(28 Jul 2022, 1:44 pm)Adrian wrote Wouldn't that be Nexus competing with Go North East?
I can't see it being an effective use of what limited money there is for secured services, not least when you have the Metro from Gateshead to the 3 points in Newcastle that people are most likely wanting to travel to.
Just to clarify, I was saying JH Coaches, rather than Nexus, could possibly compete with North East, if there was sufficient demand and other services could be established to connect with.
The Metro costs money, likewise it costs more if you need multiple operators (there is ticket acceptance in place for now, but there is no guarantee it will continue). Nexus already compete anyway, there is a day ticket for Gateshead Central Taxis and Phoenix services (not sure if this is accepted on JH & Weardale).
Besides, not everyone likes the Metro, and direct links are better, so they should be an option.
We don't need more buses crossing the river, definitely not, but if ticket acceptance was removed, or it was cheaper to use just Nexus services (which it already is) the 82 being extended to Newcastle would make it a good option for passengers to use.
Someone could argue we don't need Eldon Square, buses could terminate at High Level Bridge and passengers could use the Metro to reach Eldon Square from Central Station.
If the 82 is popular between Gateshead and Birtley, I assume some passengers would use it to and from Newcastle.