(22 Jul 2026, 9:34 pm)Busadvocate wrote I understand your point, but IMO it would be controversial if Arriva's concern became decisive, as it would seem to leave the south west of the region with a second class service.
A permit system would apply the same requirements on the services operating inst it as the franchise would, otherwise the permit to operate within would be revoked. There would be no difference, on the ground, except for the bus livery.