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Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - November 2015

Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - November 2015

 
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S813 FVK



6,030
01 Nov 2015, 9:55 pm #21
(01 Nov 2015, 9:50 pm)Venturego Apparently serious issues with Diamond replacements 16, V7 & V8. Sections of former Diamond (43/44/44A) route from Stanley to Newcastle being missed out. Buses (Omnidekkas) uncomfortable seats for long journeys and heavy window misting ( Citaros and Streetiles have forced ventilation/demisting - as proposed by Nexus/NECTA as requirement for QCS) - I was in a heated debate tonight with a cross section of ages deploring the recent changes. Service has halved in frequency from every 15 mins at key locations to only 2 per hour.

And has in return been upgraded in terms of capacity effectively allowing two journeys worth of passengers to travel on 1 bus.
S813 FVK
01 Nov 2015, 9:55 pm #21

(01 Nov 2015, 9:50 pm)Venturego Apparently serious issues with Diamond replacements 16, V7 & V8. Sections of former Diamond (43/44/44A) route from Stanley to Newcastle being missed out. Buses (Omnidekkas) uncomfortable seats for long journeys and heavy window misting ( Citaros and Streetiles have forced ventilation/demisting - as proposed by Nexus/NECTA as requirement for QCS) - I was in a heated debate tonight with a cross section of ages deploring the recent changes. Service has halved in frequency from every 15 mins at key locations to only 2 per hour.

And has in return been upgraded in terms of capacity effectively allowing two journeys worth of passengers to travel on 1 bus.

S813 FVK



6,030
01 Nov 2015, 9:56 pm #22
(01 Nov 2015, 9:53 pm)Dan 30 seats on 637 - 639 opposed to the standard 27 on the other Nexus branded examples.

I think the number in the model name of Optare products represents the size of the vehicle? As such, the standard size is 8.9 metres and 637 - 639 are 9 metres?

I'd guess that too. Even with the Versa, V1170 is the model name for the 11.7m Versa. Can't be a coincidence surely.
S813 FVK
01 Nov 2015, 9:56 pm #22

(01 Nov 2015, 9:53 pm)Dan 30 seats on 637 - 639 opposed to the standard 27 on the other Nexus branded examples.

I think the number in the model name of Optare products represents the size of the vehicle? As such, the standard size is 8.9 metres and 637 - 639 are 9 metres?

I'd guess that too. Even with the Versa, V1170 is the model name for the 11.7m Versa. Can't be a coincidence surely.

Dan

Site Administrator

18,099
01 Nov 2015, 10:01 pm #23
(01 Nov 2015, 9:55 pm)S813 FVK And has in return been upgraded in terms of capacity effectively allowing two journeys worth of passengers to travel on 1 bus.

In all honesty, it is more cost-effective for the operator that way, but a more frequent service with single deckers is probably more convenient for passengers.

The overall PVR hasn't changed drastically, so I think it's mainly been about shuffling the pack to utilise frequency and capacity more effectively. Whilst some have seen their frequency reduce, others have seen theirs increase.
Dan
01 Nov 2015, 10:01 pm #23

(01 Nov 2015, 9:55 pm)S813 FVK And has in return been upgraded in terms of capacity effectively allowing two journeys worth of passengers to travel on 1 bus.

In all honesty, it is more cost-effective for the operator that way, but a more frequent service with single deckers is probably more convenient for passengers.

The overall PVR hasn't changed drastically, so I think it's mainly been about shuffling the pack to utilise frequency and capacity more effectively. Whilst some have seen their frequency reduce, others have seen theirs increase.

Michael



19,144
01 Nov 2015, 10:10 pm #24
(01 Nov 2015, 10:01 pm)Dan In all honesty, it is more cost-effective for the operator that way, but a more frequent service with single deckers is probably more convenient for passengers.

The overall PVR hasn't changed drastically, so I think it's mainly been about shuffling the pack to utilise capacity more effectively.

Wonder if they'll look at all the complaints about the changes, seems to be loads about services avoiding Hobson... 

Think it'll be reinstated in the future?

Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.
Michael
01 Nov 2015, 10:10 pm #24

(01 Nov 2015, 10:01 pm)Dan In all honesty, it is more cost-effective for the operator that way, but a more frequent service with single deckers is probably more convenient for passengers.

The overall PVR hasn't changed drastically, so I think it's mainly been about shuffling the pack to utilise capacity more effectively.

Wonder if they'll look at all the complaints about the changes, seems to be loads about services avoiding Hobson... 

Think it'll be reinstated in the future?


Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.

S813 FVK



6,030
01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm #25
I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.
S813 FVK
01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm #25

I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

Venturego



147
01 Nov 2015, 10:37 pm #26
(01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm)S813 FVK I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

Maybe Stanley Buses, Hunters, Classic  etc... could compete with Service, range and Pricing - No? - don't think so, as it is in effect a GNE Monopoly. So GNE should listen or allow another operator to run service (or this would really be the deciision of commisioners)
Venturego
01 Nov 2015, 10:37 pm #26

(01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm)S813 FVK I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

Maybe Stanley Buses, Hunters, Classic  etc... could compete with Service, range and Pricing - No? - don't think so, as it is in effect a GNE Monopoly. So GNE should listen or allow another operator to run service (or this would really be the deciision of commisioners)

Michael



19,144
01 Nov 2015, 10:52 pm #27
(01 Nov 2015, 10:37 pm)Venturego Maybe Stanley Buses, Hunters, Classic  etc... could compete with Service, range and Pricing - No? - don't think so, as it is in effect a GNE Monopoly. So GNE should listen or allow another operator to run service (or this would really be the deciision of commisioners)

Why not though, they could give it go, no ones stopping them...

Look at PYGALLS COACHES, they tried the 

230: Sunderland - Hartlepool
X27: Metrocentre - can't remember where it started!

They didnt work so were withdrawn, they wouldnt know if they didnt try new routes....
Edited 01 Nov 2015, 11:12 pm by Michael.

Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.
Michael
01 Nov 2015, 10:52 pm #27

(01 Nov 2015, 10:37 pm)Venturego Maybe Stanley Buses, Hunters, Classic  etc... could compete with Service, range and Pricing - No? - don't think so, as it is in effect a GNE Monopoly. So GNE should listen or allow another operator to run service (or this would really be the deciision of commisioners)

Why not though, they could give it go, no ones stopping them...

Look at PYGALLS COACHES, they tried the 

230: Sunderland - Hartlepool
X27: Metrocentre - can't remember where it started!

They didnt work so were withdrawn, they wouldnt know if they didnt try new routes....


Ooo Friend, Bus Friend.

S813 FVK



6,030
01 Nov 2015, 11:02 pm #28
Stanley Buses' MC1/MC2 were really successful. GNE were eager to get their hands on the services (which is what they did in the end) just to remove the competition.
S813 FVK
01 Nov 2015, 11:02 pm #28

Stanley Buses' MC1/MC2 were really successful. GNE were eager to get their hands on the services (which is what they did in the end) just to remove the competition.

MVK 500R



106
02 Nov 2015, 8:01 am #29
6052 broken down at the junction of John Dobson Street and Market Street.
MVK 500R
02 Nov 2015, 8:01 am #29

6052 broken down at the junction of John Dobson Street and Market Street.

Davie

Banned

2,783
02 Nov 2015, 9:49 am #30
(02 Nov 2015, 8:01 am)MVK 500R 6052 broken down at the junction of John Dobson Street and Market Street.
That may explain why there's a Merit on there then.
Davie
02 Nov 2015, 9:49 am #30

(02 Nov 2015, 8:01 am)MVK 500R 6052 broken down at the junction of John Dobson Street and Market Street.
That may explain why there's a Merit on there then.

02 Nov 2015, 2:24 pm #31
Fleet News: 02/11/15

Service changes which took place last weekend saw a number of vehicle re-allocations, as follows: B7/East Lancs 3978 Riverside to Deptford and B7/Plaxton 6042 Deptford to Washington. Volvo B10BLEs 4916 & 4917 from Riverside to Percy Main. Omnicities 5239, 5240, 5241 & 5242 Riverside to Stanley and Citaros 5293, 5294, 5295, 5296 & 5297 Stanley to Riverside. MPD 542: NA52 AXG has returned to service at Riverside for use on a temporary shuttle service associated with the closure of Chowdene Bank. Ex-Brighton Scania N94s 6129: GX03 SVD and 6132: YN04 GJF have entered service at Stanley. Volvo B10BLE 5160: T810 CBW has been withdrawn from Riverside and 5165: T815 CBW has been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet. Scania artic 4952: NK51 OLU has been sold for scrap to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.
Edited 02 Nov 2015, 2:24 pm by Go North East.
Go North East
02 Nov 2015, 2:24 pm #31

Fleet News: 02/11/15

Service changes which took place last weekend saw a number of vehicle re-allocations, as follows: B7/East Lancs 3978 Riverside to Deptford and B7/Plaxton 6042 Deptford to Washington. Volvo B10BLEs 4916 & 4917 from Riverside to Percy Main. Omnicities 5239, 5240, 5241 & 5242 Riverside to Stanley and Citaros 5293, 5294, 5295, 5296 & 5297 Stanley to Riverside. MPD 542: NA52 AXG has returned to service at Riverside for use on a temporary shuttle service associated with the closure of Chowdene Bank. Ex-Brighton Scania N94s 6129: GX03 SVD and 6132: YN04 GJF have entered service at Stanley. Volvo B10BLE 5160: T810 CBW has been withdrawn from Riverside and 5165: T815 CBW has been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet. Scania artic 4952: NK51 OLU has been sold for scrap to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.

Diamond One

Banned

1,793
02 Nov 2015, 3:52 pm #32
(02 Nov 2015, 2:24 pm)Go North East Fleet News: 02/11/15

Service changes which took place last weekend saw a number of vehicle re-allocations, as follows: B7/East Lancs 3978 Riverside to Deptford and B7/Plaxton 6042 Deptford to Washington. Volvo B10BLEs 4916 & 4917 from Riverside to Percy Main. Omnicities 5239, 5240, 5241 & 5242 Riverside to Stanley and Citaros 5293, 5294, 5295, 5296 & 5297 Stanley to Riverside. MPD 542: NA52 AXG has returned to service at Riverside for use on a temporary shuttle service associated with the closure of Chowdene Bank. Ex-Brighton Scania N94s 6129: GX03 SVD and 6132: YN04 GJF have entered service at Stanley. Volvo B10BLE 5160: T810 CBW has been withdrawn from Riverside and 5165: T815 CBW has been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet. Scania artic 4952: NK51 OLU has been sold for scrap to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.
Error on pdf file its missing half the fleet changes it has some but not all of them
Diamond One
02 Nov 2015, 3:52 pm #32

(02 Nov 2015, 2:24 pm)Go North East Fleet News: 02/11/15

Service changes which took place last weekend saw a number of vehicle re-allocations, as follows: B7/East Lancs 3978 Riverside to Deptford and B7/Plaxton 6042 Deptford to Washington. Volvo B10BLEs 4916 & 4917 from Riverside to Percy Main. Omnicities 5239, 5240, 5241 & 5242 Riverside to Stanley and Citaros 5293, 5294, 5295, 5296 & 5297 Stanley to Riverside. MPD 542: NA52 AXG has returned to service at Riverside for use on a temporary shuttle service associated with the closure of Chowdene Bank. Ex-Brighton Scania N94s 6129: GX03 SVD and 6132: YN04 GJF have entered service at Stanley. Volvo B10BLE 5160: T810 CBW has been withdrawn from Riverside and 5165: T815 CBW has been sold to Ensign Bus Co., Purfleet. Scania artic 4952: NK51 OLU has been sold for scrap to Alpha Recovery, Weetslade.
Error on pdf file its missing half the fleet changes it has some but not all of them

Dan

Site Administrator

18,099
02 Nov 2015, 3:53 pm #33
(02 Nov 2015, 3:52 pm)Diamond One Error on pdf file its missing half the fleet changes it has some but not all of them

The wording on the website includes the update for last week as well as this week, due to no update being provided on the website last week.
Dan
02 Nov 2015, 3:53 pm #33

(02 Nov 2015, 3:52 pm)Diamond One Error on pdf file its missing half the fleet changes it has some but not all of them

The wording on the website includes the update for last week as well as this week, due to no update being provided on the website last week.

Wybus



235
02 Nov 2015, 6:38 pm #34
Has Washington's PVR increased what with them gaining that extra president?
Wybus
02 Nov 2015, 6:38 pm #34

Has Washington's PVR increased what with them gaining that extra president?

Dan

Site Administrator

18,099
02 Nov 2015, 8:26 pm #35
(02 Nov 2015, 6:38 pm)Wybus Has Washington's PVR increased what with them gaining that extra president?

Yes.

The afternoon Park View scholars 885 service to Fence Houses was previously operated by Chester-le-Street. This later ran onto the 17:08 #X1 service from Newcastle to Easington Lane, as depicted below:
[Image: 20929593408_bb1964f08d.jpg]Go North East: 3872 / W182SCU by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

This board has now moved to Washington, which is why Deptford has transferred 6042 to Washington. "Red Arrows" branded Volvo B9TL 6054 is pictured below showing the destination for service 885:

[Image: 22708187832_041536658c.jpg]Go North East: 6054 / NK62EKD by Daniel Graham, on Flickr
Dan
02 Nov 2015, 8:26 pm #35

(02 Nov 2015, 6:38 pm)Wybus Has Washington's PVR increased what with them gaining that extra president?

Yes.

The afternoon Park View scholars 885 service to Fence Houses was previously operated by Chester-le-Street. This later ran onto the 17:08 #X1 service from Newcastle to Easington Lane, as depicted below:
[Image: 20929593408_bb1964f08d.jpg]Go North East: 3872 / W182SCU by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

This board has now moved to Washington, which is why Deptford has transferred 6042 to Washington. "Red Arrows" branded Volvo B9TL 6054 is pictured below showing the destination for service 885:

[Image: 22708187832_041536658c.jpg]Go North East: 6054 / NK62EKD by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

big mac



430
02 Nov 2015, 8:58 pm #36
(01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm)S813 FVK I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

I'm not familiar with the area, but have noticed that Hobson is getting a number of complaints since the service revisions in the Stanley area.  Since the changes, which buses actually go through Hobson now, whether it be from GNE or another operator?
big mac
02 Nov 2015, 8:58 pm #36

(01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm)S813 FVK I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

I'm not familiar with the area, but have noticed that Hobson is getting a number of complaints since the service revisions in the Stanley area.  Since the changes, which buses actually go through Hobson now, whether it be from GNE or another operator?

S813 FVK



6,030
02 Nov 2015, 9:05 pm #37
(02 Nov 2015, 8:58 pm)big mac I'm not familiar with the area, but have noticed that Hobson is getting a number of complaints since the service revisions in the Stanley area.  Since the changes, which buses actually go through Hobson now, whether it be from GNE or another operator?

The simple answer to that question is none. I have a feeling more service changes are to come for the Stanley area (not massive - just a few route changes in response to customer feedback) because it is clear that the Hobson issue is not welcomed.
S813 FVK
02 Nov 2015, 9:05 pm #37

(02 Nov 2015, 8:58 pm)big mac I'm not familiar with the area, but have noticed that Hobson is getting a number of complaints since the service revisions in the Stanley area.  Since the changes, which buses actually go through Hobson now, whether it be from GNE or another operator?

The simple answer to that question is none. I have a feeling more service changes are to come for the Stanley area (not massive - just a few route changes in response to customer feedback) because it is clear that the Hobson issue is not welcomed.

big mac



430
02 Nov 2015, 9:10 pm #38
(02 Nov 2015, 9:05 pm)S813 FVK The simple answer to that question is none. I have a feeling more service changes are to come for the Stanley area (not massive - just a few route changes in response to customer feedback) because it is clear that the Hobson issue is not welcomed.

Something is likely to happen given the opposition there's been to that.  A reduction in frequency may have caused some dissent but GNE would have weathered the initial storm, but to cut the service altogether is pretty appalling, really.
big mac
02 Nov 2015, 9:10 pm #38

(02 Nov 2015, 9:05 pm)S813 FVK The simple answer to that question is none. I have a feeling more service changes are to come for the Stanley area (not massive - just a few route changes in response to customer feedback) because it is clear that the Hobson issue is not welcomed.

Something is likely to happen given the opposition there's been to that.  A reduction in frequency may have caused some dissent but GNE would have weathered the initial storm, but to cut the service altogether is pretty appalling, really.

Malarkey



6,060
02 Nov 2015, 9:19 pm #39
(02 Nov 2015, 8:26 pm)Dan Yes.

The afternoon Park View scholars 885 service to Fence Houses was previously operated by Chester-le-Street. This later ran onto the 17:08 #X1 service from Newcastle to Easington Lane, as depicted below:
[Image: 20929593408_bb1964f08d.jpg]Go North East: 3872 / W182SCU by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

This board has now moved to Washington, which is why Deptford has transferred 6042 to Washington. "Red Arrows" branded Volvo B9TL 6054 is pictured below showing the destination for service 885:

[Image: 22708187832_041536658c.jpg]Go North East: 6054 / NK62EKD by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

I think the operation of the X1A should move over to Chester le Street, with it starting and ending at Picktree Village, all of 2 Minutes Away from Chester Depot, could have it Interwork with the X25 maybe.
Malarkey
02 Nov 2015, 9:19 pm #39

(02 Nov 2015, 8:26 pm)Dan Yes.

The afternoon Park View scholars 885 service to Fence Houses was previously operated by Chester-le-Street. This later ran onto the 17:08 #X1 service from Newcastle to Easington Lane, as depicted below:
[Image: 20929593408_bb1964f08d.jpg]Go North East: 3872 / W182SCU by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

This board has now moved to Washington, which is why Deptford has transferred 6042 to Washington. "Red Arrows" branded Volvo B9TL 6054 is pictured below showing the destination for service 885:

[Image: 22708187832_041536658c.jpg]Go North East: 6054 / NK62EKD by Daniel Graham, on Flickr

I think the operation of the X1A should move over to Chester le Street, with it starting and ending at Picktree Village, all of 2 Minutes Away from Chester Depot, could have it Interwork with the X25 maybe.

Andreos1



14,155
02 Nov 2015, 9:22 pm #40
(01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm)S813 FVK I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

I am not sure more people will use the services just because of the Hobson omission though.
Even if the changes now saves a couple of minutes, compared to the previous, on a journey of that duration - it doesn't equate to much from a passenger perspective.

If the number of people complaining on social media represent even a portion of those affected, it would make sense to reinstate the link. I am sure they could cover up the mistake, with some PR spin.
If they don't, they face the possibility of facing the same negativity and the tarnished reputation, that they have in other areas.

The damage caused following the 2006 changes and meetings with communities where the 'tough' message was put out by company representatives, didn't go down well.

The M1/X1 changes following misleading questions in a consultation a few years later, could be classed as the catalyst for Bridget Phillipson's Big Bus campaign.

Not exactly PR master classes and certainly hassle the company could do without.
I was hoping they would have learned the lessons from those similar examples in the not to distant past.
Edited 02 Nov 2015, 9:24 pm by Andreos1.
Andreos1
02 Nov 2015, 9:22 pm #40

(01 Nov 2015, 10:19 pm)S813 FVK I don't think people have waited long enough to really feel the benefit of the changes. They seem to think a bus company can do anything that they want. While the Hobson issue may be an issue to some (which is evident - even i can see where they are coming from without living there), if it works for the operator and see the services being used more than they would if routed via Hobson, I suppose there is no reason to change them again regardless of how many people complain.

I am not sure more people will use the services just because of the Hobson omission though.
Even if the changes now saves a couple of minutes, compared to the previous, on a journey of that duration - it doesn't equate to much from a passenger perspective.

If the number of people complaining on social media represent even a portion of those affected, it would make sense to reinstate the link. I am sure they could cover up the mistake, with some PR spin.
If they don't, they face the possibility of facing the same negativity and the tarnished reputation, that they have in other areas.

The damage caused following the 2006 changes and meetings with communities where the 'tough' message was put out by company representatives, didn't go down well.

The M1/X1 changes following misleading questions in a consultation a few years later, could be classed as the catalyst for Bridget Phillipson's Big Bus campaign.

Not exactly PR master classes and certainly hassle the company could do without.
I was hoping they would have learned the lessons from those similar examples in the not to distant past.

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