"Complement, not compete" - get other operators to add capacity on busier routes?

[MW]

I recall another alternative.

Several years ago Solent Blue Line contracted the operation of a couple of its commercial Southampton routes to an independent: Marchwood Motorways.  I didn't see it in action myself, but I think that Solent Blue Line provided the vehicles, which were in its livery, and the routes were advertised as Solent Blue Line routes.  The arrangement lasted for a number of years.

Could it work in the West Midlands now?  As well as taking on the same quality standards as NX, a willing operator would need to have enough drivers ... so I think not.

I think a significant factor of unpopularity with working for NX is their (in my opinion) over the top management. Whilst there will be those who defend them on this very forum, I do think subcontracting certain services could work well for NX; those services that have a fair bit of dead mileage from the depot. So in other words, driving NX services but not subject to their driver policies. 

There was a similar arrangement in Bristol a few years ago where the Metrobus contract was awarded to First but they sub'd it out to CT Plus. The majority of the drivers were ex First. The ticket machines were all supplied by First and the ability to issue First tickets, but the management was CT Plus. It worked well, until the company collapsed (for other reasons).

Or perhaps it's pointless and one day the whole lot will be franchised out...

[Ginger66]

If the 74 is going to be sprint2 why not invest in bus lanes along the whole A41 surely this will speed up journeys 

[Steve3229vp]

If the 74 is going to be sprint2 why not invest in bus lanes along the whole A41 surely this will speed up journeys

Sprint 2?
You mean Cross City

[spacecowboy150]

If the 74 is going to be sprint2 why not invest in bus lanes along the whole A41 surely this will speed up journeys

not a bad idea because the entire 74 from Birmingham to West Brom is just a big traffic jam

[BlackCountryBusSpotter]

not a bad idea because the entire 74 from Birmingham to West Brom is just a big traffic jam

True but I think maybe making Birmingham Road wider and the Biggest issue as a West Brom fan and that has always been issue the J1 Island. I think the Bus Lanes would just mean people park in them but then the 74 and most other traffic could use the Soho Road as Normal. Or make it a Red Route

[Lukeee]

True but I think maybe making Birmingham Road wider and the Biggest issue as a West Brom fan and that has always been issue the J1 Island. I think the Bus Lanes would just mean people park in them but then the 74 and most other traffic could use the Soho Road as Normal. Or make it a Red Route

Great idea making soho Road a red route, good luck enforcing it though as parking round the soho road area is a nightmare as it is

[BlackCountryBusSpotter]

Great idea making soho Road a red route, good luck enforcing it though as parking round the soho road area is a nightmare as it is

I know but then encourage the people to use the 74 

[Sh4318]

True but I think maybe making Birmingham Road wider and the Biggest issue as a West Brom fan and that has always been issue the J1 Island. I think the Bus Lanes would just mean people park in them but then the 74 and most other traffic could use the Soho Road as Normal. Or make it a Red Route

Absolutely, the J1 island is horrible at the best of times. Also, the 74 avoids the Birmingham Road completely when West Brom play at home

[BlackCountryBusSpotter]

Absolutely, the J1 island is horrible at the best of times. Also, the 74 avoids the Birmingham Road completely when West Brom play at home

Oh I know but J1 still needs work the amount of times even when West Brom aren't at home it is diverted via Smethwick due to J1 is ridiculous.