Also, in Trent's defense, of the two comments he made previously (that morning), one was actually in praise of a driver who provided him with assistance (although I'm doubtful of some of the story itself), and the other was a general comment about the heating on the bus he regularly catches. I would hardly label that as 'spamming'.

https://www.facebook.com/215880875709/ti...story?ut=2&hash=-6643923480320889293&wstart=0&wend=1372661999&ustart&_mn_=17&refid=17

I bet people have fun and games submitting ideas for this!

http://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts/...6291155710

Dunno who that Leyland Olympian fella is, but his replies are almost as good as his namesake bus!

Mr Hignett would clearly argue that black is white.

(19 Jun 2013, 4:46 pm)Andreos1 wrote https://www.facebook.com/215880875709/ti...story?ut=2&hash=-6643923480320889293&wstart=0&wend=1372661999&ustart&_mn_=17&refid=17

I bet people have fun and games submitting ideas for this!

As expected, some cracking tales emerging for the centenary guestbook:

Gill Brierley: 194 many years ago i was still a kid... The bus pulling up at the galleries washington at end of night, parking up and other end of bus station alongside other parked buses, driver forgot where his brakes were i think as he crashed into the parked bus infront and the windows fell out haha Ooops!!!!
Saturday at 14:11 via mobile · Like

Faye Harrison: One time a homeless lady had a wee in the middle of the aisle on the M1. It ran all the way down to the front of the bus.
Saturday at 17:47 via mobile · Like

Craig Anderson: I can remember being on a 532 bus in 2002/2003 and on Sunderland road outside the duke of Cumberland pub the engine bay burst into flames , lot of panic ensued and the bus driver was a true hero in evacuating passengers , the bus was a write off , quite scary looking back now
11 hours ago via mobile · Like

and, rather surprisingly, a love story!

Mark Gleave: I had to go to the same bus stop every working day. Ofton I would see the same girl and over a period of time I chatted to her and eventually asked her out. Within weeks we were living together an now 18 months later we have 2 weeks before we will be married. We at one point asked for a model of the 44 bus from go north east for our wedding cake but no go. We will now make plans to steal the bus shelter for the reception.
15 June at 11:23 via mobile · Like · 3

Wonder if either of these two send an email with their memories? www.closeronline.co.uk/RealLife/Reallifestories/i-cant-wait-to-marry-britains-worst-dad.aspx

Apparently he used to 'tooth' when he was on the buses.

Re the couple on the 44, thats a bit tight of GNE not sorting them a cake mind.

They're like two crows pecking at roadkill - one little sniff and they pounce!

Derek Sharp > Go North East 2 hours ago · does anyone on this "site" ever answer a question for a customer ? ive even sent you an e mail 3 days ago and still not had a reply.....the service just like the bus timetable is absolutely shocking......totally unimpressed... Like Tanya Cunningham likes this.

Go North East Hi Derek - yes, we respond to queries as efficiently as we can. I've also checked our e-mails and there's nothing in your name. What can I help you with? Like · 1 · 2 hours ago

Derek Sharp well I can assure you that I sent an e mail enquiry 3 days ago but someone has obviously deleted it Like · 2 hours ago

Go North East That's a very serious accusation to make, Derek. Can you please confirm which e-mail address it was sent to? Also, is there anything I can help you with on this
page? Like · 1 · 2 hours ago

Ian Hignett As it takes up to 5 days to get a reply from an email it is hardly surprising that you haven't had a reply. Like · 1 · 2 hours ago

Derek Sharp your right go north east it is a serious accusation to make and it is also a true one . surely in this day and age an email could be answered within the same day
at least. I have since deleted the email I sent as I got no reply from it after the first day and I tend to get at least 30 emails a day with my business but it was sent on monday at around 4-00 pm. too late now though
I needed the information for an important business meeting on Wednesday...... Like · 1 hour ago

Andy Clifford how is that possible checking cctv etc Like · 1 hour ago

Andy Clifford why delete it it would only go in your sent folder Edited · Like · 58 minutes ago

Ian Hignett As you haven't stated the nature of the original complaint, it will be unknown at this stage whether the matter would have had to be passed to another section for investigation. If this is the case it will
obviously take longer. I am at a loss to understand why you would delete an unanswered email, surely you keep it for reference until you get a reply. Like · 1 · 53 minutes ago

Derek Sharp ian hignett....it wasnt a complaint it was simply an enquiry as to the times of a particular bus route and the cost of a 3 zone day pass.....also i delete all emails
after a short time in order to prioritise my
day.......andy clifford what has cctv got to do with a simple e mail enquiry ??? Like · 3 minutes ago

Today -

Trent Chipchase
Service X66(5341) saw me and my mam running to get on at metrocentre shut his doors and drove off 2minutes earlier than he should have done
Like · · 19 minutes ago via BlackBerry

Go North East I'm sorry to hear that, Trent. Please use the following form so we can investigate this: www.simplygo.com/contactusform
17 minutes ago · Like

Trent Chipchase Your company is a joke! You can't run buses on time(that's if they even run), you make up excuses, don't deal with any querys prperly
15 minutes ago · Like

Go North East Trent, unfortunately if you want feedback there is very little that can be done instantly. This is something that will need to be investigated.
13 minutes ago · Like

Trent Chipchase Even when I've previously submitted a complaint I've had either no response or a response which is a FOB OFF
11 minutes ago · Like

Go North East I'm sorry you feel that way, Trent. As you were informed on a previous occasion when I checked our system, we have responded to everything we've received from you. If you can provide me with specific instances when you believe you haven't received a response I can certainly look into this further for you.

Also, if you're unhappy with a response you receive I'd advise writing to us quoting the reference number asking for it to be escalated to the customer services manager.

Always bitching and moaning about a little thing...

Not as bad as the woman a few days ago who complained the 96 "left 1 minute early!". Mind you, if I was a bus driver and I saw Trent, I'd probably drive away to avoid his many complaints!

It is guaranteed the same faces will appear on that wall every day.

The same person will complain.

The same person will have a query about a ticket or service

The same two people will stick their oar in and stir the pot, defending GNE to the hilt.
I wonder what GNE would have to do for the two in question to change their minds and start ageeing with passengers over the bus company.

Yeah, there's a few keyboard warriors on the GNE facebook site!

Although I don't use Arriva, I thought the 'Arriva bod' was brilliant on their facebook page. He had a bit of banter, and was genuinely funny at times.

Ironically, he now works for GNE but sadly doesn't appear to go near their facebook page. Can't say I blame him!

(09 Jul 2013, 12:15 pm)Chris wrote Yeah, there's a few keyboard warriors on the GNE facebook site!

Although I don't use Arriva, I thought the 'Arriva bod' was brilliant on their facebook page. He had a bit of banter, and was genuinely funny at times.

Ironically, he now works for GNE but sadly doesn't appear to go near their facebook page. Can't say I blame him!

Recently, the ex-Arriva bod has made a few appearances on GNE's Facebook page, usually pointing out how buses save you money against the cost of motoring.

I do agree that his patter is sorely missed on Arriva's Facebook page though.

Yeah, the 'Arriva Bod' made their page interact with their customers. Rather than come across so robotic. I'm surprised that GNE aren't using that strength if he's now employed by them, as they sure could use it!

(09 Jul 2013, 8:26 pm)aureolin wrote Yeah, the 'Arriva Bod' made their page interact with their customers. Rather than come across so robotic. I'm surprised that GNE aren't using that strength if he's now employed by them, as they sure could use it!

It's amazing how many more 'likes' Go North East get when they do something out of the ordinary, see linked posts:

http://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts/...4561535710
http://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts/...4815390710

Aside from posting under his real name, I'm pretty sure the Bod occasionally handles the odd page duty. Some GNE page posts, like the ones referred to by Daniel, seem to be less 'robotic' than others.

Ironically, back when Bod was managing the Facebook page, I used to complement upon his social media skills while criticising whomever was managing GNE's page for the lack of them. How times change!

He seems to be popping on, on an evening. Wonder if he is wanting the social media job back?

@Michael
Your mate has been back on the GNE FB page again!

Trent Chipchase > Go North East 3 hours ago via BlackBerry Smartphones App ·
What's the link for the (metro)facebook page please?
Like

Go North East > https://www.facebook.com/mymetrotw
Like · 3 hours ago

Trent Chipchase > Why's the metro not running today then?
Like · 3 hours ago

Go North East > I'd advise contacting them for info, Trent.
Like · 3 hours ago

Andy Clifford > asking gne might not work its due to power problems between heworth and gateshead
Like · 3 hours ago

Trent Chipchase > Sure! Thanks
Like · 3 hours ago

Trent Chipchase > ANDY the driver on 24(4904) said it was due to HOT
weather
Like · 3 hours ago

I know he irritates some; but to me at least he's entertaining. So here he is, Trent Chipchase, once again, taking GNE to task: https://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts...7384290710

Trent Chipchase
I on bus 27(4848 towards south shields he is bumping up and down all over the place
Like · · 7 hours ago via BlackBerry

Trent Chipchase Sorry I mean 4948
7 hours ago · Like

Trent Chipchase Had to get off and wait for next one was so bad. And another passenger had same complaint
6 hours ago · Like

Go North East I am sorry that you have felt uncomfortable on this bus. I have been informed that they have taken the bus off the road Jarrow
6 hours ago · Like

Trent Chipchase They haven't as by the time I reached jarrow the bus had passengers on, was letting more on and going to newcastke
5 hours ago · Like

Terrific!

I can't believe he's a real person, and not just someone on a fake account trolling. He's got a valid point in the above post, but most of the stuff he comes out with is utter crap.

(17 Aug 2013, 6:56 pm)aureolin wrote I can't believe he's a real person, and not just someone on a fake account trolling. He's got a valid point in the above post, but most of the stuff he comes out with is utter crap.

I think he makes quite a few valid points, however, they are usually hidden beneath other less poignant observations. For example, he is right to complain about the (apparent) consistent tardiness and heat experienced on the 24. But he doesn't need to state the same thing everyday. I think that's what annoys people the most. I will agree he does spout utter tripe at times, but, like the rest of us, he's just trying to get answers. He just doesn't go about it the right way.

(17 Aug 2013, 6:47 pm)AdamY wrote I know he irritates some; but to me at least he's entertaining. So here he is, Trent Chipchase, once again, taking GNE to task: https://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts...7384290710


Terrific!

The thing is, the vehicle did get changed over at Jarrow. It was replaced by 5310.

(17 Aug 2013, 7:09 pm)citaro5284 wrote The thing is, the vehicle did get changed over at Jarrow. It was replaced by 5310.

You're not doubting the benevolent tongue of Trent Chipchase are you? Sacrilege!

(17 Aug 2013, 7:08 pm)AdamY wrote I think he makes quite a few valid points, however, they are usually hidden beneath other less poignant observations. For example, he is right to complain about the (apparent) consistent tardiness and heat experienced on the 24. But he doesn't need to state the same thing everyday. I think that's what annoys people the most. I will agree he does spout utter tripe at times, but, like the rest of us, he's just trying to get answers. He just doesn't go about it the right way.

That's what makes me doubt that it's a real identity. If he was serious in his complaint he would just call them or email them. He should know by now that they're only going tell him to do that anyway.

(17 Aug 2013, 7:16 pm)aureolin wrote That's what makes me doubt that it's a real identity. If he was serious in his complaint he would just call them or email them. He should know by now that they're only going tell him to do that anyway.

I suppose the doubt surrounding his identity would, one day, make a great GNE based quiz question: 'Trent Chipcahse - True or False?'

(17 Aug 2013, 7:19 pm)AdamY wrote I suppose the doubt surrounding his identity would, one day, make a great GNE based quiz question: 'Trent Chipcahse - True or False?'

Just googled his name and he looks real!
Went to Cedars School and a few photos of him as a bairn on there.

Not sure where to post this so apologies if it's in the wrong place.

Does anyone know any good sources of printed copies of old Busways & Northern (in their various guises) timetables? I know they crop up occasionally on ebay but wondered if anyone knew of any other good places to pick some up. If anyone on here has any they want to sell (or trade - I have a decent range) drop me a message. Thanks.

I see our old friend Mr Hignett up to his old tricks again. Did anything ever come of the complaints forwarded to GNE from some forum members?

https://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts...4181485710

Tracey Passmore Was Sykes
is it right that a driver can stop ya takin on a push bike that ya just bought
Like · · 2 hours ago

Go North East Tracey, bicycles are only allowed on our Lime services, the 8, 78 and 78A.
2 hours ago · Like

Tracey Passmore Was Sykes so if ya go shoppin and buy a bike ya can not get on the bus home
2 hours ago · Like

Tracey Passmore Was Sykes was childs bike
2 hours ago · Like

Andy Clifford Would think the bike would be boxed or covered
2 hours ago · Like

Ian Hignett The only way that it could be carried is if it fits wholly in the luggage space and then it is still at the drivers' discretion.
2 hours ago · Like

Go North East No, you cannot take a bicycle on any other bus.
2 hours ago · Like

Tracey Passmore Was Sykes it was for grandson
2 hours ago · Like

Ian Hignett and that makes a difference does it?
2 hours ago · Like

Tracey Passmore Was Sykes @ian hignett did i ask your advise and i think your attitude is out of order
2 hours ago · Like · 2

Olga Bradley Get a taxi Tracey and DONT let any of those nasty ' go north east' drivers have a ride on your grandsons bike.
2 hours ago · Like · 1

Rachel Burke Hotandspicy I think its a disgrace the government go on that they want more people to use puvlic transportinstead of cars then when you try ya not allowed av seen plenty oi f ppl take bikes on the bus if theres no buggies or wheel chairs on !!!!
2 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1

Gary Thompson think Ian must be bus spotter
2 hours ago · Like

Joanne Stoker thats disgustin but u can take scooters on a bus x
about an hour ago via mobile · Like

Ian Hignett No, but you posted on a public forum and your seem to think that there should be an exception for your case.
5 minutes ago via mobile · Like

(18 Aug 2013, 10:21 am)Andreos1 wrote Just googled his name and he looks real!
Went to Cedars School and a few photos of him as a bairn on there.

aye it says he worked at P.C. World

(19 Aug 2013, 12:10 pm)AdamY wrote I see our old friend Mr Hignett up to his old tricks again. Did anything ever come of the complaints forwarded to GNE from some forum members?

https://www.facebook.com/simplyGNE/posts...4181485710

Nope. The response I got (without digging it out) was along the lines of any posts deemed offensive will be removed, but he's free to comment. I always say you shouldn't say on the Internet something you wouldn't say to their face. I guess he doesn't apply the same logic.

(19 Aug 2013, 5:03 pm)aureolin wrote Nope. The response I got (without digging it out) was along the lines of any posts deemed offensive will be removed, but he's free to comment. I always say you shouldn't say on the Internet something you wouldn't say to their face. I guess he doesn't apply the same logic.

I tend not to bother with the GNE facebook page anymore, I once made a comment about a bus leaving Dalton Park a few minutes early, I did so because an old lady missed the bus, didn't know who to mention it to, so, being the good person I know I can be, I told her I would raise it with GNE without making too much fuss, all I got was abuse along the lines of 'Don't you think GNE have more important things to worry about than a bus leaving 2 minutes early' erm well no, as a bus driver once told me 'you can have any excuse to be late, but no reason whatsoever to be running early, so I pretty much give up with the GNE Facebook Page or F**king Bulls**t page as I call it as tjat is what a lot of people talk on there