(31 Jul 2013, 8:55 pm)CatsFast101 wrote Are there vehicles planned for the X7? I for one are hoping there is some sort of new buses planned, the Renowns aren't coping the route. Northern spares, yes okay. Quick, reliable, fast, express service, they ain't. There is constant break downs, which if they are not careful will put passengers off- I for one will sometimes just use the 60 if going Sunderland-Seaham if the X7 is more than 8-10 minutes late despite the X7 been 15 minutes quicker and I can't be the only one and again in Peterlee people will prefer the X9 to the X7 because the buses are bit more 'up class' to use a better term. So it will impact loadings if problems continue.

I would like to see the X7 get the 4 Solars from the OK1, then this new Hexham service (is it confirmed, was there a VOSA registration?) get spare Solars that are lying about, but I personally can't see this Hexham service lasting anyways (personal opinion). I mean once the StreetLites arrive Deptford have 5 Versas 'spare', wonder where they'll end up? Could any service end up the soon 'spare' Washington street Shuttle MPDs?

Do we have a date when Streetlites, Ciatro's and Versas are due?

I believe there was a vosa registration further back it was posted on here

(01 Aug 2013, 7:12 am)danpick wrote

(31 Jul 2013, 8:55 pm)CatsFast101 wrote Are there vehicles planned for the X7? I for one are hoping there is some sort of new buses planned, the Renowns aren't coping the route. Northern spares, yes okay. Quick, reliable, fast, express service, they ain't. There is constant break downs, which if they are not careful will put passengers off- I for one will sometimes just use the 60 if going Sunderland-Seaham if the X7 is more than 8-10 minutes late despite the X7 been 15 minutes quicker and I can't be the only one and again in Peterlee people will prefer the X9 to the X7 because the buses are bit more 'up class' to use a better term. So it will impact loadings if problems continue.

I would like to see the X7 get the 4 Solars from the OK1, then this new Hexham service (is it confirmed, was there a VOSA registration?) get spare Solars that are lying about, but I personally can't see this Hexham service lasting anyways (personal opinion). I mean once the StreetLites arrive Deptford have 5 Versas 'spare', wonder where they'll end up? Could any service end up the soon 'spare' Washington street Shuttle MPDs?

Do we have a date when Streetlites, Ciatro's and Versas are due?

I believe there was a vosa registration further back it was posted on here

OK1 ends on 8 August, so the '55'-reg Solars will move any day from the 9th.

(01 Aug 2013, 7:59 am)BJ10VUS wrote

(01 Aug 2013, 7:12 am)danpick wrote

(31 Jul 2013, 8:55 pm)CatsFast101 wrote Are there vehicles planned for the X7? I for one are hoping there is some sort of new buses planned, the Renowns aren't coping the route. Northern spares, yes okay. Quick, reliable, fast, express service, they ain't. There is constant break downs, which if they are not careful will put passengers off- I for one will sometimes just use the 60 if going Sunderland-Seaham if the X7 is more than 8-10 minutes late despite the X7 been 15 minutes quicker and I can't be the only one and again in Peterlee people will prefer the X9 to the X7 because the buses are bit more 'up class' to use a better term. So it will impact loadings if problems continue.

I would like to see the X7 get the 4 Solars from the OK1, then this new Hexham service (is it confirmed, was there a VOSA registration?) get spare Solars that are lying about, but I personally can't see this Hexham service lasting anyways (personal opinion). I mean once the StreetLites arrive Deptford have 5 Versas 'spare', wonder where they'll end up? Could any service end up the soon 'spare' Washington street Shuttle MPDs?

Do we have a date when Streetlites, Ciatro's and Versas are due?

I believe there was a vosa registration further back it was posted on here

OK1 ends on 8 August, so the '55'-reg Solars will move any day from the 9th.

10th
Possible they'll move over on Sunday, but I reckon they'll wait until Monday if heading straight to Saltmeadows.

(01 Aug 2013, 8:01 am)Daniel wrote 10th
Possible they'll move over on Sunday, but I reckon they'll wait until Monday if heading straight to Saltmeadows.

Easily confused
I imagine they'll wait until Monday.

Looks like 3859 & 3869 are going to the Metro replacement as both have had luggage racks fitted. 3859 on 34A and 3869 on 50 today.

I can't see Chester le Street withdrawing the DAF's until w/c 19th August as the A1 roadworks X21 runs until 16th and they have the 500, 501 and 502 from 9th to 13th. These additional routes combined with metro work will be challenging until 16th August.

Deptford B10BLE 4914 is on the X7 today, working the 1010 from Middlesbrough.

''Cats Fast'' 4976 made a rare appearance on the 56 today, as seen here. Also, 564 was back in service on the 27X today, as seen here

(01 Aug 2013, 3:57 pm)W179SCU wrote ''Cats Fast'' 4976 made a rare appearance on the 56 today, as seen here. Also, 564 was back in service on the 27X today, as seen here

yay they've got the right bus and a bus that actually has the proper 27X desty

(01 Aug 2013, 3:57 pm)W179SCU wrote ''Cats Fast'' 4976 made a rare appearance on the 56 today, as seen here.

Not relevant to the odd working itself, but rather about the brand design. That's why I dislike the "Fast Cats" design - naturally it reads 'Cats Fast' for me, because 'Cats' is placed above 'Fast'. I know we read left to right, but I read things from top to bottom too, so it's a little confusing.
Anyone else noticed that?

(01 Aug 2013, 4:13 pm)danpick wrote

(01 Aug 2013, 3:57 pm)W179SCU wrote ''Cats Fast'' 4976 made a rare appearance on the 56 today, as seen here. Also, 564 was back in service on the 27X today, as seen here

yay they've got the right bus and a bus that actually has the proper 27X desty

All vehicles (based at Saltmeadows at least) should have the proper destination display now. It was only the one day where it didn't, and I understand a complaint or two may have been made about it.

Waggonway DAF 4987 on the Lime 78 left Chester le Street for Consett at 16.30

Yeah, thought it was just me with the Cats Fast X35!
Poor design, especially when it isn't a Cat nor is it Fast.

I think they should redesign it and give it the black cats brand, in similar style to trent barton/felix black cats design.

8223 on today's 0911 departure from Wrekenton now behind schedule as the driver has gone to Greggs to get himself some of those yummy 5p coins in exchange for some £10 notes. Yee haw!

(02 Aug 2013, 8:29 am)the pilot wrote 8223 on today's 0911 departure from Wrekenton now behind schedule as the driver has gone to Greggs to get himself some of those yummy 5p coins in exchange for some £10 notes. Yee haw!

Did they give him the change straight away or did he have to buy a pasty first?

East Durham 543 on 99

It should be the passengers going into Greggs to buy a pasty with their £10 note so they can use the change to give the driver the exact fare.

(02 Aug 2013, 8:44 am)the pilot wrote East Durham 543 on 99

Forgot to note this the other day, but 543 was at Saltmeadows for maintenance. Shocked she's back so soon, expected that she'd be there for a while.

Bus Stand Changes at Heworth for customers travelling to Washington
A number of bus stand changes take place with effect from Sunday 11 August at Heworth Metro Interchange.

Read more: http://www.simplygo.com/news/bus-stand-c...washington

3981 on 26

Double dose of 'Northern' B7TLs in Bishop Auckland today, with 6019 on the 18 and 6038 on OK1.

EDIT: Trident 3873 and 'OK Expressway' Sxania 5232 are both on the X21, 3873 being the 1204 from Bishop and 5232 being the 1234.

(01 Aug 2013, 4:14 pm)Daniel wrote

(01 Aug 2013, 3:57 pm)W179SCU wrote ''Cats Fast'' 4976 made a rare appearance on the 56 today, as seen here.

Not relevant to the odd working itself, but rather about the brand design. That's why I dislike the "Fast Cats" design - naturally it reads 'Cats Fast' for me, because 'Cats' is placed above 'Fast'. I know we read left to right, but I read things from top to bottom too, so it's a little confusing.
Anyone else noticed that?

(01 Aug 2013, 4:13 pm)danpick wrote

(01 Aug 2013, 3:57 pm)W179SCU wrote ''Cats Fast'' 4976 made a rare appearance on the 56 today, as seen here. Also, 564 was back in service on the 27X today, as seen here

yay they've got the right bus and a bus that actually has the proper 27X desty

All vehicles (based at Saltmeadows at least) should have the proper destination display now. It was only the one day where it didn't, and I understand a complaint or two may have been made about it.

Indeed - as Gateshead-based SB120 8262 is on the 27X today, only showing 'Go North East'. 564 meanwhile is working for Gateshead on the 27.

(02 Aug 2013, 2:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Indeed - as Gateshead-based SB120 8262 is on the 27X today, only showing 'Go North East'. 564 meanwhile is working for Gateshead on the 27.

Come rush hour it's going to be fun when it's jam packed!

They really ought to add the 27X display to all Gateshead and Saltmeadows Road buses, as things will get confusing at Heworth and on Sunderland Road.

(02 Aug 2013, 2:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Indeed - as Gateshead-based SB120 8262 is on the 27X today, only showing 'Go North East'. 564 meanwhile is working for Gateshead on the 27.

Please tell me there is a paper destination...

(02 Aug 2013, 2:49 pm)Daniel wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 2:34 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Indeed - as Gateshead-based SB120 8262 is on the 27X today, only showing 'Go North East'. 564 meanwhile is working for Gateshead on the 27.

Please tell me there is a paper destination...

No, there isn't.

564 isn't the only peak-time crusher - 544 is on the 56, just arriving in Gateshead now heading into Newcastle.

(02 Aug 2013, 3:51 pm)Kuyoyo wrote 564 isn't the only peak-time crusher - 544 is on the 56, just arriving in Gateshead now heading into Newcastle.

564 is reported to have broken down at Hebburn at some point today, and was subsequently replaced by 8265. Not sure how long it stayed on, if you report 8262 to be on there now.
Likewise, 5311 is reported to have broken down at Gateshead police station lights, again replaced by 544.

3943 on the W5 Today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/9421232627/

Photo 2 of 3943
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/9421233109/

I believe this is 3rd time in the past few weeks there has been a Red Arrows Gemini on the Washington Street Shuttle Services, must be some serious problems with the South Tyne Cadets on the 88/88A as there is always atleast 3 or 4 WSS MPD's on the 88/88A

(02 Aug 2013, 4:07 pm)Daniel wrote

(02 Aug 2013, 3:51 pm)Kuyoyo wrote 564 isn't the only peak-time crusher - 544 is on the 56, just arriving in Gateshead now heading into Newcastle.

564 is reported to have broken down at Hebburn at some point today, and was subsequently replaced by 8265. Not sure how long it stayed on, if you report 8262 to be on there now.
Likewise, 5311 is reported to have broken down at Gateshead police station lights, again replaced by 544.

The person who posted it on Bazza's group has changed his mind and said 8262 this time :p

(02 Aug 2013, 4:36 pm)Daniel wrote 564 is reported to have broken down at Hebburn at some point today, and was subsequently replaced by 8265.

564 was on the 1931 from Heworth, the service which terminates at Gateshead.