(03 Jun 2020, 8:59 pm)L469 YVK wrote The Cobalt & Coast routes will be in a strong position going forward. Arriva will no doubt pull the X6 (most routes & connections available with GNE / Stagecoach) and Stagecoach may even scale back the 1 & 22.

The Coast Road is another story too as Arriva will have to downsize and consolidate to get their fleet quality & standardization under control.

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I'd have to disagree about the X21.Whilst it was initially launched as a supplementary route, usage has grown to an extent now that it could be considered as a major route. Ok in the short term, GNE have had to scale back the frequency as well as the later journeys (X30 & X70 late journeys also affected so not just an X21 problem). I think going forward that if demand returns, perhaps a 20 minute frequency may be suitable with a 20/40 split to W.Auckland.

I'm not too sure on the X21, I used it awhile back before all this and there was approximately 10 people between Newcastle and Framwellgate Moor, it's no wonder the shorts have been scrapped and earlier this year the express part between Durham and Chester-le-street. There's not enough demand for 6 buses an hour plus an approx 15 min train service (which is quicker) between Durham and Newcastle imo. Then an additional 4 buses an hour between Durham and CLS.

It's definitely not short term the frequency changes including the evening journeys to Bishop.

It's a similar story with the 21 really. The further you get into the route away from the Newcastle the quieter in generally gets they're usually pretty much dead by Barley Moor hence why now only 2 buses an hour go past Chester Le Street and now they're going into Arnison to try and promote more people on them.