Confirmed on their FB page that the Metrocentre rally isn't happening this year - probably not a surprise given recent years experiences.  Looks like they are trying something new with a South Shields event, hopefully will be more of a running day type thing than the buses sat in a carpark variety.

(23 Feb 2026, 6:05 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Confirmed on their FB page that the Metrocentre rally isn't happening this year - probably not a surprise given recent years experiences.  Looks like they are trying something new with a South Shields event, hopefully will be more of a running day type thing than the buses sat in a carpark variety.

South Shields event has been confirmed now but nothing about the routes or vehicles to be operated (though they will only be from NEBPT fleet, which they have taken a bit of flack around).  Notably their fleet has decreased a fair bit too - C655LFT has gone sadly (and so presumably then 656 which they had acquired for spares).  The potato bus RM has disappeared from their fleet listing too though I doubt that has been disposed of.  Several of the fleet are also receiving attention including the Northern RM.

Seaburn also confirmed so looks like just the two events this year.

(05 Mar 2026, 8:28 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote South Shields event has been confirmed now but nothing about the routes or vehicles to be operated (though they will only be from NEBPT fleet, which they have taken a bit of flack around).  Notably their fleet has decreased a fair bit too - C655LFT has gone sadly (and so presumably then 656 which they had acquired for spares).  The potato bus RM has disappeared from their fleet listing too though I doubt that has been disposed of.  Several of the fleet are also receiving attention including the Northern RM.

Seaburn also confirmed so looks like just the two events this year.

According to the 500 group website the Trust will hold two running events at Tanfield Railway. One in May over 2 days the other in September funny enough the same day as Great North Run which already knocks two of there buses for the event as they are used for the Charity buses along the route

(05 Mar 2026, 8:28 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote .  Notably their fleet has decreased a fair bit too - C655LFT has gone sadly (and so presumably then 656 which they had acquired for spares).

655 is safe in private hands. 656 is long gone.

(06 Mar 2026, 5:44 am)F114TML wrote 655 is safe in private hands. 656 is long gone.

Didn't 656 (or maybe another?) go to THV for parts years ago?

(05 Mar 2026, 8:28 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote South Shields event has been confirmed now but nothing about the routes or vehicles to be operated (though they will only be from NEBPT fleet, which they have taken a bit of flack around).  Notably their fleet has decreased a fair bit too - C655LFT has gone sadly (and so presumably then 656 which they had acquired for spares).  The potato bus RM has disappeared from their fleet listing too though I doubt that has been disposed of.  Several of the fleet are also receiving attention including the Northern RM.

Seaburn also confirmed so looks like just the two events this year.

On the event stuff; I've seen the flack NEBPT have taken regarding only running their own stuff for this South Shields running day, and I can kind of see the point of view from both sides to the argument.

I can completely understand NEBPT wanting to test the water with something, and for that reason not want to entice others into a project that is at best riddled with issues. However, if that's their real reasoning behind it (and it's certainly what they appear to be suggesting on Facebook), then it concerns me that this hasn't been wholly planned and thought out.

On the flip side, I can understand preservationists and perhaps other groups feeling frozen out. A lot of work goes into the preservation, restoration, maintenance and general upkeep of these vehicles, and no one lengths of fully restoring a vehicle for it to sit in a shed in darkness. I understand the event calendar has been canned with little to no notice.

NEBPT, for whatever reason, seem to run a monopoly on events in the North East (minus Teesside/Tees Valley). I do think in part that's been allowed to happen because the expectation has been so low, leading to the continuous praise of poor events. This forum was at times heavily critical of the organisation, only to be shouted down at times. It was never going to improve under these conditions, and it's taken until the point of the organisers accepting that it's not working, for them to actually go back to the drawing board and do something about it.

In my opinion, this is something that should have happened 10 years ago.

I really think what is missing here is a proper liaison between all the stakeholders in running good events up here. That goes from groups, to individual owners/preservationists, the bus operators and local authorities. None of that ever feels like it happens, and I believe it's a large part of why events feel so underwhelming. 

The 500 Group running day was one of the best events we've had up here. It was well attended and expertly organised from start to finish. You had a programme of bus times, understood the routes and could plan your day out from that. Those of us in this half of the region could learn a lot from that.

(06 Mar 2026, 5:44 am)F114TML wrote 655 is safe in private hands. 656 is long gone.

Brilliant news - will be great to see it back in Busways colours alongside the Fleetline and Dart some day.  Always seemed a shame it just sat seemingly untouched at NEBPT for so long.

(06 Mar 2026, 4:41 pm)Adrian wrote Didn't 656 (or maybe another?) go to THV for parts years ago?


On the event stuff; I've seen the flack NEBPT have taken regarding only running their own stuff for this South Shields running day, and I can kind of see the point of view from both sides to the argument.

I can completely understand NEBPT wanting to test the water with something, and for that reason not want to entice others into a project that is at best riddled with issues. However, if that's their real reasoning behind it (and it's certainly what they appear to be suggesting on Facebook), then it concerns me that this hasn't been wholly planned and thought out.

On the flip side, I can understand preservationists and perhaps other groups feeling frozen out. A lot of work goes into the preservation, restoration, maintenance and general upkeep of these vehicles, and no one lengths of fully restoring a vehicle for it to sit in a shed in darkness. I understand the event calendar has been canned with little to no notice.

NEBPT, for whatever reason, seem to run a monopoly on events in the North East (minus Teesside/Tees Valley). I do think in part that's been allowed to happen because the expectation has been so low, leading to the continuous praise of poor events. This forum was at times heavily critical of the organisation, only to be shouted down at times. It was never going to improve under these conditions, and it's taken until the point of the organisers accepting that it's not working, for them to actually go back to the drawing board and do something about it.

In my opinion, this is something that should have happened 10 years ago.

I really think what is missing here is a proper liaison between all the stakeholders in running good events up here. That goes from groups, to individual owners/preservationists, the bus operators and local authorities. None of that ever feels like it happens, and I believe it's a large part of why events feel so underwhelming. 

The 500 Group running day was one of the best events we've had up here. It was well attended and expertly organised from start to finish. You had a programme of bus times, understood the routes and could plan your day out from that. Those of us in this half of the region could learn a lot from that.

656 was at THV for a good while then I understand it passed to NEBPT for spares (presumably for 655).  Fingers crossed the new owner manages to get 655 back on the road some day.

Likewise can see both sides of the argument but, end of the day, there's nothing stopping those complaining from sorting a running day themselves (as has happened in the South of the region with Yesterbus).  There was frequent criticism on this forum that there were too many events meaning lack of quality, but does feel it's gone to the other extreme now, so hopefully South Shields is a success and something to build from.

South Shields event happening this coming Saturday, but no update on the NEBPT website with regards to details of the free bus service(s) running.

(26 Mar 2026, 11:17 am)LVK 404L wrote South Shields event happening this coming Saturday, but no update on the NEBPT website with regards to details of the free bus service(s) running.

48/669/838

(27 Mar 2026, 10:53 am)ThomasBooth123 wrote 48/669/838

Routes and locations, times ?

(27 Mar 2026, 4:02 pm)LVK 404L wrote Routes and locations, times ?

Believe there's three different routes, all departing from Market Place - I'd imagine every 20 or 30 mins if they have 3 buses running.  It will certainly be strange seeing buses operating up there again.

Presume 268 is still VOR as that would have seemed a prime candidate to attend.  Although NEBPT have indicated there may be some on static display (hinting at 218 at one point).

Good to see them trying something different - hopefully people will support and it will be a success.

(27 Mar 2026, 4:02 pm)LVK 404L wrote Routes and locations, times ?

10am-4pm

(28 Mar 2026, 5:01 am)ThomasBooth123 wrote 10am-4pm

Sorry I meant times of free shuttle 

The NEBPT page says will update nearer 

It's the day of the event and not been updated.

No indication of what routes the free services are doing

Popped across at lunchtime to see what's happening

838 on a tour of Shields (on it myself)
248 on another tour (didn't manage a ride)
669 on static display

Stagecoach NE driver trainer 36367 also in attendance. Good call by SNE for prospective applicants

First event which can only expand on future. Small number of vehicles but could get bigger, no reason why not.

Tour I was on, went from Market via Commercial Road to High Shields, Laygate Lane through to Chichester. Dean Road past the SNE depot . Barnes Road and Western Approach to Tyne Dock. Commercial Road back to Market

Full bus on this tour and noticed the other 248 returning from tour also full and standing.

The public is definitely there for the events and as said this can be expanded.

I'm considering becoming a member of NEBPT, in my 'real life', I am an event manager and can probably assist with this type of thing in many ways.

Also a good use of the market area, and generate interest from passengers arriving from North Shields albeit via 585 as opposed to Ferry.

Also nice to see the drivers of SNE and GNE wave at our driver whilst on route, camaraderie still exists out there

Good work NEBPT and interesting to see how this expands.

(28 Mar 2026, 1:15 pm)LVK 404L wrote Popped across at lunchtime to see what's happening

838 on a tour of Shields (on it myself)
248 on another tour (didn't manage a ride)
669 on static display

Stagecoach NE driver trainer 36367 also in attendance. Good call by SNE for prospective applicants

First event which can only expand on future. Small number of vehicles but could get bigger, no reason why not.

Tour I was on, went from Market via Commercial Road to High Shields, Laygate Lane through to Chichester.  Dean Road past the SNE depot . Barnes Road and Western Approach to Tyne Dock. Commercial Road back to Market

Full bus on this tour and noticed the other 248 returning from tour also full and standing.

The public is definitely there for the events and as said this can be expanded.

I'm considering becoming a member of NEBPT, in my 'real life', I am an event manager and can probably assist with this type of thing in many ways.

Also a good use of the market area, and generate interest from passengers arriving from North Shields albeit via 585 as opposed to Ferry.

Also nice to see the drivers of SNE and GNE wave at our driver whilst on route, camaraderie still exists out there

Good work NEBPT and interesting to see how this expands.

 
Was pleasantly surprised how busy the runs were as well.  There were running three different routes with 48 and 838.  669 was a base for the team and sold various NEBPT items.  Not sure why they oly managed to get the two operating runs in the end, having previously aimed for three - there seemed decent numbers of NEBPT staff and volunteers.  Also a bit of a shame buses with stronger SS heritage couldn't have been used, like 218 and 268 (admittedly 838 operated for Shields twice in Busways years but is very much a Sunderland bus).

Seemed to be a real mix of families with kids, and spotters.

Dont think it was a great idea having a radio station broadcasting from the back of 838 on the runs - intrusive for those who just want to enjoy the ride, and taking up space that could have easily been filled.  Would have made more sense for the radio station to be with the static exhibit, to me, drumming up interest from passers by rather than spoiling the run for those already on the bus.

(28 Mar 2026, 1:15 pm)LVK 404L wrote Popped across at lunchtime to see what's happening

838 on a tour of Shields (on it myself)
248 on another tour (didn't manage a ride)
669 on static display

Stagecoach NE driver trainer 36367 also in attendance. Good call by SNE for prospective applicants

First event which can only expand on future. Small number of vehicles but could get bigger, no reason why not.

Tour I was on, went from Market via Commercial Road to High Shields, Laygate Lane through to Chichester.  Dean Road past the SNE depot . Barnes Road and Western Approach to Tyne Dock. Commercial Road back to Market

Full bus on this tour and noticed the other 248 returning from tour also full and standing.

The public is definitely there for the events and as said this can be expanded.

I'm considering becoming a member of NEBPT, in my 'real life', I am an event manager and can probably assist with this type of thing in many ways.

Also a good use of the market area, and generate interest from passengers arriving from North Shields albeit via 585 as opposed to Ferry.

Also nice to see the drivers of SNE and GNE wave at our driver whilst on route, camaraderie still exists out there

Good work NEBPT and interesting to see how this expands.

Was there any stalls? If not, something for the future.

(28 Mar 2026, 1:15 pm)LVK 404L wrote Popped across at lunchtime to see what's happening

838 on a tour of Shields (on it myself)
248 on another tour (didn't manage a ride)
669 on static display

Stagecoach NE driver trainer 36367 also in attendance. Good call by SNE for prospective applicants

First event which can only expand on future. Small number of vehicles but could get bigger, no reason why not.

Tour I was on, went from Market via Commercial Road to High Shields, Laygate Lane through to Chichester.  Dean Road past the SNE depot . Barnes Road and Western Approach to Tyne Dock. Commercial Road back to Market

Full bus on this tour and noticed the other 248 returning from tour also full and standing.

The public is definitely there for the events and as said this can be expanded.

I'm considering becoming a member of NEBPT, in my 'real life', I am an event manager and can probably assist with this type of thing in many ways.

Also a good use of the market area, and generate interest from passengers arriving from North Shields albeit via 585 as opposed to Ferry.

Also nice to see the drivers of SNE and GNE wave at our driver whilst on route, camaraderie still exists out there

Good work NEBPT and interesting to see how this expands.

Sounds like a positive, albeit small start. Where were the vehicles parked up, is there enough space there for more vehicles without creating a hazard with pedestrians?

You should definitely join and get involved in NEBPT. It's crying out for fresh ideas, and I know at the last AGM, there was a difficulty getting some of the positions filled. I am sure they'd more than welcome you volunteering.

Their AGM is on 7th May: http://www.nebpt.co.uk/news_/pg3ev188.html

(28 Mar 2026, 7:43 pm)Adrian wrote Sounds like a positive, albeit small start. Where were the vehicles parked up, is there enough space there for more vehicles without creating a hazard with pedestrians?

You should definitely join and get involved in NEBPT. It's crying out for fresh ideas, and I know at the last AGM, there was a difficulty getting some of the positions filled. I am sure they'd more than welcome you volunteering.

Their AGM is on 7th May: http://www.nebpt.co.uk/news_/pg3ev188.html

669 and SNE trainer 36367 parked on the hard standing open air part of the Market Square facing St Hilda's Church.   Pick up for free bus was same side as Church where the 2 old bus stops used to be looking towards the river.  Drop off was the edge of Market with the vehicles going empty around the square.   Was a nice memory walking up King Street towards market and seeing a double decker Busways driving around 

Market Square won't be big enough for more vehicles but plenty of room around vicinity with the pick up and drop off points a good location.

Def looking at joing NEBPT for sure

I think this event could have a lot of potential growth to it if it was worked in a similar way to the likes "Wightrider", "King Alfreds Running Day" or "Low Floorish Running Days" to name a few example and have the vintage vehicles following some of the local routes not just from the past but the present within the South Shields area but also have modern vehicles running also so everyone is happy.

(28 Mar 2026, 8:58 pm)LVK 404L wrote 669 and SNE trainer 36367 parked on the hard standing open air part of the Market Square facing St Hilda's Church.   Pick up for free bus was same side as Church where the 2 old bus stops used to be looking towards the river.  Drop off was the edge of Market with the vehicles going empty around the square.   Was a nice memory walking up King Street towards market and seeing a double decker Busways driving around 

Market Square won't be big enough for more vehicles but plenty of room around vicinity with the pick up and drop off points a good location.

Def looking at joing NEBPT for sure

Would have thought you could comfortably fit at least 6 to 8 vehicles in the space there 669 and the DTV were.  Not sure how feasible it would be to have rows behind them if the freestanding market stall frames in front of the Old Town Hall were moved back too.

(29 Mar 2026, 3:56 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Would have thought you could comfortably fit at least 6 to 8 vehicles in the space there 669 and the DTV were.  Not sure how feasible it would be to have rows behind them if the freestanding market stall frames in front of the Old Town Hall were moved back too.

That's what I meant, the market was effectively closed Saturday due to the weather...but in brilliant sunshine, I don't think that space will be available oof the market stalls are there

(29 Mar 2026, 4:10 pm)LVK 404L wrote That's what I meant, the market was effectively closed Saturday due to the weather...but in brilliant sunshine, I don't think that space will be available oof the market stalls are there

Or run it on a Sunday, when the market isn't on?

(29 Mar 2026, 4:15 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Or run it on a Sunday, when the market isn't on?

imo the best place would be to do it when the Seafront is in action, in the grass car parking near Sea Road

Could then do a shuttle using the buses from the Ferry (if it ever reopens) and Bus Interchange to the Seafront. 

Easter maybe? Could see it being quite popular with families tbh.

(29 Mar 2026, 8:03 pm)Storx wrote imo the best place would be to do it when the Seafront is in action, in the grass car parking near Sea Road

Could then do a shuttle using the buses from the Ferry (if it ever reopens) and Bus Interchange to the Seafront. 

Easter maybe? Could see it being quite popular with families tbh.

Easter would clash with Kirkby Stephen rally.

(30 Mar 2026, 6:27 am)LVK 404L wrote Easter would clash with Kirkby Stephen rally.

Which realistically is far enough away for it too be a non issue. The events aren’t particularly aimed at enthusiasts, they’re aimed at families and getting young people interested into the hobby

(30 Mar 2026, 1:31 pm)220631612 wrote Which realistically is far enough away for it too be a non issue. The events aren’t particularly aimed at enthusiasts, they’re aimed at families and getting young people interested into the hobby

Not so sure ...NEBPT vehicles attend Kirkby Stephen.  I attend both and would prefer sperate dates 

Obviously 1 person is not going to make a big difference, but would not like to be forced to pick one over the other

(29 Mar 2026, 4:15 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Or run it on a Sunday, when the market isn't on?

This is a must for me.

It introduces too much risk by trying to have a running day in amongst folk aimlessly walking around a market to do their shopping etc. Although space would still be relatively limited on a Sunday, you'd at least have hard-standing for half a dozen buses. It's a good option.

(29 Mar 2026, 8:03 pm)Storx wrote imo the best place would be to do it when the Seafront is in action, in the grass car parking near Sea Road

Could then do a shuttle using the buses from the Ferry (if it ever reopens) and Bus Interchange to the Seafront. 

Easter maybe? Could see it being quite popular with families tbh.

This has to be the more ambitious option, but it does introduce a couple of challenges.

You'd need to try and get Bents Exhibition Park, ideally, as the soft car parking (the recreation park) you're referring to is about 4x the size of what they use at Seaburn, therefore is unlikely to be anywhere near capacity and would look relatively poor. The exhibition park is roughly the same area, properly fenced, and has plenty facilities close by.

The biggest challenge is of course the weather. There's no way you could take a gamble in running from a soft standing base in March time. It's also out of season, so you're running events when the fewest people are likely to be there. For me it's absolutely crucial to expand the scope of these events to more people, and ultimately that's the basis you're likely to access funding.

I do like the idea of running proper routes and incorporating the ferry terminal though.

(30 Mar 2026, 1:53 pm)LVK 404L wrote Not so sure ...NEBPT vehicles attend Kirkby Stephen.  I attend both and would prefer sperate dates 

Obviously 1 person is not going to make a big difference, but would not like to be forced to pick one over the other

I don't think NEBPT have attended in a while, but certainly others from up here do. I think we've also seen with the Metrocentre, what happens when you try and run events on the same weekend.

WHTT's Leyland 5x event is in it's infancy compared to what the Metrocentre was, yet because it's organised like clockwork, a lot of people from our region like to spend the day or weekend over there.

Plus, ideally, the NEBPT should be looking to support those events in hope of obtaining reciprocal support in return.