(Yesterday, 9:12 pm)Andreos1 wrote They've had long enough to make a positive impact on the paying public, adapt networks and grow numbers. 
I'd argue they've failed at each one of them.

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Prior to 86, the TWPTE network did what it needed to do, provided a service and only covered a proportion of the equivalent NECA area.
Commercial/nationalised operations worked alongside it and offered an alternative.
Think of the limited stop 72x series on Durham Road vs the slower 2x alternatives.

Those on longer journeys supplemented the lack of shorter hops and got a quicker trip. 

Northern/United saw a gap and it worked for them.

I can't see why the network can't adapt and move with the times 40 odd years on this time.

The Passenger Transport Executive certainly knew how to create a network of buses and run it. When feeling sentimental, I often look at the copies of the early PTE timetable booklets, and marvel at how we used to travel.