https://twitter.com/steve_g1985/status/1...24642?s=21&t=urXLcX97A-27zZ2QGyTnkw

(08 Jun 2022, 4:19 pm)ne14ne1 wrote https://twitter.com/steve_g1985/status/1...24642?s=21&t=urXLcX97A-27zZ2QGyTnkw

The bus was 6999 and it was repaired this morning by Hanover's engineer.

No offer of a refund or gesture of goodwill?

Poor show

(01 Jun 2022, 7:02 am)Dan wrote Good luck attracting anyone at minimum wage!

But let’s say you could.

Two people to do it (for two PVR), plus one person to cover meal breaks. Add another to cover rest days during the summer season, so four people in total.

Let’s say all are paid 39hrs a week, for ten weeks of the year. That covers the fact that in reality the season runs longer but not all of those people would be paid a minimum of 39hrs.

390 hours * £9.50 (minimum wage) = £3,705.
£3,705 * 4 people = £14,820.

Plus on costs, at say around 30% (probably higher in reality), you’re up to £19,266.


As I say, the chance of employing anyone these days for less than the National Living Wage is slim to none… So your £19.2k here would actually be higher.

Stagecoach stopped running the City Sightseeing service for a reason. Presumably it is very low margin. GNE can probably run it more cost-effectively because they pay drivers at a lower rate and can run it more efficiently with DFDS drivers. Added revenue comes from hire of the open tops to interested parties, be that for a group hire for Toon Tour or for something else.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just to throw an alternative into the ring, could it be staffed part time? This is how a number of other tours work, including in London where it is very competitive. Only do live commentary where it is requested by hires or on some busy trips. This then means rather than 4 people, it could be done with 2. Granted still a high cost but could this in turn generate additional revenue on the tours?

As for wages, minimum wage may be ok as they may get tips.


Just throwing my thoughts into the ring.

I’m sure if GNE reached out to NE1 or Newcastle council they’d find a wealth of volunteers who would take the roles on (like the newcastle city guides) for the pure love of the city region.

Anyone know if GNE’s Euro6 (CAZ compliant) open tops will be used for The Late Show shuttles, rather than Stagecoach’s non-compliant Trident’s?

(16 May 2023, 6:20 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Anyone know if GNE’s Euro6 (CAZ compliant) open tops will be used for The Late Show shuttles, rather than Stagecoach’s non-compliant Trident’s?

Stagecoach’s non-compliant buses are being used.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Steve and Karen now doing the commentary!?
Was that for some advertising deal?

(23 May 2023, 2:49 pm)ne14ne1 wrote Steve and Karen now doing the commentary!?
Was that for some advertising deal?

Much preferred the original voices.

Karen’s especially is awful: