(14 Jun 2022, 8:58 am)Rob44 wrote The main thing stopping GCT running commercial in gateshead in GNE. I'm sure you've heard of bargain bus!
Don't be daft...
We have seen other operators, Stagecoach in particular, launch competing services with Go North East which don't receive funding, and Go North East's response if anything has been to reduce their own service offering. Even small changes in Sunderland like the Stagecoach 20 in Pennywell has seen Go North East convert the operation of service 39 from a full-size single-deck to a minibus.
I don't think any operators are as 'territorial' as they perhaps once were.
Gateshead Central are more than welcome to set up their own commercial services, either competing with Go North East (or any other operator for that matter) or by exploting a gap in the market - but they don't.