(15 Nov 2025, 11:52 pm)PH - BQA wrote It's wild to say that the 308 isn't picking up from Newcastle to North Tyneside Hospital.
Almost every time I've used it, it's picked up at Corner House, most slip road stops (including Silverlink), and then through Billy Mill. Even if they weren't picking huge amounts up at those stops, they leave Newcastle Haymarket with decent loads on almost every trip and also pick up again at St. Mary's Place, Sandyford, and Cradlewell.
You missed the really there, it's nowhere near the numbers of something like the 64 does, especially at Christmas time, which could leave the Arnison with a full load, then pick another massive load up at Durham, and pick another healthy load heading back to the Arnison if it's the case of the short runs in the time of a 308 board.
If it was as profitable as some people think it is, why would you give up the corridor to GoNorthEast and enter a partnership with a 25% frequency reduction at the same time? Not to mention the fares are nearly half the price (literally) of something like the X10/X11/X21/X22 which have similar loads.
(16 Nov 2025, 12:20 am)PH - BQA wrote 100+ buses within one financial year is exceptionally good going.
Rough maths:
19x E400s (57/58/09-plates)
15x DB300s (59-plates)
14x E200s (72-plates)
81x Pulsars (09/59/10-plates)
Seem to be the most likely candidates (or have been confirmed as) for replacement (E200s to another division?). Given the 61-plate Pulsars are in a hell of a state (particularly the MX61 batch), I wonder if some of the repainted/refurbished ex-Merseyside 09/59/10-plates may stay longer in place of the interurban examples.
Out of interest, are the Evoras only for Tees Valley or is there a large number of those due also?
6x B9TL's I wouldn't be surprised to go either, with them heading to Kent or wherever to join their sister vehicles. They're going to be an awkward microfleet otherwise. Also remember that the Temsa's need to be replaced still aswell as they've been withdrawn by temporary cuts to the 63.