(27 Jan 2014, 4:50 pm)Roland Pratt wrote Doesn't surprise me either knowing Arriva, though its a sorry state of affairs when an hourly service is missed out just like that (Though no doubt Mr Volvo the Arriva apologist will disagree)

Well its either that or the 30 at 1517 gets missed out. I think I know which one has the most passengers inconvinienced and its not the 21A.

(27 Jan 2014, 4:53 pm)Roland Pratt wrote Which hourly service?

The 21A will be the only service up Durham Road (bar the limited stop X1 obviously). The 6 won't be up there any more come April.

(27 Jan 2014, 2:28 pm)tyresmoke wrote We'll be down to an hourly service up Durham Road soon and if I got my way the 21A would run limited stop out of the town too as there's no need for it to call everywhere, but that's me. If you've ever been on a Sunday X1 you'd know they are tight for time and I do wonder how the Durham drivers seem to cope using their Geminis on a night, having said that they've had to re-time them on a night already.

When we had 58 minutes to do the route you could JUST do it with a Gemini, you had to keep your toe down and try load quickly, since it has been changed to 61 minutes it seems to be spot on, especially since you have 4 minutes recovery time in 'boro.

Just spoke to the driver on the 43 and apparantly, 10 new Pualsar 2's are being ordered therefore making the 43, 44 and 45 a full Pulsar 2 operation.

(28 Jan 2014, 7:33 am)Davey Bowyer wrote Just spoke to the driver on the 43 and apparantly, 10 new Pualsar 2's are being ordered therefore making the 43, 44 and 45 a full Pulsar 2 operation.

They won't be for the 43/44/45 but there's a possibility of cascaded Pulsar's for those routes I suppose.

As has been mentioned previously...

Whitby depot currently have the use of VDL DB300 Wright Gemini 7624 (NK61EBP) for a 2 week trial on services 93/X93 (Middlesbrough - Whitby - Scarborough) to be evaluated against the ADL Enviro 400's currently used on there, with a view to a permanent vehicle swap to ensure reliability is up to scratch for the summer season...
It still retains its X10/X11 branding as it is fitted with a tachograph. If successful it should see 6 unbranded Geminis fitted with tachographs and transferred south.

Seen in Middlesbrough this morning before departing on the 1025 X93 to Scarborough...

Alot of changes on VOSA today:

PB0002032/9 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Brunswick given service number 45 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/11 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number X4 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/252 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number X5 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/337 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bltyh and Newcastle given service number X10/X11 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/338 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Cobalt Business Park given service number X9 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/341 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number X13 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/345 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Widdrington Estate given service number 1 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/346 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Morpeth Abbey Meadow Shops given service number 2 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PB0002032/396 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Morpeth given service number X14 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/450 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number 308 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/452 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Whitly Bay given service number 306 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PB0002032/457 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitley Bay and Newcastle given service number 54 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/459 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Cramlington and Newcastle given service number 52 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/465 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Amble by the Sea and Amble by the Sea given service number 471 effective from 23-Mar-2014.

PB0002032/467 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Blyth
Finish Point: Newcastle
Via:
Service Number: X30
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Peak time Express Monday - Friday

PB0002032/468 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Sacred Heart School Fenham
Finish Point: Brunton Lane Gosforth
Via:
Service Number: 135
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002032/469 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Newburn
Finish Point: Walbottle Campus
Via:
Service Number: 137
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Monday - Friday schools

PB0002032/470 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walbottle Campus
Finish Point: General Hospital
Via:
Service Number: 155
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schools

PB0002717/54 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Darlington and Barnard Castle given service number 76A/75/76 effective from 08-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

(28 Jan 2014, 5:52 pm)Michael wrote Alot of changes on VOSA today:

PB0002032/9 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Brunswick given service number 45 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/11 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number X4 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/252 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number X5 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/337 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Bltyh and Newcastle given service number X10/X11 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/338 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Cobalt Business Park given service number X9 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/341 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number X13 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/345 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Widdrington Estate given service number 1 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/346 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Morpeth Abbey Meadow Shops given service number 2 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PB0002032/396 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Morpeth given service number X14 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/450 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Blyth and Newcastle given service number 308 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/452 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Newcastle and Whitly Bay given service number 306 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.
PB0002032/457 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Whitley Bay and Newcastle given service number 54 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/459 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted: Operating between Cramlington and Newcastle given service number 52 effective from 23-Mar-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB0002032/465 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Amble by the Sea and Amble by the Sea given service number 471 effective from 23-Mar-2014.

PB0002032/467 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Blyth
Finish Point: Newcastle
Via:
Service Number: X30
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Peak time Express Monday - Friday

PB0002032/468 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Sacred Heart School Fenham
Finish Point: Brunton Lane Gosforth
Via:
Service Number: 135
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schooldays

PB0002032/469 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Newburn
Finish Point: Walbottle Campus
Via:
Service Number: 137
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Monday - Friday schools

PB0002032/470 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Walbottle Campus
Finish Point: General Hospital
Via:
Service Number: 155
Service Type: School or Works
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Monday - Friday Schools

PB0002717/54 - ARRIVA DURHAM COUNTY LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Darlington and Barnard Castle given service number 76A/75/76 effective from 08-Feb-2014. To amend Route and Timetable.

With more to come I believe....and they say GNE have too many service changes, how many has South East Northumberland had in the past couple of years??

(28 Jan 2014, 6:46 pm)citaro5284 wrote With more to come I believe....and they say GNE have too many service changes, how many has South East Northumberland had in the past couple of years??

Looks like it'll be mostly timetable changes though rather than wholesale changes like the last few network changes!
Them scholar runs should be part of the transfer of work from Classic. 7 vehicles worth of work in total.

(28 Jan 2014, 5:52 pm)Michael wrote PB0002032/467 - ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD, 1 ADMIRAL WAY, DOXFORD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, SUNDERLAND, SR3 3XP
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: Blyth
Finish Point: Newcastle
Via:
Service Number: X30
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 23-MAR-2014
Other Details: Peak time Express Monday - Friday

I wonder if that has anything to do with the Cobalt Clipper..........?

(28 Jan 2014, 6:50 pm)Dan wrote I wonder if that has anything to do with the Cobalt Clipper..........?

I don't think so, it'll either be a supplemenetary express for the X10 / X11 or 308.

(28 Jan 2014, 6:50 pm)Dan wrote I wonder if that has anything to do with the Cobalt Clipper..........?

You'd think so. I wonder what they'll allocate though. GNE having just invested a small fortune in new B9s with free Wi-Fi and power sockets. Surely a winner when it comes to commuter choice...

(28 Jan 2014, 7:17 pm)Davey Bowyer wrote I don't think so, it'll either be a supplemenetary express for the X10 / X11 or 308.

Yeah for the 308 through the Cobalt

No, I don't think it'll be through the Cobalt. I think that it'll either be to supplement the X10 and X11 by a 30 minute frequency per way with 3 journeys AM / PM or, it'll supplement the 308 in the same fashion.

(28 Jan 2014, 6:50 pm)Dan wrote I wonder if that has anything to do with the Cobalt Clipper..........?

Bugger all as the X10/X11 is being reduced at the peaks and the X30 replaces them, running a similar route to what the old X12 did of avoiding Cramlington.

(28 Jan 2014, 9:10 pm)busman101 wrote Bugger all as the X10/X11 is being reduced at the peaks and the X30 replaces them, running a similar route to what the old X12 did of avoiding Cramlington.

Surprised to hear that ANE wouldn't bite back! Ta for info.

What will be happening with the 306 and the 308 timetable? Well put it this way, if the 308 needs a couple of extra minutes again, Arriva will have some trouble going against the big silver B9's at Percy Main depot ready to be out any minute soon. The max 309 journey from Rake Lane to Newcastle AM is 47 minutes and for the 308, is 40 minutes. For the PM from Newcastle to Rake Lane Hospital, the max journey time for the 309 is 42 minutes and the 308 is 38 minutes but more like 40 minutes by the time the delays at Willington, Silverlink and Norham Road are taken into account. Now if Arriva add two miutes to the 308, there'll only be 5 minutes diffrrence in times AM towards Newcastle and 2 minutes during the PM towards Whitley Bay / Blyth. Also at the moment off peak, the time difference is 3 minutes between Rake Lane and Newcastle and back with the 308 taking 33 minutes and the 309 taking 36 minutes. Unlikely so, if Arriva were to add 2 minutes off peak, that would only be a difference of one minute! Now look at the evening and Sunday journeys, the 308 from Rake Lane to Newcastle and back takes 29 minutes and the 309 takes 32 minutes. If Arriva add two extra minutes, then the time difference will be only one minute. Therefore, with the exception of the AM rush hour Newcastle bound journeys, the time difference between the 308 and 309 will be by abfine margin if Arriva change the timetable by adding a couple of extra minutes.

Now look at this, Arriva COULD, increase the 308 to every 10 minutes durung the peak times but the 306 would heavily suffer as a result. The 308 can't keep to time with a fully seated double deck but the 309's timetable would allow a fully seated double deck and an on time journey. GNE's B9's are to a far superior standard to Arriva's B5LH's. That alone speaks for itself without any other marketing depending on how nice the guys up in Queen Street feel. Arriva don't have any buses to the Metro Centre and passengers would have to buy a more expensive Network One or, cough up the single or return fare on the 100, TEN or any other Eldon Square service. With regards to cross border travel, despite the 308 running at a higher frequency outside the peak times between Whitley Bay and Blyth, the ticketing and zones work out more expensive and passengers can travel on the 309 for only £12.50 PW cross border, compared to paying 20 odd quid PW to use the 308. Also, GNE buses board more efficiently due to the location of the pass readers and the use of Key Cards. I don't wish amything bad on the drivers as they have bills to pay and mouths to feed, but Arriva seriously need to look at the 308 before the big silver B9's end up taking dominance.

(28 Jan 2014, 9:10 pm)busman101 wrote Bugger all as the X10/X11 is being reduced at the peaks and the X30 replaces them, running a similar route to what the old X12 did of avoiding Cramlington.

Any idea of timings point to point for the x30 and the GNE offering?

(28 Jan 2014, 9:47 pm)andreos1 wrote Any idea of timings point to point for the x30 and the GNE offering?

The X30 will be a lot quicker than the 309 as the old X12 was - it's non-stop from Newsham to Regent Centre, so it'll be pretty quick. The old X12 was always really busy, so quite surprised that it was taken off in the first place.

(28 Jan 2014, 10:22 pm)busman101 wrote The X30 will be a lot quicker than the 309 as the old X12 was - it's non-stop from Newsham to Regent Centre, so it'll be pretty quick. The old X12 was always really busy, so quite surprised that it was taken off in the first place.

After this statement last night and my journey this morning on the X11 to get to Blyth, my money might just be on the 309 being quicker ! The 8.15 X11 from Newcastle eventually arrived in Blyth at 9.38 (due at 9.09) with the driver in no rush to get to Blyth - am wondering if eco scores are the focus for not doing more than 35mph on the A1 rather than trying to get people from A to B on time. The App must have been created to monitor just how late your bus is as there wasn't much on time in the Haymarket this morning - most over 10 late & bus juggling (still) with 43, 45 & 55

(29 Jan 2014, 6:24 pm)busman101 wrote After this statement last night and my journey this morning on the X11 to get to Blyth, my money might just be on the 309 being quicker ! The 8.15 X11 from Newcastle eventually arrived in Blyth at 9.38 (due at 9.09) with the driver in no rush to get to Blyth - am wondering if eco scores are the focus for not doing more than 35mph on the A1 rather than trying to get people from A to B on time. The App must have been created to monitor just how late your bus is as there wasn't much on time in the Haymarket this morning - most over 10 late & bus juggling (still) with 43, 45 & 55

There are absolutely bloody loads of drivers like that at Jesmond (not all by the way). I got the 43 one night from Seaton Burn to Newcastle and the driver was 10 minutes late, nodding his head and huffing and puffing away and driving ridiculously slow. Got on the one behind that caught up as I couldn't bear the thought of being on his bus for any longer!

Then last night as I was waiting for the 309 at Haymarket, the same driver was doing the 16:35 306 to Tynemouth and he didn't get out until 16:45. He was boarding the bus at a ridiculously slow pace with no regard to the 308 trying to get in. The CSM in an orange jacket from Arriva looked less than impressed when he turned up to see what was happening.

About ten years ago I needed to get to Ashington to pick up a new (secondhand) car.
I waited at the Haymarket stand, but the bus didn't show, then arrived a good twenty minutes late.

The driver 'drove like the wind' (though safely) - taking every advantage possible and slowing for the cameras where necessary.

When we arrived in Ashington he was back on schedule!

(29 Jan 2014, 7:40 pm)G-CPTN wrote About ten years ago I needed to get to Ashington to pick up a new (secondhand) car.
I waited at the Haymarket stand, but the bus didn't show, then arrived a good twenty minutes late.

The driver 'drove like the wind' (though safely) - taking every advantage possible and slowing for the cameras where necessary.

When we arrived in Ashington he was back on schedule!

There are some good drivers in Ashingtom Depot actually. The X15 was running late by 10 or so minutes so I got of the 43 and jumped on that one and he drove it like the wind and was even brave enough in his coach to overtake a Volvo B10 ALX 300 near Barras Bridge. Excellent driving!

I like the drivers from both GNE and Arriva who:
- Close the doors on time
- Drive quickly whilst being safe
- Don't take pitty on people who turn up at the last minute and start banging on the door
- Have a good moan at the inconsiderate little muppets who turn up with 10 and 20 quid notes for a £1.40 fare during peak times

I remember once this right old school driver from Blyth with a deep voice was driving the 308 and he gave two of the Benfield Road crowd at St Mary's stick. One for running at the last minute with no fare ready and farting around in his bag holding the bus up. And the girl who got on after due to him holding the bus up, trying to pay the £1.40 fare to Benfield Road with a note. I was thinking good on him for doing so and he was spot on. I can totally understand how the good drivers feel though at times.

(29 Jan 2014, 8:09 pm)Davey Bowyer wrote There are some good drivers in Ashingtom Depot actually. The X15 was running late by 10 or so minutes so I got of the 43 and jumped on that one and he drove it like the wind and was even brave enough in his coach to overtake a Volvo B10 ALX 300 near Barras Bridge. Excellent driving!

I like the drivers from both GNE and Arriva who:
- Close the doors on time
- Drive quickly whilst being safe
- Don't take pitty on people who turn up at the last minute and start banging on the door
- Have a good moan at the inconsiderate little muppets who turn up with 10 and 20 quid notes for a £1.40 fare during peak times

I remember once this right old school driver from Blyth with a deep voice was driving the 308 and he gave two of the Benfield Road crowd at St Mary's stick. One for running at the last minute with no fare ready and farting around in his bag holding the bus up. And the girl who got on after due to him holding the bus up, trying to pay the £1.40 fare to Benfield Road with a note. I was thinking good on him for doing so and he was spot on. I can totally understand how the good drivers feel though at times.

I've said it before, but people don't deliberately turn up with notes to pay for a fare. Firstly operators don't list their single/return fares, so how can they expect customers to have the correct change when it can't be referenced in advance? Secondly I'm yet to find a cash point that will dispense your withdrawal in cash? I'd love to see one though. The majority of people pay with notes as a last resort. Would you expect to get a mouth full if you paid for your shopping with a note?

I wouldn't expect a driver to drive quickly or slowly. I'd expect them to drive to timetable to the best of their ability. I understand roadworks and congestion causes issues at times, but that isn't an excuse to race around like a lunatic.

As for "having a good moan". It's completely unacceptable in what essentially is a customer facing role. The impression a customer gets from a driver "having a good moan" is the impression they will have of that company as a whole - not the driver. It doesn't do company reputation any good at all.

The latest Pulsars to be debranded at Stockton are 1442 (marking the end of the 9 branding) and 1445, both back at Stockton.

Picked up some of the new timetable leaflets. They certainly know how to confuse people. If it's hard for us to understand how do they expect the average passenger to? They should never re-use the same service number for a new service immediately after an old service finishes.
Anomolies - why is the 28B variation round Cypress Road in white while round Easterside its turquoise?
Some downright lies - 8 buses combined 9/27A Monday to Saturday? By my reckoning its 7 on a Saturday. And stretching it to call the 64A a quarter hourly service on a Mon-Fri when its actually 10, 20, 10, 20 !

(30 Jan 2014, 7:44 pm)Roland Pratt wrote Picked up some of the new timetable leaflets. They certainly know how to confuse people. If it's hard for us to understand how do they expect the average passenger to? They should never re-use the same service number for a new service immediately after an old service finishes.
Anomolies - why is the 28B variation round Cypress Road in white while round Easterside its turquoise?
Some downright lies - 8 buses combined 9/27A Monday to Saturday? By my reckoning its 7 on a Saturday. And stretching it to call the 64A a quarter hourly service on a Mon-Fri when its actually 10, 20, 10, 20 !

9s and 27As won't be interworking on Saturdays - 27/27a as now on Saturdays with a PVR of 6 (27 out to Netherfields return as 27a like Sundays), 9s stand alone with 4 vehicles. 9/27a on weekdays is 9, and 4 on 27s.

(29 Jan 2014, 6:24 pm)busman101 wrote After this statement last night and my journey this morning on the X11 to get to Blyth, my money might just be on the 309 being quicker ! The 8.15 X11 from Newcastle eventually arrived in Blyth at 9.38 (due at 9.09) with the driver in no rush to get to Blyth - am wondering if eco scores are the focus for not doing more than 35mph on the A1 rather than trying to get people from A to B on time. The App must have been created to monitor just how late your bus is as there wasn't much on time in the Haymarket this morning - most over 10 late & bus juggling (still) with 43, 45 & 55

You should do a top gear type challenge and find out for sure!

(30 Jan 2014, 8:01 pm)andreos1 wrote You should do a top gear type challenge and find out for sure!

That would be a laugh - always wanted to do a video comparison of a journey from a well known geet big Teesside housing area to Middlesbrough in a bus v car kind of way to promote the Express service, you know the one, it's coming off in a few weeks !

(30 Jan 2014, 8:09 pm)busman101 wrote That would be a laugh - always wanted to do a video comparison of a journey from a well known geet big Teesside housing area to Middlesbrough in a bus v car kind of way to promote the Express service, you know the one, it's coming off in a few weeks !

Not quite correct!

It's becoming a peak time only service, albeit more frequent at them times.

I do think the bus would actually win on that one though!

(30 Jan 2014, 7:44 pm)Roland Pratt wrote Picked up some of the new timetable leaflets. They certainly know how to confuse people. If it's hard for us to understand how do they expect the average passenger to? They should never re-use the same service number for a new service immediately after an old service finishes.
Anomolies - why is the 28B variation round Cypress Road in white while round Easterside its turquoise?
Some downright lies - 8 buses combined 9/27A Monday to Saturday? By my reckoning its 7 on a Saturday. And stretching it to call the 64A a quarter hourly service on a Mon-Fri when its actually 10, 20, 10, 20 !

Is that the law?