(13 Jan 2026, 8:23 pm)Retro Nero wrote Northstar Page !  Really !

It's a reply to the discussion in the thread so 'Really!'

I do wish there as more moderation and things moved around though, to be fair.

(13 Jan 2026, 8:26 pm)Storx wrote It's a reply to the discussion in the thread so 'Really!'

I do wish there as more moderation and things moved around though, to be fair.

I think its mainly you looking at every options to mention whatever is wrong on the day.

(12 Jan 2026, 8:35 pm)LeeCalder wrote I'd argue that this didn't happen at all, I've never had any passengers mention anything of the like to me?

Normal passengers really don't notice this sort of thing.

I mean you're well within your right to argue this, but you weren't there tbf. 
I noticed this last year was just a passing comment when I was either waiting for or on the X22 (I genuinely can't remeber as it was a long time ago) and because of this I forgot all about it. Until I have recently been on 302 on the 599 (as I live in Pallion and get the 599 regularly) I saw someone was actually confused as they had ran for the bus,. I am assuming that they didn't pay attention to the number of the bus, which is their fault for not doing so. I was not involved in either of these conversarions but thought I'd mention it as this was twice now and quite a few buses have stagecoach beachball interior.

This reply was supposed to be clarification, not argumentative so I hope that helps

(13 Jan 2026, 8:20 pm)Storx wrote I don't know you know, people definitely noticed around here when the Solo's returned for round 2 of being absolutely s**t on the 57/57A after they had the brand new E200MMC's for a few month and it actually had some reliability for a short while.

People definitely notice imo, don't see why they'd mention it to a driver though.

Yep, or like when Stagecoach put the electric buses on the X24, and the customers have seen how much slower they feel on the motorways.

Is it right that Gateshead Central have won the 599 from March?

---

Not sure on the loss of the 599 but I have had an idea for an alternative similar service which perhaps Dan may consider now on a commercial basis, certainly a worthy of a trial

598 Sunderland to Hebburn via

Chester Road Uni and Hospital
Pallion Metro
Southwick Green
Fulwell Grange
Cleadon Village
Ridgeway
Harton Moor
South Tyneside District Hospital
Simonside Estate
Bede Industrial Estate (Metro / Barbour Factory)
Jarrow Bus Station

Then the opposite circular route of 599 around Jarrow/Hebburn

I was considering this on the opposite half hour to the 599 to give a 30 mins service along parallel sections.

Would have to be dedicated E200 route due to 10ft low bridge at Bede / Barbour

This opens up following links

Fulwell / Southwick to Royal Hospital
Cleadon Village / Ridgeway to South Tyneside Hospital.
Linking South Tyneside Hospital with Sunderland Royal Hospital
Bede Industrial Estate to all areas.

PB2060918/2
Cancellation NORTHSTAR CONSTELLATION LIMITED 599 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange stand N Hebburn

Ngl, gutted



I just hope Gateshead Central Taxi's do a good job.....................

(09 Feb 2026, 8:52 pm)Michael wrote PB2060918/2
Cancellation NORTHSTAR CONSTELLATION LIMITED 599 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange stand N Hebburn

Ngl, gutted



I just hope Gateshead Central Taxi's do a good job.....................

I agree with you. Absolutely gutted to see Northstar lose the 599, even though I haven't used it. GCT can do a good job of running services when they have enough buses and drivers. Hopefully they will do a good job on the 32/32A and 599. 

Positive to see Northstar taking over the 18. Even though I believe it has low passenger numbers, and in no way makes up for the loss of the 599 contract.

Might actually get the opportunity to ride the 18 operated by Northstar soon!

On a similar note, can anyone still board the 792 at HMRC or just HMRC staff? The stops have all been removed between HMRC and Cowgate on the afternoon trip, since the DWP site closed in December. Could I realistically walk from the Freeman Hospital to HMRC to access the 792 or would that be ridiculous?

(09 Feb 2026, 9:43 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote I agree with you. Absolutely gutted to see Northstar lose the 599, even though I haven't used it. GCT can do a good job of running services when they have enough buses and drivers. Hopefully they will do a good job on the 32/32A and 599. 

I use the 599 twice a week and its rarely late, drivers are happy, buses are clean.

Can't fault them.

(09 Feb 2026, 10:09 pm)Michael wrote I use the 599 twice a week and its rarely late, drivers are happy, buses are clean.

Can't fault them.

I've only been on a Northstar bus 3 times, on the 643 from Whickham to Metrocentre Asda when they had that, and on the X18 and M43 on Boxing Day (same bus). On time, pleasant drivers and clean buses. Really good to hear your positive experience of Northstar.

Brilliant that Northstar introduced the new X22 and X43 services. Not been on them, but it's been on my list! Would be fantastic if they brought the X88 back, giving Concord and Washington a direct Metrocentre link again.

Unfortunately I haven't been on the 792 either, which is a reliable service as well.

Hopefully I'll get to go on the 18 when Northstar are running that.

(09 Feb 2026, 8:52 pm)Michael wrote PB2060918/2
Cancellation NORTHSTAR CONSTELLATION LIMITED 599 Sunderland, Park Lane Interchange stand N Hebburn

Ngl, gutted



I just hope Gateshead Central Taxi's do a good job.....................

The cooling-off period hasn’t finished yet.

Cancellations will all be at full registration notice, with registrations at short-notice once the cooling-off period has ended and contracts formally awarded.

Until then, it’s a waiting game to see what is re-registered! Anything can change during this period after the provisional winning tenderers are announced.

Pleased to see the good reviews re service delivery on 599 though. The guys try their best and, despite running with older vehicles, it must be one of Nexus’ best-performing contracts for lack of lost mileage. Passenger numbers have considerably increased since it first started operating and I’d like to think that reliability is a key player in that. Anecdotally there are now customers who show loyalty to the 599 over the 8, citing Go North East’s poor reliability as their reasoning for choosing to travel on the Northstar service.

(10 Feb 2026, 8:59 pm)Dan wrote The cooling-off period hasn’t finished yet.

Cancellations will all be at full registration notice, with registrations at short-notice once the cooling-off period has ended and contracts formally awarded.

Until then, it’s a waiting game to see what is re-registered! Anything can change during this period after the provisional winning tenderers are announced.

Pleased to see the good reviews re service delivery on 599 though. The guys try their best and, despite running with older vehicles, it must be one of Nexus’ best-performing contracts for lack of lost mileage. Passenger numbers have considerably increased since it first started operating and I’d like to think that reliability is a key player in that. Anecdotally there are now customers who show loyalty to the 599 over the 8, citing Go North East’s poor reliability as their reasoning for choosing to travel on the Northstar service.

I hope GCT decide not to run it.


Honestly, I've only ever came out of work once, where its ran late.


Its good to read that passenger numbers have increased over the 2 years of it running, normally you find contracted services don't do well.

I wonder if NEXUS would risk a later service or even a Sunday service?


Thing is, Northstar have gained loyal customers due to the good reliability, decent drivers and tbf, decent buses but if it goes to GCT.. I have a feeling it'll be ran to the ground and the allocation will be a bread van meaning GNE might win those passengers back on the 8, 35 and 36.

Presumably Northstar are retaining the 599, maybe even taking it on commercially...

Northstar has made a real success of the 599. I don't think GCT would do a bad job, but I think it would be positive to see Northstar keep it, to continue serving their loyal customers.

Hopefully Northstar do take over the 18 when the cooling off period is done and contracts are formally awarded.

Looking forward to more journeys on Northstar services in the near future. Potentially the 792 from HMRC, if that's an option to walk to from South Gosforth Roundabout!

Potentially 303 in the Northstar Fleet (SP59 CTV), Formerly Stagecoach 27607 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/nebp2/5510...797587508/

I did bump into Dan last week who confirmed he has some B9TL's (Ex London) currently at Thorntons for Repaint/Door Conversion and Seat Belt Fitment which will replace the ALX400's 412-416 later in the year along with E400's 421/422 which potential buyers viewing them during the course of this week, further to that 501 will also be leaving the fleet with a replacement coach incoming.

(20 Feb 2026, 6:27 pm)Malarkey wrote Potentially 303 in the Northstar Fleet (SP59 CTV), Formerly Stagecoach 27607 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/nebp2/5510...797587508/

I did bump into Dan last week who confirmed he has some B9TL's (Ex London) currently at Thorntons for Repaint/Door Conversion and Seat Belt Fitment which will replace the ALX400's 412-416 later in the year along with E400's 421/422 which potential buyers viewing them during the course of this week, further to that 501 will also be leaving the fleet with a replacement coach incoming.

Apparently it's on loan to GEM Travel from Stagecoach Stanley.

Curious to see if Northstar are looking to launch any new services on a commercial basis.

Presumably the 599 is going to GCT? Northstar could potentially run a service in competition with it, or a similar route like they did with the X43 when the 643 was lost. Maybe look at opportunities elsewhere.

Looking forward to Northstar taking over the 18 next month, if they sign the contract. Hopefully it continues to operate reliably as it does now. A reliable service is very important for the Freeman (patients and potentially staff), and ideal for connections at FLE with other buses and the Metro. Used the 18 in Byker years ago, it was always reliable and punctual. At the back end of last week Northstar operated the 792 to a bit of a delay.

(Yesterday, 10:27 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Curious to see if Northstar are looking to launch any new services on a commercial basis.

Presumably the 599 is going to GCT? Northstar could potentially run a service in competition with it, or a similar route like they did with the X43 when the 643 was lost. Maybe look at opportunities elsewhere.

Looking forward to Northstar taking over the 18 next month, if they sign the contract. Hopefully it continues to operate reliably as it does now. A reliable service is very important for the Freeman (patients and potentially staff), and ideal for connections at FLE with other buses and the Metro. Used the 18 in Byker years ago, it was always reliable and punctual. At the back end of last week Northstar operated the 792 to a bit of a delay.

I’d be very surprised if the 599 is anywhere near the level of being commercially sustainable! Shame that it’s been lost to GCT but hey they’ve won a bigger contract in the 18 so done alright out of this round.

(Yesterday, 11:04 pm)tyresmoke wrote I’d be very surprised if the 599 is anywhere near the level of being commercially sustainable! Shame that it’s been lost to GCT but hey they’ve won a bigger contract in the 18 so done alright out of this round.

Yeah, I suppose that's a good point. Northstar have grown passenger numbers on the service, and it's disappointing for passengers it's gone to GCT, which could potentially see passenger numbers decline where alternative services operate.

Hopefully Northstar can make a success of the 18, no doubt an improved offering for passengers on that service. Good to hear it's a bigger contract, disappointing it's the only contract they won though. Very much looking forward to riding the 18 when Northstar take over!

as harsh as it sounds the 599 bid was over £100k cheaper now than it was 12 months ago thanks to GCT bidding and winning the tender. That has to be a positive surely...

There is always next year to bid for it back

(9 hours ago)DaveFromUpNorth wrote as harsh as it sounds the 599 bid was over £100k cheaper now than it was 12 months ago thanks to GCT bidding and winning the tender.  That has to be a positive surely...

There is always next year to bid for it back

Is it not a 3 year contract?

(8 hours ago)Retro Nero wrote Is it not a 3 year contract?

Nope, Nexus do their contracts year on year

(9 hours ago)GDaveFromUpNorth wrote as harsh as it sounds the 599 bid was over £100k cheaper now than it was 12 months ago thanks to GCT bidding and winning the tender.  That has to be a positive surely...

There is always next year to bid for it back

Yeah, but there’s a chance GCT will operate the service with a Pony and Trap….

(9 hours ago)DaveFromUpNorth wrote as harsh as it sounds the 599 bid was over £100k cheaper now than it was 12 months ago thanks to GCT bidding and winning the tender.  That has to be a positive surely...

There is always next year to bid for it back

They'll get what they're paying for, if they're lucky.

(9 hours ago)DaveFromUpNorth wrote as harsh as it sounds the 599 bid was over £100k cheaper now than it was 12 months ago thanks to GCT bidding and winning the tender.  That has to be a positive surely...

There is always next year to bid for it back

You’ve missed the part that the original contract was not a 12-month contract - it was a 20-month contract.

Of course it’s going to be £100k cheaper when it’s almost half the contract length.

So yes, marginally cheaper per day than the incumbent operator. Not £100k per annum.

(3 hours ago)Dan wrote You’ve missed the part that the original contract was not a 12-month contract - it was a 20-month contract.

Of course it’s going to be £100k cheaper when it’s almost half the contract length.

So yes, marginally cheaper per day than the incumbent operator. Not £100k per annum.

And a real shame when the current operator has been reliable and helped to grow passenger numbers, whereas the company taking it over have proved to be unreliable over the years and could potentially cause a drop in passenger numbers which would potentially means you're paying more in the end with a drop in ticket revenue. Sometimes it's worth paying a little more as it saves money in the long term. I wish Nexus (and government) would realise that.

To me GCT winning bid should be made public and see if anyone is willing to under bid it.

For instance the 71 perhaps GNE say they needed £100K a year to run and GCT needed 97K, really GNE should have had the opportunity to counter bid and also what GNE can bring to the table for the 71 than GCT

I think it's a shame counter bidding isn't an option. Obviously it's difficult because potentially operators could be petty and only undercut if GCT win, for example.

But in the end it would save money and hopefully operators would actually want the routes and run them well.

Presumably operators already submit their lowest bid for the contract, to actually get the work and the income.