(20 Apr 2021, 6:45 pm)Dan wrote We've established elsewhere on this forum this evening that certain members of the forum like to 'attack' Gateshead Central Taxis. Others would suggest it's noting operational issues in a bid to provoke discussion on compliance and adhering to legal and/or contractual obligations.

It was noted yesterday that the SNS service, on its first day of operation under Gateshead Central Taxis, suffered a breakdown with an 18-reg Optare Solo. This is unfortunate, but paired with the roadworks near Deptford Terrace, resulted in services running to severe delays all day. Seemingly rather than three buses run the contract as they are contractually bound to do, Gateshead Central ran the service with two buses (a 64-reg Optare Solo and a 67-reg Wright Streetlite). At approximately 17:30, I noticed the Solo and Streetlite running in tandem. That presumably means that there were gaps in service of an hour, rather than the service running every 20 minutes as is scheduled.

The 18-reg Solo was allocated again today so was presumably repaired (hooray!) however it is disappointing to note that the quality of service has vastly reduced now the service is no longer being operated by Go North East (sub-contracted to JH Coaches):

• mini/midibus sized vehicles now being allocated, rather than full-size single-decks, reducing social distancing capabilities (should loadings have warranted larger buses).
  
• vehicles not equipped with vandal screens to protect drivers, and despite this, most drivers are not wearing a face covering (see examples here, here, here, here and here).
  
• vehicles not equipped with hand sanitiser, as they were historically
  
• improper social distancing measures in place between presumed staff members (see examples here and here - I wonder if the other man not driving enjoyed his McDonalds at the front of the bus?)
  

What we don't know for certain is if Gateshead Central Taxis are using any enhanced cleaning measures such as fogging devices, as we know the previous operator of the contract did, providing assurance and comfort of mind to those using the bus to get their vaccination, but I'd suggest this is unlikely.

Elsewhere it was noted that whilst both the 592 and 593 operated yesterday (both departing Doxford Park on time), but the 17:15 journey on service 593 operated in excess of five minutes early heading towards Pallion.

(20 Apr 2021, 8:19 pm)park5354 wrote The SNS service has been sub contracted to L & B coaches.  L & B drivers are using GCT buses.

(22 Apr 2021, 6:01 pm)Micheal Aaron Parker wrote Wonder if the T1 T2 and T3 being withdrawn will be the same reason Go North East Withdrawn the A1 A2 and A3 from Asda Byker

(22 Apr 2021, 5:19 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Anyone happen to know the fares on the M71 service?

(14 May 2021, 5:13 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Is this allowed. Why put this on public service

https://flic.kr/p/2kYveHV (Credit to Thomas Booth on Flickr)

(14 May 2021, 5:13 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Is this allowed. Why put this on public service

https://flic.kr/p/2kYveHV (Credit to Thomas Booth on Flickr)

(14 May 2021, 6:29 pm)Dan wrote No, it doesn't conform to the contract requirements (though isn't illegal, as vehicles with 16 seats or less do not have to conform to PSVAR requirements).

The 17:07 37 from Doxford Park did not operate yesterday (two passengers were waiting for it), and the 17:15 592 service was operated by a similar vehicle yesterday (NX12AEA). The latter did not stop at Doxford Park, did not have a destination display, and presumably had no ticket machine. The T1/T2 services were also operated by this same vehicle earlier in the week. I'm sure Thomas will be able to confirm, but I assume this vehicle on the 37 didn't have a working ticket machine either, and it will presumably end up on the 39 service in Sunderland this evening (suppose that beats GNE's new £1 evening fare deal - free rides!)

Glad to see Gateshead Central Taxis have been awarded these contracts to operate (or not) for a further year, from Monday.

They must be having some fleet availability issues, as the 99 service (normally a Sprinter) was operated by the 68-plate ADL Enviro 200MMC earlier this week, and the 18-plate Euro 5 ADL Enviro 200 was allocated to the H1 service, which is a Euro 6 contract.

The 92 service on a morning that they run has consistently ran 8 minutes early through Team Valley for weeks, also omitting Victoria Road and Bolam Street Flats (running direct to the Metrocentre via the A1 after Team Valley) - let's hope there aren't any intending passengers!

(14 May 2021, 6:47 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Don't GCT get paid whether passengers board or not? So there is absolutely no incentive for them to actually run their services properly. Do they get to keep the fares they collect from paying passengers, assuming they are able to board?

Nexus clearly have no intention of handing contracts to anybody bus GCT, so even the incentive of being able to keep the contract isn't there.

(14 May 2021, 6:49 pm)Dan wrote It depends on the contract - some supported journeys that other operators run, they keep the revenue, but this does not apply to most (if any) of Gateshead Central Taxis' contracts. The revenue goes back to Nexus, so helps to fund these services (as well as tax payers' money).

(14 May 2021, 6:57 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote I just wish ethier

1: Nexus open there eyes and sort them out ethier get rid of certain contracts or something else

2: (the option probably nobody wants) vosa shuts them down

(14 May 2021, 7:05 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I must admit, it would be amusing for GCT to get shut down and all the other operators saying GFY to Nexus when they come grovelling for help running services.

I mean, it's not as if passengers would notice anyway!