(18 Jun 2023, 6:35 pm)Washingtonian wrote That's shocking if true and just proves they aren't interested in people's opinions. If GNE and the other operators really care about what people think then why don't they conduct a survey in the form of a questionnaire online asking everyone what would make the bus a more attractive option, where they'd like to go, and how often they'd likely use the bus etc They could then base services around the results and it shouldn't cost much for them to do if it's all done via the website or something. I know they've had surveys before but only to give people options A or B rather than asking them what they'd really want.
Exactly and the modelling system is clarity not working anymore. It's time for them to find new ways of market research.
Completely agree about the retail parks etc. A lot of them are massively under served and it's the same with a lot of the new housing estates, business parks and leisure facilities.
The inability of operators to future proof their work, baffles me.
Whether it's the inability to disaster plan effectively or actually be proactive about operations and find out what passengers (current, previous or potential) need, want or expect.
We keep seeing the finger being pointed at Covid. Whether lockdown was right or wrong is irrelevant. Whether it's a pandemic or war, there's inevitably going to be a negative impact and it's clear these multi-million pound, multi-national PLC's didn't forsee or think about how to mitigate the effect both short term or long term.
Other than dusting off the begging bowl.
Scary.
Mind, I'm sure they've got a nuclear bomb proof bunker to keep that begging bowl safe.
As soon as the dust settles following a Putin bombing mission, that bowl will be out and an Oscar winning performance of Oliver will be put on.
Meanwhile, despite the population of the North East being displaced or indeed dead, that Durham Road, Coast Road and Great North Road corridor will be back to full operational strength before we know it.