(29 Aug 2020, 10:20 am)Andreos1 wrote Whilst I agree that the system is very unlikely to turn a profit, there are still ways it can be managed and operated in a more efficient manner. 
The examples I referred to, can't be the only times something similar has happened. 

What might be a weakness in the booking system, has the potential to make any loss even greater.

The service has stepped in to fill the gaps left over after commercial operators decided there wasn't enough brass. 
I applaud the idea of the network - but I'm not sure it should exist in the first place.

I totally agree the system should be as efficient as possible. I’m not technologically minded by any means but perhaps there’s a settling-in period for the software to ‘learn’ frequently made journeys and it’ll eventually link them all up? For the odd inefficient journey now, it surely must be cheaper than employing human coordinators.

(29 Aug 2020, 11:16 am)Adrian wrote Is it an effective replacement though? The Mayor's own numbers would suggest that less than 100 people a day are using it, if you assume that the majority are making a return trip - less than 0.02% of the population of the Tees Valley. 

If its not intended to be profitable, then in my opinion that has to be countered by showing there's a clear benefit of providing the service. I really hope that this becomes really popular and well used, but based on those numbers so far, I'm yet to be convinced whether it'll last beyond the initial 3 year contract.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1...opularity/

The press release for this weeks expansion pegs the passenger numbers more like 180 per day and rising. As a bus service that’s not worth putting the bunting up for. But as a dial-a-ride or community transport organisation, about 20 passengers per bus a day is pretty good for a start up. 

It comes back to wether we, or the powers that be, see profit as money in the bank or overall community asset value. 

It’s also handy that Flex directly benefits a demographic that would be sceptical of a Tory Metro Mayor and Mr Houchen is keen to be photographed with a Flex Sprinter and every opportunity. Whatever the motives, if it gets people where they need to be, I’m all for it.

(30 Aug 2020, 5:39 pm)col87 wrote Yes its supposed to make a profit as the combined authority are only supporting it for 3 years.  The idea then is for stagecoach or whoever to take it on commercially. I had several arguments on a local politics group with the Hartlepool Council leader last year pointing out that it wont work and so far that seems to be the case.

Based on the numbers we know, those Sprinters need to be pulling in about £30 an hour to break even. Not sure who on the council thinks that Flex will ever turn a profit but they’re deluded. That said I wouldn’t be surprised to see Councillor Pinocchio win a seat at HBC next time around.

What could be interesting is the MD of Stagecoach NE referencing Flex as ‘what the future could look like’:

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teess...s-18480241