(16 Feb 2018, 9:42 am)Andreos1 Interesting feature for the last half hour on Radio Newcastle regarding buses, bus use and mileage.

Caller on now from South Hetton discussing her difficulties beyond 5pm. She provided examples of going to Peterlee via Sunderland on a Sunday and the difficulties in keeping up traditons in getting to/from Newbottle for dancing. Something that was possible until fairly recently.

I think the quote used initially, was that mileage levels are at similar levels seen in 1986.

(16 Feb 2018, 9:42 am)Andreos1 Interesting feature for the last half hour on Radio Newcastle regarding buses, bus use and mileage.

Caller on now from South Hetton discussing her difficulties beyond 5pm. She provided examples of going to Peterlee via Sunderland on a Sunday and the difficulties in keeping up traditons in getting to/from Newbottle for dancing. Something that was possible until fairly recently.

I think the quote used initially, was that mileage levels are at similar levels seen in 1986.

(17 Feb 2018, 9:01 pm)Tamesider It was "28 years ago" so 1989/90, but that would be broadly similar to AFTER 26th October 1986, I suppose. I think there are two trends bearing in mind the situation in the North West (cited as seeing the biggest drop, recently) and that is that the rate of reduction in both mileage and patronage is increasing, and that what was once just a "rural" problem, is hitting more and more suburban areas.

(28 Feb 2018, 5:03 pm)Andreos1 BBC Cambs asked the question about what would get listeners using the bus. An interesting listen for those stuck in traffic on their way home tonight! But what would passengers know
https://twitter.com/BusUsersUK/status/968890104365441026

In response to the bit in bold. Consolidation seems to be the watchword up here.
Routes merged, some areas left without a direct links/key areas such as hospitals left without a service beyond mid-afternoon and fleet dispositions getting smaller as older vehicles aren't always replaced by new.

In my opinion, there's only so many cutbacks that can be made, before the whole thing breaks.

(02 Mar 2018, 9:47 pm)Tamesider Unfortunately, I'm not on Twitter, so can only access the basic "headline" message. However, what jumps out - apart from a media station taking an interest, per se and OTOH, BUUK being pro-active (Their profile in Gtr Manchester is non-existant) - is the words *Back* on the bus. I'm guessing the main thrust of the interview was rural Cambridgeshire rather the the suburbs of Cambridge, Peterborough, Huntingdon etc. In GM (and same goes for many other large conurbations) there are over 350,000 households without access to private transport, thus the more pertinent question would be "what would encourage you to *stay* on the bus", rather than using alternatives - especially acquiring a car?

(30 Jun 2018, 8:19 pm)Andreos1 https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/london-style-bus-network-teesside-14832986.amp?__twitter_impression=true

Changes ahead within Tees Valley?

(01 Jul 2018, 3:23 pm)RobinHood The mayor has said previously that he doesn't want to regulate bus services in the Tees Valley, but is happy to fund the fact finding project to prove his position - as he believes that the current network is fine, with a few tweaks to improve access in outlying areas. That's all this is.

(16 Jul 2018, 4:06 pm)Andreos1 Operators accused of holding TfGM to random over fleet modernisation.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bus-operators-accused-holding-greater-14899089.amp?__twitter_impression=true

(16 Jul 2018, 8:32 pm)James101 What could happen? Either franchising goes ahead and First lose market share by default, or lack of investment means First continue chipping the edges away from their commercial network with the pieces picked up by Transdev, Rotala, HCT and the independent sector.

(12 Aug 2018, 2:57 pm)Tamesider A third option is on the table, in the form of "Enhanced"  Quality Patrnerships. Trouble is, no one seems to know what this could mean in practice. ie. would it cover the entire network (eg. single framework of fares to remove the existing "postcode" lottery)? 

(12 Aug 2018, 3:17 pm)Andreos1 If it is anything like Sheffield, then probably cuts and consolidation. 

The S Yorkshire thread is interesting to look at when checking on the number of changes since their QP was introduced.

(12 Aug 2018, 3:25 pm)Tamesider That's a fair point - and an argument against QPs - but AFAIK, both the Sheffield (note it isn't labelled "South Yorkshire") and Merseyside QPs only concern specific trunk routes - and probably the ones where there is/was already competition between major companies. What I'm getting at is, with the "Enhanced" bit, will it mean ALL services in the Authority's area (eg. Greater Manchester) be covered?