Hope it's not old news, but at least 5 Stockton Yutongs at South Shields Depot. Only 2 identified were 73143 and 73167. The others a bit awkward.

well I went on one today and it’s just confirmed my opinion of them. I know I am very much in the minority here but overall they seem awful. They is hardly any seats at the front which will cause issues especially on the longer distance journeys like the 36 when elderly and disabled need the seats. The seats themselves didn’t seem very comfortable especially with the hard backs. Not many windows that can be opened either.

They is one or two things I did like though, the bell on the seats is a good idea as means not having to get up and reaching over to ring it. The charger ports on the back of the seats also work at least for now ( we will see how long that will last). They is also a better destination screen which does seem to update information such as diversions.
Overall though while they are good for the likes of the 57/58 52 68 etc due to the size and the layout of the bus as well as the seats I personally don’t think they are suitable for busier services. I know a lot of you will disagree and especially one person can’t wait to get rid of the other buses and wants every service to be these but I am dreading having to do a full journey on the 36 on one of these, I prefer the Mans and Enviro 300s over these.

(09 May 2025, 5:30 pm)col87 wrote well I went on one today and it’s just confirmed my opinion of them. I know I am very much in the minority here but overall they seem awful.  They is hardly any seats at the front which will cause issues especially on the longer distance journeys like the 36 when elderly and disabled need the seats. The seats themselves didn’t seem very comfortable especially with the hard backs. Not many windows that can be opened either. 

They is one or two things I did like though, the bell on the seats is a good idea as means not having to get up and reaching over to ring it.  The charger ports on the back of the seats also work at least for now ( we will see how long that will last). They is also a better destination screen which does seem to update information such as diversions. 
Overall though while they are good for the likes of the 57/58 52 68 etc due to the size and the layout of the bus as well as the seats I personally don’t think they are suitable for busier services. I know a lot of you will disagree and especially one person can’t wait to get rid of the other buses and wants every service to be these but I am dreading having to do a full journey on the 36 on one of these, I prefer the Mans and Enviro 300s over these.

I've done a full journey on the 36 from Hartlepool to Middlesbrough on one and found it perfectly comfortable.

(10 May 2025, 1:02 am)stagecoachfan wrote I've done a full journey on the 36 from Hartlepool to Middlesbrough on one and found it perfectly comfortable.

He’d find no fault at all with them if they where at Hartlepool.

(09 May 2025, 5:30 pm)col87 wrote . Not many windows that can be opened either.

That's because they have air conditioning. No one seems to realise though and open the window, so reducing the efficacy of it.

(10 May 2025, 7:42 am)Teessider2014 wrote He’d find no fault at all with them if they where at Hartlepool.

I would still think same about them

The main issue is that they are smaller and have less seats than the Enviros do, plus the layout of only 4 seats ( 2 on each side ) is going to cause issues especially when it’s full on the 36, if it was a larger bus with more seats at the front maybe I would like it a bit better ( although still didn’t find the seat very comfortable). Maybe the deckers might be better