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RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - biglugs@yahoo.com - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 8:19 pm)Tom Hoping to have my first proper outing in ages either this Saturday or next (probs next) depending on what day I'm not doing anything. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what to do as I haven't been following much Arriva/Stagecoach recently so not sure what will be worth going for and have no idea what to do.
An ideia for you is
North east explorer
Local bus to Newcastle
X9 or x10 or x12 to Middlesbrough's
Do a circular turn on the 39
17a to Stockton
36 to Hartlepool
58 to Durham
14 to Langley park
X25 to Newcastle
Then local bus home
This might work if you need 2 operators in geneal
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - BusLoverMum - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 8:30 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com An ideia for you is4 operators, even!
North east explorer
Local bus to Newcastle
X9 or x10 or x12 to Middlesbrough's
Do a circular turn on the 39
17a to Stockton
36 to Hartlepool
58 to Durham
14 to Langley park
X25 to Newcastle
Then local bus home
This might work if you need 2 operators in geneal
The 58 is a really nice route, actually. Even though it's local to us, we only did it to Hartlepool for the first time on Monday!
The 14 and X25 don't link up particularly neatly, mind.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 8:28 pm)Andreos1 I did an outing in Feb that I mentioned on here.
It involved not using the same vehicle type twice and not going to the same place twice.
Essentially a big zig zag across the region.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
That sounds like a canny idea - I might give that a go but sounds quite challenging especially if spares are allocated or something.
(06 Apr 2016, 8:30 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com An ideia for you is
North east explorer
Local bus to Newcastle
X9 or x10 or x12 to Middlesbrough's
Do a circular turn on the 39
17a to Stockton
36 to Hartlepool
58 to Durham
14 to Langley park
X25 to Newcastle
Then local bus home
This might work if you need 2 operators in geneal
Sounds good also and I think I'd be using different buses every time so could do something like that if the timings work.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 8:49 pm)Tom That sounds like a canny idea - I might give that a go but sounds quite challenging especially if spares are allocated or something.I decided to take a crack at a 'no repeat bus type' outing although I didn't follow the 'no repeat location' part of it. It was a good outing and it did make me think which was good.
Sounds good also and I think I'd be using different buses every time so could do something like that if the timings work.
Here's how mine played out:
0804 5A Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way - Bishop Auckland Bus Station (ANE 1425)
0845 109 Bishop Auckland Bus Station - Willington, High Street (SB Travel: SB10BUS)
0919 46 Willington, High Street - Durham Bus Station (ANE 1327)
1008 64 Durham, North Road - Abbey Sports Centre (ANE 7444)
1032 50 Arnison Centre, Mercia Retail Park - South Shields, Keppel Street (GNE 3869)
1229 27 South Shields, Fowler Street - Jarrow Bus Station (GNE 5317)
1250 9 Jarrow Bus Station - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4907)
1400 56 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Concord Bus Station (GNE 6093)
1458 82 Concord Bus Station - Heworth Interchange (GNE 6032)
1519 58 Heworth Interchange - Newcastle, Blackett Street (GNE 5384)
1702 X36 Newcastle, Market Street - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4943)
1820 X21/21 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Newton Aycliffe Tesco (ANE 4811)
2010 5A Newton Aycliffe Tesco - Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way (ANE 2857)
I did the full Scarlet Band 58 route once ages ago, it is long but it is actually a canny route to do I feel. I've not been to Hartlepool in ages, think I need to get myself over there again at some point soon.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - BusLoverMum - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 9:02 pm)Jimmi I decided to take a crack at a 'no repeat bus type' outing although I didn't follow the 'no repeat location' part of it. It was a good outing and it did make me think which was good.Hartlepool is one of those places that you muse on having not visited for a while, then you do visit and remember why. i ventured into the market hall for the first time on Monday and oculdn't get out fast enough. The smell made me want to hurl, not helped by the 3rd day of being on the verge of a big migraine (fingers crossed, I've averted that)
Here's how mine played out:
0804 5A Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way - Bishop Auckland Bus Station (ANE 1425)
0845 109 Bishop Auckland Bus Station - Willington, High Street (SB Travel: SB10BUS)
0919 46 Willington, High Street - Durham Bus Station (ANE 1327)
1008 64 Durham, North Road - Abbey Sports Centre (ANE 7444)
1032 50 Arnison Centre, Mercia Retail Park - South Shields, Keppel Street (GNE 3869)
1229 27 South Shields, Fowler Street - Jarrow Bus Station (GNE 5317)
1250 9 Jarrow Bus Station - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4907)
1400 56 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Concord Bus Station (GNE 6093)
1458 82 Concord Bus Station - Heworth Interchange (GNE 6032)
1519 58 Heworth Interchange - Newcastle, Blackett Street (GNE 5384)
1702 X36 Newcastle, Market Street - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4943)
1820 X21/21 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Newton Aycliffe Tesco (ANE 4811)
2010 5A Newton Aycliffe Tesco - Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way (ANE 2857)
I did the full Scarlet Band 58 route once ages ago, it is long but it is actually a canny route to do I feel. I've not been to Hartlepool in ages, think I need to get myself over there again at some point soon.
MIL is making her first trip there on the bus, tomorrow - she has a choice of 3 buses that go right past her house, so should be nice and easy for her.
(06 Apr 2016, 9:02 pm)Jimmi I decided to take a crack at a 'no repeat bus type' outing although I didn't follow the 'no repeat location' part of it. It was a good outing and it did make me think which was good.Hartlepool is one of those places that you muse on having not visited for a while, then you do visit and remember why. i ventured into the market hall for the first time on Monday and oculdn't get out fast enough. The smell made me want to hurl, not helped by the 3rd day of being on the verge of a big migraine (fingers crossed, I've averted that)
Here's how mine played out:
0804 5A Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way - Bishop Auckland Bus Station (ANE 1425)
0845 109 Bishop Auckland Bus Station - Willington, High Street (SB Travel: SB10BUS)
0919 46 Willington, High Street - Durham Bus Station (ANE 1327)
1008 64 Durham, North Road - Abbey Sports Centre (ANE 7444)
1032 50 Arnison Centre, Mercia Retail Park - South Shields, Keppel Street (GNE 3869)
1229 27 South Shields, Fowler Street - Jarrow Bus Station (GNE 5317)
1250 9 Jarrow Bus Station - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4907)
1400 56 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Concord Bus Station (GNE 6093)
1458 82 Concord Bus Station - Heworth Interchange (GNE 6032)
1519 58 Heworth Interchange - Newcastle, Blackett Street (GNE 5384)
1702 X36 Newcastle, Market Street - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4943)
1820 X21/21 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Newton Aycliffe Tesco (ANE 4811)
2010 5A Newton Aycliffe Tesco - Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way (ANE 2857)
I did the full Scarlet Band 58 route once ages ago, it is long but it is actually a canny route to do I feel. I've not been to Hartlepool in ages, think I need to get myself over there again at some point soon.
MIL is making her first trip there on the bus, tomorrow - she has a choice of 3 buses that go right past her house, so should be nice and easy for her.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - beefcake - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 9:21 pm)BusLoverMum Hartlepool is one of those places that you muse on having not visited for a while, then you do visit and remember why. i ventured into the market hall for the first time on Monday and oculdn't get out fast enough. The smell made me want to hurl, not helped by the 3rd day of being on the verge of a big migraine (fingers crossed, I've averted that)
If you think visiting is bad enough, try living here!
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - BusLoverMum - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 9:27 pm)beefcake If you think visiting is bad enough, try living here!
The best description I've seen is "promises so much but is really a bit shit".
There's a reason why houses are even cheaper than east Durham
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 9:02 pm)Jimmi I decided to take a crack at a 'no repeat bus type' outing although I didn't follow the 'no repeat location' part of it. It was a good outing and it did make me think which was good.
Here's how mine played out:
0804 5A Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way - Bishop Auckland Bus Station (ANE 1425)
0845 109 Bishop Auckland Bus Station - Willington, High Street (SB Travel: SB10BUS)
0919 46 Willington, High Street - Durham Bus Station (ANE 1327)
1008 64 Durham, North Road - Abbey Sports Centre (ANE 7444)
1032 50 Arnison Centre, Mercia Retail Park - South Shields, Keppel Street (GNE 3869)
1229 27 South Shields, Fowler Street - Jarrow Bus Station (GNE 5317)
1250 9 Jarrow Bus Station - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4907)
1400 56 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Concord Bus Station (GNE 6093)
1458 82 Concord Bus Station - Heworth Interchange (GNE 6032)
1519 58 Heworth Interchange - Newcastle, Blackett Street (GNE 5384)
1702 X36 Newcastle, Market Street - Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange (GNE 4943)
1820 X21/21 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange - Newton Aycliffe Tesco (ANE 4811)
2010 5A Newton Aycliffe Tesco - Newton Aycliffe, Williamfield Way (ANE 2857)
I did the full Scarlet Band 58 route once ages ago, it is long but it is actually a canny route to do I feel. I've not been to Hartlepool in ages, think I need to get myself over there again at some point soon.
Sounds good Jimmi - but don't fancy that long on a E200 on the 58 to be fair takes an hour and a half or something doesn't it?
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Jimmi - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 10:33 pm)Tom Sounds good Jimmi - but don't fancy that long on a E200 on the 58 to be fair takes an hour and a half or something doesn't it?
Yeah, about 90 minutes on the 58.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - BusLoverMum - 06 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 10:33 pm)Tom Sounds good Jimmi - but don't fancy that long on a E200 on the 58 to be fair takes an hour and a half or something doesn't it?
It is about 8o minutes from city centre to town centre but yes, those seats are not kind to the tush.
There's a solo on at least one of the boards, most days, lately, but I haven't sampled one, yet.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Andreos1 - 07 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 8:49 pm)Tom That sounds like a canny idea - I might give that a go but sounds quite challenging especially if spares are allocated or something.
Sounds good also and I think I'd be using different buses every time so could do something like that if the timings work.
Yeah, that was part of the challenge.
I think I ended up on two odd-workings over the course of my day. Obviously that ruled out heading to places where those vehicles are a staple.
For obvious reasons, I didn't head out anywhere too exotic - such as Bellingham, as I knew the chances of getting back in to Hexham on a different vehicle type, would be slim.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Tom - 07 Apr 2016
(06 Apr 2016, 11:17 pm)BusLoverMum It is about 8o minutes from city centre to town centre but yes, those seats are not kind to the tush.
There's a solo on at least one of the boards, most days, lately, but I haven't sampled one, yet.
Yeah couldn't stand that long on a E200 like. Might do it to Wingate or somewhere.
(07 Apr 2016, 7:04 am)Andreos1 Yeah, that was part of the challenge.
I think I ended up on two odd-workings over the course of my day. Obviously that ruled out heading to places where those vehicles are a staple.
For obvious reasons, I didn't head out anywhere too exotic - such as Bellingham, as I knew the chances of getting back in to Hexham on a different vehicle type, would be slim.
Aye I might give that a go as it sounds like it will be good - Might do it across all operators rather than just GNE though.
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - northern156 - 07 Apr 2016
Next explorer trip I do will be focussing on Stagecoach's operation, mostly in Newcastle but possibly South Shields and/or Sunderland too. Would like to try the X34 as I've never been on it before!
Bus Related Outings and Reviews - TEN 6083 - 08 Apr 2016
Went out yesterday (Thursday) to Durham to see the Arriva Frequenta 64 they had in the Marketplace. Route as follows as times on tickets display.
10:16 10B Prudhoe, Front Street - Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station (GNE 6074)
Didn't have time to stop for photos here due to The Castles Express being at its stop when entering the bus station, so I just went straight onto it.
11:09 X21, Newcastle, Eldon Square Bus Station - Durham Bus Station (GNE 6306)
Got to Durham and went to CeX to get an iPhone case I wanted, then proceeded to the Marketplace arriving at approx 12:12pm and got photos of bus, going back to the bus station after getting some shopping in M&S after this for around 12:30 and got some photos at the bus station while waiting for the 15 to Consett.
13:00 15, Durham Bus Station - Consett Bus Station (GNE 6013).
This journey took longer than expected due to an RTC by Stony Heap turn off on the A691, arriving in Consett at around 3pm after attempting to turn around getting stuck in a grass verge and was pulled out by a JCB and also had to wait for police to move their vehicles so the bus could go back towards Lanchester to Consett via Maiden Law bank which the President I was on struggled to get up. I intended to return home via Hexham, but I didn't realise that the 689 only runs once a day from Consett as didn't check before leaving home. So this leads to:
15:04 16, Consett Bus Station - Stanley Bus Station. (GNE 5286)
Stood around Stanley for a while as I wanted to sample the OmniDekkas to go to the MetroCentre and got some photos here.
15:58 6, Stanley Bus Station - MetroCentre Transport Interchange (GNE 6128)
I was going to get the train home from MetroCentre but arrived there just before 5pm so by the time I got to the lifts above the platform the train departed so resorted to plan B.
17:12 10B, MetroCentre Transport Interchange - Prudhoe Front Street ( GNE 6076)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - biglugs@yahoo.com - 08 Apr 2016
Today was OK but had an annoyment to it
09:49 9. 5249 Sunderland interchange to north shields town center.
11:16 80. 674. North shields Rudyard street to billy mill avenue
11:25. 80. 673. Billy mill avenue to north shields Albion road west
11:55. 306. 4662. North shields to whitley bay town center
12:15. 57a. 1581. Whitley bay to monkseaton metro
12:52 309. 6101. Whitley bay to blyth bus station
14:08. 1. 1767. Blyth bus station to blyth retail park
15:00. 2. 1771. Blyth retail park to blyth town center
15:35. 308 7801. Blyth bus stn to whitley bay shops
16;00. 51. 2870. Whitley bay to newcastle haymarket
17:15. X36. 5209. Market street to sunderland interchange.
18;42. 16. 28021. Fawcett street to home
Today got new rides on 673/1581/1771 now ive ridden all the current mpds in the fleet
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Charles41 - 09 Apr 2016
(08 Apr 2016, 11:17 pm)biglugs@yahoo.com Today was OK but had an annoyment to it
09:49 9. 5249 Sunderland interchange to north shields town center.
11:16 80. 674. North shields Rudyard street to billy mill avenue
11:25. 80. 673. Billy mill avenue to north shields Albion road west
11:55. 306. 4662. North shields to whitley bay town center
12:15. 57a. 1581. Whitley bay to monkseaton metro
12:52 309. 6101. Whitley bay to blyth bus station
14:08. 1. 1767. Blyth bus station to blyth retail park
15:00. 2. 1771. Blyth retail park to blyth town center
15:35. 308 7801. Blyth bus stn to whitley bay shops
16;00. 51. 2870. Whitley bay to newcastle haymarket
17:15. X36. 5209. Market street to sunderland interchange.
18;42. 16. 28021. Fawcett street to home
Today got new rides on 673/1581/1771 now ive ridden all the current mpds in the fleet
A good day out, notice you spent a bit of time at Blyth Retail Park, did you visit Phoenix's garage on Albion way? They normally have the 4 deckers parked up there during school holidays.
Charles
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - biglugs@yahoo.com - 09 Apr 2016
(09 Apr 2016, 8:58 am)Charles41 A good day out, notice you spent a bit of time at Blyth Retail Park, did you visit Phoenix's garage on Albion way? They normally have the 4 deckers parked up there during school holidays.
Charles
Well I passed it and they had 2 alxs in a b10m a few solos and minibuses
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - biglugs@yahoo.com - 09 Apr 2016
Today I didn't plan to venture but had free time
10:50. E2. 27730 Seaburn metro to Sunderland interchange
11:10. 20. 6034. Sunderland interchange to Houghton le spring
11:35. X1'. 6049. Houghton me spring to hetton interchange
1203. 265. 654 Hetton le hole. To new seaham mill inn
12:30. 238. 560 New seaham mill inn to hougton le spring
12:50. 20. 6034. Hougton le spring to sunderland interchange.
14:05. 18. 39729. John street to Grindon to seaburn morrisons
1525. E2. 36470. Seaburn morrisons. To wheatsheaf
1540. X36. 4925. Wheatsheaf. To downhill ternimus to wheatsheaf
16;19. 20. 5216. Wheatsheaf to fullwell grange
Today began on 27730 this was a nice way to begin the day but i hoped 27723 or 27724 we arrived into park lane and i observed what was about to depart.
I seen 4937 on service 60 got a picture then observed 6034 arrive on the 20 took this oppurtunity to ride it i was very pleased at how 6034 preformed plenty of revs.
Next to ride was 6049 pretty pleased and it had the new nsa working.
At hetton i walked down to a part of easington lane where i found the 202 wasnt there so walked back to hetton got 654 my stalker on the 265 found it had the new nsas working.
At the mill inn i got 560 performed ok no problems with this.
Next was 6034 i was pleased as i couldnt bare a solar this coped ok it is nice 6034 was out today.
I then had a wander before escaping onto 39729 this bus was ok enjoyed my hour on this we got some speeds in.
36470 very pleased as we thrashed out of seaburn
I alighted at wheatsheaf to take a ride on 4925 this was a beast no actual problems but we roared along some roads.
I stayed on back i pretty much enjoyed the journey back as no body got on no wonder the x36 is being cut.
5216 a pretty average journey just short i very much enjoyed today hope to visit hartlepool next time
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - Adrian - 09 Apr 2016
I'm not a huge fan of reviews, but here is one of my two outings from my week off over Easter. I'll try and get the second part up tomorrow.
Tuesday 29th March 2016 - Harrogate, Leeds and York
X1A - Washington to Eldon Square - Go North East 6006
10A - Eldon Square to Central Station - Go North East 6083
1E05 - Newcastle to York - Virgin Trains 91106
2C21 - York to Harrogate - Northern Rail 150144
36 - Harrogate to Leeds - Transdev 3622
Zap - Leeds to York - Transdev 3608
1N19 - York to Newcastle - Virgin Trains 91104
X1 - Newcastle to Washington - Go North East 6040
I'd decided to head off out on a North East Round Robin ticket, with the aim of trying out Transdev's latest offering on the 36, and also the CityZap between Leeds and York. I've never used the 36 with it's previous stock, and with such the hype about the Gemini 3s, I thought now is the perfect opportunity to.
I'd started off from Washington, and went for the X1A over to Eldon Square. Fortunately the newly branded 6006 was the vehicle of choice. I've used this X1A quite a bit lately, and I was surprised how quiet the journey was through to Newcastle. It's usually full of commuters and stuck in traffic, but the Easter week certainly made the difference. Once we'd arrived at Eldon Square, the driver had decided to use the layover point by the taxi rank, so I luckily managed a photo of 6006 as my first of the day. A quick ride to Central Station on 6083 followed.
After arriving at the station, I popped along to the ticket office to purchase a North East round robin ticket. I found the station ticket office staff to be very helpful, and it was certainly a pleasant experience. I can't remember the last time I used an actual ticket office, with everyone being pushed towards online methods nowadays.
A short wait at the station, and I was ready to use my North East round robin. The first train of the day was 1E05 to York. I was pleased when I saw an electric set pulling in to the platform, given that this working is booked HST. The train itself was really busy, and the fact that Virgin Trains had pulled seat reservations, was causing complete havoc on board. Headphones in, and a nice short journey to York.
On arriving into York, I could see two sets of 150s on the platform I needed, so I headed straight over to them. 150144 was waiting for me on the front set, and we were shortly off towards Harrogate. I didn't find the class 150 unit to be to bad at all really. It was certainly comfortable enough for a short journey, and there must have been only a handful of passengers at most.
I soon arrived in a very drizzly and gloomy Harrogate. Or at least drizzly until I stepped off the train, at which point it started chucking it down. Thankfully this only lasted for a couple of minutes, and then I made my way across the car park towards the bus station. This was my first visit to Harrogate bus station, and it's not a bad little setup to be honest. There was plenty of traffic coming in and out of it, and a good selection of vehicles too. Much like the North East, it's full of colourful buses, but in the form of Transdev.
After spending an hour or so in Harrogate, I decided to head off for the 36 to Leeds. I'd already spotted the Gemini 3 pulling in, so at least I had what I was there for. I'd queried fares when boarding, and I was a bit surprised that the driver and a colleague that was standing there, didn't appear to have much knowledge of the tickets, stating that "they've changed them all lately". Without wanting to hold up the bus, I decided to just go for a Transdev tripper, knowing I could at least use it on the Cityzap too (despite being told it wouldn't be valid?!).
Ticket sorted, and I took my first glances onboard a 36 branded Gemini 3. The lower deck seating consisted of Civic v3 seating, which you'd expect to see in a North East bus, but it looked like proper leather. At the very rear, you had high back leather coaching seating, which is the same as what I'd soon find upstairs. The decor of the bus was very smart, finished with wood effect flooring too.
I'd quickly glanced around for the library that was spoken about, and was a bit disappointed to see that it was only a single parcel shelf located above the wheel luggage rack. There must have only been a couple of books at most. A disappointing gimmick which somewhat reminded me of the Commuter Class X90 newspapers of years gone by.
Once upstairs, I sat a couple rows back, and instantly felt the comfort of the leather coach seating. Finally a high back seat that is suitable for someone over 5ft tall, and I can actually make use of the headrest. Once sat back, I noticed the USB socket in the chair in front. Unfortunately there were no AC sockets to complement the USB, so I had to make do with a bit of USB charge... I managed about 2% charge in a 50 minute journey, with power saving mode on, and not using the handset for 45 minutes of the journey. I had briefly used the handset for 5, but only to test the WiFi. I found it connected straight away, and seemed to be quick enough.
The journey to Leeds itself was a very pleasant one, and I'd recommend the route to anyone. It's a really scenic route from the upper deck, and I can't wait to do it again. Unfortunately it wasn't the best day for sunshine, but I bet the glazed roof that Transdev have opted for in their Gemini 3s, makes the difference. The bus handled the route with ease, and it made for a really smooth journey. Very little in the way of bumps and shakes, but I thought that the seating made the difference there. The next stop announcements were also done well. I hear it's voiced by a local radio presenter, but it feels professional and in a way where it doesn't become repetitive.
Arriving at Leeds bus station for the very first time, I'd decided to look around and see what was about. I'd found a nice little spot to one end of the station, and from here I could see exactly what was coming and going. I found the bus station itself worked really well, and there was no congestion at all. There was a good selection of buses from Transdev, First and Arriva. The odd Stagecoach service also arrived whilst I was there. After about an hour, I decided to pop in for a sandwich and then wait for the Cityzap over to York. I'd previously been tipped off about going for this particular departure by another enthusiast, as he had said he'd only seen the two Cityzap branded vehicles out today. Sure enough, 3608 pulled up.
On boarding the Cityzap, I showed my ticket, and had time for a quick look both down and upstairs, as there wasn't many people waiting to board. I found the bus looked a bit shabby to be honest, and that the leather seats had seen better days. The mismatch of seat colours really didn't do anything for me either. Similar to the 36, the Cityzap was fitted with Civic v3 seating downstairs, with a more premium coach seating upstairs. I opted for the front seats upstairs, and again found a USB charger for my phone. The journey to York wasn't bad at all really, and the Volvo B7TL/Wright Gemini 2s really performed well on route. Despite the heavy A road sections, there was plenty of power in the Volvo engine to maintain a good speed, without sounding troubled. I opted to remain onboard until we reached York Station, where I alighted.
As soon as I got to York, I could see that it was about to rain, so decided to dive into the station for cover. I had needed to collect some tickets for future trips, so I made use of the TVMs at York to do so. This proved to be a good decision, as I could hear the noise of what turned out to be a thunderstorm, lashing off the station roof. I waited under cover for it to clear up, and then headed outside the front for a couple of photos.
A short time later, and in order to not make too long of a day of it, I headed in for a train North. Unfortunately there had been an incident on the ECML, so everything seemed to be running to pot. This of course not helped by the station management at York, who had taken it upon themselves to chop and change platforms at will, sending masses of passengers around looking confused. I decided to bide my time on platform 9, and caught a late running 91 towards Newcastle - 91104 being the loco of choice this time. The train was again fairly busy, and I took a seat at the back of Coach E for the short journey North.
A quick walk over to the High Level Bridge, and I had a short wait for my last bus of the day towards Washington. This turned out to be 6040, which I can only describe as having seen better days. The bus seemed to be very busy upstairs and down, but I managed to grab the single seat under the stairs. The sooner I got off this bus the better really.
So in summary - I highly recommend a ride out of the 36, but to also see past some of the gimmicks associated with it. I do think that Transdev have done well with this offering, but when they've invested so much in premium features on board, I feel they could have done better than skimp on the AC sockets. Perhaps some knowledge of ticketing would also be useful. The Cityzap is also worth a look, but I do think the interior could do with a bit of attention.
Tickets used:
- Buzzfare: Purple Zone - £4.85
- North East Round Robin - £47.50
- Transdev DayTripper - £9.00
RE: Bus Related Outings and Reviews - northern156 - 10 Apr 2016
Yesterday I thought I'd have a bit jolly over to Glasgow and play around on their buses and trains...
Drove up to Beattock, a village halfway on the M74 between Glasgow and Carlisle where the Stagecoach Western X74 joins the motorway from Dumfries.
Saturday 9th April 2016
54259 0705 X74 Beattock School to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station 0844
318257 318270 0927 Glasgow Central to Partick 0936
330429 334040 0938 Partick to Dumbarton Central
67728 1010 1A Dumbarton High Street to Glasgow Argyle Street 1120
32989 1125 21 Glasgow Argyle Street to Rutherglen Main Street 1146
63225 1229 267 Rutherglen Main Street to Glasgow St George's Square 1245
170478 170475 1301 Glasgow Queen Street LL to Croy (via Springburn and Cowlairs)
KU52YKC (Canavan Travel) 1344 43 Croy Rail Station to Cumbernauld 1351
54110 1403 X26 Cumbernauld to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station 1423
67*** 1430 77 Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to QEU Hospital
69040 1513 34A QEU Hospital to Mount Florida
314208 1602 Mount Florida to Glasgow Central via Cathcart
114 206 110 1637 3 St Enoch to Buchanan Galleries via Partick
170459 1751 Lenzie to Glasgow Queen Street LL 1817
33978HB 1718 X87 Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Lenzie 1733
170459 1751 Lenzie to Glasgow Queen Street LL 1817
334003 334007 1825 Glasgow Queen Street LL to Milngavie
320310 320321 1908 Milngavie to Partick 1927
334028 1930 Partick to Glasgow Queen Street LL 1936
54261 2015 X74 Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Beattock School
RailMiles Link
Start off with a decent and sedate journey on the X74 north. Still adore these coaches. Wifi worked well as did the power charge points. Hardly made a sound cruising along the motorway! Got to Glasgow and was stuck for choice on what to do first. Was wanting to aim for north of the Clyde but the 1/1A/1B stops at the other end of the city centre to Buchanan Bus Station. Walked to Central (incidentally where the bus leaves from) and got the train up to bus back.
Ended up walking the wrong way out Dumbarton Central station down a creepy back alley; but eventually found the high street. Immediately seen a Volvo B10BLE on a local run but I'd already missed it. Gave a quick run to catch my 1A to Glasgow - a route which I thought was pretty much express, but isn't!
Got to Argyle Street and awaited the late running 2 for Bailieston however that was a no-show. Instead went for the President that turned up on a 21. Took this to Rutherglen and headed to the Wetherspoons for some lunch and a pint. Lovely fish and chips with a pint of Strongbow Dark Fruits.
Walked out and had just missed a Wright Solar on the 7; a route I wanted to do to get back to Glasgow. Then turned up a Streetlite (a very full one at that) on the 267 Hamilton - Glasgow. Let this one go as I'd be standing. Seemed to be running in pairs as the next one was just behind, a puzzled driver asked why I didn't get on the one in front, to which I replied it was full!
Alighted at St George's Square and walked up to Queen Street to try and see the engineering works and the general situation with High Level being closed. Silly pointless one-way system which means you can't get onto Platform 8 from the 'normal' low level entrance which resulted in me missing a pair of 156s on an Alloa service, so I waited for a pair of 170s on an Edinburgh. Took these over to Croy for a booked +4 connection back to Glasgow, however it was soon announced my return train was cancelled due to a 'signalling failure' (a set of points failing at Hyndland). Instead of being shuttled on a RRB I took the service 43 (operated by Canavan Travel) which turned up an ex-London MPD. Still had the bay for where the rear doors used to be but nothing was inside it; bit of waste! Decent bus on a not too bad route until you get to Cumbernauld about 10-15 minutes later.
What a hell hole! The bus station is part of the shopping centre (if you can call it that). To cross to the other side of the road you have to go two floors up on horrible rackety lifts. The whole place is concrete and I've never liked Cumbernauld before. Defo won't be going back if I can help it. Boarded a Plaxton Elite on the X26 from Leven, close ish to Aberdeen. Got back to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station where I tried my luck using my SPT Daytripper on the 500 Airport Express but wasn't allowed. So I boarded the Hospital Connect 77; never had chance to get the fleet number and totally forgot to when I alighted. Got this to Queen Elizabeth University after crossing the Clyde Tunnel. Good little route with nice E300s.
Here I then boarded a Scania on the 34A to Mount Florida where I alighted to get the train back to Glasgow Central, however once I got onto the platform, an announcement said my train was cancelled - again! (This time due to a door fault at Whitecraigs, on the Neilston branch). Luckily the Cathcart Circle has trains every 15 minutes or so in both directions both going to Glasgow. I got a 314 from the other platform into Glasgow the long way round.
From here I was tempted to milk the Daytripper a bit and get an Astromega to Ayr on the X77, one of my favourite Stagecoach Western routes. I boarded the Subway at St Enoch and went the long way round to Buchanan Galleries (on the Inner line, it's one stop but I caught the Outer line for a bit extra run). Went to Sainsbury's to abuse a meal deal and walked to Buchanan Bus Station once again.
I had just missed an X77 so I decided I'd give a First E400MMC a go on the X87 to Lenzie for the train back in. Decent bus at speed on the motorway and was there in comfort in no time at all. Walked to Lenzie station and awaited my train.
170459 took me back in via Springburn again to the Low Level platforms. By this time it was too late to go to Ayr so I stayed local until my X74 at 2015. Boarded the next train in the Low Level platforms which was 334003 and 007 to Milngavie. There were no buses back from here and the 334s returned to Yoker depot ECS so I had a bit of a wait to get back!
Pair of 320s soon rolled in which I boarded and was joined by a load of rowdy drunks later on at Bearsden. Stopped on these to Partick (the 320s continued via Glasgow Central) and got the next train (via Glasgow Queen Street) which was another 334. Walked up to the bus station and watched events including seeing the Megabus Gold Astromega arrive before working a 520 to London.
Returned on my X74 and watched the beautiful sunset from the very front seats where I also had a bit kip (or tried to after the woman opposite had stopped tapping her feet loudly for no reason and managed to polish off a whole big bag of Kettle Chips in about 10 minutes).