(05 Jun 2023, 6:06 pm)Drifter60 wrote Yeah I actually feel constant social media disruption posts, particular on platforms like Facebook, aren’t particularly good ways to market your product. Not to mention the constant posting doesn’t necessarily suit the algorithm of these platforms either, which means key information gets buried away.

There’s arguments that Twitter is different beast, but still you have the issue which Streetdeckfan alludes to that the perception is buses are constantly late, services cancelled etc - and even for those using buses daily, who may need to check for updates, it is rather tiresome as someone in Shotley Bridge doesn’t need to know about the cancelled 206 around Hutton Henry.

That been said the disruptions need to be available for passengers, so as long as the app and website have those details available in an easy to digest format, then it’s job done. If there was a major disruption, then perhaps a social media maybe warranted on a case by case basis. If you look at the social media feeds now, there’s posts that actually look positive about the product, ticketing deals, summer services and tourism and leisure opportunities. That’s got a better perception that X isn’t running, X is late by 10 minutes etc. I also think the recent posts remaining customers about the 65 & 8 increased to half hourly again is a good move too. For too long, marketing at GNE has been stifled.

I've made the point before and will make it again. 

Operators push for passengers to use the app. 
They offer discounts for tickets bought on the app. 
They extol the virtues of these apps.

They don't use all of the data in it to allow for push messages though. 
That personalised, individualised approach that makes a customer feel valued. 
Discounts, reminders of a service, promotional messaging... 

If the fast food places can do it, then an operator can do it. Plus they can throw in the odd tailored message about service disruption.