The Arnison one for the 21 is odd. Traffic around the Arnison can be a bit troublesome (a la the Team Valley and MetroCentre services) .Why increase commuting time on your flagship commuter route? I don't see it lasting.

Re - the 25 - yet another bus routed through golden corridor Low Fell. Birtley isn't entirely cut off from the QE (just the North End of Portobello etc) which requires a 23 to Wrekenton or a walk down to Durham Road to catch the 28. Birtley does maintain its link to Bensham Hospital (surprisingly).

Not surprised on the 26 - I can fly to Paris quicker than it meanders it way through to Newcastle.