(09 Nov 2016, 3:39 pm)a718abb wrote Is this really what this forum has resorted to? Criticism of the drivers knowledge of the route and of the fact that he or she was struggling with a mechanically difficult bus . This is not bus enthusiasm, which is what I thought this forum was all about . Try driving a difficult bus on a strange route.

No it hasn't, doesn't mean all of us think the same because someone else said it.

(09 Nov 2016, 10:24 am)Michael wrote Which MPD will it replace?

I'm sure I seen 547 lurking about on the 33 on Saturday, Despite it being listed as Withdrawn in the Fleet List.
It could be that?

Go North East: 5248 / NK56KHU looks smart in the new livery

https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrah...otostream/

(09 Nov 2016, 3:39 pm)a718abb wrote Is this really what this forum has resorted to? Criticism of the drivers knowledge of the route and of the fact that he or she was struggling with a mechanically difficult bus . This is not bus enthusiasm, which is what I thought this forum was all about . Try driving a difficult bus on a strange route.

No I didn't I just think he should've reporeported the bus to control

(09 Nov 2016, 4:09 pm)Michael wrote No it hasn't, doesn't mean all of us think the same because someone else said it.

I think we are all agreed on that

(09 Nov 2016, 10:39 am)Michael wrote What snow? [emoji14]

Consett snow, a fair amount of it and more due.

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In my experience, the Dewentside area has it's own seperate weather system compared to the rest of the North East.

(09 Nov 2016, 5:56 pm)GMitchelhill wrote In my experience, the Dewentside area has it's own seperate weather system compared to the rest of the North East.

Snowed in august once.

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(09 Nov 2016, 5:56 pm)GMitchelhill wrote In my experience, the Dewentside area has it's own seperate weather system compared to the rest of the North East.

Coupled with lots of hills (up and  down).
Many's the time when West Auckland to Allensford (including Consett to Shotley Bridge) is a no-go route because of snow (though not nearly so much as during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s (though I guess 2010 would have been bad - we even had it down in the Tyne Valley).

Wonder if the Scania' allocated to the 38 will be repainted the same "Red" as the Solo SR's and the Scania's, allowing it to join the proposed brand.

(10 Nov 2016, 12:13 pm)Michael wrote Wonder if the Scania' allocated to the 38 will be repainted the same "Red" as the Solo SR's and the Scania's, allowing it to join the proposed brand.

I added it into my mock up of what the brand might look like I just hope GNE have a better brand design then the one I made.

(09 Nov 2016, 7:51 pm)G-CPTN wrote Coupled with lots of hills (up and  down).
Many's the time when West Auckland to Allensford (including Consett to Shotley Bridge) is a no-go route because of snow (though not nearly so much as during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s (though I guess 2010 would have been bad - we even had it down in the Tyne Valley).

It's not just the snow.  Cars from the hilly side streets get parked on the main drag which means gritters - and buses - find it very difficult to get through.  Benfieldside Road can be a nightmare after a fall of snow.

I made this yesterday and yes I know I don't have a life

---

 

605 is still busy at Washington and was in use on the 5 and 50, those who are on my facebook will have seen the photo of it in South Shields.

Also Crusader Citaro 5315 was involved in a minor accident with a car in Chichester this afternoon, just some scratching to the front of the bus and damage to a car door.

Also had the pleasure of Volvo Olympian 3830 on the 6.

(11 Nov 2016, 1:49 am)GMitchelhill wrote 605 is still busy at Washington and was in use on the 5 and 50, those who are on my facebook will have seen the photo of it in South Shields.

Also Crusader Citaro 5315 was involved in a minor accident with a car in Chichester this afternoon, just some scratching to the front of the bus and damage to a car door.

Also had the pleasure of Volvo Olympian 3830 on the 6.

It will remain at Washington until 705 enters service.

How far are 698,699,700 entering service, seems like they've been like here ages.

Along with the remaining Brighton and Hove Omnidekka's.

(11 Nov 2016, 9:53 am)Michael wrote How far are 698,699,700 entering service, seems like they've been like here ages.

Along with the remaining Brighton and Hove Omnidekka's.

698 is now at Deptford for inspection and PSV prior to entry into service. The PSV test will take place next Thursday, so possibly ready to enter service by Friday providing all other preparation for service has been completed. Neither 699 nor 700 have been repainted yet.

6141 had its seats re-trimmed earlier this week, and has now arrived at Washington for inspection. 6142 is still having some final preparation for service completed at Washington, following inspection. 6144 is at Percy Main but needs to have its modified seating layout certified by the DVSA prior to entering service.

6143 was being prepared for repaint earlier this week. Neither 6145 nor 6146 have been repainted yet.

(11 Nov 2016, 10:09 am)Dan wrote 698 is now at Deptford for inspection and PSV prior to entry into service. The PSV test will take place next Thursday, so possibly ready to enter service by Friday providing all other preparation for service has been completed. Neither 699 nor 700 have been repainted yet.

6141 had its seats re-trimmed earlier this week, and has now arrived at Washington for inspection. 6142 is still having some final preparation for service completed at Washington, following inspection. 6144 is at Percy Main but needs to have its modified seating layout certified by the DVSA prior to entering service.

6143 was being prepared for repaint earlier this week. Neither 6145 nor 6146 have been repainted yet.

Seem to be taking ages, i know they want to do it right and that but do they only paint 1 bus at a time? haha

Hopefully rest of the Solo's from Thames Travel arrive soon too, even more painting for SM!

(11 Nov 2016, 10:11 am)Michael wrote Seem to be taking ages, i know they want to do it right and that but do they only paint 1 bus at a time? haha

Hopefully rest of the Solo's from Thames Travel arrive soon too, even more painting for SM!

Yes - the team of painters at Saltmeadows Road can only paint one bus at a time. Several can be prepared for repaint at any one time depending on other work which needs to be done - 699 is visible in the photograph below having been sanded down prior to repaint. I would imagine repainting 699 and 700 will be treated as a low priority as it is more urgent to get 6143, 6145 and 6146 in service (due to the non-DDA double-decks they will replace needing to be out of service by 31st December 2016).

Go North East: 0556 / NK53TKU by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

I believe the four remaining Solo SRs (691 - 694) are due to be delivered to Go North East next week, and again, these are likely to be treated as a greater priority than 699 and 700.

(11 Nov 2016, 10:23 am)Dan wrote Yes - the team of painters at Saltmeadows Road can only paint one bus at a time. Several can be prepared for repaint at any one time depending on other work which needs to be done - 699 is visible in the photograph below having been sanded down prior to repaint. I would imagine repainting 699 and 700 will be treated as a low priority as it is more urgent to get 6143, 6145 and 6146 in service (due to the non-DDA double-decks they will replace needing to be out of service by 31st December 2016).

Go North East: 0556 / NK53TKU by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

I believe the four remaining Solo SRs (691 - 694) are due to be delivered to Go North East next week, and again, these are likely to be treated as a greater priority than 699 and 700.

Ah right, shame they can't do more than one.


Ah cool, what about 697 (YJ59 NNH), has that arrived yet?

(11 Nov 2016, 10:26 am)Michael wrote Ah right, shame they can't do more than one.

Ah cool, what about 697 (YJ59 NNH), has that arrived yet?

No - 697 isn't planned to arrive until early next year.

(11 Nov 2016, 10:26 am)Dan wrote No - 697 isn't planned to arrive until early next year.

Ah right.


Why will 691 - 694 be treated as a greater priority than 699 and 700?, unless they're for a contracted service?

When are the December service changes people have been discussing going to be put on the website or are they available to view anywhere else? Cheers

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(11 Nov 2016, 11:21 am)Swiny1 wrote When are the December service changes people have been discussing going to be put on the website or are they available to view anywhere else? Cheers

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Asked the same question this morning in the Upcoming Service Changes thread.

Ah right. Sorry not been on that 1

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Seen this on the GNE facebook page:



I don't suppose there I any chance of getting new buses on the 57 route is there? I know you only recently cascaded the fleet onto here but they are so bad!
The service is known to get to full standing load at peak times, yet you picked a shorter bus, with stupid layout inside meaning less seats too.
Also, whenever your drivers stop, the drivers are discovering the engines won't start again after a short break, leaving people waiting 20-30 minutes in the cold and dark for the next one. It's becoming increasingly regular and really has to stop. Even the driver agreed.
One of the 58 drivers had just finished his shift and offered to give his orange bus to the 57 driver at Heworth and it was so much better. Engine started first time, more seats on board, and it was much faster climbing hills.
Why don't we have these bigger better buses? They were originally for the 58 on its longer route to Hadrian Park. This was swapped with the 57 so this is the far busier rote now. Makes sense to me...


I don't know the passenger numbers on the 57, as i don't live in the area but does anyone agree with the above post who get on the 57 on a daily bases?

(11 Nov 2016, 11:36 am)Michael wrote Seen this on the GNE facebook page:



I don't suppose there I any chance of getting new buses on the 57 route is there? I know you only recently cascaded the fleet onto here but they are so bad!
The service is known to get to full standing load at peak times, yet you picked a shorter bus, with stupid layout inside meaning less seats too.
Also, whenever your drivers stop, the drivers are discovering the engines won't start again after a short break, leaving people waiting 20-30 minutes in the cold and dark for the next one. It's becoming increasingly regular and really has to stop. Even the driver agreed.
One of the 58 drivers had just finished his shift and offered to give his orange bus to the 57 driver at Heworth and it was so much better. Engine started first time, more seats on board, and it was much faster climbing hills.
Why don't we have these bigger better buses? They were originally for the 58 on its longer route to Hadrian Park. This was swapped with the 57 so this is the far busier rote now. Makes sense to me...


I don't know the passenger numbers on the 57, as i don't live in the area but does anyone agree with the above post who get on the 57 on a daily bases?

The kid sounds about 12

(11 Nov 2016, 10:30 am)Michael wrote Ah right.


Why will 691 - 694 be treated as a greater priority than 699 and 700?, unless they're for a contracted service?

I stand corrected.

699 and 700 have both been repainted, as has 6143.

700 should be ready to go to Deptford at the start of next week.

(11 Nov 2016, 1:50 pm)Dan wrote I stand corrected.

699 and 700 have both been repainted, as has 6143.

700 should be ready to go to Deptford at the start of next week.

Ah right cool, hopefully all 3 Solo's are in service by the start of 21st November then. 

Have they been refurbished inside?

Does Jarrow Bus Station have any overlay bays?