This thread is mainly aimed at GNE and for good reason I would think, but Arriva and SC espeically have done favours, yes GNE have brands (which I do like) and I think it is very key in marketing to market their buses to the customers, especially with adverts on the engine at the back e.g

Last Bus after 11pm,
Easington to Newcastle every 15 mins in around 70 mins, tables, WIFI
Route Map etc

However I think Arriva and SC also share in the blame, SC not so much they don't really care about Hartleepool i mean don't blame them, but its Arriva is the issue atleast GNE are trying Arriva wants out as soon as theyll give them money, Arriva is the issue they dont wanna be here GNE is atleast trying.

Personally if I was in charge I would say

- More Frequent Buses, later buses
- Night Buses - maybe longer but could be similar length in time as during the day
- Branded Buses (not all routes but most, with a unique generic livery (e.g GNE 2019 Livery) and all services have a base plate such as the XLines are the same design with different colours, but are proper expresses)
- Under 22 Free Travel I would agree with
- Questionaires for where people want to go, routes haven't changed in decades, some don't have to e.g X1/60/56 really, but stuff like the 317 has seen positive growth and hopefully GNE new services in NT, also thats another thing GNE are constantly getting hate for their new services they're trying to run a comerical service in an area they pulled out of the best they can when Arriva pulled out.
- Also I would keep the Go North East name as its like saying Go North East, with their transportation, create one massive company from Darlington to Berwick called

Go North East - Journeys Taken Care of, but Journeys actually taking care off, decent standard of buses, actual care in their branding making sure branded buses aren't on the wrong routes. No competition on routes.