(28 Nov 2013, 8:07 am)Dan wrote Why should they get free travel on the 685?
It's a cross country service, linking together two big cities at a journey time of two hours - when this is achieved by the more reliable train at a quicker journey time?
I'm sure some form of 'special rate' could be implemented if the 685 was to cease to exist anyway.
They shouldn't. It's hardly a local service by any stretch of the imagination.
(28 Nov 2013, 8:04 am)Greg in Weardale wrote Pensioners don't get trains free (one third off with railcard) and train fare Newcastle - Haydon Bridge is £10 off peak day return and Newcastle - Carlisle £16.90, both more expensive before 9.30am. I don't know the bus fares, but the most would be £9.30 North East Explorer (and the North West version is valid as well) which give unlimited travel at one end of the 685 route as well.
It's hardly a reason to run a bus service alongside a local train service. Is the 685 ran entirely commercially?