Gateshead Central Taxis

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Dan

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18,116

20 Apr 2021, 6:45 pm #1,649

We've established elsewhere on this forum this evening that certain members of the forum like to 'attack' Gateshead Central Taxis. Others would suggest it's noting operational issues in a bid to provoke discussion on compliance and adhering to legal and/or contractual obligations.

It was noted yesterday that the SNS service, on its first day of operation under Gateshead Central Taxis, suffered a breakdown with an 18-reg Optare Solo. This is unfortunate, but paired with the roadworks near Deptford Terrace, resulted in services running to severe delays all day. Seemingly rather than three buses run the contract as they are contractually bound to do, Gateshead Central ran the service with two buses (a 64-reg Optare Solo and a 67-reg Wright Streetlite). At approximately 17:30, I noticed the Solo and Streetlite running in tandem. That presumably means that there were gaps in service of an hour, rather than the service running every 20 minutes as is scheduled.

The 18-reg Solo was allocated again today so was presumably repaired (hooray!) however it is disappointing to note that the quality of service has vastly reduced now the service is no longer being operated by Go North East (sub-contracted to JH Coaches):

mini/midibus sized vehicles now being allocated, rather than full-size single-decks, reducing social distancing capabilities (should loadings have warranted larger buses).
vehicles not equipped with vandal screens to protect drivers, and despite this, most drivers are not wearing a face covering (see examples here, here, here, here and here).
vehicles not equipped with hand sanitiser, as they were historically
improper social distancing measures in place between presumed staff members (see examples here and here - I wonder if the other man not driving enjoyed his McDonalds at the front of the bus?)

What we don't know for certain is if Gateshead Central Taxis are using any enhanced cleaning measures such as fogging devices, as we know the previous operator of the contract did, providing assurance and comfort of mind to those using the bus to get their vaccination, but I'd suggest this is unlikely.

Elsewhere it was noted that whilst both the 592 and 593 operated yesterday (both departing Doxford Park on time), but the 17:15 journey on service 593 operated in excess of five minutes early heading towards Pallion.

Dan

20 Apr 2021, 6:45 pm #1,649

mini/midibus sized vehicles now being allocated, rather than full-size single-decks, reducing social distancing capabilities (should loadings have warranted larger buses).
vehicles not equipped with vandal screens to protect drivers, and despite this, most drivers are not wearing a face covering (see examples here, here, here, here and here).
vehicles not equipped with hand sanitiser, as they were historically
improper social distancing measures in place between presumed staff members (see examples here and here - I wonder if the other man not driving enjoyed his McDonalds at the front of the bus?)