RE: Go North East: Latest News & Discussion - July 2015
Interesting theory from Venturego. If that would be the case and leave GNE the sections of route not in Nexusland if the Quality Contracts are imposed, I'd be all in favour of splitting these routes. Otherwise, whilst I've nothing against the Diamond proposals, I'd be totally against the Lanchester - Newcastle service being split as it would be detrimental to the community and I use them from time to time. I don't think the X30/31 justifies a 15 minute frequency, unless it's to use only single deckers. I hope an increase in their frequency isn't to be at the detriment of the X70/71 which I use a lot. However, these discussions between the North East Combined Authority and the government now taking place will probably result in increased powers for NECA (if they accept an elected Mayor), so we may find all routes in Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and County Durham being included in a revised QC system. If this is to be the case and it'll be imposed anyway for the whole region, I'd want improved rural services to be a requirement, funded by cross-subsidy, the profitable routes supporting socially necessary ones, and the inevitable rationalisation of urban routes, as no-one will convince me that a QC system will keep the present overall service levels where operators compete. But if we are going to get the new all-powerful NECA the government seems to want, it's much more logical to include Teesside and Darlington in it as it's a more logical area for economic, transport and health provision.