I count it robbery that the big three, especially GNE who arguably is the best of the big three, lose out the subsidised services to companies such as the aforementioned who make no effort to improve the service or experience. Its a really bog-standard service which will eventually implode because people just don't want to use it. How much better would it be to see an actual bus on routes such as the 18 and 32 at night, people would notice it and I bet it would attract more users. One of the big flaws that are being reflected across the bus industry is a lack of knowledgable busmen. Not self-righteous enthusiasts, but individuals who have a passion for the industry, I see figures such as Martijn and Mr Hornby are among few of those making a difference but we really need more people who have the industry's interest at hand. Not accountants interested in a false economy but those who see the long term...

Sorry if I always make comparisons to Tfl but another reason why it works so well, is because each leader has actually been an enthusiast, not just one interested in the colour of a handrail or things of that sort but people who have both knowledge and passion, people like Leon Daniels...Nexus seems to have a ridiculous model and if they had people capable of carrying out proper reviews of the services, then they wouldn't need to award tenders to a dirt-cheap bidder in order to justify the running of a grossly unprofitable service.

I'd go as far as saying the 335 could be extended to Killingworth, replacing the K2.

Why not extend the M71 to West Denton Shops and create a short and direct link to Kingston Park from there. There's a lot of work that could be done.