(27 Apr 2021, 9:01 pm)L469 YVK wrote And neither does the attitude of "it has 4 wheels and an engine". At least GNE are trying to actually get passengers. They were in a strong position pre-pandemic and although in ropey waters at the moment, they'll hopefully attract "new" customers who wouldn't otherwise use the bus.
The bus isn't going to be for everyone for various reasons but those who it would suit who'd otherwise use alternative means are the ones GNE are trying to attract.
Now going back to the A v B argument, a certain other operator has retained their "local" services but at what expense? Is it really a sustainable business model taking everything into account (resources, on going investment etc)?
Well, realistically, that's the perspective that a lot of everyday people take. All they want is the bus to actually turn up and take them to where they want to be.
Yeah, GNE are trying to get passengers and don't we know it? They try too hard to get new people on board, but the general public isn't exactly that interested in the quality of the bus that turns up, or the creature comforts it provides.
Changing brand identities every few years, which costs hundreds of thousands — if not millions — is a total waste of investment if they are only going to go and be done up again 18 months down the line, which then further impacts on finances.
Let's also not forget that, despite Go North East having put a lot of investment and promotional material into various services recently, that other services have been downgraded with older, lower-spec vehicles. That's not exactly going to boost the market on the premise that people don't have the "it has 4 wheels and an engine" attitude.