Whilst I'm sure this is not supposed to amuse me, while sifting through the survey responses we got for a job we're working on, I noticed that quite a few people mentioned that they were unable to access this particular place because the bus never turns up. I look the address up on Google Maps and guess which operator runs the buses in that area...

You've guessed it, GCT!

So, after seeing all the drama on the news about Jimmy Carr's Netflix special, I decided to watch it to see what the fuss was about.
I'm not usually one to like stand-up shows, but I thought it was bloody hilarious, and as usual everything was blown out of proportion!
It's nowhere near as offensive as I thought it would have been given the backlash, I've seen far worse things!

If you're in to dark humour, I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch, if you're a 'snowflake', I'd probably give it a swerve (or just watch and be offended)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_f...9995481366&id=1421886029&sfnsn=scwspmo

Very rude!

(11 Feb 2022, 2:19 pm)Andreos1 wrote https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_f...9995481366&id=1421886029&sfnsn=scwspmo

Very rude!

So rude the link isn't working.

(13 Feb 2022, 12:24 am)BusLoverMum wrote So rude the link isn't working.

Ah man. 
Will try again.

Edit. Won't work for some reason. Link works elsewhere, but dead page when I share it here. https://www.facebook.com/1421886029/post...995481366/

Another member of the clique.
He's had a few mentions already, but this dig at the people some of his 10percenters rely on to spread the good word, made me chuckle.
https://twitter.com/BusAndTrainUser/stat...WQF6ITINSQ&s=19

The rucksack camera wielding first footers have long gone; now it’s time for the suits, lanyards, name badges and PR execs.

Heading for Reston - Britain’s newest railway station.

Getting off the X7 at Seghill just before I said my usual thank you to the driver and he replied "Thank you, Sir". The last person to call me Sir got a bit of telling off (at work) .

My new avatar. C/o someone on the sewing forum I frequent who shared this. 


https://www.auxx.me/camouflage-knitwear-...seph-ford/

Saw this on the way home today from Newcastle while on the bus


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

(03 Sep 2022, 5:11 pm)TEN 6083 wrote

Saw this on the way home today from Newcastle while on the bus


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

Yeah, Blaydon is a joke!

Seen someone complaining on GNE’s Facebook page about the 35 that they’re using old buses (mostly 11 plate Versas) and calling the SD Cherry Citaros “newer buses” when they’re 08 plates.

Here’s their comment:

Any reason why the majority of the 35 service is now old style buses which can only cater for 1 pushchair/wheelchair? School runs this week have been impossible, we rely on the bus for school as our son can walk long distances due to disabilities but every day there and back there is already another school run parent with a pushchair using this space,
It's confusing as you have cut many services but have gone back to using old buses when surely that should make more sufficient buses available? the 35 has always generally been the newer buses which caters for 2 pushchairs. How long are these old buses going to be used for?


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

(11 Sep 2022, 1:19 am)TEN 6083 wrote Seen someone complaining on GNE’s Facebook page about the 35 that they’re using old buses (mostly 11 plate Versas) and calling the SD Cherry Citaros “newer buses” when they’re 08 plates.

Here’s their comment:

Any reason why the majority of the 35 service is now old style buses which can only cater for 1 pushchair/wheelchair? School runs this week have been impossible, we rely on the bus for school as our son can walk long distances due to disabilities but every day there and back there is already another school run parent with a pushchair using this space,
It's confusing as you have cut many services but have gone back to using old buses when surely that should make more sufficient buses available? the 35 has always generally been the newer buses which caters for 2 pushchairs. How long are these old buses going to be used for?


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

But to anyone who doesn't read the plates the Citaros are a hell of a lot nicer than any versa's, probably on par with the ex-QuayCity versa's. 

But they're referencing to 5507/8 I think which only have one wheelchair bay, and no buggy bay.

As I've said before, I care more about the interior spec than the age of a vehicle. I'd happily take a refurbished Omnidekka with tables, 240V sockets, and comfy seats over Arriva's new E400s!

(11 Sep 2022, 4:27 pm)streetdeckfan wrote As I've said before, I care more about the interior spec than the age of a vehicle. I'd happily take a refurbished Omnidekka with tables, 240V sockets, and comfy seats over Arriva's new E400s!

I totally agree. 

Some of the interior of GNE "normal service" buses are awful, the Optares especially the insides of the 10-11 Plates, they de-colour to an awful yellow.

(11 Sep 2022, 1:19 am)TEN 6083 wrote Seen someone complaining on GNE’s Facebook page about the 35 that they’re using old buses (mostly 11 plate Versas) and calling the SD Cherry Citaros “newer buses” when they’re 08 plates.

Here’s their comment:

Any reason why the majority of the 35 service is now old style buses which can only cater for 1 pushchair/wheelchair? School runs this week have been impossible, we rely on the bus for school as our son can walk long distances due to disabilities but every day there and back there is already another school run parent with a pushchair using this space,
It's confusing as you have cut many services but have gone back to using old buses when surely that should make more sufficient buses available? the 35 has always generally been the newer buses which caters for 2 pushchairs. How long are these old buses going to be used for?


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

The Citaros look like a more modern bus, both inside and out. The Versa is a design that hasn't really aged well, plus the interiors (even the Berries ones that were re-trimmed) look extremely scruffy. Have a look at one of the ceilings next time you're on one. 

The Versas can cater for two pushchairs or one wheelchair though, so I'm not sure what their complaint is in that respect.

(11 Sep 2022, 7:14 pm)Adrian wrote The Citaros look like a more modern bus, both inside and out. The Versa is a design that hasn't really aged well, plus the interiors (even the Berries ones that were re-trimmed) look extremely scruffy. Have a look at one of the ceilings next time you're on one. 

The Versas can cater for two pushchairs or one wheelchair though, so I'm not sure what their complaint is in that respect.

I think you get what you pay for, Aurelion.

In terms of cars, (and as a Daewoo enthusiast - it pains me to say it) Mercedes is more prestigious than a Daewoo with better interior build quality and a German engine to boot. In a similar context, I would imagine Mercedes build better buses than Optare with the Citaro being superior to the Versa in terms of build quality. To maintain a Daewoo is a labour of love whilst even a tatty looking Mercedes still looks classy.

(11 Sep 2022, 7:14 pm)Adrian wrote The Citaros look like a more modern bus, both inside and out. The Versa is a design that hasn't really aged well, plus the interiors (even the Berries ones that were re-trimmed) look extremely scruffy. Have a look at one of the ceilings next time you're on one. 

The Versas can cater for two pushchairs or one wheelchair though, so I'm not sure what their complaint is in that respect.

As Unber43 pointed out, 5507/08 (plus 8347) only have the wheelchair bay on the drivers side and general seating on the opposite side with 8347 additionally having a small luggage bay instead of the sideways seats next to the door (much like how Transdev have spec'd their examples).

I'd hate to be that guy that dropped the paper at the funeral!

(19 Sep 2022, 10:33 am)streetdeckfan wrote I'd hate to be that guy that dropped the paper at the funeral!

Was his shopping list.

Zoomed in and managed to work out he was after:
2 pints of milk 
White sliced loaf
20 B&H 
A copy of Razzle

There's some great admin responses to comments on a post promoting concessionary pass use

Wow. Not a great way to win customer loyalty.

(07 Oct 2022, 4:41 pm)tcts24 wrote There's some great admin responses to comments on a post promoting concessionary pass use

Sure that's a fake account replying.

(07 Oct 2022, 6:44 pm)Michael wrote Sure that's a fake account replying.

Aye, 'customer support' is a well known spoof/troll account.

https://www.facebook.com/theamazingtrollman

I saw on twitter that GNE are running a full page add for bus drivers, and I thought it was hilarious that the person they were using had apparently left GNE according to the comments.

https://twitter.com/creatingdesire/statu...hhOZ86JyNQ&s=19

The sweet, sweet delicious irony! Made me chuckle anyway. Nearly choked on my fizzy pop.

https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23...e-service/

Looking on Facebook this afternoon and see this article from the Hexham Courant and it’s my photo I took last October, they could’ve asked at least and not take them without permission and they’ve credited it to Stagecoach. Cheeky sods.

https://flic.kr/p/2nViZgX


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

(21 Jan 2023, 3:52 pm)TEN 6083 wrote https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23...e-service/

Looking on Facebook this afternoon and see this article from the Hexham Courant and it’s my photo I took last October, they could’ve asked at least and not take them without permission and they’ve credited it to Stagecoach. Cheeky sods.

https://flic.kr/p/2nViZgX


Sent from my iPhone 13 Pro using Tapatalk

They didn't even get the name of one of the bus companies right, in the caption.

Davey Bowyer will be all over this!


No Volvo Olympian though,

Rolig

Encountered a driver at Blyth Bus Station who I'm aware seems to be friendly/slightly flirtatious. Too bad he wears a wedding ring