I am in a way surprised about route 21 being Solo every day. I rode from Darlington to Peterlee in 1998 (but did not proceed on it to Sunderland as I saw a Go North East - or whatever it was called then - Metrobus and changed onto that) and I'm sure it was a Tiger coach then.
(25/05/2013 22:10)Metroline1511 Wrote: [ -> ]I am in a way surprised about route 21 being Solo every day. I rode from Darlington to Peterlee in 1998 (but did not proceed on it to Sunderland as I saw a Go North East - or whatever it was called then - Metrobus and changed onto that) and I'm sure it was a Tiger coach then.
Times have changed since then however - it has been Solo worked more or less since the final days of Peterlee depot.
Looking ahead a bit (a change from looking back a bit!), and I shall be enquiring about whether Sapphire Pulsar 2s run on route 7 on Sundays once they enter service. I even feel doubtful as to whether Volvo B5LHs run on Sundays as ANE appear not to want to run "special" vehicles on Sundays.
(25/05/2013 22:30)Metroline1511 Wrote: [ -> ]Looking ahead a bit (a change from looking back a bit!), and I shall be enquiring about whether Sapphire Pulsar 2s run on route 7 on Sundays once they enter service. I even feel doubtful as to whether Volvo B5LHs run on Sundays as ANE appear not to want to run "special" vehicles on Sundays.
The B5LHs are definitely used on a Sunday. The reason the EcoCitys don't is Darlington prefer to use Solos on most work on Sundays. The Sapphire Pulsars will likely be used on Sundays because the 7 is one of the few Darlington routes that doesn't use Solos on a Sunday.
(25/05/2013 22:38)kuyoyo Wrote: [ -> ] (25/05/2013 22:30)Metroline1511 Wrote: [ -> ]Looking ahead a bit (a change from looking back a bit!), and I shall be enquiring about whether Sapphire Pulsar 2s run on route 7 on Sundays once they enter service. I even feel doubtful as to whether Volvo B5LHs run on Sundays as ANE appear not to want to run "special" vehicles on Sundays.
The B5LHs are definitely used on a Sunday. The reason the EcoCitys don't is Darlington prefer to use Solos on most work on Sundays. The Sapphire Pulsars will likely be used on Sundays because the 7 is one of the few Darlington routes that doesn't use Solos on a Sunday.
It would need to be divorced from Service 5A on a Sunday. From looking at the timetable, that may introduce more buses and drivers into Sunday rotas so very unlikely.
I except that the Pulsar 2's for the 7 will only see service on Monday to Saturday daytimes. Expect evenings and sundays to be regular Pulsar or Solo worked.
Its not a preference for daytime/evening minibus workings. Lets not forget, minibuses are cheaper to operate due to higher MPG and also the amount of people travelling is much lower than normal weekdays.
The regular MPD,s working at Whitby over the past 2 weeks I've spent there, were 1737,1738 & 1739,covering services 91/94/95, with 1759 on the Sainsbury,s run. (although this is painted in 'Sainsbury,s orange', it has no lettering for the store) 1743 appeared to replace 1737 on the second week. Enviro 400,s working the X93 were7501 & 7502. as well as Omnicitys.
One of the Enviros which was supposed to run through to M.Bro. from Scarborough, on arriving in Whitby was routed back to Scarborough, as so many passengers were waiting and would never have all got on the rostered Omnicity. This in turn was routed to M.Bro.
In the Whitby depot yard (which is shared with Esk Valley Coaches) there is an MPD with its headlights and destination blinds missing.Its painted in the newer colours (inter-urban). I'm guessing that it could be 1735.Maybe withdrawn? Does anyone know which bus this actually is, as I was only able to observe from the road-and was unable to see any numbers ( it's quite a long yard!)
(26/05/2013 16:25)kuyoyo Wrote: [ -> ]The first 4 of the latest Pulsars (1506-11) have been spotted at Heysham today (Photos @ Gregg Collins)
NK13 FJO
NK13 FJU
NK13 FJV
NK13 FJX
These must be destined to lead to the reallocation of 4660-62 away from Stockton, like you advised me on in March. Even if plans change and they stay at SN, it was still for the best to have gone to Middlesbrough this month. It will give me more flexibility for my week off work in August!
(27/05/2013 09:20)Metroline1511 Wrote: [ -> ] (26/05/2013 16:25)kuyoyo Wrote: [ -> ]The first 4 of the latest Pulsars (1506-11) have been spotted at Heysham today (Photos @ Gregg Collins)
NK13 FJO
NK13 FJU
NK13 FJV
NK13 FJX
These must be destined to lead to the reallocation of 4660-62 away from Stockton, like you advised me on in March. Even if plans change and they stay at SN, it was still for the best to have gone to Middlesbrough this month. It will give me more flexibility for my week off work in August!
Plans for what replaces 4660-2 at Stockton are up in the air at present. These 5 new Pulsar (also present is NK13 FJP) are destined for Darlington for the 1/5. It seems, although we were originally expecting 6 this month, there appears now to only be these 5 arriving with the sixth (1511) arriving in the autumn with the 10 (not 11) Sapphire Pulsars.
NK13 FJV is now parked in Jesmond depot, and has recieved its fleetnumber 1509.