(02 Jan 2022, 8:43 am)busmanT wrote 33/33A - I seriously doubt it!! It only ever has about 3 or 4 passengers on when I see it.

New services - with passenger numbers only at around 65-70% of pre COVID numbers I doubt any operator will introduce new services (unless they replace existing ones). Bus operator costs have risen significantly - wage increases, extra cleaning cost, higher fuel prices - so I think we'll be seeing more cutbacks over the next 12 months.

33/33A - Me too, I suspect it will go to GCT. 

New services - To clarify I meant individual operators could introduce new services as currently they could never compete, but in a post-competition region where bus operators work together maybe all bus companies would be able to get involved. Working together is all well and good, but Stagecoach offers a poor service in Newcastle, in terms of punctuality and vehicles, with the exception of the new buses on the 39/40 and 62/63. As part of working together Stagecoach and Go North East could give up services whilst maintaining ticket acceptance (I'm guessing a zone system will be introduced as part of the bus improvement plan so bus operators can work together) so this could open up different opportunities for different operators to replace existing services. 

Cutbacks such as what do you think?

Just some outrageous suggestions, perhaps merge Stagecoach and GNE services with the same or similar numbers :

1 - Slatyford - Benwell - Newcastle - Byker - Walker - Wallsend - Whitley Bay - North Shields 

6 - Four Lane Ends - Kingston Park - Blakelaw - Westerhope - West Denton - Metrocentre - Sunniside

7 - Four Lane Ends - Gosforth - Blakelaw - Westerhope - West Denton - Metrocentre - Sunniside - Stanley 

10/10A/10B - North Kenton - Newcastle - Denton Burn - Metrocentre - Hexham/Rockwood Hill/Low Prudhoe

12/12A- Wallsend - Walker - Newcastle - Fenham  - Blaydon - Winlaton