(20 May 2018, 8:48 pm)Michael wrote Where's that picture, i can't find it haha

Wonder if he went further than Newcastle and Gateshead?

(20 May 2018, 8:44 pm)Adrian wrote Hopefully we'll see a return of them then. An utterly bonkers decision to discontinue them in the first place.

Surprised they didn't try the print-on-bog-roll solution before just withdrawing them to be honest, just on the off chance somebody wanted to have a quick look. I guess it's one of these things that on paper is throwing money down the toilet.

Saying that, the nexus people still keep on putting/changing timetables for the 96/a around their travel point in Gateshead Interchange... so there's probably also another problem with Nexus help centre/supplier to Nexus also that needs a quick look at.

Hopefully a relaunch can properly deal with stock numbers to all people concerned, and then be displayed to the public in the correct way/issue. I cannot imagine it being sensible nor efficient in its current state.

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(20 May 2018, 8:51 pm)Adrian wrote

Thanks, ye i wonder if he'll bring them back but i never get them now because i use online.

Why is there a 38/238 timetable in Newcastle?, it goes no where near Newcastle.

(20 May 2018, 8:56 pm)Michael wrote Thanks, ye i wonder if he'll bring them back but i never get them now because i use online.

Why is there a 38/238 timetable in Newcastle?, it goes no where near Newcastle.

Perhaps it wasn't taken at Newcastle? There is an awful lot of other leaflets relating to Sunderland there too.

(20 May 2018, 9:16 pm)S813 FVK wrote Perhaps it wasn't taken at Newcastle? There is an awful lot of other leaflets relating to Sunderland there too.

There's also a set of 85/86 timetables in Gateshead. I've also picked up an 18 bishop auckland timetable. It seems to be an approach from the supplier and/or nexus that so long as there was once a bus route (past or present), it's suitable to be on public display. Not against extra info being provided, but it doesn't seem very errrr ...consistent.

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(20 May 2018, 9:16 pm)S813 FVK wrote Perhaps it wasn't taken at Newcastle? There is an awful lot of other leaflets relating to Sunderland there too.

Aye i noticed when i zoomed in on the picture ha

In addition to the demise of paper timetables, Northumberland County Council, who, until recently serviced the bus stop timetables, have greatly reduced the number of stops that they are servicing, with the remainder getting notices with website addresses and telephone numbers only, despite many stops being in areas where there is no phone signal - and not everyone has a smartphone.
As an example, Corbridge Parish has between 40 and 50 stops, but only 4 stops in the very centre of Corbridge village are being serviced by NCC henceforth (two for the TEN and two for the 685/X84/X85).
NCC has offered the Parish Councils PDFs of the timetables, but PCs do not have the resources to print suitable timetables for the bus stops nor the staff available to service the stop timetables.

(20 May 2018, 10:19 pm)G-CPTN wrote In addition to the demise of paper timetables, Northumberland County Council, who, until recently serviced the bus stop timetables, have greatly reduced the number of stops that they are servicing, with the remainder getting notices with website addresses and telephone numbers only, despite many stops being in areas where there is no phone signal - and not everyone has a smartphone.
As an example, Corbridge Parish has between 40 and 50 stops, but only 4 stops in the very centre of Corbridge village are being serviced by NCC henceforth (two for the TEN and two for the 685/X84/X85).
NCC has offered the Parish Councils PDFs of the timetables, but PCs do not have the resources to print suitable timetables for the bus stops nor the staff available to service the stop timetables.

There's a few invisible stops around county durham now. Have to know your way around or google maps.

5449 broken with 90% of the red warning lights. Needs some TLC, a biscuit and a cuppa'.

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(20 May 2018, 8:48 pm)Michael wrote Where's that picture, i can't find it haha

Wonder if he went further than Newcastle and Gateshead?

This looks like the notice is at Park Lane, with services 238, TB20 and 60.
Also the website is wrong.

Just touching on timetable subject again and the lack of paper timetables.

Got chatting to an old fella at a stop last night. His Mrs was off to the hospital for an appointment this morning. 
Attempts to get a paper timetable had failed, so he had volunteered/been volunteered to head down to the stop with a piece of paper and note down the times of the buses that could get them to the appointment in time (whether it did or not is another matter).

He couldn't understand why the operator had stopped doing them and why it became a chore just to find out what time the bus was due.

He went off with his own paper timetable before my bus arrived, quite frustrated.
I didn't ask what they were doing to get back home from the appointment...

(22 May 2018, 8:05 am)Andreos1 wrote Just touching on timetable subject again and the lack of paper timetables.

Got chatting to an old fella at a stop last night. His Mrs was off to the hospital for an appointment this morning. 
Attempts to get a paper timetable had failed, so he had volunteered/been volunteered to head down to the stop with a piece of paper and note down the times of the buses that could get them to the appointment in time (whether it did or not is another matter).

He couldn't understand why the operator had stopped doing them and why it became a chore just to find out what time the bus was due.

He went off with his own paper timetable before my bus arrived, quite frustrated.
I didn't ask what they were doing to get back home from the appointment...

I was invited to take part in a survey from the Go North East Passenger Panel. The survey focused on timetables and fare information covering subjects such as preference for paper or online information. They questioned how you obtain your information looking at paper, online or bus stop posters for example.

Until I reached the final part of the survey I thought that the questions were constructive with an intention of seeking genuine customer feedback.  The final questions however were based around having access to the internet, well considering it was an online survey the answer has to be yes I do have internet access.

So if they justify the withdrawal of paper timetables based on that survey by saying the majority of customers have internet or smart phone access that result will be based on flawed survey data. Surely if you want to determine the percentage of customers with internet access you don’t do it as an online survey.

(22 May 2018, 9:27 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote I was invited to take part in a survey from the Go North East Passenger Panel. The survey focused on timetables and fare information covering subjects such as preference for paper or online information. They questioned how you obtain your information looking at paper, online or bus stop posters for example.

Until I reached the final part of the survey I thought that the questions were constructive with an intention of seeking genuine customer feedback.  The final questions however were based around having access to the internet, well considering it was an online survey the answer has to be yes I do have internet access.

So if they justify the withdrawal of paper timetables based on that survey by saying the majority of customers have internet or smart phone access that result will be based on flawed survey data. Surely if you want to determine the percentage of customers with internet access you don’t do it as an online survey.

Couldn't agree more.

I'm a big fan of passenger panels and feel both parties can get a lot out of it, if it is done correctly.
Flawed surveys sent out like that and by the looks of it, missing out a proportion of those likely to be affected, but unable to influence - are a total waste of everyones time.
Whether it be the people who design it, the people answering it, the people making the decisions or the people having to field complaints about a lack of paper timetables.

Was this a recent survey?

(22 May 2018, 11:37 am)Andreos1 wrote Couldn't agree more.

I'm a big fan of passenger panels and feel both parties can get a lot out of it, if it is done correctly.
Flawed surveys sent out like that and by the looks of it, missing out a proportion of those likely to be affected, but unable to influence - are a total waste of everyones time.
Whether it be the people who design it, the people answering it, the people making the decisions or the people having to field complaints about a lack of paper timetables.

Was this a recent survey?

Few weeks ago.

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(22 May 2018, 3:53 pm)Dan wrote It had been VOR since the Metro Replacement service a few weeks ago, when it broke down heading back home. It has been fitted with a new gearbox as Jamie said, returning to service just last week, so good news that it's solid as ever!

OmniDekkas should be allocated to the 819, 821, 822 (829), 824, 826 and 828.
The fleet livery Volvo B9s should be allocated to the 823 (X21) and 825 (10X).

You're right in suggesting that they're allocated to the scholars which work onto the evening peak services out of Newcastle - the intention being to up the quality of these services, which are ordinarily allocated higher specification vehicles. The Volvo B9s are equipped with Wi-Fi, so that partly meets the specification of the daytime 10 and X21.

(copying over from Rare/odd workings)

Is there any news on how the two (e)leather seated B9s are comparing to the others (6155/58)? I prefer them generally now, I find the cloth holds the dirt and grub a lot stronger than the (e)leather does. Wouldn't say more comfortable (or less, for a matter of fact) but I believe they generally look smarter and a good way forward as a standard seating arrangement.

(22 May 2018, 4:03 pm)Jamie M wrote (copying over from Rare/odd workings)

Is there any news on how the two (e)leather seated B9s are comparing to the others (6155/58)? I prefer them generally now, I find the cloth holds the dirt and grub a lot stronger than the (e)leather does. Wouldn't say more comfortable (or less, for a matter of fact) but I believe they generally look smarter and a good way forward as a standard seating arrangement.

Just 6158 with e-leather. I personally prefer the look of the e-leather seating, but I don't have a preference in terms of which I find most comfortable. I have heard positive comments about 6158s seating from others though.

(22 May 2018, 4:09 pm)S813 FVK wrote Just 6158 with e-leather. I personally prefer the look of the e-leather seating, but I don't have a preference in terms of which I find most comfortable. I have heard positive comments about 6158s seating from others though.

Yeah, I don't think comfort matters too much between the two, but they do certainly look smarter. Especially if accent lights get added.

I've also been thinking about the awfulness of the Arriva farefinder zone map (Can't find the link, or rather don't want to) and I think this is a good opportunity for GNE to capitalise.
I think there should be an interactive route finder, where it shows all applicable fares to your journey/route, in addition to an interactive map highlighting the areas. The current GNE journey planner is pretty awful, I have to admit, often it shows a possible route from Arriva or Stagecoach, rather than being a custom-developed and fine tuned product. People still struggle with zones a fair amount (especially with people skipping between Cherry/Green/Purple due to the complications with where one zone starts and another finishes. I've been taking the bus for ages and still cannot remember where's where. Daysavers also seem to be fundamentally based on local knowledge with this in mind, and the fact that there's too many to possible list them off on the bus. So an easy-to-access interactive resource to locate possible fares/tickets for a custom-input journey on the website would be a success for GNE, and would set GNE miles forward in terms of simplicity of paying for a fare/locating fare information. The current farefinder option only includes singles/returns and therefore is very limited to a lot of passengers (in terms of what other passes can be used/where and bought etc.)

Not seen in mentioned but I've seen on my Flickr feed a photo by Andrew Tyldsley annoucning  the arrival of Optare Solo SR number 722 (KY63VTA) which was new to Cobra Corporate Services, Isleworth.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/apt358/41383495935

(22 May 2018, 7:55 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Not seen in mentioned but I've seen on my Flickr feed a photo by Andrew Tyldsley annoucning  the arrival of Optare Solo SR number 722 (KY63VTA) which was new to Cobra Corporate Services, Isleworth.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/apt358/41383495935

Looks like more than 1 will be arriving due to the fleet number its been giving?

(22 May 2018, 8:54 pm)Michael wrote Looks like more than 1 will be arriving due to the fleet number its been giving?

I would gather Go North East has gained some further Nexus and DCC Contracts to be announced which require use of a minibus.

(22 May 2018, 9:02 pm)Malarkey wrote I would gather Go North East has gained some further Nexus and DCC Contracts to be announced which require use of a minibus.

Aye, hopefully should end some of the temporary allocations too.

3 new Solo's should be arriving soon too for the Chester 700's and the Durham cathedral routes.

Well Cobra has had 8 Optare Solo SRs according to Bus Lists on the Web, however only one unaccounted for is KY63VTC, the other 6 vehicles are either with Diamond Bus or Courtney Buses.

It's possible that numbers 715 - 717 are reserved for the ones that are currently on order. I'm sure someone will explain what is happening.

Don’t know if it’s been mentioned but streetlite 5419 looks like it’s has recently been painted into corporate livery from its Beamish livery

(22 May 2018, 7:55 pm)Rapidsnap wrote Not seen in mentioned but I've seen on my Flickr feed a photo by Andrew Tyldsley annoucning  the arrival of Optare Solo SR number 722 (KY63VTA) which was new to Cobra Corporate Services, Isleworth.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/apt358/41383495935

718 and 722 arrived according to GNE website

I do wonder if the 3 new baby Optare Solos on order have already been allocated numbers 715 - 717.

(23 May 2018, 3:59 pm)Rapidsnap wrote I do wonder if the 3 new baby Optare Solos on order have already been allocated numbers 715 - 717.

I think they should have been given a different number from the start to show difference in size.

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Hope neebody is trying to travel to or from Pelaw tonight, there's a short notice closure on the whole of the Heworth Interchange.

27: Hebburn, Mill Lane, A194, Leam Lane, Meresyde (Like Q2 onwards), Grange Cresent, High Lanes, High Heworth Lane, Heworth Interchange

(35A, X10), 4: (A184), Lingey Lane, Meresyde and as above.

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[quote="Jamie M" pid='217499' dateline='1527110323']
Hope neebody is trying to travel to or from Pelaw tonight,  there's a short notice closure on the whole of the Heworth Interchange.

27: Hebburn, Mill Lane, A194, Leam Lane, Meresyde (Like Q2 onwards), Grange Cresent, High Lanes, High Heworth Lane, Heworth Interchange

(35A, X10), 4: (A184), Lingey Lane, Meresyde and as above.

I think this has been planned for last few weeks. The roundabout is closed overnight Monday to Friday to start the final resurfacing and to draw in line etc. Wasn't supposed to finish until end of July so this would have happened eventually but they're trying to get it all sorted for June

(24 May 2018, 8:13 am)MattRut21 wrote [quote="Jamie M" pid='217499' dateline='1527110323']
Hope neebody is trying to travel to or from Pelaw tonight,  there's a short notice closure on the whole of the Heworth Interchange.

27: Hebburn, Mill Lane, A194, Leam Lane, Meresyde (Like Q2 onwards), Grange Cresent, High Lanes, High Heworth Lane, Heworth Interchange

(35A, X10), 4: (A184), Lingey Lane, Meresyde and as above.

I think this has been planned for last few weeks. The roundabout is closed overnight Monday to Friday to start the final resurfacing and to draw in line etc. Wasn't supposed to finish until end of July so this would have happened eventually but they're trying to get it all sorted for June

The Chronicle ran a story about the overnight closure two weeks ago.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor...d-14636728

Certainly planned.

(24 May 2018, 8:27 am)Andreos1 wrote The Chronicle ran a story about the overnight closure two weeks ago.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor...d-14636728

Certainly planned.

No info at the stops or at Heworth, or Gateshead, or on buses. It's all well and good writing news articles about it, but what's the use if there's no direct info to passengers? I'm not a chronicle reader and I had literally no idea it was happening until I got diverted off. Car drivers were backed all the way to the Stadium too. It's by all means short notice in real life.

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