(30 Jul 2023, 7:56 pm)RobinHood wrote 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).Arriva might well have had a good relationship with Stagecoach however at the moment I get the impression especially with things like this it might not last. It will certainly be interesting though to see if Stagecoach take it on commercially or even consider going back into the Darlington area with other services
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.
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