(30 Dec 2021, 1:42 am)6049 wrote I was behind 5441 going into Follingsby this afternoon on the 4. That one had been at Chester last week so I wonder if that'll be a permanent transfer or just temporary.

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5441 is at Consett now

(05 Jan 2022, 7:53 pm)V514DFT wrote When did 652 transfer to PM?

Week leading up to December 12th according to GNE Fleet archive

(05 Jan 2022, 8:43 pm)peter wrote Week leading up to December 12th according to GNE Fleet archive

Cheers Peter

(27 Dec 2021, 2:51 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote It's good news for the X10, definitely. A massive downgrade for the X84/85 after little over a year though. Versas are good buses though and I believe the X84/85 are being withdrawn next month anyway with the old 684 route between Hexham and Ovingham coming back and no service to Denton Burn, Fenham and Newcastle.

Don't forget the Arriva service 685 that runs from Newcastle to Hexham you can catch that to be able to go onto service 684

(08 Jan 2022, 10:31 am)busesofthenortheast wrote Don't forget the Arriva service 685 that runs from Newcastle to Hexham you can catch that to be able to go onto service 684

He only uses GNE services and refuses to use Stagecoach and/or Arriva services.

(08 Jan 2022, 10:00 pm)Storx wrote He only uses GNE services and refuses to use Stagecoach and/or Arriva services.

Just to clarify I don't only use GNE as I also use A-line, GCT and Phoenix (and would use Henry Cooper and Stanley Travel), and I don't refuse to use Arriva, I was put off Arriva in 2005 and their ageing buses don't inspire confidence, but I've never had reason to use Arriva since 2005.

(08 Jan 2022, 10:10 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Just to clarify I don't only use GNE as I also use A-line, GCT and Phoenix (and would use Henry Cooper and Stanley Travel), and I don't refuse to use Arriva, I was put off Arriva in 2005 and their ageing buses don't inspire confidence, but I've never had reason to use Arriva since 2005.

Yet you use GCT...

I'm assuming you're in the North Tyneside area - the Arriva fleet here, bar a few select groups, isn't particularly old.

(08 Jan 2022, 10:00 pm)Storx wrote He only uses GNE services and refuses to use Stagecoach and/or Arriva services.

What is Arriva's best service for someone from the West End of Newcastle? Maybe 306/308 or Cramlington and Morpeth services? Hexham doesn't have much to offer really. North Shields isn't the best place either. Killingworth is good but has the 42/42A anyway.

For Whitley Bay from Kingston Park would my best option be the 42A to Hadrian Lodge and then Cobalt & Coast 309 to Whitley Bay? Does the 42A connect with the 309 timetable wise? 42A to Wallsend then 309 to Whitley Bay off 42/42A at Hadrian Lodge? Coaster 1 takes ages from Wallsend to Whitley Bay.

(08 Jan 2022, 11:59 pm)mb134 wrote Yet you use GCT...

I'm assuming you're in the North Tyneside area - the Arriva fleet here, bar a few select groups, isn't particularly old.

GCT's fleet is new? 

I am in the West End of Newcastle. Arriva's buses are quite old apart from those on the 306/308.

(09 Jan 2022, 12:13 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote GCT's fleet is new? 

I am in the West End of Newcastle. Arriva's buses are quite old apart from those on the 306/308.

Does it really matter the age of the bus providing they actually turn up?!

Most of the older stock has been withdrawn now, apart from 1800/4653/7445/7446 most of the fleet is not that old especially if you compare to what is being used elsewhere in the country with other divisions and other firms, only real in that could probs do with being disposed of soon is the Solo's

(09 Jan 2022, 12:13 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote GCT's fleet is new? 

I am in the West End of Newcastle. Arriva's buses are quite old apart from those on the 306/308.

You were insinuating that you don't trust Arriva to turn up due to "ageing" buses - yet there has been frequent discussion on here about GCT not turning up for various reasons, and you travel with them happily. 

So you live in Newcastle. Arriva's Jesmond fleet is predominantly 2008-2012 E400s, Pulsars, and Solo's with a decent chunk 2014/5 Streetlites. With absolutely no disrespect towards the operator, I understand it's hard for independents at the best of times, that's hardly ageing compared to the A-Line service fleet that you say you'd use. Indeed, based on other posts you seem to use the 42/42A - a service operated by 2011/12 GNE Solo's, or are they magically younger than Arriva's stock from the same years?

(09 Jan 2022, 12:55 am)mb134 wrote You were insinuating that you don't trust Arriva to turn up due to "ageing" buses - yet there has been frequent discussion on here about GCT not turning up for various reasons, and you travel with them happily. 

So you live in Newcastle. Arriva's Jesmond fleet is predominantly 2008-2012 E400s, Pulsars, and Solo's with a decent chunk 2014/5 Streetlites. With absolutely no disrespect towards the operator, I understand it's hard for independents at the best of times, that's hardly ageing compared to the A-Line service fleet that you say you'd use. Indeed, based on other posts you seem to use the 42/42A - a service operated by 2011/12 GNE Solo's, or are they magically younger than Arriva's stock from the same years?

Well I haven't been inspired to use Arriva, despite some good buses on the 306/308 and others (maybe 44/52?). They serve Killingworth, Silverlink, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Blyth and Tynemouth which I visit but I've always used the 42/42A, 309/310 and the Coaster as I stuck with my 2005 thoughts I'd never travel with Arriva ever again, they looked better and I've used GNE tickets since 2019.

Perhaps if Arriva had a service to Wallsend, ideally linked with the 306/308 I'd use them more. Metrocentre doesn't have Arriva services either. GNE covers my travel destinations, namely a few places in Gateshead (like Saltwell Park, Blaydon, Rowlands Gill etc), Metrocentre, Consett, South Shields, Wallsend, the Cobalt and those shared with Arriva so I obviously use them more than I'd ever use any other company. Arriva just doesn't serve where I want to go exclusively, so I've stuck with my 2005 commitment, but if they did run somewhere I wanted to go as the sole operator there I'd use them. Unfortunately they withdrew the 9/9X service I used when I was younger and no longer operate the 32/32A so I don't have particularly easy access to Arriva tickets.

Just had 718,a rare treat of having a talking bus on the 41 again,just like the old times

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(09 Jan 2022, 2:01 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote Well I haven't been inspired to use Arriva, despite some good buses on the 306/308 and others (maybe 44/52?). They serve Killingworth, Silverlink, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Blyth and Tynemouth which I visit but I've always used the 42/42A, 309/310 and the Coaster as I stuck with my 2005 thoughts I'd never travel with Arriva ever again, they looked better and I've used GNE tickets since 2019.

Perhaps if Arriva had a service to Wallsend, ideally linked with the 306/308 I'd use them more. Metrocentre doesn't have Arriva services either. GNE covers my travel destinations, namely a few places in Gateshead (like Saltwell Park, Blaydon, Rowlands Gill etc), Metrocentre, Consett, South Shields, Wallsend, the Cobalt and those shared with Arriva so I obviously use them more than I'd ever use any other company. Arriva just doesn't serve where I want to go exclusively, so I've stuck with my 2005 commitment, but if they did run somewhere I wanted to go as the sole operator there I'd use them. Unfortunately they withdrew the 9/9X service I used when I was younger and no longer operate the 32/32A so I don't have particularly easy access to Arriva tickets.

The only arguement i have with that is there is the 553,but its frequency is hourly

And Percy Main says goodbye to 6099 as its now back at Riverside depot

(13 Jan 2022, 12:33 pm)V514DFT wrote Just had 718,a rare treat of having a talking bus on the 41 again,just like the old times

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The only arguement i have with that is there is the 553,but its frequency is hourly

718 has NSAs? Which Solos have NSAs fitted?

Yes, the 553 would be good enough. It serves Wallsend Town Centre and links with the Coast Road services. Just not sure if to go on Arriva buses or not after 16 years or so.

(15 Jan 2022, 8:48 am)Train8261 wrote And Percy Main says goodbye to 6099 as its now back at Riverside depot

With the Tyne Valley Ten PVR increasing to 16x, GNE will need to probably transfer 6086 from Deptford (keeping the poppy livery).

GNE could then send one of 6001, 6049, 6050 in return. 6099 if not needed at Percy Main would make sense to keep at Riverside as along 6377, it would make a decent spare for the X10 should any of 6352-55 be off the road.

(15 Jan 2022, 1:27 pm)L469 YVK wrote With the Tyne Valley Ten PVR increasing to 16x, GNE will need to probably transfer 6086 from Deptford (keeping the poppy livery).

GNE could then send one of 6001, 6049, 6050 in return. 6099 if not needed at Percy Main would make sense to keep at Riverside as along 6377, it would make a decent spare for the X10 should any of 6352-55 be off the road.

Personally I don't see why 6086 should keep the poppy livery when 5292 lost it's pride livery for a rebrand. You'd think 6100 and 6101 would be spares for Percy Main and 6087 and 6099 spares for Deptford but then idk if that would leave a spare for then 10 really.

(15 Jan 2022, 1:47 pm)peter wrote Personally I don't see why 6086 should keep the poppy livery when 5292 lost it's pride livery for a rebrand. You'd think 6100 and 6101 would be spares for Percy Main and 6087 and 6099 spares for Deptford but then idk if that would leave a spare for then 10 really.

Because the poppy livery has an important message, 5292 lost its branding as 6050 got pride branded

(15 Jan 2022, 1:47 pm)peter wrote Personally I don't see why 6086 should keep the poppy livery when 5292 lost it's pride livery for a rebrand. You'd think 6100 and 6101 would be spares for Percy Main and 6087 and 6099 spares for Deptford but then idk if that would leave a spare for then 10 really.

6099 is too high of a spec in comparison to 6087-6098. But 6099 would fit in well at Riverside if it was ever needed for the X10. 

In exchange for 6086, one of 6001, 49 or 50 would be better suited for Deptford.

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Saying that, are GNE not trying to keep a high number of Euro 6 spares for ULEZ?

Percy Main with 3x B9TL and 2x StreetLites would have 5x spares covering a ULEZ PVR of 25x (1 & 309/310/311).

(15 Jan 2022, 2:47 pm)GNE6312 wrote Because the poppy livery has an important message, 5292 lost its branding as 6050 got pride branded

6050 isn't a dedicated pride bus in the same way 5292 was though - I believe it was done as part of 'One Team GNE' particularly in the wake of the efforts of colleagues during covid-19. I don't disagree that 6086 carries an important message, I just think it would be odd if they chose to repaint 5292 for a re-brand when they could have left it as a Pride bus, but not do the same for 6086, if it ends up being used as part of the PVR on the 10. 

(15 Jan 2022, 3:11 pm)L469 YVK wrote 6099 is too high of a spec in comparison to 6087-6098. But 6099 would fit in well at Riverside if it was ever needed for the X10. 

In exchange for 6086, one of 6001, 49 or 50 would be better suited for Deptford.

---

Saying that, are GNE not trying to keep a high number of Euro 6 spares for ULEZ?

Percy Main with 3x B9TL and 2x StreetLites would have 5x spares covering a ULEZ PVR of 25x (1 & 309/310/311).

Ah okay, forgot that one had been refurbished, in that case maybe have 6086 as part of the 10 PVR with 6049 as Hexham spare and 6099 Riverside spare, 6100 and 6101 at Percy Main and 6050 and 6087 at Deptford?

(15 Jan 2022, 2:47 pm)GNE6312 wrote Because the poppy livery has an important message, 5292 lost its branding as 6050 got pride branded

6050 is NOT a pride bus. Let's get that clear.

6100 was Percy Main. God knows why in the world Riverside have it. Also why are all 6 of the Lothian Volvo at Chester. Surely if you wanted to give Percy Main one to replace 6099

(15 Jan 2022, 2:47 pm)GNE6312 wrote Because the poppy livery has an important message, 5292 lost its branding as 6050 got pride branded

So Pride isn't an important message?! Not sure that ideology will go down well with some... [emoji51]

(15 Jan 2022, 7:26 pm)Jimmi wrote So Pride isn't an important message?! Not sure that ideology will go down well with some... [emoji51]

Theyre both as important, I kind of thought 6050 was being advertised as a pride bus tbh so that would have made 2 at the time of debranding 5292

Go North East have lost two pride branded buses for absolutely no reason (what happened to spares for the route) 6050 is just what a Metrobus used to be (if anyone can find a photo)

5292 looked amazing in Pride livery. Even the Optare Versa did but all they could have done was given them a touch up of a paint job insted of branding them for complete no reason. There was no need to debrand them two as they were fine. But nah I'm sure Sunderland District is more important than showing pride in the company. Yea 6050 is good but it doesn't have any messages on like the Versa & Citaro did

Also will 6050 turn up to Newcastle pride which the Versa and Citaro did as I haven't seen turn it up yet (can't remember when 6050 was done)

(15 Jan 2022, 8:17 pm)Train8261 wrote Go North East have lost two pride branded buses for absolutely no reason (what happened to spares for the route) 6050 is just what a Metrobus used to be (if anyone can find a photo)

5292 looked amazing in Pride livery. Even the Optare Versa did but all they could have done was given them a touch up of a paint job insted of branding them for complete no reason. There was no need to debrand them two as they were fine. But nah I'm sure Sunderland District is more important than showing pride in the company. Yea 6050 is good but it doesn't have any messages on like the Versa & Citaro did

Also will 6050 turn up to Newcastle pride which the Versa and Citaro did as I haven't seen turn it up yet (can't remember when 6050 was done)

I think the Versa was a Quaylink bus tbf which of course is now a defunct brand, however I don't see why one of the Quaycity Versa's couldn't have been given an equivalent livery. But I agree about 5292, I had just assumed that would remain in its livery and 5290 would get the Sunderland District Cherry livery...what difference would that have made when with the Berries Versa's the spare is in the middle of the batch. Quite a shame really.

(15 Jan 2022, 8:33 pm)peter wrote I think the Versa was a Quaylink bus tbf which of course is now a defunct brand, however I don't see why one of the Quaycity Versa's couldn't have been given an equivalent livery. But I agree about 5292, I had just assumed that would remain in its livery and 5290 would get the Sunderland District Cherry livery...what difference would that have made when with the Berries Versa's the spare is in the middle of the batch. Quite a shame really.

If you like your pride served up with a side of rust, 5292 looked great…


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(15 Jan 2022, 8:17 pm)Train8261 wrote Go North East have lost two pride branded buses for absolutely no reason (what happened to spares for the route) 6050 is just what a Metrobus used to be (if anyone can find a photo)

5292 looked amazing in Pride livery. Even the Optare Versa did but all they could have done was given them a touch up of a paint job insted of branding them for complete no reason. There was no need to debrand them two as they were fine. But nah I'm sure Sunderland District is more important than showing pride in the company. Yea 6050 is good but it doesn't have any messages on like the Versa & Citaro did

Also will 6050 turn up to Newcastle pride which the Versa and Citaro did as I haven't seen turn it up yet (can't remember when 6050 was done)

At the risk of causing offence... yes, considering they're a bus company and the priority should be focused on running a bus service and promoting so by any means, don't get me wrong it is nice to see support shown for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community and perhaps this is something can continue to be done again with something similar in the future.

Personally as far as Pride liveries go I thought the GNE efforts were weak in comparison to some seen elsewhere in the industry.

(15 Jan 2022, 8:49 pm)Dan wrote If you like your pride served up with a side of rust, 5292 looked great…


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Rather a rusty pride than no pride at all! Could it not have been repainted into a similar or updated version of the livery as a result?

In fairness to GNE, UK pride is due to be held in Newcastle this year (delayed since 2020 I believe) and perhaps we will see a new pride livery to coincide with this...it's just a shame to have seen the current one go in the meantime.

I'd rather have a Citaro in the Pride livery than any other bus. 5292 was amazing in the livery