(24 Nov 2015, 12:26 pm)GX03 SVC wrote An Ashington driver was suspended the other day for "deliberately running the service late" when he was running 35 minutes late on the X20.That's different. The management were wrong on this instance. Deliberate late running isn't such a problem on longer and less frequent routes and late running is more down to the traffic conditions. It's more of a problem on the more frequent routes. 35 mins late on the X20 is very noticable. But running 15 minutes late on the X21/X22/X10/X11/308 and any others isn't very noticable. These can be easily be regulated owing to their frequency. And to be fair, Ashington depot isn't such a problem and I've only experienced one late runner from there for such reason. It's another certain depot beginning with a B where I've noticed a small minority of drivers not making an effort.
The driver took over the bus 10 minutes late, the headlights were rubbish, all he could see was pitch black and the reflections from the window, an Eddie Stobart lorry was attempting to turn around causing another 15 minute delay. The depot manager then un-suspended him when they saw that he was telling the truth.
Driver rarely faces action, eh?!
RE: Arriva North East: Upcoming Service Changes