(12 Jun 2025, 8:55 pm)DaveFromUpNorth wrote I'm gonna start with an unusual sentence but I am delighted  that Northstar has lost this contract

It is not because of their  brilliant service and customer service  of doing things differently but  it shows that Nexus is actually doing their job.

Working in the best interest of the taxpayer  based on cost.

Sadly if Northstar bid wasn't the cheapest perhaps other bidders put in different proposals for the bid.

But we must remember that these contracts are tax payer funded contracts. 

Northstar for all we know may of put a competitive bid in and GNE have put in a counter bid and said we will take it on a semi risk (forgot what the technical bit is called)

I am not going to lie Northstar has done more for that service in promoting it even as a secured service than Nexus have and on top of social media posts and new timetables for the service

Give Northstar credit they have promoted the service so much it has became attractive for GNE perhaps but Northstar may of changed perceptions of secured services on promote as much as possible.

look at GCT when did they promote a nexus secured service like Northstar did with the 643 ?

Northstar losing the contract can be positive as it means that more passengers are using the service GNE have the monopoly of the area so interworking with thier tickets are better for the passengers and that area and Northstar can look for new challenges ... look at other services they could change adapt and increase passenger numbers on.

Customers will remember the Northstar brand and no doubt they will be back in the area but for a new company they have done fantastic but we cannot allow Secured Services to be given  to companies at a premium price.

We see GCT time and time again going for the one man band services (pheonix scarlet band  compass) to name a few services they have undercut to secure the services - we need a bit of rationale and to think Northstar has done a brilliant job on behalf of the taxpayer

but lets see what is the next service Dan and his team  can turnaround afterall they currently have a service in North Yorkshire!

Do we know if/how much passenger numbers have increased on the 643?  Don't use the service myself so no idea but just wondering where the idea of a turnaround has come from.