(10 Sep 2021, 3:24 pm)col87 wrote I personally thing if Stagecoach want to have all town services to themselves then they should do it properly including a good Sunday and Evening network and not just what suits them. Better buses in the fleet and and better evening would see more people using the bus or else the whole town should be giving to someone else. Same with Go North east in Gateshead should not be able to pick and chose what suits them. This is exactly the reason why I would be on favour of services been done on a franchise system as might actually get decent services then.
As others have said, its not just on Stagecoach, but anyone can start up a service there if they so wish to do so. Given Go North East's attempts in the past, I'd suggest the customer base just isn't there, with them subsequently withdrawing from the area completely.
You've still got a fairly late Hartlepool to Durham service with the 24/58, but perhaps an evening and Sunday network would be an opportunity for Tees Flex? I know they added new destinations in July, but still disappointing that it only runs until 8pm Mon-Sat.