(20 Jul 2024, 8:46 pm)Shrek wrote When I was working at the Freeman, I'm sure I remember hearing that Arriva only had the contract for the 553 for another year. If that's the case, then it would make sense that maybe Arriva won't be running it from September if either they've decided to walk away, or the Hospital Trust has found a cheaper option.
I think it could be possible that they might look to tag the 47 onto the end of the 44 route. Supposedly they need to make sure the new electric buses are on the routes they were funded for, so that would make sense if they have to make changes to boards for that. I think there is 0% chance the 44 will be rerouted to take on the 553 route though.
Ah, okay. Thanks for that. So the NHS 553 branded Pulsar 1499 will be repainted into Journey Mark? Presumably the 553 route will continue to exist, possibly as the 653.
I thought Arriva had already sorted out the 43/44/45/47 interworking pattern for the new electric buses to go on those boards when they arrive. Been interworking for a while. Just merge the 44/47 routes so the 44 will run between Newcastle General Hospital and Dinnington? 43 and 45 will interwork with the 44 still? New BZLs for this group of services? Coming Spring next year?