(20 Feb 2025, 1:21 pm)Storx wrote I can't say what's being subsidised but there's some subsidy for the 356 as the current 355 is fully commercial.

https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...ls/630926/ - It's marked as 'In Part' there.

https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...ls/630923/ - The 342 is the same, unsure what the commercial part of that is though - maybe the short bus?

I assumed it was a tender like the 9 through the Tunnel or 62 to Throckley where it's paid as an extension to an existing service - I could be wrong though.

Thanks, Storx. 

I only assumed the 342 was commercial because the service has been cut at Kingston Park and Nexus are bringing the M71 back, where I thought Nexus would keep it as one route, but presumably the  Wallsend/Benton Rise shorts are commercial and the contracted bit has been changed to accommodate that.

The 355 being commercial and GNE saying about the 356 replacing the 359, I thought it was being taken on commercially, with Nexus funding the 335/350/351. So now 4 services are Nexus funded. 

Apparently passenger numbers are going to be lower on the 35 with GCT running it and Stagecoach tickets not being valid after the grace period of 4 weeks. 

Just clarifying what is Nexus and what's not for interest and clarity on tickets. Nexus day tickets will be £4 and will presumably be valid on the 19, 35, 335/350/351, 341, 342, 653, M71, W1/W2 and X46, but won't be valid on the 18, 32/32A, 356 or X78 as SCNE/GNE tickets are valid instead?

(20 Feb 2025, 1:50 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Thanks, Storx. 

I only assumed the 342 was commercial because the service has been cut at Kingston Park and Nexus are bringing the M71 back, where I thought Nexus would keep it as one route, but presumably the  Wallsend/Benton Rise shorts are commercial and the contracted bit has been changed to accommodate that.

The 355 being commercial and GNE saying about the 356 replacing the 359, I thought it was being taken on commercially, with Nexus funding the 335/350/351. So now 4 services are Nexus funded. 

Apparently passenger numbers are going to be lower on the 35 with GCT running it and Stagecoach tickets not being valid after the grace period of 4 weeks. 

Just clarifying what is Nexus and what's not for interest and clarity on tickets. Nexus day tickets will be £4 and will presumably be valid on the 19, 35, 335/350/351, 341, 342, 653, M71, W1/W2 and X46, but won't be valid on the 18, 32/32A, 356 or X78 as SCNE/GNE tickets are valid instead?

No worries, btw there's loads more services subsidised than just those but they're all hidden under contracts which aren't tendered. 

This is the full list in 2023, it's probably about time someone does it again to see what secret handouts have been given out in recent times aswell and how much it is for some of them especially the 21: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/s...ng-2383925

On the fares it depends what type of contract it is. Some are done where they're paid a lump sum and Nexus takes the fare revenue, they're the ones Nexus tickets are generally valid and there's other where the operator takes the fares and gets some money to tick them over into a profit where Nexus fares generally aren't accepted. 

Btw the 341 is commercial bar a few evening boards aswell.

Was checking traveline last night so here's what I've found

355 journey that goes onto the X39 will now become this

353 6am of North Shields to Cramlington, 352 7.10am to Newcastle then does the Cobalt X39 run. So more than likely both 353 runs in the morning from Cramlington & North Shields will both be decekrs

353 seems to interwork with the 354 at North Shields. Not sure how the interworking patterns at Newcastle will be with the 355/356

Also not sure what the two evening 352 will run off

Also timetable for the 356 suggested one journey on an evening will do Whitley Bay to Killingworth where it will terminate then run back to Whitley Bay

54 I'm guessing will be decker ran unless this has changed now

Also been told that the 342 will be StreetLite allocation from Deptford

Also on the topic of the 342. The benton rise journey terminate after the roundabout. However they have to turn around at the roundabout where the range is. However there is a stop before the roundabout and they ain't due to stop there. Also they arrive at (example) 9.22 at Benton rise. Timetable suggestion they also depart at this time. So i ain't sure how that's gonna work out

The first X39 is currently Streetlite operated

When services say “supported with subsidies”, this could be for the slightest of thing such as one early morning trip for example. 

The 342 daytime is commercial so I’ve heard, with the evening trips being secured. Similar the 341 is secured on an evening such as when GCT ran them.

(20 Feb 2025, 10:32 pm)NMS26222 wrote When services say “supported with subsidies”, this could be for the slightest of thing such as one early morning trip for example. 

The 342 daytime is commercial so I’ve heard, with the evening trips being secured. Similar the 341 is secured on an evening such as when GCT ran them.

Yeah no arguments there, be surprised if the 356 is commercial though. That route has never been commercial, as far as I'm aware, at least from Backworth to Whitley Bay anyway and has existed in about a million different forms aswell, mostly carrying the 59/359 number but there's others aswell, the 335 dabbling for a bit for one.

(20 Feb 2025, 5:45 pm)Aaron21 wrote Also on the topic of the 342. The benton rise journey terminate after the roundabout. However they have to turn around at the roundabout where the range is. However there is a stop before the roundabout and they ain't due to stop there. Also they arrive at (example) 9.22 at Benton rise. Timetable suggestion they also depart at this time. So i ain't sure how that's gonna work out

It appears you have misread the timetable. I can see that the short journey to/from Wallsend terminates at "Benton, East Benton-Station Road North (NE-Bound)" opposite Benton Rise, commences a new journey from there calling at "Benton, Station Road-Whitley Road (N-Bound)" at the roundabout, goes around the roundabout and calls at "East Benton-Station Road North (S-Bound)" adjacent to Benton Rise one minute later.

(20 Feb 2025, 2:01 pm)Storx wrote No worries, btw there's loads more services subsidised than just those but they're all hidden under contracts which aren't tendered. 

This is the full list in 2023, it's probably about time someone does it again to see what secret handouts have been given out in recent times aswell and how much it is for some of them especially the 21: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/s...ng-2383925

On the fares it depends what type of contract it is. Some are done where they're paid a lump sum and Nexus takes the fare revenue, they're the ones Nexus tickets are generally valid and there's other where the operator takes the fares and gets some money to tick them over into a profit where Nexus fares generally aren't accepted. 

Btw the 341 is commercial bar a few evening boards aswell.

They should bring the nexus symbol back to the timetables.

(20 Feb 2025, 10:32 pm)NMS26222 wrote When services say “supported with subsidies”, this could be for the slightest of thing such as one early morning trip for example. 

The 342 daytime is commercial so I’ve heard, with the evening trips being secured. Similar the 341 is secured on an evening such as when GCT ran them.

So Nexus day tickets will no longer be valid on the 342, as it will be commercial?

I will be able to get the 350/351 and 356 to Coast Road and Whitley Bay with the £4 Nexus day ticket?

(21 Feb 2025, 8:00 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote So Nexus day tickets will no longer be valid on the 342, as it will be commercial?

I will be able to get the 350/351 and 356 to Coast Road and Whitley Bay with the £4 Nexus day ticket?

Doubt it - Go North East don’t sell Nexus day tickets on the 317 which is a Nexus secured service (minimum cost)

(21 Feb 2025, 8:44 pm)Thomas12 wrote Doubt it - Go North East don’t sell Nexus day tickets on the 317 which is a Nexus secured service (minimum cost)

Thanks, Thomas. I thought of the Nexus 317, I was aware Nexus tickets weren't valid on that. Means a fare increase on the 342 for adult fare-paying passengers. But good to know.

(21 Feb 2025, 8:54 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Thanks, Thomas. I thought of the Nexus 317, I was aware Nexus tickets weren't valid on that. Means a fare increase on the 342 for adult fare-paying passengers. But good to know.

Go North East used to provide a good value North Tyneside day ticket at £4.30 - now it’s £5.70! May as well buy a day rover. 

It’s quite sad when Gateshead Central have become the best operator in the area.

(21 Feb 2025, 9:20 pm)Thomas12 wrote Go North East used to provide a good value North Tyneside day ticket at £4.30 - now it’s £5.70! May as well buy a day rover. 

It’s quite sad when Gateshead Central have become the best operator in the area.

Yes, exactly. I know. Absolutely shocking it's £5.70 when the day rover is £6. Of course the day rover is going up to £6.80 next month, but no doubt GNE will put their fares up soon after. Same with Stagecoach, £5.20 for Newcastle and North Tyneside (but maybe that includes Cramlington?) but for comparable journeys, a day rover is the best value ticket in North Tyneside. 

Gateshead Central have really improved. They do run a really good service in Newcastle and North Tyneside and the fares are good (I'm aware that's Nexus rather than Gateshead Central). Modern fleet, reliable and punctual service. Wonder if the E200 MMCs off the 342 will operate the 35 and M71. Curious if the buses will be Nexus livery or white on the 35 and M71. X46 has gone from StreetLite WF to E200 MMC recently.

---

(21 Feb 2025, 9:38 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Yes, exactly. I know. Absolutely shocking it's £5.70 when the day rover is £6. Of course the day rover is going up to £6.80 next month, but no doubt GNE will put their fares up soon after. Same with Stagecoach, £5.20 for Newcastle and North Tyneside (but maybe that includes Cramlington?) but for comparable journeys, a day rover is the best value ticket in North Tyneside. 

Gateshead Central have really improved. They do run a really good service in Newcastle and North Tyneside and the fares are good (I'm aware that's Nexus rather than Gateshead Central). Modern fleet, reliable and punctual service. Wonder if the E200 MMCs off the 342 will operate the 35 and M71. Curious if the buses will be Nexus livery or white on the 35 and M71. X46 has gone from StreetLite WF to E200 MMC recently.

EDIT Go North East £5.70 ticket includes Blyth and Cramlington, so is the same equivalent as Stagecoach's £5.20 ticket. Regardless, within North Tyneside a day rover offers the best value. Price being so close is presumably because it covers Blyth and Cramlington.

(21 Feb 2025, 9:20 pm)Thomas12 wrote Go North East used to provide a good value North Tyneside day ticket at £4.30 - now it’s £5.70! May as well buy a day rover. 

It’s quite sad when Gateshead Central have become the best operator in the area. 

Is it? 
They've had some stick over the years, but it appears they're pretty solid and reliable. 
Aspiring to improve and be better. 

I'm not sure the likes of GNE are solid, reliable or have any aspirations to improve or be better.

Timetables are now appearing on Bustimes....

https://bustimes.org/operators/go-north-east

Your guide to our service changes in North Tyneside, Newcastle and South East Northumberland


https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/your-guide...humberland

(24 Feb 2025, 4:21 pm)Michael wrote Your guide to our service changes in North Tyneside, Newcastle and South East Northumberland


https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/your-guide...humberland

I'm still so confused on what the 342 going to Benton Rise is gonna solve. Like is there a need for it to happen or is it to keep the 342 having a PVR of 3. 

Also the 54 by gne seems to have done good but bad at the same time

The last 354 journey to North Shields on a Monday to Saturday has now been replaced by an added 54 journey 

Also the 354 has lost 2 journeys now

The 19.05 & 20.00 has been withdrawn and a new 18.45 from North Shields has been added instead of 18.05

The 54 now replaces the the last 354 to North Shields

The 54 also has a 19.41 journey from Whitley Bay to Newcastle

Short video overview for all of the service changes in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqz3ll-o-gc&t=436s

(24 Feb 2025, 8:51 pm)Aaron21 wrote I'm still so confused on what the 342 going to Benton Rise is gonna solve. Like is there a need for it to happen or is it to keep the 342 having a PVR of 3. 

Also the 54 by gne seems to have done good but bad at the same time

The last 354 journey to North Shields on a Monday to Saturday has now been replaced by an added 54 journey 

Also the 354 has lost 2 journeys now

The 19.05 & 20.00 has been withdrawn and a new 18.45 from North Shields has been added instead of 18.05

The 54 now replaces the the last 354 to North Shields

The 54 also has a 19.41 journey from Whitley Bay to Newcastle

I don't like to make wild assumptions from nowhere about removing routes but the cynic in me has a feeling that this 356 has been partially created so in the future they can bin off the 354. I don't know whether things have changed recently but the 354 at the Western end carts around fresh air, even worse than the 352, most the time.

The Eastern side is fully covered by the 19/353/356 now bar the Billy Mill area to Backworth but I'm not sure there's exactly millions of people wanting that.

That short 342 if extended to Killingworth, would conveniently time with a short 353 to North Shields aswell. Truth being told, it would be a better service for most people aswell tbh since the 354 is operationally so out of area.

(24 Feb 2025, 9:48 pm)Storx wrote I don't like to make wild assumptions from nowhere about removing routes but the cynic in me has a feeling that this 356 has been partially created so in the future they can bin off the 354. I don't know whether things have changed recently but the 354 at the Western end carts around fresh air, even worse than the 352, most the time.

The Eastern side is fully covered by the 19/353/356 now bar the Billy Mill area to Backworth but I'm not sure there's exactly millions of people wanting that.

That short 342 if extended to Killingworth, would conveniently time with a short 353 to North Shields aswell. Truth being told, it would be a better service for most people aswell tbh since the 354 is operationally so out of area.

Really, the 353/53 has always been the strongest out of the former Arriva services, and should be re-instated to a 30 minute frequency.

(24 Feb 2025, 10:16 pm)L469 YVK wrote Really, the 353/53 has always been the strongest out of the former Arriva services, and should be re-instated to a 30 minute frequency.

Having paid a visit to North Shields today, the 353 seemed busy, the 317 was rammed and the 9 was mostly dead untill jarrow. I'm not a regular in that area so probably not the best judge.

(03 Mar 2025, 10:40 pm)ASX_Terranova wrote Having paid a visit to North Shields today, the 353 seemed busy, the 317 was rammed and the 9 was mostly dead untill jarrow. I'm not a regular in that area so probably not the best judge.

Been dead since the 9 took over, the 10/11 was never particularly rammed, but atleast Stagecoach didn't cheap out, and make the service go hourly at peak time like Go North East have and blame the Tyne Tunnel works for it, Stagecoach did try to maintain the half hourly service even if it did turn up late

(04 Mar 2025, 7:02 pm)V514DFT wrote Been dead since the 9 took over, the 10/11 was never particularly rammed, but atleast Stagecoach didn't cheap out, and make the service go hourly at peak time like Go North East have and blame the Tyne Tunnel works for it, Stagecoach did try to maintain the half hourly service even if it did turn up late

It’s a nexus contract, so nexus decide on the route and frequency. It’s not a decision for Go North East or Stagecoach.

(04 Mar 2025, 7:02 pm)V514DFT wrote Been dead since the 9 took over, the 10/11 was never particularly rammed, but atleast Stagecoach didn't cheap out, and make the service go hourly at peak time like Go North East have and blame the Tyne Tunnel works for it, Stagecoach did try to maintain the half hourly service even if it did turn up late

To be fair it's just a rubbish route that goes from no-where to no-where. No-one wants to go to North Shields and no-one wants to go Jarrow and any other journey the ferry or Metro is quicker pretty much. Heck even Jarrow is quicker from anywhere via Metro unless you live in North Shields (which no-one does).

Before 2002 it might have been a useful route but it's over 2 decades on now (Sunderland Metro opening).

(04 Mar 2025, 7:13 pm)Thomas12 wrote It’s a nexus contract, so nexus decide on the route and frequency. It’s not a decision for Go North East or Stagecoach.

Isn't it hourly on weekends due to works in the Tyne Tunnel or have those finished now?, I haven't been that way for a while.

(04 Mar 2025, 7:28 pm)Michael wrote Isn't it hourly on weekends due to works in the Tyne Tunnel or have those finished now?, I haven't been that way for a while.

Don't be silly, like most construction / maintenance works in the UK, the Tyne Tunnel works have overun and are expected to last until the Summer.

(04 Mar 2025, 7:02 pm)V514DFT wrote Been dead since the 9 took over, the 10/11 was never particularly rammed, but atleast Stagecoach didn't cheap out, and make the service go hourly at peak time like Go North East have and blame the Tyne Tunnel works for it, Stagecoach did try to maintain the half hourly service even if it did turn up late

On the contrary I'm surprised at the number of folk going all the way from Sunderland to North Shields and vice versa.

(05 Mar 2025, 1:20 am)Rapidsnap wrote Don't be silly, like most construction / maintenance works in the UK, the Tyne Tunnel works have overun and are expected to last until the Summer.

*pretends to be shocked*

Just noticed on the GNE timetable list - that the North Tyne Rockets logo has been removed from the services and they're down as "Go North East" now.

Another brand bites the dust.

(09 Mar 2025, 1:00 pm)Michael wrote Just noticed on the GNE timetable list - that the  North Tyne Rockets logo has been removed from the services and they're down as "Go North East" now.

Another brand bites the dust.

Was pretty pointless. Was only to show passenger "look new colourful buses"

Well that went well didn't it