(10 Mar 2013, 3:03 pm)idiot wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 2:54 pm)Daniel wrote Always disliked having the 'X' at the end of the service number. Something about it really bugs me - doesn't quite have the same ring as the 'X' in front and then the number! Doubt it'll be confusing though - they barely follow the same route, do they?

Yes, but some people are easily confused.

My point still stands - the X36/X37 have been long gone since November 2012. A new year has commenced and the new proposed 'X36' doesn't follow the same route. As soon as it turns out of Park Lane, it'll go a different way. Even in Park Lane, it'll serve a different stand - middle as opposed to edge...The X36 will be under a brand name this time around too.
Really shouldn't be confusing...

(10 Mar 2013, 2:58 pm)tom.robinson206 wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 2:54 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote More than likely get called off anyway I think, look at it this way would GNE really want to lose out on 3 days travel takings, which I assume would be quite a substantial amount of money for that small period.

As for who will operate the services if does go ahead I haven't a clue, I can see Nexus although some may say it nothing to do with them, stepping in and sorting it all out.

I would think Independent companies like Weardale would operate a few services if need be like what they do for Arriva on Boxing Day. I can also see Arriva operating some services as GNE operates some of there services on boxing day also, so they could return the favour so to speak.

Just going to have to wait and see what happens.

I really hope it doesn't - or if it does, just having everything on a reduced Sunday service or something like that.

Lets think about it, months of talking has lead to nowhere, so unless there is more talking done, it will go ahead. You say GNE don't want to lose takings which will be right, but where will the extra money come from to pay what the unions are wanting, somebody will have to give.

Most drivers will not cross a picket line even if they are not in a union, so cannot really operate a reduced Sunday service as this will still take quite a large amount of drivers.

---

(10 Mar 2013, 2:42 pm)tom.robinson206 wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 1:39 pm)Daniel wrote Not the answer you want to hear but.....all depots

Probably a stupid question, but will this include things like scholars buses and the 'Nexus' services?

Yes

(10 Mar 2013, 3:06 pm)citaro5284 wrote Lets think about it, months of talking has lead to nowhere, so unless there is more talking done, it will go ahead. You say GNE don't want to lose takings which will be right, but where will the extra money come from to pay what the unions are wanting, somebody will have to give.

Most drivers will not cross a picket line even if they are not in a union, so cannot really operate a reduced Sunday service as this will still take quite a large amount of drivers.

I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

(10 Mar 2013, 3:13 pm)Daniel wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 3:06 pm)citaro5284 wrote Lets think about it, months of talking has lead to nowhere, so unless there is more talking done, it will go ahead. You say GNE don't want to lose takings which will be right, but where will the extra money come from to pay what the unions are wanting, somebody will have to give.

Most drivers will not cross a picket line even if they are not in a union, so cannot really operate a reduced Sunday service as this will still take quite a large amount of drivers.

I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

Previous strike day was on 24 August 2009 at Washington and Deptford only. A token £1 flat fare was in operation on that day (made the most of a trip to Newcastle!) - and Yellow Bus Volvo Olympians were drafted in for operation on a number of routes.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8216664.stm

http://www.travelnortheast.co.uk/news/st...Today.html

(10 Mar 2013, 3:56 pm)Brandon wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 3:13 pm)Daniel wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 3:06 pm)citaro5284 wrote Lets think about it, months of talking has lead to nowhere, so unless there is more talking done, it will go ahead. You say GNE don't want to lose takings which will be right, but where will the extra money come from to pay what the unions are wanting, somebody will have to give.

Most drivers will not cross a picket line even if they are not in a union, so cannot really operate a reduced Sunday service as this will still take quite a large amount of drivers.

I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

Previous strike day was on 24 August 2009 at Washington and Deptford only. A token £1 flat fare was in operation on that day (made the most of a trip to Newcastle!) - and Yellow Bus Volvo Olympians were drafted in for operation on a number of routes.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8216664.stm

http://www.travelnortheast.co.uk/news/st...Today.html

Indeed so - don't think I'd made note of the first link but certainly made a note of the latter in one of my previous posts regarding the strike. :p

Looked at a few that I didn't post and they all seemed to be saying the same thing really though!

GNE have posted on a post today about the strike.. more info will be given tommorow (11.3.13), for strike action.

The post.

When will there be strike action? What bus services will be affected

Go North East: There will be a update on this matter on Monday.

I really hope stagecoach don't strike, im at work early this week -.-

-----
Has anyone got a leaflet for the X3 changes, its not included in the North Sunderland one but the 9 is, don't know if the X3 will have a separate leaflet.

(10 Mar 2013, 4:14 pm)Michael wrote GNE have posted on a post today about the strike.. more info will be given tommorow (11.3.13), for strike action.

The post.

When will there be strike action? What bus services will be affected

Go North East: There will be a update on this matter on Monday.

I really hope stagecoach don't strike, im at work early this week -.-

-----
Has anyone got a leaflet for the X3 changes, its not included in the North Sunderland one but the 9 is, don't know if the X3 will have a separate leaflet.

I haven't seen the North Sunderland consultation, but it would make sense to have a separate leaflet for changes to 9 and X3. You say the 9 is mentioned in the North Sunderland leaflet about it increasing to every 20 minutes to cover for loss of 26, but perhaps there are further changes planned that would not impact residents of North Sunderland. Maybe changes are planned for North Tyneside too. I struggle to see how a 20 minute service to/from North Shields could be justified when the half hourly service seems to suit fine.

I plan on doing the 9, 26 then 36 on my way back home tomorrow again, so I'll see if there are different leaflets out on the buses.

[/quote]
I haven't seen the North Sunderland consultation, but it would make sense to have a separate leaflet for changes to 9 and X3. You say the 9 is mentioned in the North Sunderland leaflet about it increasing to every 20 minutes to cover for loss of 26, but perhaps there are further changes planned that would not impact residents of North Sunderland. Maybe changes are planned for North Tyneside too. I struggle to see how a 20 minute service to/from North Shields could be justified when the half hourly service seems to suit fine.

I plan on doing the 9, 26 then 36 on my way back home tomorrow again, so I'll see if there are different leaflets out on the buses.
[/quote]

Same but tbh i just think GNE want to brand the 9 so they increasing the PRV haha

Im trying to work out the PVR for the proposed services.

So far it looks like AND these are just my guesses, sorry i know its far to early but im bored, its a Sunday.

9 - 6 Buses PRV, unless thier are other changes past Jarrow, nothing is confirmed yet.

26 - will drop to 3 PVR - Hope this means it will get good buses, if its changing.

36 - Will take around 1 hour (a guess) every 30 mins on a loop, after the enterprise park it will go towards B&Q and enter the town from Green Terrance (my guess) - 3 buses, just to be safe.

36 on peak times - Can see it increasing to 4, depending on what they class as peak time buses and that PVR.

X36 - 4 buses

99 - Probleys be sticking to its 4 PRV

X3 - No idea what is happening.

'North Tyne Links' 517 on the 17 back in 2012 as seen here

The leaflet I picked up the 2C titled "Sunderland Bus Briefing" is for Sunderland/Houghton and Seaham Areas.

It includes information for the following services

38/38A/38B
65
202
203
238
And the new X7

There nothing about the 9/X3/99/26/36 and the new X36 at all. Which I don't understand considering these services operate in the Sunderland Area

(10 Mar 2013, 5:42 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote The leaflet I picked up the 2C titled "Sunderland Bus Briefing" is for Sunderland/Houghton and Seaham Areas.

It includes information for the following services

38/38A/38B
65
202
203
238
And the new X7

There nothing about the 9/X3/99/26/36 and the new X36 at all. Which I don't understand considering these services operate in the Sunderland Area

There not out on buses yet, they should of being on the effected services from last Thursday.. but doesn't look they are, shame they not doing it online now.

(10 Mar 2013, 5:42 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote The leaflet I picked up the 2C titled "Sunderland Bus Briefing" is for Sunderland/Houghton and Seaham Areas.

It includes information for the following services

38/38A/38B
65
202
203
238
And the new X7

There nothing about the 9/X3/99/26/36 and the new X36 at all. Which I don't understand considering these services operate in the Sunderland Area

The difference between a "Bus Briefing" leaflet and a "Customer Consultation" leaflet is simple... With the former, you're letting customers know of the result of a Customer Consultation - which services are going to be changed as a result of the consultations recently held.
With the latter, you're asking passengers to fill out a poll on upcoming service changes - what is the customer's opinion on something happening that could potentially affect them?

Something past, something future - that's the difference in short. The first bunch of services you mentioned are all part of the "Bus Briefing" leaflet because changes have occurred as a result of a "Customer Consultation". The other bunch are all services that will be affected as a result of the questions asked and the results received by GNE. Those services aren't subject to change by 26th March, as the others are.

A scan of the leaflet you spoke of can be seen here.

(10 Mar 2013, 3:13 pm)Daniel wrote I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

The 09 strike was fairly minor to be fair Daniel.

You probably weren't born () but the last major strike was in the 90s and lasted quite a long time!

Nexus may contract out the secured services and bill GNE but it's not easy to find a fleet of buses/drivers to do things. It's more complicated than it's worth.

(10 Mar 2013, 6:55 pm)gtomlinson wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 3:13 pm)Daniel wrote I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

The 09 strike was fairly minor to be fair Daniel.

You probably weren't born () but the last major strike was in the 90s and lasted quite a long time!

Nexus may contract out the secured services and bill GNE but it's not easy to find a fleet of buses/drivers to do things. It's more complicated than it's worth.

Wasn't that strike in the 90's like a good couple of weeks or something? I think the late Peter Huntley once said in the Buses and Coaches magazine that it nearly killed the company.

(10 Mar 2013, 6:55 pm)gtomlinson wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 3:13 pm)Daniel wrote I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

The 09 strike was fairly minor to be fair Daniel.

You probably weren't born () but the last major strike was in the 90s and lasted quite a long time!

Nexus may contract out the secured services and bill GNE but it's not easy to find a fleet of buses/drivers to do things. It's more complicated than it's worth.

wasnt it after the first week of Go ahead Northern strike that other bus companies started to run bus services on Northern routes?.

(10 Mar 2013, 6:55 pm)gtomlinson wrote You probably weren't born () but the last major strike was in the 90s and lasted quite a long time!

fuuu

If it were pre-97, then I wouldn't have even been alive.
If it were during or after '97, then I would have been - just far too young to remember! Am tempted to ask my mam later this evening though. She tends to remember all of the bus going ons from when I was young - no idea why as she has no interest in the hobby whatsoever!

The 1990's strike lasted approx 6 weeks. In Washington, Calvary Coaches took on the 294 (Harraton to Heworth) commercially and extra TW PTE work, 297 Heworth to Brady square, 444 scholars and 538 evenings. OK travel ran the 194 commercially and Sunderland Busways the 186.

Wonder if our Bygone Era section has any of these timetables..!

Braaannnddoooonnnnnn? Chriiiiiissssss?! :p

(10 Mar 2013, 7:01 pm)cbma06 wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 6:55 pm)gtomlinson wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 3:13 pm)Daniel wrote I don't know if, in 2009 (the strike that I mentioned above), drivers were temporarily brought over from other depots to cover for those striking or not, but it seems an approximation of a Sunday service was being covered that day?
Obviously won't be possible to have a Sunday service if that was the case, as all depots are affected this time around.

The 09 strike was fairly minor to be fair Daniel.

You probably weren't born () but the last major strike was in the 90s and lasted quite a long time!

Nexus may contract out the secured services and bill GNE but it's not easy to find a fleet of buses/drivers to do things. It's more complicated than it's worth.

wasnt it after the first week of Go ahead Northern strike that other bus companies started to run bus services on Northern routes?.

I don't think it was even a week for most. Remember OK Travel using AEC Reliance and manual gearbox leopards on the 194 before the DAFs arrived

(10 Mar 2013, 7:15 pm)Daniel wrote Wonder if our Bygone Era section has any of these timetables..!

Braaannnddoooonnnnnn? Chriiiiiissssss?! :p

I dont think any timetables got produced for different operators running Go Ahead Northern routes, i remember the picket line outside of Park lane depot, and passengers were giving them grieve, i remember busways just purchased those blue and cream bexy buses, and there used to be 2 buses on the 126 one which was the bexy bus and other was newcastle busways atlantean, same go for the 535, i think before other operators started to run some of northern services, passengers were having to get taxis, i bet busways made a substanial profit

(10 Mar 2013, 7:23 pm)cbma06 wrote

(10 Mar 2013, 7:15 pm)Daniel wrote Wonder if our Bygone Era section has any of these timetables..!

Braaannnddoooonnnnnn? Chriiiiiissssss?! :p

I dont think any timetables got produced for different operators running Go Ahead Northern routes, i remember the picket line outside of Park lane depot, and passengers were giving them grieve, i remember busways just purchased those blue and cream bexy buses, and there used to be 2 buses on the 126 one which was the bexy bus and other was newcastle busways atlantean, same go for the 535, i think before other operators started to run some of northern services, passengers were having to get taxis, i bet busways made a substanial profit

Ah, that's a shame... Was hoping we could have a visual element from the 90s!

GNE will release strike disruption details at 2pm but confirmed what we knew. Going ahead

Just got back home to be welcomed with a letter!

From GNE, with the consultations attached. No reply to my e-mail, so they didn't even get my address that way... Must have had it from a previous occasion or something!

Will scan them in soon - not due back at school until 3!

Services 9 & X3 Consultation
June 2013

Front Cover -
[attachment=4373]

Briefing text -
[attachment=4374]

Map -
[attachment=4375]

Questions -
[attachment=4376]


Sunderland North Consultation (Services 26, 36 and 99)
June 2013

Front Cover -
[attachment=4377]

Briefing text -
[attachment=4378]

Map -
[attachment=4379]

Questions -
[attachment=4380]

Late on Friday afternoon (8 March) we received notification from the Regional Full Time Officer for the UNITE trade union that a ballot of their members at Go North East has resulted in a decision to take strike action on Friday 15th, Monday 18th March and Saturday 23rd March.

This follows a rejection of an offer to improve pay by 4.5 per cent.

More than 970 of our 1,645 drivers did not wish to support strike action, either by voting against a strike or by not voting at all. Go North East considers the decision to proceed with strike action a matter of great concern and we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption for passengers.

Every effort will be made to run as many services as possible and priority will be given to running services for schools. We are contacting schools today following advice to the local authorities to whom we are contracted for these services, and we are also prioritising services for other contractors such as Npower, Cobalt and the NHS Trust at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

We anticipate being able to operate a number of other services and will provide a network of skeleton services across the areas of the region that we serve. A full list will be posted on our website tomorrow morning (Tuesday 12 March) and we will continue to update this throughout the week. However, at this stage we have to recognise that there will be severe disruption for most Go North East customers and would recommend giving consideration to making alternative travel arrangements for the days on which strikes are planned.

We will do everything we can to prevent or minimise the disruption so customers are asked to please keep checking the Go North East website or social network feeds for detailed updates. We will be emailing customers with details of a reduction in smart card ticket prices to compensate for lost days and reducing weekly ticket prices on our buses to do likewise following the planned strike action. Further details will be announced shortly.

Source: www.facebook.com/simplygne

4.5% is a good offer considering most people are taking paycuts or frozen pay for some time now. Regardless of how much profit GNE make it's the same for everyone.

The Union doesn't seem to have a mandate in my eyes with 58% not backing a strike.

They were never going to get great public support but during the current climate, even less so.

(11 Mar 2013, 2:54 pm)Daniel wrote

Late on Friday afternoon (8 March) we received notification from the Regional Full Time Officer for the UNITE trade union that a ballot of their members at Go North East has resulted in a decision to take strike action on Friday 15th, Monday 18th March and Saturday 23rd March.

This follows a rejection of an offer to improve pay by 4.5 per cent.

More than 970 of our 1,645 drivers did not wish to support strike action, either by voting against a strike or by not voting at all.

I'm sure GNE will be able to operate a full service, even if Drivers have to Continue on for an extra Hour or so, although I think Bus Drivers are only allowed on the road for 3 hours at any time before having a break, although if there is heavy delays to services some may stretch to 4 in a bit hours. Plus the fact there is over 600 buses in fleet.

I say let those who are not bothered come to work as normal, basically the 970 drivers who chose not to vote. even if that means operating services e.g.

X1/M1/20/56/2A/2C/21/X66/43/44/45/46 etc at a reduced every 15-20 minute frequency.

Go North East has identified with partners its priorities for services to be operated during the forthcoming driver strikes on Friday 15 and Monday 18 March.

These are:
Schools contracted journeys (journeys that serve schools that are not under contract i.e. regular service buses, cannot be guaranteed at this stage)

Other contracted services for Northumberland County Council, Durham County Council, and Nexus with Sunderland Connect and Quaylink given highest priority.

Npower, Cobalt and Queen Elizabeth Hospital contacted services.

In addition a limited service between 7 am and 7pm is planned on the following Go North East commercial services:

Angel 21 between Durham, Chester le Street and Newcastle
Fab 56 between Sunderland, Concord and Newcastle
Simplicity 42 between Silksworth and Sunderland
Red Arrows X1 between Easington Lane and Newcastle
Crusader 27 between South Shields and Newcastle
Diamond 43/44 between Durham, Stanley, Metrocentre and Newcastle
Citylink 58 between Newcastle and Heworth
Cobalt Clipper 309/310 between North Shields and Whitley Bay to Newcastle
TEN between Hexham and Newcastle
Metrolink M1 Fallowfield to Heworth
Prince Bishops 20A Sunderland to Durham via NPower
Red Kite 45 between Consett, Rowlands Gill, Metrocentre and Newcastle
Toonlink 47 between Blackhall Mill, Chopwell, High Spen, Rowlands Gill and Metrocentre
Blaydon Racers 48/49 between Winlaton, Blaydon, Metrocentre and Gateshead
Saltwell Park 53/54 to Newcastle and Gateshead
X66 Gateshead to Metrocentre
Silver Arrows 2A/2C Washington Galleries to Sunderland
Drifter 60 Seaham Parkside to Sunderland
Metrocentre S1 circular

More details will follow ahead of Friday.

Source: www.facebook.com/simplygne

No surprise on those routes, they must have a fair commital of drivers to take the job on.

Almost looks like a Boxing Day schedule

Dont't know if it was true, but after the strike in the 90's, the story was that by setting up Wear Buses, Vfm, Go Gateshead etc - then unions wouldn't be able to have another walk out.

Some of the vehicles OK were using during that strike were ancient - at the time I hadn't seen anything like them before. I remember an old single decker appearing that was still knocking about into the mid-90's on scholar work in Washington!

With regard to this strike, I have been saying for a long time, that GNE are clearly only looking out for their shareholders. Passengers aren't at the top of their priorities and their staff obviously feel like they are being ignored too.
Services have been axed, fares have been increased beyond inflation, wages haven't...
4.5% over two years on an £18k salary (to take it upto 19k) is nothing to a multimillion pound organisation like Go-ahead who apparently aim to increase group wide profits by 200%!
Agreeing/disagreeing whether strike action is correct, is another thing, but the drivers obviously feel this is their only way.