Yes Robin, but the Transport Act of 1985 was supposed to create competition - where is that competition now. ? If I don’t rate Asda , I can go to Morrisons or Tesco or Sainsbury or Co-Op etc. If you live in Dene Estate , only the 23, for example.

All the Act did , was break a very integrated transport system. I m sadly old enough to remember pre 1986, but what I do remember, (and I have seen pre 1986 timetables), is that there was a regular service across day, night and Sunday. I know that factors like car ownership etc are important , but I still believe pre 1986 was better.

The early years of competition was exciting eg TWOC , but as I said earlier, competition fizzled out. I remember when TWOC did an 18/19 service copy, but terminating at Tunstall Rd. For me, that took me bk to the PTE 121/122 route which was a child hood favourite. Sorry , I m rambling now, but I do miss the old integrated routes, Transfares, 5 Rider Carnets, going to the PTE travel shop at the Central Bus Station etc .,