(18 Jan 2016, 2:22 pm)mb134 wrote With the Metro hideously unreliable, is there a market for an express between Newcastle and Sunderland?
Offer fares slightly cheaper than the Metro, as I don't think you'll be able to cover it on the roads anywhere near as quickly?
Unfortunately I think this idea has been done to death, both as a proposal and in reality. The biggest hurdle is always going to be speed and the poor public image the bus has versus the train. We all know what's possible in making a bus much more comfortable than a metro car, but I don't think Joe Public ever will.
The best intercity operation I know of that competes against the train is Trent Barton's 'Red Arrow'. I'd highly suggest giving it a go if you every get the chance!
Oh and if there's one company that's NOT going to try and prevoke a war with Metro its going to be Arrive! Vested interests and all that...