(25 Mar 2024, 1:43 pm)mb134 wrote There are more than enough to run the services if they had the drivers, but as they don't I believe some are on loan to Blyth (7554 definitely is, and 7532/3 both have been).
Ashington are missing every X21/22 from Newcastle between 1900 and 2000 today, as well as the 1645/1655/1730. As at 1345, there are 3 buses on the X22 out of a PVR of 7. There are a combined 8 on the X21/35 out of a PVR of 13. The incompetence of the management is reaching new levels, those responsible should be sacked.
(25 Mar 2024, 2:08 pm)Storx wrote It's a mess mind, it's an awkward one though because of all these nice contracts they've took on that arguably now they're stuck with really only the 1/2/X21/X22 where they can cull and they seem to be prioritising the 1 and 2 for some reason, unsure why mind.
They really need to sort it out asap though or at least get some agency driver's which they've seemed to decide to not use anymore.
(25 Mar 2024, 2:24 pm)mb134 wrote It's ultimately down to those at the top deciding to not pay the going rate for drivers. Bidding for all the extra work at the detriment to the current network is negligence. If you look into who is running the show operationally there now (a quick Google of "Head of Service delivery Arriva North East" should do the trick), they've got no real credentials to suggest they'd be capable of running a bus company and certainly what we're currently seeing backs that up.
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(25 Mar 2024, 2:44 pm)tyresmoke wrote Believe there is a shortage of serviceable vehicles at Blyth, while Ashington have loads of vehicles but no drivers! So several are on loan over at Blyth but I’m told missed runout by 11 today!
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(25 Mar 2024, 2:44 pm)tyresmoke wrote Believe there is a shortage of serviceable vehicles at Blyth, while Ashington have loads of vehicles but no drivers! So several are on loan over at Blyth but I’m told missed runout by 11 today!
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(25 Mar 2024, 2:44 pm)Storx wrote Aye totally agreed mind. Must admit I've lost track of who runs what with Arriva now but if it's who I think you mean (Josh Rochford) he certainly has ran some places which I'd argue are a failure.
Seems like another who should be getting demoted has been promoted for reasons unknown. Nothing new though really.
It'll be interesting to see how iSquared deal with it as they aren't half inheriting a mess or even worse whether they're part of these decisions as there's not much going around to say they're experts at transport either.
(25 Mar 2024, 4:20 pm)Shrek wrote From the little digging I did about iSquared, they do have a reputation for being quite savvy, bringing in people with knowledge to run things and obviously with the main aim to make a profit. But they are willing to invest to ensure that profit arrives.
I really hope this happens with Arriva, as I rely on them to get me to the pub. Non-alcohol nights out with the car just aren't as good. Parking near work in the centre of town is extortionate too, so prefer the £4 bus instead.
(25 Mar 2024, 4:20 pm)Shrek wrote From the little digging I did about iSquared, they do have a reputation for being quite savvy, bringing in people with knowledge to run things and obviously with the main aim to make a profit. But they are willing to invest to ensure that profit arrives.
I really hope this happens with Arriva, as I rely on them to get me to the pub. Non-alcohol nights out with the car just aren't as good. Parking near work in the centre of town is extortionate too, so prefer the £4 bus instead.
(25 Mar 2024, 4:20 pm)Shrek wrote From the little digging I did about iSquared, they do have a reputation for being quite savvy, bringing in people with knowledge to run things and obviously with the main aim to make a profit. But they are willing to invest to ensure that profit arrives.
I really hope this happens with Arriva, as I rely on them to get me to the pub. Non-alcohol nights out with the car just aren't as good. Parking near work in the centre of town is extortionate too, so prefer the £4 bus instead.
(25 Mar 2024, 4:51 pm)Mike_98 wrote I just hope they don't just go straight to changing London's fleet which is not actually needed until the next 6-10 years.
(25 Mar 2024, 5:33 pm)Storx wrote Aye that's fair must say I couldn't find much on them in either direction.
Agreed though, the ironic thing is the North East is one of the better operations aswell - believe it or not. Arriva Kent and Arriva North West, in particular, are much much worse!
Just sums up how bad they are tbh.
(25 Mar 2024, 5:44 pm)Shrek wrote You see it so often when a company is up for sale. The longer it goes, the less the parent company invest in either assets or often more importantly people, and the decline starts to accelerate fast. You would assume new leadership will be the first thing to come. It normally is after a takeover.
(04 May 2024, 9:19 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote Ah, it's a Durham bus? It was spotted in Newcastle on Wednesday, broken down.
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(04 May 2024, 9:27 am)tyresmoke wrote Blyth one… Durham have an engine shop and keep fitting engines to several vehicles - some several times…!
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(10 May 2024, 11:14 am)Aaron21 wrote Hmmm it seems 7556 has lost the AX at the front of the bus but has also lost all Pink vinyls on the side and front of the bus. Is this the work of Arriva now longer being owned by DB. 308s have lost there branding and poppy has gone as well
(10 May 2024, 4:13 pm)Jimmi wrote More likely because these vinyls advertised free WiFi, a feature which has been removed from whole fleet.
(12 May 2024, 2:57 pm)Dan wrote Still actively promoted as being available on the not in service destination display!
See: https://flic.kr/p/2pPxpw1
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(12 May 2024, 2:57 pm)Dan wrote Still actively promoted as being available on the not in service destination display!
See: https://flic.kr/p/2pPxpw1
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