Just my experience personally. Never had issue with any GCT drivers. I don't know how they do rotas but maybe different routes have different drivers but the 19 lot are always friendly.

The 57/57A in comparison is a complete shambles - short Solos which aren't fit for purpose and that's if they bother to turn up at all, and the drivers are a complete mixed bag aswell.

There's a lot of people in Seghill who just go for the 19 now as it's more reliable and it's an either/or because it's opposite sites of the road.

Also not sure why GCT are getting bashed for buses not turning up GoNorthEast at multiple depots and Arriva at Stockton, Redcar and Ashington have been a shambles for ages now.

(12 Dec 2025, 11:38 pm)lewisparker1509 wrote The 19 is the service I've experienced the worst drivers on not accepting or refusing to sell the TNE ticket, including the one who called the police on me.

The drivers who drive that and 335 used to dk 342 and couldn’t ask for a nice bunch of people! Maybe filming them was what did it?

(12 Dec 2025, 11:38 pm)lewisparker1509 wrote The 19 is the service I've experienced the worst drivers on not accepting or refusing to sell the TNE ticket, including the one who called the police on me.

God knows, must say they've always been fine whenever I've got them tbf.

The 19 under GNE used to have one absolute arsehole, older bloke with glasses - don't care calling him out either. Cheeky prick, even had the audacity to moan because the ticket was wet, the ticket being wet because he was 20 minutes late and it was pissing down with rain, absolute arsehole, no apology about the delay though... Used to moan on like a baby when you used a Network One ticket to get a single from the boundary aswell.

I'm sure people using GNE around that time know exactly who I'm talking about aswell, no doubt still stinking the place out aswell.

Btw I had a similar incident to you with tickets like that but with an Arriva driver on the 308 must've been 15 year ago, even made his own little jingo up in his head to try and proove a point, even known he was wrong. 

There's a chunk of bus drivers who should be no-where near a public role and it's across all of them tbh. Some depots are/were just noticeably worse. The ex GNE Stanley depot, in particular, who had some absolute pricks. The only depot I've ever called a bus driver a prick to their face aswell and I'd do it again - be an arse to me but never be arse to an older family member who couldn't find the scanner as it was in a different place to Arriva buses.

Don't even get me started on the Metro Gestapo's either who are in a league of their own but being physically grabbed at Central Station because I was rushing through the barriers as I was in a rush and then being told, 'that wasn't hard was it', lets say ended up in some kind words. Absolute cretin.

(13 Dec 2025, 1:49 am)Coastliner700 wrote The drivers who drive that and 335 used to dk 342 and couldn’t ask for a nice bunch of people! Maybe filming them was what did it?

It was the 342 I used to use, and nice isn't the way I'd describe them. Highly unprofessional, driving standards awful and often rude to passengers who I thought had been polite to the driver. There was one driver leaning out the window swearing at somebody while driving out of a bus stop. They never worked out what the zebra crossing in Hazlerigg was for either.

I didn't do any video of them either, that's just my experiences of the 342 drivers while I was sat reading my book and trying to get from A to B.

The GCT drivers around where I live seem to be well liked.

The majority of passengers are pensioners, and they are very familiar with the drivers, so, presumably, they're always allocated to those routes.

Whenever I've used them, which admittedly is not that often, I've never had any problems with reliability, and the friendliness of the drivers with regular passengers seems true enough from I've observed.

Obviously, within all companies, there are going to be some bag eggs, but I do think GCT are harshly judged - predominantly from bus enthusiasts in the region. Perhaps, despite having the youngest fleet in the region, it's the battleship grey livery or the bread-vans which triggers their emotional state. Perhaps it's because they're just jealous that GCT have managed to outbid whomever their favourite operator happens to be on contracts in their local areas. But, I think, for most people, a bus is a bus, and as we've seen less and less of them over the last 30 years, people are just happy that one shows up at all.

(13 Dec 2025, 8:47 am)Storx wrote God knows, must say they've always been fine whenever I've got them tbf.

The 19 under GNE used to have one absolute arsehole, older bloke with glasses - don't care calling him out either. Cheeky prick, even had the audacity to moan because the ticket was wet, the ticket being wet because he was 20 minutes late and it was pissing down with rain, absolute arsehole, no apology about the delay though... Used to moan on like a baby when you used a Network One ticket to get a single from the boundary aswell.

I'm sure people using GNE around that time know exactly who I'm talking about aswell, no doubt still stinking the place out aswell.

Btw I had a similar incident to you with tickets like that but with an Arriva driver on the 308 must've been 15 year ago, even made his own little jingo up in his head to try and proove a point, even known he was wrong. 

There's a chunk of bus drivers who should be no-where near a public role and it's across all of them tbh. Some depots are/were just noticeably worse. The ex GNE Stanley depot, in particular, who had some absolute pricks. The only depot I've ever called a bus driver a prick to their face aswell and I'd do it again - be an arse to me but never be arse to an older family member who couldn't find the scanner as it was in a different place to Arriva buses.

Don't even get me started on the Metro Gestapo's either who are in a league of their own but being physically grabbed at Central Station because I was rushing through the barriers as I was in a rush and then being told, 'that wasn't hard was it', lets say ended up in some kind words. Absolute cretin.

Yes - I think I know the one you mean. Believe he ended up being sacked, was not well liked by other drivers either.

(13 Dec 2025, 12:45 pm)NEtransport wrote Yes - I think I know the one you mean. Believe he ended up being sacked, was not well liked by other drivers either.

If we're thinking of the same person, can't say I'd be surprised either. Came across as the sort of person who enjoyed making people miserable for enjoyment which being a bus driver probably isn't the best role. Sure I mentioned ut at the time, and someone had similar problems on the 1 aswell.

(13 Dec 2025, 1:58 pm)lewisparker1509 wrote I can't even lie, this perfectly describes the GCT driver I had issues with. I wonder if I'm either remembering wrong that he was at Stagecoach and he was at GNE instead or if he was at both companies. I'm attacting a screenshot below of his face from the video that NEB won't let me attach.

---

Some of the Metro staff are awful. Back when me and my ex were still in highschool (yes we've known eachother that long), she got pulled aside for not having ID for her child ticket. The Metro checkie then accused her of giving a fake last name, which didn't end up welll for the checkie either 'cause my exes parents managed to get the checkie done for racial profiling. "Why?" you may ask; 'cause my exes dad is from South Africa, so she has an African surname

Nah wasn't him, he was a bigger bloke and had hair. Don't think I've seen him before though. 

Not surprised one bit with the Metro staff, they're a bunch of cowards who only target vulnerable people while letting the real ticket evaders get away with it. Come across as the sort of people who failed a police course and now get power hungry because they can give out fines.

Some horrid reports over the years of them targeting the elderly who have made simple genuine mistakes with no remorse etc.

Complete opposite to the North East Northern conductors who are mostly genuinely nice, especially on the Ashington line.

We're not having names and/or photos of individuals on this thread, especially when they're not here to give their side of the story.

If you've got genuine complaints, then direct them to Nexus.

Both WX75OBT & WX75OBP are on the 71, which with their seating capacity is not very ideal, especially for a Saturday on this route...

(24 Jan 2026, 10:44 am)S830OFT wrote Both WX75OBT & WX75OBP are on the 71, which with their seating capacity is not very ideal, especially for a Saturday on this route...

Does anyone actually use that service any more? 

A key connection ruined by GNE with their timetables and pricing, with the taxpayer left to pick up the pieces.

(24 Jan 2026, 1:51 pm)Andreos1 wrote Does anyone actually use that service any more? 

A key connection ruined by GNE with their timetables and pricing, with the taxpayer left to pick up the pieces.

It does get a decent load on, particularly between CLS & Great Lumley if it happens to arrive before a 78. Passengers carried from Houghton to Seaham seems to vary on the time of the day etc, sometimes one or two, other times it can be a full bus...

Has anyone noticed this issue with other operators, or is it just GCT?

On websites such as BusTimes, when a bus ticket machine loses its GPS signal, it appears to keep repeating the same location on the tracking. This makes it look like the bus is frozen in the wrong position.
Thanks.

(The buses that are doing this most is RJ72 HYW, RO23 OFH & LN20 OPO)

So GCT have been awarded the 19, 32/32A, 35, 350/351 and 653, and lost the X46 to Stanley Travel. Has the M71 been retained or withdrawn?

(03 Feb 2026, 10:00 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote So GCT have been awarded the 19, 32/32A, 35, 350/351 and 653, and lost the X46 to Stanley Travel. Has the M71 been retained or withdrawn?

And the 599.

(03 Feb 2026, 10:00 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote So GCT have been awarded the 19, 32/32A, 35, 350/351 and 653, and lost the X46 to Stanley Travel. Has the M71 been retained or withdrawn?

Do GCT have any “big capacity buses”? I’m just thinking most of their buses are small. Stagecoach use E200’s on the 32/32A 37 seaters and they fill up during rush hour so I hope GCT have buses big enough but still small enough to fit around Montagu Estate and Jesmond Vale.

Edit: the question is will people still use the service if it’s not Stagecoach. Newcastle college kids have term passes for Stagecoach they won’t be able to use the 32/32A with that.

(03 Feb 2026, 10:18 pm)ReDemPTiion wrote Do GCT have any “big capacity buses”? I’m just thinking most of their buses are small. Stagecoach use E200’s on the 32/32A 37 seaters and they fill up during rush hour so I hope GCT have buses big enough but still small enough to fit around Montagu Estate and Jesmond Vale.

Edit: the question is will people still use the service if it’s not Stagecoach. Newcastle college kids have term passes for Stagecoach they won’t be able to use the 32/32A with that.

Depends which capacity were talking about the legal one which can win a tender or the one which actually fits people on. 

I can't remember the exact numbers but their 8.9m E200MMC's have enough capacity for full size tenders (60 PAX I think?). They've somehow and god knows how managed to register the buses with a crazy number of standees. 

Nexus badly need to change the tenders to seating capacity to stop the loophole imo. It's no doubt why GCT win so much anyway as they're the only operator with 'full size' midibuses.

(03 Feb 2026, 11:32 pm)Storx wrote Depends which capacity were talking about the legal one which can win a tender or the one which actually fits people on. 

I can't remember the exact numbers but their 8.9m E200MMC's have enough capacity for full size tenders (60 PAX I think?). They've somehow and god knows how managed to register the buses with a crazy number of standees. 

Nexus badly need to change the tenders to seating capacity to stop the loophole imo. It's no doubt why GCT win so much anyway as they're the only operator with 'full size' midibuses.

E200s come from the factory with a very decent standing capacity. Whether it’s realistic or not doesn’t come into it… if you have a vehicle that can legally carry 60 people then it’s perfectly legit to bid for capacity 60 tenders. Nexus do all of their tendering based on vehicle capacity, not seat numbers.

3rd May 2026

PB1099280/215
New CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 40C Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham


Start point: Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham
Finish point: Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham
Via Durham Rail Station, Waterside Coach Stop, Cathedral

(03 Feb 2026, 10:00 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote So GCT have been awarded the 19, 32/32A, 35, 350/351 and 653, and lost the X46 to Stanley Travel. Has the M71 been retained or withdrawn?

M71 will be withdrawn in March.
With the loss of the M71 and X46 this will make two Solo SR's available.

---

(04 Feb 2026, 11:00 am)Michael wrote 3rd May 2026

PB1099280/215
New CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 40C Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham


Start point: Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham
Finish point: Durham Railway Station, Station Approch, Durham
Via Durham Rail Station, Waterside Coach Stop, Cathedral

This is the seasonal Sunday service Cathedral Bus operating from May to October.

(04 Feb 2026, 11:04 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote M71 will be withdrawn in March.
With the loss of the M71 and X46 this will make two Solo SR's available.

---

This is the seasonal Sunday service Cathedral Bus operating from May to October.

So with the M71 withdrawn from next month, that will be the first time in ages there will be no bus into Tesco car park. The M71 has existed for quite a number of years, and when it was previously withdrawn, it was replaced by the 342.

Potentially the 342 could be routed to serve Tesco car park, but Nexus said in the consultation proposal for customers to use the 6 instead, so presumably the 342 will just be the old 42A route.

Yes, 2 buses will be available with the loss of the M71 and X46. Not always Solo SRs on there. Are they presumably moving onto the 599 they are taking over from Northstar?

Guessing Stanley Travel will put a Solo SR on the X46?

WX75OBT & OBP both on the 71 on a busy weekday! 19 seats on this route is totally unsuitable, especially given four of which are rear facing, that's before taking into account a potential buggy or wheelchair user, which would reduce that capacity by 3.

WX75OBT is also pretending to be a train, incorrectly displaying code 1E02 or something like that on the rear destination display...

Edit - Appears one was removed and put on the 520, whilst SK24CXA came off the 350/351 to go onto the 71...

theyre always on it

(04 Feb 2026, 11:36 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote So with the M71 withdrawn from next month, that will be the first time in ages there will be no bus into Tesco car park. The M71 has existed for quite a number of years, and when it was previously withdrawn, it was replaced by the 342.

There is still the secret Tesco Bus that still service Kingston Park Tesco car park. Just no normal bus service will go in there now.

(20 Feb 2026, 12:14 am)Rapidsnap wrote There is still the secret Tesco Bus that still service Kingston Park Tesco car park. Just no normal bus service will go in there now.

Yes, there is. It's a decent little service actually. Just limited operating hours. Apparently it doesn't run on Wednesdays or Saturdays, and it finishes at 2pm in Kingston Park Tesco car park, terminating in from the Dinnington route, with the last 2 loops around Kenton and Fawdon not running.

Not sure why it's a secret. The M71 seems to have been around forever. Disappointing they couldn't slightly improve the Tesco free bus to compensate for the loss of the M71. Stagecoach 6 only runs hourly, and doesn't serve the car park.

PB1099280/202
Variation CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 351 Haymarket Bus Station Whitley Bay, Park View

PB1099280/201
Variation CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 350 Haymarket Bus Station Whitley Bay, Park View

PB1099280/191
Variation CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 335 Killingworth Bus Station Hadrian Park, The Bush

PB1099280/203
Variation CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 19 Cramlington, Manor Walks North Shields Ferry

PB1099280/190
Variation CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD 653 Battle Hill Drive Freeman Hospital

Some rather quirky allocations today. I'm sure there would have been logic and purpose behind these allocations...

Including:
SJ18USE - 71
SG19HOA - 42
LN20OPO/OPK - 35 (at various points of the day)

(03 Mar 2026, 7:09 pm)S830OFT wrote Some rather quirky allocations today. I'm sure there would have been logic and purpose behind these allocations...

Including:
SJ18USE - 71
SG19HOA - 42
LN20OPO/OPK - 35 (at various points of the day)

Struggling with vehicles availability or drivers again? No bus on the W2 for most of the day.

(04 Mar 2026, 9:07 am)NEtransport wrote Struggling with vehicles availability or drivers again? No bus on the W2 for most of the day.

Has it been reported to Nexus? Or was the tracking data not available?

Two new buses arrived today. Both white 26 reg 200MMC. Amazing with Next Stop fitted. Must be wanting to show an impression on the 599. Though I do want to question on why every bus they seem to get is delivered white and they do nothing with them. Im amazed the 24 reg arrived Grey and done full livery but this is getting kinda annoying seeing GCT fleet be white now

It makes you think a passenger wondering which bus company is running the service since the bus is just plain white with no indication of a company name

(04 Mar 2026, 7:05 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote Has it been reported to Nexus? Or was the tracking data not available?

Dont know if there is any point in reporting it to Nexus as do they really care?

But they took the bus off the W2 to run the 35 for a bit, and then returned to the W2. Really bad service.