Buses queuing to get in and out of Gateshead.

Have GNE considered Prince Consort as a diversion during these works?

Green Arrow 4947 looks to have a minor rtc on Wellington Street and currently facing wrong way into traffic

6301 at the launch today: https://flic.kr/p/EEMmDQ

Go North East

Philadelphia Lane is closed in both directions between Philadelphia and Newbottle. All buses diverted via Coaley Lane, The Beehive, Blind Lane and Success Road in both directions. Stops in Newbottle and Philadelphia Lane will be un-served at this time. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

(01 Mar 2016, 1:04 pm)Adrian wrote 6301 at the launch today: https://flic.kr/p/EEMmDQ

Shiny.

I didn't make it up to the market place - knackered and needed to get home for a rest as I still need to go pick littl'un up from school. Will have to say hello to it on Saturday with big'un.

(01 Mar 2016, 1:49 pm)BusLoverMum wrote Shiny.

I didn't make it up to the market place - knackered and needed to get home for a rest as I still need to go pick littl'un up from school. Will have to say hello to it on Saturday with big'un.

They look really smart if I'm honest. They're really nice inside too, and they were letting people on when I was there. The tables are a nice addition, and they actually have a proper seat at the back, rather than that moulded rubbish.

Who will be at Newcastle one ?

As soon as the Streetdecks enter service on the X21 will 9119 immanently go back to a demo role else where?

Or will it stay in the North East and go on another service?

Did anyone ask at the launch whether they would be out by the 5th?

(01 Mar 2016, 3:44 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Did anyone ask at the launch whether they would be out by the 5th?

I doubt it, given that there is a launch at Bishop Auckland on Saturday 5th, and therefore one bus will be in attendance, meaning one would be missing from the PVR. Also, as with previous promotional events, all launches have taken place before the new vehicles have entered service. I'd have thought Monday 7th would be the day they'll enter service.

(29 Feb 2016, 4:54 pm)citaro5284 wrote no, its well down the list

Oh, it least you are aware

(01 Mar 2016, 1:04 pm)Adrian wrote 6301 at the launch today: https://flic.kr/p/EEMmDQ

They look very smart indeed. Nice shot too.

(01 Mar 2016, 3:44 pm)Jackamcardle wrote Did anyone ask at the launch whether they would be out by the 5th?

They're entering service on Monday 7th March.

Thought the launch in Market Place was very amateurish. Metro Radio chap making cheap jokes at expense of balloon artist (who was doing nothing but making silly/childish gestures back) Seemed more of a private party weighted toward Metro Radio, playing music so loud I couldn't understand/hear costumed lady handing out bags, who had to refer to GNE personnel sitting down away from the "noise", then came back still unaware of date of service commencement, any special promotional fares, or links with Metro for Airport passengers! - None of the male GNE staff seemed interested to help her, or make an effort to get up from distant seat,, to approach me and other members of the public. Other staff in costumes werre larking about to the tones of Metro Radio chap/"DJ?!" Main comment coming over sound system which drowned out any sensible conversation then referred to there were only 18 cups of coffee left (at approx. 2.30pm) - Why not get some more cups?! Plenty of people doing nothing, so someone could have got some paper cups - Summing up Poor effort, Very Amateurish, Bad Planning, Not consumer friendly event.
Only My opinion though!

(01 Mar 2016, 5:31 pm)Venturego wrote Thought the launch in Market Place was very amateurish. Metro Radio chap making cheap jokes at expense of balloon artist (who was doing nothing but making silly gestures) Seemed more of a private party weighted toward Metro Radio, playing music so loud I couldn't understand/hear lady handing out bags, who had to refer to GNE personnel sitting down away from the "noise", then came back still unaware of service commencement, any special promotional fares, or links with Metro for Airport passengers! - Main comment coming over sound system which drowned out any sensible conversation then referred to there were only 18 cups of coffee left (at approx. 2.30pm) - Why not get some more cups?! Plenty of people doing nothing, so someone could have got some paper cups - Summing up Poor effort, Very Amateurish, Bad Planning, Not consumer friendly event.
Only My opinion though!

I hate seeing this at the promotional events. Just provides unnecessary noise pollution. If anything, somebody blaring music at full volume would drive me away.

(01 Mar 2016, 5:34 pm)R852 PRG wrote I hate seeing this at the promotional events. Just provides unnecessary noise pollution. If anything, somebody blaring music at full volume would drive me away.

I was trying to talk to people at the event, even though they were stood right next to me, I couldn't hear them!

(01 Mar 2016, 5:50 pm)Jimmi wrote I was trying to talk to people at the event, even though they were stood right next to me, I couldn't hear them!

I attempted to make a phone call and I couldn't hear the bloody dialling tones!

Oh, and whatever happened to the "selfie bus" and the stress balls that used to be at the launches?

(01 Mar 2016, 5:55 pm)GX03 SVC wrote Oh, and whatever happened to the "selfie bus" and the stress balls that used to be at the launches?

Withdrawn from service due to a break down...

I think it is rather good that the staff were making silly gestures (providing they were appropriate) - it would certainly give a happy feel to the whole thing rather than it being all boring and serious making it, in my opinion, less consumer friendly. 

They also do not have an endless supply of drinks. If they run out of drinks because it turns out to be more popular than expected, then thats just how it goes, not as simple as getting some more cups

(01 Mar 2016, 6:00 pm)S813 FVK wrote I think it is rather good that the staff were making silly gestures (providing they were appropriate) - it would certainly give a happy feel to the whole thing rather than it being all boring and serious making it, in my opinion, less consumer friendly. 

They also do not have an endless supply of drinks. If they run out of drinks because it turns out to be more popular than expected, then thats just how it goes, not as simple as getting some more cups

Yes - these events are all a bit light-hearted and fun. The comments made by the DJ about the balloon-maker and how he could make just about.. anything.. got quite a few laughs from passers-by, and certainly enticed people closer to the bus, and put the DJ's claims to the test! Not sure about anyone else, but I thought his attempt at a jester hat was quite good!

This obviously allowed the Go North East staff and promotional team present to talk to these people, give them some information about the new buses and minor timetable revisions coming into effect from Saturday, and then offer them a goody-bag and an opportunity for a free cuppa.

I was only there until 12, but everyone seemed happy enough until that point... I want to see all of your buses nicely coloured in, mind! No going over the lines!

It's the folks from Metro Radio that tend to go on like idiots. If I were promoting GNE launches, I'd do my utmost to distance myself from them, as I don't think they offer anything to it. It'd be cheap enough to purchase or hire their own PA system, if they wanted to speak at volume to people.

If anyone is interested, the packs included:
- An X21 timetable.
- A 'Castles Express' promotional leaflet, explaining the features of the bus, and the castles on the overleaf (Auckland, Durham, Lumley and Newcastle).
- A net of the Castles express livery
- A pack of crayons to colour the said net in (or eat them in some cases!)

Re: The Coffee. This seemed to be going quite fast, but it was more to do with Metro Radio pushing it as free coffee, rather than "come and hear about our services, and enjoy a free coffee whilst you do so". The latter is probably a better way to pitch it, as it ended up just giving free coffee to people with no interest.

I didn't ask any questions about fares or anything whilst there, but I'm quite surprised the packs given out didn't include anything. Perhaps a list of fare options would have been a better leaflet than explaining the castles, given that you're promoting a service to directly compete with Arriva's #6 Sapphire service?

Just my thoughts.

Question for dan or citaro, are the v reg ex london B7s dda compliant?

Although the NSA's on the Connections4 are brilliant, very well presented. They are extremely loud, a couple got off and told the driver.

(01 Mar 2016, 6:15 pm)wise owl wrote Question for dan or citaro, are the v reg ex london B7s dda compliant?

Ye, all of them are DDA.

Only the Lolyne's and Olympian's are none DDA in the GNE fleet and must be withdrawn by 1.117.

5213 is showing STOP on the dashboard...

(01 Mar 2016, 6:15 pm)wise owl wrote Question for dan or citaro, are the v reg ex london B7s dda compliant?

I think they are DDA.

(01 Mar 2016, 6:15 pm)wise owl wrote Question for dan or citaro, are the v reg ex london B7s dda compliant?

On the topic of these:

I had 6030 last night and I have to say, it really wasn't that bad. Just a shame the idiots I was sitting with decided to steal the newspaper I almost started to read (it was on the floor) and ripped it up leaving a lovely mess. Apologies to the cleaners (although I'm sure they've cleaned worse).

(01 Mar 2016, 6:23 pm)S813 FVK wrote On the topic of these:

I had 6030 last night and I have to say, it really wasn't that bad. Just a shame the idiots I was sitting with decided to steal the newspaper I almost started to read (it was on the floor) and ripped it up leaving a lovely mess. Apologies to the cleaners (although I'm sure they've cleaned worse).

Can remember one time a few years ago, everybody downstairs started smacking each other with newspapers on 3865. We had the same driver every night on the 885, and the next afternoon, he sat with all of the newspapers in the cab with him, haha.

(01 Mar 2016, 6:23 pm)idiot wrote 5213 is showing STOP on the dashboard...

Generally, it shows the driver to stop at the next bus stop as the bell has been pushed...