(19 Jun 2023, 11:03 am)Andreos1 wrote 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.
This made me laugh out loud. Love it! Totally agree mind! It's the same with supermarkets etc these days. They use the stories reported in the news as an excuse to hike up prices, yet they have no problem building and opening new stores all the time and expanding further.Another thing I've thought about which I can't understand is the price of ticketing. For example, my Sister-in-Law lives in Lambton and if she wants to take my nieces to soft play in Concord it costs more to use the 50 which is a more direct route. Yet when the 83/84 went through Lambton, it cost less to go to Concord yet it went through Biddick, Brady Square, Barmston and Peel Retail Park. Interesting to note that the 50 is the only service to Concord from Lambton now! Maximising profits while incurring less costs! Like any of us if she had a car she would go the most direct route and use less fuel, and pay less money. Don't understand the logic here but no doubt there will be some "reason". No wonder the car wins every time but yet people will be blamed for the "climate crisis" as a result! I'm sure these bus companies and haulage companies get fuel cheaper as well. In 1997 I remember lorries blocking petrol stations and fuel depots out of protest. Interesting how that never happens now, despite the fuel prices reaching ridiculous levels last year! They must think people are stupid.
(19 Jun 2023, 5:49 pm)Ambassador wrote It’s hardly surprising though is it Andreos? Cheap internal promotions to key roles maintaining the unwanted consistency, no direct MD, endless PR faux pas, a growing reliance on PTE contracts and handouts and non existent customer service.
It’s the unloved stepchild of the Go Ahead group these days.
I completely agree with you.
(20 Jun 2023, 11:36 pm)Storx wrote The trains got increased to 3 trains per hour at the same time. There's just no demand for 3 buses and 3 trains doing the same journey.
I know some will say they wouldn't walk to the train station but anyone with that mindset would use the 685 as it stops closer to people's doors. The bus station is in the middle of nowhere aswell.
Trains increased by 30k people at Hexham in 2019/20. The new buses were very much a fightback against them but failed miserable as anyone with sense wouldn't choose a bus that takes twice as long, not to mention on the trains you get an added bonus with the Metro Centre aswell.
Also the Pacers got withdrawn so all those 'benefits' of using the bus ie tables etc were gone as Class 156 and Class 158's both have them aswell with much more space.
This is an interesting point. How come the demand for the likes of the Metro and light rail network is always so high and yet the bus industry is falling further behind? The Metros in the morning are often rammed, particularly towards Newcastle. In a lot of ways I fear for the bus industry if the metro was ever to expand into the likes of Washington etc.