(22 Oct 2017, 7:12 pm)park5354 Reducing the amount of scrolling places would be better, with short runs only showing destination eg:-
49 Winlaton via Metrocentre & Blaydon
49 Gateshead via Metrocentre & Dunston
49 Metrocentre Bus Station
X1 Newcastle via Galleries & Gateshead
X1 Easington Lane via Galleries & Houghton
X1 Washington Galleries
57 Hadrian Park via Old Durham Road, Newcastle & Battle Hill Drive
57 Wardley via Newcastle, Beacon Lough & Heworth
57 Heworth Metro
57 Newcastle via Gateshead
57 Gateshead Metro via Newcastle
21 Newcastle via Chester, Birtley & Low Fell
21 Chester le Str via Low Fell & Birtley
21 Durham via Low Fell, Birtley & Chester le Str
21 Durham then Bishop Auckland
21 Durham then Newcastle
(22 Oct 2017, 7:12 pm)park5354 Reducing the amount of scrolling places would be better, with short runs only showing destination eg:-
49 Winlaton via Metrocentre & Blaydon
49 Gateshead via Metrocentre & Dunston
49 Metrocentre Bus Station
X1 Newcastle via Galleries & Gateshead
X1 Easington Lane via Galleries & Houghton
X1 Washington Galleries
57 Hadrian Park via Old Durham Road, Newcastle & Battle Hill Drive
57 Wardley via Newcastle, Beacon Lough & Heworth
57 Heworth Metro
57 Newcastle via Gateshead
57 Gateshead Metro via Newcastle
21 Newcastle via Chester, Birtley & Low Fell
21 Chester le Str via Low Fell & Birtley
21 Durham via Low Fell, Birtley & Chester le Str
21 Durham then Bishop Auckland
21 Durham then Newcastle
Are the Citaros wider than the Solars?
I've just checked and the Citaro is 2550mm whilst the Solar is just 2500mm.
Maybe the mirrors are also bigger?
A recent X84 trip through Ovington had the driver proceeding extremely 'cautiously' - and it seems that the X84 is still using the Solars with the X85s using the Citaros.
Under the previous time table the X84s and X85s alternated at each end I believe, whereas with the X85 now extended to Newbrough this doesn't seem to happen.
(23 Oct 2017, 7:25 pm)G-CPTN Are the Citaros wider than the Solars?
I've just checked and the Citaro is 2550mm whilst the Solar is just 2500mm.
Maybe the mirrors are also bigger?
A recent X84 trip through Ovington had the driver proceeding extremely 'cautiously' - and it seems that the X84 is still using the Solars with the X85s using the Citaros.
Under the previous time table the X84s and X85s alternated at each end I believe, whereas with the X85 now extended to Newbrough this doesn't seem to happen.
(23 Oct 2017, 7:25 pm)G-CPTN Are the Citaros wider than the Solars?
I've just checked and the Citaro is 2550mm whilst the Solar is just 2500mm.
Maybe the mirrors are also bigger?
A recent X84 trip through Ovington had the driver proceeding extremely 'cautiously' - and it seems that the X84 is still using the Solars with the X85s using the Citaros.
Under the previous time table the X84s and X85s alternated at each end I believe, whereas with the X85 now extended to Newbrough this doesn't seem to happen.
(23 Oct 2017, 7:25 pm)G-CPTN Are the Citaros wider than the Solars?
I've just checked and the Citaro is 2550mm whilst the Solar is just 2500mm.
Maybe the mirrors are also bigger?
A recent X84 trip through Ovington had the driver proceeding extremely 'cautiously' - and it seems that the X84 is still using the Solars with the X85s using the Citaros.
Under the previous time table the X84s and X85s alternated at each end I believe, whereas with the X85 now extended to Newbrough this doesn't seem to happen.
(23 Oct 2017, 7:25 pm)G-CPTN Are the Citaros wider than the Solars?
I've just checked and the Citaro is 2550mm whilst the Solar is just 2500mm.
Maybe the mirrors are also bigger?
A recent X84 trip through Ovington had the driver proceeding extremely 'cautiously' - and it seems that the X84 is still using the Solars with the X85s using the Citaros.
Under the previous time table the X84s and X85s alternated at each end I believe, whereas with the X85 now extended to Newbrough this doesn't seem to happen.
(23 Oct 2017, 7:11 pm)Andreos1 I've been thinking about this for a while after seeing the X9/10 (one or both, cant remember) not showing anything about Gateshead on the rear blind after Dalton Park.
I followed it for a bit and wondered whether people (visitors or infrequent users) would know it stopped at Gateshead and offered connections elsewhere.
Particularly when you take the X55 in to account.
Then when seeing your post, I thought back to the old roller blinds. Obviously space was limited and via points restricted.
I am guessing feedback from passengers at the time indicated a preference for more detail. It's not as if bus companies just come up with ideas without asking their customers what they think
Then I thought about vehicle branding and route consolidation.
It would potentially help reduce the need for via several points.
Assuming the vehicle was allocated correctly.
(23 Oct 2017, 7:11 pm)Andreos1 I've been thinking about this for a while after seeing the X9/10 (one or both, cant remember) not showing anything about Gateshead on the rear blind after Dalton Park.
I followed it for a bit and wondered whether people (visitors or infrequent users) would know it stopped at Gateshead and offered connections elsewhere.
Particularly when you take the X55 in to account.
Then when seeing your post, I thought back to the old roller blinds. Obviously space was limited and via points restricted.
I am guessing feedback from passengers at the time indicated a preference for more detail. It's not as if bus companies just come up with ideas without asking their customers what they think
Then I thought about vehicle branding and route consolidation.
It would potentially help reduce the need for via several points.
Assuming the vehicle was allocated correctly.
(24 Oct 2017, 6:41 am)Dan I'm not too sure what you think you saw, but both the X9/X10 services have Gateshead as a via point on the displays after Peterlee and Dalton Park respectively.
The new style is being evaluated by Go North East's management. The general feeling towards the 'old' style of destination display was that there were too many via points, and the scrolling ultimately detracted attention from the terminal point. There's less of a need for via points to be as prominently shown on the displays now because of route branding, as you say, which often includes key destinations served by the services which those vehicles are allocated to (assuming they're allocated to the correct routes!)
It may be worth Go North East seeking feedback through the official channels, but I'm doubtful many customers, outside of the enthusiast community, would actually care (if we're honest). Destination displays and Next Stop Announcements are, for some reason, quite a big thing in the enthusiast community. I was guilty of it myself. A lot of enthusiasts pay close attention to them, have downloaded the software and make their own displays, etc. For the average punter - a bus branded for the Fab56 could be showing "Not In Service" on the front display, and they'd still stick their hands out for it thinking it's the 56, as they haven't read the display.
Most customers, if they're unsure whether a bus goes somewhere, will query this with the driver. Whether the via points were 'flashing' (as in the new style) or scrolling, doesn't make too much of a difference.
The new style is similar to the style used by Arriva Durham County, which they've used for quite some time now, with the main difference being Go North East continuing to use the larger and bolder route number in Arial font. Whilst a lot of enthusiasts now prefer the route number being in an Arial font, this too gained some negative feedback when it was first introduced on the Citylink58. I don't think we'll ever please everyone. I believe some of the other operators in the Go-Ahead Group use the new style, as well as First Group. The express service "bar" is also widely used by First Group, and whilst it may be difficult to read in low-light conditions, it certainly stands out during the day, in my opinion.
Only showing the terminal point is an interesting thought, and possibly one that will be looked at one day. Lothian Buses have started doing this up in the Scottish capital, following their introduction of Hanover Displays, replacing their old roller-blinds (which did contain a small number of via points).
(24 Oct 2017, 6:41 am)Dan I'm not too sure what you think you saw, but both the X9/X10 services have Gateshead as a via point on the displays after Peterlee and Dalton Park respectively.
The new style is being evaluated by Go North East's management. The general feeling towards the 'old' style of destination display was that there were too many via points, and the scrolling ultimately detracted attention from the terminal point. There's less of a need for via points to be as prominently shown on the displays now because of route branding, as you say, which often includes key destinations served by the services which those vehicles are allocated to (assuming they're allocated to the correct routes!)
It may be worth Go North East seeking feedback through the official channels, but I'm doubtful many customers, outside of the enthusiast community, would actually care (if we're honest). Destination displays and Next Stop Announcements are, for some reason, quite a big thing in the enthusiast community. I was guilty of it myself. A lot of enthusiasts pay close attention to them, have downloaded the software and make their own displays, etc. For the average punter - a bus branded for the Fab56 could be showing "Not In Service" on the front display, and they'd still stick their hands out for it thinking it's the 56, as they haven't read the display.
Most customers, if they're unsure whether a bus goes somewhere, will query this with the driver. Whether the via points were 'flashing' (as in the new style) or scrolling, doesn't make too much of a difference.
The new style is similar to the style used by Arriva Durham County, which they've used for quite some time now, with the main difference being Go North East continuing to use the larger and bolder route number in Arial font. Whilst a lot of enthusiasts now prefer the route number being in an Arial font, this too gained some negative feedback when it was first introduced on the Citylink58. I don't think we'll ever please everyone. I believe some of the other operators in the Go-Ahead Group use the new style, as well as First Group. The express service "bar" is also widely used by First Group, and whilst it may be difficult to read in low-light conditions, it certainly stands out during the day, in my opinion.
Only showing the terminal point is an interesting thought, and possibly one that will be looked at one day. Lothian Buses have started doing this up in the Scottish capital, following their introduction of Hanover Displays, replacing their old roller-blinds (which did contain a small number of via points).
(24 Oct 2017, 7:12 am)Andreos1 I will have to check the dashcam footage for the exact wording, but between Dalton Park and the Ryhope/Seaham junction, Gateshead wasn't mentioned once (similar to the Bournmoor example on the 4 ex Heworth before it was added).
The wording on the X9/10 was like or similar to 'calling at Newcastle'. Maybe the display was knackered, but Gateshead definitely didn't appear in the period I was behind it.
(24 Oct 2017, 7:12 am)Andreos1 Just a quick comment regarding customers outside the community not actually caring.
TOC's thought similar. However the Customer Panels are proving extremely valuable.
Being involved in a handful of the projects since the beginning, I have seen proposals and changes adapted or thrown out completely.
They were introduced for the likes of VTEC and Northern late last year off memory. VTWC have had theirs for a slightly longer period, all be it in a different format. Not sure what is happening with the SWT panel since the franchise was handed over.
Not everything is put to these panels, but they are seen as a valuable tool in improving not only the customer experience, but the relationship between the operator and passenger.
(24 Oct 2017, 7:12 am)Andreos1 I will have to check the dashcam footage for the exact wording, but between Dalton Park and the Ryhope/Seaham junction, Gateshead wasn't mentioned once (similar to the Bournmoor example on the 4 ex Heworth before it was added).
The wording on the X9/10 was like or similar to 'calling at Newcastle'. Maybe the display was knackered, but Gateshead definitely didn't appear in the period I was behind it.
(24 Oct 2017, 7:12 am)Andreos1 Just a quick comment regarding customers outside the community not actually caring.
TOC's thought similar. However the Customer Panels are proving extremely valuable.
Being involved in a handful of the projects since the beginning, I have seen proposals and changes adapted or thrown out completely.
They were introduced for the likes of VTEC and Northern late last year off memory. VTWC have had theirs for a slightly longer period, all be it in a different format. Not sure what is happening with the SWT panel since the franchise was handed over.
Not everything is put to these panels, but they are seen as a valuable tool in improving not only the customer experience, but the relationship between the operator and passenger.
I've heard nothing from the panel since joining it in 2015
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Although "Indigo" and "The 49" are meaningless poor brands and I cannot understand why "Tyne Tees Xpress" was dropped.
Nothing wrong with the "Angel" brand; but assuming new vehicles are coming there must be enough to ensure that the PVR is covered by branded buses, plus at least one branded spare, as there should be at least one on each major branded route - out of 15 or so buses it'll be almost impossible to have 15 on the road at one time. Too many vehicles are getting the red & blue. I'm a strong believer in branding - and there's nothing wrong with area liveries like "Black Cats" and "Venture" ...... as long as nothing much obscures the view from the windows! Although "Indigo" and "The 49" are meaningless poor brands and I cannot understand why "Tyne Tees Xpress" was dropped.
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(24 Oct 2017, 7:49 am)Jamie M I've heard nothing from the panel since joining it in 2015
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(24 Oct 2017, 7:49 am)Jamie M I've heard nothing from the panel since joining it in 2015
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(21 Oct 2017, 5:32 pm)Jamie MNK16BXF / 6306 : Wright Streetdeck by Jamie MP, on Flickr
NK16BXF / 6306 : Wright Streetdeck by Jamie MP, on Flickr
NK16BXF / 6306 : Wright Streetdeck by Jamie MP, on Flickr
Not impressed with the quality - I'll try again on Monday (or tomorrow evening if I'm free)
(21 Oct 2017, 5:32 pm)Jamie M
Not impressed with the quality - I'll try again on Monday (or tomorrow evening if I'm free)
(24 Oct 2017, 10:34 am)Greg_in_Weardale Nothing wrong with the "Angel" brand; but assuming new vehicles are coming there must be enough to ensure that the PVR is covered by branded buses, plus at least one branded spare, as there should be at least one on each major branded route - out of 15 or so buses it'll be almost impossible to have 15 on the road at one time. Too many vehicles are getting the red & blue. I'm a strong believer in branding - and there's nothing wrong with area liveries like "Black Cats" and "Venture" ...... as long as nothing much obscures the view from the windows!
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(24 Oct 2017, 10:34 am)Greg_in_Weardale Nothing wrong with the "Angel" brand; but assuming new vehicles are coming there must be enough to ensure that the PVR is covered by branded buses, plus at least one branded spare, as there should be at least one on each major branded route - out of 15 or so buses it'll be almost impossible to have 15 on the road at one time. Too many vehicles are getting the red & blue. I'm a strong believer in branding - and there's nothing wrong with area liveries like "Black Cats" and "Venture" ...... as long as nothing much obscures the view from the windows!
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Is there any sign of the double deck demonstrator that Arriva had coming to GNE ?
also is there a list of the new series of staff vans available ?
(25 Oct 2017, 10:26 am)Coppercap40 Is there any sign of the double deck demonstrator that Arriva had coming to GNE ?
also is there a list of the new series of staff vans available ?
(25 Oct 2017, 10:26 am)Coppercap40 Is there any sign of the double deck demonstrator that Arriva had coming to GNE ?
also is there a list of the new series of staff vans available ?
But were they branded spares or in fleet livery; I can't remember.
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(25 Oct 2017, 10:41 am)Greg_in_Weardale But were they branded spares or in fleet livery; I can't remember.
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(25 Oct 2017, 10:41 am)Greg_in_Weardale But were they branded spares or in fleet livery; I can't remember.
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(25 Oct 2017, 12:11 pm)nk55 Fleet livery, don’t see the point in having buses in brand being spare capacity. I understand your point of not all liveried buses might be available all the time, but when they are then a branded bus will be put on a different route therefore causing confusion.
(25 Oct 2017, 12:11 pm)nk55 Fleet livery, don’t see the point in having buses in brand being spare capacity. I understand your point of not all liveried buses might be available all the time, but when they are then a branded bus will be put on a different route therefore causing confusion.
