(06 Jul 2026, 8:00 pm)Storx wrote I've had a quick flick through but I'm not sure where this growth is coming from. From I'm reading they're planning to tender, the exact same network as now which we all know doesn't work. 

I really don't see, from a passenger, where there's any real difference at all - from now. It's very different to somewhere like Manchester where you've got trams and multiple operators fighting in the same areas which cause issues. The North East doesn't have that, it's either Arriva, Stagecoach or GoNorthEast (bar a very few areas). 

The fares are already £2.50 so there's not much scope in that area.


What the London network which is a black hole which is funded by the rail side which the North East doesn't have? Nor does it have funds from elsewhere to cover it either?

I think you’ve misunderstood one part. Contracts will be awarded based on the network that exists, but once they are awarded that will remain the base network for the lifetime of the contract (7 or 8 years), which simply is not the case now. That doesn’t mean there can’t be enhancements or new routes, just like in areas that already have a franchise scheme.