(10 May 2026, 7:44 pm)Dan wrote A Sprinter:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GxAHTd...tid=wwXIfr

Any pics, I'm not on Facebook

(10 May 2026, 8:38 pm)Retro Nero wrote Any pics, I'm not on Facebook

Neither am I.

I went for the 520 today and it was running 43 seconds late. The driver was too friendly and was delaying the service by saying hello to every pensioner who got on. I think he was after their bingo winnings.

Nah in all seriousness, I photoed the 520 today, the vehicle looks smart and Lee looked as if he was enjoying himself, though that might be that his sanity might have departed as at the time of photoing, he would have already done 11 round trips or so between Houghton and Fencehouses.

(11 May 2026, 9:37 pm)Rapidsnap wrote I went for the 520 today and it was running 43 seconds late. The driver was too friendly and was delaying the service by saying hello to every pensioner who got on. I think he was after their bingo winnings.

Disgraceful. Call Nexus, call the Police, call in the SAS!

(11 May 2026, 9:37 pm)Rapidsnap wrote I went for the 520 today and it was running 43 seconds late. The driver was too friendly and was delaying the service by saying hello to every pensioner who got on. I think he was after their bingo winnings.

Nah in all seriousness, I photoed the 520 today, the vehicle looks smart and Lee looked as if he was enjoying himself, though that might be that his sanity might have departed as at the time of photoing, he would have already done 11 round trips or so between Houghton and Fencehouses.

When the 59 ran on a Sunday, the driver of that always looked like he was having a jolly good time. I think some genuinely enjoy a route where you get to know all the regulars and don't routinely have to deal with the likes of the two obvious 30 somethings who got all arsey when the driver asked for ID when they wanted under 21 tickets on the X21 we were on, last week.

Photo of Northstar number 11 on service 520 heading back to Houghton from the Peoples Republic of Fencehouses.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...5263470097

I do love the Northstar livery, it seems to suit whatever bus it is applied to

https://northstarbus.co.uk/news/article.php?id=45

(5 hours ago)Nerd4321 wrote https://northstarbus.co.uk/news/article.php?id=45

A ticket to County Durham's key attractions
Three new bus services are launching across County Durham to help visitors and residents explore its key attractions.

Three new bus services are launching across County Durham to help visitors and residents explore its key attractions.
The Durham Explorer services will run on weekends and bank holidays between 23 May and 31 August this year.
Each service will connect Durham City to a range of visitor destinations including Locomotion; Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens; Beamish, The Living Museum of the North; The Auckland Project; Raby Castle, Park and Gardens; The Bowes Museum; and High Force Waterfall; with many venues also offering discounts to those who arrive by bus.
The services have been funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, to help make bus travel more affordable and attractive for both local people and visitors. The Mayor’s Fares will apply with a single adult journey costing just £2.50 and people aged 21 and under travelling for £1.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, high streets, tourism and regeneration, said: "We can’t wait to see these three new routes up and running, helping people to explore more of what our fabulous county has to offer. Whether it’s historic market towns, peaceful countryside or top visitor destinations, all can be easily accessed through these services.
"It’s a great option for residents looking for family days out and we also hope it will attract more visitors to the county, who will stay for longer to explore the area’s many attractions. This will no doubt help to supercharge our economy and encourage repeat visits to both County Durham and the wider north east."
The new Durham Explorer buses, operated by Northstar, are:
The Durham Dales Explorer (873) which runs from Durham City to The Auckland Project; Raby Castle, Park and Gardens; Barnard Castle; The Bowes Museum and High Force Waterfall.
The Time Traveller line (874) from Durham City to Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens; and Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.
The Tracks Through Time line (875) from Durham City to Shildon and Locomotion.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “County Durham has so much to offer, from brilliant attractions to stunning countryside, and these new bus routes make it easier for people to enjoy great days out without needing to rely on a car.
“I’m delighted we at the strategic mayoral authority have been able to fund them, helping more families, residents and visitors explore what our region has to offer, support local tourism and enjoy simpler travel by bus.”
Bethany Jackson, head of audiences at Ushaw, said: “At Ushaw, we’re delighted to be part of the new The Time Traveller line bus route. Improving sustainable and accessible travel is incredibly important to us, and this new service creates more opportunities for local residents and visitors alike to discover everything our historic estate offers, including our house, chapels, gardens, exhibitions and vibrant events programme.
“We look forward to welcoming even more people to Ushaw this summer and to working alongside other fantastic attractions across County Durham to showcase the very best of our region.”
All buses have accessible access, with dogs also allowed on board.
An adult day ticket is also available in County Durham for £6, allowing unlimited bus travel, while passengers can also purchase a regionwide adult day ticket for bus and Metro travel for £7.50. A regionwide day ticket for young people costs £3.
Children under 11 can also travel without charge during the school holidays as part of the Kids Go Free initiative, offering travel at no cost for up to three children when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or a concessionary pass holder.


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(5 hours ago)Nerd4321 wrote https://northstarbus.co.uk/news/article.php?id=45

Bit weird that they start on Saturday but bus times TBC

(4 hours ago)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Bit weird that they start on Saturday but bus times TBC

This weekend is the bank Holiday weekend and start of half term.

(4 hours ago)stagecoachbusdepot wrote Bit weird that they start on Saturday but bus times TBC

The timetables are now available on the Northstar website, and have been on Durham CC site for a little while.