(03 Jun 2022, 5:43 am)Dan wrote Perhaps not, although in such a small team I’m sure he could have a big influence on other matters outside of the primary responsibilities of the role.

Though I’m sure as Andreos is the solution to the entire bus industry’s problems, he’ll be head-hunted soon enough for a role his skills are better matched to - that, or Constantopoulos Consulting will be a rip-roaring success for him.


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Constantopoulos Consulting will undoubtedly be better than Shyster Solutions - the team who GNE currently outsource work to in the field of commercial decision making.

(03 Jun 2022, 4:55 am)DeltaMan wrote The good news for you is that they are still advertising for a Commedcial Assistant. So there is a nice opportunity for you to share your knowledge.

Did you go for it in the end? 

A little piddling local bus operator? Nah, I'll stick with ranting on here as far as they go and in the real world do my stuff with larger organisations.

But I'm sure myself and the other sensible non-fan boy posters on here could join together on a consortium basis and for a fee, offer plenty of advice and thought provoking comments.
Of course we would be laughed out of the office, because they know best! :huh:

---

(03 Jun 2022, 5:43 am)Dan wrote Perhaps not, although in such a small team I’m sure he could have a big influence on other matters outside of the primary responsibilities of the role.

Though I’m sure as Andreos is the solution to the entire bus industry’s problems, he’ll be head-hunted soon enough for a role his skills are better matched to - that, or Constantopoulos Consulting will be a rip-roaring success for him.


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Don't be daft. I'm not part of the clique. They only head hunt their mates.

(03 Jun 2022, 12:23 am)Andreos1 wrote Surely a competent commercial team would look at alternatives to relying on subsidies and come up with something like yourself and many others have suggested?
Maybe the sort of ideas that would justify their job roles and salaries?

Starting to wonder what it is they're actually paid to do.

I suspect that the 4 in 1 solution I thought of still might not be commercial - low frequency linking everywhere to everywhere else, typical secured service. 

A big question I think is for Bank Holidays post any cuts, especially Good Friday when services are normally very busy. 
Even those services that aren't that busy on a Sunday are busy on a Bank Holdiay - or example, I spent 45 minutes in CLS just after 1200 today and the 34 was very busy in both directions, and the 25 had quite a few on when it arrived just before 1300. 
If the 34, for example, doesn't have a Sunday service post 24th July will GNE provide a service on Bank Holidays? there certainly seemed enough passengers travelling to cover the cost of operation.

Even the 21 (on its current 12-minute frequency) was very busy, with long gaps in service - how will it cope when it's every 15 minutes on Sundays/Bank Holidays? 
A rethink of Bank Holdiay frequencies and running times required, I think.

(03 Jun 2022, 3:33 pm)busmanT wrote I suspect that the 4 in 1 solution I thought of still might not be commercial - low frequency linking everywhere to everywhere else, typical secured service. 

A big question I think is for Bank Holidays post any cuts, especially Good Friday when services are normally very busy. 
Even those services that aren't that busy on a Sunday are busy on a Bank Holdiay - or example, I spent 45 minutes in CLS just after 1200 today and the 34 was very busy in both directions, and the 25 had quite a few on when it arrived just before 1300. 
If the 34, for example, doesn't have a Sunday service post 24th July will GNE provide a service on Bank Holidays? there certainly seemed enough passengers travelling to cover the cost of operation.

Even the 21 (on its current 12-minute frequency) was very busy, with long gaps in service - how will it cope when it's every 15 minutes on Sundays/Bank Holidays? 
A rethink of Bank Holdiay frequencies and running times required, I think.

A quick look on bustimes show a service 8 heading into Sunderland with 20 odd passengers on board - so unless it's going to be a "special" Sunday service on bank holidays quite a lot of passengers are going to be inconvenienced.

(03 Jun 2022, 3:45 pm)busmanT wrote A quick look on bustimes show a service 8 heading into Sunderland with 20 odd passengers on board - so unless it's going to be a "special" Sunday service on bank holidays quite a lot of passengers are going to be inconvenienced.

It's probably more likely that the driver hasn't entered it into the ticket machine when a passenger has alighted - even more so when there is an 8 at the other end apparently with 2 seats free. 

So in reality it's probably 20 or so passengers who have used it across the whole route.

I've worked it out and if the potential changes as outlined in the consultation go ahead, the following interworking patterns for the Evening & Sunday trips are definitely do-able (see attached screenshot of timings). Note that the timings are only estimates.



6/12/X30/X72 - Riverside
* Interworked using 7x StreetLites.
* Changeovers for pattern 1 done at MetroCentre and changeovers for pattern 2 done at Blaydon.
* Common frequency maintained with X30/X72 between Sunniside and Newcastle.
* Would reduce costs using a more appropriate vehicle type for capacity requirements as well eliminating the need for any remote reliefs at Stanley from Hownsgill.
* If extra capacity is required (i.e matchdays), low height E400MMCs not used on the X9/X10 or 6336/37 can also be allocated to some boards.

16B/47/47A/X5/X45 - Hownsgill
* Interworked using 9x StreetDeck or E400MMC (whichever type is not eliminated from Consett after changes.....most likely will be StreetDecks eliminated).
* All changeovers done at Consett.
* Compliant with driving hours.
* Common frequency maintained with X45/47 between Rowlands Gill and Newcastle.
* Would reduce costs using a more fuel efficient vehicle type.
* Short X15 between Castleside and Consett only interworked with 78 on Sundays.
* 47A runs between Shotley Bridge Hospital and Consett on Sundays formed of the X5 and then forms the 47 after returning to Consett.

(03 Jun 2022, 3:53 pm)Thomas12 wrote It's probably more likely that the driver hasn't entered it into the ticket machine when a passenger has alighted - even more so when there is an 8 at the other end apparently with 2 seats free. 

So in reality it's probably 20 or so passengers who have used it across the whole route.

I hadn't realised that the "When2Travel" and "How Many Seats are left on my bus" tools had disappeared, thought they would still be useful.
https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/new-tools-...-19-crisis

(03 Jun 2022, 5:23 pm)busmanT wrote I hadn't realised that the "When2Travel" and "How Many Seats are left on my bus" tools had disappeared, thought they would still be useful.
https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/new-tools-...-19-crisis

I think bustimes is useful but it is only reliable if the driver accurately records the number of passengers departing.

I'd say most of the drivers do record it, but sometimes bustimes will say the bus is full when there is plenty of seats available.

They taking 35 of from boldon

http://publictransportexperience.blogspo...rds-1.html
http://publictransportexperience.blogspo...rds-2.html
An outsiders view.......

(04 Jun 2022, 8:59 pm)busmanT wrote http://publictransportexperience.blogspo...rds-1.html
http://publictransportexperience.blogspo...rds-2.html
An outsiders view.......

But tables, titivations and paint...
Who would have thought it wouldn't work?
Any other industry the people making those decisions and seeing them fail in such spectacular fashion, would be sacked.

Someone needs to let RF and RS know!

(04 Jun 2022, 10:06 pm)Andreos1 wrote But tables, titivations and paint...
Who would have thought it wouldn't work?
Any other industry the people making those decisions and seeing them fail in such spectacular fashion, would be sacked.

Don't forget the blatant false advertising! I never want anyone to lose their jobs, however GNE Marketing/Promotion/Decison Makers, if things just aren't working it might be worth stop blaming the pandemic and look at themselves.

(04 Jun 2022, 10:06 pm)Andreos1 wrote But tables, titivations and paint...
Who would have thought it wouldn't work?
Any other industry the people making those decisions and seeing them fail in such spectacular fashion, would be sacked.

Go Ahead are a disgrace. Pretty buses, no F@&king routes.

(04 Jun 2022, 10:12 pm)Unber43 wrote Don't forget the blatant false advertising! I never want anyone to lose their jobs, however GNE Marketing/Promotion/Decison Makers, if things just aren't working it might be worth stop blaming the pandemic and look at themselves. 

100%.
This isn't calling for anyone losing their job.
It's calling out the apparent lack of competence when we are told they know best. And to be honest, it's questionable whether they actually do.

If they were competent, stopped the finger pointing, blaming and shrugging - I genuinely don't think we would have communities stressing like they are.
Nor a network that's clearly not fit for purpose.

---

(04 Jun 2022, 10:15 pm)Economic505 wrote Go Ahead are a disgrace. Pretty buses, no F@&king routes.

Are they really that pretty? 
I just see fur coats and a total lack of knickers.

(04 Jun 2022, 8:59 pm)busmanT wrote http://publictransportexperience.blogspo...rds-1.html
http://publictransportexperience.blogspo...rds-2.html
An outsiders view.......

Dear Lord, the anti Roger French exists.

(04 Jun 2022, 10:54 pm)Andreos1 wrote 100%.
This isn't calling for anyone losing their job.
It's calling out the apparent lack of competence when we are told they know best. And to be honest, it's questionable whether they actually do.

If they were competent, stopped the finger pointing, blaming and shrugging - I genuinely don't think we would have communities stressing like they are.
Nor a network that's clearly not fit for purpose.

They think they know best, and what people want without actually asking them, who’d thought that would backfire, whats this like 4th attempt after the Pandemic to fix the network. And when it doesn't work, they'll just blame the pandemic, its like a endless loop.

They waste so much money on pointless things, maybe get someone to deliver leaflets around doors promoting their services and not cutting the Frequency e.g 4, went from 10-12-15, that is losing two buses per hour, it may not seem much but in the grand scheme of things is waiting for a bus which has been cut a lot over just a two year period,really giving them confidence then slash sunday and morning services.

That'll get people back! Won't it!

Send leaflets and also advertise that they have tables, USB/Plug Sockets (ON SERVICES WHICH THEY WORK, not the 20/10/47 etc). 

(04 Jun 2022, 10:58 pm)Ambassador wrote Dear Lord, the anti Roger French exists.

You reckon RF is wandering down the street singing this? https://youtu.be/eUJ_ifjKopM

(04 Jun 2022, 10:06 pm)Andreos1 wrote Someone needs to let RF and RS know!

I see it didn’t take someone very long!

https://twitter.com/bullsht_bot/status/1...02018?s=21&t=f1eWizL6dvPE1HRWoDIrnA


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(04 Jun 2022, 10:06 pm)Andreos1 wrote Someone needs to let RF and RS know!

I see it didn’t take someone very long!

https://twitter.com/bullsht_bot/status/1...02018?s=21&t=f1eWizL6dvPE1HRWoDIrnA


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(05 Jun 2022, 7:36 am)Dan wrote I see it didn’t take someone very long!

https://twitter.com/bullsht_bot/status/1...02018?s=21&t=f1eWizL6dvPE1HRWoDIrnA


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I mean….I’d have taken a more constructive approach but hey ho…

Maybe GNE's approach that they're taking now would've worked before covid? But at this time, perhaps a back to basics approach with a single corporate identity (with sub-branding for areas and generic XLines) will put GNE in the best possible position moving forward?

(05 Jun 2022, 9:02 am)L469 YVK wrote Maybe GNE's approach that they're taking now would've worked before covid? But at this time, perhaps a back to basics approach with a single corporate identity (with sub-branding for areas and generic XLines) will put GNE in the best possible position moving forward?

I am pretty sure there was a MG video stating passenger numbers were increasing before the pandemic.

(05 Jun 2022, 7:36 am)Dan wrote I see it didn’t take someone very long!

https://twitter.com/bullsht_bot/status/1...02018?s=21&t=f1eWizL6dvPE1HRWoDIrnA


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Just had a look at some of the replies and it looks like someone already did it earlier in the week https://twitter.com/paulmch/status/15320...bqdzZUXGGg&s=19

Reading the above and looking at the cancellations still happening, it reads as though they can't recruit the drivers and are blaming everyone but themselves.

I hope with the changes coming that some services can be saved such as the X46, good routes that dont deserve to go yet!

(06 Jun 2022, 7:17 pm)KingSlayerRBLX wrote I hope with the changes coming that some services can be saved such as the X46, good routes that dont deserve to go yet!

Just think, 

GNE brought in 7(i think) brand new Streetdecks for the X45/46 at every 15 mins, two years later, the frequency has halved and loads of runs don't make money.

If they get rid of the X46, keep the X45 at every 20 mins

---

When do you think we'll find about about the final changes, and do you think any of GNE's decisions will have been reversed without Gov. Funding?

(06 Jun 2022, 7:23 pm)Unber43 wrote GNE brought in 7(i think) brand new Streetdecks for the X45/46 at every 15 mins, two years later, the frequency has halved and loads of runs don't make money.

It was 8, and yes it seems to have went downhill a lot from pre-covid.

---

When do you think we'll find about about the final changes

I assume it would be most likely within the next 2 weeks so there is at least a month's notice on the changes.

(06 Jun 2022, 7:23 pm)Unber43 wrote Just think, 

GNE brought in 7(i think) brand new Streetdecks for the X45/46 at every 15 mins, two years later, the frequency has halved and loads of runs don't make money.

If they get rid of the X46, keep the X45 at every 20 mins

---

When do you think we'll find about about the final changes, and do you think any of GNE's decisions will have been reversed without Gov. Funding?

Original plans and frequencies for Consett (pre-covid) were

X30:
- 4x E400MMC (1x on the original X1 order before StreetDeck swap)
- Every 30 mins to Stanley, every 60 mins to Consett

X31/X45/X46:
- X31 every 30 mins
- X45/X46 every 10-20 mins (every 10 combined with X47 on common sections)
- 13x StreetDeck

X47/X70/X71:
- X47 every 30 mins (every 10 combined with X45/X46 on common sections)
- X70/X71 every 60 mins each (every 30 combined on common sections)
- 9x StreetDeck

X5/X15:
- X5/X15 every 60 mins each (every 30 combined on common sections)
- 4x StreetDeck

(06 Jun 2022, 7:17 pm)KingSlayerRBLX wrote I hope with the changes coming that some services can be saved such as the X46, good routes that dont deserve to go yet!

You mean titivations and paint jobs don't work? Stone the crows!
What about upgrading nearly new tables?
Can't remember if the vehicles allocated to these routes got table upgrades or not.

Changes on VOSA for the 24 July 2022:

Variation:

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Variation GO NORTH EAST LIMITED 2 (2, 2A) Silksworth Washington

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