(04 Nov 2020, 7:13 pm)Storx wrote I disagree on GoNorthEast should run all the bus services by Nexus as it just gives them an excuse to give up more services on the Evenings and Sundays. They've already done enough already yet other operators can run similar routes commercially.
Also what's wrong with Weardale they're quite a good little operator imo especially over Bishop / Weardale way.
Go North East has always been my favourite operator! Nexus services could be operated by Stanley Travel/A-line/Phoenix but for ticket acceptance it's best if a major operator run them, or ticket acceptance be in place on smaller operators.
Competition is dead. Someone on here said recently (streetdeckfan?) they refuse to use Stagecoach (I use them reluctantly and refuse to use Arriva!). In the West End, Stagecoach is the most frequent, but expensive and restrictive in destinations, and I prefer GNE. GNE operate the most places in the North East, so offer the best value. Yes, they are more expensive in GNE-only territory, but competition is dead, buried and not coming back. Stagecoach only run locally for the most part, Arriva is mostly rural, neither would be missed.
Never used Weardale, but their buses are really old!