(30 Jul 2023, 7:17 pm)col87 wrote No it’s not discreet we will wait and see if Arriva try to block this route as well then because it will be surprising if they don’t.
When you consider at the moment Stagecoach are getting funding for
Tees Flex
The Saltburn 1/2
The teesport 101
Now this 6/6A something is starting to look a bit suspicious. Tees flex is supposed to be for areas without a proper service yet at the moment Stagecoach are getting funding for duplicates off the combined authority as Tees Flex could very easily cover all them.
At the moment all Ben and the combined authority are doing is mostly seeming to be giving Stagecoach money to duplicate areas that already are served by Arriva. The funding could have been used for Arriva to improve existing network. This is just potentially damaging relations between the two companies as the more Stagecoach go against Arriva the more Arriva are probably going to be tempted to fight back so could end up been both good and bad news for passengers.
With some 'inside' knowledge that I do have, Arriva have already warned TVCA that if they start this new service early, they will flag it with the Traffic Commissioner (Ironically Stagecoach were thankful that Arriva did it last time as they didn't have the staff for the 1/2 given Ben extended TeesFlex at the same time).
I'm sure we will all have views on this (whether it is right or wrong), but the fact the traffic commissioner blocked the 1/2 earlier this year suggests that Arriva were right to object, as it was against legislation. The notice period is to ensure fair competition.
Arriva have a good working relationship with Stagecoach, they aren't about to start a bus war.
The new Service 6/6A is only until March 2024, pending further funding hopes. Without that, it's gone as quickly as it arrived.
I do agree though, the millions poured into securing whole new services over the top of existing network could have been better used to benefit many more people. Imagine how many evenings, Sundays or smaller ad-hoc improvements could have been made within the Tees Valley? Instead TVCA spaffing their £1.5mil BSIP+ funding up the wall like a kid in a sweet shop with the first fiver he's ever had.
Clearly, TVCA have little intelligence within their respective public transport officers. Shame really, as local people should have been able to vote or have some kind of say on how that money should have been spent. Even if it was ring-fenced on specific things.