Member Article

Bus operator reacts to proposed contract changes

North East bus operator, Go North East has launched a campaign to rally supporters against new bus operating contracts.

The firm wants to draw passengers’ attention to its ‘Charter for Positive Change’, as an alternative to contracts proposed by the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) and Nexus.

A report by the Competition Commission had suggested that encouraging greater competition in the market as the best way to rectify problems identified in bus services.

The Charter is a set of ideas contributed by staff, customers and partners on affordable improvements in bus services.

Martin Harris, commercial director of Go North East, said: “Go North East has been a major local employer in the North East for almost 100 years, currently employing over 2200 local people and carrying 72 million passengers per year.

“The key to our success has been listening to our customers and actively looking for
ways we can continually improve choice.

“This approach earned us one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the country from the government’s passenger watchdog. This is at the heart of our Charter.”

Mr Harris added that Go North East were not opposed to change, and stressed that at a time when pressure has never been greater on public spending, industry and the public sector must work together to protect the local economy and local jobs.

He said: “That’s why we believe a partnership approach to operating bus services is the best
option for Tyne and Wear.

“Franchises under a Quality Contract scheme may work in the unique case of London, but they cost ratepayers ten times the amount spent on public transport in the North East.

“A Partnership represents a pragmatic, lower risk and affordable option for taking bus services forward in Tyne and Wear.”

“The franchising approach will reduce customer choice in service and prices, not increase it. For example, the heavy financial support needed by the Metro might lead to bus passengers being given no choice but to change from using the bus to the Metro and losing their flexibility.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .