(09 Nov 2017, 5:04 pm)Tom wrote So, after I decided to send an email to clarify what has been going on, some things have come to light and the council have actually requested the use of the van on the 15/16 for the next 6 weeks. As there are roadworks it would not be possible to take the shortest diversion route with a bigger bus and this would result in significant delays to the service, so the council decided to operate via Whittingham Crossroads with a smaller bus to try and maximise the chances of the service running on time. He stated that it is extremely rare for a buggy or wheelchair to use the service, and this was a significant part of the decision to request the use of the 16 seater van. He did say there were some delays on the 15/16, but was very surprised to here about the early running and would be addressing it with the drivers.
He also stated he is trying his best to run the service as best as he could but his efforts are being undermined by the fact there are continuous roadworks along the route (which is true as the council are undergoing a program to repair/maintain bridges along the stretch of the 15/16 and in all of Northumberland) so it is not only the passengers who are frustrated.
Also the Versas on the 470/473 I think have been fairly reliable? And of course there have recently been changes to make the timekeeping more reliable.
So yeah, not as bad as it seems. Just thought I would clarify as it doesn't seem anyone has actually complained....
But it was just this once that the van had been used, it's been a Solo all the other times? The diversion via Bridge on the Aln only seems to add 2-5 minutes onto the journey, of which is usually gained back with the slack timetable...
The Wooler services already operate up that road with full size Versas!Only one road closure and one set of temporary traffic lights on the diversion...too!
The early running was in Alnwick heading to Rothbury on Tuesday, and also on the M1 service, of which @SouthTyneLad can back me up on too. Again, the 15 left Rothbury for Alnwick yesterday a few minutes early, as I got to Cragside at 1556, and not 1600....
My mother says she made a direct complaint to PCL, of which they haven't yet got back to her.