The 18 plate Solo was repaired about 20 mins or so after I had posted about it yesterday being topped up with vital fluids by a support vehicle, but I don't think an attempt was made to get it running to its original timings.

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Oh, also Nexus has the facilityto check the vehicles are running the correct route as they said they checked the ticket machine of a vehicle that my friend complained about early running on the 42 amongst other things. Just a shame they haven't got around to adding vehicles to tracking. Smaller ops like A-Line and rural ops like Travelsure have managed it, so there's real no excuse to why they aren't tracking.

The SNS service has been sub contracted to L & B coaches. L & B drivers are using GCT buses.

I just wish GCT would give some services back,where i live,i could walk through and get the 335,but i rather not as GCT run services are a complete 'lottery' wether your bus is gonna turn up or not,likewise if im coming from my friends house (im in their social bubble),i always aim for the last GNE run 11,just so i dont have to travel on one of their breadvans,quality round here on services has completely died as of last year

(20 Apr 2021, 6:45 pm)Dan wrote We've established elsewhere on this forum this evening that certain members of the forum like to 'attack' Gateshead Central Taxis. Others would suggest it's noting operational issues in a bid to provoke discussion on compliance and adhering to legal and/or contractual obligations.

It was noted yesterday that the SNS service, on its first day of operation under Gateshead Central Taxis, suffered a breakdown with an 18-reg Optare Solo. This is unfortunate, but paired with the roadworks near Deptford Terrace, resulted in services running to severe delays all day. Seemingly rather than three buses run the contract as they are contractually bound to do, Gateshead Central ran the service with two buses (a 64-reg Optare Solo and a 67-reg Wright Streetlite). At approximately 17:30, I noticed the Solo and Streetlite running in tandem. That presumably means that there were gaps in service of an hour, rather than the service running every 20 minutes as is scheduled.

The 18-reg Solo was allocated again today so was presumably repaired (hooray!) however it is disappointing to note that the quality of service has vastly reduced now the service is no longer being operated by Go North East (sub-contracted to JH Coaches):

• mini/midibus sized vehicles now being allocated, rather than full-size single-decks, reducing social distancing capabilities (should loadings have warranted larger buses).
  
• vehicles not equipped with vandal screens to protect drivers, and despite this, most drivers are not wearing a face covering (see examples here, here, here, here and here).
  
• vehicles not equipped with hand sanitiser, as they were historically
  
• improper social distancing measures in place between presumed staff members (see examples here and here - I wonder if the other man not driving enjoyed his McDonalds at the front of the bus?)
  

What we don't know for certain is if Gateshead Central Taxis are using any enhanced cleaning measures such as fogging devices, as we know the previous operator of the contract did, providing assurance and comfort of mind to those using the bus to get their vaccination, but I'd suggest this is unlikely.

Elsewhere it was noted that whilst both the 592 and 593 operated yesterday (both departing Doxford Park on time), but the 17:15 journey on service 593 operated in excess of five minutes early heading towards Pallion.

Whilst the driver and the other person (presumably an employee) are exempt from wearing face coverings under section 3 of the Act, it does make you wonder whether Nexus feel that this offers a suitable level of protection to passengers travelling for a vaccine? I would argue not, and I personally think that Nexus should be insisting on plastic screens as a control measure at a point of close contact.

It's also worth noting that whilst even if they are both employees, they are not exempt from social distancing rules. I'd imagine local public health teams would have concerns about a blatant disregard of Health and Safety at work.

The point about cleaning is also an interesting one. I was out on Go North East buses over the weekend, and to be honest I've never seen them so clean. I'll not claim they were spotless, but certainly there's a notable additional effort being applied to cleaning and internal presentation, which I hope continues into the future, post-Covid. I know Nexus have dropped the 'quality' measure from their specification, but I'd like to think they still cared about cleanliness and presentation... some of GCT's buses are about as well presented as a well-used public toilet.

(20 Apr 2021, 8:19 pm)park5354 wrote The SNS service has been sub contracted to L & B coaches.  L & B drivers are using GCT buses.

Ah so that's how it's working, it also explains why I saw an L&B Ford Transit minibus lurking around the area whilst I was there.

Apparently the free Tesco services T1, T2 and T3 in Kingston Park could be axed. The M71 will continue to be operated by Phoenix Coaches. Disappointing if the free services are withdrawn.

Tbh I barely see anyone on that service when I've seen it..tbh it should be axed. Wideopen has 42A and Regent Centre and wherever the other buses serve have the metro and X47 and 6

I believe one of the conditions for Tesco obtaining planning consent was to subside a bus service to the store. The same situation exists with Gateshead Tesco.

Charles

Anyone happen to know the fares on the M71 service?

Wonder if the T1 T2 and T3 being withdrawn will be the same reason Go North East Withdrawn the A1 A2 and A3 from Asda Byker

(22 Apr 2021, 6:01 pm)Micheal Aaron Parker wrote Wonder if the T1 T2 and T3 being withdrawn will be the same reason Go North East Withdrawn the A1 A2 and A3 from Asda Byker

All Asda free bus services were scrapped at the end of 2020 as asset stripping measures prior to the sale of the company to its new owners.

Are the T1 etc supported by Nexus or is it by Tesco? As Tesco have cut some of their free bus services over the years such as the one in Bishop Auckland.

(22 Apr 2021, 5:19 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Anyone happen to know the fares on the M71 service?

I believe it was something like £1.70 per trip and £3 return. Well used service too!

Moderator note: New thread created for L&B Travel, Blaydon, and recent posts regarding Gateshead Central Taxis fleet acquisitions which were actually L&B Travel fleet acquisitions have been moved to the appropriate thread:
https://northeastbuses.co.uk/forum/showt...p?tid=3389

BF18 YRW caught fire at Four Lane Ends today and by the photo I’ve seen on Facebook it looks to be written off. (This was confirmed on the Gateshead Central Taxis Enthusiasts group on Facebook).




Sent from my iPhone XS using Tapatalk

Hope the driver is okay

Oh dear,so thats what all the sirens were for

Gateshead Central Taxis take over the 79/79A (previously operated by Jh and GNE) on Sunday the 16th of May.

As well the 8 has a revised route and timetable change. What these changes are is anyone guess

Is this allowed. Why put this on public service

https://flic.kr/p/2kYveHV (Credit to Thomas Booth on Flickr)

(14 May 2021, 5:13 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Is this allowed. Why put this on public service

https://flic.kr/p/2kYveHV (Credit to Thomas Booth on Flickr)

I rode on it bettwen Shiney row driber clamied a window smashing at Pennywell is reason why it’s on

(14 May 2021, 5:13 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote Is this allowed. Why put this on public service

https://flic.kr/p/2kYveHV (Credit to Thomas Booth on Flickr)

No, it doesn't conform to the contract requirements (though isn't illegal, as vehicles with 16 seats or less do not have to conform to PSVAR requirements).

The 17:07 37 from Doxford Park did not operate yesterday (two passengers were waiting for it), and the 17:15 592 service was operated by a similar vehicle yesterday (NX12AEA). The latter did not stop at Doxford Park, did not have a destination display, and presumably had no ticket machine. The T1/T2 services were also operated by this same vehicle earlier in the week. I'm sure Thomas will be able to confirm, but I assume this vehicle on the 37 didn't have a working ticket machine either, and it will presumably end up on the 39 service in Sunderland this evening (suppose that beats GNE's new £1 evening fare deal - free rides!)

Glad to see Gateshead Central Taxis have been awarded these contracts to operate (or not) for a further year, from Monday.

They must be having some fleet availability issues, as the 99 service (normally a Sprinter) was operated by the 68-plate ADL Enviro 200MMC earlier this week, and the 18-plate Euro 5 ADL Enviro 200 was allocated to the H1 service, which is a Euro 6 contract.

The 92 service on a morning that they run has consistently ran 8 minutes early through Team Valley for weeks, also omitting Victoria Road and Bolam Street Flats (running direct to the Metrocentre via the A1 after Team Valley) - let's hope there aren't any intending passengers!

How the hell do nexus think this is okay yet they have been in court with Vosa. Do they not know Vosa nearly shut them down when they were in court as driver got told to go into work anyway

(14 May 2021, 6:29 pm)Dan wrote No, it doesn't conform to the contract requirements (though isn't illegal, as vehicles with 16 seats or less do not have to conform to PSVAR requirements).

The 17:07 37 from Doxford Park did not operate yesterday (two passengers were waiting for it), and the 17:15 592 service was operated by a similar vehicle yesterday (NX12AEA). The latter did not stop at Doxford Park, did not have a destination display, and presumably had no ticket machine. The T1/T2 services were also operated by this same vehicle earlier in the week. I'm sure Thomas will be able to confirm, but I assume this vehicle on the 37 didn't have a working ticket machine either, and it will presumably end up on the 39 service in Sunderland this evening (suppose that beats GNE's new £1 evening fare deal - free rides!)

Glad to see Gateshead Central Taxis have been awarded these contracts to operate (or not) for a further year, from Monday.

They must be having some fleet availability issues, as the 99 service (normally a Sprinter) was operated by the 68-plate ADL Enviro 200MMC earlier this week, and the 18-plate Euro 5 ADL Enviro 200 was allocated to the H1 service, which is a Euro 6 contract.

The 92 service on a morning that they run has consistently ran 8 minutes early through Team Valley for weeks, also omitting Victoria Road and Bolam Street Flats (running direct to the Metrocentre via the A1 after Team Valley) - let's hope there aren't any intending passengers!

Don't GCT get paid whether passengers board or not? So there is absolutely no incentive for them to actually run their services properly. Do they get to keep the fares they collect from paying passengers, assuming they are able to board?

Nexus clearly have no intention of handing contracts to anybody bus GCT, so even the incentive of being able to keep the contract isn't there.

(14 May 2021, 6:47 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Don't GCT get paid whether passengers board or not? So there is absolutely no incentive for them to actually run their services properly. Do they get to keep the fares they collect from paying passengers, assuming they are able to board?

Nexus clearly have no intention of handing contracts to anybody bus GCT, so even the incentive of being able to keep the contract isn't there.

It depends on the contract - some supported journeys that other operators run, they keep the revenue, but this does not apply to most (if any) of Gateshead Central Taxis' contracts. The revenue goes back to Nexus, so helps to fund these services (as well as tax payers' money).

(14 May 2021, 6:49 pm)Dan wrote It depends on the contract - some supported journeys that other operators run, they keep the revenue, but this does not apply to most (if any) of Gateshead Central Taxis' contracts. The revenue goes back to Nexus, so helps to fund these services (as well as tax payers' money).

If that's the case, then it's really no wonder they act the way they do!

I just wish ethier

1: Nexus open there eyes and sort them out ethier get rid of certain contracts or something else

2: (the option probably nobody wants) vosa shuts them down

That takes the biscuit that

(14 May 2021, 6:57 pm)Micheal Aaron wrote I just wish ethier

1: Nexus open there eyes and sort them out ethier get rid of certain contracts or something else

2: (the option probably nobody wants) vosa shuts them down

I must admit, it would be amusing for GCT to get shut down and all the other operators saying GFY to Nexus when they come grovelling for help running services.

I mean, it's not as if passengers would notice anyway!

There was no ticket manchine driber had to stop at every stop where people were and see if they wanted the driver was shocked that I knew it was the 37 he didn’t check tickets or anything

(14 May 2021, 7:05 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I must admit, it would be amusing for GCT to get shut down and all the other operators saying GFY to Nexus when they come grovelling for help running services.

I mean, it's not as if passengers would notice anyway!

Gct nearly got shut down back in March after there court date. I got told of a driver they were all called into work as normal and wait for an update

Just spotted this on the NEXUS site:

Temporary diversion due to anti-social behaviour: Service 39 – Nookside and Pennywell Road, Sunderland
Due to incidents of anti-social behaviour on board Service 39 (Central Taxis Gateshead), the service will unfortunately be omitting Nookside and Pennywell Road until at Monday, 17 May 2021, when this will be reviewed.
Towards Pennywell - divert after A183 Chester Road (Shell Garage) along B1405 Holborn Road, Hylton Road, Portsmouth Road, re-joining normal route at Parkhurst Road.
Towards Sunderland - and Doxford divert after Prestbury Road along Hylton Road, B1405 Holborn Road, re-joining normal route at A183 Chester Road (Shell Garage).

Effective from Friday, 14 May 2021Effective toTuesday, 18 May 2021