Deprecated: preg_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/northeas/public_html/forums/inc/functions.php on line 5739

Deprecated: preg_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/northeas/public_html/forums/inc/functions.php on line 5739
Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016 | North East Buses

Skip to main content

Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016

Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016

RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:31 am)Designline wrote It has been mention on a number of time that the 19 is going to have buses trialled on them. this will include enviro 200mmc optare solo sr wright streetlite and others

The 19 has Optare Solo SR on a night time and sunday workings as they need bigger through the day especially in the morning and evening going to ashington for workers from the cobalt
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 11:26 am)Michael wrote I wonder if this is the reason why some of the brand information hasn't been updated etc.

Looking forward to seeing it.

Some?!?!  Tongue
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(12 Aug 2016, 11:07 pm)Venturego wrote Tickets may just be far too complex for drivers and customers at large. I have traveled  through many European metropolitan areas, where in the main multi modal tickets are issued throughout the area/or a zonal fare scheme is imposed, albeit across all modes of transport within the area.
Contact less payment bank cards are now becoming more accepted with maximum daily fare caps guaranteed,
Example: From just outside Nexus area (e.g. Burnopfield) it's impossible to buy an affordable fare for Newcastle Airport - Actually is more expensive than a taxi ! - as GNE don't serve the Airport, although illustrated on Buzz fare zone map. Transfare expensive for return journey.

Fares should be simple to understand not only for regular users, but also for occasional travellers and visitors to the region.

I would also go further and propose a strong regional Corporate Branding with discreet sub-branding for key routes, only if necessary to be more  customers friendly.

A regional brand/logo across all modes of transport accepting multi-modal tickets would also be helpful to customers visiting the area (n.b. Geneva, Berlin, London, Paris etc...) whether it be Nexus, NECA, LA7 or something New?



Should this not be an opportunity for GNE and other operators to exploit?

Can I suggest using ex Nat Express coaches for truly express services from Teeside to Newcastle, then onward journey  to Airport, while connecting with local services in Newcastle with provision to use onward tickets to the Airport. Could be at slight premium / with luggage?

Coaches were a common use in 70's for premium express services with limited stops connecting with local services point of connection  e.g. Newcastle to / from Teesside (X1 Northern/United joint service), Consett to/from Sunderland (X6 Northern / sometimes SDO - Sunderland District Omnibus), Lanchester/ Greencroft to Ashington/Newbiggin (X30 Northern /United joint service)
Also seasonal Express Coach services to Scarborough via Whitby.

Thoughts?!





The issue with tickets has been discussed in the ANE thread previously. They have serious ticket option overkill, particularly on longer routes!

Regardless who the operator is, there is something wrong when passengers are explaining to drivers about what is and isn't accepted on a route.
'Illegitimis non carborundum'
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 12:01 pm)Andreos1 wrote The issue with tickets has been discussed in the ANE thread previously. They have serious ticket option overkill, particularly on longer routes!

Regardless who the operator is, there is something wrong when passengers are explaining to drivers about what is and isn't accepted on a route.

I had discussed with an Arriva driver before, and I think we counted double figures in the amount of daily/weekly/monthly ticketing options they have available on the X12. It's no wonder drivers get a bit confused by them.
Forum Moderator | Find NEB on facebook
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(12 Aug 2016, 11:45 am)South Tyne Lad wrote Had a miserable Chester-Le-Street soul driving a President on the 21 2 days ago refusing to let me on his 21 due to it being " A Metro Ticket " Even though It was a CAT Ticket which can be bought from either the Metro or Bus and is valid on both aswell as the Ferry and Rail.

His second excuse was that it had " A, B and C on the ticket " Which is printed on all CAT Tickets issued on the Metro, Common Sense is that A,B and C is all Zones on a Metro ticket...

He said he'd let me on just this once but if he seen me again he wouldn't let me on.

Are Drivers seriously this undertrained on Tickets? The CAT is used by nearly every child in Tyne and Wear.

Could the driver not have just contacted control on his radio to check the validity of the ticket?
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 9:53 am)JP6004 wrote NE14NE1: London is London, our cities are nowhere near that size. The main purpose of them having centre doors is so people can alight quicker and board faster due to the short journeys they make. Up here, we tend to travel more than 5-10mins on a bus. I think the single doors do just fine.
Also, I would personally like to live in a non mono-colour world  Tongue

The size of the city doesn't make much difference. Go Ahead Brighton and Hove have just purchased new dual door deckers for their service 1 I believe.
When the 3 door artic Citaros were on the Citylink and they opened all 3 doors for people to alight at Civic Centre/Uni of Northumbria & John Dobson St, the idle times were reduced as people could quickly pour out of the bus. And people boarding could do so right from the off rather than waiting for everyone to alight first.

I do see the benefits of route branding, as a local for example can easily identify their bus. However any new customers or visitors wouldn't have a clue as to who operates what and which ticket they'd need. And why should they need to know? Public transport should be easy and convenient. 
Ideally Mr & Mrs Bloggs visiting Newcastle/the North East could come out of Central Station, board a generic 'local bus' & buy a day ticket. If all the buses have a regional brand and all accept a regional ticket/card then there is no confusion of which coloured bus they need or by whom its operated. 
On the Coast Rd I often overhear passengers boarding but being told they can't use their ticket/pass on that bus, and that they need to wait for 'the green bus' (Arriva). Or they ask the (Arriva) drivers things like 'Well which bus numbers are the Go North East ones?'.
Another example of possible confusion for visitors/new bus users, is that in Central Newcastle there are bus services number 1 (Stagecoach), 1 & 1A (Go Ahead's Coaster), Q1 (Go Ahead's Quaylink), and X1 (Go Ahead's Red Arrows), yet the services have no relation to each other!  Dodgy 


Anyway, thats enough ranting for one day.  Rolleyes
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 12:12 pm)Adrian wrote I had discussed with an Arriva driver before, and I think we counted double figures in the amount of daily/weekly/monthly ticketing options they have available on the X12. It's no wonder drivers get a bit confused by them.


I'm all for giving passengers choice, but I believe a simplified structure (whoever the operator is), would be of more benefit.
I imagine a driver on whatever number operates the new GNE service (11?) between North Tyneside and the Metrocentre will be pretty close to reaching double figures for ticket options on that route alone - never mind needing to know other options on other Riverside routes, such as the 27.
'Illegitimis non carborundum'
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(12 Aug 2016, 9:53 pm)Ambassador wrote I passed it at 18.50 with no fitter in sight, amazing they'd leave it that long!

Maybe someone at the depot was seeing if they could get away with ditching it once and for all!

It broke down a couple of weeks ago when I was coming home from work on it.  It doesn't seem to be the best of the bunch.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
Had the absolute displeasure of speaking with one of GNE customer care advisors today.

Not for the first time, utterly appalled at the attitude. Can see why the Facebook is so hopeless.

No idea who runs the customer service operation but I'd love their email. It's an awful awful service they provide. A driver would be disciplined for the lack of care they give
Wistfully stuck in the 90s
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 8:13 pm)Ambassador wrote Had the absolute displeasure of speaking with one of GNE customer care advisors today.

Not for the first time, utterly appalled at the attitude. Can see why the Facebook is so hopeless.

No idea who runs the customer service operation but I'd love their email. It's an awful awful service they provide. A driver would be disciplined for the lack of care they give

Had to speak to one not so long ago. Would've been easier discussing my ticket issue with a brick wall
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(12 Aug 2016, 11:07 pm)Venturego wrote Tickets may just be far too complex for drivers and customers at large. I have traveled  through many European metropolitan areas, where in the main multi modal tickets are issued throughout the area/or a zonal fare scheme is imposed, albeit across all modes of transport within the area.
Contact less payment bank cards are now becoming more accepted with maximum daily fare caps guaranteed,
Example: From just outside Nexus area (e.g. Burnopfield) it's impossible to buy an affordable fare for Newcastle Airport - Actually is more expensive than a taxi ! - as GNE don't serve the Airport, although illustrated on Buzz fare zone map. Transfare expensive for return journey.

Fares should be simple to understand not only for regular users, but also for occasional travellers and visitors to the region.

I would also go further and propose a strong regional Corporate Branding with discreet sub-branding for key routes, only if necessary to be more  customers friendly.

A regional brand/logo across all modes of transport accepting multi-modal tickets would also be helpful to customers visiting the area (n.b. Geneva, Berlin, London, Paris etc...) whether it be Nexus, NECA, LA7 or something New?



Should this not be an opportunity for GNE and other operators to exploit?

Can I suggest using ex Nat Express coaches for truly express services from Teeside to Newcastle, then onward journey  to Airport, while connecting with local services in Newcastle with provision to use onward tickets to the Airport. Could be at slight premium / with luggage?

Coaches were a common use in 70's for premium express services with limited stops connecting with local services point of connection  e.g. Newcastle to / from Teesside (X1 Northern/United joint service), Consett to/from Sunderland (X6 Northern / sometimes SDO - Sunderland District Omnibus), Lanchester/ Greencroft to Ashington/Newbiggin (X30 Northern /United joint service)
Also seasonal Express Coach services to Scarborough via Whitby.

Thoughts?!

The GNE 353 serves Newcastle Airport although only using GNE Burnopfield-Newcastle Airport would be a pain
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
I went on the new Q3 on a full loop today (finally) and I have to say that the extension WILL NOT LAST, the bus was silent St Peters Basin-Wallsend. Another problem is the route sending it down Eastfiled Avenue is a bit barmy. I had 8313, I dread to think what Eastfield on 5385/5387/5388 would be like!
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 9:03 pm)NK53 TKT wrote I went on the new Q3 on a full loop today (finally) and I have to say that the extension WILL NOT LAST, the bus was silent St Peters Basin-Wallsend. Another problem is the route sending it down Eastfiled Avenue is a bit barmy. I had 8313, I dread to think what Eastfield on 5385/5387/5388 would be like!

Was on 5388 the other day from Newcastle to Wallsend and the bus couldn't get down. Had to reverse and let somebody move his car
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 9:03 pm)NK53 TKT wrote I went on the new Q3 on a full loop today (finally) and I have to say that the extension WILL NOT LAST, the bus was silent St Peters Basin-Wallsend. Another problem is the route sending it down Eastfiled Avenue is a bit barmy. I had 8313, I dread to think what Eastfield on 5385/5387/5388 would be like!

I think it will last, I've seen massive improvements the last few days now people know about it. Tried it out today for the first time, and a few people got on in Wallsend (mainly got off around Walker) then a few people along Westbourne Avenue and then Walker Road. To be fair I was a bit early judging it. Quite a few fare paying passengers throughout the journey and it seemed people were surprised at how cheap it was compared to Stagecoach!

It's the 11 I don't think will last. Shocking fares too, 90p more than the 1 for the same journey! Howdon to Newcastle is £3.30 on the 11, yet £2.40 on the 1. No idea how the fares can be so different. People got off because of that fare when I was on today. Only 2 people going past Wallsend to Newcastle.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 9:44 pm)Tom wrote I think it will last, I've seen massive improvements the last few days now people know about it. Tried it out today for the first time, and a few people got on in Wallsend (mainly got off around Walker) then a few people along Westbourne Avenue and then Walker Road. To be fair I was a bit early judging it. Quite a few fare paying passengers throughout the journey and it seemed people were surprised at how cheap it was compared to Stagecoach!

It's the 11 I don't think will last. Shocking fares too, 90p more than the 1 for the same journey! Howdon to Newcastle is £3.30 on the 11, yet £2.40 on the 1. No idea how the fares can be so different. People got off because of that fare when I was on today. Only 2 people going past Wallsend to Newcastle.

I would like to see it last, it is just a question of profitability though and I do think that people will use it and may even rival Stagecoach. Personally to make it easier for passengers I would extend the Newcastle/Metrocentre tickets to Wallsend because particularly with weekly tickets I could see it being a popular measure
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:00 pm)NK53 TKT wrote I would like to see it last, it is just a question of profitability though and I do think that people will use it and may even rival Stagecoach. Personally to make it easier for passengers I would extend the Newcastle/Metrocentre tickets to Wallsend because particularly with weekly tickets I could see it being a popular measure

Not a bad idea! Either that or extend the north tyne tickets to Metrocentre/Gateshead as they are vaild on the Newcastle-Wallsend section
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 8:35 pm)Brian13 wrote Had to speak to one not so long ago. Would've been easier discussing my ticket issue with a brick wall

I rang up a few weeks ago regarding a spillage at the back of 6011 which had been left to become mouldy, and it stunk.

I rang the customer services, but the bloke for some reason couldn't seem to understand that the bus needed cleaning internally, and everything I said was just responded too with "yeah".

He evidently couldn't care less, and the bus still has the same sh*t at the back of it.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 9:44 pm)Tom wrote I think it will last, I've seen massive improvements the last few days now people know about it. Tried it out today for the first time, and a few people got on in Wallsend (mainly got off around Walker) then a few people along Westbourne Avenue and then Walker Road. To be fair I was a bit early judging it. Quite a few fare paying passengers throughout the journey and it seemed people were surprised at how cheap it was compared to Stagecoach!

It's the 11 I don't think will last. Shocking fares too, 90p more than the 1 for the same journey! Howdon to Newcastle is £3.30 on the 11, yet £2.40 on the 1. No idea how the fares can be so different. People got off because of that fare when I was on today. Only 2 people going past Wallsend to Newcastle.

Maybe the driver didn't have his or her fare stage programmed correctly (either human or technical error). Was it definitely the same stop? Only think I can think off is that GNE are putting a bit of a levy on top with it being a slightly quick service than the 1. Arriva used to do that with a now defunct well known express service (R.I.P) on the Coast Road with some of the fares from Whitley Bay / Preston Grange areas being more expensive than the usual regular stopping service.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:07 pm)L469 YVK wrote Maybe the driver didn't have his or her fare stage programmed correctly (either human or technical error). Was it definitely the same stop? Only think I can think off is that GNE are putting a bit of a levy on top with it being a slightly quick service than the 1. Arriva used to do that with a now defunct well known express service (R.I.P) on the Coast Road with some of the fares from Whitley Bay / Preston Grange areas being more expensive than the usual regular stopping service.

I think so, I got on and it said Tynemouth Road/Howdon Lane but no idea what it normally says as I normally get on at Churchill Street. But you can use the £2.40 single on the 1 up to Ridley Avenue which is further than Howdon Lane.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:13 pm)Tom wrote I think so, I got on and it said Tynemouth Road/Howdon Lane but no idea what it normally says as I normally get on at Churchill Street. But you can use the £2.40 single on the 1 up to Ridley Avenue which is further than Howdon Lane.

Might well be with the area (barring the good old 900 a.k.a the Metro) being a monopoly to an extent. As well as that, if the Metro is ever off and a replacement bus is sourced, some people might just use the 11 for the sake of convenience rather than use the replacement service. That alone would be a canny earner for GNE.

I would say you might want to contact GNE and clarify the fare stages though.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:17 pm)L469 YVK wrote Might well be with the area (barring the good old 900 a.k.a the Metro) being a monopoly to an extent. As well as that, if the Metro is ever off and a replacement bus is sourced, some people might just use the 11 for the sake of convenience rather than use the replacement service. That alone would be a canny earner for GNE.

I would say you might want to contact GNE and clarify the fare stages though.

To be honest it doesn't really effect me as I don't buy adult fares I just thought it was strange and it noticed the person got off when he was quoted £3.30.

I might do though. For the area being a monopoly the fares are pretty cheap compared to areas like Stanley and Consett!
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:06 pm)LeeCalder wrote I rang up a few weeks ago regarding a spillage at the back of 6011 which had been left to become mouldy, and it stunk.

I rang the customer services, but the bloke for some reason couldn't seem to understand that the bus needed cleaning internally, and everything I said was just responded too with "yeah".

He evidently couldn't care less, and the bus still has the same sh*t at the back of it.

They need Stacey Dooley and some random petulant kids on the job.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:06 pm)LeeCalder wrote I rang up a few weeks ago regarding a spillage at the back of 6011 which had been left to become mouldy, and it stunk.

I rang the customer services, but the bloke for some reason couldn't seem to understand that the bus needed cleaning internally, and everything I said was just responded too with "yeah".

He evidently couldn't care less, and the bus still has the same sh*t at the back of it.

They still seem to lack the mentality of being a service organisation. I always feel a total hindrance or taken for granted when I call them. 

As I've noted  Facebook has stepped right back. I cringe at some of the responses. Doesn't put GNE in a great light at all. Would love to send my feedback on (from a professional point of view at least) but no idea where to
Wistfully stuck in the 90s
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 11:44 pm)Ambassador wrote They still seem to lack the mentality of being a service organisation. I always feel a total hindrance or taken for granted when I call them. 

As I've noted  Facebook has stepped right back. I cringe at some of the responses. Doesn't put GNE in a great light at all. Would love to send my feedback on (from a professional point of view at least) but no idea where to

Managing Director?
Jamie M
Unregistered
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(13 Aug 2016, 10:25 pm)Tom wrote I might do though. For the area being a monopoly the fares are pretty cheap compared to areas like Stanley and Consett

Tell me about it!
4.80 singles from Newcastle to either.
£3.30 returns from Lobley Hill to Newcastle, it ain't cheap on any measure.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
(12 Aug 2016, 1:27 pm)R852 PRG wrote To be completely honest, it'll have likely have been confusion more than anything. Drivers generally expect to see a bus ticket rather than a Metro ticket if you're showing a previously bought ticket to travel. I've had it before on Northern Rail between Newcastle and Sunderland, where the guard has been a bit funny about it because it was an Explorer purchased on an Arriva bus. 

Confusion?! 

If I got refused on a bus because my multi-operator ticket was printed on another operator's ticket stock I'd ask them what would does their multi-operator ticket look like...

Surely, they'd know what CAT, Explorer, Rover are..........and what they're valid on. 

And with GNE, would a quick call through to Control do much harm asking if it's valid or not? Instead, the driver threatened the passenger with refusal of boarding the vehicle the next time he sees them...
Jamie M
Unregistered
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
GX03 SVC wrote And with GNE, would a quick call through to Control do much harm asking if it's valid or not? Instead, the driver threatened the passenger with refusal of boarding the vehicle the next time he sees them...

Timings probably have something to do with this. Calling control and depots to work out what to accept and not accept is a time consuming process - maybe providing drivers with a flyer of what to accept and not to accept depending on the route would be helpful.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - August 2016
When my dad worked for GNE, he had a sticker (I think other drivers would have had this too) that he stuck on a file which listed most (if not all) of the different ticket types.

He still has the file with the sticker on (albeit a bit worn) but it would be good if they could have something similar now (if they don't already):
.jpeg image.jpeg