Got the 21:20 309 back home last night ex Newcastle and the loadings seemed fairly decent considering it was running 8 minutes behind the 308 and the climate we're in.

Wonder if punters prefer the xx:20 departure during the evenings meaning less of a mad dash as opposed to xx:12 (308). Only annoyance is for any shift workers in the Cobalt who need to wait nearly 45 minutes after their shift for a bus home.

Didn't really see how many rode through Rake Lane towards Whitley Bay though.

(31 May 2021, 5:45 pm)big mac wrote It also doesn't help with reliability now that the 21 goes in to the Arnison Centre, given the problems with congestion there.

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It's fine, they pull it out of the Arnison Centre any time someone even thinks of going to the McDonald's there [emoji6]

Looks like there's going to be changes to the Q3 route from 12th June

https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/quaycity-q...le-12-june

From Saturday 12 June, QuayCity Q3 will operate both ways on City Road in Newcastle. This means journeys towards Great Park will operate from Walker Road via City Road and Quayside, stopping at new stops outside Premier Inn, Opto, and directly outside the Law Courts. This replaces the bus stops at Mariner's Wharf or Pitcher and Piano. Journeys towards Wallsend are unchanged.

We've worked with our partners at Newcastle City Council and NE1 on this change, which will allow an expanded events area at the Quayside Seaside. It'll still be easy to get there by bus and to attend any events held on the Quayside, as QuayCity Q3 will stop at the Law Courts in both directions, and a new bus lane is being installed to help beat traffic queues.

Good to see the Q3 get improved a slight bit. Shame it's the only bus that severe the Newcastle Quayside part

(09 Jun 2021, 10:57 am)streetdeckfan wrote Looks like there's going to be changes to the Q3 route from 12th June

https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/quaycity-q...le-12-june

Think they need to update their timetables related to the current route, before they start faffing on with new.
Bank Hol Mon (Inc those two in May) timetables have it omitting the Quayside/Law Courts completely as though it was a Sunday and the market was on. Even though they follow the normal Mon-Sat route on BH's.
https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services/G...2021-08-30&direction=inbound

(09 Jun 2021, 11:41 am)Andreos1 wrote Think they need to update their timetables related to the current route, before they start faffing on with new.
Bank Hol Mon (Inc those two in May) timetables have it omitting the Quayside/Law Courts completely as though it was a Sunday and the market was on. Even though they follow the normal Mon-Sat route.
https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services/G...2021-08-30&direction=inbound

Judging by the wording "We've worked with our partners at Newcastle City Council and NE1 on this change", my guess is they didn't really have much of a choice

Registration on VOSA for X84/X85 to go 7 days a week working from 25th July.

(10 Jun 2021, 10:07 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote Registration on VOSA for X84/X85 to go 7 days a week working from 25th July.

The current one is down as cancelled: https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...ls/579007/

New one:

https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...ls/579014/


Start point: St Andrew's Cemetry
Finish point: Newcastle, Eldon Square
Via: Hexham, Corbridge


Don't know the area so not sure, if its a massive change the starting point???

---------------

More changes for Hexham too and the Cobalt and Coast

PB0003954/1198 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: St Andrew's Cemetry to Newcastle, Eldon Square via Hexham, Corbridge
Service number: X84 (X85)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
-----------
PB0003954/1197 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Ovington, The Green to Prudhoe, Castle Road
Service number: 686
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Up to every 60 minutes, Monday-Saturday daytimes

-------------
PB0003954/1196 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Haugh Lane to Hexham, Haugh Lane via Priestlands, East End, Hexham Hospital
Service number: 683
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Up to every 30 minutes, Monday-Saturday daytimes

--------------
PB0003954/1195 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Bus Station to Corbridge, Hill Street
Service number: 682
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Up to every 60 minutes, Monday-Saturday daytimes

----------------------
PB0003954/1194 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Bus Station to Newbrough, Church Lane
Service number: 687
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Up to every 60 minutes, Monday-Saturday daytimes

------------------------
PB0003954/810 Cancelled
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Newbrough, Church Lane to Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station
Service number: X84 (X85)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Limited Stop, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

----------------------------
PB0003954/493 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Consett Bus Station to Hexham Haugh Lane Aldi via Shortley Bridge, Whittonstall, Slaley, Dilston
Service number: 689
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Revised timetable

---------------
PB0003954/470 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham Aldi to Allenheads Heritage Centre via Catton, Allendale Town
Service number: 688
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Variation to timetable

---------------------
PB0003954/800 Cancelled
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Bus Station to Prudhoe, Castle Road
Service number: 686
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
-------------------------------

PB0003954/811 Cancelled
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Rail Interchange to Priestlands
Service number: 683 (684)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
--------------------

PB0003954/631 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham Bus Station to Bellingham Heritage Centre
Service number: 680
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Vary timetable

-------------------------
PB0003954/304 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Blyth Bus Station to Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station
Service number: 309 (310, X39, 311)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021
Variation to timetable

(10 Jun 2021, 10:30 am)Michael wrote The current one is down as cancelled: https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...ls/579007/

New one:

https://www.vehicle-operator-licensing.s...ls/579014/


Start point: St Andrew's Cemetry
Finish point: Newcastle, Eldon Square
Via: Hexham, Corbridge


Don't know the area so not sure, if its a massive change the starting point???

---------------

More changes for Hexham too and the Cobalt and Coast


PB0003954/1198 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: St Andrew's Cemetry to Newcastle, Eldon Square via Hexham, Corbridge
Service number: X84 (X85)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021


PB0003954/1197 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Ovington, The Green to Prudhoe, Castle Road
Service number: 686
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/1196 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Haugh Lane to Hexham, Haugh Lane via Priestlands, East End, Hexham Hospital
Service number: 683
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/1195 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Bus Station to Corbridge, Hill Street
Service number: 682
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/1194 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Bus Station to Newbrough, Church Lane
Service number: 687
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/810 Cancelled
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Newbrough, Church Lane to Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station
Service number: X84 (X85)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Limited Stop, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/493 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Consett Bus Station to Hexham Haugh Lane Aldi via Shortley Bridge, Whittonstall, Slaley, Dilston
Service number: 689
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/470 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham Aldi to Allenheads Heritage Centre via Catton, Allendale Town
Service number: 688
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/800 Cancelled
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Bus Station to Prudhoe, Castle Road
Service number: 686
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/811 Cancelled
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham, Rail Interchange to Priestlands
Service number: 683 (684)
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/631 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Hexham Bus Station to Bellingham Heritage Centre
Service number: 680
Service type: Hail & Ride, Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

PB0003954/304 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: Blyth Bus Station to Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station
Service number: 309 (310, X39, 311)
Service type: Normal Stopping
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

Looks like the Hexham-Newbrough section on the X85 is being replaced by the new 687, allowing the X84/X85 to be fully operated by the newer MMCs?

(10 Jun 2021, 10:50 am)Thomas12 wrote Looks like the Hexham-Newbrough section on the X85 is being replaced by the new 687, allowing the X84/X85 to be fully operated by the newer MMCs?

Ah right, that's good, I wonder if this will allow the PVR to drop to 4 on the X84/X85.

Looks like GNE won the Hexham contracts again, sure they were up for renewal this year?

(10 Jun 2021, 10:55 am)Michael wrote Ah right, that's good, I wonder if this will allow the PVR to drop to 4 on the X84/X85.

Looks like GNE won the Hexham contracts again, sure they were up for renewal this year?

Believe so, wonder if likely to see new solos as part of contract offer

(10 Jun 2021, 11:31 am)JP6004 wrote Believe so, wonder if likely to see new solos as part of contract offer

Me too, not sure on the actual PVR for all the Hexham local services but would be good to see them upgraded, least the Solo's could be moved on to "Little Coasters" to replace some of the older Solo's.

(10 Jun 2021, 11:42 am)Michael wrote Me too, not sure on the actual PVR for all the Hexham local services but would be good to see them upgraded, least the Solo's could be moved on to "Little Coasters" to replace some of the older Solo's.

It's interesting to see Hexham area get some attention. That's an area I feel is Barley touched. Like when was the last time Hexham received timetable changes. That major impact the area

(10 Jun 2021, 11:42 am)Michael wrote Me too, not sure on the actual PVR for all the Hexham local services but would be good to see them upgraded, least the Solo's could be moved on to "Little Coasters" to replace some of the older Solo's.

Is it not 7 plus 2 AD122? Possibly reason why 723 was repainted out of Tynedale Links livery

Not sure about the change of pick up point in Toon, especially when the 685 still serves Eldon Square, potential to lose overspill from the 685 and X82.

(10 Jun 2021, 1:51 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Not sure about the change of pick up point in Toon, especially when the 685 still serves Eldon Square, potential to lose overspill from the 685 and X82.

It still serves Eldon Square. Unless I'm missing something.

PB0003954/1198 Registered
GO NORTH EAST LIMITED
Route: St Andrew's Cemetry to Newcastle, Eldon Square via Hexham, Corbridge
Service number: X84 (X85)
Service type: Limited Stop
Effective date: 25 Jul 2021

(10 Jun 2021, 11:49 am)Micheal Aaron wrote It's interesting to see Hexham area get some attention. That's an area I feel is Barley touched. Like when was the last time Hexham received timetable changes. That major impact the area

If it's not broken, don't fix it.

(10 Jun 2021, 2:51 pm)Adrian wrote If it's not broken, don't fix it.

Timetables not being changed does result in buses running behind due to changing traffic levels. 

Reduction in PVR by curtailing the X85 back to Hexham is good for keeping all of the buses consistent, with the new MMCs.

Let's hope Tynedale Links gets a much needed refresh soon, as part of the Hexham changes.

(10 Jun 2021, 10:50 am)Thomas12 wrote Looks like the Hexham-Newbrough section on the X85 is being replaced by the new 687, allowing the X84/X85 to be fully operated by the newer MMCs?

Feel sorry for the passengers on that section who are now going to have ti get 2 buses if they want to go to Newcastle, surely GNE should have considered that over the allocation.

(10 Jun 2021, 3:22 pm)GNE6312 wrote Feel sorry for the passengers on that section who are now going to have ti get 2 buses if they want to go to Newcastle, surely GNE should have considered that over the allocation.

Happening in other places

(10 Jun 2021, 3:27 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Happening in other places

I suppose its fine if passenger numbers are low so its ok if passenger numbers between locations after Hexham on the X85 & stops between Hexham and Newcastle so hopefully GNE have done their research first.

(10 Jun 2021, 3:22 pm)GNE6312 wrote Feel sorry for the passengers on that section who are now going to have ti get 2 buses if they want to go to Newcastle, surely GNE should have considered that over the allocation.

Its Northumberland that tendered the services, if people aren't using the service to Newcastle then why maintain it

(10 Jun 2021, 3:22 pm)GNE6312 wrote Feel sorry for the passengers on that section who are now going to have ti get 2 buses if they want to go to Newcastle, surely GNE should have considered that over the allocation.

I don't think the through rate of passengers was that high tbh, same with the 686 being curtailed at Ovington again. Likely be some frequency cuts to go with the curtailment but will just have to see...

I am confused by the apparent terminus of the X84/X85 being St Andrew's Cemetery (Hexham I presume?) as there's nowhere to turn around unless it does some weird loop along the A69 although my suspicions are it will just be a peak time extension and will terminate at the Bus Station for most of the day.

(10 Jun 2021, 3:36 pm)Jimmi wrote I don't think the through rate of passengers was that high tbh, same with the 686 being curtailed at Ovington again. Likely be some frequency cuts to go with the curtailment but will just have to see...

I am confused by the apparent terminus of the X84/X85 being St Andrew's Cemetery (Hexham I presume?) as there's nowhere to turn around unless it does some weird loop along the A69 although my suspicions are it will just be a peak time extension and will terminate at the Bus Station for most of the day.

That's fine if traffic isn't high then

Will the 309/310/311 PVR be returning to 16x?

(10 Jun 2021, 3:36 pm)Jimmi wrote I don't think the through rate of passengers was that high tbh, same with the 686 being curtailed at Ovington again. Likely be some frequency cuts to go with the curtailment but will just have to see...

I am confused by the apparent terminus of the X84/X85 being St Andrew's Cemetery (Hexham I presume?) as there's nowhere to turn around unless it does some weird loop along the A69 although my suspicions are it will just be a peak time extension and will terminate at the Bus Station for most of the day.

https://goo.gl/maps/yojCttbstpy97PUu8 - Surely it could turn there, seems more than enough space to get around.

Ah I got confussed. I thought it meant St Andrews Chuch on Newgate Street in Toon. I blame this heat.

(10 Jun 2021, 7:08 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Ah I got confussed. I thought it meant St Andrews Chuch on Newgate Street in Toon. I blame this heat.

Got to admit I did the same thing when I first read it. I thought they must be putting coaches on there so had to move it out of Eldon Square! [emoji16]

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Sunderland Connect changing to its summer timetable from the Saturday, 26 June 2021.


700 - Sunderland – City Campus – St Peter's Campus - Sunderland


Service 701/702 withdrawn, Summer timetable 700

https://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/f...0621_0.pdf

Changes to the Durham's Cathedral Bus from the 21st June 2021.

https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services/G...2021-06-21&direction=inbound

Looks like both services are returning - but I can't even remember what they were before the pandemic.