(22 Apr 2014, 4:05 pm)Dan wrote Providing these operators are still re-investing back into the company (i.e. by purchasing new vehicles), I really can't see the issue with operators receiving these 'financial incentives'. You could argue that if they didn't receive these incentives, we wouldn't have as many brand new vehicles (which do benefit customers - greater reliability, on-board facilities such as free Wi-Fi etc)..?
Given that we discussed him for so long in relation to Go North East, it does feel somewhat appropriate to mention that I've just read a post on Facebook about news of Ian's death.
I'm not 100% sure if it's the same Ian Hignett, but I'm guessing it is.
I'm afraid it is. He passed this morning after a heart attack. Ian was a bit of a marmite guy and I know he ruffled a few feathers in places but his knowledge of GNE and Northern Group before it was unsurpassed. He was a true gent and will be sorely missed.