(09 Jul 2013, 4:07 pm)Andreos1 wrote @AdamY No, there probably isn't.

It's a bit like the 'privatised' rail network... But that's a whole new discussion for another time

Hold on, I think I've found the perfect solution.

The private bus companies can run services based on market-demand without any of the subsidisation they currently enjoy.

And local authorities, using the BOSG and any other available funding on offer, can continue to provide services to areas overlooked or under-served by privately-owned bus operators.

Because bus companies evidently care a great deal about their passengers, a framework for multi-operator ticketing can be thrashed out and implemented using an organisation such as the NEBOA. And Nexus can create their own ticketing, valid only on the Metro, trains between Blaydon and Sunderland, and any contracted bus services.

Everyone's a winner.

I was actually going to bring up the case of the railways before, but, as you say Andreos, that's a different argument for a different time.

We truly live a commercialised world, albeit one that has huge amounts of public subsidy attached to it.