(09 Dec 2021, 9:16 am)Dan wrote Bang on... Not sure what you find ironic about my post, but if operators couldn't do it pre-Covid (let's not forget Arriva and Stagecoach both have similar services themselves), they're even less likely to be able to do it now. 

I think you'll find in the coming months that all three of the region's operators will be looking to scale back their networks, concentrate on the core and see how they can develop that, rather than focusing on weak points or taking back work that is, and will never be, profitable. Whilst there are many benefits to come from the BSIP (should the region be successful in its bid), it also looks at rationalisation of the network too.

Those million pound operating divisions could afford to do it.
They chose not to based on margins and the like. Rather than look to grow or manage those margins in a pro-active manner, they took the easy way out and ensured the taxpayer funded it.
Unless it didn't suit them and all of a sudden those routes became viable overnight - like the 97 did.