North East bus turf war

10 April 2012

It’s not only the weather that’s chilly in the North East. Relations between the local authority and bus operators seem to have deteriorated. Nexus, the local authority public transport co-ordination body wants to impose a series of Quality Contracts, which are detailed specifications for local services:
www.nexus.org.uk/news/2012/business-and-community-leaders-discuss-bus-plans

The operators are keen to retain commercial freedom:
www.sayyesnow.co.uk

What passengers think and want should be of paramount importance. Not sure they really care who owns or controls services – they just want a reliable, clean service with a welcoming driver. Our recent Bus Passenger Survey showed passengers currently using services in the North East are pretty happy. So now there is a debate about future passengers who don’t currently have a service, but that seems more of a citizen, rather than consumer issue.  Maybe all parties should really just focus on getting more passengers choosing the bus.

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