(01 Jun 2024, 8:30 am)DeltaMan wrote I agree with all that. I just can't see it as GNE and Arriva would no doubt ask why they are being franchised and Stagecoach not. Maybe a look in the mirror would be needed. But legally, it seems like dodgy ground.

Yeah that's true on the legal side, shame really as it would be the best way. Arriva would be easy to deal with as you could just argue that Durham and Northumberland aren't part of it hence the franchsing. Go North East is the minefield though but the fact that they're making a loss - I wouldn't be too surprised if they actually want shot of it, assumption there of course though.