If Arriva are going to go for a double deck vehicle order, it'll most likely be 12 Volvo B5TL Gemini 3's or VDL DB300's Gemini 2's for the X10 and X11. This in turn would give 12 of the current fleet to Ashington / Alnwick to upgrade the X15 and X18 therefore allowing the X21 / X22 to become a mostly E400 operation. It's a possibility like.

(01 Jan 2014, 1:47 am)Davey Bowyer wrote If Arriva are going to go for a double deck vehicle order, it'll most likely be 12 Volvo B5TL Gemini 3's or VDL DB300's Gemini 2's for the X10 and X11. This in turn would give 12 of the current fleet to Ashington / Alnwick to upgrade the X15 and X18 therefore allowing the X21 / X22 to become a mostly E400 operation. It's a possibility like.

The X10/X11 have just been branded on a base of Geminis so it won't be seeing new vehicles this year. Never know in future though if the growth keeps up.

(31 Dec 2013, 6:27 pm)tyresmoke wrote Seeing as its been posted elsewhere, I can now confirm that Arriva NE will be receiving 47 new vehicles next year across the region, with the potential for more if we do well
They will be a mix of midi, single and double deck vehicles, benefiting passengers from Northumbria to North Yorkshire...

How many vehicles do Arriva North East have, from Northumbria to North Yorkshire, and what percentage of the fleet does these new vehicles replace?

(01 Jan 2014, 3:34 pm)citaro5284 wrote How many vehicles do Arriva North East have, from Northumbria to North Yorkshire, and what percentage of the fleet does these new vehicles replace?

Most of their vehicles are bloody awful, so probably about 75%.

(01 Jan 2014, 3:49 pm)Tom wrote Most of their vehicles are bloody awful, so probably about 75%.

What percentage is going to be replaced by these 40-odd buses, not what percentage needs to be replaced. :p

(01 Jan 2014, 3:49 pm)Tom wrote Most of their vehicles are bloody awful, so probably about 75%.

I have lost track over the years as to how many vehicles Arriva actually have, so my question was what is their actual fleet size.
If they have 470 vehicles, this equates to 10% of the fleet which is going to be replaced, obviously more vehicles they have the percentage drops and vice versa if they have less.

(01 Jan 2014, 3:51 pm)Dan wrote What percentage is going to be replaced by these 40-odd buses, not what percentage needs to be replaced. :p

Ah sorry

(01 Jan 2014, 3:34 pm)citaro5284 wrote How many vehicles do Arriva North East have, from Northumbria to North Yorkshire, and what percentage of the fleet does these new vehicles replace?

You're looking at a total of 491 allocated and 54 in reserve/disposal as at the last allocation sheet.
So just under 10% of the fleet will be replaced this year.
Of course these figures will change with the upcoming merger of TGM Classic into Arriva. TGM Essex has just merged with Arriva Southern Counties too.

(01 Jan 2014, 5:40 pm)tyresmoke wrote You're looking at a total of 491 allocated and 54 in reserve/disposal as at the last allocation sheet.
So just under 10% of the fleet will be replaced this year.
Of course these figures will change with the upcoming merger of TGM Classic into Arriva. TGM Essex has just merged with Arriva Southern Counties too.

Any further details? Will the Coach Operations be passing to ANE? etc

(01 Jan 2014, 6:47 pm)peter wrote Any further details? Will the Coach Operations be passing to ANE? etc

Believe its just the service work and some of the school deckers. Not sure whether the coaching operations are to remain separate or indeed close down completely?
Whether Jesmond have any space to accomodate them who knows, I've heard murmurs of Belmont, but imagine the dead mileage on most contracts!

Lowlander 7437 has transfered to Jesmond, and is on the 306 today.

Twas the night before Christmas.....and staff from Arriva Stockton got into the mood for Santa by dressing up in costumes to raise a total of £500 for the Butterwick Hospice!

As some of you probably know, major service changes take effect in Teesside from 16th February... Timetables should be out shortly but a brief summary of the changes is below...

Stockton
5/5A/5B - completely revised...
5 - will run half hourly from Middlesbrough to Easington via current route, except missing Hollybush estate in Skelton, and one journey each per hour will divert via Liverton Mines or Skinningrove (replacing simplified X4)
5A - will run half hourly from Middlesbrough to Brotton via current route as far as Skelton and then will divert via Hollybush estate and the industrial estate to serve the new(ish) Skelton Asda, before following the bypass to Brotton, operating both ways through Brotton, with a new terminal loop (serving Kilton Lane, A174 and back to Green Tree)
5B - evening journeys re-numbered to service 5 but continue along same route as present, with changes to times
The Loftus to Whitby link will be provided by Redcar operated service 4

6 - no change at present (due to be changed end of March following withdrawal of council funding)

7 - peak timetable changes to run every 12 mins to give extra time, Sunday 7A withdrawn from Leven Road, Kirk Road and Green Lane, following the same loop of Willey Flatts as normal service 7. Will continue to serve Kingsmead.

9 - revised timetable but still keeping its 15 minute frequency, and faster journey times on a Sunday.

15 - few early journeys withdrawn and changes to times at peak times.

17/17A/17B - completely revised
17 - Middlesbrough to Ingleby Barwick/Yarm - half hourly following same route as current 17B then extended to Ingleby Barwick, one journey terminating at Sober Hall and one extending to Kingsmead via Yarm replacing current X6. Runs to Bassleton Court at peak times (when new X17 operates)
17A - changes to times to give extra running time
17B - effectively the current 'short 17' to Lockerbie Walk. Will run Mon-Fri only however.
X17 - same route as current X6 but peak time service only, 17 will cover Ingleby-Yarm-Kingsmead during the daytime.

21A - changes to times, last journey in each direction withdrawn.

27/27A - revised to run Middlesbrough to Netherfields only, still upto every 7/8 mins (cut to 10 mins on Sat), no through buses to Marton (replaced by new 29)

28 - revised to run every 20 mins to Nunthorpe, with hourly extensions to Lingdale. Will divert via Saltersgill estate (replacing service 30), but will then run direct up Marton Road (not serving Easterside or Marton Manor) to Southern Cross before serving Mallowdale enroute to Nunthorpe, instead of Eagle Park (which is covered by new 29A)

29/29A - revised to run every 20 mins to Southern Cross, splitting into 2 service 29s to Cypress Road (replacing 27A) and one 29A to Stokesley via Eagle Park (replacing 28), Nunthorpe village and Great Ayton.

30 - replaced by service 28 in Saltersgill

X6 - withdrawn, replaced by new peak X17 and daytime 17


Redcar
4 - completely withdrawn in its current form

22 - revised timetable during Mon-Sat daytime, evening buses will stay the same. Sunday 22A withdrawn and is replaced by new Sunday service X4. Service 22 will continue to operate hourly between Middlesbrough and New Marske as present.

63 - extra bus added to PVR to help aid reliability, revised timetable with some journeys finishing at Redcar High St at peak times, instead of the bus station

64/64A - revised timetable to give 4 64A's and 2 64s per hour, to an unchanged route

81/81A - revised timetable which will see the 'long' journeys to Stokesley operate as service 81A, via Green Lane estate in Redcar. 'Short' journeys numbered 81 will now terminate at Guisborough Market Place instead of Farndale Drive to aid reliability.

X3/X3A - revised route which will still run half hourly, from Middlesbrough to Saltburn, extending to Skelton via Hob Hill. X3 will then run Skelton Medical Centre and the High Street extending upto Lingdale (replacing withdrawn service 4). X3A will operate direct to Skelton High St via Coniston Road then via Hollybush estate to North Skelton, then via the bypass to Skelton Asda where it will terminate. Sunday buses will run every hour between Redcar and Lingdale as service 3.

X4 - Revised route and timetable which will see X4 run half hourly from Middlesbrough to Loftus, via Redcar and Saltburn (combined with X3/X3A to give a 15 min frequency), operating direct from Carlin How to Loftus, no longer serving Liverton Mines or Skinningrove (replaced by service 5). In Loftus buses will continue to Whitby as service 4 (replacing X5 on this section)

Will try and get some operational details (PVRs etc) as soon as I can.

(04 Jan 2014, 5:53 pm)tyresmoke wrote As some of you probably know, major service changes take effect in Teesside from 16th February... Timetables should be out shortly but a brief summary of the changes is below...

Stockton
5/5A/5B - completely revised...
5 - will run half hourly from Middlesbrough to Easington via current route, except missing Hollybush estate in Skelton, and one journey each per hour will divert via Liverton Mines or Skinningrove (replacing simplified X4)
5A - will run half hourly from Middlesbrough to Brotton via current route as far as Skelton and then will divert via Hollybush estate and the industrial estate to serve the new(ish) Skelton Asda, before following the bypass to Brotton, operating both ways through Brotton, with a new terminal loop (serving Kilton Lane, A174 and back to Green Tree)
5B - evening journeys re-numbered to service 5 but continue along same route as present, with changes to times
The Loftus to Whitby link will be provided by Redcar operated service 4

6 - no change at present (due to be changed end of March following withdrawal of council funding)

7 - peak timetable changes to run every 12 mins to give extra time, Sunday 7A withdrawn from Leven Road, Kirk Road and Green Lane, following the same loop of Willey Flatts as normal service 7. Will continue to serve Kingsmead.

9 - revised timetable but still keeping its 15 minute frequency, and faster journey times on a Sunday.

15 - few early journeys withdrawn and changes to times at peak times.

17/17A/17B - completely revised
17 - Middlesbrough to Ingleby Barwick/Yarm - half hourly following same route as current 17B then extended to Ingleby Barwick, one journey terminating at Sober Hall and one extending to Kingsmead via Yarm replacing current X6. Runs to Bassleton Court at peak times (when new X17 operates)
17A - changes to times to give extra running time
17B - effectively the current 'short 17' to Lockerbie Walk. Will run Mon-Fri only however.
X17 - same route as current X6 but peak time service only, 17 will cover Ingleby-Yarm-Kingsmead during the daytime.

21A - changes to times, last journey in each direction withdrawn.

27/27A - revised to run Middlesbrough to Netherfields only, still upto every 7/8 mins (cut to 10 mins on Sat), no through buses to Marton (replaced by new 29)

28 - revised to run every 20 mins to Nunthorpe, with hourly extensions to Lingdale. Will divert via Saltersgill estate (replacing service 30), but will then run direct up Marton Road (not serving Easterside or Marton Manor) to Southern Cross before serving Mallowdale enroute to Nunthorpe, instead of Eagle Park (which is covered by new 29A)

29/29A - revised to run every 20 mins to Southern Cross, splitting into 2 service 29s to Cypress Road (replacing 27A) and one 29A to Stokesley via Eagle Park (replacing 28), Nunthorpe village and Great Ayton.

30 - replaced by service 28 in Saltersgill

X6 - withdrawn, replaced by new peak X17 and daytime 17


Redcar
4 - completely withdrawn in its current form

22 - revised timetable during Mon-Sat daytime, evening buses will stay the same. Sunday 22A withdrawn and is replaced by new Sunday service X4. Service 22 will continue to operate hourly between Middlesbrough and New Marske as present.

63 - extra bus added to PVR to help aid reliability, revised timetable with some journeys finishing at Redcar High St at peak times, instead of the bus station

64/64A - revised timetable to give 4 64A's and 2 64s per hour, to an unchanged route

81/81A - revised timetable which will see the 'long' journeys to Stokesley operate as service 81A, via Green Lane estate in Redcar. 'Short' journeys numbered 81 will now terminate at Guisborough Market Place instead of Farndale Drive to aid reliability.

X3/X3A - revised route which will still run half hourly, from Middlesbrough to Saltburn, extending to Skelton via Hob Hill. X3 will then run Skelton Medical Centre and the High Street extending upto Lingdale (replacing withdrawn service 4). X3A will operate direct to Skelton High St via Coniston Road then via Hollybush estate to North Skelton, then via the bypass to Skelton Asda where it will terminate. Sunday buses will run every hour between Redcar and Lingdale as service 3.

X4 - Revised route and timetable which will see X4 run half hourly from Middlesbrough to Loftus, via Redcar and Saltburn (combined with X3/X3A to give a 15 min frequency), operating direct from Carlin How to Loftus, no longer serving Liverton Mines or Skinningrove (replaced by service 5). In Loftus buses will continue to Whitby as service 4 (replacing X5 on this section)

Will try and get some operational details (PVRs etc) as soon as I can.

Seems quite an upheaval. Just by the listing the changes, will this result in a reduction of PVR across Teesside?

(05 Jan 2014, 8:27 pm)citaro5284 wrote Seems quite an upheaval. Just by the listing the changes, will this result in a reduction of PVR across Teesside?

But it is 8 years since the last change on this scale (Viva Tees Valley). As far as PVR reduction, whatever the revised one is, Stockton will be reduced by 5 on a Saturday due to the lack of 17b and reduced frequency on the 27/27a (plus I believe the lack of X17s).

(05 Jan 2014, 8:27 pm)citaro5284 wrote Seems quite an upheaval. Just by the listing the changes, will this result in a reduction of PVR across Teesside?

Yes it will unless I'm missing something.

Stockton new PVR 67 (current 68)
Redcar new PVR 43 (current 46)
Whitby new PVR 11 (current 13) [though this includes the loss of service 91 at end of January - and will rise to 13 again when the Park & Ride starts]

Here's an interesting fact folks. Do you really want to know why the 308 struggles with timekeeping? It's not because of the Hybrids, it's because each way (Tynemouth AM /Newcastle PM), the X9 operates at the sacrafice of the 306 only operating every 30 minutes at Peak Time! I know Arriva want to provide a service to the Cobalt, but they need to put a proper infastructure in place. The 308 is popular enough as it is. If it has to carry the weight if the 306, then it will almost certainly struggle with timekeeping!

(06 Jan 2014, 4:31 am)Davey Bowyer wrote Here's an interesting fact folks. Do you really want to know why the 308 struggles with timekeeping? It's not because of the Hybrids, it's because each way (Tynemouth AM /Newcastle PM), the X9 operates at the sacrafice of the 306 only operating every 30 minutes at Peak Time! I know Arriva want to provide a service to the Cobalt, but they need to put a proper infastructure in place. The 308 is popular enough as it is. If it has to carry the weight if the 306, then it will almost certainly struggle with timekeeping!

Yeah, it isn't good to be honest. I suppose they could divert the 306 around Cobalt?

The X9s run against the peak flow which shouldn't cause too many issues! Majority of passengers are heading into Newcastle on a morning. Go North East do the same by using some 310s to work their X39s, meaning a half hourly service to North Shields.

(06 Jan 2014, 9:12 am)tyresmoke wrote The X9s run against the peak flow which shouldn't cause too many issues! Majority of passengers are heading into Newcastle on a morning. Go North East do the same by using some 310s to work their X39s, meaning a half hourly service to North Shields.

Are they not travelling to work? I'd have thought that morning express services to Cobalt Business Park were to take people to work, rather than into Newcastle (where they will probably meet a connection to another bus when going home)...
Can't say I understand why both Arriva and Go North East would operate a service in the opposite direction to the demand...

(06 Jan 2014, 9:48 am)Dan wrote Are they not travelling to work? I'd have thought that morning express services to Cobalt Business Park were to take people to work, rather than into Newcastle (where they will probably meet a connection to another bus when going home)...
Can't say I understand why both Arriva and Go North East would operate a service in the opposite direction to the demand...

I was more on about the passengers heading out of Newcastle to the likes of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay (306) Dan, Cobalt demand exists hence a service is operated.

(06 Jan 2014, 10:25 am)tyresmoke wrote I was more on about the passengers heading out of Newcastle to the likes of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay (306) Dan, Cobalt demand exists hence a service is operated.

I'd definitely say that the demand is greater to Cobalt than to North Shields or Tynemouth, otherwise operators wouldn't be cutting their usual services at the expense of the Cobalt express services.

I actually went out to photo the X9 and X39 the other morning - the 306 and 310s departed fairly empty towards their usual termini. The Cobalt express services on the other hand...

Not very often we bring accident news from the scence but tonight I can

Prestige 4048 was involved in a minor smash in Middlesbrough Bus Station......with the bus station itself. Prior to working the 1725 X6, the driver turned it on and it shot forwards from the layover bay to crash into the window next to the out door on Stand 9, bending the door frame in the process as well as smashing the glass and causing minor damage to itself.

Why did Arriva ever withdraw the X60/X61, always seemed busy too me...?

(07 Jan 2014, 10:01 pm)Tom wrote Why did Arriva ever withdraw the X60/X61, always seemed busy too me...?

It was busy.....with pass holders. Hence the axe.

(07 Jan 2014, 10:01 pm)Tom wrote Why did Arriva ever withdraw the X60/X61, always seemed busy too me...?

X60 wasn't as busy in its last few years but yes the concessionary passes killed them both. Connections still available from Darlington and Durham onto X93 in Middlesbrough for majority.

(07 Jan 2014, 11:14 pm)tyresmoke wrote X60 wasn't as busy in its last few years but yes the concessionary passes killed them both. Connections still available from Darlington and Durham onto X93 in Middlesbrough for majority.

Thats a shame...

VOSA today:

PB0002717/300 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Kingsmead given service number X17 effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/303 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and New Marske given service number 64/64A effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/304 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Ings Farm given service number 22 effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/306 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between New Marske and Stokesley given service number 81/81a effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/307 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Redcar given service number 63 effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/308 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitby and Loftus given service number 4 effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/314 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Overfields given service number 9 effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/315 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Lingdale given service number 28/28B/28b effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/316 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Stokesley given service number 29/29a effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/317 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Stockton and Yarm, Willey Flatts given service number 7/7A effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/318 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between North Tees Hospital and Ingleby Barwick given service number 15 effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/320 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Netherfields and Middlesbrough given service number 27/27A effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/321 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Kingsmead given service number 17b/17/17A effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/335 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Middlesbrough and Peterlee given service number 21A/21a effective from 16-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

PB0002717/353 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Redcar
Finish Point: Lingdale
Via:
Service Number: 3
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 16-FEB-2014
Other Details: Sundays & Bank Holidays, hourly

PB0002717/354 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Middlesbrough
Finish Point: Lingdale
Via:
Service Number: X3A
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 16-FEB-2014
Other Details: Operates Mon-Sat, up to every 30 mins

4048 rolled forward from the central parking bays - the driver wasn't even on it!

Don't like these Saturday reductions. Busiest shopping day of the week. Can understand the traditional later starts.

Where in the High Street will the 63 turn round to save time on going to the High Street?! I understand they are going back to their previous route via the sea front in both directions.

The short 81s diverted via Green Lane also to replace the 4 (but only half the frequency).