(10 May 2023, 8:13 pm)Storx wrote I know there's been a lot of talk about these but wonder if someone might actually attempt to take them on commercially.
Reading through that it seems that they might actually be money in them, the problem is there's literally nowhere for the vehicles and expanding a depot at Ashington with the cost increases wouldn't be sustainable.
GoNorthEast at Percy Main in particular has been butchering routes for years as has space but there's also an argument for Stagecoach aswell. Taking the 52, extension to 38?, and 53 over in particular would give them pretty much a near monopoly in Killingworth. They obviously seem keen in both areas with the contracts on the 317 and 54 and they obviously have space for buses as Arriva have been there for months - plenty driver's aswell no doubt who don't want to move to Blyth and do Arriva even need them all...? - TUPE possible?
From what I understand there is a huge surplus of drivers at Percy Main as well - could be an interesting expansion opportunity.