Reversing the decline in passenger numbers
Reversing the decline in passenger numbers
I feel greater use should be made of the legislation that allows taxi firms to run bus services. This is used in Tyne & Wear by Nexus in parts of the county.
It would be ideal for rural areas of Northumberland and County Durham. Let's say for example you use a taxi firm from Morpeth on a route to Wallington Hall. Chances are you'll be employing someone with good local knowledge. You'll be using say an eight seater minibus that can also be used for school contracts and general taxi work. You'll be able to negotiate narrow country lanes and pick/up drop off in isolated locations. All that would be needed is training the operator in ticketing options and customer service requirements. With good publicity you could make a success of it never mind encouraging local bus use.
It could also work in areas such as Hartlepool on evenings and Sundays. There are two private hire operators in Hartlepool (23 and Blue line). Use a wheelchair accessible 8 seater after conducting a survey to find out where people wish to travel the most. Then get some publicity in place.
Charles
