(26 Sep 2023, 7:36 am)Adrian If they didn't, someone would probably be on here complaining that they refused to carry passengers who only had card as a means of payment.

I'm not sure what else they could do in this scenario. It's not ideal, as you either leave people behind and spend time dealing with complaints, take the bus out of service and still deal with complaints, or carry them for free and get them moving to their destination.

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(26 Sep 2023, 7:42 am)Rob44 I agree some of what your saying but you talking 24 quid hes not taking in just 15 minutes..... and not even asking if they have cash?  On stagecoach inst there a sign to say if the card machine inst working you need to find another means of payment?  I always car a couple of quid for this exact issue.

(26 Sep 2023, 10:41 am)Ambassador This happens pretty regularly on the Angel - they normally swap the ticket machine at Gateshead heading into town but the drivers without question just to tell people to get on. Even when people have offered cash they wave them on

it's one of the better customer service examples (actually the only one) from GNE

(26 Sep 2023, 10:41 am)Ambassador This happens pretty regularly on the Angel - they normally swap the ticket machine at Gateshead heading into town but the drivers without question just to tell people to get on. Even when people have offered cash they wave them on

it's one of the better customer service examples (actually the only one) from GNE

(27 Sep 2023, 8:18 am)F114TML Yup. Here is that sign (or at least a version of it), found in most SC buses

(27 Sep 2023, 4:51 pm)Unber43 I read that as you contactless payment hasn't worked you must provide alternative payment

(27 Sep 2023, 6:05 pm)F114TML Correct. We give 3 or 4 chances, if the card declines each time, then you need to pay by alternative means (purchase a ticket on the app, or put some money on the desk). The policy isn't strictly enforced at all times (last buses, for example), or by all drivers - we're told to use common sense etc. Because of this you get some really amusing ones who tell you it happens every time and still hope to get a free ride...

(27 Sep 2023, 9:54 pm)Adrian I take it this is for individual failed payments  rather than say an issue with the ticket machine? As was what Rob reported initially. If there's a ticket machine issue, it's going to be more hassle than it's worth, trying to tell people they'll have to wait for the next one. Bus would end up massively delayed from arguing the toss at every other stop!

I think for individual failed payments, giving 3 or 4 chances is generous. Most shops would try a second time, then ask you to try a second card.

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(29 Sep 2023, 5:31 pm)Adrian Having seen that Stagecoach and Arriva are offering pretty much a LA7 wide acceptance of GNE tickets during the strike action, I found it laughable how they're able to deliver it seemingly at the drop of a hat, yet we've been waiting months and months now for this TNE Day Ticket to be released.

It's not just that, though. This is something, especially in County Durham, that has been requested for years. It's always been met with excuses, competition commission won't like it, etc. But what do you know? Delivered within less than a fortnight!

Maybe this highlights once again, that it's protecting one's own interests at the expense of the customers.

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(29 Sep 2023, 6:31 pm)Storx The Arriva ones are interesting as it doesn't cover Peterlee to Sunderland for some reason.

I don't know what Arriva / Stagecoach's intentions are but it'll be interesting to see if GNE are paying them to accept them or whether both are using it as an opportunity to poach some customers. The accepting corridors of both, in particular, seem to be very protecting of wiping out all of the GNE North Tyneside routes as they're all pretty much covered now by either the Metro or bus via some route.

(30 Sep 2023, 12:00 am)Ambassador I doubt GNE are paying. I’d say it’s commercial opportunism and I welcome it, we don’t see enough of it!

(29 Sep 2023, 5:31 pm)Adrian Having seen that Stagecoach and Arriva are offering pretty much a LA7 wide acceptance of GNE tickets during the strike action, I found it laughable how they're able to deliver it seemingly at the drop of a hat, yet we've been waiting months and months now for this TNE Day Ticket to be released.

It's not just that, though. This is something, especially in County Durham, that has been requested for years. It's always been met with excuses, competition commission won't like it, etc. But what do you know? Delivered within less than a fortnight!

Maybe this highlights once again, that it's protecting one's own interests at the expense of the customers.

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(30 Sep 2023, 8:19 pm)RobinHood They aren't actually doing anything though, except accepting GNE season tickets as a 'flash pass'. Its literally something they can do with 10 minutes notice.

Also, the issue with the new TNE day ticket (or lack of) is actually not the fault of the operators, ironically. Its the politics and bureaucracy holding it up (shock horror).
A Bus Service Improvement Plan funded scheme, but politicians and leaders insist that Metro needs to be part of it. DfT refuse BSIP funding to go to Metro, so stalemate occurs. The operators are ready and the start date has been pushed back three times now due to this Metro issue.

(27 Sep 2023, 7:26 am)RM2186 I think the Stagecoach sign is more aimed at people that get on, attempt to use their card when they have zero funds available and it of course fails.

I have seen this many times in Teesside and miraculously they find the cash or get a friend to pay either cash or card.