(13 May 2020, 7:10 pm)Andreos1 wrote I'm not sure what's supposed to be allocated. Can't remember if it was ever mentioned on here.ohh how I remember the days of Arriva operating what is now the 81/82 as the M3 in 2014, I specifically remember them operating through Barmston/Biddick several minutes early and then spending nearly 10 mins sitting at The Galleries heading towards Birtley, can see similar with GCT going forward and I do think they win a lot of contracts from the big 3 three year on year as they stipulate they'll use new fuel efficient buses, whereas if they matched what another operator was going to use vehicle wise then I think the latter would then keep the contract.
It's an interesting one whichever way you look at it.
Two thoughts jump straight to mind and would have ensured a different outcome (certainly on a short-term basis):
* GNE could operate the services commercially and ensure a standard vehicle allocation is maintained during operating hours.
* Nexus could award the contract on different weightings.
I think the ticket acceptance is probably middle ground and the best outcome in the circumstances.
Going forward, I do think lessons need to be learned. It's not the first time this sort of thing has happened and I'm not sure it can continue.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adammalarkey/14400906258/in/album-72157649335867148/