(24 Aug 2022, 6:18 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote I've always thought Not in Service buses could be utilised for once each way services. With regards to Arriva operating the 808 my point was they a based in Blyth, like Phoenix, but at Haymarket Phoenix stand out amongst the Arriva buses, so Arriva could operate it and compliment the 47 (Fenham) and reintroduce a service in Cowgate albeit limited. They have a scholars route from Great Park to Benwell via Cowgate, so not miles from where they operate, although Otterburn would be a bit further don't Arriva serve West Woodburn already?
Be interesting to see if Phoenix keep it for the long term and bizarre it was rerouted through Fenham duplicating other services when they were awarded it.
One thing to note about the 808 is that it's a Northumberland County Council supported service rather than one from Nexus due to the areas it runs to/from which aren't renewed as often as Nexus contracts are so Phoenix are likely to continue running it for a while yet.
Buses for the 808 are generally outstationed at Howard Snaith's depot which saves on dead milage at the start/end of the day.