Jeff’s Bus Lane Awards 2006

For the third year running I have put together some awards to review the happenings of the last year. Again, you may not (probably won’t!) agree with these, but they are purely my opinions and are presented for your entertainment.

Best Performing Large Company

For introducing a sizable fleet of new buses this year (including all-important double deckers) and generally avoiding gimmicks and badly-thought out network reviews this year it is Stagecoach.

Best Performing Small Company

Quite hard to call as most (not all!) of the remaining small operators in the region are quality operations. I’ve decided to go for Weardale, as their standard of presentation remains superb and their fleet now has added interest since a number of school services were taken over from Go North East when they closed their Bishop Auckland depot.

Most Improved Company

This operator was also a contender for the previous award. Having previously operated van-based minibuses on their Edinburgh route and taken over the Berwick town service with ex Arriva Metroriders, Perrymans now has a substantial fleet of Optare Solos and several other modern, passenger-friendly vehicles operating around the borders.

Most Under-whelming Company

Much as it grieves me to say it, unfortunately it has to be Arriva. Investment in new vehicles has been minimal, the take-over of Go North East’s Bishop Auckland routes put a stretch on resources and Richmond depot closed with the loss of more rural work. There have been two network re-launches (Tees Valley and Bishop Auckland) and both have fallen down on the publicity front (in spite of some of the changes actually being fairly positive) and Peterlee’s operations continue to worry me. It’s as if the management have lost their enthusiasm and passion. Let’s hope for better things in 2007.

The Most Impressive New Purchase by a North East Company

I think it has to be the batch of Enviro 400s for Stagecoach in Newcastle. I just hope the vandal element doesn’t wreck them too quickly……….

The Most Impressive Second Hand Purchase by a North East Company

Probably the most unusual purchase by any NE operator for some time is Abbey Coaches’ purchase of ex British Airways Van Hool A308 J687DYR. This features a side mounted Cummins 6BT and a full length low floor, but with a highly unusual interior layout.

The Most Missed Withdrawal of the Year

Arriva are withdrawing their lovely Leyland Lynx IIs as we speak and these will be sorely missed. These were renowned as some of the most reliable vehicles to serve the company and also had highly practical interiors with the nice mock-Tilling moquette.

The Least Missed Withdrawal of the Year

Stagecoach have finally got rid of all-but four of their well-worn Scania N113 / Alexander PS-types. These have been looking down at heel (internally especially) for some years and as their foray to Stockton a few years ago proved were not universally reliable. I hope to bid a fond farewell to the other four soon!