(16 Sep 2021, 9:25 pm)stagecoachbusdepot wrote It’s a great improvement from GNE to have the list published, and well in advance too (it must take some effort compiling and updating too, given the sheer number of journeys affected). It is a shame to see though that even now, three of the last buses (10, 26, X72) are planned to be cancelled tomorrow evening – and two of these (10, X72) on low frequency services so services end an hour early. Conscious it will be to do with rotas etc but it’s a real shame that contingencies couldn’t be made to protect last buses (potentially at the expense of earlier runs, where more alternatives may still be available, or at least the impact is a 1 hour delay rather than an overnight one). Moreover it seems a shame that shortages are affecting the lower frequency services in this way – e.g. the loss of a 27 which runs every 30 mins would be less impactful to passengers than cancelling hourly runs on the 10 or X72?
Very much agree with the other comments about the need for absolute transparency from all operators (not just GNE) on what the failsafe is whether that’s a taxi to reclaim, a number to call for one to be arranged by the company, direction to an alternative/diverted service or whatever. “Sorry, we’re not running, unlucky” (or in the case of SNE and presumably ANE – just nothing turning up) isn’t anything like good enough if the operators are to have any chance in the slightest of convincing people buses are reliable, feasible options. I’d wager it would only take one instance of being stranded in Hexham or, God forbid, Stanley for anyone giving the bus a try to conclude ‘never again’…
Agree it's good to see the list published in advance so people can make alternate arrangements. I'd normally agree about the last buses being a must to run (and the first bus of the day, today's 69 ahem...) but tonight there's the added complication of the Newcastle match so maybe they would prioritise the running of journeys after full time rather than later on?