(07 Jan 2014, 6:57 pm)gtomlinson wrote Nexus eventually acted when official complaints came in from Civic Centres at both Gateshead and Sunderland over the 23.

I was on a 23 (the van) when a Nexus employee (who gave me his card and introduced himself as James) stopped the bus in Wrekenton and took photos of the A4 signage and the vehicle itself

Interesting. I think an FOI may be in order.

Do you know what GCT usually use on the R3/R4/R5/R6 whatever it is...

(07 Jan 2014, 7:06 pm)Tom wrote Do you know what GCT usually use on the R3/R4/R5/R6 whatever it is...

One of the Bluebirds - Classic use the Caetano Darts (for how much longer?)

Presumably new in at GCT (though I have no idea) is NK62DCV. Was a small blue minibus.

PB1099280/1 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Variation Accepted by SN: Operating between Blaydon Bus Station and Blaydon Bus Station given service number R3/R4/R6 effective from 07-Feb-2014. To amend Timetable.

PB1099280/5 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Cancellation Accepted by SN: Operating between FOUR LANE ENDS and FOUR LANE ENDS given service number K1/K2 effective from 23-Mar-2014.

I'd heard they were chucking in the TB14 with 422 Taxis taking over

TB14 has been operated the past few days with a silver 'Transit' as opposed to the usual vehicle

PB1099280/8 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Cancellation Accepted: Operating between HIGH STREET , GATESHEAD and TESCO, CHESTER LE STREET, NORTH BURNS given service number T1 effective from 30-Apr-2014.

PB1099280/13 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: HIGH STREET, GATESHEAD
Finish Point: WARDLEY, GATESHEAD
Via: Low Fell, Beacon Lough, Whitehills, Leam Lane East
Service Number: T1
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 30-APR-2014
Other Details: Hourly Monday to Saturday. T1 Service will travel via Felling Square, Tesco Gateshead T2 Service will travel via Beacon Lough East, Tesco Gateshead

Starting from Sunday, Gateshead Central Taxis will be operating new service 71A from Kingston Park, Kenton Bank Foot and Westerhope to Walbottle, Newburn and Throckley. The service operates during the evening (Monday to Saturday) and all day on Sunday.

I'm assuming the Westerhope to Kingston Park part of the route covers the M71, as it does not run after around 6pm (Monday to Saturday) or on Sunday, as well as covering the 71 route between Westerhope and Throckley (except Chapel House) during the evenings and on Sunday when the 71 operates between Newcastle and North Walbottle only.

71/71A timetable from Nexus website: http://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/fi...240314.pdf

PB1099280/15 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: NEWGATE STREET, NEWCASTLE
Finish Point: TEAM VALLEY TRADING ESTATE, GATESHEAD
Via:
Service Number: 941
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO FRIDAY ONE JOURNEY PER DAY

PB1099280/16 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: HEWORTH INTERCHANGE, GATESHEAD
Finish Point: ARGYLE ST, HEBBURN SOUTH TYNESIDE
Via:
Service Number: 515
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY

PB1099280/17 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: HEWORTH INTERCHANGE, GATESHEAD
Finish Point: DOVEDALE ROAD, SEABURN
Via:
Service Number: 558
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY
PB1099280/18 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU

Registration Accepted
Starting Point: METROCENTRE INTERCHANGE
Finish Point: GATESHEAD
Via:
Service Number: 96
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY, TUESDAY,WEDNESDAY, THURS, SATURDAY, SUNDAY HOURLY

PB1099280/19 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: CLARA VALE. CRAWCROOK
Finish Point: MAIN ROAD, ROWLANDS GILL
Via:
Service Number: R3
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SUNDAY HOURLY

PB1099280/20 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: GATESHEAD METROCENTRE
Finish Point: THE CRESCENT, WHICKHAM
Via:
Service Number: 643
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY

In bold are the main winners to me

(03 Jun 2014, 3:28 pm)Michael wrote PB1099280/15 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: NEWGATE STREET, NEWCASTLE
Finish Point: TEAM VALLEY TRADING ESTATE, GATESHEAD
Via:
Service Number: 941
Service Type: Limited Stop
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO FRIDAY ONE JOURNEY PER DAY

PB1099280/16 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: HEWORTH INTERCHANGE, GATESHEAD
Finish Point: ARGYLE ST, HEBBURN SOUTH TYNESIDE
Via:
Service Number: 515
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY

PB1099280/17 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: HEWORTH INTERCHANGE, GATESHEAD
Finish Point: DOVEDALE ROAD, SEABURN
Via:
Service Number: 558
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY
PB1099280/18 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU

Registration Accepted
Starting Point: METROCENTRE INTERCHANGE
Finish Point: GATESHEAD
Via:
Service Number: 96
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY, TUESDAY,WEDNESDAY, THURS, SATURDAY, SUNDAY HOURLY

PB1099280/19 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: CLARA VALE. CRAWCROOK
Finish Point: MAIN ROAD, ROWLANDS GILL
Via:
Service Number: R3
Service Type: Normal Stopping/Hail & Ride
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SUNDAY HOURLY

PB1099280/20 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: GATESHEAD METROCENTRE
Finish Point: THE CRESCENT, WHICKHAM
Via:
Service Number: 643
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY

In bold are the main winners to me

The 96 will more likely be Evening Operation only with the exception of Sunday, Got to question what Vehicles GCT will use on the above Services, As 7-12 Seater Taxis are not suitable for the Majority of these Services.

(03 Jun 2014, 3:36 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote The 96 will more likely be Evening Operation only with the exception of Sunday, Got to question what Vehicles GCT will use on the above Services, As 7-12 Seater Taxis are not suitable for the Majority of these Services.

Exactly what I was thinking!!!
Certinaly not suitable for the R3 as it gets busy.

(03 Jun 2014, 3:36 pm)Tom wrote Exactly what I was thinking!!!
Certinaly not suitable for the R3 as it gets busy.

Bloody Hell Tom, that was a quick reply. The 96/515 and 558 along with the R3 are not suitable at all, here is hoping they have New Vehicles coming in for those Contracts which cope with Passenger Demand, and they'll need somewhere to store them also.

(03 Jun 2014, 3:41 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Bloody Hell Tom, that was a quick reply. The 96/515 and 558 along with the R3 are not suitable at all, here is hoping they have New Vehicles coming in for those Contracts which cope with Passenger Demand, and they'll need somewhere to store them also.

It's a bit idiotic if they put the van style buses on them as people will be left behind

(03 Jun 2014, 3:43 pm)Tom wrote It's a bit idiotic if they put the van style buses on the as people will be left behind

I don't know what is more idiotic though, the fact GCT Bid for these Contracts and Won, or the fact Nexus have ignored that there fleet is unsuitable and doesn't meet Contract Requirements, whereas other Companies do have the Vehicles to meet Contract Requirements and may of Bid slightly less than GCT.

(03 Jun 2014, 3:51 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote I don't know what is more idiotic though, the fact GCT Bid for these Contracts and Won, or the fact Nexus have ignored that there fleet is unsuitable and doesn't meet Contract Requirements, whereas other Companies do have the Vehicles to meet Contract Requirements and may of Bid slightly less than GCT.

That's what irritates me - same goes with Compass, why do they award companies that don't follow the requirements of the contract? Surely Compass sending out a minibus out on the 73 is just as bad as GCT using minibuses on these services? Thing is, GCT were fined the most out of ALL of the independent operators. A bit worrying if Nexus don't care...

(03 Jun 2014, 3:54 pm)Tom wrote That's what irritates me - same goes with Compass, why do they award companies that don't follow the requirements of the contract? Surely Compass sending out a minibus out on the 73 is just as bad as GCT using minibuses on these services? Thing is, GCT were fined the most out of ALL of the independent operators. A bit worrying if Nexus don't care...

That is the whole problem and they have clearly indicated that they don't care, by awarding a Company who were fined the most out of all the other operators. Obviously all Nexus care about is the Money and not the Paying Public who use these awful Services in the first place, This is why a Quality Contracts Scheme will not work in my Opinion.

(03 Jun 2014, 3:54 pm)Tom wrote That's what irritates me - same goes with Compass, why do they award companies that don't follow the requirements of the contract? Surely Compass sending out a minibus out on the 73 is just as bad as GCT using minibuses on these services? Thing is, GCT were fined the most out of ALL of the independent operators. A bit worrying if Nexus don't care...

Do you not think the contracts all state the minimum capacity needed? I would be expecting some dealer stock vehicles to turn up - some E200s or Solos. They'll need to be a similar size to what is currently used ie around 30 seaters (think they're capacity 47 contracts)

(03 Jun 2014, 4:21 pm)tyresmoke wrote Do you not think the contracts all state the minimum capacity needed?

Of course, they could have put in a non-conforming tender at a reduced price to win the contract. I believe Nexus accept them regularly.

(03 Jun 2014, 4:21 pm)tyresmoke wrote Do you not think the contracts all state the minimum capacity needed? I would be expecting some dealer stock vehicles to turn up - some E200s or Solos. They'll need to be a similar size to what is currently used ie around 30 seaters (think they're capacity 47 contracts)

If that does happen then that's fine as they'd be meeting the Requirements of the Contract, But I can still a Taxibus turning up on some of these Services.

(03 Jun 2014, 4:53 pm)citaro5284 wrote Of course, they could have put in a non-conforming tender at a reduced price to win the contract. I believe Nexus accept them regularly.

i didn't think they'd have enough vans for them services will they get any buses or more vans lol

(03 Jun 2014, 4:55 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote If that does happen then that's fine as they'd be meeting the Requirements of the Contract, But I can still a Taxibus turning up on some of these Services.

Happens on the 939 now!
Big drop down in terms of quality provided, compared to the former Dennis MPD allocation by Go North East.

But hey, Go North East can't compete with bids where taxi buses are concerned - it's obvious which vehicle has the lower running costs...

(03 Jun 2014, 4:53 pm)citaro5284 wrote Of course, they could have put in a non-conforming tender at a reduced price to win the contract. I believe Nexus accept them regularly.

That is very true! Guess we will have to wait and see what happens.
GCT did operate an Optare Solo in the past, although it didn't stay long.

(03 Jun 2014, 4:53 pm)citaro5284 wrote Of course, they could have put in a non-conforming tender at a reduced price to win the contract. I believe Nexus accept them regularly.

I'd be inclined to agree with this, but it does begger the question why.

How can an invitation to tender can be put out, which has to provide details in full to enable the bidder to put together their bid, but then be ignored? You'd think it would only be if no fully compliant bids were received, but I can't see that being the case?

PB1099280/21 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: CONCORD BUS STATION, WASHINGTON
Finish Point: PARK LANE INTERCHANGE, SUNDERLAND
Via:
Service Number: 37
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY

beat you to it Michael

(04 Jun 2014, 1:33 pm)citaro5284 wrote PB1099280/21 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: CONCORD BUS STATION, WASHINGTON
Finish Point: PARK LANE INTERCHANGE, SUNDERLAND
Via:
Service Number: 37
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY

beat you to it Michael

Be interesting to see what they allocate, eh? As long as it has a destination display, it's a darn sight better than what's being offered at present...

Is anyone else thinking GCT maybe inheriting the Vehicles from Compass Community Transport, as they have pretty much cancelled all there contracts minus the 79 from what I can recall, and GCT have won all there Contracts that they did have.

(04 Jun 2014, 1:59 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Is anyone else thinking GCT maybe inheriting the Vehicles from Compass Community Transport, as they have pretty much cancelled all there contracts minus the 79 from what I can recall, and GCT have won all there Contracts that they did have.

I honestly think that they've just submitted a cheaper bid at lower spec. It is concerning that Nexus seem to be placing all their eggs in one basket though.

As for the 37. Will be interesting to see if GNE retaliate again by putting the 137 on for the peak runs.

(04 Jun 2014, 1:33 pm)citaro5284 wrote PB1099280/21 - CENTRAL TAXIS GATESHEAD LTD, 53 - 55 HIGH STREET, FELLING, GATESHEAD, NE10 9LU
Registration Accepted
Starting Point: CONCORD BUS STATION, WASHINGTON
Finish Point: PARK LANE INTERCHANGE, SUNDERLAND
Via:
Service Number: 37
Service Type: Normal Stopping
Effective Date: 27-JUL-2014
Other Details: MONDAY TO SATURDAY HOURLY

beat you to it Michael

Dam!

(04 Jun 2014, 3:51 pm)aureolin wrote I honestly think that they've just submitted a cheaper bid at lower spec. It is concerning that Nexus seem to be placing all their eggs in one basket though.

As for the 37. Will be interesting to see if GNE retaliate again by putting the 137 on for the peak runs.

Has GNE lost it to?, as i thought it was ran by 2 companies?, Unless iv'e missed the post