RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(12 Aug 2016, 10:17 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Yeah a few days ago a driver on the 21 said, 'Isn't that just for the Metro', when I presented my POP PAYG card.
I said no its for Metro, Arriva and Go Ahead, and showed him a screenshot I had ready of Go North East replying to my tweet confirming they accept it on all services as of 4th July. It was the first he'd heard of it so he scanned it (twice) and said well the ticket machines not accepting it.
(It was my first time using it so I just paid by cash to avoid any further delay). After a couple more tweets Go Ahead said they'd pass the info on to his depot manager as he should have entered my fare first, then scanned my POP card, then hit issue (twice?)).
Should be fun next time when I have to explain to the driver how to use his own ticket machine. Can imagine that going down well. lol.
Tickets may just be far too complex for drivers and customers at large. I have traveled through many European metropolitan areas, where in the main multi modal tickets are issued throughout the area/or a zonal fare scheme is imposed, albeit across all modes of transport within the area.
Contact less payment bank cards are now becoming more accepted with maximum daily fare caps guaranteed,
Example: From just outside Nexus area (e.g. Burnopfield) it's impossible to buy an affordable fare for Newcastle Airport - Actually is more expensive than a taxi ! - as GNE don't serve the Airport, although illustrated on Buzz fare zone map. Transfare expensive for return journey.
Fares should be simple to understand not only for regular users, but also for occasional travellers and visitors to the region.
I would also go further and propose a strong regional Corporate Branding with discreet sub-branding for key routes, only if necessary to be more customers friendly.
A regional brand/logo across all modes of transport accepting multi-modal tickets would also be helpful to customers visiting the area (n.b. Geneva, Berlin, London, Paris etc...) whether it be Nexus, NECA, LA7 or something New?
Should this not be an opportunity for GNE and other operators to exploit?
Can I suggest using ex Nat Express coaches for truly express services from Teeside to Newcastle, then onward journey to Airport, while connecting with local services in Newcastle with provision to use onward tickets to the Airport. Could be at slight premium / with luggage?
Coaches were a common use in 70's for premium express services with limited stops connecting with local services point of connection e.g. Newcastle to / from Teesside (X1 Northern/United joint service), Consett to/from Sunderland (X6 Northern / sometimes SDO - Sunderland District Omnibus), Lanchester/ Greencroft to Ashington/Newbiggin (X30 Northern /United joint service)
Also seasonal Express Coach services to Scarborough via Whitby.
Thoughts?!