(12 May 2020, 5:07 pm)Economic505 wrote London was never deregulated, so we do have an example to work from . TFL run a rail network (like Nexus) and also have a lot more say on bus services than what Nexus have. As for Nexus having a vested interest in the Metro, maybe that’s true. However, where I live, the Metro only serves a small proportion of the population.

Not the best example though.

London Buses weren't deregulated simply because they were running at a huge loss. If the Government handed them over they'd only end up paying again with huge subsidies so they went down the tendering and franchise route (or business units). Infact one of those companies was wound up.

Major tried to deregulate London Buses but failed because it became a political hot potato around the Travelcard system and there being no obligation for a deregulated operator to accept it (i.e - this would have been political suicide in London)

And of course London and it's voters are of huge economic and social importance to Politics - Tyne and Wear is not.