(27 Mar 2014, 10:32 pm)Dan wrote The timetable links in with punctuality which in turn links in with reliability. Reliability can be recorded internally by regularly assessing lost mileage. Why do Arriva need to ask passengers about this?

I can understand why Vehicle Type/Condition has been included, but again, it goes without saying that most customers will know their service has been upgraded without the need to consult. Again, newer buses should mean that the service is more reliable.

For me, Length of Journey Time/Destination Options is the only really useful thing. I'm assuming that the survey doesn't allow for this to happen as it seems far too idealistic, but if I ticked the negative box for one of those two things - it would be good if there was a follow up question with something along the lines of:
"We have thought of a number of things to improve [destination options]. Please refer to the maps below. Do you think re-routing service 27 via Route A, B or C would be a good idea?"
Of course you'd include a 'None' box too, but you get my drift... Shows the company have put thought into it and are willing to adapt the route if a large number of respondants are in favour of changes to the route.

Why bother? They are asking what the customers think about the changes, not giving them a choice over future plans. Likely any planned changes are actually in the planning stages right now and they are consulting people to see what exactly could be done rather than 'right, here's what we want to do, what do you think?'. I honestly prefer the way Arriva are handing it, they are giving the customers a significant part in designing the routes and timetables rather than only getting a say in something that's already been planned.

The service I chose to get those screenshots (17 Middlesbrough - Ingleby Barwick/Eaglescliffe) hasn't really had a vehicle upgrade in a way - it's been Cadet/Prestige worked for the last few years and remains so at present apart from a certain number of journeys working off other duties (last trip Monday-Friday is on the end of a 9 board so should be Pulsar worked but mixes between Cadet and Pulsar). The service that should get the most negative remarks over vehicles should be the 29/29a services as they have, on paper, gone from Pulsars and Cadets to Prestiges (although all 3 types are turning up on there regularly).