(04 Aug 2014, 6:51 pm)Dan wrote Based on my own sightings and photographs I've seen over the past few days since the demonstrator Merc entered service, I'm guessing you chose to put this in the Go North East section of the forum because you've seen someone run out to get a photo of it... We've discussed this topic at length in this thread, so I've chosen to move it here.
To add my input to this discussion, several photographs have appeared online from more 'well respected' enthusiasts - one of whom you jointly manage a Flickr photostream with - committing the same crime, as it were. I can only imagine that you were disappointed to see those too?
Gateshead Interchange:
https://flic.kr/p/oxPXSQ
MetroCentre:
https://flic.kr/p/ohekPb
https://flic.kr/p/ohekZw
I wouldn't suggest that bus companies do have a problem with enthusiasts. Some ignorant, narrow-minded drivers do, but that's their opinion, and that can't be changed. The companies themselves certainly don't. I know many of us are in contact with members of staff who are employed by 'the big three', and surely if these companies had an issue with enthusiasts, they'd ignore any messages or e-mails sent by enthusiasts?
Nexus doesn't have an issue with enthusiasts taking photographs from safe designated places. They have an issue because enthusiasts choose not to follow these guidelines - but the problem is that there's nothing which actually addresses where photographs can and cannot be taken, and bus station supervisors have to converse with enthusiasts instead. If Nexus (and other parties) took the opportunity to be more enthusiast-friendly by having a section on their website or sticking posters up, perhaps enthusiasts would start listening to what they want...
It's OK if Steven Hodgson does it though.
You're right about Nexus though. The latest I've had is that the stance remains that they'll assist enthusiasts in finding a safe and suitable place to take photos from, but they won't tolerate stupid behaviour, trespass, nor those taking a photo at the expense of the experience of customers using the bus station.
I reckon the only way Nexus will ever change their policy is if people started to respect the rules. No photo is worth standing in a daft place to get, and in any case, the bus doesn't just do circles around a bus station so go and find somewhere else along the route to take that 'exclusive' shot.