(13 Dec 2023, 11:34 am)OrangeArrow49 wrote Ticket acceptance wouldn't be a major problem, only Stagecoach offer a single operator ticket now, Arriva & Go North East have replaced theirs with TNE products (so fares have actually increased, but valid on everything, so only poor value if you only need one bus operator. For everything on Stagecoach it's £5.50, which is expensive for one company.
Usually people will have TNE passes, which puts Newcastle and Gateshead in the same zone (unlike GNE having Newcastle and North Tyneside separate to Gateshead). So it should now work to at least terminate most buses at Gateshead with limited buses and the Metro going over the river.
It comes down to £££ though. The TNE products are only day tickets, whereas the vast majority of commuting and student traffic will be (I'd guess!) via commercial products, otherwise they'd already be on the quicker and more convenient Metro.
(13 Dec 2023, 11:48 am)Unber43 wrote Terminating everything at Gateshead would be a very lazy option and a sign that theyve given up
I completely disagree with that. It'd be the sensible option, if the only other alternative is to do nothing.
(13 Dec 2023, 12:25 pm)Ambassador wrote I don't necessarily think the onus here is on Go North East to provide the solution.
They've got the expertise but traffic management and flow and the like should be being managed by the Councils and plans in place to support transport (not just a lazy park and ride)
100% agree, but it has to be a partnership approach. Even if that is the operators simply agreeing to do what is best for both traffic flow and the travelling public, rather insisting they do as they please.
This should almost be seen as a test to the Councils (and Transport North East), who have a burning desire to manage the buses, going forward.