(02 Sep 2021, 11:01 pm)Storx wrote I know this is a controversial way to look at it but I wouldn't be surprised if Consett is partly funding part of the Sunderland network and most of the Peterlee network. Routes like the X45/X46 make money. Routes like the 33, 38, 39/39A, all Peterlee routes probably make pennies but you can't exactly just pull out altogether without a massive backlash and the damaging PR which would affect the profitable routes in Sunderland ie the 8/78 and 20. The fact most of them don't run in the evenings or are subsidised shows how well they do.

It's the same in Washington, the X1 will be funding the Washington locals etc but they can't exactly just pull out there without it damaging their profitable routes ie the X1 and 4.