(25 Jun 2022, 4:03 pm)Adrian wrote When I've been out and about today (and to be honest, the whole of this week), its more noticeable than ever just how sick of these disruptions the public are getting.There seems to have been at least 5 or 6 buses parked at Chester-Le-Street almost all day today (different buses as time has gone by, South Burns or down the side of GW Horners) with large gaps appearing in the 21 (not helped by missing X21s, where the last 4 departures from Newcastle are cancelled).
I've seen multiple instances of drivers getting it in the neck from irate customers, both on the bus and whilst they're waiting to take a bus on (e.g. at Chester front street). Whilst I think its bang out of order the way some customers talk to drivers, I think its sadly becoming inevitable due to the amount of disruption.
There's also more and more people complaining about it in conversation, e.g. when I'm on board or waiting for a bus. A 56 I used earlier, apparently the one prior didnt turn up, the one after was cancelled, and the one we boarded was being cut short at Gateshead. Is this the active regulation that Martijn Gilbert referenced on twitter?
I wonder just how much these operators, and I know its not just GNE, are shooting themselves in the foot right now. As I've said before, why would anyone switch to bus, unless you like ending up pissed off?
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I Didn’t see much “active regulation” taking place, and no “short notice” cancellations list for the 21, although Twitter followers were told at 1146 that “Due to operational issues you wait longer than usual for your vehicle heading into Newcastle on service 21, we apologise for any inconvenience”.
It’s unfortunate that GNE continues to compete with Arriva between Durham and Brandon & Bishop and West Auckland whilst the service where passengers don’t have a choice is so poor.