Disruptions and driver shortages
Disruptions and driver shortages
(19 Oct 2022, 8:42 pm)mb134 Assume some of the delays could be attributed to new drivers still getting to grips. Obviously at Blyth there is no minibus rota to go onto initially, so all new starts will be on the "big buses" from day one. The 308, contrary to the beliefs of some, still carries decent loads and will require a good amount of ticket machine interaction, which tends to be one of the biggest areas of time lost for most drivers let alone new starters who have limited knowledge of specific stop names etc.
New drivers, especially those still with a mentor, will also be less likely to put their foot down to try and regain time as they're still growing their confidence in driving a bus in service - and to be honest, with something like the 308, once you've lost 5-10 minutes you've got no chance anyway as you'll be getting clattered with more than just your passengers.
(19 Oct 2022, 8:42 pm)mb134 Assume some of the delays could be attributed to new drivers still getting to grips. Obviously at Blyth there is no minibus rota to go onto initially, so all new starts will be on the "big buses" from day one. The 308, contrary to the beliefs of some, still carries decent loads and will require a good amount of ticket machine interaction, which tends to be one of the biggest areas of time lost for most drivers let alone new starters who have limited knowledge of specific stop names etc.
New drivers, especially those still with a mentor, will also be less likely to put their foot down to try and regain time as they're still growing their confidence in driving a bus in service - and to be honest, with something like the 308, once you've lost 5-10 minutes you've got no chance anyway as you'll be getting clattered with more than just your passengers.
