(11 Apr 2024, 8:48 pm)Ambassador wrote 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
Must admit, I'm still surprised there's not been more of a push to get a proper service to Northumberland Park (ie 22 extension).
It seems a much quicker and easier journey time, even if you had to change twice than pissing about at Market Street, Haymarket or wherever. Like Gateshead is only 23 minutes on the Metro to Gateshead, say a 10 minute interchange at Northumberland Park (if you had a 10 minute service), you're looking at 38 minutes. Much more competitive than a bus which gets stuck at Corner House etc.
Always seems a missed opportunity to me, the 19's at peak times when they used to be every 15 minutes always seemed quite busy whenever I seen them pulling in. Crazy how bad the connection is from the biggest business park in the UK to the Metro system is considering it's only a mile between them.