North East Buses

#ScrapTheMetro
#BuildBusways
#MetroDelaysMainlineTrains
#CrapMetro
#TyneAndWeeMetro
#HashtagsOnNEB

(10 Feb 2015, 6:41 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote [ -> ]#ScrapTheMetro
#BuildBusways
#MetroDelaysMainlineTrains
#CrapMetro
#TyneAndWeeMetro
#HashtagsOnNEB

I reckon it just needs some investment in new rolling stock, I've noticed that most delays are due to "failed trains". 

Maybe instead of doing things like this: http://www.designweek.co.uk/news/tyne-an...75.article

They hould focus on the actual service, because if they keep going as they are, there will be no passengers left to "choose the colour"

Do we not think that we only spot these delays, simply because the operator chooses to inform us of delays?

I've taken a look at the limited data available on RTT, and today doesn't look bad at all as an overall picture. I bet if we had access to real time info from all bus operators, there'd be a lot more vehicles not running to timetable.

Glancing at Arriva's during the day, and there's 10min+ delays all over the place. I'm more aware of delays Stagecoach face, as they publish them on their twitter feed now, and they seem to be really on the ball with it.

(10 Feb 2015, 7:34 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]Do we not think that we only spot these delays, simply because the operator chooses to inform us of delays?

I've taken a look at the limited data available on RTT, and today doesn't look bad at all as an overall picture. I bet if we had access to real time info from all bus operators, there'd be a lot more vehicles not running to timetable.

Glancing at Arriva's during the day, and there's 10min+ delays all over the place. I'm more aware of delays Stagecoach face, as they publish them on their twitter feed now, and they seem to be really on the ball with it.

The frequency of the delays is not the issue - it's the reason for the delays occurring.

If we think back to the situation Go North East had with the X7... The vehicles kept on regularly breaking down, and as soon as they could, they upgraded the service to Mercedes Citaros which were by far more suited to the job. Bus operators are in a much better position to replace rolling stock to improve reliability or to make changes to add more running time / recovery time / layover time for the same purpose. A recent example of the latter obviously being the 20/20A services!

(10 Feb 2015, 7:41 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The frequency of the delays is not the issue - it's the reason for the delays occurring.

If we think back to the situation Go North East had with the X7... The vehicles kept on regularly breaking down, and as soon as they could, they upgraded the service to Mercedes Citaros which were by far more suited to the job. Bus operators are in a much better position to replace rolling stock to improve reliability or to make changes to add more running time / recovery time / layover time for the same purpose. A recent example of the latter obviously being the 20/20A services!

I'm confident that they know why, but fixing the issue is another matter. The cash to replace rolling stock isn't there, and it's unlikely to be in the near future. Nexus can only work on further funding bids, and there's absolutely sod all that the operator can do about it unfortunately. 

(10 Feb 2015, 7:50 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]I'm confident that they know why, but fixing the issue is another matter. The cash to replace rolling stock isn't there, and it's unlikely to be in the near future. Nexus can only work on further funding bids, and there's absolutely sod all that the operator can do about it unfortunately. 

The issue, judging by the posts on Social Media, is related to the reliability of rolling stock. Bus operators see that they are having issues with the reliability of their rolling stock and make attempts to fix it. Clearly, as you say, Nexus (and other associated parties) are not in a position to replace the rolling stock on the Tyne & Wear Metro system, so the problems are going to be ongoing for the foreseeable future.

I wouldn't wish to spark a huge debate in this thread as it's not completely relevant, but at the moment, bus operators can pace themselves and replace their rolling stock over time. The oldest stock is kept in a reserve role and doesn't usually see frontline service on demanding work. Under the Quality Contracts Scheme, the operators would not have this control. I think it's a fair enough assumption to suggest that most contracts will stipulate a Euro 5 allocation, yes? This means that the operators will either have to replace the stock completely (to retain a similar level of work as they currently have) or SCRT-fit their fleet with Eminox modifications. Both incur a cost - but the operators will have to do it regardless... Just doesn't seem like a level playing field in my eyes?

(10 Feb 2015, 8:02 pm)Dan wrote [ -> ]The issue, judging by the posts on Social Media, is related to the reliability of rolling stock. Bus operators see that they are having issues with the reliability of their rolling stock and make attempts to fix it. Clearly, as you say, Nexus (and other associated parties) are not in a position to replace the rolling stock on the Tyne & Wear Metro system, so the problems are going to be ongoing for the foreseeable future.

I wouldn't wish to spark a huge debate in this thread as it's not completely relevant, but at the moment, bus operators can pace themselves and replace their rolling stock over time. The oldest stock is kept in a reserve role and doesn't usually see frontline service on demanding work. Under the Quality Contracts Scheme, the operators would not have this control. I think it's a fair enough assumption to suggest that most contracts will stipulate a Euro 5 allocation, yes? This means that the operators will either have to replace the stock completely (to retain a similar level of work as they currently have) or SCRT-fit their fleet with Eminox modifications. Both incur a cost - but the operators will have to do it regardless... Just doesn't seem like a level playing field in my eyes?

Surely though, the operators of the Metro would have known some time ago that the trains would need replacing. Would it not have been sensible to, instead of refurbishing the current stock, buy new trains?

I can't imagine that since the trains were new in 1980, 35 years ago, they haven't made enough money to replace them?

I've just had a look at the London Underground rolling stock, and by the looks of it trains new in 1992 will be replaced during the 2020's by the New Tube For London. 12 years younger than Metro trains.

Delays at Byker this morning.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nort...er-8614437

(10 Feb 2015, 7:09 pm)mb134 wrote [ -> ]I reckon it just needs some investment in new rolling stock, I've noticed that most delays are due to "failed trains". 

Maybe instead of doing things like this: http://www.designweek.co.uk/news/tyne-an...75.article

They hould focus on the actual service, because if they keep going as they are, there will be no passengers left to "choose the colour"

Wish passengers could choose the bloody colour for the trains!

(11 Feb 2015, 11:10 am)Tommy_1581 wrote [ -> ]Wish passengers could choose the bloody colour for the trains!

Same we could of had multi-coloured trains.

Tyne and Wear Metro ‏@My_Metro  1h1 hour ago
No trains Chillingham Road - North Shields due to a track fault. Bus Replacment901 calling at or close to stations in affected area.

This was tweeted at 0710, and since there is no trains running between South Gosforth and Newcastle anyway, me thinks to steer clear of the Metro system today, however I have noticed no facebook announcement.....

Joke! It seems to be getting worse not better!

Go North East has provided Volvo B9TL 6117 on the above replacement. Skeleton service replacement it would seem, as an unidentified Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400 of Arriva NE appears to be the only other bus out...

(14 Feb 2015, 9:00 am)Tom wrote [ -> ]Joke! It seems to be getting worse not better!

It is, glad i don't use it! 

Tyne and Wear Metro
5 mins ·
Trains are now running between Chillingham Road and North Shields, but are subject to delays of up to 25 mins.
If you can, leave extra time for your journey.

(14 Feb 2015, 12:07 pm)danpick wrote [ -> ]There are delays of up to 40 mins to trains running between South Gosforth and South Shields due to suspected cable theft. Oh Dear.

Wish someone would remove all infrastructure from Metro, the services will run much smoothly.

Oh dear!

Tyne and Wear Metro

A train has been withdrawn from service at South Gosforth. Due to this we have a gap in the service of up to 40 mins to trains running between South Gosforth and Airport. Please leave extra time for your journey if you're travelling in the area.

(15 Feb 2015, 12:27 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Oh dear!

Tyne and Wear Metro

A train has been withdrawn from service at South Gosforth. Due to this we have a gap in the service of up to 40 mins to trains running between South Gosforth and Airport. Please leave extra time for your journey if you're travelling in the area.

No doubt it'll be every man for himself between South Gosforth and the Airport! :s

(15 Feb 2015, 12:27 pm)Michael wrote [ -> ]Oh dear!

Tyne and Wear Metro

A train has been withdrawn from service at South Gosforth. Due to this we have a gap in the service of up to 40 mins to trains running between South Gosforth and Airport. Please leave extra time for your journey if you're travelling in the area.

Glad I didn't go out today!

(15 Feb 2015, 12:34 pm)Tom wrote [ -> ]Glad I didn't go out today!

I bet, i wonder when the 2nd one will be today! 

Not more bloody problems!

(15 Feb 2015, 1:19 pm)Tommy_1581 wrote [ -> ]Not more bloody problems!

Update: A train has been withdrawn from service at South Gosforth. Due to this we have a gap in the service of up to 25 mins to trains running between South Gosforth and Airport. Please leave extra time for your journey if you're travelling in the area.

Yup but more bloody problems!

Tyne and Wear Metro
2 mins ·
There are no trains running between Sunderland and South Hylton in both directions until further notice. This is due to a technical fault. Stagecoach are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. Bus services 8 operate between Sunderland and South Hylton. We will update you as soon as we have more information.

(16 Feb 2015, 11:03 am)Michael wrote [ -> ]Tyne and Wear Metro
2 mins ·
There are no trains running between Sunderland and South Hylton in both directions until further notice. This is due to a technical fault. Stagecoach are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. Bus services 8 operate between Sunderland and South Hylton. We will update you as soon as we have more information.

Haha this is getting beyond a joke now. 

(16 Feb 2015, 11:03 am)Tom wrote [ -> ]Haha this is getting beyond a joke now. 

At least they got the service number right this time!

In previous instances where there has been an issue on that stretch of the system, they've quoted the wrong Stagecoach services...

(16 Feb 2015, 11:03 am)Michael wrote [ -> ]Tyne and Wear Metro
2 mins ·
There are no trains running between Sunderland and South Hylton in both directions until further notice. This is due to a technical fault. Stagecoach are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. Bus services 8 operate between Sunderland and South Hylton. We will update you as soon as we have more information.

Typical I'm on the 56 now so will go and investigate at Sunderland station and see how they are surviving.

God sake, beyond a joke now.

Maybe they would want to add minor disruption on for the entire network, just to make everyone happy.

I got stuck on 4051 for 20 minutes at Park Lane which had it's heating on full. Then goty off that let 4040 and 4045 go then endured 30 mins waiting as the 13:58 was a no show. Metros are all using Platform 3 only and Northern Rail using Platform 1 only.