(24 Nov 2020, 9:07 am)Andreos1 wrote Agree that it would be better to have it on a larger scale to see real benefits.
However, as a starting point, there is still plenty to glean from having it solely on the 53/54 and there will be more than just those buying singles/returns who are required to tap in and out.
If they determine there's a load of people boarding at Bensham and heading along to Coatsworth or Saltwell, but data analysis shows the same ticket was used on the 93/94 to/from Team Valley - then it opens up scope to improve links or connections between the two points.
What it can't do, is identify that there's a chunk of people who tap out at Gateshead but board a Metro to a part of Newcastle the metro serves, but the 53/54 don't.
But my point is that the only people who will really be using TOTO are the people that will just be travelling along the route, with no onward travel with another GNE service, otherwise they'd probably be better served buying a day ticket, which obviously isn't available using that payment method.
In my eyes, they have to at least expand the trial to connecting services at Gateshead and Newcastle for it to get any useful data.
If it'd be possible to register my bank card to take advantage of 5-25 ticket pricing, I'd sign up instantly. It'd probably be the closest I'd get to using The Key, which I still believe is far superior to using the app.