(23 Nov 2022, 7:40 pm)Malarkey wrote I think following should happen.

47 - Great Park - Hollywood Avenue - Regent Centre - South Gosforth - Freeman Hospital - Jesmond - Haymarket Bus Station - RVI Hospital - Newcastle General Hospital

• Operates Every 30 Minutes Monday to Saturday, Hourly on a Sunday.
  
• Stanley Travel X46 & Go North East's Service (H) both withdrawn.
  
• Combined PVR of 4 currently reduced by half to 2.
  
• Timetable is enhanced for NHS Staff to cover late evening/weekend shift workings across all 3 three hospitals and can still travel for free however service now open to Non NHS Staff to use providing they pay current fare offering. 
  
• Hollywood Avenue still have a Bus Service which is more sustainable than it's previous offerings with improved connections. 
  

The problem with that is you've removed the Great Park / Hollywood Avenue to Gosforth link which is one of the key bits, you might aswell just run a bus from Great Park / Hollywood Avenue to the Regent Centre only doing that with integrated Metro tickets as it's a slog around the world the rest of it and no-one will use it (or extend the 553 instead).

Also that route already exists partially with the 553 which is commercial (not funded by Nexus at least). You'd be better just extending the 52, it would do the same purpose.

The other thing nobody seems to grasp is that the 47 is a contracted service. It isn't going anywhere until at least 2024.

(23 Nov 2022, 8:30 pm)Storx wrote The problem with that is you've removed the Great Park / Hollywood Avenue to Gosforth link which is one of the key bits, you might aswell just run a bus from Great Park / Hollywood Avenue to the Regent Centre only doing that with integrated Metro tickets as it's a slog around the world the rest of it and no-one will use it (or extend the 553 instead).

Also that route already exists partially with the 553 which is commercial (not funded by Nexus at least).  You'd be better just extending the 52, it would do the same purpose.

Not really they can get on/off on Church Road which is just off of Gosforth High Street and as for the 553 section it carries fresh air from what I have seen of it departing Regent Centre so integrating it into another service would make it more sustainable in the long term, only other alternative would be merging it into the Q3 at Wallsend and have a Q3/Q4 operating a Clockwise/Anti-Clockwise Loop.

(24 Nov 2022, 8:05 pm)Malarkey wrote Not really they can get on/off on Church Road which is just off of Gosforth High Street and as for the 553 section it carries fresh air from what I have seen of it departing Regent Centre so integrating it into another service would make it more sustainable in the long term, only other alternative would be merging it into the Q3 at Wallsend and have a Q3/Q4 operating a Clockwise/Anti-Clockwise Loop.

Clearly don't see many 553s in the peaks then!

(24 Nov 2022, 9:15 pm)mb134 wrote Clearly don't see many 553s in the peaks then!

Yes, the peak 553 services from Wallsend to Freeman Hospital (and vice versa) are usually pretty well used, with few seats remaining.

Arriva lack of buses in north Tyneside has been brought up in a question in the house of commons. Normal none answer from the Tory tacking the question!

(25 Nov 2022, 10:53 am)Rob44 wrote Arriva lack of buses in north Tyneside has been brought up in a question in the house of commons. Normal none answer from the Tory tacking the question!

North Tyneside network was ruined in 2010 both Arriva and GNE and it has never recovered.

(25 Nov 2022, 11:28 am)ian foster wrote North Tyneside network was ruined in 2010 both Arriva and GNE and it has never recovered.

More so GNE believe it or not.

(25 Nov 2022, 5:39 pm)L469 YVK wrote More so GNE believe it or not.

What happened in 2010 with GNE changes?

(25 Nov 2022, 5:48 pm)Unber43 wrote What happened in 2010 with GNE changes?

40C/41C withdrawn, Hadrian Park-Wallsend revised to operate as the 40, Wallsend-Hadrian Park revised to operate as service 41 and service 80 introduced to operate Wallsend-North Shields
81- merged with the 17 to create a combined service 17, 17A introduced
59/59A withdrawn
75-withdrawn and replaced with the 310
76-withdrawn and replaced with a re-routed 309
83A/83C- withdrawn
And that was just North Tyneside

At a public meeting in Dudley tonight, Arriva management and Nexus answered some questions regarding the Arriva service issues. Arriva said they have agency drivers route training now and they are hopeful they will have more starting very soon. This should allow them to cover their current timetables reliably while recruitment continues.

The Arriva management also said their plans are to return all services to their previous frequency when they have sorted the staffing. They refused to give a date, but did say the aim was by the end of the first quarter of next year.

The Nexus rep also confirmed that Stagecoach Cumbria would be taking on the Arriva 685 services.

(07 Dec 2022, 10:35 pm)Shrek wrote At a public meeting in Dudley tonight, Arriva management and Nexus answered some questions regarding the Arriva service issues. Arriva said they have agency drivers route training now and they are hopeful they will have more starting very soon. This should allow them to cover their current timetables reliably while recruitment continues.

The Arriva management also said their plans are to return all services to their previous frequency when they have sorted the staffing. They refused to give a date, but did say the aim was by the end of the first quarter of next year.

The Nexus rep also confirmed that Stagecoach Cumbria would be taking on the Arriva 685 services.

Very optimistic that Arriva will return to 'previous' frequencies that soon. GNE's driver numbers are only just getting back to somewhere near normal and that's after cutting services.

306/308 don't need a 15 minute frequency each nor Battle Hill Drive served. A reduction to every 20 mins each and withdrawing the 306 out of Battle Hill will save a PVR of 4x.

As for the X8, that could go and then the 43 re-routed via High Pit, Annitsford and Fern Drive with 1x per hour extended to Blyth via current X8 route from Cramlington and 1x per hour extended to Morpeth. Anyone wanting a faster journey can change in Cramlington.

Current (52):
- 306/308 - 18x
- 685 - 3x
- X7/X8/X9 -14x
- X10/X11 - 8x
- 43/44/45 - 9x

New (43) - PVR reduction of 9x:
- 306/308 - 14x
- X7/X9/X10/X11 - 18x (x10/x11 stay every 30 mins each)
- 43/44/45 - 11x

X7/X9/X10/X11 would work.....

X10/X11 outbound and X7/X9 inbound (9x)
- X11 NCL > X9 BLY > X10 NCL> X7 BLY

X7/X9 outbound and X10/X11 inbound (9x)
- X7 NCL > X10 BLY > X9 NCL > X11 BLY

(07 Dec 2022, 10:35 pm)Shrek wrote At a public meeting in Dudley tonight, Arriva management and Nexus answered some questions regarding the Arriva service issues. Arriva said they have agency drivers route training now and they are hopeful they will have more starting very soon. This should allow them to cover their current timetables reliably while recruitment continues.

The Arriva management also said their plans are to return all services to their previous frequency when they have sorted the staffing. They refused to give a date, but did say the aim was by the end of the first quarter of next year.

The Nexus rep also confirmed that Stagecoach Cumbria would be taking on the Arriva 685 services.

Definitely Cumbria?

(08 Dec 2022, 12:18 pm)Chris 1 wrote Definitely Cumbria?

The Nexus rep said it was Stagecoach Cumbria.

(08 Dec 2022, 12:23 pm)Shrek wrote The Nexus rep said it was Stagecoach Cumbria.

Interesting, thanks.

(08 Dec 2022, 12:23 pm)Shrek wrote The Nexus rep said it was Stagecoach Cumbria.

From this weekend? So we are now in the final days of the Arriva 685?

That's Arriva removed from a lot of areas. Disappointing. I'm wondering if Arriva will tender for the 342 come March or if Stagecoach will get it. Works service 792 would fit into Arriva's network well at the Jesmond/South Gosforth/Benton end, but overall would fit best into Go North East's network.

(08 Dec 2022, 1:04 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote From this weekend? So we are now in the final days of the Arriva 685?

They didn't say which date it was moving over, just that it was to allow Arriva to move drivers to other services.

(08 Dec 2022, 12:23 pm)Shrek wrote The Nexus rep said it was Stagecoach Cumbria.

Would it not be Cumbria with Slatyford / Walkergate doing some boards too?

Could Stagecoach Busways drivers legally drive vehicles on Stagecoach Cumbria's / North West's 'O' licence?

Did i imagine this or did a number 48 bus ,used to run in the Blyth area

(08 Dec 2022, 6:24 pm)V514DFT wrote Did i imagine this or did a number 48 bus ,used to run in the Blyth area

It's the old 2 shorts - http://travelnortheast.co.uk/downloads/b...or-bly.pdf

Last day of Arriva operating it, is on the 22nd Jan 2023

PB0002032/533
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 3685 (685) Brampton Carlisle

PB0002032/63
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 2685 (685) Hexham Brampton

PB0002032/61
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 1685 (685) Newcastle Hexham

Not sure if it is directly related to the service issues, but apparently GNE and Arriva are going to introduce joint ticketing on the Coast Road - I don't have exact details of what this will entail.

(09 Dec 2022, 1:03 pm)Thomas12 wrote Not sure if it is directly related to the service issues, but apparently GNE and Arriva are going to introduce joint ticketing on the Coast Road - I don't have exact details of what this will entail.

I am expecting a qualifying agreement to come online between the 306/308/309/310/311.

(09 Dec 2022, 1:03 pm)Thomas12 wrote Not sure if it is directly related to the service issues, but apparently GNE and Arriva are going to introduce joint ticketing on the Coast Road - I don't have exact details of what this will entail.

Hmmm.......unless it will be only on the common section between Coast Road / Station Road and Newcastle?

If that was the case, Arriva wouldn't have any capacity issues with the 306/308 running every 20 mins each and the 306 pulled out of Battle Hill.

That alone would save a PVR of 4x and based on 3 cycles per bus between 6am and 6-7pm, (BLY > NCL > TYN/WB > NCL > BLY) would free around 12 drivers if not a few more.

Would be a win-win as the revenue depending on the agreement would be shared for the common sections, GNE get full control of Battle Hill and ANE still keep their unique parts and aren't hugely disadvantaged dropping frequency.

(09 Dec 2022, 4:20 pm)L469 YVK wrote Hmmm.......unless it will be only on the common section between Coast Road / Station Road and Newcastle?

If that was the case, Arriva wouldn't have any capacity issues with the 306/308 running every 20 mins each and the 306 pulled out of Battle Hill.

That alone would save a PVR of 4x and based on 3 cycles per bus between 6am and 6-7pm, (BLY > NCL > TYN/WB > NCL > BLY) would free around 12 drivers if not a few more.

Why pull 306 out of Battle Hill ?

Surely any agreement will cover the full route from Blyth to Newcastle - 10 minute combined frequency 308/309 Blyth - NT Hospital

(09 Dec 2022, 4:25 pm)busmanT wrote Why pull 306 out of Battle Hill ?

Surely any agreement will cover the full route from Blyth to Newcastle - 10 minute combined frequency 308/309 Blyth - NT Hospital

Pulling 306 out of Battle Hill on a 20 min frequency would reduce the PVR to 14 instead of 15.

North Shields & parts of West Chirton to Battle Hill already covered by the 310 and is only a short walk from Willington Square / St Peter's if using the 306.

Maybe that's what is in the pipeline to cover boyth the 308/309. Who knows?

If there's joint ticketing then this would be better imo:

306 - Pulled out of Battle Hill
308 - No Changes
309 - 311 Route to Hadrian Park, 309 to Cobalt (Every 15 Minutes), Extended to Blyth (Every 30 Minutes)
310 - Upped to Every 15 Minutes

306/308 - Combined every 7.5 Minutes between Newcastle and Billy Mill
309/310 - Combined every 7.5 Minutes between Newcastle and Battle Hill

There's absolutely no need for a 10 minute service between Blyth / Whitley Bay and Newcastle plus it wouldn't work anyway as it would make the 306/308 run at the same time. Why should Arriva drop down to 6 BPH while GNE still has 9 BPH. I wouldn't be too keen either.

(08 Dec 2022, 7:54 pm)Michael wrote Last day of Arriva operating it, is on the 22nd Jan 2023

PB0002032/533
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 3685 (685) Brampton Carlisle

PB0002032/63
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 2685 (685) Hexham Brampton

PB0002032/61
Cancellation ARRIVA NORTHUMBRIA LTD 1685 (685) Newcastle Hexham

Busways have now registered the 685 for its full operation.


PB0002404/401
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685HN (685) Newcastle Eldon Square Hexham Bus Station

PB0002404/402
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685BH (685) Hexham Bus Station Brampton Market Place

PB0002404/403
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685 (685) Brampton Market Place Carlisle Bus Station

(09 Dec 2022, 6:19 pm)Michael wrote Busways have now registered the 685 for its full operation.


PB0002404/401
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685HN (685) Newcastle Eldon Square Hexham Bus Station

PB0002404/402
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685BH (685) Hexham Bus Station Brampton Market Place

PB0002404/403
New BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD 685 (685) Brampton Market Place Carlisle Bus Station

I wonder what will be allocated to it. Sure I read somewhere it will be operating from Slatyford

(09 Dec 2022, 5:26 pm)Storx wrote If there's joint ticketing then this would be better imo:

306 - Pulled out of Battle Hill
308 - No Changes
309 - 311 Route to Hadrian Park, 309 to Cobalt (Every 15 Minutes), Extended to Blyth (Every 30 Minutes)
310 - Upped to Every 15 Minutes

306/308 - Combined every 7.5 Minutes between Newcastle and Billy Mill
309/310 - Combined every 7.5 Minutes between Newcastle and Battle Hill

There's absolutely no need for a 10 minute service between Blyth / Whitley Bay and Newcastle plus it wouldn't work anyway as it would make the 306/308 run at the same time. Why should Arriva drop down to 6 BPH while GNE still has 9 BPH. I wouldn't be too keen either.

A 13/7 split with careful timings would work for the 308 & 309 (amongst individual combined frequencies) with both then forming a 10 minute service between Blyth and North Tyneside Hospital.

But unless it's late at night with no cars on the road and 6 pints down, a Hadrian Park de-tour is no fun and rightly something that Peter Huntley removed.

If an 'evens' service was going to be created....

- 306 - every 20 mins as now but no longer serves Battle Hill

- 308 - every 20 mins as now

- 309 - every 20 mins as now, via High Farm

- 310 - every 20 mins as now

- 22 - 1x every 20 mins to Cobalt, 1x every 20 mins to Hadrian Park