(31 Jul 2020, 12:27 pm)Andreos1 wrote I agree to an extent. But not totally. Whilst I agree there does need to be some integration (see Seaham comments above), I do think the X9/10 versus the train isn't as straight cut as Bertie the bus v Thomas the tank engine (https://youtu.be/rfzckQMS51c) one of my favourite stories from the series BTW.
The X9/10 serve very few locations that the train does. Newcastle, Billingham or Stockton/Thornaby and Boro. Peterlee to an extent now Horden has opened.
I'd argue that whilst the commuter is a key target for both, others less so just because of their specific journey needs. The train stops places the bus doesn't and vice versa, the bus over train.
There will be a need to attract longer distance shoppers or day trippers and that is where the competition can hopefully benefit passengers both in terms of the on board environment and pricing.
It's not too different along the Tyne Valley.
Ah dw I don't dispute this X9/X10 has it's own areas, Dalton Park for starters. It was on the point that GNE should intentially make it awkward to connect at Seaham to push people on the X1/X9/X10 which doesn't benefit anyone. No-one wants to sit on a bus for twice as long as using a train.
Trains for commuters always have a benefit over buses as they don't get influenced by external factors such as traffic as much as buses so can actually be quicker than a car. Buses on the otherhand are very very rarely quicker than driving. It's where we should pushing more bus/train influence. The ECML North of the Newcastle is the biggest waste of an oppurtunity there should be more of a push to Alnwick -> Alnmouth Station -> Newcastle for example, it has to be quicker with the right connections etc. Similar with Morpeth and Cramlington stations. The fact we have stations such as Pegswood and Widdrington Station with a one a day service yet we have 4 trains an hour going from Newcastle to Edinburgh express carrying mostly fresh air most the time.