Gap and Mitford. We arrived in Morpeth at 11.35.

The two drivers were polite, approachable and smartly dressed. However after experiencing the above I have serious doubts about PCL. I do not think I will use their services again. It is a real shame as the M1 could be a really useful and popular service.

A rather miffed…Charles

(23 Nov 2016, 3:47 pm)Charles41 wrote I had a nightmare today with PCL Travel. My plan was to catch the 10.15 am Alnwick to Rothbury 15 service and then the 11.00 am Rothbury to Morpeth via Scots gap service M1.  The 15 arrived at Alnwick on time operated by Dart LG02FFR. I asked for a day ticket for £6.50, the driver had no idea that PCL sold day tickets. I explained that I had been on the M1 last weekend and the driver (PCL’s owner) had told me about the ticket. The driver still was unable to sell me a day ticket so instead gave me a return ticket for £6.00 which he agreed I could use all the way to Morpeth.

At Alnwick bus station the driver showed me some photos of Mr Cowell on his mobile and asked if that was the guy who told me about the £6.50 day ticket. I confirmed it him. Shortly after leaving Alnwick we had to stop in a layby due to a problem with the Dart’s gears. The driver was able to fix this after calling someone for help. I noted that the rear panel was still missing from the Dart’s interior as per Jimmi’s recent photo.

We then proceeded towards Rothbury, taking in the stunning view of the snow-capped Cheviots.  The driver then stopped again in a small layby near Edlingham due to further problems with the bus. He again rang and asked for help. This shortly arrived in the form of sister Dart LG02FFP which was to operate the 11.00 am M1 service from Rothbury. I alighted from LG02FFR and was about get onto LG02FFP when they had a change of heart and decided to take LG02FFR to Morpeth.

So I got back onto LG02FFR expecting this to go Rothbury, it was 10.50 am and I guessed about 5 minutes delay in leaving Rothbury on the M1. Instead the driver took a left at the crossroads and headed to towards Longframlington. We then went straight to Morpeth via Longhorsley and Heighley Gate without picking anyone up.  I hope no-one was waiting for the M1 at Rothbury or anywhere along the advertised route via Netherwitton, Scots Gap and Mitford. We arrived in Morpeth at 11.35.

The two drivers were polite, approachable and smartly dressed. However after experiencing the above I have serious doubts about PCL. I do not think I will use their services again. It is a real shame as the M1 could be a really useful and popular service.

A rather miffed…Charles

I would try and contact the council as that is really bad considering it is more than once there has been problems with the service.

(23 Nov 2016, 3:57 pm)Tom wrote I would try and contact the council as that is really bad considering it is more than once there has been problems with the service.

Think he and myself should be contacting someone more important than the council about the services of PCL Travel, the fact that the panel I brought up that was still seemingly in the same state judging my Charles' post is quite frankly alarming, if this is the state of the bus that we can see, what can't we see? Than there is the matter of not running the scheduled route and timetable, hope there was a totally justified reason for this?

(23 Nov 2016, 4:31 pm)Jimmi wrote Think he and myself should be contacting someone more important than the council about the services of PCL Travel, the fact that the panel I brought up that was still seemingly in the same state judging my Charles' post is quite frankly alarming, if this is the state of the bus that we can see, what can't we see? Than there is the matter of not running the scheduled route and timetable, hope there was a totally justified reason for this?

Yeah just noticed about the panel! That's nearly 3 weeks ago now since you noticed it - must be no maintenance at all. I definitely won't be trying out the services after the experience members on here have had!

(23 Nov 2016, 6:01 pm)Tom wrote Yeah just noticed about the panel! That's nearly 3 weeks ago now since you noticed it - must be no maintenance at all. I definitely won't be trying out the services after the experience members on here have had!

When I first saw Jimmi's post I stated I wouldn't trial their service and seeing more negative reviews I stand by that notion. They're also tricky to photograph at times as they like to leave the Terminus points when they like rather than sticking to timetable.