How can GNE get away with not stopping at testos? Diverting x9 and x10 currently

It's very hard to get people out of their cars and on to public transportation.

Newcastle/Gateshead for example is lucky enough to have the second-largest of four metro systems in the UK, (granted its having a few issues while we await new stock), & we also have a fairly good (but obviously not perfect) bus network.
Many of our bus routes are served by modern comfortable route-branded buses which are fully accessible for wheelchairs & buggies, accept contactless/in-app payments, are often fitted with audio-visual next stop announcements, high backed leather seats, free WiFi and power outlets and some even with tables.
However this is still not enough to entice most car users out of their cars because of course cars are still more convenient.
Therefore in central areas buses must be given priority over private vehicles otherwise car usage just continues to increase along with congestion and pollution.

Central Government have instructed several local authorities across the country (including Newcastle, Gateshead & North Tyneside) to address pollution and bring air quality levels up to legal levels in the quickest time possible, which is why some parts of the country are having to consider congestion/clean air charging zones among other measures.

Our bus network has plenty of room for improvement but I imagine the quickest way to get people out of their cars and onto public transport is to make car usage in central areas either more expensive or less convenient than public transport.

From what I've read about Central Newcastle I think the authority's idea is to get car users to think about how they approach their chosen car park so that you drive TO the city centre, and not THROUGH it/around it as this is what causes the most congestion & pollution in the urban core. (Obviously better still, try to not bring the car into the city centre, or at least not as often). In conjunction with that multiple bus priorities have been put in place around the bus loop, including improved bus lanes, new smart traffic signals, enforcement cameras, better/safer cycling infrastructure and bigger safer pedestrian areas and crossings, all so that buses, pedestrians & cyclists (i.e sustainable/public transport) takes priority over private vehicles.

I imagine the travel mode hierarchy in most growing/successful towns and cities these days will be something like:
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Buses
Hackney Carriages/Private Hire Taxis
Services (goods)
and lastly, Privately owned vehicles.

Like it or not the bus companies do have a point rallying for congestion charge zones, whether they're seen as being selfish or not.

(Although I use buses to & from work in the city centre, I am also a car user who enjoys driving - just incase you think I'm being completely bias to buses).

(13 Nov 2018, 4:00 pm)omnicity4659 wrote Look at the seat sales on the trains, and then similar deals in shops, if it's marketed well enough then the people will come.

That's exactly it.
Too often pricing is aimed at getting people to use their bus and not a competitors bus (look at all the bus wars we have seen). 


ANE did the pre-Christmas ticket last year and I would hope there would be something similar this year. 
Marketed right, it will attract people from their cars and maybe let them have a drink or two afterwards. 
Assuming there's a direct bus back home, that doesn't involve 2/3 changes, then I see no reason why it wouldn't be successful.

I don't think bus passengers should have to worry about what colour bus is arriving, who operates it, or whether their ticket is going to be accepted or whether it's cheaper on a different bus. A truly standardised integrated transport network for Tyne & Wear would make public transport a more attractive viable option - I'm talking Metro, Buses, Ferry, Local Rail & Bike Hire all controlled by one body.
The bus operators should be competing against each other for contracts to run the services, not scrapping for customers off each other which just puts up barriers.

Dan.... Ive done that to at the metrocentre.... last Christmas actually but I don't know if you've notice but the signs in the Metrocentre car park say your not allowed to park and ride!

(14 Nov 2018, 9:32 am)Rob44 wrote Dan.... Ive done that to at the metrocentre.... last Christmas actually but I don't know if you've notice but the signs in the Metrocentre car park say your not allowed to park and ride!

The coach park is good. Never had any issues with that'n, especially at the back.

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I don't know about the coach park.... I think that when the Match day park and ride operates from? I am just on about the parking at the metrocentre its self - its definitely on the signage although not sure how they could prove it unless CCTV followed youfrom your car to the bus station and your were seen jumping on the bus?!

(14 Nov 2018, 9:35 am)Rob44 wrote I don't know about the coach park.... I think that when the Match day park and ride operates from? I am just on about the parking at the metrocentre its self - its definitely on the signage although not sure how they could prove it unless CCTV followed youfrom your car to the bus station and your were seen jumping on the bus?!

They dont do any parking enforcement so I doubt it'll matter.

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(14 Nov 2018, 9:37 am)Jamie M wrote They dont do any parking enforcement so I doubt it'll matter.

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You sure? 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/sho...?t=5902247

(14 Nov 2018, 11:32 am)Andreos1 wrote You sure? 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/sho...?t=5902247

Oh I dont know about the main metrocentre, but there's no issues with the coach park for longer stays.

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(14 Nov 2018, 9:35 am)Rob44 wrote I don't know about the coach park.... I think that when the Match day park and ride operates from?  I am just on about the parking at the metrocentre its self - its definitely on the signage although not sure how they could prove it unless CCTV followed youfrom your car to the bus station and your were seen jumping on the bus?!

They do enforce it, especially the Multi storey next to Bus Station.  Several drivers from Riverside have recieved tickets after parking in there, then getting bus to Gateshead.  Security watch people leaving cars then watch them board buses.
Drivers cannot even use Coach Park for work, although it sometimes depends on which security officer is on duty.

(14 Nov 2018, 4:59 pm)park5354 wrote They do enforce it, especially the Multi storey next to Bus Station.  Several drivers from Riverside have recieved tickets after parking in there, then getting bus to Gateshead.  Security watch people leaving cars then watch them board buses.
Drivers cannot even use Coach Park for work, although it sometimes depends on which security officer is on duty.

I was misinformed then, good I know this now lol.

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6030 is now at Deptford according to the Go North East fleet news.

(14 Nov 2018, 6:29 pm)Michael wrote 6030 is now at Deptford according to the Go North East fleet news.

To help with Sunderland Illuminations
https://northeastbuses.co.uk/forum/showt...p?tid=2186&pid=222626#pid222626

(14 Nov 2018, 6:30 pm)S813 FVK wrote To help with Sunderland Illuminations
https://northeastbuses.co.uk/forum/showt...p?tid=2186&pid=222626#pid222626

Ah, i missed that post!

(13 Nov 2018, 6:39 pm)idiot wrote How can GNE get away with not stopping at testos? Diverting x9 and x10 currently

This is my current comaint with GNE and is currently being investigated by other means. 

I use this bus daily from Testos to Middlesbrough. I pay £30 per week for a red and turquoise buzz fare valid between the 2 locations only on this service. When the bus is diverted away from Testos, quite often without being notified I find myself being diverted through Washington and or Houghton le Spring and end up being brought direct to Heworth. Now my weeks pass is not valid at Heworth as that is in purple zone. GNE do not have any other daytime service between Heworth and Testos. How do I get back to Testos? Do I get on a bus that's not diverted back towards Boro and beg the driver to let me on. Do I beg the driver on the 26 or 27 to let me on to go to Jarrow then change o to a 9.  Do I pay on the metro or the 558....what happens when I am on the final X10 back to Testos and get dumped at Heworth after 11pm.

Many questions. No answers. And no help. 

As i said this complaint has now gone to higher levels but I would be interested in other views.

(14 Nov 2018, 7:23 pm)ifm001 wrote This is my current comaint with GNE and is currently being investigated by other means. 

I use this bus daily from Testos to Middlesbrough. I pay £30 per week for a red and turquoise buzz fare valid between the 2 locations only on this service. When the bus is diverted away from Testos, quite often without being notified I find myself being diverted through Washington and or Houghton le Spring and end up being brought direct to Heworth. Now my weeks pass is not valid at Heworth as that is in purple zone. GNE do not have any other daytime service between Heworth and Testos. How do I get back to Testos? Do I get on a bus that's not diverted back towards Boro and beg the driver to let me on. Do I beg the driver on the 26 or 27 to let me on to go to Jarrow then change o to a 9.  Do I pay on the metro or the 558....what happens when I am on the final X10 back to Testos and get dumped at Heworth after 11pm.

Many questions. No answers. And no help. 

As i said this complaint has now gone to higher levels but I would be interested in other views.

I think they are doing the right thing by regulating and diverting otherwise the service would remain late in traffic forever, but I think they should be obliged to add a free shuttle for people from heworth to testos if sent away. Provide some level of cover anyway.

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(14 Nov 2018, 7:23 pm)ifm001 wrote This is my current comaint with GNE and is currently being investigated by other means. 

I use this bus daily from Testos to Middlesbrough. I pay £30 per week for a red and turquoise buzz fare valid between the 2 locations only on this service. When the bus is diverted away from Testos, quite often without being notified I find myself being diverted through Washington and or Houghton le Spring and end up being brought direct to Heworth. Now my weeks pass is not valid at Heworth as that is in purple zone. GNE do not have any other daytime service between Heworth and Testos. How do I get back to Testos? Do I get on a bus that's not diverted back towards Boro and beg the driver to let me on. Do I beg the driver on the 26 or 27 to let me on to go to Jarrow then change o to a 9.  Do I pay on the metro or the 558....what happens when I am on the final X10 back to Testos and get dumped at Heworth after 11pm.

Many questions. No answers. And no help. 

As i said this complaint has now gone to higher levels but I would be interested in other views.

With the upcoming works in the area, I can imagine your situation is only going to get worse.
Have they said what their plans are?

(14 Nov 2018, 7:59 pm)Andreos1 wrote With the upcoming works in the area, I can imagine your situation is only going to get worse.
Have they said what their plans are?

If you are travelling at Testos on a Evening or Sunday daytime there is always the option of service 35A. Also at Boldon the 9 to Dalton Park to change to a X10.

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(14 Nov 2018, 7:23 pm)ifm001 wrote This is my current comaint with GNE and is currently being investigated by other means. 

I use this bus daily from Testos to Middlesbrough. I pay £30 per week for a red and turquoise buzz fare valid between the 2 locations only on this service. When the bus is diverted away from Testos, quite often without being notified I find myself being diverted through Washington and or Houghton le Spring and end up being brought direct to Heworth. Now my weeks pass is not valid at Heworth as that is in purple zone. GNE do not have any other daytime service between Heworth and Testos. How do I get back to Testos? Do I get on a bus that's not diverted back towards Boro and beg the driver to let me on. Do I beg the driver on the 26 or 27 to let me on to go to Jarrow then change o to a 9.  Do I pay on the metro or the 558....what happens when I am on the final X10 back to Testos and get dumped at Heworth after 11pm.

Many questions. No answers. And no help. 

As i said this complaint has now gone to higher levels but I would be interested in other views.

If its evening you can use the 35A as that runs until around 23:00.

(14 Nov 2018, 8:10 pm)S830OFT wrote If you are travelling at Testos on a Evening or Sunday daytime there is always the option of service 35A. Also at Boldon the 9 to Dalton Park to change to a X10.

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If its evening you can use the 35A as that runs until around 23:00.

Most of the day isnt evening though, just so we're all clear on that fact

X10s also very rarely get diverted on evenings.
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They have not said what will happen when the major roadworks start but I'm expecting fun and games. 

However those who are suggesting to get the 9 from Dalton Park to Boldon are missing the point. 

When the service is diverted with no notice and the drivers don't advise, we do not realise it is missing the stop until it is too late and the bus has left Dalton Park and more often than not goes through Washington. 

Also thus is not something rare. In the last 4 weeks this has probably happened 6 times to me alone. 

Also just going back to the 9..  That is swapping a 14 minute express service for a 40 minute stopping at every stop service.

(14 Nov 2018, 8:28 pm)ifm001 wrote They have not said what will happen when the major roadworks start but I'm expecting fun and games. 

However those who are suggesting to get the 9 from Dalton Park to Boldon are missing the point. 

When the service is diverted with no notice and the drivers don't advise, we do not realise it is missing the stop until it is too late and the bus has left Dalton Park and more often than not goes through Washington. 

Also thus is not something rare. In the last 4 weeks this has probably happened 6 times to me alone. 

Also just going back to the 9..  That is swapping a 14 minute express service for a 40 minute stopping at every stop service.

I think it's time the X3 or X36 was brought back!

(14 Nov 2018, 8:30 pm)S830OFT wrote I think it's time the X3 or X36 was brought back!

No, nobody got on them ever.

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Wonder what happens to the passengers that are waiting for the X10 at Peterlee northbound slip road when the X9 is cancelled and the following X10 picks up on the X9 route in Peterlee at moorcock/bus station/essington way?


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(14 Nov 2018, 8:39 pm)cbma06 wrote Wonder what happens to the passengers that are waiting for the X10 at Peterlee northbound slip road when the X9 is cancelled and the following X10 picks up on the X9 route in Peterlee at moorcock/bus station/essington way?

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I suspect if an X9 hasn't turned up within 25 minutes of its scheduled departure time, most folk (for the very few passengers that do board at the slip road) would have the sense to spend the remaining 5 minutes walking down to The Moorcock to catch the X10 instead.

(14 Nov 2018, 9:18 pm)Dan wrote I suspect if an X9 hasn't turned up within 25 minutes of its scheduled departure time, most folk (for the very few passengers that do board at the slip road) would have the sense to spend the remaining 5 minutes walking down to The Moorcock to catch the X10 instead.

Isn't it the X10 that serves the slip road northbound? And I think what he means is if the X9 is cancelled and the X10 does the X9 route aswell what happens to the passengers waiting at the slip road?

(14 Nov 2018, 9:41 pm)S830OFT wrote Isn't it the X10 that serves the slip road northbound? And I think what he means is if the X9 is cancelled and the X10 does the X9 route aswell what happens to the passengers waiting at the slip road?

That is the exact scenario he has described, just with the route numbers the wrong way around. Although if they don't walk around, it pretty much suggests bad luck and you've got to wait an extra half an hour for the next bus to come.

(14 Nov 2018, 9:45 pm)S813 FVK wrote That is the exact scenario he has described, just with the route numbers the wrong way around. Although if they don't walk around, it pretty much suggests bad luck and you've got to wait an extra half an hour for the next bus to come.

Nee pleasing some!

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(14 Nov 2018, 9:56 pm)Dan wrote Nee pleasing some!

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Maybe this is why you can't get your X9/X10 shift in!!! Got to remember which route is which!

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(14 Nov 2018, 8:30 pm)S830OFT wrote I think it's time the X3 or X36 was brought back!

Might be costly but if stagecoach slightly altered the X24, it could stop there during the diversion maybe saying a little more time