Arriva Buses (including Greenline)

[Typhoon]

Fast track could be operated by Go Ahead as they have experience of Electric buses (including in their Bexleyheath garage).

That's probably a good call!

Losing Fastrack will deprive Arriva of passengers in 'bus friendly' parts like Temple Hill, Fleet Estate, Darent Valley Hospital, Bluewater plus monopolies in some new developments. Arriva (Northfleet) will be left with rural areas, some Gravesend estates where they have been cutting back for years, and the 480/ 490 which seem pretty popular when I've been on them (I prefer them to Fastrack, they are faster).

Incidentally, I thought route C was on the cards?

Possibly, but I would think this is unlikely. I would say they would probably reduce service levels unless KCC (Kent County Council) steps in to help (very unlikely).

Medway services might get some support from Mr Maple (council now in Labour hands), and they have not been so lethal with cuts. However, there is no reason to believe Arriva would get all or most of any contracts; Nu Venture and ASD seem to have been pretty successful of late.

Chances of Kent County Council support bobbles around nil. It wouldn't surprise me if we are due for another round of cost savings next year.

I think it would be a case of careful what you wish for if someone likes stagecoach took over as there are large chunks of the network that they'd simply wouldn't want so would either take it all and cut it back further or cherry pick certain roots and services and leave the rest to either cease to exist or be picked up by smaller operators.

I think you are right - I would have thought that Tunbridge Wells was vulnerable; I know Stagecoach operate into it from Hastings and Eastbourne but it is a bit of a trek, as well as the few rural routes it has left and as @londonteacher points out, there wouldn't be much help from the County Council.

 

[MotCO]

Losing Fastrack will deprive Arriva of passengers in 'bus friendly' parts like Temple Hill, Fleet Estate, Darent Valley Hospital, Bluewater plus monopolies in some new developments. Arriva (Northfleet) will be left with rural areas, some Gravesend estates where they have been cutting back for years, and the 480/ 490 which seem pretty popular when I've been on them (I prefer them to Fastrack, they are faster).

Was that the territory tested by Metrobus in the late 80's with their miniMetro network? Perhaps it will return!

 

[alex397]

I hope that if Arriva stay in Medway they become more reliable but I worry if someone else takes over this could be an issue also.

I feel Medway would benefit grately if a company like Go Ahead took over.

When you look at Medway, it should be so much better than it is. If it was in Central Europe it would probably have a tram or trolleybus network. But this is Britain….

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

The Arriva social media team strikes again...

Arriva Bus

www.arrivabus.co.uk

Crook Market Place Disruption June 2023​

Sunday 4th June – Friday 9th June 2023

From Sunday 4 June for 6 nights Crook Market will see several closures for road surfacing works from 1900 hours.​

Service 1 - Blyth to Widdrington Station
Sunday 4 June, Monday 5 June, Wednesday 7 June and Thursday 8 June. All services after 1900 will omit the Market Place and operate via New Road Factories. For journeys from Crook, a temporary bus stop will be in use.
Tuesday 6 June and Friday 9 June journeys will serve the Tow Law bound stop, which will also be used for journeys towards Darlington. Journeys from Tow Law will operate via New Road Factories and Market Place.
Service X46 - Stanhope to Durham
Sunday 4 June and Wednesday 7 June. All services after 1900 will finish at Willington and will connect with a shuttle bus to Weardale to/from Crook.
Monday 5 June, Tuesday 6 June, Thursday 8 June and Friday 9 June. Services will omit the Market Place and divert via St Catherines Church.

They've selected the wrong service 1 - it should be Darlington to Tow Law not the Northumberland version which is where the link leads to as well. They are truly woeful

 

[Bwsbro]

Kent Online are reporting that Go Ahead London have been awarded the the Fastrack operations for 15 years from December 2024, operating first out of the Bexleyheath depot, opening a new Electric Bus depot in 2025

London firm to take over key bus service in the county

A London bus company is set to take over a key route in the county and create Kent’s first all electric bus network.

www.kentonline.co.uk

A London bus company is set to take over a key service in the county and create Kent’s first all electric bus network.

Go-Ahead London provides nearly a quarter of bus services in the capital, and is set to take over the Fastrack route between Dartford, Gravesend, Bluewater, Darent Valley Hospital and Ebbsfleet International, run by Arriva.
The move comes as the owners of Arriva are exploring options for a sale of its UK operations and its businesses abroad are being sold off.
At a meeting of Dartford council’s Joint Transportation Board on Tuesday last week, Shane Hymers, public transport network developer for KCC told members: “Initially they [Go-Ahead London] are going to run it from their Bexleyheath depot for the first year, and then they’re going to build a new depot in Kent on the Fastrack route, and it will be a purpose-built electric depot for Fastrack, so we’re absolutely delighted about that.”

He added: “A new major operator is coming to town, they’ve made no secret of the fact that they do see Fastrack as the thin end of the wedge and have plans to develop a network in Kent. I'm sure if gaps do emerge, if they’re commercially viable they will be picked up."

The fleet that will serve the route is set to be entirely comprised of electric buses.

KCC’s officer told councillors that the Fastrack service is “far exceeding pre-covid forecasts for patronage growth”.

Go-Ahead London, who will operate the Fastrack service from December 2024, said it was unable to comment.

A spokesman for Kent County Council confirmed Go-Ahead London has won the 15-year contract

 

[MotCO]

Kent Online are reporting that Go Ahead London will takeover the Fastrack operations, operating firstly out of the Bexleyheath depot, opening a new Electric Bus depot in 2024

London firm to take over key bus service in the county

A London bus company is set to take over a key route in the county and create Kent’s first all electric bus network.

www.kentonline.co.uk

With a new depot, will they start taking over other north Kent services from Arriva? Otherwise the overheads will be very high.

Presunably, they could use the Citaros made surplus when the 358 goes all-electric. A quick refurbishment, and they could be good for a year or so while the new depot is being prepared and vehicles sourced- more Irizars?

 

[ScotGG]

Arriva are pretty poor in Dartford and Medway so ripe for replacing on non Fastrack routes. They'll fold under any competition surely?

 

[Soundwave]

Arriva are pretty poor in Dartford and Medway so ripe for replacing on non Fastrack routes. They'll fold under any competition surely?

It depends on whether the staff at Go Ahead London can do something other than compile competitive tenders.

 

[ScotGG]

They could compete on routes like the 480/490 competitively.

Arriva have given up on most other (all?) routes apart from that havnt they?

Get a new depot set up for Fastrack and I could see it happening for the other non tendered routes.

 

[Robertj21a]

They could compete on routes like the 480/490 competitively.

Arriva have given up on most other (all?) routes apart from that havnt they?

Get a new depot set up for Fastrack and I could see it happening for the other non tendered routes.

Aren't most people expecting Arriva to totally pull out of Kent in due course ?

 

[Bwsbro]

Aren't most people expecting Arriva to totally pull out of Kent in due course ?

Would make logical sense that the Kent business doesn’t have long left following todays announcement. Although the Go Ahead £110 million will be more than the current deal that Arriva has with Kent Concil for the current Fastrack contract. It’s a large hole in the finances, and I can’t see the depot sustaining itself on the 480/490 corridor alone

 

[Mgameing123]

Depends - I was thinking of Wycombe.

Looking at their network, there's some town services, which I can't imagine are that profitable, the route to Henley / Reading which is probably profitable and routes to Aylesbury and Hemel.

The Hemel and Aylesbury routes could be operated by those depots and I would expect either Carousel or Reading Buses would be interested in the Wycombe - Reading route. Not sure about the town services.

You would be wrong with that. 32 & 33 are always rather busy and they use some midibuses to save money.

Arriva haven't operated the service between Hemel and Wycombe (routes 52/1) for a long time and last year withdrew completely from the jointly operated route between Wycombe and Chesham, in return gaining the 35 and 36 bus routes ( which run between Wycombe and Bourne End) from Carousel buses.

Its honestly quite sad because they reduced the frequency now. The joint services really did manage to give better services for everyone but oh well.

 

[JD2168]

There was an unidentified Arriva liveried Wright Cadet being towed along Harborough Hill Road in Barnsley at 12:45pm in the Carlton direction.

 

[cav1975]

So, my wife and I arrived at Chatham bus station at 1810 this evening after an enjoyable day bus roving - taking advantage of this weekend's (virtually) all buses in Kent & Medway are free offer. Well, the 18:15 132 disappeared off the departure screens without turning up as did the 18:30 leaving us to take the 18:45. Three bus loads was quite a squeeze but the diver accepted all comers. While waiting I asked a couple of Arriva people what had happened to the 132. One said that they never cancel two consecutive trips on the same route which they clearly did. The other said "we know we offer a crap service".

Given that this happened on a day when bus travel is being promoted to non users to get them to travel more often by bus, what is ahppenoing to Arriva? My local Arriva Medway route (116, which doesn't run in the evenings) seems to get more than its fair share of cancelations but I'd always assumed that the 132 trunk route would be reliable. Thank goodness that Nu-Ventue & ASD have won most of the recent tenders.

 

[duncombec]

So, my wife and I arrived at Chatham bus station at 1810 this evening after an enjoyable day bus roving - taking advantage of this weekend's (virtually) all buses in Kent & Medway are free offer. Well, the 18:15 132 disappeared off the departure screens without turning up as did the 18:30 leaving us to take the 18:45. Three bus loads was quite a squeeze but the diver accepted all comers. While waiting I asked a couple of Arriva people what had happened to the 132. One said that they never cancel two consecutive trips on the same route which they clearly did. The other said "we know we offer a crap service".

Given that this happened on a day when bus travel is being promoted to non users to get them to travel more often by bus, what is ahppenoing to Arriva? My local Arriva Medway route (116, which doesn't run in the evenings) seems to get more than its fair share of cancelations but I'd always assumed that the 132 trunk route would be reliable. Thank goodness that Nu-Ventue & ASD have won most of the recent tenders.

There was only one bus (out of 4) operating on the 166 this morning as well - at least before services were necessarily withdrawn from half the route after the local scrotes decided buses made good catapult targets.

There seems to remain a severe driver shortage at Arriva Kent & Surrey, more so than appeared to be the case with Stagecoach today, and Saturdays are particularly bad. I have heard figures from other drivers suggesting being well into the tens short each Saturday.

 

[Blindtraveler]

It's not been a good day in Medway for buses, a lot of vandalism and smashed windows on vehicles operating both 166 and 177 services indeed causing a complete withdrawal from Luton for a time during lunch time and early afternoon. Suspect that that plus the fact that multiple vehicles are flaking out in the heat as given several people a number of headaches today

 

[cav1975]

While I can understand that there are operating difficulties there doesn't seem to be any effort at all put into keeping passengers informed. Nothing at the bus station and the Arriva app showed everything running on time. If we knew what was happening we could al least know to be patient or to make alternative arrangements.
<I don't know how to do "twitter" so I don't know if there was anything on that>

 

[Blindtraveler]

There was stuff on social media yes. I think the difficulty with the app is that individual depots can't update it and if you've got a finite number of members of staff you're not going to put one of them onto the task of ringing up someone who can when that same member of staff could be trying to juggle available vehicles and fitters and mechanics to see about getting as many vehicles back on the road as possible whilst making sure drivers that are late get their breaks and get their changeovers on time etc. No I don't work for arriva but there's been a lot of conversation about it on Facebook in particular today 6

 

[londonteacher]

The other garages in Kent regularly manage to update social media and the app with disruptions. Gillingham seem unable to. Today is the first time I have seen them post anything on social media.

There have been numerous road closures and diversions in Medway which, unless you were on an unofficial Facebook group, you would have no idea about.

Arriva in Gillingham are awful at sharing service updates and then get frustrated when the public complain about the service or lack of.

Well, the 18:15 132 disappeared off the departure screens without turning up as did the 18:30 leaving us to take the 18:45.

The screens don’t, or definitely do not seem to, update in realtime. They seem to be based on the timetable. But, also they are operated (or not as the case is) by Medway council.

Arriva app showed everything running on time

The app is actively discouraged by drivers in favour of bustimes.org

 

[Blindtraveler]

Interestingly I did not learn about today's disruption from their Facebook page so glad to hear their posted but disappointed that Facebook didn't show me it


I think as regards social media it is centralized now like stagecoaches so the onus is presumably on someone to tell them about it in the first place which happens inconsistently across operations I've noticed

Actually I've just checked and unless they put it on Twitter or there's another public page which arriva run for this area then the assorted disruptions across Medway did not make it onto the arriva Kent and Medway page.

 

[londonteacher]

Interestingly I did not learn about today's disruption from their Facebook page so glad to hear their posted but disappointed that Facebook didn't show me it


I think as regards social media it is centralized now like stagecoaches so the onus is presumably on someone to tell them about it in the first place which happens inconsistently across operations I've noticed

Actually I've just checked and unless they put it on Twitter or there's another public page which arriva run for this area then the assorted disruptions across Medway did not make it onto the arriva Kent and Medway page.

The disruption due to vandalism was on Twitter but should be across all platforms.

Gillingham however are poor at publicising changes and disruptions. Shame really as they could be a good operator. Their main issue in Medway is that when cancellations occur they are not announced or disruption shared. This then causes frustration as there is no way of finding out about the services.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Google maps seems to pick up about half the cancellations but isn't 100% accurate, bus times can often give you a hint if you know what vehicles are running a service and it's not a time of day when they're switching the allocations round for example schools etc.

All in all having moved to Chatham four months ago I'm generally satisfied with the bus service that we get, it does its best in difficult circumstances and I think the problem with operations like Lothian in Edinburgh where I used to live is that it sets unrealistic expectations as not all city areas even have a service like that and load the ends operating model whilst excellent in many ways has shown quite a few cracks over the last couple of years for one reason or another.

How receptive are they to feedback and suggested alterations or improvements if they are sent in?

 

[Typhoon]

How receptive are they to feedback and suggested alterations or improvements if they are sent in?

I had real difficulty convincing them that that many journeys not on their on-line timetable for an Arriva service in Kent actually existed (despite providing evidence to the contrary, including a scanned ticket).

I was clearly dealing with non-locals, this might have changed but I doubt it.

However, here might be members of this forum who have inside links, who might be able to help get a suggestion put to those who count.

Incidentally, the service I referred to no longer exists!!

 

[WAB]

I was clearly dealing with non-locals, this might have changed but I doubt it.

That's the trouble with Arriva, First and Stagecoach. There are very few support staff (managers, inspectors, administrators etc.) on the ground in local areas, and those that exist are run ragged just trying to operate the service. The central staff are generally clueless about how things actually work, so aren't much use. It is noticeable that feedback to groups like GoAhead and Transdev gets a more coherent response.

 

[Blindtraveler]

This is probably a whole new side discussion about centralized transport industry customer services but I have to agree that centralization for the big groups regardless of what kind of transported actually is has resulted in a decline in standards and a general cluelessness and lack of interest. I'm sure some would argue that if it's keeping fairs down then it's a good thing but you can't be good quality local information, especially at times of high demand and disruption like yesterday when the Kent bus free weekend coincided with vandalism to vehicles plus the usual selection of breakdowns caused partially by fleet standards and not insignificantly by hot weather

 

[Typhoon]

The disruption due to vandalism was on Twitter but should be across all platforms.

Features on KOL (Kent on-line - website for regional media group) - timed at 15:54). https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/buses-diverted-after-bricks-hurled-at-windows-288982/ but it shouldn't take them to provide the rather belated publicity.

I went on their Facebook page to see if there was anything. Not what I expected:

On Armed Forces Day (Saturday 24th June) we’re offering free travel on our buses for our Armed Forces for serving personnel (both regular and reservists), veterans and cadets.

I don't know whether that was nationally or locally, but, if the latter, it was free until 8pm as just about all buses were right across the county on Saturday and Sunday. The nearest I probably came to being in the Armed Forces was to wear my father's WWII naval greatcoat when I was at University

 

[A0wen]

I notice that First Beeline have registered a new commercial service RA3 between Watford and Heathrow via the M25 - which will compete directly with the 724 between Watford and Heathrow. Be interesting to see if Arriva decide to curtail the 724 at Heathrow - which happened in the 1980s under London Country. Not sure how busy the 724 is between Watford and Uxbridge and I believe it's now non-stop between Uxbridge & Heathrow, so no limited local traffic there.

 

[David 90825]

This is the press release - copied from the Northern Echo

Service 1 Darlington to Crook & Tow Law
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service X1 will unfortunately be withdrawn in full and replaced by a revised and extended Service 1. During Monday to Saturday daytimes, revised Service 1 will operate up to every 30 minutes between Darlington and Crook (via Bishop Auckland) and once per hour, buses will continue to extend to Tow Law. Service 1 will also operate to a revised route between Shildon and Bishop Auckland, via Tindale Crescent rather than South Church. This does regretably mean that there will be no service on Adelaide Bank and passengers in South Church should continue to access Service 5. Additionally, there will be no service on a section of Byerley Road in Shildon, between Middleton Road and Hippodrome owing to the withdrawal of Service X1. Between Bishop Auckland and Crook all Service 1 journeys will operate to a standard route and will no longer serve High Grange. All journeys will operate via North Bitchburn and Toronto in both directions. Evening journeys are proposed to operate as they currently do until around 9pm, after which, Service 1 journeys will only operate between Crook and Tindale Crescent. Sundays and Bank Holidays will continue to operate hourly between Darlington and Crook, albeit journeys will adopt the revised route between Shildon and Bishop Auckland, via Tindale Crescent.
Service 3 Skerne Park to Darlington
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Tees Valley Combined Authority and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 3/3A will be revised to operate as Service 3 between Skerne Park and Darlington only, up to every 15 minutes during Mon‐Fri daytimes, and every 30 minutes on Saturdays. There will be no service to Mowden (except for one school journey in each direction on schooldays only). There will also be no service on Hundens Lane, Albert Hill or Whessoe Road/Longfield Road. Additionally evening and Sunday journeys will be regrettably withdrawn.
Service 4 Darlington to Minors Crescent
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Tees Valley Combined Authority and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, evening and Sunday journeys on Service 4 will be regrettably withdrawn.
Service 5 Darlington to Bishop Auckland
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 5/5A is proposed to be merged into one route combination, although maintained at the current 30‐minute frequency during Monday to Saturday daytimes. A wholly revised timetable will be in place. The new Service 5 route will operate as per current Service 5 route between Darlington and Bishop Auckland, but all journeys will serve Greenfield Way in Newton Aycliffe (there will be no journeys via Meadowfield Way). Additionally, this does mean that Service 5/5A will no longer serve Jubilee Estate in Shildon, however revised Service 1 will continue to do so. Service 5 will operate via Dale Rd and Spout Lane on all journeys. Evenings and Sunday journeys will be broadly similar to now albeit with a revised timetable in place, however Sunday evening services between Darlington and Newton Aycliffe would be withdrawn after 7pm due to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service 6 Durham to Cockfield
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 6 will be revised to operate to a 20‐minute frequency during Monday to Saturday daytimes between Durham and West Auckland. Only some morning and afternoon peak journeys will extend to Cockfield and there will be no service between Cockfield and Barnard Castle. This is due to unsustainable passenger demand. Additionally, afternoon Monday‐Friday peak time journeys will be revised to terminate in Durham City Centre and will no longer serve Framwellgate Moor. This is due to resource availability to provide these extended trips but most importantly owing to the consistent congestion delays encountered at this time and in this area, affecting the existing schedule. A small number of journeys will continue to serve Framwellgate Moor in the morning peak with additional journey time. Monday to Saturday evenings will operate normally, with the last bus from Durham revised to be 22:25 and Bishop Auckland at 20:46, owing to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service 7 Durham to Darlington
A revised timetable will be in place, which regrettably means journeys will no longer extend to Framwellgate Moor in morning or the afternoon. This is due to consistent congestion delays encountered at these times and in this area, affecting the existing schedule. However, we’re really excited to announce that we’re increasing the frequency of Service 7 on Sunday and Bank Holidays to be every 30 minutes between Darlington and Durham.
Service 8/8A Darlington to Spennymoor & Ferryhill
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 8/8A timetable will see arevision, with some journeys on Service 8A being revised to operate during school holidays only. Additionally, Sunday Service 8 will also be withdrawn, regrettably due to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service 9/10 Darlington to Whinbush & Springfield
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Tees Valley Combined Authority and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Monday to Saturday evening service will be reduced to just one Service 10 per hour (Service 9 would operate final journey around 7pm). Sunday evenings will be withdrawn in full after 8pm. This is due to unsustainable passenger demand
Service 12 Darlington to Hurworth
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Tees Valley Combined Authority and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 12 will be withdrawn in full from Sunday 9 July.
Service 13A/13B Darlington to Firth Moor
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Tees Valley Combined Authority and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Monday to Saturday evening service will be reduced to just one journey per hour (alternating between Service 13A and 13B). Sunday evenings will be withdrawn in full after 9pm. This is due to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service 19 Darlington to Faverdale Ind Estate
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Tees Valley Combined Authority and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 19 will be revised to only operate between Darlington Centre and Faverdale Industrial Estate and will operate to a revised timetable as a result. Buses will operate a one‐way loop of the Industrial Estate and will continue to serve High Grange as normal. The section between Faverdale and West Park Hospital will be withdrawn due to unsustainable passenger demand. In addition, there will be no Sunday Service 19 from 9 July, owing to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service 22/22B Durham to Sunderland
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, there will be a revised route and timetable in place on this service, with Service 22 proposed to operate hourly between Peterlee and Sunderland (with all journeys operating via Easington Colliery all day). Buses will continue to operate half hourly between Durham and Peterlee, however journeys terminating in Peterlee will operate as Service 22B and will additionally serve Acre Rigg Rd, Beverley Way and Neville Road in both directions, replacing Service X21/X22 in this area. A revised evening service will also be in operation, with a reduction in total number of journeys, unfortunately again due to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service 23 Hartlepool to Sunderland
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, a revised route and timetable will be in place, with Service 23 revised to operate hourly between Peterlee and Sunderland during Monday to Saturday daytimes. Buses will continue to operate half hourly between Hartlepool and Peterlee, to an unchanged route.
Service 43 Durham to Esh Winning
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, the Saturday frequency of Service 43 will be reduced to every 30 minutes. In addition, evening journeys will be curtailed, with the last bus from Durham City Centre at around 21:25.
Service 48 Durham to New Brancepeth
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Sunday Service 48 will be withdrawn.
Service 49/49A Durham to Brandon
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, a revised Sunday timetable, with hourly Service 49 journeys only will be in operation. There will be no Service 49A journeys on a Sunday and alternative options via improved Sunday Service X46 will be available. In addition, a revised Monday to Saturday evening timetable will also be in place with final journeys curtailed around 21:00 from Durham.
Service 56/56A Durham to Bishop Auckland
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 56 is proposed to be reduced to hourly between Durham and Bishop Auckland. However, we’re also implementing a trial extension of Service 56 to Tindale Crescent in Bishop Auckland and most journeys will terminate there. Regrettably, Sunday Service 56 is will also be curtailed at Coxhoe, Cornforth Lane and will not serve Stobbs Cross. All evening journeys will be completely withdrawn after circa 21:00, or circa 18:00 on Sundays, again owing to an unsustainable operating position.
Service 64 Arnison Centre to Sherburn Village
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, evening journeys on Service 64 are proposed to be withdrawn after circa 21:00, owing to an unsustainable operating position.
Service 86 Trimdon to Bishop Auckland
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 86 will be withdrawn.
Service X21 Darlington to Peterlee
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service X21 will be withdrawn and replaced between Sedgefield and Peterlee by a revised and increased Service X22. The frequency of service between Sedgefield and Peterlee will be retained at two buses per hour, both operating as Service X22. This however does mean there will be no direct link to Newton Aycliffe or Darlington from Sedgefield, Trimdons, Wingate and Peterlee. This is due to unsustainable passenger demand.
Service X22 Middlesbrough to Peterlee
Service X22 is proposed to be doubled in frequency between Peterlee and Sedgefield replacing Service X21 in this area. Buses will continue to provide two journeys per hour between Sedgefield and Peterlee. The service will be revised to omit Acre Rigg in Peterlee (See Service 22 for replacement option) and will also be curtailed at Stockton High St. Only a small number of peak time journeys will operate to Middlesbrough, where available vehicle resource permits
Service X26/X27 Darlington to Catterick & Colburn
Regrettably due to unsustainable passenger demand, the 22:24 journey from Colburn to Darlington is withdrawn.
Service X46 Durham to Crook & Stanhope
A revised Monday to Saturday timetable will be in operation, however no changes to length of operating day of frequency. We’re pleased to be able to improve the Sunday daytime frequency of Service X46 from every hour to every 30 minutes, effective from 9 July.
Service X66/X67 Darlington to Middlesbrough
Following improvement to our driver availability position, we’re pleased to announce the reinstatement of Service X67 and the resulting improvement in frequency of service to every 15 minutes between Darlington and Middlesbrough. Some peak time journeys however will continue to operate as Service X66, additionally serving Hartburn, increasing the frequency of service via West Stockton at key peak times. Evenings and Sundays will continue to operate hourly as per current arrangements; however we’re also introducing some additional early evening Sunday journeys along with extending the current 22:25 journey from Middlesbrough to Darlington on Mon‐Sat evenings.
Service X75/X76 Darlington to Barnard Castle
Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Sunday journeys on Service X75 will be withdrawn from 9 July

Never have I seen such ill-disguised insincere "regret". Also, the improved driver availability position meaning the X67 can return... given that the X21 is going, the X1 is going, the 12 and 4 are also going from Darlington depot, plus a raft of other cuts, it's not really a shock that the availability position has improved!

Updates for various services are as follows and will take place following discussions with Durham County Council The item for 6 is taken from Arriva's updated news item whilst the items for late evening journeys on 43 along with the Sunday journeys on 48 and X75 have been removed from the press release.

Service 6 Durham to Cockfield​

Due to reductions in English National Concessionary funding support from Durham County Council and subsequent unsustainable passenger demand/financial position as a result, Service 6 will be revised to operate to a 20-minute frequency during Monday to Saturday daytimes between Durham and West Auckland.
From West Auckland, two journeys per hour will continue to Evenwood and then one per hour to Cockfield or Ramshaw.
There will be additional peak time journeys provided operating to/from Barnard Castle, with two journeys per day in each direction offered, along with Saturday journey opportunities too.
Additionally, afternoon Monday-Friday peak time journeys will be revised to terminate in Durham City Centre and will no longer serve Framwellgate Moor. This is due to resource availability to provide these extended trips but most importantly owing to the consistent congestion delays encountered at this time and in this area, affecting the existing schedule.
A small number of journeys will continue to serve Framwellgate Moor in the morning peak with additional journey time.

Services 43 Durham to Esh Winning
The evening journeys that were due to be withdrawn will be retained.

48 Durham to New Brancepeth and X75 Darlington to Barnard Castle
The Sunday services will be retained.
https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/north-east-july-changes

The Northern Echo's website has an item detailing additional services that will be retained although it appears that some will not be reinstated until September.
Crucial' Arriva Darlington services saved from cuts
Several “crucial” bus services connecting North East residents have been saved from cuts after a "last-minute agreement".
The number 12 service in Hurworth, Darlington has been saved after facing the axe after five local authorities "stepped in" to keep a number of key services for residents.
The 29 route, which serves Cypress Road in Marton, on Teesside, will now also be saved as both an evening and daytime service after lobbying, and the local authorities reaching agreements with service operators.
The 28 service will also continue to serve Nunthorpe Village, subject to Middlesbrough Council tackling road safety concerns.
Darlington's number 4 service has also been saved for Sunday and evenings, along with the D3 and 3A service for between Monday to Saturday.
It comes after residents feared their village could become isolated if plans to withdraw the "lifeline" number 12 service went ahead.
Passengers said dozens of people use the 12 each day for supermarket shopping, dental and hospital appointments and social engagements in Darlington and further afield.
Mayor Houchen said: “Cutting services was a commercial decision by Arriva after we gave them a fair and equitable offer based on Government guidelines and previous calculations.
“This decision was entirely out of our hands – and it was an incredibly disappointing one given all the support they’ve received in the past.
“But we’ve listened to local people’s concerns and know how important these vital services are, so have worked extremely hard behind the scenes to find a way forward. The solution has come with new Government funding, which we’re part-using to bolster these routes.
“I’m pleased the number 12 will keep running given its importance to Hurworth, and the number 17 will continue to ferry pupils to school in Eaglescliffe and Ingleby before the summer break.
We’re also protecting the number 29 in Middlesbrough and fighting to do whatever we can to support other services.”
A continued Sunday bus service for Saltburn, Skelton and Lingdale will also be maintained as part of the X3 service through to Middlesbrough.
Sadly, agreement could not be reached on the 5 service continuing to serve Skinningrove.
The new Stagecoach 2 service, however, will serve the village with a final service departing from the village at 10.15pm, Monday to Saturday.
Owing to Arriva's internal operational restrictions and trade union rules, there will be a gap in services between July 9 and early September subject to authorisation from the traffic commissioner.
Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “I welcome the news that our councils are largely stepping up to the plate with support from Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, in order to save the great majority of key services which were at risk.
Having spoken to hundreds of local people over recent weeks, I know exactly how vital these bus connections are for communities ranging from Marton all the way to the East Cleveland villages and this is what I've been emphasising to both our councils and Arriva.
I'm disappointed that Arriva and the trade unions are unable to find a way to avoid a gap in services over the summer, but this is a big improvement on where we were.
“I can commit that, as we move forward, I will be pressing the case for better services to those villages - North Skelton, New Skelton, Skelton Green and Boosbeck - which do not currently benefit from the new 1 and 2 services starting in July.
I will also make sure that the works required to ensure the 28 service continues to serve Nunthorpe Village are conducted by Middlesbrough Council.
“One thing it is really worth emphasising in East Cleveland is the excellent Teesflex service which can be booked online, on the app or by calling or by calling 0330 678 1545.”

Agreements have been reached on the following routes:
Service 12 – Darlington
Service 4 (Sunday and evenings) – Darlington
Service X3/X3A/3 (Sunday) – Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland
Service D3/3A (Monday to Saturday) – Darlington
Service 17/17A/X17 – Middlesbrough and Stockton
Service 12 & 17 combined (exploring new future service)

Several 'crucial' Darlington bus services saved after local authorities step in

Several “crucial” bus services connecting Darlington residents have been saved from cuts after a "last-minute agreement".

www.thenorthernecho.co.uk

 

[LiviCrazy]

Was in Newcastle yesterday near the bus station and something got my curiosity up. Arriva seemed to have lots of weirdly flat roofed Gemini’s. Am I right in thinking there must be a lot of low bridges in the area served? Very odd looking buses without the nice curved window at the front.

 

[Andy Pacer]

Was in Newcastle yesterday near the bus station and something got my curiosity up. Arriva seemed to have lots of weirdly flat roofed Gemini’s. Am I right in thinking there must be a lot of low bridges in the area served? Very odd looking buses without the nice curved window at the front.

Seems to be an Arriva standard in provincial fleets.