Go North East have a small number of Optare MetroRiders used as Staff Buses. These vehicles are used to transport drivers from the company’s Sunderland depot at Deptford, to the Park Lane transport interchange in the city centre. However, when seen on the afternoon of July 4th 2006, MetroRider 417 (P417VRG) was unusually spotted ‘off route’ in Chester Road.

Optare Solo 453 (S253KNL) at Sunderland Interchange – 23rd July 2007.

Seen at Durham on October 26th 2006 is Optare Solo 457 (T457BCN). The bus is seen working the short-lived Durham shoppers’ shuttle which featured buses painted in this distinctive bright pink livery and ‘Pink Panther’ branding.

‘Park and Ride’ branded Optare Solo 462 (T462BCN) seen at the 2007 MetroCentre rally.

Optare Solo 469 (T469BCN) seen departing from Haymarket bus station, Newcastle – 19th May 2007.

Illustrating Go North East’s ‘Venture’ livery and branding, Optare Solo 480 (VU52UEF), seen in Market Street, Newcastle – 18th February 2008

Optare Metrorider 484 (R92HUA) seen in Stockton Road, Sunderland, being used as a staff shuttle bus – 5th May 2008

‘East Durham’ branded Dart/Plaxton MPD, 491 (V191ERG), at Sunderland Interchange on 2nd April 2009

Seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, carrying all-over green livery prior to receiving ‘Wallsend Links’ branding, Mini Pointer Dart SLF, 509 (X509WRG) – 9th March 2008

Illustrating full ‘Wallsend Links’ colours and branding, Mini Pointer Dart SLF, 510 (X551FBB) seen in Chester Road, Sunderland – 23rd March 2008

Mini Pointer Dart SLF 516 (NK51MJV) at Sunderland Transport Interchange - 22nd August 2006.

Plaxton ‘Mini-Pointer’ bodied Dennis Dart SLF 519 (NK51MKA) seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, on a very overcast Saturday 24th February 2007.

On August 22nd 2006, white painted Mini Pointer Dart SLF 522 (NK51MKE) departs from Sunderland Transport Interchange.

Mini Pointer Dart SLF 528 (NA52AWN) seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, on Sunday 18th February 2007.

July 30th 2006 saw a major shake-up of Go North East services across Sunderland. This entailed vehicles on certain new services being given their own names and colours. Mini Pointer Dart SLF 546 (NA52AXM) is seen departing from Sunderland Transport Interchange on August 22nd 2006, illustrating the silver ‘Doxford Clipper’ livery carried by vehicles on the new 39/39A service.

Mini Pointer-bodied Dart SLF 553 (NK53TKN) seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, on the 26th June 2006. The vehicle had just been repainted in a plain yellow livery in preparation for the launch of the new ‘Black Cats’ 26/36 cross river service and was still to receive route branding.

‘Black Cats’ branded Mini Pointer Dart SLF, 553 (NK53TKN), seen at the Chester Road, Kayll Road junction, Sunderland, on Sunday 8th February 2009. The vehicle had taken a diversion along Kayll Road and Hylton Road due to road works on Chester Road on this day

Mini Pointer Dart 554 (NK53TKO) complete with 'Black Cats' route branding, is seen departing from Sunderland Transport Interchange on August 22nd 2006.

New services 33 and 42 were branded as 'Magic Roundabout'. The pale blue based livery incorporates characters from the famous ‘Magic Roundabout’ TV series. Mini Pointer Dart SLF 555 (NK53TKT) is seen in Albion Place, Sunderland on August 17th 2006 on the 42 service

Freshly repainted in plain yellow livery when seen in Vine Place, Sunderland, on 23rd September 2009, Transbus Mini Pointer Dart SLF, 557 (NK53TKV)

An unusual working on ‘Red Arrows’ service X2 on the afternoon of 24th February 2009 was this Dart MPD. 564 (NK53TLO) is seen departing from Sunderland interchange as stand in for the usual Mercedes-Benz Citaro

Carrying the revised Go North East livery featuring more red, Mini Pointer Dart SLF, 572 (NK53TMX), seen at Sunderland Interchange - 1st October 2007

Transbus Dart/MPD, 572 (NK53TMX), seen outside The Market, Holmeside, Sunderland on 7th July 2009. At one time this site was occupied by the Sunderland District bus depot up until the late 1950s

Transbus Dart/MPD, 573 (NK53TMY), at the MetroCentre bus and coach rally on 3rd May 2009

575 (T101KGP), a former Go-Ahead London 8.8-metre low floor Dart with Marshall ‘Capital’ body, climbs Humbledon Bank, Sunderland, as it heads for Chester-le-Street on the 71 service – 13th January 2007.

Marshall bodied Dart SLF, 575 (T101KGP) rests between duties at the Washington Galleries – 11th July 2008

On Sunday 21st January 2007, Marshall-bodied Dart SLF 577 (T103KGP) is seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, working the 777 to Gateshead.

Marshall ‘Capital’-bodied Dart SLF, 589 (T416AGP) at Sunderland Interchange – 13th August 2007

Dart SLF/Marshall 590 (T421AGP) seen departing from Sunderland Interchange – 13th August 2007

Marshall Capital-bodied low floor Dart 593 (T424AGP) seen in Percy Street, Newcastle, on August 16th 2006.

Marshall-bodied Dart SLF 594 (T425AGP) seen in Chester Road on the 24th March 2007.

Seen departing Sunderland Interchange on the 23rd March 2007, is Marshall bodied Dart SLF 598 (T429AGP). The vehicle carries beige livery with route branding for ‘The Drifter’ service between Sunderland and Murton.

On 6th May 2007, Optare Solo 602 (NK54DFD) is seen at the entrance to the MetroCentre coach park.

Doxford Clipper-branded Mini Pointer Dart 603 (NK54NTX) seen on display at the N.E. Bus Preservation Trust’s 2006 Seaburn rally.

Former Redby Mini Pointer Dart SLF, 618 (NK55RUV), seen at High Barnes, Sunderland – 26th March 2008

The number of Eastern Coachworks-bodied Olympians in the Go North East fleet had diminished greatly by the time this shot of 3649 (C649LJR) was taken. The bus is seen on the 6th June 2004 attending the H.C.V.S. event at Bents Park, South Shields.

Coach-seated Leyland Olympian 3670 (C670LJR) on display at the N.E. Bus Preservation Society's Seaburn rally - 26th August 2002.

Dennis Trident/East Lancs, 3801 (V801EBR), seen approaching Sunderland Interchange on the the afternoon of 25th June 2009

Former OK Travel Northern Counties bodied Leyland Olympian, 3808 (K108YVN), seen in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle – 18th November 2008

On March 10th 2007, Northern Counties ‘Palatine’ bodied Leyland Olympian 3809 (K109YVN) approaches Newcastle’s busy Gallowgate/Newgate Street junction. The bus was originally new to OK Travel in 1992, passing to the Go-Ahead group upon take-over and is now one of the very few former OK vehicles still in service.

Northern Counties ‘Palatine II’ bodied Volvo Olympian 3813 (S813FVK) seen at Durham on the afternoon of Thursday 26th October 2006.

‘Yellow Bus’ branded Volvo Olympian, 3814 (S814FVK) passed Newcastle Central rail station in the city’s in Neville Street whilst on the DFDS Ferry Terminal shuttle service – 23rd December 2008

‘Yellow Bus’ branded Northern Counties ‘Palatine II’ bodied Volvo Olympian, 3822 (S822OFT), takes a break in Bewick Street, Newcastle, between trips on the DFDS Ferry Terminal shuttle service – 23rd December 2008

A strike by drivers at Sunderland and Washington depots on Monday 24th August 2009 saw some unusual workings, including Northern Counties Palatine 2 bodied Olympian, 3828 (S828OFT), seen in Chester Road, Sunderland working a shortened version of the X2 service to Washington.

Northern Counties ‘Palatine II’-bodied Volvo Olympian 3829 (S829OFT) seen in Percy Street, Newcastle on the afternoon of August 15th 2007.

Almost two-and-a-quarter hours later, Olympian 3829 is seen arriving at Washington Galleries Bus Station, working the X3 service towards to Newcastle – 15th August 2007.

Volvo Olympian 3831 (S831OFT) at Washington Galleries Bus Station – 15th August 2007.

A strike by drivers at Sunderland and Washington depots on Monday 24th 2009 August saw some unusual workings, including Northern Counties Palatine 2 bodied Volvo Olympian, 3831 (S828OFT), seen passing St. Gabriel’s Church in Chester Road, Sunderland, on a shortened version of the X2 service to Washington.

On the afternoon of December 21st 2006, Olympian/Northern Counties 3833 (S833OFT) is seen outside Newcastle Central Railway Station working the ferry terminal shuttle service.

3833 (S833OFT) was the first of the Northern Counties Palatine 2 bodied Volvo Olympians to be repainted yellow with ‘Yellow Bus’ branding, and is seen seen at Haymarket bus station, Newcastle on the afternoon of February 18th 2008

Optare Spectra 3835 (K303FYG) at High Barnes, climbing up Chester Road on the X8 service to Chester-le-Street - 26th August 2006. The vehicle was originally new to London Central in 1992/93, one of 23 vehicles of this type that were transferred to north east England during 2000.

On October 24th 2006 Optare Spectra 3844 (K312FYG) is seen at Newcastle Central railway station working the DFDS Ferry Terminal shuttle service.

On 24th October 2006 Optare Spectra 3848 (K316FYG) is seen resting between duties in Neville Street, Newcastle, opposite the railway station.

‘Coaster’-branded East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident, 3858 (V858EGR), leaving the High Level Bridge at Gateshead – 9th July 2008

‘Coaster’ branded East Lancs-bodied Dennis Trident 3860 (W806PNL) seen at the 2007 MetroCentre rally.

East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident, 3860 (W806PNL), seen turning into Albion Place, Sunderland – 18th September 2009

East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident 3862 (W862PNL) is seen in Prince Consort Road, approaching Gateshead Transport Interchange – 10th March 2007.

East Lancs ‘Lolyne’-bodied Dennis Trident 3862 (W862PNL) seen at Newcastle rail station on the afternoon of October 24th 2006.

East Lancs ‘Lolyne’ bodied Dennis Trident 3866 (W866PNL) pictured at the West end of Newcastle Central Railway Station on the Scandinavian Ferry Terminal service – 27th January 2007.

Dennis Trident/East Lancs, 3873 (W183SCU), seen in Ormonde Street, Sunderland, working service 135 – 31st October 2009

Dennis Trident/East Lancs, 3874 (W184SCU), seen in Sunderland city centre – 1st July 2009

East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident, 3874 (W184SCU), seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, working service 135 from Sunderland Royal Hospital to East Herrington – 26th October 2009

East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident, 3875 (W185SCU), pictured having just crossed the High Level Bridge, Gateshead – 9th July 2008

On the afternoon of October 26th 2006, Dennis Trident/East Lancs ‘Lolyne’ 3877 (W187SCU) is seen at Durham Bus Station with the grand viaduct carrying the east coast main railway line towering above in the background. The vehicle sports the latest version of Go North East livery with additional route branding for service 21 between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle via Durham and Gateshead.

A strike by drivers at Sunderland and Washington depots on Monday 24th August 2009 saw some unusual workings, including Dennis Trident/East Lancs, 3879 (W189SCU), seen in Durham Road, Sunderland, on the 71 service

East Lancs bodied Dennis Trident, 3880 (W176SCU), in North Road, Durham on 8th April 2009

Plaxton ‘President’-bodied Dennis Trident 3881 (NK51UCH) works the X8 service to Chester-le-Street when seen in Chester Road, Sunderland on the 16th December 2006.

Plaxton President bodied Dennis Trident 3882 (NK51UCJ) pictured in Chester Road, Sunderland on the afternoon of Saturday 24th February 2007.

‘The Angel’ branded Dennis Trident/Plaxton, 3885 (NK51UCN), in North Road, Durham, on 8th April 2009

‘Angel’-branded Dennis Trident/Plaxton 3887 NK51UCP arrives at Newcastle’s Prudhoe Street Bus Station – 15th August 2007.

Plaxton ‘President’-bodied Dennis Trident 3891 (NK51UCU), Optare Spectra 3848 (K316FYG) and an unidentified East Lancs-bodied Trident wait to take their turns on the DFDS Ferry Terminal shuttle service in Newcastle’s Neville Street opposite the railway station. The former appropriately sports all-over promotional advertising for DFDS Seaways. 24th October 2006.

Volvo Olympian 3896 (R254LGH) departs from Stanley bus station – 16th July 2008

Northern Counties ‘Palatine’-bodied Volvo Olympian 3899 (R257LGH) in Chester Road on the X2 service between Sunderland and Newcastle – 04-07-06. These Olympians were originally new to Go-Ahead’s London General subsidiary during 1997/98, transferring to north east England in 2002.

Northern Counties-bodied Olympian 3900 (R549LGH) with modified front grille seen in John Street, Sunderland working a Metro replacement service – 11th April 2007.

Northern Counties-bodied Volvo Olympian 3901 (R550LGH) seen picking up passengers in Chester Road on the afternoon of Saturday 14th October 2006. Interestingly, the photograph of Northern Willowbrook-bodied Fleetline saloon 4259 (to be found in my Northern General/Go-Ahead Northern collection) is pictured at the same bus stop more than 25 years earlier!

A strike by drivers at Sunderland and Washington depots on Monday 24th 2009 August saw some unusual workings, including Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties, 3917 (R556LGH), seen in Durham Road, Sunderland, on the 20 service from Durham

‘Yellow Bus’-branded Olympian/Northern Counties, 3919 (R557LGH), at Gateshead Transport Interchange – 9th July 2008

Northern Counties ‘Palatine’-bodied Olympian 3921 (R559LGH) seen at Sunderland Interchange – 17th August 2007.

Olympian/Northern Counties, 3922 (R281LGH) seen departing from Stanley bus station – 16th July 2008

Northern Counties-bodied Olympian 3926 (R285LGH) seen in Chester Road working the 16.40 Sunderland to Newcastle X2 service on the 4th July 2006.

Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties, 3936 (R395LGH), seen in Mary Street, Sunderland – 4th August 2009

Due to road works in Sunderland City Centre during October/November 2009, access to Sunderland Interchange was temporally diverted via Stockton Road and part of the bus station was altered. Seen negotiating the tight turn through the temporary entrance, ‘Yellow Bus’ branded Volvo Olympian, 3937 (R396LGH), on 7th October 2009

‘Yellow Bus’ branded Volvo Olympian/Northern Counties, 3937 (R396LGH), seen in Barnes Park Road, Sunderland working service 135 – 2nd November 2009

Wright ‘Eclipse Gemini’ bodied Volvo B7TL, 3943 (NK05GZR) at West Street, Gateshead – 17th February 2007.

Three East Lancs 'Pyoneer' bodied Volvo Olympians were acquired from Nottingham during August 2005. The first of the trio, 3944 (R469RRA) is seen on the 30th April 2006 at the MetroCentre bus rally.

Volvo Olympian 3944 seen in Ormonde Street, Sunderland, on the afternoon of July 4th 2006.

Volvo Olympian/East Lancs 3945 (R470RRA) seen at Durham on a dull and bitterly cold Friday 21st December 2007

Olympian/East Lancs 3945 (R470RRA) seen working a schools contract in Chester Road, Sunderland, on the afternoon of 1st February 2008

East Lancs bodied Volvo Olympian, 3945 (R470RRA), seen at Sunderland Interchange – 10th November 2009

Volvo Olympian/East Lancs 3946 (R477RRA) seen in John Street, Sunderland, on Metro replacement duties – 11th April 2007.

Alexander Belfast-bodied Volvo Olympian 3947 (H481PVW) at Haymarket bus station on the afternoon of October 24th 2006. The vehicle carries an all-over yellow livery with ‘Bargain Bus’ branding – a recently introduced value-for-money, no-frills half-hourly service using older step-entrance double deckers linking Blyth, Cramlington, Dudley and Wideopen with Newcastle.

‘Bargain Bus’ branded Alexander ‘RH’ (Belfast) bodied Leyland Olympian, 3947 (H481PVW), seen departing from Newcastle’s Haymarket bus station – 18th February 2008

Leyland Olympian/Alexander (Belfast), 3949 (H589EGU), seen departing from Stanley bus station – 16th July 2008

Former Dublin Bus Alexander 'Belfast' bodied Leyland Olympian 3950 (G183WGX) at the MetroCentre bus rally - 30th April 2006.

Leyland Olympian/Alexander (Belfast), 3951 (H551PVW), at Stanley – 16th July 2008

3953 (G522VBB), an ex-Arriva London Northern Counties ‘Palatine’-bodied Leyland Olympian departs from Newcastle’s Haymarket bus station on the afternoon of Tuesday 24th October 2006.