(10 Jul 2014, 7:44 pm)Tom wrote Something I've noticed recently about pricing on the 685. It differs between the two operators.
For example,
Stagecoach - £4.75 Hexham to Newcastle
Arriva - £5.40 Hexham to Newcastle
Stagecoach - £3.25 Heddon to Newcastle
Arriva - £3.40 Heddon to Newcastle
Under Competition Act rules, operators are not allowed to meet and discuss their fares in order to 'set' a fare - that would be 'collusion' and they'd end up in prison!
They are allowed to accept each other's return tickets and to recharge each other appropriate reimbursement, but are not allowed to discuss or set a return fare - again, that would be collusion.