(09 Jan 2022, 12:58 pm)OrangeArrow49 wrote Are there any plans for the 553 to change operators? Makes sense at the Regent Centre end to be Arriva, but for Battle Hill/Wallsend GNE would be the best. GCT or Phoenix would probably get it next if Arriva don't keep it. When is the contract up for renewal for the 47 and 553?
According to VOSA they're not supported by subsidy. I don't know if the services are contracted by the NHS or Arriva receive some support for them, if that's the case they won't be changing hands. The fact Arriva have operated the 553 since 2014 doesn't suggest it's going to change any time soon. But they're not a Nexus contract, otherwise someone else other than Arriva would probably be operating them by now.
There are some Nexus supported journeys on the 553 but these are now operated by GCT (and are earmarked for withdrawal according to recent consultation).