The consultation on a proposed Quality Contracts Scheme (QCS) in Tyne and Wear closes today (November 22nd). A QCS would change the way in which bus services are delivered in the region and would be the first example of its type in Great Britain. Therefore, the outcome of the consultation process will have significant implications for bus passengers, bus operators and council taxpayers in the North East.

Separate teams from Oxera have advised Stagecoach and Arriva in their responses to Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive that is proposing the scheme. Oxera's analysis included assessing the business case presented by Nexus and considering the extent to which Nexus' analysis was consistent with the statutory Guidance issued by the UK Department for Transport. 

 

Another team within Oxera undertook a separate analysis on behalf of the three main operators in Tyne and Wear (Arriva, Stagecoach and Go Ahead) to provide an industry-wide assessment of the costs and revenue of local bus operators in Tyne and Wear.