(16 Apr 2024, 7:53 pm)Driver9*** wrote All three of the Jesmond/Ashington/Blyth depot managers retired at the end of last year. If the man who was the assitant DM at Ashington got the DM job I'm not surprised it's running like a bag of s***e, he wasn't fit to run a bath.

Personally I think the owners are hoping demand drops when the new train line is opened later this year so they're just sucking up the criticism for now.

I think depot management is a huge issue, but ultimately Rochford shouldn't be in the position he is in - I highly doubt Stagecoach would let him make the teas let alone run 2 divisions. 

Standards dropped off a cliff the second Nick Knox left, and now it's just jobs for the boys at depot management level and above. 

It's funny that both ANE and GNE have both decided to install incompetent management teams right ahead of inevitable franchising. I imagine those involved in the selection process will be on the floor with laughter when they see bids from either company come in. 

It also makes you wonder about the ability of the Traffic Commissioner, the service across the NE has been shocking since 2022-2023 with no signs of improving, and they have done absolutely nothing to hold the companies to account.