(16 Sep 2017, 4:18 am)Dan wrote I think a lot of what appears to be 'secured' is in fact only a couple of journeys on an evening - some of which aren't even full journeys (with the current operator operating part of these journeys commercially).
Indeed some of the work that was tendered was not awarded, as some of these services were operating with deminimis funding (a separate agreement from the usual council contracts as I understand it), or were being commercially operated.
For example, the 22:15 M6 service which operates between Stanley and Crookgate is only secured on a Monday - Thursday evening. On Fridays, this journey is operated commercially by Go North East. Likewise the daytime M7 service between Stanley and East Stanley is secured, but operated commercially by Go North East between Stanley and Metrocentre. The chances of other operators taking this work on is slim, when it's unlikely to fit around daytime work nicely.
As usual; Scarlet Band have been quite successful in these tenders, managing to retain a large number of contracts. They've been awarded with the operation of services 58, 84/85/95/96 and 113, as well as the operation of Go North East services 209/210 in Peterlee.
Go North East have also been quite successful - losing some services (like the 209/210), but gaining others. The evening operation of Arriva North East services 22/24 in Peterlee and 86 in Bishop Auckland has been awarded to Go North East, as well as the operation of the Chester-le-Street town service 700s and Durham Cathedral Bus service 40.
Of course, should Arriva wish to take on the 22/24 services commercially on an evening, or indeed Go North East take on the 209/210 daytime service commercially, then these contracts will be void.
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What depot will operate the 700s & 40s?, Chester is the obvious choice but no minibuses based, will buses transfer or are we likely to see Stanley/Washington do the 700s & Stanley/peterlee do the Durham cathedral service?, obviously crook will do the 86?