(19 Sep 2020, 12:43 pm)Storx wrote On paper are GCT actually any worse than GNE in terms of quality though. Their vehicles are mostly newer, they have the same features (none of GNE secured Solos have anything) and didn't someone say awhile back that some now have USB's fitted (I might be dreaming there).
I'm not sure how the procurement system works but I can't imagine they can downgrade them for their service as in the main it's not really that bad, I'm sure GNE would've had a few missed runs aswell or not to the stage that it severly impacts them ratings wise anyway.
GCT get it hard on here, no-one ever gives them credit for the fact they've got 20 plate Enviro's running around and even the bread vans are new whether you like them or not (that's a different debate), they're certainly no-where near as bad as some make out on here and some of the other independents we've had in the past running around with complete tat.
Also it's not Nexus' and the tax payers job to top up big corporates to run the services which they don't feel like running as it doesn't suit them (GNE in particular) to whoever said give GNE them back. They're welcome to run their own routes any time they like.
I'm all for offering best value to tax payers, however that also needs to be reflected in value to customers. I know in Washington, GCT fares are slightly cheaper than GNE, however the issue is that most already have bought day tickets on the GNE services. I've heard of a number of occasions where passengers with day tickets have been forced to pay when they should be accepting the tickets. On top of this, every GNE bus is equipped with contactless payment facility. Once the service is secured however and GCT take over, there is no such facility. The NSA's etc offered on board of most GNE services are also a feature which is not replicated. Like or loathe them, they are definitely a helpful feature especially on dark nights.
The buses they have as a rule are slightly newer but is this really a factor which should be considered apart from in terms of Euro emissions standards?
Most importantly in my opinion is the redundancy - if there is an issue on one of the GNE vehicles, a replacement will be sourced and deployed ASAP. I have heard of services being absent all night due to a breakdown although I confess this is hearsay so please don't take that comment as gospel. It's even down to the tracking (as previously mentioned in another reply) and the social media alerts. I know not everyone has access to Facebook or Twitter but at least those who do can check to see whether or not there is an issue en route and can make alternative arrangements if there is a delay or breakdown.
In regards to the breadvans, I believe that on the Washington services, they do not have the required capacity to fulfill the contract requirements. I have lost count of the times that there's been at least one breadvan out on a night. The other day, one of the ADLs was running round with a broken front blind (showing NIS on the rear and side) with 82 printed on a sheet on A4 stuck to the front windscreen.
I'm not trying to knock them, however, I strongly believe that a secured service should be like for like with what is run during the day - I.e. with the required capacity (especially in terms of fulfilling the contract), NSA's would be nice but not essential. However, most importantly in the current climate there should be the facility to pay by contactless.
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