(28 Jan 2014, 7:52 am)Dan wrote Do think Stagecoach have missed a trick by not having it on during half term. I'm sure there would be a few young lads interested in going if they saw it advertised on the buses!
Of course it means parents are likely to be at work too...!

Or celebrating Valentines Day?
Can't see a date at the bus depot being too popular with the other halfs!

(28 Jan 2014, 7:42 am)Dan wrote Well I'm meant to be in school... but perhaps I could 'go to the dentist' at 2pm or so?

See if gtomlinson will write you a sick note.

On a serious note though I think I'll take the day off on leave and head over. Is it open doors or invite only?

(28 Jan 2014, 10:19 am)aureolin wrote See if gtomlinson will write you a sick note.

On a serious note though I think I'll take the day off on leave and head over. Is it open doors or invite only?

Open Doors as far as I know. They want everyone there to celebrate the launch of the gas buses.

36474 returned to South Shields today from Cummins,
22669 is pretty much ready to go from it's long engine rebuild back to Stockton from South Shields
35190 has returned to South Shields from a repaint
34545 is now at South Shields to receive work.

Anyone know if 35158 is still at Hartlepool?
Haven't seen it on 8s in Sunderland over the past few days, but don't arrive into town at the time I did before to see them now...

(28 Jan 2014, 9:23 pm)Dan wrote Anyone know if 35158 is still at Hartlepool?
Haven't seen it on 8s in Sunderland over the past few days, but don't arrive into town at the time I did before to see them now...

Was on the 1 yesterday, believe its loan might extend beyond the 3 weeks as the Dart it's covering is currently at South Shields

(28 Jan 2014, 9:26 pm)Kuyoyo wrote Was on the 1 yesterday, believe its loan might extend beyond the 3 weeks as the Dart it's covering is currently at South Shields

Muchas Gracias!
If you're out and about on Saturday and see it, can you give me a heads up?

Dan. Do You have a photo of 35190 newly painted since it came back to South Shields. Regards Robin

(28 Jan 2014, 10:47 pm)ROBIN wrote Dan. Do You have a photo of 35190 newly painted since it came back to South Shields. Regards Robin

Flickr is your friend - http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=stagecoach+35190&d=taken-20140101-&ss=0&ct=0&mt=all&w=all&adv=1

VOSA today (29/01/14)


PB0002404/304 - BUSWAYS TRAVEL SERVICES LTD T/A STAGECOACH NORTHEAST, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, NORTH BRIDGE STREET, SUNDERLAND, SR5 1AQ

Cancellation Accepted: Operating between Hollywood Avenue and Newcastle City Centre given service number 33 effective from 23-Mar-2014.

Dan. Where has 34545 come from to be at south shields depot for Repair. Regards Robin

Hi Robin,

Fleet number 34545 (GX04 EYW) was last noted in Peterborough. Hope this helps.
[/size][/font]

20550 currently out and about on training duties in Sunderland.

Sunderlands LED Man (22021?) has a smashed emergancy exit window, driver said the kids threw something at it and its broke.

Its now heading towards red house north after sitting at the bus stop on grindon lane for 5 mins.

Should be changed at wheatschef when it gets their.

(31 Jan 2014, 8:09 am)Michael wrote Sunderlands LED Man (22021?) has a smashed emergancy exit window, driver said the kids threw something at it and its broke.

Its now heading towards red house north after sitting at the bus stop on grindon lane for 5 mins.

Should be changed at wheatschef when it gets their.

That one has evaded my camera on so many occasions and I guess it will for a few days longer now!

(31 Jan 2014, 8:13 am)Dan wrote That one has evaded my camera on so many occasions and I guess it will for a few days longer now!

, driver wasnt happy that he had to delay the bus while he was on the phone to the manager or who ever deals with stuff like that.

Hopefully they can catch who did it.

Might be a quick job, its only a small window.

Sunderland Stagecoach workers ballot for strike action

WORKERS at a city bus depot could be walking out on strike as a row over pay escalates.

The GMB union is to ballot its members at the Wheatsheaf depot for industrial action over this year’s pay award.

Stagecoach has offered workers a 2.4 per cent pay rise over 15 months, a deal which has been rejected by GMB members.

Now, the union is asking staff to vote on whether they are prepared to take action, including a possible walkout.

GMB northern regional organiser Steve Gibbons said ballot papers would be going out next week and the vote was expected to take another week to 10 days.

He said: “We believe the offer is not enough, considering our members have taken below inflation pay rises for a number of years, while Stagecoach have enjoyed decent profits.

“The workloads of our members have increased and there are constant attacks on other terms and conditions by the company.

“The potential dispute comes at a time when Stagecoach is seeking support from GMB members in relation to Quality Contracts.

“Until now that support has been there, but continued attacks on terms and conditions and an undervaluing of the workforce, makes the grass look greener on the other side.

“If the company continues its current path, then it may be a case of ‘stop the bus, I want to try another one’.”A Stagecoach spokesman said: “The company has put forward a range of increases from 2.1 to 2.4 per cent for periods of 12 to 15 months, which the local GMB branch has recommended to members.

“We have not asked for any changes to terms and conditions of work and believe our offers are extremely fair.

“Stagecoach North East has provided secure employment through the recession and continued to invest in our business in Sunderland, whilst absorbing many increasing costs.

“Recent investment includes £2.5million in 21 new buses in the last few months, with a further 17 new gas buses about to go into service.

“We would urge the workforce to accept one of these very reasonable offers.”

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/busin...-1-6409096

And it's here.

Be interesting to see what they do settle at, given the spectre of quality contracts hanging over.

[/align]

(31 Jan 2014, 12:55 pm)Chris wrote And it's here.

Be interesting to see what they do settle at, given the spectre of quality contracts hanging over.

[/align]

It'll be potentially damaging for Stagecoach if they don't settle. Surely meeting the members expectations in terms of a pay rise is more affordable than losing their workforce support against Quality Contracts.

My thoughts exactly. Maybe an indication as to which way Stagecoach think the vote will go.

I recall last year (?) GNE settling their current pay deal, and it's a good few years since I can remember seeing anything about Arriva's wage negotiations spilling over into the press.

Still, Stagecoach represents a significant chunk of the workforce in Tyne & Wear.

Dan. 22669 is it back at Stockton yet have not seen it for days after the Engine was Fixed. Also have not seen 35190 for the last couple of days since its repaint. Regards Robin

(31 Jan 2014, 2:57 pm)Robinwtait.19 wrote Dan. 22669 is it back at Stockton yet have not seen it for days after the Engine was Fixed. Also have not seen 35190 for the last couple of days since its repaint. Regards Robin

Not seen 22669 back at Stockton yet.

Have you seen 35190 since it came back from a repaint. Regards Robin

Remember years ago when Stagecoach Newcastle has a batch of Trident ALX400's. I believe they were transfered to Stagecoach manchester (swapped with something perhaps)

Does anyone no where this batch of buses are now if they have been split up and spread across fleets

(31 Jan 2014, 10:02 pm)Arcticrossy92 wrote Remember years ago when Stagecoach Newcastle has a batch of Trident ALX400's. I believe they were transfered to Stagecoach manchester (swapped with something perhaps)

Does anyone no where this batch of buses are now if they have been split up and spread across fleets

I believe they're all still in Manchester used on the Magicbus routes and in said livery.

hi the trident want were at newcastle did go to manchester for exchange for alx 300 i thank