Staff attacks hit Go-Ahead services
Page 13
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• One of the biggest northern bus operators has been forced to deregister around 30 late night services because of a dispute. The company says several of these services may never be brought back into operation.
Go-Ahead Northern's Gateshead depot staff imposed a nine o'clock curfew on weekend late night services two weeks ago because of a spate of attacks on the company's drivers.
One driver had been hijacked at knifepoint, another was attacked by several youths and another was held hostage and threatened by passengers.
Last week, the garage voted on lifting the curfew but this proposal was rejected by 111 votes to 89. Several services have now been deregistered in order not to contravene the law and according to Gateshead district manager Keith Moffat, the company is looking at permanently withdrawing some late night services from Newcastle to Whickham, Low Fell and Wrekenton.
Staff at the remaining 13 GoAhead Northern depots are continuing their weekend services as normal and are helping to cover for several affected routes in Gateshead. However, because of the dispute at Gateshead, the company is considering installing a new radio system and protective screens on the buses.
The Gateshead staff will meet again this seek to decide whether to lift the curfew.