Lord Adonis report incl. Integrated Transport via LA7:
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/resources/files/28979

It seems the report from Lord Adonis is proposing a fully integrated and regulated transport system throughout the LA7 area (Nexus [Tyne & Wear] plus Northumberland and Durham council areas) This will include better Zonal pricing (examples given show GNE pricing as High! And even higher than Arriva or Stagecoach for similar length journeys in the North East) and smart cards to be of a standard higher than the Oyster card system used in London.

New payment technologies to be embraced with daily maximum fare limits should also be embraced eg. Visa Contactless Pay wave cards etc... - Greater Manchester area is given as a good example of a similar wider conurbation of smaller neighbouring councils coming together to boost the wider region.

Bus liveries would adopt a universal brand similar to London Transport Buses (but not Nexus, as this would be superseded by a new authority encompassing Tyne & Wear, County Durham & Northumberland Council areas [LA7], and would probably adopt a new brand.

Presumably if this goes ahead as recommended by Lord Adonis, GNE’s numerous branded routes would disappear, with the new “Nexus” contracting routes to the bus companies via competitive tendering linked to a Quality Service Contract. – In some respect this may be a good thing:

-Newer Buses
-Better Pricing
-Extended to County Durham & Northumberland
-Tickets valid on ALL Operators’’ buses, Local Trains, Metro, North Shields Ferry
-Less confusing for visitors to the region

Get rid of GNE Branded buses (+/-)
- Express Routes and some Key routes may be better remaining (-)
- Many branded buses recently are operating on other routes which can confuse users (+)

Is there anything to suggest this report and its effects are being taken into account by GNE and other operators etc...?