I think this and the murkiness of City brings to the forefront the ability of Nexus to both award and manage bus contracts, especially with franchising on the horizon.
I notice on the What do they know website there is a submission from somebody asking Nexus for details of how they've managed the revelation that a van was used on the 168 service.
It will be interesting to see what the response is to that as it will reveal how seriously they take supposed breaches of contract.
RE: Gateshead Central Taxis