(01 Jul 2020, 1:36 pm)Andreos1 wrote These independents aren't unique in missing out sections. Whether authorised by control for 'operational reasons' or not, I've more than one experience as a passenger of seeing one of the bigger boys miss sections of the route.

I'm not sure that would suddenly stop, should the bigger boys decide to operate these services commercially, rather than the taxpayer fund it. 
One positive of a contracted service not running or operating, is the potential for financial clawback. Would that be the case with say GNE and a commercial service?

What might be a 'terrible, terrible vehicle' to you or others, is a lifeline to those living on the route. Dunno about you, but I'd rather a 'terrible, terrible vehicle' rock up, than nothing at all.

Indeed, I'm sure some folk on Teesside would be grateful for a horse and cart if it meant they could get any subsidised routes at all back