(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.

indeed, the networking group I work with speaks for around 20k employees and despite the bluster in the right wing press I can assure you, hybrid is here and is the future. There is no need for 5 day offices aside those who choose to do so (roughly 5% so far) 

this idea that living with covid means back to old routes and ways of working is pipe dreams. Power is with employees, the great resignation as it’s called means if you don’t offer at least hybrid then you won’t get a look in. There’s a huge recruitment issue in the NE at the moment with London bases firms offering double wages for Home working but still saving on what they’d pay on offices etc. 

And who is leading this charge…the civil service of course.

the future for commuter travel has to be interchangeable flexible hybrid focused ticketing…all of which the current big 3 fail at miserably.