(05 Dec 2013, 3:16 pm)aureolin wrote I think it's important for such organisations to exist, yes, but I don't like them working with a severe lack of democracy. If they're really interested in standing up for users, then they need to represent the views of users. I'm not convinced at all that any of the organisations available in the North East achieve this. I'm happy for someone to prove otherwise to me though.

I honestly don't think that PTUG can ruffle a few feathers though? None of the big three operators acknowledge them. Nexus do yes, but there again, Nexus can only pass a complaint on. If I was going to support such organisation, it would only be on the basis they had the operators on board otherwise it's pointless.

Not even Nexus have the operators on board.
The operators are only interested in themselves and shareholders - so if it takes the likes of PTEG/PTUG to shove a few home truths down the throats of the operators (whether they are recognised or not or democratic or not), then it sounds good to me.

Even if you look at Bus Users UK, you just have to look at the world famous survey to see where their loyalties lie.
If they were that bothered about passengers, a survey like that, should have led to Bus Users UK hauling GNE over the coals or at the very least, looking for answers as to why feedback in certain areas was so poor.

If you look at each of those committee members, their agenda is/will be clear from the outset.

I do agree, passengers should be represented and the members invited aren't from a broad enough section.