(16 Dec 2022, 11:01 am)Andreos1 wrote I agree. It has been a huge focus. I've said it for years - but I don't think it works. Maybe the numbers and state of the network back the claims up.
Inevitably, we get the patter that 'people talk about it, so it must be working'. Really? Cut after cut, after rebrand, after paint job. That would tend to say otherwise.

The network is the issue. That's where the hard miles need putting in and it needs redesigning.
Bizarrely, it doesn't seem to be happening. We just keep seeing the same old, over and over again. With those cuts I mentioned above being thrown in to the mix.

Those cuts to routes and staff will save some money. It might stabilise the numbers on balance sheet. Will it grow the numbers? Doubt it.

Tbh, I often end up sat behind a GNE bus and half the time I read the branding on the back and (particularly if it's a Sunderland District one) just think to myself "what?". Particularly funny are the fares ones where they've removed the numbers (cos the fares have gone up) but nothing else, so it randomly says "all day" and "all week " and something about the app being cheaper, completely disconnected from everything else, although it looks like they're being replaced with whatshisface crossing his arms next to a giant "£12.83"