Recent content by HugePilchard

I've recently returned to commuting by public transport now that the Northumberland Line is fully open, and use Northumberland Park to change to the metro; it really is looking in a sad state. Part of the departure board on the platform for coast-bound trains is missing, and has been for a few...

Yup - With Northumberland Park later this month, it's only Bedlington to go.

I'm not sure of the reasoning behind it, but it looks to be a factory thing. 555001 had it too so I don't think it's because something's happened on the way here. https://twitter.com/My_Metro/status/1579419100555923457/photo/1

I travel daily through the central belt at peak times, and whilst I'm usually able to board a train there are occasions (especially if there has been disruption) when I've been unable to get on to the first couple of trains due to crowding. Even then, it's a squash most days due to the way the...

I see 4002 was on an airport run this morning. I nearly got on it, except that this morning Metro were running "A frequent service, but not to timetable" - meaning that every single train that came along was rammed to the gills.

There's something going on between Gateshead Stadium and Jarrow too - rerailing, according to the nightworks page. No line closure in there. There's machinery parked up near Felling station. I'm guessing whatever it is they're up to, it's not as major as the Benton - Monkseaton closure -...

Of course! Thanks both - makes perfect sense.

Thanks Sidmouth. I'm just wondering what a VTEC train is going out that way in the first place - I know they're starting a Sunderland - London service, but that's not due to start until the 14th, I thought.

I'm used to seeing Grand Central ECS moves on the Durham Coast Line, but as I was looking out of my kitchen window this morning, I saw a VTEC HST trundle past heading towards Newcastle. I've never seen before. Does anyone have any idea why that might have happened?

Wallsend on the Tyne & Wear Metro is reputed to be the only station in the UK with Latin signage!

What colour is 4001? I was filling up at the Morrison's petrol station in Byker yesterday, and caught a glimpse of a whitish Metro going across the bridge behind me.

Looking at the pattern of them, they seem to be symmetrical around the circular plate on the sixth panel in from the right. Unless someone knows better, I'd say that they're just there because someone thought it would look good.

It's my understanding that 4001, 4002, 4040 and 4083 won't be refurbished. Nexus were trumpeting the early completion of the refurbishment programme this week, so there'll be no more done.

A few years back, I had a run-in with a Darlington Arriva driver who refused to recognise a Plusbus ticket, despite being on one of the routes that ran past the station. On one occasion he grumpily allowed me on, having presumably got fed up with arguing over the validity of my ticket. On...

I wonder if it's the PAYG Pop cards? I saw mention that yesterday's ticket machine issues were related to a software change - perhaps that was in the name of PAYG Pop rollout to the masses? I could be really wide of the mark, of course.