(06 Dec 2022, 2:47 pm)F114TML wrote It's been years since I've heard a radio on a GNE bus (probably all done via the ticket machine now). We could radio up control and ask, but I'd only do it if the passenger is being particularly forceful - often being sympathetic (easy for me to do as I once spent an hour waiting for a 61; this was before the July reductions), explaining it's likely because there's no driver for it coupled with an apology does the trick.
Fair enough. I just remember back to when me and the crocodile were wafting for a 21 to low fell from Durham. It was back when the 21 was run by the electric hybred buses. We waited hours, no lie. at least 3 21 turned up and immediately put no is service on. I asked several drivers if the knew or could find out what the crack was and got excuse after excuse. radio not working, don't know how to use it, no one at control were all said to me more that once. when on came in it left the bus station full and left punter behind. Still to this day don't know what caused it.
I just think of the grief i'd get from upstairs if a customer asked me about something and i just shrugged my shoulders.... i'd be for the chop!