(29 Jun 2026, 7:33 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Exactly which operators were 'bounced out' by the introduction of the X84 and X85? Can you please provide examples? 

With Jesmond closing, it really wasn't feasible for Arriva to operate the 685 from Blyth, so you can't argue that they were 'bounced out'.

Admittedly, it was GNE in the end who withdrew the X85 after covid due to travel pattern changes and also the need for normal service buses back on the X10 rather than coaches. But GNE did have the upper hand with the X84/X85 over the 685 before covid.

(29 Jun 2026, 9:01 pm)L469 YVK wrote Admittedly, it was GNE in the end who withdrew the X85 after covid due to travel pattern changes and also the need for normal service buses back on the X10 rather than coaches. But GNE did have the upper hand with the X84/X85 over the 685 before covid.

So, to summarise, no operator was 'bounced out' due to the introduction of the X84 or X85.

Don't know how true this is because I've just made it up, but I've heard a rumour that Northstar are planning to do a 'Farewell to the X22' running day (a bit like GNE's Farewell to the X85 event a few years back I'm guessing) on its last day of operation in two weeks time.

Has anyone else heard anything about this?

(04 Jul 2026, 2:53 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Don't know how true this is because I've just made it up, but I've heard a rumour that Northstar are planning to do a 'Farewell to the X22' running day (a bit like GNE's Farewell to the X85 event a few years back I'm guessing) on its last day of operation in two weeks time.

Has anyone else heard anything about this?

I heard this on Facebook a few hours ago, farewell fare of a quid as well. Bargain if you ask me. Would be good to get a Trident bash in!

With Northstar getting the 643 back from Go North East I feel it would be a good opportunity to plug a gap in the market "Lobley Hill Estate", so I propose extending the 643 from Sunniside via Gateshead Road, Consett Road, Lobley Hill Estate, A1, Team Valley (Retail World) / Kingsway South, Team Valley Kings Way North, Team Valley Main Gate, Lobley Hill Road, Bensham Bank and Gateshead Interchange. 

(04 Jul 2026, 5:53 pm)Malarkey wrote With Northstar getting the 643 back from Go North East I feel it would be a good opportunity to plug a gap in the market "Lobley Hill Estate", so I propose extending the 643 from Sunniside via Gateshead Road, Consett Road, Lobley Hill Estate, A1, Team Valley (Retail World) / Kingsway South, Team Valley Kings Way North, Team Valley Main Gate, Lobley Hill Road, Bensham Bank and Gateshead Interchange. 

That's not really up to Northstar though is it? 

The 643 is secured by Nexus, meaning Northstar are only contracted, at present, to operate the service. It's not commercial, as you are probably well aware, and considering it appears to carry fresh air for most of the day, that's unlikely to change. 

Furthermore, a Sunniside to Gateshead via Lobley Hill Estate link already exists in the form of the X32, and Team Valley to Gateshead is also covered by the 93/94. At peak times, Sunniside to Team Valley (and vice-versa) also exists in the form of the 933, so unless there's a massive demand for a Sunniside (or Whickham) to Team Valley Retail World service during the day (again unlikely), then it's just duplicating routes which already exist

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(04 Jul 2026, 5:41 pm)northern156 wrote I heard this on Facebook a few hours ago, farewell fare of a quid as well. Bargain if you ask me. Would be good to get a Trident bash in!

Excellent. Well worth a bin-lid a pop in a couple of weeks time

Quite surprised to not see a post about the July service changes since theres quite a bit changing for Northstar

Random question why are a few vehicles still in previous operators liveries (coastline buses, London, stagecoach yellow, plain white) ? Are these to be moving on soon.

(08 Jul 2026, 11:22 am)Coastliner700 wrote Random question why are a few vehicles still in previous operators liveries (coastline buses, London, stagecoach yellow, plain white) ? Are these to be moving on soon.

303 (SP59 CTO) , 423 (LK60 AGV) and 431 (LX09 AXV) are all recent acquisitions to the NorthStar Fleet, likelihood is they've been immediately required for us following contract changes/new services starting and have been unable to be released for a repaint, in all fairness the paintwork on all 3 is in good condition so can wait until the summer months when the Schools are off.

I think 421/422 will potentially leave the fleet alongside remaining ALX400's 412. 414 and 415 which are scheduled to be replaced by further Dennis Trident Olympus' and Volvo B9TL Wright Gemini 2's that remain in storage. If you look at the Northstar Fleetlist there is gaps in the numberng of potentially 7-12 Buses so potentially some changes to come over the coming weeks ahead. 

I am of the understanding 501 was to be replaced by 511 earlier in the year however has been kept hold of for now due an to increase in Rail Replacement Contracts being won by Northstar who have developed a good working relationships with LNER, LUMO and Grand Central as they're pretty quick is in offering a rapid response when needed in emergency situations of Rail Disruption or because of Engineering Works and have proved to be very professional and reliable at the same time.

(08 Jul 2026, 4:11 pm)Malarkey wrote 303 (SP59 CTO) , 423 (LK60 AGV) and 431 (LX09 AXV) are all recent acquisitions to the NorthStar Fleet, likelihood is they've been immediately required for us following contract changes/new services starting and have been unable to be released for a repaint, in all fairness the paintwork on all 3 is in good condition so can wait until the summer months when the Schools are off.

I think 421/422 will potentially leave the fleet alongside remaining ALX400's 412. 414 and 415 which are scheduled to be replaced by further Dennis Trident Olympus' and Volvo B9TL Wright Gemini 2's that remain in storage. If you look at the Northstar Fleetlist there is gaps in the numberng of potentially 7-12 Buses so potentially some changes to come over the coming weeks ahead. 

I am of the understanding 501 was to be replaced by 511 earlier in the year however has been kept hold of for now due an to increase in Rail Replacement Contracts being won by Northstar who have developed a good working relationships with LNER, LUMO and Grand Central as they're pretty quick is in offering a rapid response when needed in emergency situations of Rail Disruption or because of Engineering Works and have proved to be very professional and reliable at the same time.

From what i understand 412 aint going anywhere since its Dan's first bus. Can't see that leaving the fleet

Someone mentioned 421/422 were being looked at back in March to be sold

As you say. September rolls around and we see whats kept and what leaves

According to bustimes, Northstar has gained another Mellor Strata which used to be with Arriva.

So I guess the 558/568/515 will be ran by these then as I'm guessing due to the newest being fleet numbered "14" and the one used on the 520 is "11", that 2 more will be coming. 

If they don't come soon (as the contract is very soon) then the 2 small E200s could also be used tbf...

The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

(11 Jul 2026, 8:18 am)Coastliner700 wrote The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

Very GCT-esque. Next it will be a car with a piece of paper showing the service number and destination next.

(11 Jul 2026, 8:18 am)Coastliner700 wrote The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

Single deckers due to trees needing to be cut. Im assuming 301 has been sold & 302 is on the 873 today

(11 Jul 2026, 8:18 am)Coastliner700 wrote The 18 has gone from deckers to single deckers to a van today (11). Ironically it still runs around empty !

Temporary dispensation on contract specification granted due to low-hanging trees causing two windscreens to be smashed earlier this week (and three in the weeks prior to that).

Indeed, as you allude, a small bus is all that is realistically required in terms of passenger numbers, aside from two busy school movements on weekdays.

Double-decks re-deployed on X22/X43 as a result.

(11 Jul 2026, 11:05 am)Dan wrote Temporary dispensation on contract specification granted due to low-hanging trees causing two windscreens to be smashed earlier this week (and three in the weeks prior to that).

Indeed, as you allude, a small bus is all that is realistically required in terms of passenger numbers, aside from two busy school movements on weekdays.

Double-decks re-deployed on X22/X43 as a result.

A simple explanation given instead of someone giving a cheap snice

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Sorry snice - snide

(11 Jul 2026, 11:05 am)Dan wrote Temporary dispensation on contract specification granted due to low-hanging trees causing two windscreens to be smashed earlier this week (and three in the weeks prior to that).

Indeed, as you allude, a small bus is all that is realistically required in terms of passenger numbers, aside from two busy school movements on weekdays.

Double-decks re-deployed on X22/X43 as a result.

Given the loadings is it possible the contract can be changed in future. It seems over kill to have double decker requirement for a few journeys.

(11 Jul 2026, 12:36 pm)Coastliner700 wrote Given the loadings is it possible the contract can be changed in future. It seems over kill to have double decker requirement for a few journeys.

would certainly be more logical for the contract to only specify deckers on school days.

(11 Jul 2026, 7:46 pm)Arlo400H wrote would certainly be more logical for the contract to only specify deckers on school days.

Or even to just specific vehicle board (s) that get the busy school run.

(11 Jul 2026, 12:36 pm)Coastliner700 wrote It seems over kill to have double decker requirement for a few journeys.

Thats pretty much how most commercial operators work anyway, its the norm.

Superman
Thats pretty much how most commercial operators work anyway, its the norm.

but if it really did require a decker how come NorthStar have managed with two vans the last few days and single deckers since Tuesday! Not to mention nexus are paying for it

(12 Jul 2026, 8:58 pm)Coastliner700 wrote Superman
Thats pretty much how most commercial operators work anyway, its the norm.

but if it really did require a decker how come NorthStar have managed with two vans the last few days and single deckers since Tuesday! Not to mention nexus are paying for it

Take it from me, in my whole 23 years of being alive, I've lived in 3 different estates which have all been along the 18 route. The 18 has been my longest running local service to date, no matter where I've lived. Passenger numbers on the 18 can be extremely unpredictable.

This what annoys me about the 18, people see a few empty 18's and assume that is what it's always like, when in fact it's not at all always empty, even outside of school hours. The 18s used to be quite busy on a Sunday when Stagecoach had it. There would be trips where it would l to stop at every single stop along the way. Early morning trips to Quorum get quite busy too before school kids have even left home. Also back when Stagecoach were suffering cancellations or even lateness, if the last 12 from Two Ball Lonnen to Walker is late and the 18 comes first, all the 12 passengers will just jump on the 18, and there's been times where it's quite a lot of them. The very last 18 trip to Walker get's a whole bunch of pensioners coming home from the pub who usually fills the bottom deck. 

Single deckers are only temporarily allocated to the 18s due to a "low hanging tree", which I will bring into question myself as they've still got at least one double decker on the 18 during the weekday. Is that one double decker just magically invincible from the low trees? And why is it also only the double decker that stays on the late board?

And Northstar hasn't operated "two vans for a few days." They've only ever operated two van's on Sunday, and one van on Saturday alongside a long single decker and a decker. Excluding the time a few weeks back when a decker broke down during evening runs and 11 replaced it at Byker.

While I actually don't mind single deckers on the 18 on weekends, breadvan's seem abit over the top (or even under the top if you will). Very restricted seating arrangement for the elderly and the less able, which I would argue is 50% of the 18's clientele.

(13 Jul 2026, 12:13 pm)SN69 ZRC wrote Take it from me, in my whole 23 years of being alive, I've lived in 3 different estates which have all been along the 18 route. The 18 has been my longest running local service to date, no matter where I've lived. Passenger numbers on the 18 can be extremely unpredictable.

This what annoys me about the 18, people see a few empty 18's and assume that is what it's always like, when in fact it's not at all always empty, even outside of school hours. The 18s used to be quite busy on a Sunday when Stagecoach had it. There would be trips where it would l to stop at every single stop along the way. Early morning trips to Quorum get quite busy too before school kids have even left home. Also back when Stagecoach were suffering cancellations or even lateness, if the last 12 from Two Ball Lonnen to Walker is late and the 18 comes first, all the 12 passengers will just jump on the 18, and there's been times where it's quite a lot of them. The very last 18 trip to Walker get's a whole bunch of pensioners coming home from the pub who usually fills the bottom deck. 

Single deckers are only temporarily allocated to the 18s due to a "low hanging tree", which I will bring into question myself as they've still got at least one double decker on the 18 during the weekday. Is that one double decker just magically invincible from the low trees? And why is it also only the double decker that stays on the late board?

And Northstar hasn't operated "two vans for a few days." They've only ever operated two van's on Sunday, and one van on Saturday alongside a long single decker and a decker. Excluding the time a few weeks back when a decker broke down during evening runs and 11 replaced it at Byker.

While I actually don't mind single deckers on the 18 on weekends, breadvan's seem abit over the top (or even under the top if you will). Very restricted seating arrangement for the elderly and the less able, which I would argue is 50% of the 18's clientele.

Agreed about the numbers, always seems alright loaded whenever I've seen it in the South Gosforth area.

I always think it was a shame that they didn't swap the 18/37 around North of the Freeman. There's no benefits for having the 37 heading up there as it has zero purpose as it's just a long X8/X63 - depending where you are, but there's massive negatives like getting affected by traffic in Newcastle or the West End. Not to mention the 37 doesn't need deckers North of the Freeman either.

Would be have a been a good little route running with saloons and a decker for the school run.

(13 Jul 2026, 12:13 pm)SN69 ZRC wrote Single deckers are only temporarily allocated to the 18s due to a "low hanging tree", which I will bring into question myself as they've still got at least one double decker on the 18 during the weekday. Is that one double decker just magically invincible from the low trees? And why is it also only the double decker that stays on the late board?

One double decker getting accidentally damaged by a tree is better than three being accidentally damaged by a tree.

Also I remember when these were regular on the 18 (19/20).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...6535909974
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...7046734722
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...6537399233
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...9863386798

IIRC there was also the 18A school run, which around that time was operated by Go North East.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...6694101576 - 3743 returning to depot after a run on said route.

Also remember when Gateshead Central ran the evening and Sunday journies, they used Fiats on them.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photog...1112300706

(13 Jul 2026, 12:13 pm)SN69 ZRC wrote Take it from me, in my whole 23 years of being alive, I've lived in 3 different estates which have all been along the 18 route. The 18 has been my longest running local service to date, no matter where I've lived. Passenger numbers on the 18 can be extremely unpredictable.

This what annoys me about the 18, people see a few empty 18's and assume that is what it's always like, when in fact it's not at all always empty, even outside of school hours. The 18s used to be quite busy on a Sunday when Stagecoach had it. There would be trips where it would l to stop at every single stop along the way. Early morning trips to Quorum get quite busy too before school kids have even left home. Also back when Stagecoach were suffering cancellations or even lateness, if the last 12 from Two Ball Lonnen to Walker is late and the 18 comes first, all the 12 passengers will just jump on the 18, and there's been times where it's quite a lot of them. The very last 18 trip to Walker get's a whole bunch of pensioners coming home from the pub who usually fills the bottom deck. 

Single deckers are only temporarily allocated to the 18s due to a "low hanging tree", which I will bring into question myself as they've still got at least one double decker on the 18 during the weekday. Is that one double decker just magically invincible from the low trees? And why is it also only the double decker that stays on the late board?

And Northstar hasn't operated "two vans for a few days." They've only ever operated two van's on Sunday, and one van on Saturday alongside a long single decker and a decker. Excluding the time a few weeks back when a decker broke down during evening runs and 11 replaced it at Byker.

While I actually don't mind single deckers on the 18 on weekends, breadvan's seem abit over the top (or even under the top if you will). Very restricted seating arrangement for the elderly and the less able, which I would argue is 50% of the 18's clientele.

Someone who regularly does the Sunday 18 I agree passenger numbers fluctuate but very rarely is there more than 8-12 people on at once on Sundays, with the busiest part being Walker to Byker. Breadvans are quite well suited for it. Deckers on a sunday are not really needed imo at least. 
Certainly in the week deckers are needed for school run board however.

So are you suggesting being devil advecoate

That the route could run being small bus "mini bus or single bus" except for one journey aka school run?

If this is the case

Could we possibly suggest to Nexus (sigh)

That it is a single decker route except for one service in each direction (school run) therefore making the contract cheaper...

Sorry I should not be giving common sense ideas should I

(13 Jul 2026, 6:57 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote So are you suggesting being devil advecoate

That the route could run being small bus "mini bus or single bus" except for one journey aka school run?

If this is the case

Could we possibly suggest to Nexus (sigh)

That it is a single decker route except for one service in each direction (school run) therefore making the contract cheaper...

Sorry I should not be giving common sense ideas should I

Certainly the likes of an E300 is fine for the non school decker runs

(13 Jul 2026, 6:57 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote So are you suggesting being devil advecoate


Could we possibly suggest to Nexus (sigh)

That it is a single decker route except for one service in each direction (school run) therefore making the contract cheaper...

You might be under-appreciating how the saving in running costs (mainly better fuel consumption) is offset by the added cost of using 2 buses (at different times). For example, as well as needing to have the extra bus,  there are extra dead miles to operate, so almost certainly an extra driver. And van-based small buses can be surprisingly expensive to buy plus they don't stand up to the rigours of "proper bus services" very well.

But in general, it does seem daft to require a decker all the time, if the need is only for certain times and the operator can find an efficient way to use a smaller bus. On lightly used services, passengers can feel safer in smaller buses (as long the as there is still plenty of capacity). Also helps if the route is more affected by car parking in the evening.

There are some rather horrible van-based small buses around, though, with narrower seats and tight aisles. I have always thought it would be better if the bus spec required normal widths to be used, with "2 and 1" seating, ie sacrificing some seated capacity with say a 24 seater becoming 18, or a 20 seater becoming 15.

Is there still an event for the withdrawal of the X22 and am I right in saying it will be on the 18th?

So passengers normally get a Streetlite sized vehicle on the 96 but with Northstar doing some runs they've sent a Strata to run their run of the 96... Oh boy