Jeff’s Bus Lane Awards 2004

As it’s nearing the end of the year I thought it only proper to review 2004 by means of some awards. As ever, you may not agree with these (especially the Scania fans out there!), but they are based purely upon my opinions and are presented for your entertainment.

Best Performing Large Company

Without question it has to be Go North East – Seemingly unstoppable fleet updates, quality refurbishments of ex London stock, an excellent website and a general high-quality approach combine to ensure high levels of satisfaction.

Best Performing Small Company

There are a couple of contenders here, but I think it has to go to Northumbria Coaches, Ashington. The fleet is without question one of the smartest on the roads of the North East, yet contains a pleasing variety of modern vehicles which are kept in tip-top shape. I am sure that I am seeing the spirit of the pre-Arriva Northumbria Motor Services being rekindled here!

Most Improved Company

It really has to be Stagecoach on Teesside this year. The year began with a motley selection of worn-out Scanias and rather shabby, but sound, Leyland Lynxes pounding the streets of Teesside in large numbers. The Scanias in particular being the subject of much spontaneous negative comment from the customers and not proving as reliable as one would expect. Thankfully by the end of the year an influx of new and used MAN 18.220s and some good solid Volvo B10Ms meant that things were back on an even keel – service reliability being much improved. The re-opening of Stockton’s paintshop was also a bonus.

Most Under-whelming Company

It was hard to think of an operator for this award, as pretty much every operator has made at least some effort to improve this year. However, after much thought this award must surely go to Griersons, Fishburn. Somebody needs to tell them that metallic blue paint doesn’t wear well!

The Most Impressive New Purchase by a North East Company

Coopers, Annitsford Volvo B6BLE / Plaxton 2000 HC04BBB. Beautifully presented, rare vehicle with smart semi-high backed seating and all for a school contract!

The Most Impressive Second Hand Purchase by a North East Company

Purely for enthusiast appeal this must go to Arriva Northumbria for Leyland Olympian / Roe 7263 (TPD116X) ex Arriva Scotland West. This early Olympian retains many original features, including almost all of the moquette, and has the bonus of a tuneful Leyland TL11 engine – BEAST!

The Most Missed Withdrawal of the Year

I think that for many of us this really has to be Arriva Durham County Leyland Olympian / ECW 7214 (WDC214Y) which has provided over 21 years of faithful service to the good folk of the North East. Also worthy of mention are Go North East’s Leyland National 2s, which in Volvo/Voith format were both unusual and practical and complete beasts!

The Least Missed Withdrawal of the Year

Without question the Scania N113 / Alexanders (single decks) from Stagecoach on Teesside. Let’s hope these tubs are exterminated from the whole of the North East soon. Scania N113 double decks on the other hand are welcome to stick around – they are much more like it!