(22 Dec 2020, 11:59 am)streetdeckfan wrote Has anyone managed to catch a ride on 6377 on the X9/X10 yet?

On the motorway sections of the X21 the ride was buttery smooth and you could barely hear the engine, so I'd imagine it'd be the same over that way.

I caught the world’s fastest Streetdeck on the X10 today and it seems like a very suitable tool for the job. The best advert to convert car users into the service is probably being overtaken by 6377 at full pelt. The engine rumble is noticeably loud downstairs but very smooth upstairs. Only rattles seem to be from the bead chains across closed seats and the litter bin. Minor negative observation would be the loose cables under 2 out of 3 tables.

Probably the best all-rounder on the X10 I can remember. Seemed to have the poke of the Volly Ollys but with the creature comforts of today. Still looking forward to the interdecks  in the future.

(23 Dec 2020, 8:47 pm)James101 wrote I caught the world’s fastest Streetdeck on the X10 today and it seems like a very suitable tool for the job. The best advert to convert car users into the service is probably being overtaken by 6377 at full pelt. The engine rumble is noticeably loud downstairs but very smooth upstairs. Only rattles seem to be from the bead chains across closed seats and the litter bin. Minor negative observation would be the loose cables under 2 out of 3 tables.

Probably the best all-rounder on the X10 I can remember. Seemed to have the poke of the Volly Ollys but with the creature comforts of today. Still looking forward to the interdecks  in the future.

I'd be rather alarmed if a brand new bus wasn't able to hold 60 on the A19. For me the test will be if it can do it in a couple of years from now. 

I think the "best advert" statement is also a bit OTT - the B9s that were on in the summer were 8 years old and could pass stuff with ease. Remember though that buses are really only overtaking people who aren't fussed about getting somewhere quick anyways. Elite i's will be a far better advertisement.

(23 Dec 2020, 9:23 pm)mb134 wrote I'd be rather alarmed if a brand new bus wasn't able to hold 60 on the A19. For me the test will be if it can do it in a couple of years from now. 

I think the "best advert" statement is also a bit OTT - the B9s that were on in the summer were 8 years old and could pass stuff with ease. Remember though that buses are really only overtaking people who aren't fussed about getting somewhere quick anyways. Elite i's will be a far better advertisement.

Perhaps I hadn’t explained my point fully. Where the B9s were able vehicles they’re unremarkable buses
to the lay person. 

6377 is very striking and inviting, much more so than anything in fleet livery or the Levantes. The B5s could have been but they messed that up with the foolish rear adverts of passengers standing. I agree the interdecks should self promote the route very well when they arrive.

(23 Dec 2020, 10:02 pm)James101 wrote Perhaps I hadn’t explained my point fully. Where the B9s were able vehicles they’re unremarkable buses
to the lay person. 

6377 is very striking and inviting, much more so than anything in fleet livery or the Levantes. The B5s could have been but they messed that up with the foolish rear adverts of passengers standing. I agree the interdecks should self promote the route very well when they arrive.

They're just a bus to most car users who won't be appealed by one overtaking them. The X9/X10's biggest competition is the train and trains vs any conventional bus - only one will win as the worst train is better than the best conventional bus (Pacers are withdrawn now), not to mention if a train takes 90 minutes, it'll take 90 minutes whereas a bus has the same traffic problems you'd have if you drove. Train vs a coach on the otherhand the gap starts to narrow a bit if the fares etc are competitive.

The other expresses X21, X84/X85 etc are different as they serve more bus stops nearer people's homes unlike the X9/X10. The only routes which are comparable are the X15, X18, 685 and X93 which have all been coach operated at some point (and should be if they weren't so expensive to buy).

Some of Stagecoach's operations in Scotland (10 and X99 both from Inverness) give a good example on how to run them perfectly imo and the new coaches they're getting are heading in that direction.

(24 Dec 2020, 12:09 am)Storx wrote They're just a bus to most car users who won't be appealed by one overtaking them. The X9/X10's biggest competition is the train and trains vs any conventional bus - only one will win as the worst train is better than the best conventional bus (Pacers are withdrawn now), not to mention if a train takes 90 minutes, it'll take 90 minutes whereas a bus has the same traffic problems you'd have if you drove. Train vs a coach on the otherhand the gap starts to narrow a bit if the fares etc are competitive.

The other expresses X21, X84/X85 etc are different as they serve more bus stops nearer people's homes unlike the X9/X10. The only routes which are comparable are the X15, X18, 685 and X93 which have all been coach operated at some point (and should be if they weren't so expensive to buy).

Some of Stagecoach's operations in Scotland (10 and X99 both from Inverness) give a good example on how to run them perfectly imo and the new coaches they're getting are heading in that direction.

I think most folk that travel between Aberdeen and Inverness will use the train - The 10 takes over 4 hours to do journey end to end (got the tshirt, but I got it for a quid when I booked it through Megabus website), whereby the train takes just over 2.

First time I’ve noticed ‘The Gate’ as the destination on an X9/X10, presumably automatically changing from simply ‘Newcastle’ on the approach to Gateshead Interchange or thereabouts. Has this just been updated recently or did Streetdeck allocations do this already?
https://flic.kr/p/2kp6kbe

Have the X1s been updated yet? Last time I saw them they simply displayed ‘Newcastle’ all the way into Eldon Square.

Ive not looked in detail, but could the changes in Oxford on X3/X13 release some of the original order of Streetdecks back to the North East to make up PVR for X45/46/47

(05 Jan 2021, 9:39 am)JP6004 wrote Ive not looked in detail, but could the changes in Oxford on X3/X13 release some of the original order of Streetdecks back to the North East to make up PVR for X45/46/47

No because Thames Travel (part of Oxford) have just taken on a new contract for Milton Park business park which commenced on 03/01/2021 and the contract specifies Euro 6 buses, so the StreetDecks are still needed in the South. The revisions to the X3/X13 are as a result of increases to the parallel Thames Travel services between Abingdon & Oxford.

https://www.thames-travel.co.uk/news/mil...nnections/
https://city.oxfordbus.co.uk/news/cityx3...e-changes/

(05 Jan 2021, 10:03 am)IRHardy wrote No because Thames Travel (part of Oxford) have just taken on a new contract for Milton Park business park which commenced on 03/01/2021 and the contract specifies Euro 6 buses, so the StreetDecks are still needed in the South. The revisions to the X3/X13 are as a result of increases to the parallel Thames Travel services between Abingdon & Oxford.

https://www.thames-travel.co.uk/news/mil...nnections/
https://city.oxfordbus.co.uk/news/cityx3...e-changes/

Thanks. Still living in hope we get them back one day

(05 Jan 2021, 10:16 am)JP6004 wrote Thanks. Still living in hope we get them back one day

I'm still hoping we'll get the StreetDecks back on the X21!

After living with the B5s for a while, I can honestly say most of them are absolutely horrendous. 
I was on one yesterday and at idle the noise was deafening, the panels at the front and on the staircase must have thought they were on an E400 the way they were rattling! 
The ride quality is pretty shocking as well, and I'm sure it's getting worse

Maybe it's got something to do with them being tortured on the X9/X10.

Why is it that someone on eBay selling X5/X15 paper timetable on eBay for £2.99 with £1.75 p&p?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Go-North-East...ultOrganic&_trksid=p2332490.c100889.m5204


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(08 Jan 2021, 12:54 pm)cbma06 wrote Why is it that someone on eBay selling X5/X15 paper timetable on eBay for £2.99 with £1.75 p&p?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Go-North-East...ultOrganic&_trksid=p2332490.c100889.m5204


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Christ, If that sells I'm grabbing a handful next time I'm out! 
I kinda understand selling older timetables (and even then I think it's sad lol), but ones that are currently in print just seems stupid. Surely you'd be better off keeping them for a few years then flogging it!

(08 Jan 2021, 1:03 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Christ, If that sells I'm grabbing a handful next time I'm out! 
I kinda understand selling older timetables (and even then I think it's sad lol), but ones that are currently in print just seems stupid. Surely you'd be better off keeping them for a few years then flogging it!

I would understand selling older timetables but not still in valid circulation, you can probably order one from GNE for free and just pay a very small fee to be sent through the post


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Go North East OW15 WKC by kieron mathews, on Flickr

Go North East: 7154 / OW15WKD by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

The first 2 interdecks have been delivered

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Streetdeck 6376 looks like its transferred (temporarily?) to Consett. Was on X5's yesterday and is parked in the depot this evening.

(19 Jan 2021, 9:13 pm)Tiger5105 wrote Streetdeck 6376 looks like its transferred (temporarily?) to Consett. Was on X5's yesterday and is parked in the depot this evening.

Looks like 5400 has come in from CLS too - saw that on a 78 this morning and has been tracking from Consett for the past few days.

If you could create any more routes/change others to be xlines what would they be?

(22 Jan 2021, 12:23 pm)logidoodah wrote If you could create any more routes/change others to be xlines what would they be?

Not really the right place, but the only real missing link is Sunderland to Newcastle and in the future once the IAMP is complete I do believe there would be scope for some service on the lines of:

Newcastle -> Gateshead -> Non Stop -> Heworth -> Wardley (Felling Bypass), Lingley Lane, Follingsby Park (Amazon), Follingsby Lane (Non Stop), IAMP / Nissan then

56 Route to Castletown Way, Northern Spire Bridge, A1231 into Sunderland.
or Downey Lane, then 9 Route to Sunderland potentially limited stop along Newcastle Road. (Not sure which of those 2 would have more passengers).

It gives a quicker service to those in North Sunderland competing against the Stagecoach services, quicker links from Wardley and Lingley Lane into Newcastle (57 nearly takes an hour) and new links to Amazon, IAMP and Nissan which are major employment sites and Amazon doesn't have a bus at all.

(22 Jan 2021, 3:27 pm)Storx wrote Not really the right place, but the only real missing link is Sunderland to Newcastle and in the future once the IAMP is complete I do believe there would be scope for some service on the lines of:

Newcastle -> Gateshead -> Non Stop -> Heworth -> Wardley (Felling Bypass), Lingley Lane, Follingsby Park (Amazon), Follingsby Lane (Non Stop), IAMP / Nissan then

56 Route to Castletown Way, Northern Spire Bridge, A1231 into Sunderland.
or Downey Lane, then 9 Route to Sunderland potentially limited stop along Newcastle Road. (Not sure which of those 2 would have more passengers).

It gives a quicker service to those in North Sunderland competing against the Stagecoach services, quicker links from Wardley and Lingley Lane into Newcastle (57 nearly takes an hour) and new links to Amazon, IAMP and Nissan which are major employment sites and Amazon doesn't have a bus at all.

I thought it was slightly relevant as it is about xlines.

Not a bad shout what route number/vehicle (old or new) would you assign?

(22 Jan 2021, 12:23 pm)logidoodah wrote If you could create any more routes/change others to be xlines what would they be?

I don't think any more routes should be made X-Lines to be honest, if you add too many the brand becomes diluted and loses the premium feel. The same happened a few years ago with Arriva's Sapphire (43/44/45, really?) and MAX (306/308, X46) brands to the point where, especially with those I've put in brackets, routes were added for the sake of it despite not really justifying the upgrade or not fitting into the criteria for upgrade. 

Personally I think X-Lines is just about at that point now, and I'd even understand arguments that there are a couple of routes that have been converted which risked diluting it very early on (X5/15/20 spring to mind).

(22 Jan 2021, 3:27 pm)Storx wrote Not really the right place, but the only real missing link is Sunderland to Newcastle and in the future once the IAMP is complete I do believe there would be scope for some service on the lines of:

Newcastle -> Gateshead -> Non Stop -> Heworth -> Wardley (Felling Bypass), Lingley Lane, Follingsby Park (Amazon), Follingsby Lane (Non Stop), IAMP / Nissan then

56 Route to Castletown Way, Northern Spire Bridge, A1231 into Sunderland.
or Downey Lane, then 9 Route to Sunderland potentially limited stop along Newcastle Road. (Not sure which of those 2 would have more passengers).

It gives a quicker service to those in North Sunderland competing against the Stagecoach services, quicker links from Wardley and Lingley Lane into Newcastle (57 nearly takes an hour) and new links to Amazon, IAMP and Nissan which are major employment sites and Amazon doesn't have a bus at all.

Not a bad shout, but the road from Follingsby to Amazon will need a hell of a lot of work to make it suitable. I know there's been talk about upgrading it, but has anything been confirmed?

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(22 Jan 2021, 3:46 pm)mb134 wrote I don't think any more routes should be made X-Lines to be honest, if you add too many the brand becomes diluted and loses the premium feel. The same happened a few years ago with Arriva's Sapphire (43/44/45, really?) and MAX (306/308, X46) brands to the point where, especially with those I've put in brackets, routes were added for the sake of it despite not really justifying the upgrade or not fitting into the criteria for upgrade. 

Personally I think X-Lines is just about at that point now, and I'd even understand arguments that there are a couple of routes that have been converted which risked diluting it very early on (X5/15/20 spring to mind).

Good Point, didn't think of it that way. I was just seeing what people came up with etc...

(22 Jan 2021, 3:58 pm)logidoodah wrote Good Point, didn't think of it that way. I was just seeing what people came up with etc...

Don't get me wrong if there's a route that pops up, fits all of their criteria and suits X-Lines to a T, then they should absolutely upgrade it. I'd just hate for them to plough on converting routes for the sake of it though, and ruin what is one of the best brands around at the moment.

(22 Jan 2021, 3:48 pm)6049 wrote Not a bad shout, but the road from Follingsby to Amazon will need a hell of a lot of work to make it suitable. I know there's been talk about upgrading it, but has anything been confirmed?

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3/4 of it has already been done, it got done from the Transforming Cities fund awhile back - https://northeastca.gov.uk/wp-content/up...ackage.pdf for 'buses running along it' so guess there's something in mind.

Just the IAMP side which needs done but there's a roundabout sitting redundant about 50m from it which I guess it's going to link too eventually. I know there's a plan for a P&R at Follingsby aswell so could all be linked together as one big scheme.

For numbers hmmm dunno probably X11 to link with the X9/X10 which link major cities and the 11 is miles away in North Tyneside or X56 as it's an express 56 from IAMP / North Hylton / Nissan to Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland.

I think if they were going to do a bus to Follingsby Amazon it would just make more sense to extend the 35 from Boldon to Heworth all day via there.

(22 Jan 2021, 10:12 pm)deanmachine wrote I think if they were going to do a bus to Follingsby Amazon it would just make more sense to extend the 35 from Boldon to Heworth all day via there.

I think that could work alongside a faster, more direct service. 
Not everyone will be coming from the same place, so if they can have a bus which covers different residential areas to others, then the operator will have boxed off a number of areas. 
Sending one bus through (that goes around the world), isn't going to be attractive to those with a car.

Of course the important thing is to time it to suit the employers, rather than any internal operational needs. 
Sending a bus through every half hour which doesn't coincide with shift start or end times isn't any use to anyone.
Send a couple through at clock face intervals from different areas and you're probably going to have a bit more joy commercially.

IMO, the most natural progression for X-Lines would be if Arriva Northumbria was sold depot by depot and GNE landed Ashington.

Ashington's network has decent foundations in place and could be easily built upon even further.

GNE route re-numberings:
- GNE X30/X31/X32 > X2/X3/X3A
- GNE X15 > X4
- GNE X20 > X90

Incoming route re-numberings
- ANE X21/X22 > X31/X32
* Haven't thought about the 35/57/57A

- Complete re-launch of X14/X15/X16/X18/X20 with new vehicles.

- X31 re-launched and streamlined. Ashington to Newbiggin section cannibalised to hourly though (see below). Parts of 57/57A/X32 replaced with high frequency local links to Ashington, Bedlington and Cramlington as well as beyond. Bedlington turned to a "mini hub" with the X31 and new local services running in a similar way to the Washington network. X31 re-routed via Hartlands for faster & more reliable journeys. New local services would be ideal cascade opportunity for Drifter Streetlites.

- New X19 to Newbiggin and Woodhorn (interworking with X31) combining half hourly with the X20 between Wansbeck Hospital and Newcastle. More "fast" buses via the Spine Road.

- 35 (or it's new service number) improved with more reliable timetables (Woodhorn extension axed in lieu of X19), newer vehicles.

(22 Jan 2021, 10:58 pm)L469 YVK wrote IMO, the most natural progression for X-Lines would be if Arriva Northumbria was sold depot by depot and GNE landed Ashington.

Ashington's network has decent foundations in place and could be easily built upon even further.

GNE route re-numberings:
- GNE X30/X31/X32 > X2/X3/X3A
- GNE X15 > X4
- GNE X20 > X90

Incoming route re-numberings
- ANE X21/X22 > X31/X32
* Haven't thought about the 35/57/57A

- Complete re-launch of X14/X15/X16/X18/X20 with new vehicles.

- X31 re-launched and streamlined. Ashington to Newbiggin section cannibalised to hourly though (see below). Parts of 57/57A/X32 replaced with high frequency local links to Ashington, Bedlington and Cramlington as well as beyond. Bedlington turned to a "mini hub" with the X31 and new local services running in a similar way to the Washington network. X31 re-routed via Hartlands for faster & more reliable journeys. New local services would be ideal cascade opportunity for Drifter Streetlites.

- New X19 to Newbiggin and Woodhorn (interworking with X31) combining half hourly with the X20 between Wansbeck Hospital and Newcastle. More "fast" buses via the Spine Road.

- 35 (or it's new service number) improved with more reliable timetables (Woodhorn extension axed in lieu of X19), newer vehicles.

That X31 idea just wouldn't work, there's too high a passenger flow from Newbiggin to various parts of Ashington which aren't serviced by either the 35 or X20. Equally the Nedderton section of the X21 has little to no impact on reliability, if anything the X22 via the Hartlands is more susceptible to reliability issues. The Nedderton section, particularly the part along past the Ridge Farm, Hazelmere and the new estate on the way out of Bedlington, actually picks up a fair few (as well as being more convenient for St. Benet Biscop students who live in Ashington).

Irrespective of that, I think there'd probably be too many competition issues for GNE (or Stagecoach) to even think about taking Ashington. If it's sold it'll likely to be someone like Transdev.

(22 Jan 2021, 10:48 pm)Andreos1 wrote I think that could work alongside a faster, more direct service. 
Not everyone will be coming from the same place, so if they can have a bus which covers different residential areas to others, then the operator will have boxed off a number of areas. 
Sending one bus through (that goes around the world), isn't going to be attractive to those with a car.

Of course the important thing is to time it to suit the employers, rather than any internal operational needs. 
Sending a bus through every half hour which doesn't coincide with shift start or end times isn't any use to anyone.
Send a couple through at clock face intervals from different areas and you're probably going to have a bit more joy commercially.

I have to agree here, the 35 wouldn't be enough as it's too slow. I know this is in the GNE forum but the 2 routes which would be best suited to go through it would be Stagecoach's X24 and X34 so you'd have a frequent 15 minute service if you timetabled it right between IAMP / Follingsby to Heworth and Newcastle. The X24 pretty much carts around fresh air half the time anyway so the extra passengers coming from the area could really boost the service plus it runs pretty much past it anyway, I'm sure the extra 5 minutes wouldn't bother people especially if the X34 got offered an evening service for the inconvience. I'm sure a subsidy on offer from Nexus / IAMP would tempt them to serve Heworth.

Some document I read before said they we're looking to extend a service that serves Bolton and the Shields area and the X34 or 30 are the only 2 services which really do that route.

(22 Jan 2021, 10:58 pm)L469 YVK wrote IMO, the most natural progression for X-Lines would be if Arriva Northumbria was sold depot by depot and GNE landed Ashington.

Ashington's network has decent foundations in place and could be easily built upon even further.

GNE route re-numberings:
- GNE X30/X31/X32 > X2/X3/X3A
- GNE X15 > X4
- GNE X20 > X90

Incoming route re-numberings
- ANE X21/X22 > X31/X32
* Haven't thought about the 35/57/57A

- Complete re-launch of X14/X15/X16/X18/X20 with new vehicles.

- X31 re-launched and streamlined. Ashington to Newbiggin section cannibalised to hourly though (see below). Parts of 57/57A/X32 replaced with high frequency local links to Ashington, Bedlington and Cramlington as well as beyond. Bedlington turned to a "mini hub" with the X31 and new local services running in a similar way to the Washington network. X31 re-routed via Hartlands for faster & more reliable journeys. New local services would be ideal cascade opportunity for Drifter Streetlites.

- New X19 to Newbiggin and Woodhorn (interworking with X31) combining half hourly with the X20 between Wansbeck Hospital and Newcastle. More "fast" buses via the Spine Road.

- 35 (or it's new service number) improved with more reliable timetables (Woodhorn extension axed in lieu of X19), newer vehicles.

I strongly disagree with the Bedlington hub. All of Arriva's services are ran commercially 7 days a week, all day. Washington's services are run during the day only. There's a reason for that because no-one likes the hub and spoke network. There's nothing wrong with the network and imo it's the best network around in the North East as you can get from anywhere in SE. Northumberland to anywhere else in SE. Northumberland with a maximum of 1 change, trying doing that in Washington.

Attempt those changes and once the train comes along you can kiss goodbye to most people because they'll travel to the nearest train station and use that instead.

I strongly disagree with the Bedlington hub. All of Arriva's services are ran commercially 7 days a week, all day. Washington's services are run during the day only. There's a reason for that because no-one likes the hub and spoke network. There's nothing wrong with the network and imo it's the best network around in the North East as you can get from anywhere in SE. Northumberland to anywhere else in SE. Northumberland with a maximum of 1 change, trying doing that in Washington.

Attempt those changes and once the train comes along you can kiss goodbye to most people because they'll travel to the nearest train station and use that instead.
**************************************************************

A hub-spoke model would actually improve links whilst concentrating on the 'core' routes. More frequent services would run from Ashington & Bedlington to Cramlington which actually has a fairly decent offering in terms of shops, leisure etc. The current X22 is the "weak link" with the Bedlington - Newcastle section carrying the rest of the route.

A hub-spoke would look something like this

X31 every 15 mins: Newbiggin (hourly) - Ashington - Bedlington - Newcastle

Using letters for the rest as unsure of numbers

Route's A&B every 30 mins: Same route as 57 from Ashington to Cramlington then respective routes to Whitley Bay.

Route C every 30 mins: Same route as X22 between Ashington and Bedlington. Then via Nedderton & Nelson Ind Est to Cramlington.

Routes A/B/C would operate on a 10/20 frequency from Ashington and Cramlington with a 15 minute frequency from Bedlington.

And not forgetting the train, the X19 & X20 would provide strong competition too.

---

(22 Jan 2021, 11:40 pm)L469 YVK wrote I strongly disagree with the Bedlington hub. All of Arriva's services are ran commercially 7 days a week, all day. Washington's services are run during the day only. There's a reason for that because no-one likes the hub and spoke network. There's nothing wrong with the network and imo it's the best network around in the North East as you can get from anywhere in SE. Northumberland to anywhere else in SE. Northumberland with a maximum of 1 change, trying doing that in Washington.

Attempt those changes and once the train comes along you can kiss goodbye to most people because they'll travel to the nearest train station and use that instead.
**************************************************************

A hub-spoke model would actually improve links whilst concentrating on the 'core' routes. More frequent services would run from Ashington & Bedlington to Cramlington which actually has a fairly decent offering in terms of shops, leisure etc. The current X22 is the "weak link" with the Bedlington - Newcastle section carrying the rest of the route.

A hub-spoke would look something like this

X31 every 15 mins: Newbiggin (hourly) - Ashington - Bedlington - Newcastle

Using letters for the rest as unsure of numbers

Route's A&B every 30 mins: Same route as 57 from Ashington to Cramlington then respective routes to Whitley Bay.

Route C every 30 mins: Same route as X22 between Ashington and Bedlington. Then via Nedderton & Nelson Ind Est to Cramlington.

Routes A/B/C would operate on a 10/20 frequency from Ashington and Cramlington with a 15 minute frequency from Bedlington.

And not forgetting the train, the X19 & X20 would provide strong competition too. The demand for a fast Newbiggin to Newcastle service is there but didn't work in the past as people would just say "screw it" waiting an hour when the X21 ran every 20 minutes albeit took longer. That's why GNE reduced the 6 to hourly between Sunniside & Stanley, encouraging patronage on the X70/X71.