(22 Aug 2013, 1:19 pm)Adam wrote Was trawling through my Twitter feed before and found this. Looks as if the 13 and 14 are being reviewed in the next service changes. I wonder what their proposals are.
Unfortunately, using the current provision of GNE's services as a template, there is very little room for maneuver.
Between Langley Park and Sacriston Crossroads, all services follow the same route before going off in different directions. I'd imagine that Durham is the prime destination for most people in that area but links to both the Arniston Centre and the Hospital will be important too. I suppose the 15 could be diverted from Lanchester to Wilks Hill and Quebec, then back down into Langley Park before following either the 13/14 route into Durham but I can't imagine that'll be popular with passengers travelling from Consett, although it would provide a few new links.
Another, more radical option would be to create a circular service extending beyond Langley Park, up to Quebec, through Esh, Bear Park, Ushaw Moor and back towards Durham. But that option seems highly unlikely. The most likely thing that will happen is that both services will be consolidated into one providing a one-size-fits-all service of the kind GNE are noted for.