(26 Jan 2023, 8:37 pm)RobinHood wrote Clearly TeesFlex isn't a viable solution though, otherwise it wouldn't be at risk of ending.

All it does is provide further evidence that A) DRT once again doesn't work; and B) these niche journeys that fall outside of the existing bus network will never be sustainable no matter how many suggest otherwise or petition for it.

I'm minded to agree, but only because I don't think DRT is a viable solution across such a vast area as the whole of the Tees Valley CA. It's been pushed in as a sticking-plaster approach, instead of working with operators to ensure some of the more common travel needs are met.

It's costing the authority a million a year to provide, and I'd be very surprised if Stagecoach weren't making at least 25% from that. It'd likely be a lot cheaper to work out some fully secured services, even running only a couple times a day, covering a lot of these smaller settlements.

I don't think a lot of these journeys are niche; they're people trying to access shops and services, which is essential. Living in a smaller settlement shouldn't mean you're cut off from the world, but its further evidence that the objectives of private enterprise are at odds with the objectives of good public services.

(26 Jan 2023, 9:21 pm)Andreos1 wrote That's like saying a commercial bus network doesn't work because they cut, cancel and rely on public money to fund it.

What I will say, is that it's clearly another example of a network which has flaws and despite those making the decisions, thinking they know best - they clearly don't.

Well yeah, it's so successful that it's been propped up and over-reliant on public money for years. You'll be telling me that branding doesn't work next.