I’ve long campaigned for changes to our bus network and I’m backing Nexus’ plans to look at introducing a system called Quality Contracts across Tyne and Wear.

I believe it would deliver better value for the taxpayer, more integrated ticketing and give local people a greater say. As things stand, we’re at the whim of private bus operators who pull routes and increase fares with minimal notice or consultation.

I knew it wouldn’t take long for the operators to begin scaremongering about redundancies and make threats about what they might do it Quality Contracts are introduced. They have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

After all, they make big profits year on year and can largely do as they please. In the months ahead the operators’ expensive PR machines will swing into action.

My strong advice is to ignore the scaremongering, look at what’s actually being proposed and reach your own conclusions.

Click here to view the original article published by the Sunderland Echo on Wednesday 11th April 2012.