(08 Jan 2022, 9:58 am)MurdnunoC wrote But it's all swings and roundabouts. I live in an area dominated by GNE and have lost count of the number of times when their buses have been late or have failed to show up for one reason or another. Luckily for me, I don't use public transport to travel to work so the only harm done to me on a personal level amounts to a minor inconvenience, however there will be those who will be affected by the same repeated issues and problems. Conversely, I have never had a problem using GCT (who operate services in the area) or the Metro (who don't), yet there are countless stories, here and elsewhere, where both have fallen somewhat short of customer expectation.I can recommend a bike to anyone, MTB or Road/Race.
I doubt there are that many people willing to walk miles just to save a few pounds a week on a multi-modal ticket, in fact, I would suggest that you are probably one of a handful. So while a multi-modal ticket may not make financial sense to you, it makes perfect financial sense for those who wish to minimise their travel time by using more than one operator. Could they be cheaper? Certainly. And perhaps we'll see some savings included in the BSIP. However, realistically, GNE are never going to introduce regular services into the West End of Newcastle so irrespective of what BSIP has to offer, multi-modal tickets are always going to offer an efficient way of travelling without committing to an hour of walking before enduring the travel of public transport.
Since we're on about saving money, have you ever considered buying a bike? In urban areas bikes are quicker than buses for competent riders. As some on here are aware, I have the data to back that up.
I can get from Sunderland to Newcastle faster than a 56, and not far behind an X24. Can be in Whitley Bay before a 1, 309 or 306 thanks to the super quick cycleway along the A1058. Around Towns and Cities I can beat any form of transport and that's on the road and obeying traffic lights. Cross Country as well, quicker than a 78 from Sunderland to Chester, and by means of the old railway line from Vigo to Consett can get there before the 78 as well. On the road I ride a carbon bike that is under 8kg, so you'll understand I made that choice as primary transport and can use it to get to places like Alnwick, Hexham, Teesside. Not all can ride race bikes, but modern carbon mountain/cross bikes are great for commuting and leisure. The battery technology on electric bikes is spreading, and if you want spend £15k you can have a Scott electric race bike that takes 95% of the weight off.
I'll always recommend bike use, sadly our roads are populated by ignorant drivers, and bad cyclists who give us all a bad name.