(01 Jun 2022, 11:33 am)streetdeckfan wrote If we assume they got 8500 responses, and spend 30 seconds reading each one, that's 71 hours (9 working days) to just read them, never mind coding them up into themes and actually analysing them.

As responses to the survey were by route number, I assume that the software will sort the responses by route, and that many of the comments for each route will be very similar. I also think that they will have been reviewing the responses every day so as to get a picture of which will produce the most flack.

I also expect that, behind the scenes, GNE have been continuing discussions with Nexus/DCC, and that any response in terms of secured services will have been refined as the days have gone by. 

I can't see any of the half hourly evening services being replaced other than by hourly services, and expect that, like North Tyneside, some existing Nexus secured services will be reduced evening & Sunday from every 30 minutes to hourly.

They can probably swiftly discard all the responses that say "u suck" and "you already keep cancelling my bus to Ushaw Moor".

I'm not sure they need to look at the consultation for half the questions.

Do you agree we are scrapping the 28/28A altogether?
Yes, I agree this is a good idea, I like the idea I don't have a bus at all from Pelton Fell and will walk to Chester Le Street every morning because buses are so great.

Most are exactly the same.

(01 Jun 2022, 6:24 pm)Storx wrote I'm not sure they need to look at the consultation for half the questions.

Do you agree we are scrapping the 28/28A altogether?

Yes, I agree this is a good idea, I like the idea I don't have a bus at all from Pelton Fell and will walk to Chester Le Street every morning because buses are so great.

Most are exactly the same.

But along with the passenger data they already have access to, it provides some consultation responses that the local authority can use when looking at which services ought to be retained - as well as some information on where these people are going, and what the purpose of their journey is.

For example is there need for a direct bus from Pelton Fell to QE Hospital? Or is nobody (or very few) making use of this direct link, and could the subsidy be used to do something slightly different?

I go back to what I’ve said a number of times now - this consultation is more than a tick-box exercise, and is evidence of the operator and local authority working with each other.


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(01 Jun 2022, 6:27 pm)Dan wrote But along with the passenger data they already have access to, it provides some consultation responses that the local authority can use when looking at which services ought to be retained - as well as some information on where these people are going, and what the purpose of their journey is.

For example is there need for a direct bus from Pelton Fell to QE Hospital? Or is nobody (or very few) making use of this direct link, and could the subsidy be used to do something slightly different?

I go back to what I’ve said a number of times now - this consultation is more than a tick-box exercise, and is evidence of the operator and local authority working with each other.


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Yeah that's fair.

I'm surprised there has never been a consultation which asks 4 questions. Where are you from? Do you use the bus? Where do you work? List 5 places where you travel to the most?

It's amazing I've never been asked those questions and not aware of anyone else been asked them either, seem the most obvious questions that companies would need to actually know where people go. I'd happily answer it rather than ticket data which only has existing routes or this consultation which didn't really ask either.

Be interesting around here as I could imagine the answers won't be Northumberland Park, Beacon Hill, Cobalt or North Shields which we keep getting subsidised lately with both the 19 and 58.

(01 Jun 2022, 6:34 pm)Storx wrote Yeah that's fair.

I'm surprised there has never been a consultation which asks 4 questions. Where are you from? Do you use the bus? Where do you work? List 5 places where you travel to the most?

It's amazing I've never been asked those questions and not aware of anyone else been asked them either, seem the most obvious questions that companies would need to actually know where people go. I'd happily answer it rather than ticket data which only has existing routes or this consultation which didn't really ask either.

Be interesting around here as I could imagine the answers won't be Northumberland Park, Beacon Hill, Cobalt or North Shields which we keep getting subsidised lately with both the 19 and 58.

And this is the crux.
Nothing about where people want or need to be.
They're picking up the damage caused by the 2006 changes that removed links and assume that the current network does the job or will do the job with more cut backs and additional subsidy.

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(01 Jun 2022, 6:27 pm)Dan wrote But along with the passenger data they already have access to, it provides some consultation responses that the local authority can use when looking at which services ought to be retained - as well as some information on where these people are going, and what the purpose of their journey is.

For example is there need for a direct bus from Pelton Fell to QE Hospital? Or is nobody (or very few) making use of this direct link, and could the subsidy be used to do something slightly different? 

I go back to what I’ve said a number of times now - this consultation is more than a tick-box exercise, and is evidence of the operator and local authority working with each other.


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Or, private operators stand on their own two feet and make effective decisions without having to rely on others to dig them out of the financial hole they've helped create.

(01 Jun 2022, 8:52 am)Ambassador wrote To be fair, of all the changes, the X22 seemed fairly logical and I get why. MetroCentre is one place that has excellent connections (versus say Team Valley).

The decision to repaint and rebrand looks farcical but we're used to that with GNE now, it's just what they do. 

The whole issue with consultations is what people think vs what people do. They tend not to reach those impacted but those who might use a bus once or twice a month who see an angry facebook post on a local group and click the link. 

I'm sure GNE have made the effort to engage less tech savvy vulnerable passengers.

I'm not convinced they have, to be honest.

When I asked why posters and leaflets weren't produced, allowing less tech savvy passengers the opportunity to respond, I was told that they have put messages on their social media, their website and in newspapers.

Newspapers as the only written media to those who don't use the Internet, I'd say has very limited scope. I only read the Chronicle and the Metro personally, but I haven't seen anything in there, other than the articles condemning GNE to hell, under the guise of 'journalism'. 

They also added that drivers are mentioning the changes to the passengers, but again I'd say this has very limited scope. Looking at my own log over the last month, I've travelled on 72x Go North East buses, yet I've not seen one driver communicating (or taking feedback on the changes). How does this even work as a two-way process? You'd have buses running hours late, if drivers were expected to explain changes and document responses.

I did notice on social media that someone, who presumably works at the QE, made the point of putting their own posters up to advise patients...

The 'what people do vs what people think' argument should be covered by the data GNE have. Anyone using multi-trip tickets on smartcards or the app are sharing a token with GNE on every scan, so theoretically they should be able to track travel patterns and connections. Whether or not their software allows them to do that or not is another matter.

(01 Jun 2022, 8:19 pm)Adrian wrote I'm not convinced they have, to be honest.

When I asked why posters and leaflets weren't produced, allowing less tech savvy passengers the opportunity to respond, I was told that they have put messages on their social media, their website and in newspapers.

Newspapers as the only written media to those who don't use the Internet, I'd say has very limited scope. I only read the Chronicle and the Metro personally, but I haven't seen anything in there, other than the articles condemning GNE to hell, under the guise of 'journalism'. 

They also added that drivers are mentioning the changes to the passengers, but again I'd say this has very limited scope. Looking at my own log over the last month, I've travelled on 72x Go North East buses, yet I've not seen one driver communicating (or taking feedback on the changes). How does this even work as a two-way process? You'd have buses running hours late, if drivers were expected to explain changes and document responses.

I did notice on social media that someone, who presumably works at the QE, made the point of putting their own posters up to advise patients...

The 'what people do vs what people think' argument should be covered by the data GNE have. Anyone using multi-trip tickets on smartcards or the app are sharing a token with GNE on every scan, so theoretically they should be able to track travel patterns and connections. Whether or not their software allows them to do that or not is another matter.

I guessed Ambassador had a tongue in cheek when the comment was made - but there's two comments of yours I want to pick up on.

The first one was the response to your query about posters and leaflets.
The lack of awareness doesn't surprise me at all.

The second point that jumps out is the person working at the QE taking time out of their day to advise patients.
Whilst I applaud their efforts, it shouldn't be up to them. 

If I was the working for the operator and involved in these changes and I saw something like those things, I would be going through a whole mixture of emotions, before slinking off in to a stinking pile of shame.
Whether they do that or shrug their shoulders, point some fingers, repaint some buses, organise a photoshoot and absolve themselves from any responsibility - is probably a moot point.
I'd argue it's far too late now.

(01 Jun 2022, 8:19 pm)Adrian wrote I'm not convinced they have, to be honest.

When I asked why posters and leaflets weren't produced, allowing less tech savvy passengers the opportunity to respond, I was told that they have put messages on their social media, their website and in newspapers.

Newspapers as the only written media to those who don't use the Internet, I'd say has very limited scope. I only read the Chronicle and the Metro personally, but I haven't seen anything in there, other than the articles condemning GNE to hell, under the guise of 'journalism'. 

They also added that drivers are mentioning the changes to the passengers, but again I'd say this has very limited scope. Looking at my own log over the last month, I've travelled on 72x Go North East buses, yet I've not seen one driver communicating (or taking feedback on the changes). How does this even work as a two-way process? You'd have buses running hours late, if drivers were expected to explain changes and document responses.

I did notice on social media that someone, who presumably works at the QE, made the point of putting their own posters up to advise patients...

The 'what people do vs what people think' argument should be covered by the data GNE have. Anyone using multi-trip tickets on smartcards or the app are sharing a token with GNE on every scan, so theoretically they should be able to track travel patterns and connections. Whether or not their software allows them to do that or not is another matter.

I put it in my local facebook group and even quite a few of them seemingly didn't know it was a thing. I think by drivers mentioning it, they meant they direct you to the website, rather than explaining changes and taking feedback. I, however, haven't seen anything about it either from that perspective. COuld it not hurt to put it in one of the slides on the TFT NSAs (which are still advertising the March changes in North Tyneside and the X1's increase in frequency, at least on the 56), or put a poster up on buses that don't have the TFTs, where they sometimes to put service change notices?

I've thought of this. But if GNE want to save money on Sundays and Castleside & Shotley Bridge hospital (if needed on a Sunday) can be covered by another means, the following interworking patterns could be a possibility to save money and make sure the most appropriate vehicle types for fuel economy and capacity are allocated.

Riverside - StreetLite PVR 7x - Most reliefs either done at MetroCentre or Blaydon
- 6, 12 (hourly) , X30, X72

Consett - E400MMC PVR 9x - All reliefs done at Consett
- 16B, 47, X5, X45

The problem with surveys is that they only give you a snapshot of that moment in time.

In my own case, literally two days after I submitted my feedback for the GNE changes, it is now out of date.

My service frequency hasn't changed in years. However, I find myself walking more and using the bus less (it still goes where I need it to). So maybe I shouldn't be surprised with the frequency cut if I'm not alone?

My intending travel patterns were also different before the survey Go Ahead did after the first lockdown to what happened in reality.

Hopefully I will get another chance to provide some relevent consultation feedback. So long as Stagecoach do a similar exercise for what I assume will be September or October.....

(02 Jun 2022, 5:47 am)DeltaMan wrote The problem with surveys is that they only give you a snapshot of that moment in time.

In my own case, literally two days after I submitted my feedback for the GNE changes, it is now out of date.

My service frequency hasn't changed in years. However, I find myself walking more and using the bus less (it still goes where I need it to). So maybe I shouldn't be surprised with the frequency cut if I'm not alone?

My intending travel patterns were also different before the survey Go Ahead did after the first lockdown to what happened in reality.

Hopefully I will get another chance to provide some relevent consultation feedback. So long as Stagecoach do a similar exercise for what I assume will be September or October.....

Catch-22 is they should be trying to get you back on board. A frequency decrease does the opposite and will just push more people to walking. Another frequency decrease? Evening services subsidised to another operator? It's all just a downwards spiral from that point.

(02 Jun 2022, 8:26 am)Storx wrote Catch-22 is they should be trying to get you back on board. A frequency decrease does the opposite and will just push more people to walking. Another frequency decrease? Evening services subsidised to another operator? It's all just a downwards spiral from that point.

The only reason I walk more is the goverment told me not to use public transport for months on end and got used to it.

(02 Jun 2022, 8:41 am)DeltaMan wrote The only reason I walk more is the goverment told me not to use public transport for months on end and got used to it.

And I suspect you’re not the only one!

There are many occasions where operators shoot themselves in the foot - a number of members of this forum have shared their opinions on the matter and all are probably contributing factors - but the crucifying message at the beginning of the pandemic from Government that public transport was not safe and should be avoided is a big reason for poor passenger recovery in my opinion. These customers have been lost to alternative modes (including walking) and will likely never return.


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(02 Jun 2022, 8:26 am)Storx wrote Catch-22 is they should be trying to get you back on board. A frequency decrease does the opposite and will just push more people to walking. Another frequency decrease? Evening services subsidised to another operator? It's all just a downwards spiral from that point.

Alas, the last 9 months of continual staff shortage and "Short notice" cancellations have probably driven thousands of passengers away from Go North East services, especially in those areas badly hit by daily cancellations.
On X45/X46 there can hardly have been a day when there hasn't been multiple cancellations - 47/47A almost as many, plus 47/47A seem to suffer badly from breakdowns and other operational incidents.
X45/X46 are going to have reduced from every 15 mins to every 20 mins to every 30 mins in a very short time.

Even if evening services are still run by Go North East, it appears that most will, at best, only be hourly rather than being half hourly as many are now. 

The current situation reminds me exactly of the bus industry in the mid to late 1970s.

(02 Jun 2022, 8:45 am)Dan wrote And I suspect you’re not the only one!

There are many occasions where operators shoot themselves in the foot - a number of members of this forum have shared their opinions on the matter and all are probably contributing factors - but the crucifying message at the beginning of the pandemic from Government that public transport was not safe and should be avoided is a big reason for poor passenger recovery in my opinion. These customers have been lost to alternative modes (including walking) and will likely never return.


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And are operators going to shrug their shoulders and finger point or are they going to react to the modal switch and launch an effective, sustained strategic campaign to get them back on board?

Was reading through the consultation the other day. I don't like the words for the 1

The service would largely remain unchanged between Whitley Bay & Gateshead meaning something is gonna be changed. Just not major. Don't know what they can change on the route even though the route no longer serving The links on Monday to Saturday anymore (don't understand why. Still confused that part)

Also the route would extend to Eighton Banks. Why Eighton Banks there's no where for the route to turn round I don't think

(02 Jun 2022, 8:41 am)DeltaMan wrote The only reason I walk more is the goverment told me not to use public transport for months on end and got used to it.

Aye totally agreed must admit I'm partially the same, then again I was doing it beforehand as buses around here are just expensive and I like walking, easier to time the connection with the Metro aswell.

(02 Jun 2022, 9:04 am)busmanT wrote Alas, the last 9 months of continual staff shortage and "Short notice" cancellations have probably driven thousands of passengers away from Go North East services, especially in those areas badly hit by daily cancellations.
On X45/X46 there can hardly have been a day when there hasn't been multiple cancellations - 47/47A almost as many, plus 47/47A seem to suffer badly from breakdowns and other operational incidents.
X45/X46 are going to have reduced from every 15 mins to every 20 mins to every 30 mins in a very short time.

Even if evening services are still run by Go North East, it appears that most will, at best, only be hourly rather than being half hourly as many are now. 

The current situation reminds me exactly of the bus industry in the mid to late 1970s.

Yeah totally agreed, must admit I don't agree with the funding ending now it's just totally the wrong time. They just haven't gave them time to recover not to mention the staff shortages which is partially their fault aswell.

The government don't give a toss though but I wouldn't want buses nationalised currently either, the railways in both England and Scotland aren't exactly glowing with both of them on strike and Network Rail planning massive cuts to dangerously low levels, no doubt heading back to the dark ages of BR which happened at the same time during the 70's.

(02 Jun 2022, 9:52 am)Andreos1 wrote And are operators going to shrug their shoulders and finger point or are they going to react to the modal switch and launch an effective, sustained strategic campaign to get them back on board?

"Walking and cycling isn't good for you, get the bus instead" 

I am not sure even Best Impressions could spin that one in to a positive message.

(02 Jun 2022, 10:33 am)DeltaMan wrote "Walking and cycling isn't good for you, get the bus instead" 

I am not sure even Best Impressions could spin that one in to a positive message.

The way things are going, its going to be GNE telling passengers to do just that.

'see that house of yours just off Portobello Road. Well to use public transport you're going to get off the 21 and walk the mile and a bit through Barley Mow, up that huge hill - cos we've taken off the 25 and 82 that stopped right outside your house. You could get the 23 for the final mile of your trip, but that will cost you more.
What do you mean you will have loads of shopping and will use the car instead?
We will just get the council to build more bus lanes to make that journey even more difficult!'

(02 Jun 2022, 10:56 am)Andreos1 wrote The way things are going, its going to be GNE telling passengers to do just that.

'see that house of yours just off Portobello Road. Well to use public transport you're going to get off the 21 and walk the mile and a bit through Barley Mow, up that huge hill - cos we've taken off the 25 and 82 that stopped right outside your house. You could get the 23 for the final mile of your trip, but that will cost you more.
What do you mean you will have loads of shopping and will use the car instead?
We will just get the council to build more bus lanes to make that journey even more difficult!'

Shysters.


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(02 Jun 2022, 8:45 am)Dan wrote And I suspect you’re not the only one!

There are many occasions where operators shoot themselves in the foot - a number of members of this forum have shared their opinions on the matter and all are probably contributing factors - but the crucifying message at the beginning of the pandemic from Government that public transport was not safe and should be avoided is a big reason for poor passenger recovery in my opinion. These customers have been lost to alternative modes (including walking) and will likely never return.

Go North East aside, I don't think operators helped relay the message that public transport is safe either, coming out of the pandemic. Stagecoach and Arriva were running with the 2m exclusion zone, front seats taped off and social distancing signs up until about a month or so ago.

I don't agree it's a big reason for poor passenger recovery though, and I think in large part it's been forgotten about. I thought this Transport Focus publication was quite interesting on the subject: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/public...ly-survey/

(02 Jun 2022, 10:33 am)DeltaMan wrote "Walking and cycling isn't good for you, get the bus instead" 

I am not sure even Best Impressions could spin that one in to a positive message.

I think it's a complete myth to suggest that more people walking and cycling is responsible for a supposed (up to) 20% decline in passenger numbers. I don't actually think there's any understanding of why this is yet, other than suggesting people aren't returning to public transport, but I think the issue is bigger than that. For me, the two largest contributing factors are full home/hybrid working and social isolation. 

Full home and hybrid working are going to be here to stay, until the Government start levying businesses (or even employees) for being able to do that. Even though I personally benefit from being able to work from home when I want, it's clear that it's going to decimate high streets that are already on life support, never mind bus services. If I didn't get enough use out of my monthly ticket as a leisure user, I don't think I'd bother going in more than the odd day, as I don't think operators have recognised and provided a true cost-effective hybrid worker travel ticket yet. 

Andreos1 is spot on above - there needs to be an effective, sustained strategic campaign to get people back on board, but I think half the challenge is getting all operators on board.

As much as they get slated, Go North East by far do the most in this area. Metro do some good promotion, but Stagecoach and Arriva often feel like they're being dragged along by their tails, whilst Nexus stick their fingers in their ears and pretend that nothing is happening.

(02 Jun 2022, 10:11 am)Aaron21 wrote Was reading through the consultation the other day. I don't like the words for the 1

The service would largely remain unchanged between Whitley Bay & Gateshead meaning something is gonna be changed. Just not major. Don't know what they can change on the route even though the route no longer serving The links on Monday to Saturday anymore (don't understand why. Still confused that part)

Also the route would extend to Eighton Banks. Why Eighton Banks there's no where for the route to turn round I don't think

If it's going to terminate at Eighton Banks, I'd imagine it will just use the roundabout at the Mill House to turn round.

(02 Jun 2022, 11:24 am)Adrian wrote Go North East aside, I don't think operators helped relay the message that public transport is safe either, coming out of the pandemic. Stagecoach and Arriva were running with the 2m exclusion zone, front seats taped off and social distancing signs up until about a month or so ago.

Agreed - I’m not sure how going up to full capacity but taping off seats near the driver shows how buses are clean and safe…

(02 Jun 2022, 11:24 am)Adrian wrote I think it's a complete myth to suggest that more people walking and cycling is responsible for a supposed (up to) 20% decline in passenger numbers. I don't actually think there's any understanding of why this is yet, other than suggesting people aren't returning to public transport, but I think the issue is bigger than that. For me, the two largest contributing factors are full home/hybrid working and social isolation. 

Full home and hybrid working are going to be here to stay, until the Government start levying businesses (or even employees) for being able to do that. Even though I personally benefit from being able to work from home when I want, it's clear that it's going to decimate high streets that are already on life support, never mind bus services. If I didn't get enough use out of my monthly ticket as a leisure user, I don't think I'd bother going in more than the odd day, as I don't think operators have recognised and provided a true cost-effective hybrid worker travel ticket yet. 

It’s definitely a combination of things in my view although the Government messaging about public transport not being clean and safe does play a part.

ENCTS usage is a big player in patronage levels being down, and I’d suggest this is a big part in the point about it not being safe. That, and, without being too crude and to the point, the fact that some haven’t made it through the last two years.

Commuters are another big chunk of the market gone - through hybrid and home working, which, as you say, is here to stay, and is down to operators to adapt their product to keep on top of the game.

I think the leisure market is probably back to pre-Covid levels, if not greater than it previously was.


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Not surprised theyre wanting to bin the 28,saw it today and it was empty,yes i know its a bank holiday,but this was at Beamish which was heaving

(02 Jun 2022, 10:56 am)Andreos1 wrote The way things are going, its going to be GNE telling passengers to do just that.

'see that house of yours just off Portobello Road. Well to use public transport you're going to get off the 21 and walk the mile and a bit through Barley Mow, up that huge hill - cos we've taken off the 25 and 82 that stopped right outside your house. You could get the 23 for the final mile of your trip, but that will cost you more.
What do you mean you will have loads of shopping and will use the car instead?
We will just get the council to build more bus lanes to make that journey even more difficult!'

I think it's reasonable to assume that Nexus will secure something to replace the 82 (after all they have secured it at night for years), but hourly seems to be Nexus standard frequency these days (apart from the M6 and 317).

I see the 23 daily and, whilst pre covid it used to carry the odd passenger, nowadays it's always empty so I wouldn't bank on it continuing - many existing secured services changed/disappeared in the Newcastle/North Tyneside shake up in March.

Could Nexus replace the 82, 23, 25 & 28 with a single hourly service?
Barmston Court-Washington-Portmeads-Birtley-Lansbury Drive-Wrekenton-QE-Gateshead for Metro bus & connections?
Current running times suggest that this would be just possible in 2 hours for a round trip. 4 birds killed with a single stone.
I'm assuming that Waterview Park and Teal Farm will be left to the revised service 8.

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(02 Jun 2022, 3:31 pm)V514DFT wrote Not surprised theyre wanting to bin the 28,saw it today and it was empty,yes i know its a bank holiday,but this was at Beamish which was heaving

The 28 is normally very busy through Birtley, with lots using it to/from Beamish - I saw it picking up a good 20 at Beamish the other afternoon.

It also provides the only link from Ouston to Birtley (which is Oustons resident nearest shops) - it's hell of a walk along Station Lane for them!
Hopefully DCC will provide at least an hourly replacement, if only to Birtley to connect with the Arriva X12.

(02 Jun 2022, 11:42 am)Dan wrote Agreed - I’m not sure how going up to full capacity but taping off seats near the driver shows how buses are clean and safe…



It’s definitely a combination of things in my view although the Government messaging about public transport not being clean and safe does play a part.

ENCTS usage is a big player in patronage levels being down, and I’d suggest this is a big part in the point about it not being safe. That, and, without being too crude and to the point, the fact that some haven’t made it through the last two years.

Commuters are another big chunk of the market gone - through hybrid and home working, which, as you say, is here to stay, and is down to operators to adapt their product to keep on top of the game.

I think the leisure market is probably back to pre-Covid levels, if not greater than it previously was. 


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I'll ask the question again.
Whether it's internal factors or external, what effective, sustained strategic campaigns are being launched to try to mitigate those factors?

I'll add to it and ask what sort of analysis is being completed? Is it a basic SWOT or is an in depth PESTLE?
What adaptations are being made as a result of those findings?
They're both elementary analysis methods, but from the outside in, nothing is being done apart from painting, titivations, finger pointing and shoulder shrugging.

I remember you telling me and the forum that all of the titivations and painting would get the network ready for post pandemic services. It hasn't and it never would. 

We've seen statements telling us bus lanes will make a difference. They haven't and don't.

We've seen all sorts of other PR and spin and they've not worked either.

We've seen a stagnant network do nothing. 

At what point are things going to improve and ensure passengers have faith in the company they're propping up via taxpayer handouts and subsidised routes?

The finger pointing, shoulder shrugging (adding to the guffawing and mocking that goes on in the offices) are symptomatic of an organisation failing their passengers and goes a long way in explaining why the network is going the way it is.

(02 Jun 2022, 3:47 pm)busmanT wrote I think it's reasonable to assume that Nexus will secure something to replace the 82 (after all they have secured it at night for years), but hourly seems to be Nexus standard frequency these days (apart from the M6 and 317).

I see the 23 daily and, whilst pre covid it used to carry the odd passenger, nowadays it's always empty so I wouldn't bank on it continuing - many existing secured services changed/disappeared in the Newcastle/North Tyneside shake up in March.

Could Nexus replace the 82, 23, 25 & 28 with a single hourly service?
Barmston Court-Washington-Portmeads-Birtley-Lansbury Drive-Wrekenton-QE-Gateshead for Metro bus & connections?
Current running times suggest that this would be just possible in 2 hours for a round trip. 4 birds killed with a single stone.
I'm assuming that Waterview Park and Teal Farm will be left to the revised service 8.

---

The 28 is normally very busy through Birtley, with lots using it to/from Beamish - I saw it picking up a good 20 at Beamish the other afternoon.

It also provides the only link from Ouston to Birtley (which is Oustons resident nearest shops) - it's hell of a walk along Station Lane for them!
Hopefully DCC will provide at least an hourly replacement, if only to Birtley to connect with the Arriva X12.

Surely a competent commercial team would look at alternatives to relying on subsidies and come up with something like yourself and many others have suggested?
Maybe the sort of ideas that would justify their job roles and salaries?

Starting to wonder what it is they're actually paid to do.

(03 Jun 2022, 12:23 am)Andreos1 wrote Surely a competent commercial team would look at alternatives to relying on subsidies and come up with something like yourself and many others have suggested?
Maybe the sort of ideas that would justify their job roles and salaries?

Starting to wonder what it is they're actually paid to do.

The good news for you is that they are still advertising for a Commedcial Assistant. So there is a nice opportunity for you to share your knowledge.

(03 Jun 2022, 5:28 am)omnicity4659 wrote Network changes don't appear to be within the purview of Commercial Assistant. I don't think tivitating with destination screens or ticket machines is Andreos' cup of tea.

Perhaps not, although in such a small team I’m sure he could have a big influence on other matters outside of the primary responsibilities of the role.

Though I’m sure as Andreos is the solution to the entire bus industry’s problems, he’ll be head-hunted soon enough for a role his skills are better matched to - that, or Constantopoulos Consulting will be a rip-roaring success for him.


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