Thought this may interest some on here. I attended an HR get together Cobalt .and here’s some summarised feedback (disclaimer I have no idea if this is shared with operators or not)

Majority of colleagues remain on hybrid with 1/2 days in office being the average norm. it was felt ticketing options didn’t really address this but acknowledged the new pricing was a positive in terms of day rovers. 

Issues with the. 19 running early or observing the wrong stop, GCT also not accepting the Cobalt free travel zone (which covers the park essentially). Some speeding around the bus gate area was reported 

Feedback that 22X is better served as a decker and colleagues prefer the morning run as the competing X39 has too many stops in comparison.

Feedback that the 22X terminus/waiting point at Market St isn’t convenient for other connections, could this be reviewed or the waiting time removed

Negative feedback on the admittedly limited use of single deckers on the X39 and general time keeping of the service, Quality of buses on the route was a sticking point but overwhelming positive comments about the drivers attitude and service  on the service. Ambassador suggested a note was sent to GNE to relay this feedback around driving team

Reintroduction of the 16.38 service was positive but Stagecoach and GNE expresses are bunched together. Could timing be reviewed to provide a more stable regular express to town

90% of colleagues said they’d stay late or work longer to avoid using a non express bus to Newcastle.

Interior layout, WiFi and charge points was listed as a low priority


As I say,  nothing new or astounding here but thought it might interest folk and we all know we love a coast road service on here