(16 Aug 2021, 8:36 pm)L469 YVK wrote
- But what about the "next generation" of bus users in SE Northumberland also taking into account the ABTRL? If they keep experiencing a Gemini in limp mode or a sub-standard B7TL deputising or constantly getting chased by the bus behind due to late running, they're going to be more tempted towards alternative modes of transport. Again, short term vs long term.
I'm not sure how every discussion on a GNE thread ends up being about VDL Gemini's on Blyth express work.
The Blyth and Tyne line, imo, will have sod all impact on the ANE services into Newcastle from Blyth. They're already talking about cutting the Bebside station before the thing gets off the ground, so realistically everyone from Blyth is getting a bus to Newsham anyway - at which point you may as well just stay on it?
I hate to break it to you, but new vehicles have issues too. E400 MMCs not restarting at stops and whatever is going on with the X1 Streetdecks as two examples - both of which are arguably more noticeable than a VDL being in limp mode (which I've not had for a long time, and even then it wasn't horrendous). Then we get to "a B7TL deputising" - may I point you towards the Omnidekkas on the X21, there were 2 or 3 on there today.
This post isn't meant to paint ANE as some sort of angelic operator, every company has their flaws and I've been more than critical of ANE on investment in the past, but even if it was it doesn't even begin to balance out the swathes of constant negativity towards them - and remember, as has been pointed out on social media a fair bit recently, folk who work for them do read these posts and I don't imagine it's exactly motivating.