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Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - March 2018

Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - March 2018

RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(04 Mar 2018, 2:16 pm)missedbus wrote It might have been found, possibly at annual test, that Wrights mixed the registrations up? Perhaps they now bear the correct ones.

Thats quite possible although I have seen vehicles displaying incorrect plates on the front and the correct one on the back on more than one occasion.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
Why is the March discussion under February?

Anyone know if GNE are keeping the Nexus-secured 32A? Any other possible operators?
GNE didn't give any updates on the 32A during the bad weather this week, so I don't know if the service operated until today or not.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(04 Mar 2018, 4:15 pm)Dans_bus_photos wrote Thats quite possible although I have seen vehicles displaying incorrect plates on the front and the correct one on the back on more than one occasion.

5442 was one of the buses involved in the collision at Stanley bus  station on 08 February and it had the NK66EVB plate on it then
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
The new go north east app is truely awful. It’s not user friendly at all.
The only good thing Is the live tracker.
No news no full timetables to view no service updates poor communication with recent weather. Get the old app back please
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
Don’t usually do app reporting, but I accidentally clicked on it when seeing if my bus had started tracking yet.

6149 appears to be out on the double deck 6/X31 board today, starting with the 07:38 X31 to Newcastle
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(05 Mar 2018, 7:46 am)S813 FVK wrote Don’t usually do app reporting, but I accidentally clicked on it when seeing if my bus had started tracking yet.

6149 appears to be out on the double deck 6/X31 board today, starting with the 07:38 X31 to Newcastle

Definitely out, but has now been swapped onto the 30
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(05 Mar 2018, 3:53 pm)S813 FVK wrote Definitely out, but has now been swapped onto the 30

Think I seen this at St Bedes down Lanchester on a scholars run this afternoon (was a B9 Toonlink, looked smart!)
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(05 Mar 2018, 6:17 pm)Arcticrossy92 wrote Think I seen this at St Bedes down Lanchester on a scholars run this afternoon (was a B9 Toonlink, looked smart!)

Yes, it did the PM 831 which runs off (and onto) the 30. I tend to omit the scholars services as they usually provide little value to people if they want photos etc (especially in this case)
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
Haven't had need for a good rant recently. I think the last was about the fare structure on the purple Streetlites.
Previous rants have been about the purple Solar's.

Unfortunately, this one is also about the Purple Streetlites.

I recently had need to get from South Shields and the bus I needed to complete my journey was the 20A.
It's not a journey I enjoy and although the introduction of the 20A has opened up a lot of travel opportunities, quite a number of the trips on them have been expensive. Needless to say, they can be painful too.
Knackered Solar's replaced by painful Streetlites.

A return for the trip I wanted is £5.00. Unfortunately, I only needed a single (£4.40). Don't worry, I will try my best not touch on the frankly bizarre fare structure in place on the 20's anymore in this post.

Unfortunately, my adventure ended as soon as I looked at the timetable.
It isn't possible to use the 20A beyond Sunderland after 5pm.
Seeing as I needed to get beyond Sunderland and to a portion of route not served by the 20, it instantly meant that the only ticketing option available to me (other than a single and a walk), was a red zone day ticket and the prospect of hanging around in Houghton waiting for a connection.

Genuinely amazed that a service ran off in the peak, I re-read, re-checked and then shook my head in shock.
Buses from Durham run well beyond 5pm. But absolutely nothing starts off at the other end beyond 5pm.

Prior to discovering the flaw in the timetable, I had debated using a return ticket when the time was needed.
Unfortunately, this is no longer an option as the trip south will probably be beyond 5pm.
I investigated time vs cost on the 4/50, 4/Metro and a GNE red zone ticket.
Given the freedom and flexibility a Network Ticket allows me, then any required trips (which will be limited due to the duration of them), there is only one winner.

A frankly bizarre operating decision, that despite looking at, analysing and trying to understand, is one I struggle to get my head around.
Given the frequency of the 20 around Hall Lane during the early part of the evening, sending one around the other Houghton loop must be easy enough to resolve.
After all, there are passengers to provide a service for...
'Illegitimis non carborundum'
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(05 Mar 2018, 9:42 pm)Andreos1 wrote Haven't had need for a good rant recently. I think the last was about the fare structure on the purple Streetlites.
Previous rants have been about the purple Solar's.

Unfortunately, this one is also about the Purple Streetlites.

I recently had need to get from South Shields and the bus I needed to complete my journey was the 20A.
It's not a journey I enjoy and although the introduction of the 20A has opened up a lot of travel opportunities, quite a number of the trips on them have been expensive. Needless to say, they can be painful too.
Knackered Solar's replaced by painful Streetlites.

A return for the trip I wanted is £5.00. Unfortunately, I only needed a single (£4.40). Don't worry, I will try my best not touch on the frankly bizarre fare structure in place on the 20's anymore in this post.

Unfortunately, my adventure ended as soon as I looked at the timetable.
It isn't possible to use the 20A beyond Sunderland after 5pm.
Seeing as I needed to get beyond Sunderland and to a portion of route not served by the 20, it instantly meant that the only ticketing option available to me (other than a single and a walk), was a red zone day ticket and the prospect of hanging around in Houghton waiting for a connection.

Genuinely amazed that a service ran off in the peak, I re-read, re-checked and then shook my head in shock.
Buses from Durham run well beyond 5pm. But absolutely nothing starts off at the other end beyond 5pm.

Prior to discovering the flaw in the timetable, I had debated using a return ticket when the time was needed.
Unfortunately, this is no longer an option as the trip south will probably be beyond 5pm.
I investigated time vs cost on the 4/50, 4/Metro and a GNE red zone ticket.
Given the freedom and flexibility a Network Ticket allows me, then any required trips (which will be limited due to the duration of them), there is only one winner.

A frankly bizarre operating decision, that despite looking at, analysing and trying to understand, is one I struggle to get my head around.
Given the frequency of the 20 around Hall Lane during the early part of the evening, sending one around the other Houghton loop must be easy enough to resolve.
After all, there are passengers to provide a service for...
I had the same experience(kind of)with the 17/17A,the 17 took a longer route and the 17A a shorter route,but cost the same price,but now the 11 does the same section of the previous 17A between Whitley Bay and Wallsend but costs more and with newer vehicles too
Kind Regards
Tez
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(05 Mar 2018, 9:42 pm)Andreos1 wrote Haven't had need for a good rant recently. I think the last was about the fare structure on the purple Streetlites.
Previous rants have been about the purple Solar's.

Unfortunately, this one is also about the Purple Streetlites.

I recently had need to get from South Shields and the bus I needed to complete my journey was the 20A.
It's not a journey I enjoy and although the introduction of the 20A has opened up a lot of travel opportunities, quite a number of the trips on them have been expensive. Needless to say, they can be painful too.
Knackered Solar's replaced by painful Streetlites.

A return for the trip I wanted is £5.00. Unfortunately, I only needed a single (£4.40). Don't worry, I will try my best not touch on the frankly bizarre fare structure in place on the 20's anymore in this post.

Unfortunately, my adventure ended as soon as I looked at the timetable.
It isn't possible to use the 20A beyond Sunderland after 5pm.
Seeing as I needed to get beyond Sunderland and to a portion of route not served by the 20, it instantly meant that the only ticketing option available to me (other than a single and a walk), was a red zone day ticket and the prospect of hanging around in Houghton waiting for a connection.

Genuinely amazed that a service ran off in the peak, I re-read, re-checked and then shook my head in shock.
Buses from Durham run well beyond 5pm. But absolutely nothing starts off at the other end beyond 5pm.

Prior to discovering the flaw in the timetable, I had debated using a return ticket when the time was needed.
Unfortunately, this is no longer an option as the trip south will probably be beyond 5pm.
I investigated time vs cost on the 4/50, 4/Metro and a GNE red zone ticket.
Given the freedom and flexibility a Network Ticket allows me, then any required trips (which will be limited due to the duration of them), there is only one winner.

A frankly bizarre operating decision, that despite looking at, analysing and trying to understand, is one I struggle to get my head around.
Given the frequency of the 20 around Hall Lane during the early part of the evening, sending one around the other Houghton loop must be easy enough to resolve.
After all, there are passengers to provide a service for...

Just planning my return journey from Durham to South Shields with a choice of the 20 or 50 both taking 91 minutes and both costing £5.10 single fare. Now looking at a return ticket the 20 is £6.20 whereas the 50 is £7.20 a massive £1 difference on the same point to point journey with the same time duration. This lack of transparency in pricing is another example of Go North East being a supplier that is loosing the trust and respect of their customers.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(06 Mar 2018, 8:20 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote Just planning my return journey from Durham to South Shields with a choice of the 20 or 50 both taking 91 minutes and both costing £5.10 single fare. Now looking at a return ticket the 20 is £6.20 whereas the 50 is £7.20 a massive £1 difference on the same point to point journey with the same time duration. This lack of transparency in pricing is another example of Go North East being a supplier that is loosing the trust and respect of their customers.

It may not surprise everyone, but they lost mine a long time ago.
Doubt I am the only one either.

I don't think they're unique and I am pretty sure other operators are viewed with apathy too. 
It's not as if their customers haven't fed-back or haven't voiced concerns Then there are those who have voted with their feet.
Resting on the laurels of flawed surveys whilst forcing through changes that inconvenience passengers, but suit their operational agenda/limitations. S Tyneside services and the withdrawal of some day saver tickets are just two of the more recent examples.
Neither of which do them any favours in my opinion.
'Illegitimis non carborundum'
Site Administrator
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(06 Mar 2018, 10:43 am)Jordan2104 wrote It looks like 9083 isnt out again

It is - though it's on the 40/41 today (for the time being - should get swapped over as soon as possible).

Was on the 309/310 yesterday.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
9083 is currently heading to Blyth on the 309. Shoulf be around Cobalt at 1510.

Shame I missed it on the 40 and 41, but with weather being pants this morning I opted to stay in bed until lunchtime.
Please feel free to visit my Flickr page - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gjm-photogenic/
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Site Administrator
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(06 Mar 2018, 11:55 am)S813 FVK wrote Still like that today, although I have now reported it to customer services so hopefully will be rectified ASAP.

Was due to be changed back tonight anyway, once the depot had been made aware. Shouldn't ever happen, but it's an easy mistake really. Both buses off the road at the same time, with the same thing being worked on...

Isn't the first time it's happened (at GNE or other operators in the North East), and I'm sure it won't be the last!
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(06 Mar 2018, 3:48 pm)Dan wrote Was due to be changed back tonight anyway, once the depot had been made aware. Shouldn't ever happen, but it's an easy mistake really. Both buses off the road at the same time, with the same thing being worked on...

Isn't the first time it's happened (at GNE or other operators in the North East), and I'm sure it won't be the last!

Thought that might be the case - with the recent weather I can only imagine just how many panels have had to be replaced. 

5442 has been running around with correct places on both ends though - or at least was today when I saw it.
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(06 Mar 2018, 3:10 pm)Rapidsnap wrote 9083 is currently heading to Blyth on the 309. Shoulf be around Cobalt at 1510.

Shame I missed it on the 40 and 41, but with weather being pants this morning I opted to stay in bed until lunchtime.

Has it got destinations programmed for 40/41?
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(07 Mar 2018, 9:54 am)Coppercap40 wrote Can anyone please tell me if 9083 is out today and what times it is likely to be in Haymarket ?

Its on 309/310 today.
1212-haymarket-blyth
1321-blyth-haymarket
1434-haymarket-north shields
RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - February 2018
(07 Mar 2018, 10:43 am)Jordan2104 wrote Its on 309/310 today.
1212-haymarket-blyth
1321-blyth-haymarket
1434-haymarket-north shields

Many Thanks   Smile