(10 Aug 2013, 11:02 am)Daniel wrote Passenger numbers are immensely low on the OK1 today. It would seem a number of people have already switched to Arriva!
On a M'bro run now and I am the only fare paying passenger... If more journeys are like this on other services, I don't think GNE's 'minor changes' and/or service withdrawals are so irrational. We have already discussed that GNE determine whether a service is commercially viable or not by looking at each individual run rather than the service as a whole, and while this may not be great for passengers, it certainly enlarges profit levels massively. This subsequently allows for further new vehicles to be purchased for services that are making a nice amount of profit.
If passengers are left will a feeling of apathy by their 'feeder 'services being cut, axed or reduced, then these fancy new buses operating the core routes, are going to run with smaller loadings.
It could be argued that the OK1 ran with low numbers for a number of reasons. One reason, will be the poor connections with services feeding into it at Bishop.
The 21 doesn't serve estates or villages, it doesn't need to - but if early morning runs on the 13s, 14's, 15's, 34's or the 71's are stopped, then what will happen to those commuters in Langley Park, Sacriston, Waldridge, Urpeth, Ouston or Lumley wanting to get onto a 21?
Granted some of these services may not make massive amounts of money, but it leads towards bigger profits overall.
If the passengers in these villages can't get into Durham or Chester to get a 21, then the early morning 21's are going to be reduced...
It is a vicious circle and if GNE are to look at individual runs to check viability, then maybe it is time they look at ammending the hub & spoke model they love so much.