(17 Dec 2021, 1:22 pm)Adrian wrote Sounds like the congestion-busting buses of North West Durham aren't doing it for Dicky.

In seriousness, and whilst I can't see either happening, the Annfield Plain/Stanley route is probably the better option, but you then hit the hurdle of how many paths they're likely to be given on the ECML, where it would join around Birtley. It's already over-congested with no light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the Tories already kicking the much more widely-supported Leamside reopening into the long grass. That of course impacts the likely frequency along the line.

The frequency can of course reduce any benefits gained from journey time, but I'd be interested in what they'd anticipate as a journey time between Consett and Newcastle. Whilst the X70/X71 aren't exactly the quickest routes, I think we'd see them become a lot quicker faced with competition from a train.

I just can't see the business case stacking up here, and I think its nothing more than a token gesture from the politicians.

My own thoughts were immediately focused on reinstating the slow lines between Pelaw Grange and Team Valley. That would help massively in this scenario. 
If I remember right, they were pulled up around 88/89 when electrification happened. 

Like you say, I can't see the business case stacking up. Which is unfortunate.