(12 Mar 2026, 2:36 pm)Michael wrote Looks like the X22/X43 have some changes coming at end of March, seen a notice on the 599.

Quick glance and I think it said, timetable changes.

The timetables are available on the Nexus website under timetable changes. Journeys run about half an hour later than the current timetable.

(12 Mar 2026, 3:08 pm)GuyParkRoyal wrote The timetables are available on the Nexus website under timetable changes. Journeys run about half an hour later than the current timetable.

Cheers, I didn't think to check the NEXUS site.

Northstar Rising In The North


This morning, the stars quite literally came out at Four Lane Ends Interchange, as Northstar Bus & Coach operated their first-ever journey on the newly awarded Nexus‑contracted 18 service.


Here we see the inaugural departure, worked by 438, which has recently received its personalised plate E26 NST (formerly LX09 BXJ). This vehicle began life with Go‑Ahead London General as DOE40, and now looks resplendent in Northstar's two-tone blue livery.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rpbsp/55161967658/

Can't wait to ride one of them Optare deckers. I only got chance to ride one of the ones with GNE which was 6970, not the best one they had, but I am sure them Northstar ones will be proper quality.

(22 Mar 2026, 5:58 pm)Arriva7446 wrote Can't wait to ride one of them Optare deckers. I only got chance to ride one of the ones with GNE which was 6970, not the best one they had, but I am sure them Northstar ones will be proper quality.

Yes. Go North East got the cabbaged ones and Northstar got the ones worth having.

(22 Mar 2026, 6:01 pm)R852 PRG wrote Yes. Go North East got the cabbaged ones and Northstar got the ones worth having.

Cool! And I know Northstar look after their buses well, I have been on their Trident's and they are very tidy and run totally well, you would never know their age.

I have only been on their X22 service a couple of times, but with the 18 service a bit closer to me I might use their buses a bit more regular. I hope they continue to expand North of Tyne

Appears from FB posts that Northstar are taking some stick around issues affecting the 18 in Newcastle.  I'm not sure the level of engagement back from the company in the comments is the best approach from what appears to be a particularly vexatious complainant.  The length and defensiveness of replies from Northstar while understandable isn't a great look, and takes me back to heyday of GNE socials replies.  Hopefully things will improve and/or Nexus will look at the timetabling issues that the roadworks seem to be creating.  Pretty sure in the past in similar situations they have reouted away from affected areas and used local shuttle bus approach to avoid leaving communities stranded which could be an option here if the long term temp lights are causing the havoc quoted.

(08 Apr 2026, 4:28 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Appears from FB posts that Northstar are taking some stick around issues affecting the 18 in Newcastle.  I'm not sure the level of engagement back from the company in the comments is the best approach from what appears to be a particularly vexatious complainant.  The length and defensiveness of replies from Northstar while understandable isn't a great look, and takes me back to heyday of GNE socials replies.  Hopefully things will improve and/or Nexus will look at the timetabling issues that the roadworks seem to be creating.  Pretty sure in the past in similar situations they have reouted away from affected areas and used local shuttle bus approach to avoid leaving communities stranded which could be an option here if the long term temp lights are causing the havoc quoted.

Can't argue with that, tbf. 

One thing we don't want to see on the social media pages of Northstar are members of staff being over-defensive to the point of taking complaints personally. This encourages trolling and the last thing we need is the return of the 'characters'.

(08 Apr 2026, 5:29 pm)Clifton Hignett III wrote Can't argue with that, tbf. 

One thing we don't want to see on the social media pages of Northstar are members of staff being over-defensive to the point of taking complaints personally. This encourages trolling and the last thing we need is the return of the 'characters'.

Clifford and Hignett have nothing on the Northstar fan boys!
Just looked at the page and I reckon they would pounce on any characters like some sort of vicious WWE tag team. Or something.

(08 Apr 2026, 5:29 pm)Clifton Hignett III wrote Can't argue with that, tbf. 

One thing we don't want to see on the social media pages of Northstar are members of staff being over-defensive to the point of taking complaints personally. This encourages trolling and the last thing we need is the return of the 'characters'.

Seems said comments and Northstar replies have been deleted now - probably a sensible move

(08 Apr 2026, 9:48 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Seems said comments and Northstar replies have been deleted now - probably a sensible move

Perhaps said complainant decided to be a bit more amicable and got in touch directly.

Anyway - yes - it is no secret that there have been a great deal of issues since handover of the contract from Stagecoach. That is evident from bustimes data. Optics are of course that the operator is to blame, and Northstar sadly faces a considerable amount of backlash and reputational damage caused by factors outside of its control.

Most customers have calmed down now, and staff are being subject to a lot less abuse despite punctuality still being far from where it needs to be.

Fascinating what a change of operator unearths. Many of Stagecoach’s drivers have been quick to respond on Northstar social media posts to say it has been an awful route for timekeeping for some time.

I am sure every effort will be being made to protect the fantastic reputation Northstar has…