AutoKratz
Member
Hallelujah! An integrated transport network for Tyne and Wear is proposed!
I am very excited about the recent report regarding the structural overhaul of the bus network in Tyne and Wear. As an Urban and Transport Planning student from Newcastle, the current situation is clearly deplorable. It is obvious for anyone to see and Nexus has to be commemorated for proposing the first county-wide Quality Contract Bus Scheme in the UK.
Despite having a car, I try to use public transport as often as possible, particularly Metro, however when it comes to the countys bus network unquestionably the passengers needs have not been the primary focus of the big three bus companies. It is a great shame that these companies have operated as an illegal cartel, as revealed in the Journal this month, rather than competing for passengers through low fares and frequent service. In 2011, when it is the aim of central and local government to reduce increasing car use (which damages the economy) and create a modal shift to sustainable high-quality public transport, it is clear that the current situation is not providing the best option economically or for the end user.
The state of ticketing in Tyne and Wear, although on par with the rest of the country in general, causes confusion amongst users and is a barrier to car drivers to switch to public transport. Surely it is logical that one strong Bus brand, as an alternative to the many brands and names operating currently, with simple ticketing and low fares is the simplest and best option?
Examples of integrated transport can be seen all over Europe, where the view is that transport is a need and service rather than a way of milking the public purse in pursuit of profit. Despite the ideologies of the British Government in favour of the private sector, in my opinion this scheme brings the best of both worlds with public sector guidance and monitoring and private sector operation with rewards for passenger-related targets rather than striving for ever increasing profit.
Hopefully there will be a public consultation soom. Im sure many bus and Metro users will be keen to voice their opinion. As I am sure the private bus companies will too(!)
NEXUS Report PDF
Nexus to ask Tyne and Wear Councils to take over bus routes
Bus companies slammed for secret route plots
I am very excited about the recent report regarding the structural overhaul of the bus network in Tyne and Wear. As an Urban and Transport Planning student from Newcastle, the current situation is clearly deplorable. It is obvious for anyone to see and Nexus has to be commemorated for proposing the first county-wide Quality Contract Bus Scheme in the UK.
Despite having a car, I try to use public transport as often as possible, particularly Metro, however when it comes to the countys bus network unquestionably the passengers needs have not been the primary focus of the big three bus companies. It is a great shame that these companies have operated as an illegal cartel, as revealed in the Journal this month, rather than competing for passengers through low fares and frequent service. In 2011, when it is the aim of central and local government to reduce increasing car use (which damages the economy) and create a modal shift to sustainable high-quality public transport, it is clear that the current situation is not providing the best option economically or for the end user.
The state of ticketing in Tyne and Wear, although on par with the rest of the country in general, causes confusion amongst users and is a barrier to car drivers to switch to public transport. Surely it is logical that one strong Bus brand, as an alternative to the many brands and names operating currently, with simple ticketing and low fares is the simplest and best option?
Examples of integrated transport can be seen all over Europe, where the view is that transport is a need and service rather than a way of milking the public purse in pursuit of profit. Despite the ideologies of the British Government in favour of the private sector, in my opinion this scheme brings the best of both worlds with public sector guidance and monitoring and private sector operation with rewards for passenger-related targets rather than striving for ever increasing profit.
Hopefully there will be a public consultation soom. Im sure many bus and Metro users will be keen to voice their opinion. As I am sure the private bus companies will too(!)
NEXUS Report PDF
Nexus to ask Tyne and Wear Councils to take over bus routes
Bus companies slammed for secret route plots
