(06 Aug 2023, 12:59 pm)Dan wrote Out of interest, makes you think the 37 and 38 are more desirable to customers than the 352 and 355?(1) Everyone states reasons for this but I ask everyone on this forum what does desirable mean?... I guarantee everyone will have their own views and opinions, however if I be devils advocate here and look at the dictionary it states that 'wished for as being an attractive, useful, or necessary course of action.' If I break this down has anyone been asked in any form what service they require or even want from any of the operators or even Nexus? (besides Transport NE annual survey which only hits a certain demographic).Secondly, is it useful? SNE I'd definitely say yes due to the Freeman Hsopital and Cross-City links. GNE i'd also say yes due to the unique links North to Cramlington and South to North Shields, even-though the links pre-existed the North Tyne Rockets.
It can’t be frequency, as both operators are providing services every half an hour (albeit GNE’s being co-ordinated with other services).
I have asked on a number of occasions now as this seems to have been said multiple times, and nobody has been able to give me an answer. As far as I can see, Stagecoach’s offering is less desirable during the day (does not serve Haymarket, replacement for the 55 taking a longer route via Freeman Hospital instead of being a direct bus into town, lengthy layover in Forest Hall) - the only real advantage is that they are providing an evening service (funded by Nexus).
(2) I think it's great both operators are stepping in with replacements, however the public had no say in where these routes are going. This was based of the premise of 5 "failing" (or failed) Arriva services 51-55. Both offerings are a nice change for the residents of Forest Hall, SNE as they have changed from the 38 - 18 - 6/7/8 - No replacement - 38 in Forest Hall (besides the 63) and GNE 81 - 17 - 42 - No replacement - 353/355. I may have gotten the services wrong but my point is since pre-covid Forest Hall/Benton has had a declining bus provision, of which both offerings combat positively.
(06 Aug 2023, 3:00 pm)Dan wrote Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Of course, in the main, all subjective.(1) I do commend GNE for having a presence on Social Media and the press, albeit positively and negatively.
In response, I’d say:
- Stagecoach’s day ticket is more expensive than Go North East’s Newcastle and North Tyne ticket - so it depends how you measure value.
- Stagecoach have made no effort (yet) to market their new services. Go North East was the first to register their new network, the first to comment in the local media, and the first to announce on their own channels. Stagecoach might have better brand recognition, but nobody knows their new network is going to exist (starting in just four weeks’ time).
- Passengers are currently travelling to and from Haymarket. It might be because that is their only option, or it might be because that’s where they want to go.
- Customers are more likely to be familiar with a 3xx number which relates to the current service 51-55, than a completely new 37 going to ‘Whickham View’ (where is that, for anyone living in Cramlington?)
- The contract for the 54 may change hands in future.
(2) That comment has no ground in my opinion as it doesn't matter what a bus says but where it goes (including the duration and frequency)
(06 Aug 2023, 3:14 pm)Dan wrote Nobody is criticising, Michael.(1) That's the exact reason I give some people the time of day on here is because it is mostly quite interesting as we all share the same interest in public transport yet have a huge variety of demographics.
It is admirable both operators have stepped in to replace the services Arriva is withdrawing, and a great example of partnership working with local authorities. I am just interested to hear opinions on why those on this forum and elsewhere think one option is more sustainable than the other, as a lot of people have been very quick to suggest Go North East’s new network will be withdrawn in just six months.
It will be interesting what Stagecoach do to announce their new services - let’s hope it doesn’t come in the same story where they announce frequency reductions on some of their other services in Newcastle from the same date (that would be a bit of a PR own-goal!)
(2) I couldn't agree with you more...I don't think the North Tyne Rockets will be withdrawn anytime soon, I just think they won't last in this form. However I hope they do. I welcome a positive change for the bus industry however there needs to be some space for improvement including change of culture instead of doing nothing and cost cutting.