(05 Apr 2022, 7:59 pm)Malarkey wrote We should follow the model that Oxford has used eliminating all competition among operators on various corridors or where one operator has a more significant presence than the latter, North Tyneside would be better served by either Stagecoach or Arriva than Go North East.

Go North East could sacrifice the 19 & Q3 to Arriva for example in return they for the operation of the 685/X12 as i'm sure Go North East would not want to let go of the 309/310 & 311 even if they'd be better off from a passenger perspective with Stagecoach or Arriva.

I would argue the 685 would be better with Stagecoach given that they operate the Cumbrian stretch and the route through to Thockley is primarily Stagecoach operated. One might argue the 74 and 684 would be more appropriate with Stagecoach too given the route they take within Newcastle, whether that would happen as they're Northumberland contracts is doubtful.