North East Buses

(13 Sep 2019, 6:43 am)citaro5284 wrote [ -> ]

You would pay £324 a year more then you need to....I think you best go and see your doctor " alt="" title="">

£324 for nobody to see the photo on my provisional is more than worth it!

Remember when the Get Around ID cards were scrapped, as to make it simpler to travel?.. so much for that.

I don't have a huge issue with ID for benefits or discounts. Its fairly common practice. The range of ID (what really should be considered 'alternatives') that are valid, gives you a variety of options to still access the discounts. But this shouldn't be the primary form of ID to access discounted tickets.

Both Stagecoach and Arriva in the North East offer Under 19s a free ID card on application. Stagecoach allow a variety of ID including Student ID cards, and Arriva will accept either their Teen Card or a Student ID card, but Go North East specifically state they won't accept student ID cards in their FAQs, which is a bit surprising given that their research concluded that "young people want to carry one single ID for travelling and socialising." You're already forcing them to carry at least two now, and its created an issue with consistency across the regions buses.

CitizenCard, which I have no issue with as an organisation, is listed as the first option on GNE's website. For under 19s, shouldn't they be pushed towards a POP card (£5) or Network One Young Person ID (FREE!), depending on their age? Saving them at least £10-15 in obtaining some ID. Alternatively, as stupid as it sounds, it would also be better for them to obtain free ID cards from rival operators...

(12 Sep 2019, 8:15 am)LeeCalder wrote [ -> ]There's a lot of noise on Facebook from unhappy parent's regarding the new Under-25 fares.

I kind of agree with them, they aren't going to want their 15 year old son/daughter carrying their passport around with them.

In my opinion, GNE should be offering an ID card, for the cost of £5 maybe.

Surely that'd be the logical thing to do!

I've seen quite a lot of posts around this, but I'm of an age range where my Facebook friends have sons and daughters affected by this. A lot of people are mentioning the notice of these changes, which is a valid point.

The changes were first announced on August 30th, in this press release, from what I can see. So on a Friday and the weekend before the vast majority of secondary schools and colleges term time starts. By which time, you've missed the opportunity to get details out through college enrolment days, for example. You've also missed the opportunity of allowing the parents/carers the 6 weeks holidays in order to ensure their kids have sufficient ID to access discounted fares...

It all stinks of being a very rushed project to me. BusinessAdapts were still calling out for volunteers to help in their research early/mid-July, and only held the sessions with young people and staff on the 22nd, as can be seen in this tweet and this tweet. Out of interest, I wonder how many young people contributed to the research, as there doesn't appear to be many present at that session? Again, if it was timed better, you could have went directly to them in schools and colleges.

(12 Sep 2019, 6:27 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]There's a vinyl on the cab door of each bus...

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Yep... a nice and prominent door vinyl...

How are you supposed to read that? On your hands and knees?

[attachment=9198]

(12 Sep 2019, 9:46 pm)busmanT wrote [ -> ]

Pushing people to get a Provisional Driving Licence to use as id might also push them to learn to drive and then get a car!

I'd find it a bit strange to see a bus operator pushing people towards provisional driving licenses. It doesn't really fit in with the new MD's desire to combat congestion, in favour of the bus, either...!

(14 Sep 2019, 1:03 pm)Adrian wrote [ -> ]

Remember when the Get Around ID cards were scrapped, as to make it simpler to travel?.. so much for that.

I don't have a huge issue with ID for benefits or discounts. Its fairly common practice. The range of ID (what really should be considered 'alternatives') that are valid, gives you a variety of options to still access the discounts. But this shouldn't be the primary form of ID to access discounted tickets.

Both Stagecoach and Arriva in the North East offer Under 19s a free ID card on application. Stagecoach allow a variety of ID including Student ID cards, and Arriva will accept either their Teen Card or a Student ID card, but Go North East specifically state they won't accept student ID cards in their FAQs, which is a bit surprising given that their research concluded that "young people want to carry one single ID for travelling and socialising." You're already forcing them to carry at least two now, and its created an issue with consistency across the regions buses.

It all stinks of being a very rushed project to me. BusinessAdapts were still calling out for volunteers to help in their research early/mid-July, and only held the sessions with young people and staff on the 22nd, as can be seen in this tweet and this tweet. Out of interest, I wonder how many young people contributed to the research, as there doesn't appear to be many present at that session? Again, if it was timed better, you could have went directly to them in schools and colleges.

I went along to the BusinessAdapts focus group, and there were only I think 7 there. And it was brought up several times that they should bring back the Get Around ID. Someone in the group specifically called out that she didn't like having to carry her passport around with her as ID, and it seems like that is exactly what they are forcing now.

I got the feeling that they weren't interested in what we actually thought, and as someone who also works in Market Research, it seemed like Luke didn't know what he was doing!

To be honest, very little of the new 5to25 scheme is what was brought up in the focus group, so I assume they did other research as well, although it doesn't look like it!

Half of it was centred around Uber and an ArrivaClick like service, but with questions set in such a way that the only answer was to say that a bus was better!

Intrestingly, a Get Around Card isn't valid ID it seems, despite being company issue.

(14 Sep 2019, 8:20 pm)pbjd wrote [ -> ]Intrestingly, a Get Around Card isn't valid ID it seems, despite being company issue.

They stopped issuing them years ago, except from for Students AFAIK.

(14 Sep 2019, 9:35 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]

They stopped issuing them years ago, except from for Students AFAIK.

They were phased out in 2016, but the fact they aren't valid proof of being under 25 is silly.

(15 Sep 2019, 8:24 am)pbjd wrote [ -> ]

They were phased out in 2016, but the fact they aren't valid proof of being under 25 is silly.

I wouldn't dream of using an expired form of ID as proof of it?! I doubt very many people would have even kept a hold of these cards from three years ago.

Agree with some of the comments about student ID from colleges but in my view I think you enter a bit of a minefield as some colleges include photographic ID, some include date of birth, but not every single one does. Equally these are probably the easiest forms of ID to forge.

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(15 Sep 2019, 8:31 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]I wouldn't dream of using an expired form of ID as proof of it?! I doubt very many people would have even kept a hold of these cards from three years ago.

Agree with some of the comments about student ID from colleges but in my view I think you enter a bit of a minefield as some colleges include photographic ID, some include date of birth, but not every single one does. Equally these are probably the easiest forms of ID to forge.

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I agree and disagree with the ID. It's a tricky one but I think once it matures a bit and a few things changed. It'll make more sense. These sort of systems always take a while to settle in either way.

I still think people will still forge ID to a good standard, not convinced that's the rational that should be used for changing it, but now not every bob scott and mary can get on for 2.10£ less a journey with 0 effort.

(15 Sep 2019, 8:31 am)Dan wrote [ -> ]I wouldn't dream of using an expired form of ID as proof of it?! I doubt very many people would have even kept a hold of these cards from three years ago.

Agree with some of the comments about student ID from colleges but in my view I think you enter a bit of a minefield as some colleges include photographic ID, some include date of birth, but not every single one does. Equally these are probably the easiest forms of ID to forge.

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Quite a lot of places will allow you to use an expired passport as proof of age, even though technically it's not valid ID, but it totally depends on the place.

I personally still have 3 of the 5 Get Around IDs that I went through because I had a habit of losing them and finding them as soon as I got the replacement, although one is somewhere in Newcastle Airport, and the other is probably still stuck between the seats on 9085! Plus, I still have all those laminated paper passes we were given for the scholars, do they even issue them anymore?

As they say, locks only keep honest people out, and let's be honest, if you'd go through the effort of getting a fake Student ID, I don't think getting a fake provisional would be a stretch.

(15 Sep 2019, 11:39 am)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]

Quite a lot of places will allow you to use an expired passport as proof of age, even though technically it's not valid ID, but it totally depends on the place.

I personally still have 3 of the 5 Get Around IDs that I went through because I had a habit of losing them and finding them as soon as I got the replacement, although one is somewhere in Newcastle Airport, and the other is probably still stuck between the seats on 9085! Plus, I still have all those laminated paper passes we were given for the scholars, do they even issue them anymore?

As they say, locks only keep honest people out, and let's be honest, if you'd go through the effort of getting a fake Student ID, I don't think getting a fake provisional would be a stretch.

So what's to stop you having out those three Get Around ID cards to your friends who are the same age as you, and look similar?

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(15 Sep 2019, 2:40 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]So what's to stop you having out those three Get Around ID cards to your friends who are the same age as you, and look similar?

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You could say exactly the same thing about a provisional license. I may or may not have kept mine with the old address on because I may or may not have been too lazy to post it back...

That's why I like the idea of using The Key card to hold the ticket, or even just the ID on the smart card because it flags up on the screen if it has already been 'tapped in'

Either way, the system they have implemented is definitely better than what is there before, and like you say, once people get used to it, it should be less of an issue.

I think the whole ID scheme has been a rushed farce, if I'm honest.

I stand by my point of asking people under-18 as an ID form is ridiculous, and I doubt many parents would be happy about it (as they're the one's who will pay for it if they loose it)....

I wholeheartedly agree with the requirement for ID, but it should have been a hell of a lot better planned.

I took one journey on the 21 yesterday, and on four occasions the driver requested ID from a young person, and they were unable to provide.

GNE should be issuing their own cards.

(16 Sep 2019, 8:53 am)LeeCalder wrote [ -> ]I think the whole ID scheme has been a rushed farce, if I'm honest.

I stand by my point of asking people under-18 as an ID form is ridiculous, and I doubt many parents would be happy about it (as they're the one's who will pay for it if they loose it)....

I wholeheartedly agree with the requirement for ID, but it should have been a hell of a lot better planned.

I took one journey on the 21 yesterday, and on four occasions the driver requested ID from a young person, and they were unable to provide.

GNE should be issuing their own cards.

Quite a lot of what GNE has been doing recently feels rushed to be honest, everything could have been planned out a lot better.

I think what their thinking was if you're going to need to get ID for proof of age anyway, you might as well get an official one rather than a GNE specific one so you don't have to carry around two, hence the reason for pushing people towards the CitizenCard.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49936213

if the greens get in and do offer free bus travel.......... i'll say it now i'll sell my car and use the bus!!!

(04 Oct 2019, 2:51 pm)Rob44 wrote [ -> ]https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49936213

if the greens get in and do offer free bus travel.......... i'll say it now i'll sell my car and use the bus!!!

Hmm... would I rather spend £95 a month on bus travel, or have the Greens in power.... let me think

(04 Oct 2019, 2:51 pm)Rob44 wrote [ -> ]https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49936213

if the greens get in and do offer free bus travel.......... i'll say it now i'll sell my car and use the bus!!!

Love the idea of this.  I love the principle of the ENCTS as well, but not so keen on the implementation!

(07 Oct 2019, 11:45 am)Chris 1 wrote [ -> ]

Love the idea of this.  I love the principle of the ENCTS as well, but not so keen on the implementation!

I know it's a bit controversial, but I personally think the ENCTS should be means tested rather than just given out to everyone. My grandfather for instance is more than capable of paying for his bus fares (not that he actually uses the bus!), but people who can't even afford to buy food still have to pay full price.

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Hearing that ANE are offering a £2 return deal during Newcastle restaurant week.
Need to show proof of actually attending one of the events. Assume this would be via a booking confirmation or voucher.

Assuming it's valid on the X12, X15 and X18 for the full length of the routes, that's a one to take advantage of!

I guess Arriva, Stagecoach, Nexus and Network 1 will be increasing their fares again this year? Nexus in March, Arriva, Stagecoach and Network 1 in April/May. GNE will continue to offer the best value as usual.

(05 Jan 2020, 2:01 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote [ -> ]I guess Arriva, Stagecoach, Nexus and Network 1 will be increasing their fares again this year? Nexus in March, Arriva, Stagecoach and Network 1 in April/May. GNE will continue to offer the best value as usual.

Stagecoach offer a good value for prices...

(05 Jan 2020, 2:19 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Stagecoach offer a good value for prices...

I found Stagecoach's day tickets quite reasonably priced, even their singles were alright.
Although, me being the cheapskate I am chose to use the GNE service even though it was slower and less frequent as I already have my GNE pass

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i was under the impression GNe were always more expensive than arriva. It was always cheaper if buying a single to get the x12 from low fell than the 21. Its also £3.20 to when I use GNE to get home from town but a similar length journey to where my day used to live is £3.10.

(05 Jan 2020, 2:26 pm)streetdeckfan wrote [ -> ]I found Stagecoach's day tickets quite reasonably priced, even their singles were alright.
Although, me being the cheapskate I am chose to use the GNE service even though it was slower and less frequent as I already have my GNE pass

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Not really, why would you use Stagecoach all the time, if you have GNE pass

I use a Sunderland smartzone pass, which is worth, it as its £14.40 a week, but i use it around 3 buses a day on a Monday to Friday, but on a weekend varies.

(05 Jan 2020, 2:19 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Stagecoach offer a good value for prices...

They do, for short commutes like to Newcastle/Byker/Walker/Wallsend etc, from Stagecoach areas, or inconvenient commutes, like to South Shields or Sunderland, better accessed by Metro. I mainly travel into GNE territory, or places like Byker and Wallsend and others where Stagecoach and GNE operate, so for me GNE is the best value. Overall GNE runs in more places than Stagecoach, offering better value. GNE offer returns, which means they are better value than Stagecoach for a two way trip.

(05 Jan 2020, 2:38 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Not really, why would you use Stagecoach all the time, if you have GNE pass

I use a Sunderland smartzone pass, which is worth, it as its £14.40 a week, but i use it around 3 buses a day on a Monday to Friday, but on a weekend varies.

It was only a one off hence why I just used GNE, if I wasn't just picking something up I would have bought the Stagecoach day ticket and had a bit of a play as I've only ever used them once or twice

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(05 Jan 2020, 2:19 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Stagecoach offer a good value for prices...

Speaking of which, kids prices have seen an increase 

https://twitter.com/StagecoachNE/status/...80353?s=19

(05 Jan 2020, 8:50 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Speaking of which, kids prices have seen an increase 

https://twitter.com/StagecoachNE/status/...80353?s=19

Might stop a bit of the confusion with us GNE drivers when kids get on with £1 thinking it's the same as Stagecoach. Or maybe it won't, because kids.

(05 Jan 2020, 2:35 pm)Rob44 wrote [ -> ]i was under the impression GNe were always more expensive than arriva.  It was always cheaper if buying a single to get the x12 from low fell than the 21.  Its also £3.20 to when I use GNE to get home from town but a similar length journey to where my day used to live is £3.10.

Depends on the journey I've found for that. Arriva have fare zones which are roughly every three or four bus stops whereas GNE have zones which cover miles so if you live at the start of the zone it's expensive but live at the end of it then it's cheaper.

I believe the 21 zones from Newcastle are Newcastle through to Harlow Green (£1.70) then there all the way through to Barley Moor (£3.10) then to Plawsworth (£3.60) then Durham (£4.60). So if you got on at Harlow Green it'll be quite cheap get on the next bus stop the Coach and Horses it's £3.10 and a rip off whereas Arriva will have a fare to The Cannon, Harlow Green, Coach and Horses, Birtley (£2.60'ish I believe), Barley Moor etc.

Arriva have an invisible boundary tax where if you cross the Tyne and Wear / Northumberland boundary there's a massive fare jump for no reason at all however. I know at one point it was cheaper to buy a single from Seghill to Annitsford then a single from there to Newcastle than it was to buy a single from Seghill to Newcastle on the X7.

(05 Jan 2020, 8:50 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]Speaking of which, kids prices have seen an increase 

https://twitter.com/StagecoachNE/status/...80353?s=19

A sensible approach from Stagecoach with their offer of a free ID card.

(05 Jan 2020, 9:18 pm)deanmachine wrote [ -> ]Might stop a bit of the confusion with us GNE drivers when kids get on with £1 thinking it's the same as Stagecoach. Or maybe it won't, because kids.

I see plenty of kids try to get on the X21 from Bishop to Woodhouse for 70p because that's what it costs on the Arriva 6

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