(29 Aug 2020, 7:23 am)James101 wrote Is it’s purpose ever to become profitable? Tees Flex is an effective replacement for most of the Boroughbus network. Is Flex instead of having a supported network of scheduled services, which the Tees Valley has none (bar the handful of journeys about to come in from Arriva)?

Personally, I’d measure its success by comparing passenger engagement on Tees Flex versus the same amount on money spent on supporting scheduled buses.

Whilst I agree that the system is very unlikely to turn a profit, there are still ways it can be managed and operated in a more efficient manner. 
The examples I referred to, can't be the only times something similar has happened. 

What might be a weakness in the booking system, has the potential to make any loss even greater.

The service has stepped in to fill the gaps left over after commercial operators decided there wasn't enough brass. 
I applaud the idea of the network - but I'm not sure it should exist in the first place.