(03 Apr 2021, 2:00 pm)MichealAaron wrote Like I said the other day. There walking on a thin branch and they don't care. Wouldn't be surprised vosa shut them down
Nexus wouldn't let that happen, who else are they going to get to run their services for sod all!
(03 Apr 2021, 2:25 pm)Dan wrote I don't think anyone is 'anti-independents' - what doesn't wash nowadays is poor operation, and that is the same regardless of who the operator is, be it the larger three, or anyone else.
JH Coaches and Stanley Travel are two excellent examples of SME operators who invest in their fleet, are smartly presented, have kind and courteous drivers, and seem to run their contracts well. They mightn't have all the same 'niceties' such as free Wi-Fi and power sockets as Go North East or Arriva, for example, but are really professional and seem to be doing well for themselves (even if that's in other areas - not the local bus scene tender market, where Gateshead Central Taxis almost have the monopoly).
A-line Coaches have also significantly invested in the last year or two, have created a new corporate identity (even if I'm personally not keen on their battleship grey livery), and have fulfilled the BODS requirements, so their services can now be tracked in real-time.
I think we can all agree that if GNE or Arriva were missing out areas left right and centre we'd all complain!
In fact, I complained many a time when a driver on the X21 refused to take me to Tesco in Tindale because he couldn't be bothered to go to the last stop (Before the extension to West).
And, the fact that to some on here I think the sun shines out of GNE's arse, and others I do nothing but complain about them backs that up!
I'm not anti-independent, I'm just anti-bad service!