(17 Feb 2021, 5:32 pm)L469 YVK wrote My theory is that Arriva is being "asset stripped" (minimal money spent) ready for a sale.

Now might be a good time to buy some shares in Gold paint (or perhaps Blue/White/Orange).

In all seriousness though, GNE would make a good go of the Ashington & Alnwick 'X' routes. Bike racks would be a huge hit too particularly on the X14/X18/X20.

Conversely, a business with a fleet that needs huge investment wouldn't hold a big sale price either, given the buyer would know about this. It makes no sense to run a business down if you wish to sell it.

Let's be clear though, Go North East wouldn't be allowed by the CMA to buy Arriva as it stands and would be forced to sell parts of it where they consider a serious reduction in competition. County Durham for example.

If Arriva was up for sale again, likely a whole new operator (First, Transdev etc).