(21 Jan 2022, 2:46 pm)Adrian wrote I'd say they've jumped the gun in advance of the BSIP, but I don't think the Big Dog will be around long enough for "Operation Red Meat" to become reality.

They might well remove restrictions, but they'd have to introduce new legislation if they wanted to mandate the private sector back into the office. Many are looking, if not already at advance stages, of hybrid working models. This is what operators should be focusing their time on; ensuring suitable travel products are available to ensure the bus still remains an attractive proposition to hybrid workers on office days.

Yes but..public sector is a pretty sizeable part of the workforce, especially in NE.  And equally some examples of big name private businesses throwing caution to the wind and calling workers back to offices en masse (certainly some of the banking institutions, for example).  Of course there are a decent number of forward thinking private companies who are looking at meaningful hybrid models but I guess my point was the numbers apparently to be required to return to offices in public sector and some of the private sector is greater than might have been anticipated a few weeks or months ago.

Regardless of the detail of hybrid working pattern thoughs, the current offer from operators is unlikely to tempt a willing switch onto buses, for all the reasons well rehearsed on here.  I think with more in offices, those who have no choice but to use bus will make the reduced offering of peak runs fuller/run later and so continue the vicious cycle; meaning those with any choice steering clear.