(11 Sep 2023, 12:00 pm)citaro5284 wrote Notice a post on a local facebook group saying that the 1745, 1825 and 2015 X7 services from Newcastle are not running today.  So that is a bus at 1715 then 1915 then 2115 to the likes of Seghill, Seaton Delaval and New Hartley.

(11 Sep 2023, 12:29 pm)Storx wrote It's alright, can use the Metro to West Monkseaton and change onto the 57, where 2602 yet again is on and will be doing the bus around 18:40.

(11 Sep 2023, 12:58 pm)DeltaMan wrote Can't see the situation at GNE improving any time soon.. https://twitter.com/GAGNigel/status/1701197210208137695?t=lLm9cE6aH_MfpRmB-lSfVw&s=19

(11 Sep 2023, 12:59 pm)mb134 wrote Glad to see lots of diversity in the bus industry...

(11 Sep 2023, 3:31 pm)Thomas12 wrote I used to buy a GNE weekly ticket/Flexi dependant on my needs for a particular week, mainly because the service from Percy Main was very reliable, with few cancellations.

The past week has been a complete shambles, and if it continues I'll be switching to Stagecoach. Even though they have a few cancellations (especially with the 22 regularly randomly terminating at Walkergate Depot without warning), at least the gap between services is smaller, and the 317 is very reliable even though it takes longer.

I'm not sure how people could deal with this sort of service where Go North East are the only option.

(11 Sep 2023, 3:31 pm)Thomas12 wrote I used to buy a GNE weekly ticket/Flexi dependant on my needs for a particular week, mainly because the service from Percy Main was very reliable, with few cancellations.

The past week has been a complete shambles, and if it continues I'll be switching to Stagecoach. Even though they have a few cancellations (especially with the 22 regularly randomly terminating at Walkergate Depot without warning), at least the gap between services is smaller, and the 317 is very reliable even though it takes longer.

I'm not sure how people could deal with this sort of service where Go North East are the only option.

(11 Sep 2023, 3:59 pm)Ambassador wrote Does anyone know if the 16.08 X39 from Cobalt ran today? It's not showing on bustimes and I've got a few colleagues whacking in uber receipts (remote colleagues who do a team day once a month in the office - we're not THAT generous!)

We have had a few try it on before and it's normally reliable (if never on time)

(11 Sep 2023, 4:03 pm)Thomas12 wrote No it didn't, the bus that would have usually ran it went on the 307 instead.

(11 Sep 2023, 4:09 pm)Ambassador wrote Thank you - first time I've ever had an issue with that one (22X we know is a tad unreliable)

I would guess the 17.08 isn't running either as that's the same bus and I've got 13 using that one! 

It will make tempting even the most willing of colleagues into the office that bit harder if the X39 starts becoming an issue

(11 Sep 2023, 4:14 pm)Thomas12 wrote I'd assume not - I think the same bus/driver usually does all of the X39 runs, so unless they manage to get a spare one then I would assume none of the X39 services will be running today. 

They've obviously took too much on with the ex-Arriva services. Three 1s in a row were cancelled this morning. Hopefully there is a resolution soon.

(11 Sep 2023, 4:21 pm)Adrian wrote I don't think they'd have taken the work on, if they knew from day one that they'd be unable to cover it. You'd plan all this into your resource modelling.

What it doesn't account for, is what has happened since doing the modelling and forecasts for introducing those services, e.g. has there been a sudden and unusual increase in sickness, have drivers been loaned to other depots to spread the impact, and so on?

I maintain what I've said many times previous, about operators really needing to get a grip on retention, but sometimes there's factors at play that you really can't realistically foresee.

(11 Sep 2023, 4:51 pm)Unber43 wrote Also a lot of people go on hoildays in September as its cheaper so that could be an additional reason.

(11 Sep 2023, 4:21 pm)Adrian wrote I don't think they'd have taken the work on, if they knew from day one that they'd be unable to cover it. You'd plan all this into your resource modelling.

What it doesn't account for, is what has happened since doing the modelling and forecasts for introducing those services, e.g. has there been a sudden and unusual increase in sickness, have drivers been loaned to other depots to spread the impact, and so on?

I maintain what I've said many times previous, about operators really needing to get a grip on retention, but sometimes there's factors at play that you really can't realistically foresee.

(11 Sep 2023, 5:34 pm)Storx wrote Wonder if they might have modelled for more Arriva driver's to come across and in the end they haven't bothered.

(11 Sep 2023, 5:34 pm)Storx wrote Wonder if they might have modelled for more Arriva driver's to come across and in the end they haven't bothered.

(11 Sep 2023, 5:35 pm)Unber43 wrote Aren't they waiting for their re-settlement payment

(11 Sep 2023, 5:36 pm)nova347 wrote Well Dan said once the agreements or something between the Ex-Arriva drivers, and Arriva some will be coming over.

(11 Sep 2023, 6:34 pm)Storx wrote Aye believe so, be interesting if many do as I'm not sure why they'd want to. I can understand why they'd want to move away from Arriva but considering they've been working in the same yard as Stagecoach for over a year and they're, as far as I'm aware, paid more. Not sure why anyone wouldn't take that option.

(11 Sep 2023, 6:44 pm)Dan wrote It depends where they live, too, of course.

Stagecoach will be the worst paid of the big three as soon as GNE’s pay deal is settled. Even GNE’s first offer (which drivers are balloting to strike over) sees them overtake Stagecoach. Whatever is agreed will be backdated to 1 July (or whenever the employee started at GNE, if after that date).

Conditions at Stagecoach (in terms of driving portions etc) are far worse than GNE.

Plenty of reasons why folk would go to GNE over Stagecoach. Of course, I am sure there are reasons why some drivers would prefer to work at Stagecoach too!


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(11 Sep 2023, 7:37 pm)Unber43 wrote I heard SCNE don't pay drivers for dead runs, so if you have two dead runs which are 20-30 mins each, youre going to be losing an hour pay, whereas GNE do and there dead run times are quite generous so i think thats a reason, if they didnt I assume a lot of staff would have left, perhaps this could be why SCNE do quite well due to their un-lengthy dead runs.

Wheatshef depot longest dead run is Farringdon probably not sure about others depot.

GNE they probably are (not including school routes)

Deptford - Langley Park (20), Peterlee (206), Hebburn (26)
Washington - Peterlee (X1)
Consett - Metrocentre (6)
Riverside - West Aukland (X21), Middlesbrough [Match Days Only] (X10), Hexham (10)
Percy Main - Metrocentre (1), Blyth (309)

(11 Sep 2023, 7:51 pm)Adrian wrote I've never heard of that, but that sounds a bit iffy to me? If you're driving a bus, then you're working and should be paid accordingly. Regardless of whether it is in or out of service.

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(11 Sep 2023, 7:37 pm)Unber43 wrote I heard SCNE don't pay drivers for dead runs, so if you have two dead runs which are 20-30 mins each, youre going to be losing an hour pay, whereas GNE do and there dead run times are quite generous so i think thats a reason, if they didnt I assume a lot of staff would have left, perhaps this could be why SCNE do quite well due to their un-lengthy dead runs.