(09 Aug 2024, 11:54 am)busmanT wrote Whether a service gets BSIP funding isn't up to the operator - it's a Local Authority decision.
The LAs musn't believe that there is a general issue with towns/villages which have poor evening and weekend services or they would allocate BSIP funding.

I'm not sure why GNE is getting criticism here as I'd do the same if I was in their shoes but this needs discussed.

There's studies in areas of the North East and maps around showing areas which are at risk of being socially excluded due to poor public transport which completely riddles South Tyneside, in particular. If the LA's want to ignore this then shame on them.

Personally if I was in this position I'd have the maps on the desk and doing everything to try and reduce it, it's literally my job. If they genuinely believe the 21 is the problem, then they need removed asap. It's why councillors shouldn't be anywhere near funds for public transport as they're absolutely clueless. 

Credit to Northumberland, as they're the only ones who actually seem to be doing stuff to combat it with services like the X16 extension, 434, 777, X8 evening services and 57A via Bedlington Station trying to remove the gaps in the network which create this social exclusion, if they don't work then so be it - least they tried.

Nexus has to be the worst PTE in the country by a country mile. Kim McGuiness doesn't exactly excite me of bringing change either, especially when you've got the old gang of Gammon and Tobyn stinking the place out.