(31 Jul 2020, 1:19 pm)deanmachine wrote I think there's potential up in the North East for a good compromise, firstly a better multi-operator ticket for the whole region using the Network One model, although with smart cards. The second thing is having the likes of Nexus - who I think should run the whole of the North East and not just Tyne & Wear, and you know, actually be good - they should run non profitable services better, with better integration with the existing network, even if that means pay companies to add extra bits onto the end of existing routes. I'm thinking the likes of the 5 still going to North Shields rather than a separate route, and rather than having an H2, pay GNE to extend the 26 to Hebburn. It might cost more, but it makes it better for customers. This isn't even to dig at GCT, fine, have them run their breadvans on non profitable services, but make it easier for passengers to just tap a smart card on their services and not have to worry about not being able to get tickets on the major operator in the area for any other journey.

I understand and agree with the point about paying GNE etc to run their own services but the catch-22 is it gives no incentive to run anything in evenings as Nexus will just fund it anyway. Least by giving GCT and the likes the routes it puts pressure on GNE running the service instead. If that makes sense.The 319 should be extended back onto the 9 like it always has been though rather than the 5.