(28 Mar 2026, 1:15 pm)LVK 404L wrote Popped across at lunchtime to see what's happening

838 on a tour of Shields (on it myself)
248 on another tour (didn't manage a ride)
669 on static display

Stagecoach NE driver trainer 36367 also in attendance. Good call by SNE for prospective applicants

First event which can only expand on future. Small number of vehicles but could get bigger, no reason why not.

Tour I was on, went from Market via Commercial Road to High Shields, Laygate Lane through to Chichester.  Dean Road past the SNE depot . Barnes Road and Western Approach to Tyne Dock. Commercial Road back to Market

Full bus on this tour and noticed the other 248 returning from tour also full and standing.

The public is definitely there for the events and as said this can be expanded.

I'm considering becoming a member of NEBPT, in my 'real life', I am an event manager and can probably assist with this type of thing in many ways.

Also a good use of the market area, and generate interest from passengers arriving from North Shields albeit via 585 as opposed to Ferry.

Also nice to see the drivers of SNE and GNE wave at our driver whilst on route, camaraderie still exists out there

Good work NEBPT and interesting to see how this expands.

 
Was pleasantly surprised how busy the runs were as well.  There were running three different routes with 48 and 838.  669 was a base for the team and sold various NEBPT items.  Not sure why they oly managed to get the two operating runs in the end, having previously aimed for three - there seemed decent numbers of NEBPT staff and volunteers.  Also a bit of a shame buses with stronger SS heritage couldn't have been used, like 218 and 268 (admittedly 838 operated for Shields twice in Busways years but is very much a Sunderland bus).

Seemed to be a real mix of families with kids, and spotters.

Dont think it was a great idea having a radio station broadcasting from the back of 838 on the runs - intrusive for those who just want to enjoy the ride, and taking up space that could have easily been filled.  Would have made more sense for the radio station to be with the static exhibit, to me, drumming up interest from passers by rather than spoiling the run for those already on the bus.